Chapter 13

Thursday, September 17th, 1987

Hill Valley

11:09 P.M.

Jill Quinn was bored out of her mind. There really wasn't much to do when you worked night security in a blood bank. Not really like anyone was going to come in and rob the place, like in a regular bank. Basically, all you did was sit in one room the entire night, watching the monitors and hoping for some action.

She paced for a few minutes, trying to think of something interesting to do. She played with the monitor settings for a bit, then used her flashlight to reenact some Star Wars scenes. Finally, she just shook her head and left her post. Hell with this. I might as well get the latest from Josie on the triplets. Thank God she's here during the night too. I'd go crazy without someone to talk to. She managed a smile as she yanked open the cold room's door. "Yo, Jo"

The rest of the name got stuck in her throat. Josie was sitting in front of her, tearing the top off a bag of blood. Before Jill's shocked eyes, she gulped the entire thing down. Josie smacked her lips. "Ah, much better. Enjoy that, kids?"

Then she saw Jill.

Josie went white. "Jill! II Let me explain."

Jill coughed. "Christ, Josephine, I knew you went to that Goth club, but I I didn't think you were one of them! How long has this been going on?"

"Ever since I got the job," Josie whispered. "Jill, I know this seems pretty shocking, but I have to do it. It's part of who I am."

Jill sat down next to her, still staring. "You're a blood fetishist?" Josie nodded. "Wow. That's weird, to be honest."

Josie blushed. "I hear that a lot."

Jill suddenly felt a pang of guilt. "Wait, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be judging you like that. You're my friend. If you enjoy it, it's okay."

Josie smiled. "Thanks. It's sort of the whole reason I took the job. This way, when I indulge, I'm not hurting anyone."

"Yeah." Jill was still a little stunned. Josephine Grey, a blood fetishist? "Have you talked this over with your doctor though?"

"I have. He says there shouldn't be any effect on the pregnancy. I'm safe."

"Oh, good. Just I know how important this pregnancy is to you. . . ."

Josie gave her arm a squeeze. "I know. Thanks for trying to look out for me."

"Anytime, sister, anytime." Jill became curious, in spite of herself. "So what's it like? Drinking blood?"

"Incredible. I get a high from it. To feel that good stuff running down your throat. . . ." Josie gave a little shiver of pleasure. "Of course, it's better warm if you can get it like that. Emmett built me a special heating unit so I can warm up my blood."

"Cool. I'm glad your in-laws are okay with it."

"Yeah, that was a blessing. I was afraid was was going to be 'kicked out of the family,' so to speak." Josie breathed on her hands. "Are you sure you're okay with it? You looked pretty damn stunned when you caught me."

"You're not going to convert me to it anytime soon, but yeah, I'm okay with you doing it. I won't rat you out to the boss either. Your life."

Josie spontaneously gave her a hug. "You're a real friend, Jill."

"No problem. So, how are the triplets at this stage?"

Friday, September 18th

1:37 A.M.

Jill hated walking home at night. Hill Valley seemed almost foreboding when you saw it drenched in shadows. Normally, she drove straight home, with her radio blaring and the inside light on. But tonight, fate had decreed that her car would die in the parking lot of the blood bank. Josie had already gone home, so she was forced to walk.

Josie. Jill shook her head. Josie was the last person Jill would have suspected of being a blood fetishist. Which was odd, since her friend did hang out a lot with those sorts of people. But she had never really seemed that type. She was too motherly, too normal for that. Guess it just goes to show you shouldn't judge by appearances, she figured, pulling her coat tighter around herself. Oh well. She's certainly not hurting anybody. I just really wish I could understand why she has to

Jill paused. She had the sudden sensation that she was being followed. She turned around, but no one was there. She glanced to her left and right. Still no one. Damn. I must be imagining things. This is what I get for talking horror movies with Josephine. She squared her shoulders and walked on.

After a minute, she turned around again. Still no one behind her. But she couldn't shake the feeling she was being stalked. She slid a hand into her pocket, feeling the comforting coldness of her handgun from work. "Who's there?" she snarled, trying to sound tough.

Laughter echoed around the square, making a chill go up her spine. She spun around, trying to figure out the source. Why can't I see anyone! Where is this freak!

Then she happened to look up.

Jill nearly fainted from shock. Hovering above her on huge bat wings was a monster. Long claws extended from the hands and feet. The skin was a chalky grey, with the private parts covered by the barest minimum of cloth. Huge fangs jutted from its mouth, and its hard brown eyes were fixed on her. It almost appeared to be delighted she had finally seen it. "Hello," it growled.

Jill screamed and took off running. The monster easily caught up with her. With superhuman strength and speed, it scooped her up and flew high into the sky. Jill screamed again, her heart beating like a triphammer. The scream was cut short by the thing giving her a sloppy kiss. "You're pretty," it said, its voice like how she imagined Gollum's to be. "You're gonna taste good."

Oh my God oh my God I'm going to be killed by a flying monster thing how can this be happening oh my God, Jill thought in a rush. She tried to fight back by clawing at the monster's face. It simply bit her fingers. Jill was stunned by how much the bites hurt. "Please, somebody, help!" she shrieked.

"Nobody's going to help you, honey," the monster giggled. "Nobody." He wrenched her head to the side. Jill whimpered, certain she was going to die at any moment.

Suddenly, something hard flew into the both of them. Jill fell out of the thing's arms. The air whistled around her as she fell. At least I'm not going to die at the hands of a monster, she thought sarcastically.

Something caught her, stopping her descent with a jolt. Jill gasped, then turned her head only to see a sight more shocking than the monster.

Dr. Emmett L. Brown, also aloft on giant bat wings, also with fangs in his mouth.

They stared at each other as Doc gently touched down. Then Jill did the only thing she could think of.

She fainted dead away.

Friday, September 18th

8:04 P.M.

Doc paced restlessly. "Come on, Louis, where are you?" he grumbled, echoing an annoyed Josephine's sentiments. She had gone to Darkness Falls to see if he knew what might be causing these recent soulless attacks on humans. Normally the soulless were content to hunt in the shadows, torturing small animals for their meals rather than risk having to face the souled ones by attacking a human. But now. . . . What made it especially troubling for Doc and Josephine was that two of the friends had been friends of theirs. Doc still remembered how stunned he was to find the woman he had saved from having her throat ripped to shreds had been Jill. Jill had been pretty shocked herself, fainting shortly after she had seen him. At least that let me get her home safe and sound. Hopefully when she woke up, she figured it was just a dream. He stopped pacing and sighed. Damn it, what could be keeping Louis. . . .

He heard Marty and Jennifer giggling in the garage and smiled. The kids were staying cheerful through all of this, at least. The news of getting three new siblings had seemed to bring them closer together. They seemed more caring toward each other, giving hugs easily and often asking to sleep in the middle so they could cuddle. Doc could have sworn he had even seen them exchange a quick kiss once or twice. It was almost like they were

In love.

Doc paused and frowned at that. Come to think of it, his Marty and Jennifer had been acting quite a bit like Marty-2 and Jennifer-2. Could it be that, despite their "sibling" status, they had developed genuine feelings for one another? Or were they sort of unconsciously following the example of Marty-2 and Jennifer-2? Well, there was only one way to find out. Hey, kids?

Yeah Dad? Even Marty's thoughts were giggly.

What are you kids doing, anyway?

Oh, nothing, Jennifer "laughed." Just tickling each other.

Ah, I see. I'm glad you two are getting along so well.

We've talked more lately and stuff, Marty thought, more seriously. I mean, when you're suddenly gonna become a big brother, it's nice to have someone to talk to.

Wonderful. I was wondering, though, since we've been in contact with them so much lately. . .do you guys still feel odd when you see Marty-2 and Jennifer-2 acting romantically?

Not anymore, Jennifer thought. Doc could feel her frown. Why?

Well I'll just come out and say it. Are you two in a relationship as well now?

The dead silence that followed that was most likely a yes. Doc went over and opened the garage door to find them locked in nervous embrace, blushing fiercely. "Hi Dad," Jennifer squeaked, sliding free of Marty's arms.

"Dad, we were gonna tell you"

"When?" Doc couldn't help but feel somewhat hurt. Even now, they had to hide things from him.

"After the triplets were born," Marty said, starting to get defensive. "We had no idea how you'd guys would react, and we didn't want Mom under any more stress. I mean, wouldn't most people say what we're doing is perverted?"

"Maybe, but you're not blood relations. I don't think there's much to hold you back from a romantic relationship if you wish. I understand your reasons for not telling us, of course. But I wish you didn't feel you had to keep secrets from us."

"We're sorry," Jennifer said, looking quite remorseful. "We were scared to death, though. I mean, you're really all we have. We didn't want you kicking us out or anything like that."

"And who says we can't have a few secrets?" Marty added. "Jesus, Dad, you complain about not getting any privacy sometimes. What about us? Don't we deserve some privacy?"

"Marty, I'm not saying you don't deserve privacy," Doc snapped, starting to get annoyed. "I'm just saying you should feel free to come to us with your worries. We're your parents."

Jennifer stared at the pair in shock. "Are you two fighting?" she asked slowly. "Dear God, the Apocalypse is coming."

Both of them ignored her. "Look, Dad, forget it. I don't even want to talk about this anymore."

"We're talking about it. Specifically, we're telling Josephine as well."

"Why bother? She's probably been listening in, like she always does."

Well yes, I have, Josephine's "voice" cut in. I'd like to make a request, if you don't mind. Just don't kiss or anything like that in front of the triplets until they're older and we can explain why you can do that. I don't mind that you two are in love, but I don't want the triplets confused either.

No problem, Mom, Jennifer thought.

Thanks. And Marty, apologize to your father.

Make me, Marty thought bitterly. I don't regret what I said. You guys never give us any privacy especially Dad. He defines the word "overprotective." I'm glad we kept what we were doing a secret.

There was complete silence for a little while. Then Doc put his hand on Marty's shoulder. I know I can be a little crazy about protecting you. But it's because I love you, kid. I care about you. And it hurts to think that you still don't trust me, after all we've been through.

Marty softened. I know, I know. You gotta understand, though, it feels like you're smothering me sometimes. Like I'm not allowed to have a life of my own. I know you think of me like your kid, Dad, but kids grow up.

I'm sorry if I make you feel that way. I guess it's because I'm afraid of losing you.

Marty lifted an eyebrow quizzically. Afraid of losing me? Small chance of that, what with all of us hardwired into each other's brains.

That's not quite what I meant. Memories flooded his brain, of his time in the mental hospital. I almost didn't have you. And then I did almost lose you.

Marty shut his eyes against the memory of himself getting shot. Oh. Now I get it. It's okay, Dad. I may want a life of my own, but I still want you to be part of my life. You're my dad. Hell, I might go as far as to say you're my savior. You just gotta ease up a bit on constantly wanting me to be safe and to share everything with you.

Point taken. And you'll share things with us if you feel the need to?

You got it. They embraced, smiling at each other.

"Glad that's over with," Jennifer said with a sigh of relief. "It's weird seeing you two fight."

"We were probably overdue for one anyway," Doc blushed. "Better to get it out like this than suffer through a huge blowout."

"Good point. So you're really okay with us being in love?"

Doc nodded. "If anyone understands about love, it's us." He released Marty and headed back toward the door. "Well, as requested, I'll give you guys some privacy." He winked and went back into the house, feeling much lighter on his feet. Behind him, Marty and Jennifer blushed, then went back to cuddling.

Friday, September 18th

10:17 P.M.

Josie slammed her glass on the bar top. "Screw this. He's not coming. Three hours wasted sitting here." She got to her feet. "Damn you Louis, damn you. . . ."

She was just about to leave when the strangest person imaginable passed by the bouncer. "Jill?"

Jill turned. "Josephine! Wow, looks like I just caught you, huh?"

"I'll say. What's up?"

"You're not going to believe this. Last night, after I'd left the blood bank, I got attacked by this monster. It had fangs, claws, wings the whole shebang! It kidnaped and was going to eat me when when I don't know what happened. It must have changed its mind or something, because I know I couldn't have seen what I thought I saw."

"And what did you think you saw?" Josie said, realizing what her friend was talking about.

"Well your brother-in-law asa friendlier monster, I guess. He knocked me out of the monster's arms, then caught me before I ended up as a bloody splat on the ground. After that, I'm back at my house, waking up nice and comfy on my front porch swing." She shook her head. "Weird, huh? I must have fainted and dreamed that part."

"Yeah." Silently Josie thanked any and all gods that her Doc had been there to rescue Jill from the soulless vampire's clutches. "Flying monsters, huh?"

"You gotta believe me, Josie. I swear on my collection of Marvel comics I'm telling the truth. And you know how badly I love Marvel."

"I do indeed," Josie grinned, remembering Jill's mooning over her posters of Spider-Man and Wolverine. "I believe you. Some of the people here have spotted the monsters too. Hell, my brother-in-law fought off one."

"Really? Weird coincidence." Jill shook her head, then took a good look around the club. "So, this is where you go before and after work. Uh nice place."

"Thanks," Josie chuckled. "I know it can seem a bit much at times, but oh, there you are, you bastard, where have you been?"

Jill blinked. "Josie?"

"I've been waiting for him for a few hours now," Josie explained, pointing at Louis. "He just walked in the door."

Jill turned and looked. Her eyes went wide. "You mean Mr. Yummy there?"

It was Josie's turn to blink. "Huh?"

"The guy with the dark hair there, and that great butt."

"Uh yeah. His name is Louis. You think he's cute?"

"Don't you?" Jill asked her, disbelievingly.

"He's not really my type," Josie said slowly. "He has a certain charm about him, but I've always just considered him a friend."

"Oh. Mind introducing me? Please?" Seeing Louis had apparently had made Jill completely forget about soulless vampires and the like. Josie shook her head. Great. I narrowly avoid having to reveal my true nature to Jill when she catches me drinking blood, and now she falls for our unofficial leader! Well, I'm sure Louis knows how to keep his mouth shut. Guess there's no harm in introducing them. "No problem," she said, reluctantly leading her coworker over to him. "Hey Louis!"

Louis turned around from the bar. "Hi Josephine." His eyes almost immediately settled on Jill. "Who's your friend?"

"This is Jill Quinn, my coworker at the blood bank. Jill, this is Louis Drayven."

"Pleasure to meet you," Jill said, breathless.

"Likewise," Louis said, smiling and extending his hand with a flourish.

Josie had seen people fall in love many times over the centuries. She herself had experienced the sudden thrill of instant love, of seeing a person and knowing that you were looking at your soulmate. So when she saw the look that passed between Louis and Jill, she knew it was a lot more than just a "happy to meet you" look. Oh, wonderful, she thought, silently fuming.

"So, Louis, what do you do?" Jill asked, now looking strangely at ease.

"Help run the club, mostly. I've dabbled in other professions from time to time, though."

"Like what?"

"Louis, I kind of need your opinion on something," Josie hinted.

"All sorts of things. I've painted, mined for gold and minerals, constructed houses. . . ."

"Louis!"

"Forget it, Josephine," another vampire friend, Matt, called. "He's hooked."

Josie stalked over to Matt. "Just when I could use some answers too," she muttered.

"Hey, you introduced them," Matt grinned. Josie glowered at him. "Seriously, Josie, you can't blame them. You said yourself you fell in love with someone instantly."

"Yeah, and look what it got me," Josie said, rubbing her belly. She looked back to see Jill and Louis laughing together. "I supposed I should be happy for them, but it just isn't the right time! Not with all this shit going on." She abruptly turned back to Matt. "Matt, do you know why the soulless vampires would suddenly start attacking humans?"

"Maybe they're running out of food. Or they're just getting sick of feeding on animals. It happens. A lot of soulless live in the woods." Matt sipped his mug of spiced cow's blood. "The reason doesn't really matter all that much, though. What matters is the fact they've come close to killing people."

"Yeah. Both Jill and Emmett were attacked," Josie nodded. "We're going to have to keep on our guard at all times."

Matt patted her on the back. "We'll be looking out for you too," he promised. "Don't want anything to happen to the next generation. Besides, we know all too well how paranoid you are about your pregnancy."

Josie grinned down at her belly. "I have to be paranoid. They're triplets, they need the extra care."

"I'm sure they'll be just fine." Matt gave her a brotherly kiss on the cheek. "I'll get the information to Louis. You head on home."

"Thanks Matt." Josie took off. I'm so lucky to have such great friends. I just really hope Jill and Louis don't do anything stupid.