Blood or Chocolate

by Eternal Night 2008

Claire is a witch and when her spell goes wrong she ends up in Santa Carla in 1987. Where Claire will find the darkness within herself, a forbidden love, and a choice of changing destiny.

2. Chapter Two

June 19th 2006 at six o'clock in the morning was the time my parents planned to sit me down and told me they were getting a divorce. I think they expected me to yell or maybe even cry. That's why the prepared a speech telling me it wasn't my fault and they hid their fighting and that they couldn't be with each other anymore. My mom took my hand and said "Claire your father and I still love you very much. You will.." I went numb as my reality crumbled all I did was nod. I remember getting up and going to my room. I watched him through my second floor window he was in his business suit because he still had work to do that day. Having already packed his things the night before; he loaded boxes of clothes and office things into his truck. I saw him pull a picture frame out of one of the boxes, one that I had made him containing the picture of us on our fishing trip taken last year at Moosehead Lake. My father lifted his head to my window and we looked into each others eyes. Then he got into his pickup and left us.

Time Doesn't Always Help Heal

It has been a year since the divorce and my father found a girl friend who was a questionable beautician. The first day I met her I knew I wouldn't like her, she kept telling me that I should try out at one of those modeling agencies. The coke I was drinking almost came out my nose.

My father cleared his throat "Holly, I think we are ready to eat that special desert you were praising to us earlier."

I looked at my father, mentally thanking him for not letting her further her opinions about my future career. There was a reason why my father's girlfriend thinks I should be a model or have the potential to be.

My piercing baby blue eyes won me the title Miss December in our now annual senior school calendar which we came up with as a class fundraiser and also to have something to leave behind. I had to wait 45 minutes as my Christmas scene was being set up on our school stage. I was wearing a red satin dress with a gray sweater, and a huge chucky necklace. For shoes I had on black flats, silver angel earrings, and a white nose ring. Everyone around me said I looked amazing. The scene was magical, the spruce tree was alit and ornaments hung on the tree many homemade from our senior class. Presents with silver wrapping surrounded the tree as student council rolled out a lush Persian rug.

I took my place on the rug and as I fixed my dress, the cameraman was about to take a picture when someone yelled that the angel on top of the tree wasn't on. After ten minutes of looking at plugs they got the angel to glow. I looked at the angel that my father always let me put up the angel even if it was a little lopsided. He would lift me on his shoulders as my mother took a picture and each year we would decorate the tree together. Sixteen years of tradition ended with a signing of a paper. My blue eyes glistened with tears as a flash made me jump.

Thirty minutes of poses and rearranging the set and after all that work the first random picture taken by the cameraman to prepare himself to take more became the December picture and an art gallery legend as hundreds of people stopped to ask 'who is that girl'. One man even called me to ask me to be a model of one of the new clothing line for Abercrombie and Fitch. I didn't tell anyone about the offer when I declined. Our calendars were such a hit we had to order hundred more in order to meet the demand.

The reason I can't stand Holly is because she talks about my future and about my dark brown hair that hangs to the middle of my back. I hate her because she has my dad and my mom has no one.

"I should call mom to remind her that she has to pick me up." I said as excused myself from the table. It took me three attempts to reach her on her cell.

"Hey Mom. Where are you?"

"Sorry honey I forgot to tell you that I would be late picking you up."

"So when are you picking me up?"

"I have to finish some work but I will be there no later than eight."

I looked at the grandfather clock behind me "I'll see you in two hours bye Mom." I looked back at the clock before hanging up, two hours before I went home. Hopefully my mom wouldn't be late I needed to be home at ten and it was an hour drive to get here. I have been at my dad's house for almost two weeks and my mother always got lost in her work when I wasn't around. My mother was a paralegal to one of the best lawyers in New England so she was always looking something up. Phone still in hand, I walked into the living room and my father and Holly were cuddling on the sofa watching the news. I dialed my boyfriends number I had promised to call him today. The phone rang as I walked to my room and laid on my bed.

"Hello." it was Darren's older brother Brady.

"Hey Brady. Let's see I'm wearing capris and a purple tank top." I smiled to myself ever since he asked me what I was wearing when he answered the phone thinking it was his girlfriend. True I did call his private phone trying to get a hold of Darren around the time she was supposed to call. But it didn't make it any less funnier to keep bringing up.

"You know if we both were single we could continue this conversation. Since I am happily whipped and you're getting nothing." he was so grinning to himself he knew his brother 'policy' on the physical aspect of our relationship. Rare to find the girl who is the seducer and the guys says 'we should wait'. Darren and his morals I grumbled to myself

"I don't want to hear about your sexcapades." I joked "Is Darren home yet?"

"Yeah but he's in the shower. Are you sure? I do have some tales to tell."

"No I'd rather continue being the sweet innocent virgin." I mused even though I didn't "tell him to call me."

"So what are you wearing under those capris?"

"You can't corrupt me Brady."

"I can still try. I'll tell Darren you called."

"Bye Brady."

"Bye Éclair."

Acts of Love

I hung up and threw the phone on my purple bedspread. I loved those guys. They were the sweetest two people I have ever met.

When my father left I packed some things and walked out the front door telling my mom I was going to Darren's house to spend the night. She looked concerned so I reassured her that I was fine when I really wasn't. I slowly shuffled the way past four houses to the Patriots welcome mat the marked the Bank's home.

I didn't bother to knock as I opened the door. It was still early barely eight o'clock as I pushed open the door to Darren's room. I dropped my stuff on his desk chair he was still asleep he always slept on his left side. The blankets were pulled up to his chin so that his feet showed. I couldn't suppress the giggle and Darren opened one eye.

"Hey Claire, whazup?" he was still groggy.

"Hi. I just… my mom and dad are getting a divorce." I rushed the last part out.

"Come on.." he lifted the blanket as I kicked off my flip flops and crawled into the warm and welcoming sheets. I let his big protective arms wrap around me.

"Claire?"

"Hmmm.." my check rested against his chest.

"How come you always smell different every day?"

"What do I smell like?" I felt him move his face into my hair and pull away.

"Vanilla."

"Yeah. I used Vanilla last night in a spell." Darren and Brady were the only people to know about me being a practicing Wicca.

"Using magic to seduce me?" he accused jokily.

I brought myself to whisper in his ear "I don't need magic…" I pulled back to look into his eyes and a smile played my lips.

"Éclair.." I didn't let him finish as my lips brushed his. He was shocked at first I am sure but he recovered when his arms brought me closer. I though he wanted more and I hoped that he did want more. Something had changed between us.

"I think I should feed you first before I take advantage of your hungry deprived state." he chuckled as he kissed my forehead. With that he got out of bed and put on a clean shirt. Grumbling I pushed myself up against the head board.

"I'll make you chocolate chip pancakes." his attempts to make me happy, which worked chocolate was his and my weakness. You have to love your best friend who is a wonderful chef and willing to make cookies at midnight because you had a craving for them. His parents thought we were crazy but they didn't mind us cooking up a storm in the middle of the night.

"Okay." now in good spirits "Can I have breakfast in bed?" I gave him my puppy face where I looked up under my eyelids. My sweets baby blues always got me my way.

"Of course you can."

"Thanks." I put my head back on the headboard and closed my eyes. My father was gone and I was getting all sexy with Darren. He probably didn't even like me like that. Plus I almost no I wanted him to.. No.. I loved Darren and he was the boy I played doctor with but that was just children's curiosity. Or maybe I'm just vulnerable because of my dad leaving causing… no stop getting psychological. What a mess my life was right now I thought

Then the most amazing realization came to me. I was levitating. The sheets hung down like drapes around my floating body. I held my breath. Something big happened without me even knowing. I had ascended as a natural witch. My magic came from within and my first active power was levitation.

I came crashing down when Darren came in with a tray full of pancakes and a single red rose.

"You know your mom with torture you to an inch of your life if she found out you took a rose off her rosebush."

"Are you going to tell?" he eyed me with suspicion but grinned.

"Not if you hand over that food."

"Deal." he set the tray by my side and carefully slid under the covers.

"Yummy." My eyes watched as he poured syrup over the chocolate chip pancakes. " My favorite.. and chocolate milk." I picked up the knife and fork to cut up the pancakes into small pieces. I gave myself the first bite. "Thank you." I speared another pierce and brought it to Darren's mouth, his mouth opened and leaned forward to take the piece of the fork.

"Every guys dream to be under the covers getting hand fed by a beautiful girl." My cheeks flushed red. I couldn't help it the way he looked at me. Like I have never seem him do before.

"I have been in your bed before feeding you." I picked up another couple pieces and put them in my mouth.

"It's been awhile since you did anything notorious in my room." he looked at the second set of silverware and picked them up. We ate in almost silence. It had been awhile. On Valentine's Day, I came over really early and filled his room with chocolate everything. I put a Valentines chocolate heart on his desk, Kit Kats, Heresy's, with other common store candy in every drawer and on every shelf. He was such a deep sleeper I sprinkled chocolate kisses and those candy hearts all over him and his bed. I went home and took a nap until he woke up.

He came in eating a Kit Kat "The strangest thing happened. When I woke, some stranger came in my house and into my room and put candy galore over my entire bedroom." He exaggerated some of the parts for effect.

"What kind of trespassing weirdo would do that." I said in mock surprise.

Darren sat at my bedside "My preferred kind.. " we both laughed for ten minutes until he said "That's why I have a surprise of my own." He waited till I got dressed and even when I begged him he wouldn't tell what the surprise was. We were in his kitchen and he pulled out a letter from the counter and gave it to me I looked at him and back at the unopened envelope. My mouth dropped. It was from the Culinary Institute of America. It was the letter saying if he got in or not. I tried to give it back but he wouldn't accept it.

"You open it. You're the reason I followed my dream" he was serious.

"Fine, but opening other peoples mail is a federal offense." I pointed out

"Just open it, Claire."

"Well when you become famous and open a mega restaurant I want you to remember that statement." I hugged him. I knew Darren had gotten in. "Ready?" he nodded. I opened the letter and pulled out the letter slowly for dramatic effect. I read the first line and screamed "YOU GOT IN!" We had the best day after that. We had a picnic in his living room next to the fire. Cheesy, I know. We both the romantic type. Why we waited so long to finally smarten up and fall in love, I will never know.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Darren came back from the downstairs, after washing the dishes and mopping the floor I mused he really was the perfect guy.

"He left around seven this morning. How did I not know that they didn't love each other anymore?" I went to the window. I didn't like people seeing my cry. Darren came up behind me and I turned to bury my face into his chest as he held me. I think he knew all I needed was comfort.

"Darren? I want to be kissing you now." I reached up to entwine my arms around his neck. I knew how I felt about him after years of friendship it came done to what happened in the next thirty seconds if it became more.

"Claire. I would love to kiss you." Always a gentleman as he brushed my lips teasing me. His kisses were soft and gentle, but his hands held me firmly against him. Nothing much changed after that we still flirted, hung out playing video games, made sweets in his kitchen from scratch. What changed was that our relationship became more sexual with the kissing. He wouldn't do much more then that he wanted to make sure I was ready. I was deeply in love with my best friend Darren.

Tenderness of the Heart

Present-

The phone rang as I answered the phone. "Hi." The memories of the past were pushed away as my present and future answered.

"Hey." his silky voice was irresistible.

"I'm coming home today." I smiled I couldn't wait to cuddle after I did my spell.

"I've missed you. I've made so much junk food, I need help eating it."

"Sounds like sugary paradise." I laid down on my bed.

"Are you sure you don't want to come over sooner.." he was very persuasive

I must resist "I will.. right after.. I'll be in your bed and willing to do anything you want." I was so bad but I loved to tantalize him. Even though it was him tantalizing me.

"Anything, huh?"

"Within reason." I deliberated

"So, what spell are you doing?" He was interested in my Wiccan ways. He knew about my powers and wasn't freaked out. He even wanted to do a spell with me I did this extra sexy one that I knew he couldn't resist me under the trust ritual. We almost, but then we didn't I think he just wanted to afflict the most sexual tension between us for future use, I just didn't know when but please let it be soon.

"It's a spell to find tranquility." I felt bad that I was lying to him, but I knew he would try to stop me.

We talked for over two hours until my mom came and I had to hurry and pack my things. I kissed my dad and had to hug Holly when I left. My mom was pretty quiet as we listened to my music. I sang to Alicia Keys - No One

You and me together
Through the days and nights
I don't worry 'cause
Everything's going to be alright
People keep talking they can say what they like
But all I know is everything's going to be alright

No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I'm feeling
No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I feel for you, you, you
Can get in the way of what I feel for you

"You are so talented I hope you don't give up that voice in college." she looked at me and smiled. Her face was happy but I knew she was tired and sad. Hopefully after tonight she wouldn't remember being unhappy.

"I'll be studying Mom. I won't have much time for singing on stage."

"No I want you to study. I just don't want you to give up your gift."

"I understand." I nodded she was trying to use me to live. She had to give up ballet when she married my father. They moved to Maine because my dad offered a manager job at the construction company. With no ballet studios nearby my mother gave up her talent, my mom got married at a young age of 22 she had just finished college and got her degree and became a paralegal and then a mom less then a year later. She didn't really have any time for dreams.

"I made plans to go to the lake tomorrow with friends." I wanted to make sure she didn't have plans that involved me.

"That's fine just make sure you bring sun block remember last time. She laughed at the memory of my sunburned face. I wasn't mad I was glad to see her finally laugh even if it was about me.

"That was three years ago.." defending my blunder as I thought back to that day. "I did look like a lobster.." we laughed all the way home in spurts, we would look at each other and just cracked up.

A Spell in Time

No matter where I will go, this place will always be home. My memories and dreams were created here, and when I go to college in the fall I don't want my mother to be alone. I wanted her to be with my dad and if everything went right I could have my father and my mother back. It had been exactly one year I have prepared for his day for months gathering herbs, candles, and a rare volume that had spells for time travel. It cost me a fortune, but my father had given me enough for my eightieth birthday so I could finally get it. It was only 9:30, so I made my mom a light meal because I knew she hadn't eaten since lunch time. She came down the stairs all showered and in her night clothes "I knew I smelled something cooking down here." She sat at the table, watching me cook the pasta and sauce. She wasn't that great of a cook that was dad's and my job and after he left I took over the kitchen. It was nice to have a future top chef as a boyfriend I was always learning more things to make.

As we ate we talked about our time away from each other. I didn't mention Holly because it would have hurt my mom to hear about another women with my dad. Even though she said she was over him. I didn't believe her when she said this. I told her about Darren coming up and making dinner one night for us, steak and potatoes. My father liked his food simple. He was fond of Darren and even let him stay the night but made him sleep in the guest room. One of the things my parents did differently was that my mom didn't mind us being in the same bed. She knew Darren and I weren't doing anything. My dad. Well, I still was his little girl and Darren was still a guy.. but his view of Darren was way off. I joked to Darren many times that my father should be protecting him from my seduction not the other way around.

I washed the dishes and bade my mother good night as I hugged her. It was 10:45 when I entered my room dragging in my suitcase and putting it on my bed to unpack later. I locked my door so that my mother didn't walk in. I dragged out my 18th century French chest out from my closet that I kept all my magic items. My arduous task of setting up my magic site started with the five candles to making the pentagram white, blue, brown, black and pink. I placed the incense burners on either side of where I was sitting. I put a gold stick in each one. I filled a small bowl of pure water next to the cauldron and an athame on the other. I brought out my herbs huckleberry, hyacinth, chives, and ginger along with my rose and raspberry oil. My stones I carefully took out of the box emerald, ruby, and garnet.

The thing that was going to send me back into the past was an amulet called Dove's Flight. It had the time travel properties and gave protection to the user on their journey. I set the emerald, ruby, and garnet stone in a Y, one in back of my and two directly diagonal from me. I opened my two windows all the way as I lit the incense. I set in the center concentrating I had memorized the spell and all I needed to do is relax and let the magic take me where I wanted to go. I held the Dove's Flight Amulet in my palms over the cauldron that had my herbs and oils mixed together, an offering to the goddess of time. It was midnight as I began feeling the affects of my spell I felt more and more detached. It came without warning, the shock made me drop the amulet as I started to twirl in a black era of time.

The Ancient Times

The feeling of helplessness surged threw me as I plummeted through time. I felt a pull as I was released from the barrier and rolled onto solid ground. On my back I could see the full moon in between the forest branches. I made myself get to my feet so that I could figure out if I did the spell right or if I was only sent back to the day before. It was my nose that first knew something was wrong it didn't smell like Maine. I smelled smoke and the ocean? I bit my lip I had screwed up the spell and now I could be anywhere. Following the smell of smoke to a pit party. I was going to ask them where I was but I noticed that they were all wasted and probably didn't know anymore than me. I stared at the closet male he was attempting to pour his beer into his mouth but he was only getting it all over himself.

His clothes were more from the 70's or 80's than the 21st… Oh my I checked the others and they all had black leather coats, with dirty long hair, or punk Mohawks, and one had a mullet. I hadn't thought I'd mess up this bad. I moved away from the partiers to a makeshift path that hopefully lead out. The sounds of voices, music, and engines made me walk faster as my plaid flats made my feet hurt from the rough terrain. A crowd with no end in sight filed my eyes. A ferries wheel circled in the distance as the ocean waves crashed nearby. Bright colored hair, black clothes, and motorcycles filled the street. I stepped onto the boardwalk and started walking to try to find out how bad I did mess up.

I was in the 70's or 80's near an ocean with a carnival. I wasn't in Maine anymore or my decade which didn't help much but I didn't dare ask anyone. Nothing I saw helped until a advertisement about a new movie release for The Princess Bride. Which ruled out the 70's and early 80's I couldn't remember when exactly the movie came out, I was in the mid to late 1980's. I kept walking and ran into trouble.

The Risks

"Hi, can we talk to you?" the guy stood with his friends who laughed at his confrontation with me. Not wanting to be some macho prize I kept walking. When I realized they were following me I ducked into an alleyway trying to lose them. Big mistake. The three guys I saw earlier, with the leader came in after me and even though I knew it wouldn't work because I was outnumbered. I tried to run past them but the blue haired guy threw me to a guy with a poorly dyed red Mohawk then to the bald one with a tattoo on his head who pushed me to the leader. I slapped his smug face as he tossed me to the ground in anger. My hands went down to stop my fall as they gazed down at me like wolves. I aimed a kick at the leader's knee but Mohawk pulled me up by roughly seizing my arms and forcing me to my feet. We were facing each other as I took the opportunity to knee him in the groin. He doubled over as one rushed me I wasn't a skilled fighter but I could use their disarray to my advantage. I jumped back to miss blue and ducked under the tattoo guy. The leader coming from nowhere knocked me to the wall as the wind knocked out of me. His hands started caressing my bare shoulders then my arms down my sides, I stomped on his foot but because of his thick boots it hurt only me. I curled my hand into a fist as his both hands grabbed my butt. I punched him as hard as I could, his head snapped to the side as I connected to his cheek. I clung to my now tender hand as he pinned me against the wall I didn't have anything left..

I noticed that the three other bikers had backed off giving the leader some room to further assault me. "Get your own buddy." I was confused to who he was saying this to. I couldn't see much past him but their was an extra person in the group. I caught myself before I fell forward the leader has just let me go. Was this guy a cop or something? The bikers took off running I let gravity pull me down as my back ran down the wall.

Just Like Mine

The man was wearing black leather boots definitely not police issued. Looking up from the ground I met my savors eyes. I was surprised I had never seen eyes like mine expect in the mirror. His eyes were full of concern and he held down his hand. He had on leather fingerless gloves. "I really am in the past, aren't I." I finally accepted my fate. He looked at me questionable but kept his hand down to help me up. Feeling rude I finally put my hand into his. "Thanks." I wiped my hands on my capris but it didn't help much since I was already filthy being thrown around by the biker gang. "I think he hurt me more than I hurt him," as I flexed my sore hand.

He grinned "I'm David."

"Claire.. Thanks for saving me."

"What happened?"

"Walked by some bikers and they followed me.." I shrugged it's not like I provoked them. "You know in horror movies when the girl is getting chased she runs into a dark alley instead of a populated area.. I always hated that, which is why I don't watch them but after tonight I should rethink my hatred because I did the exact same thing."

"Fear makes you unable to think just act."

"Yeah but I still thought I'd make a better spilt second decision than run into an alley and get sexually assaulted."

"Do you have a place to stay?"

"I'm fine. You have done enough for me."

"It's no trouble really." his electric blue eyes made me weak. "I have three room mates though."

"I'm not sure about the trouble part, but I guess I can't pass up a place to stay. I don't feel quite safe in the open." I followed him out of the alleyway. He moved at a brisk pace and I kept up as we hit the boardwalk. I didn't want to lose him or run into those bikers.

"I need to talk to someone." He moved inside a video store. I timidly went in and saw David talking to an older brown haired man. The man looked up and caught me staring at him. I jerked my head to the display of videos. The door opened signaling the bell and I felt a shiver go up my spine. I turned around, something told me to not to have whoever it was behind me.

"What do we have here." Three wild boys stared at me, the same guy then said "You must be new in town."

"Something like that." No way more bad asses were going to make me afraid, not again, so I held my ground. The guy must be the leader his long dirty blond hair looked like it had hadn't seen water in years. He looked me up and down trying to intimidate me.

"My names Paul.. that's Dwayne," pointing to the guy with the same amount of hair but a darker color almost black with a sullen expression. "and Marko." the last guy was enticing his half smile must have made girls swoon over him but his leather coat was stitched with multi-colored designs and attachments, but somehow his look worked. Got to love the 80's I thought.

"Claire and you're a little too late with trying to intimidate me with your looks or attitude I've had enough today. So stay away from me." I said in aggravation. Apparently they thought I was hilarious and began to laugh. Even the sully one couldn't hide a smile.

Satisfactory

Paul POV

I was about to get some when David interrupted my thoughts. Quit thinking about getting laid and get to the video store. Let Marko and Dwayne know. I might have something.. His voice disappeared. Damn him, I thought as I turned to the ripe girl standing beside me. "Gotta go." I left before she could say anything. I know she was standing there with her mouth open. Don't worry I'll find you later.. It was more crowded than usual because it was Friday. I weaved through the crowd looking for Marko and Dwayne. I saw them walking toward me where they stopped in front of me.

"David wants us at the video store."

"What for? We already went."

"Well, Marko. He didn't tell me." Not hide the bitterness or annoyance. "But he has something to show us." Marko shrugged uncaring.

The store wasn't busy. Most tend to get wasted than watch TV. Something I would be doing when we got back to the cave. The bell rang and David was talking to Max but my eyes landed on the nice ass of the girl in front of me. She turned around. "What do we have here?" She just stared at me. "You must be new in town." I just couldn't wait to get a hold of that nice little.. be nice Paul David's voice floated in my thoughts.

"Something like that." Her eyes were defensive then I noticed that her eyes looked just like David's. How sweet I looked her up and down. This must be the surprise.

I guess I'd better act nice. "My names Paul.. that's Dwayne," I pointed him out "and Marko." She seemed to be sizing us up. "What's your name?"

"Claire and you're too later with trying to intimidate me with your looks or attitudes I've had enough today. So stay away from me." Laughter ensued I couldn't help this girl was threatening me.

Mischievous Teens

Claire POV

I couldn't believe these wannabes were laughing at me. I was really sick of guys in this decade always trying to show how manly and smelly they could get.

"Claire." David's voice came out of no where startling me. He stood beside me now. I kind of hoped he would run them off like he did the bikers before I gave into setting them on fire or something. "These are my roommates." Paul snickered at me. My mouth opened in a silent protest. "Is anything wrong?"

I closed my mouth "I guess the threat of staying away from me isn't going to happen," I stepped forward "Let's try.. Keeping your hands to yourself." I looked back at David.

"I'll try…" Paul tried to sound sincere. I rolled my eyes.

"Claire is going to be staying with us."

Release

David POV

The girl was no match for the four bikers but she still tired to defend herself. She even took a swing and punched the leader in the cheek then she clutched her hand. A smile spread across my lips as I strolled into the alley and the nearest one looked at me in fear. I was well known in Santa Carla. Two others followed suit and stopped the assault, but the leader wasn't giving up his prey.

"Get your own buddy." He had pinned the girl to the wall as held her by the shoulders. I reached into his mind let her go and leave my voice was full of malice. The biker let her go shocked by his actions. I reached into his mind one more time leave. He took off with his buddies in pursuit. I got a better look at the girl as she slid down the wall. She was 17 or 18 I guessed with long brown hair that curled at the ends. She was wearing jeans that came down just under her knees and a purple tank top. She was filthy and I could smell her blood coming from little scratches and cuts on her arms and legs. I walked in front of her and held down my hand, our eyes met for the first time and I was taken aback as her beautiful blue eyes stared into mine.

"I really am in the past aren't I?" she whispered. What? The girl must be in shock. Then a hand took mine and I lifted her up to her feet as she mumbled thanks. "I think he hurt me more than I hurt him." She flexed her hand wincing a bit.

I grinned at her innocence "I'm David."

"Claire.. Thanks for saving me." I looked at her and I knew I wasn't finished saving her. I wanted her for myself.

"What happened?" Even though it was quite clear.

"Walked by some bikers and then they followed me." She shrugged. "I nodded. No one was safe here alone at night. I smiled we were the meaning behind Murder Capital of the world.

"Fear makes you unable to think just act." I was an expert on causing fear.

I couldn't take the chance of it happening again and no one would dare try and hurt here not with me around

"Do you have a place to stay?" I would worry about getting her safe before I went back to get the bikers. She was going to say no until I interrupted "It's no trouble, really" I caught her eyes again and felt her heart beat a little faster. "I have three roommates though." There was resistance in her heart but her fear overcame any logic on trusting a stranger even if he saved you.

Pleased, my strides made Claire stick close as we hit the swarming bodies on the boardwalk. I found Paul working up some girl. I knew he would be furious at me making him leave her. I had to tell Max about her so I halted in front of his store and told Claire to wait outside but she followed me and stopped just inside the door. Max was just coming out from the back room. What now? Max's slightly irritated voice crossed my thoughts.

"We need to talk." I answered out loud.

"About what David."

"A girl.." before I could say more he peered over me.

"I see."

"I think she would make a great addition to our family."

"Get to know her first, then I will decide." The bell rang and my boys walked in. I continued to talk to Max giving them a chance to see what they thought of her. Max said a woman came into the store looking for a job. That he was interested in making our mother. I nodded I didn't need a mother. I heard Paul's thoughts and stopped him mid sentence Be nice Paul. Max was always fatherly telling us to be careful or we would be in trouble and today was no different "Make sure she's ready. We don't need another Star."

I felt my eyes narrow and I clenched my teeth. Star had been a failure she couldn't accept what she had become once she made her first kill so she stepped into the light as we were sleeping. I knew the others didn't care, she was a pain in the ass staying a half vampire for three months. When she finally killed, I thought she would except what she was but she killed herself that next morning. I felt bad, she was my childe, but it was over two months ago and Max had to bring it back up.

"I know." I couldn't say anymore.

"Now leave my store." He always told us to leave. I walked towards the door where I heard laughter, the loudest was Paul.

"Claire." I smiled, her fear lasted seconds I had caught her off guard. I stood beside her and I heard her thoughts.

This will be interesting "These are my roommates." Paul snickered I didn't bother read his mind I didn't want an image of his fantasies but I was going to tell him to leave her be. Claire then spoke up.

She looked at me her words were a promise. Jesus I almost took her right there but what kept me back was her aura that now surrounded her. She would be strong enough.. I hoped.

"I'll try." Paul was going for sincere but didn't pull it off I would have to talk to him soon. Claire rolled her eyes. She was tired and dirty I was surprised Max wasn't yelling at us to leave before we scared the non-existent clients away.

"Claire is going to be staying with us." For as long as she wants.

Pay Heed to Warning

Claire POV

I felt my magic and saw David's eyes darken I considered the need to say that I'd changed my mind, my inner witch said something was wrong. Before I could act on it I was aware of the leather that wrapped around my hand and I forgot about the proposal and let him pull me outside. Paul, Dwayne, and Marko where in front of us as they sauntered down the boardwalk. Paul turned his head and looked me up and down again, a smirk on his care free face. Please, I pray to the God of Patience and Understanding not to use my power and set Paul on fire. Even though he might just deserve it.

My hand was still holding David's and it was a little wrong since I had the best boyfriend in the world. People started to stare at us, girls looked on with pure hatred and envy as they eyed me. God, what did I do? I thought. I looked horrible and they didn't know me. So why.. I was an idiot it was David and the reason that I was holding his hand and they weren't. The evil glares continued as we headed down the boardwalk I was going to let go of him but I felt better knowing he held on to me. Darren. I thought. You love Darren and when you find a way back home he will be there.

We came to a halt as I peered onto the beach it was too dark to make out faces but bodies were swaying around temporary fires, throwing back alcohol and laughing in a drunken stupor. I wonder if Darren would believe me? Slightly smiling, he'd be mad if I didn't get him a souvenir. My smile turned into a grimace when I saw Paul, Dwayne, and Marko on dirt bikes, with one bike still leaning on the railing. I sighed. I was exhausted, sticky, and gross.

"I know you don't like bikers now, but.." David seemed to be confusing my actions for hatred.

"No. I ride a friend's dirt bike at home it has just been a long day."

"I understand." David let go of my hand to get onto his bike and as it started he looked at me waiting for me to get on. I looked down at my plaid flats and found myself climbing on David's bike. "Hold on tight." My arms slid around his waist and I moved myself closer to him.

"Let's go boys." We took a sharp turn and he started gaining speed and didn't stop. We were in the lead but I heard the others close behind us. Their cheers and calls made me smile. I had dramatically tighten my hold on David. I laid my cheek on his back as the ocean air rushed by.

I closed my eyes as my old life felt so far away…

Keeping Her Always

David POV

Claire was thinking about changing her mind so I quickly took her hand before she did.

"Lets go home.." I echoed this threw all three of my boys minds. We took our time getting to our bikes. I was enjoying the vile and envious looks of all the girls towards Claire. She was better than them. Paul turned slightly to look check her out thinking yes she is better. I regretted wearing the gloves so that my skin could touch her instead of just my fingertips. I could hear her heart rushing from the excitement I was curious to what she was thinking, then I heard. Darren You love Darren I pulled out of her mind.. not if I can help it.

Paul, Marko, and Dwayne were already on their bikes ready to go. She was smiling then caught sight of the bikes and it turned into a frown as she sighed. After what she went through tonight she must hate bikers. Thankfully that was not the case.

She barely was on her feet. I let go of her hand to ready my bike, She hadn't moved and was staring at the ground. I looked at her willing her to join me. Thrilled when she wrapped her arms around me and moved her body close to me. "Hold on tight." I have had many girls on my bike but they hadn't meant more than blood and sex.

"Lets go, boys." I took a sharp left turn just to make her hold on a little tighter. I accelerated and as we plowed over the beach I heard wails from on lookers. My boys were howling. Claire rested her body against mine and I felt her chest rise and fall softly. I knew she was almost asleep as we stopped outside the cave.

I put my feet on the ground as Paul, Dwayne, and Marko were already off their bikes. "I wasn't sleeping." As Claire pulled away from me, "Well there goes the just dreaming theory." She avoided contact with me as she slipped off my bike.

"You don't look so stable." Paul always having to say something. "I could carry you in." he looked to helpful .

"I can walk."

I wasn't convinced "Paul since you want to be helpful take in my bike as well and Marko go get some clothes, food, water, bandages, and stuff to make our guest comfortable." She was about to protest. "It's no trouble."

"Just tell me when I am." she yawned, she had gone through a lot today and who knows what happened to her yesterday.

"Lets get you inside." I laid my bike on the ground and put my arm around her waist. I led her across the bridge and up to the entrance I had to lift her most of the way. I carried her like she was my bride to the couch where I put her gently to sitting position. Paul and Dwayne came in carrying two bikes a piece and set them against the wall. Marko went air born to get the supplies.

Claire was on her feet inspecting our place "It's definitely a bachelor's pad." She was amused "I like it.. it's organized chaos."

Paul snorted but wittily said "That's what we were going for." The rest of us just smiled. Paul then jumped on the fountain and began dancing around. Dwayne took over the sofa as I watched Claire analyze everything. She moved to the bed and sat down, stretching her long legs. She wrinkled her nose in disgust.

Marko arrived with full arms and brought all the bags over to set on the bed. I moved toward the bags to unpack them as Marko went to sit by Dwayne. I put the black sweater and sweat pants aside as I unpacked a towel and three bottles of water to give to Claire. I took up the bandages and antiseptic as she drained the first bottle and wet the towel to wash the grime off her skin. My boys were unusually quiet tonight as we all just watched Claire. Something about her made it hard to look away from her. I gave Claire a handful of different candy bars she picked out the Heresy's bar and began to unwrap and devour it. I started to clean her cuts I had smelled her blood for an hour but my hands gently placed a bandage on her raw skin on her leg. I wanted to clean her hands next. I held the bottoms of both of her hands to inspect them, some skin on her right hand was peeled back and swollen. Such delicate hands, I thought as I swabbed the antiseptic on her wound.

"My personal guardian and doctor." she joked, Claire seemed to be in high spirits now. "Thank you." she said with genuine gratitude.

"No problem." I put the leftovers in the bag as Claire took another Heresy's bar. I sat at the end of her bed not wanting to move away from her.

"So what's your life story, Claire?" Paul asked from across the room. She brought the candy to her mouth and bit a piece off. I knew she didn't want to answer, which made me wonder about her past.

"It's complicated." and as she took another bite.

"You should get some sleep. You can change into these." I put the clothes by her. "this will be your bed as long as you want it." My boys had already left to sleep in the elevator shaft. I was almost out of sight when she began changing into the clean clothes. I overcame the urge to take her once again as I quickly took off my shoes and gripped the beam with my bat like toes. I knew I have been waiting for her to come and now that she did I wanted be keep her always by my side. As the sun rose I fell into a deep sleep.

Visionary

Claire POV

Darren held me as we watched the Sunday Night Football game. The Patriots were playing. I drifted into a light sleep and Darren had yelled in excitement. As I sat up "I wasn't sleeping." Then I remembered. "Well there goes the just dreaming theory."

We had stopped and David was inches from me. I slid off, careful not to brush up against him because of my guilty conscience about taking pleasure in his touch while I was in love with Darren.

"You don't look so stable." Paul uselessly commented to me. Duh. "I could carry you in."

I was to tired to really care, however what was left of my pride held strong. "I can walk." but I just held still.

I opened my mouth to say that he didn't have to do anything for me. They had done enough just taking me in. David, sensing my oncoming argument stopped me from voicing it

You win for now. "Just tell me when I am." I involuntary yawned.

"Lets get you inside." he put his bike on the ground. Knowing that he would didn't help my heart, it quickened as he took my waist and guided me across the bridge and up a cliff. When I couldn't make the steep incline he held me closer and somehow managed to bring us both to the entrance, to some sort of cavern. He picked me up, even though it was a flat surface, but I didn't complain. The cave wasn't what I expected not that I had any expectations of what a cave on the side of a cliff looked like. David placed me on the sofa as Dwayne and Paul came in with the bikes. Marko had left to get me some things but he didn't use his bike and as odd as it was, I just shrugged it off.

It was captivating to see how others lived. And there home could have either been on the most outrageous homes or on the extreme makeover. I couldn't decide. But I liked it. "It's organized chaos."

Paul laughed at me, his laugher was child-like. He didn't take life too seriously. "That's what we were going for."

There were old barrels that were scattered around the cave Paul had lit them all so that we could see. Surf boards leaned up against the wall, I didn't picture them as surfers. Dozens of candles were placed throughout the cave for lighting and the old-fashion fountain was the center of the room. A boom box hung off one side. The strangest item in the room was a wheelchair that sat vacant. A canopy bed enclosed with lace curtains rested in the corner. I willingly landed on the bed glad to be off my sore body. I was shocked at the state of my once smooth legs. Dried blood and dirt that caked my skin and my hands were a mess. On my right hand much off my skin was peeled back.

Bags were set at the edge of the bed as Marko went to the sofa to sit down. I was grateful of their taking care of me when I needed help. I had to do something nice for them in the morning. I saw David pull out some clothing and set them aside, something extra nice. When the water came out, David handed me all three bottles and a lime green hand towel. I couldn't drink the water fast enough. I used the second bottle to wash myself. I felt the grime come off my skin. That towel would have to be burned. I thought as I put it on the ground, having no more need to handle it.

The smell of chocolate filled my senses as the handfuls of candy was presented to me I took the Heresy's of course, the first bite was heaven. My stomach greeted it like a long lost friend. I hadn't eaten in hours no wonder I could barely move. Plus, I was thrown around a lot today as well. A cold liquid hit my skin then a slight sting. David was kneeling in front of me taking the time to clean my cuts properly. Something Darren would have done. I finished the candy bar and was thinking about taking another one when David took both of my hands in his. David was soothing all my pains.

When he screwed the cap on, I candidly said "My personal guardian and doctor." I felt better now that I was clean and disinfected "Thank you." David really didn't expect anything back in return. I couldn't deny my hunger, so I took one more candy bar and started to enjoy it. Paul asked a question that I really couldn't explain.

I took a bite of my chocolate. I'm a witch from twenty years in the future. I messed up a spell that was only suppose to go back a year but instead I landed twenty years in the past in a completely different time zone. No, that wasn't a explanation they would believe, not that they wouldn't laugh for hours at my expense. All I could come up with was "It's complicated." Which was true, but I hated to lie. I took another bite, settling my nerves.

"You should get some sleep." David was sitting at the end of the bed. "You can change into these," he moved the clothes to my side as he got up "this will be your bed as long as you want it."

The others had disappeared done that tunnel and when David was gone I lifted my shirt over my head and pulled the oversized sweater on it smelt good like freshly cleaned laundry. I stood to get out of my capries as I pulled on the sweatpants. I discarded my clothes at the end of the bed as I crawled in between the sheets. Soon as my head touched the pillow I was out cold for ten hours.

The New Guy

I didn't want to get up.. except that I was awake and I couldn't go back to sleep. I lifted the covers off me as I found my shoes so that I could get up. Unsure of the time since their wasn't a clock, I looked outside and decided that it was an hour or so before the sun went down. I thought about my situation I was in a cave with four guys that I still didn't know if I really trusted and even though they were my heroes I couldn't ignore this distrust feeling I had The bags were still at the end of the bed so I dug out a candy bar and discovered a pair of jeans that looked like they would fit. I ate the candy bar and drank the last bottle of water. I changed into the jeans which were too long, I had to roll them up in order to walk. I pulled off my sweatshirt and looked for a shirt in one off the bags. It was black as far as I could tell as I held the shirt in front of me it had some name of a band I didn't recognize. I wound up ripping the shirt across the top so that the sides now hung below my shoulders.

Good thing their weren't any mirrors I knew my hair was scary. I ran my fingers through my hair trying to somehow tame the mess. Screw it I thought this is the 80's no one cared about hygiene. I wanted to get outside before it got dark but looking over the ridge I knew that climbing down wasn't an option. Levitation became a useful gift as I landed softly on the bridge. I strolled the ocean side watching the sun go down. I headed to the cave so that the guys didn't worry about me I made my bed and cleaned up my area trying not to be the messy guest.

I didn't even hear them come out of the tunnel and they hadn't changed their clothes from yesterday. I was looking at each one with close inspection. The only thing I noticed abut David were his eyes. He was around eighteen I figured but he seemed older. He wore a long black coat where a medallion was pinned on his coat over a black t-shirt, black jeans, and black boots and a dangling earring on his left ear. His hair was spiked bleach blond and I saved the best for last, his blue eyes. Unsure of how long we were staring at each other someone cleared their throat of course it was Paul.

"Well if you lovebirds want more alone time…" he was grinning ear to ear. David growled wiping the smile off Paul's face.

"You look good." then he turned to get his bike. My thumbs were inside the waist of my pants, I tied my shirt in the back with a hair elastic I found in the pocket of my capris. The jeans hung low on my hips as my flat stomach showed a coupe inches where my peacock tattoo was visible. I liked how they looked at me even though I tried not to. I moved on to Paul somehow he pulled off the tight white pants with his mesh shirt under the black coat that showed off his chest. He had some kind of chain hanging off the left side of his coat and like David he had his left ear pierced.

"See anything you like?" Paul asked

"Yes." I smiled leaving to go to the entrance of the cave. For once he was speechless shocked at my boldness.

"So where are we going?"

"The boardwalk." the guys were already climbing down the incline. I still somehow they managers to keep their balance while holding their bikes. David was to my left his bike being brought down my Dwayne. Taking my waist we started to descend, there were near misses where I almost fell but David always caught me. Relief filled me as we hit flat ground.

"Your slow Claire." Marko voiced and Paul chuckled.

"Sorry." I shrugged I had to act like I was helpless. I couldn't use my powers in front of them. I rode with David again even though Paul made a puppy dog face that made me laugh. I just shook my head and got on the back of David's bike. The boardwalk was busy as we headed inside the same video store as yesterday. While David talked to the owned the others flirted with the cashier. At least men haven't changed I thought even though I didn't know if that was a comforting thought or not.

"Can I help you?" A women with short brown hair smiled at me.

"No I'm fine." She seemed sweet.

"Well if you need anything let me know." and walked away.

I moved to where Paul was standing as the brown haired girl eyes twinkled at the attention. "I'm going to walk around." I informed Paul he just nodded. When I got out the door I heard blaring music so I just followed the noise. I defiantly heard a saxophone as I reached the crowd the over muscled man held the sax between his lips. The sound was intriguing so I pushed though the crowed to the front where I bumped into some kid in a multi-colored duster. But it wasn't his hand that steadied me.

"Sorry about that he is always in the way." the younger boy elbowed him in the ribs, probably brothers.

"No it was my fault."

He pushed back his brown curly hair. "I'm Michael." the younger boy just rolled his eyes and muttered "hormones."

I smiled "I'm Claire.. I'm.. new here."

"I just moved from Phoenix yesterday."

"Me too, but from somewhere else."

"Where?"

"Maine." I said it before thinking Oh well it's not like he'd find from what year.

"Wow that's far away, why did you move?"

"Just needed to get away I guess." That was the only explanation I could come up with.

"With my family too. My brother, Sam." he nudged Sam who swung around he was around fourteen with dirty blond hair and his duster and shirt didn't match. He said his hellos then he turned back around to watch the concert. "Our mom moved us here because of the divorce."

"I know how that is.. Expect it was my dad that moved out.." this was now getting to personal the one thing that hurt me to my core that left me empty.. was my dad leaving us.

"Do you want to hang out?" he looked hopeful.

"I can't I have some friends and we're here somewhat together."

"I don't see them now." trying to lure me into saying yes.

"Well that's the somewhat part." he had a nice even smile. "Maybe later we could." I suggested trying not to hurt his feeling with saying no.

"I'll see you around then."

Beautiful Stranger

Michael POV

I can't believe I was hanging out with my little brother. He was embarrassing me with the way he dressed now since back home people didn't wear all black. I planned to buy a leather jacket soon at one of the booths and maybe get my ear pierced. Sam was enjoying the music when someone ran into him I reached to hold the girl from falling backward.

"Sorry about that he is always in the way." my brother elbowed me in the ribs.

"No it was my fault." I put my hand threw my hair. She was beautiful. The moon gleamed off her exposed shoulders as a necklace draped across her neck I looked up to gazed into her eyes, she had really pretty blue eyes. "I'm Michael." my brother rolled his eyes at me and muttered hormones. He would pay for that remark later..

She smiled when she said that her name was Claire and that she was new in Santa Carla. Prefect. I wonder if she'd hang out with me once I pawned Sam off somewhere. She came along way and I thought ten hours in a car was bad but then again she didn't have y brother with her. I hoped she wouldn't think I was being too nosey with all my questions. But the way she answered them she was probably a run a way.

I told her about my parent's divorce and she understood." I nudged my brother so that he could say hello I didn't want her to think we were snobby or anything.

We had some things in common I wondered why they divorced but I didn't ask that would have been too persona plus she looked a little gloomy when she said it.

"Do you want to hang out?" I wanted to get to know her maybe we could be friends.

"I can't I have some friends and we're here somewhat together."

"I don't see them now." I was trying to hard but I didn't want her to slip away.

"Well that's the somewhat part." I smiled she was attractive and comical. I was going to ask about tomorrow night.

"Maybe later we could."Was she blowing me off I couldn't help but think it. At least she let me down easy. I would see her again tomorrow and try again.

The Creator; The Destroyer

David POV

Max was being stubborn about Claire since Star he told me I had to have his consent to change someone. Max was the head vampire I had to obey him or he would kill me. I was linked to his blood because he was the one to change me.

I was a run away in San Diego 1931 looking for work amidst the Great Depression. I had just come out of a bar drunk I was only eighteen but people always thought I was older. I don't remember, much even now but I was hit by a car as I stupidly ran into the street. The pain didn't last long because I pasted out. I woke up hurting, my brain felt like someone was squeezing it, my chest wouldn't rise or fall smoothly. My ribs cried out in pain as each breath was like a sharp knife to my lungs. I was dying I had to be.

"Young man. Are you awake?" my eyes opened a man stood over me. "Come lets get you off the street."

"No.." I moaned "Just let me be." I was in to much pain. He seemed to realize that I wasn't going to make it.

"Your not well at all." he was silent "I know how to save you if you let me." I couldn't see the man that spoke to me. "Do you want me to save you?" he asked it again and I said yes. I didn't know how that the decision would change the course of my existence but I didn't look back and I accepted what I was a long time ago.

"I told you my answer for now. Keep her in the dark. I'll decide in a few days after you report back to me about her."

"Fine." I hated being told what to do.

The guys were flirting with an average looking girl as I looked around the store for Claire she was no where insight.

"Where's Claire?" I wasn't happy about her missing. "Paul?"

"She said that she wanted to walk around." he looked guilty of not obeying my orders.

"Lets go.. we will find her." I was irritated at Paul, I told him to look after her while I talked to Max. Outside we spilt up to cover more ground. I was worried, who knows what she would get herself into. Marko and Dwayne with off together as they left Marko reassured me that we would find her. Paul wasn't going to get off easy I couldn't think of a bad enough punishment until "you grounded to the cave until further notice." He wasn't happy but didn't argue with me. She couldn't have gone far..

My Transgression

Claire POV

I was heading back to the video store but saw to my most ultimate revenge, the bikers that tried to sexual assault me yesterday. They were hanging by the merry-go-round smoking. I wanted them to see me and when the long black haired grease ball of a leader did he smiled. I would never forget his wandering hands and awful breath. I sensed my magic fortify and if he followed me I would show him that I could hold my own in a now fair fight. This time I was going to use some of my magic to show him some self-control. His accomplices didn't want to follow me, and to show face, he wandered behind me. I hoodwinked him into thinking I was still terrified of him as I went down the same alley way. I gave a sterling performance as I backed into a corner, my venture didn't worry me even as lust escalated in his brown eyes. He felt invincible I could read his mind of sullying my body. "I love virgins.. So tight.." then I saw some images that made my skin crawl.

"Go away before you get hurt." I was giving him his second chance.

"I don't think so." he reached inside his beat up leather jacket and pulled out a switchblade. He had his chance my hands quavered and my eyes blackened and my attacker recoiled.

My voice was rasping "Let me enlighten you." I stood straight up relentless "De lan que vi firen." with those concise words my attacker flew backwards and hit the pavement. The knife was now under my control spinning slowly in mid air. "if you ever tough a girl or even look at a girl with any evil intent I will cut off.." I demonstrated by hovering the knife over his jean zipper. "your name is Daniel Leigh Adams, 22 years old and originally from Las Vegas." Daniel was pinned to the ground his struggle continued, his muscles tightened at the magic that forced him down. "You see I know who you are. I can find you and if you break our agreement well off goes your friend." I positioned myself over him "Understand?"

"Yes Yes I do I.. I understand." he was trembling.

"Leave Santa Carla if I see you I'll do something worse." he nodded his head. I took the floating switchblade and put it in my back pocket as I spoke "de lan que vi firen pangorna." He got up and scampered away. I hoped I didn't see him again what would be worse than that. Even with him gone my eyes refused to turn back to my blue ones. I had touched the evil inside me and I knew that. It had taken over but it lost control.

I held my head down as the boardwalk rushed by me. I wouldn't have killed him but right now I felt like something inside me was dying. I didn't belong here and the longer I stayed the least likely I would go home.

Not Alone in Darkness

Arms wrapped around my shoulders "we've been looking for you." I tensed at Paul's touch. Then I knew why I had such a unruly feeling about then. My new friends were monsters. Foolish as to why I didn't realize before.

"Hey Paul." Slowly with effort I reverted back to normal.

"What did you do?" He still had his arms around me.

"If you remove yourself I'll show you." Paul moved in front of me as I reached back for the switchblade to open it in front of him.

"Where'd you get it?" Paul took the knife to look at it.

"I killed a man." I said this with a straight face.

"Did he put up a fight?" Paul asked getting in my story. David joined us I laughed as I put the blade back in my pocket and took both their hands. They didn't know I could be just as ruthless as they could.

"He might have begged a little." that made them both laugh.

"That's the best part." I saw David give Paul a look that I couldn't determine. People parted for us and the females of all ages gave me the same glares as before.

"Michael!" I didn't mean to shout his name. He looked up giving me his smile. I let go off Paul's and David's hands and ambled over to where he was.

"Didn't think I would see you again tonight." I knew he was happy he did.

"I just found a couple of my friends." I looked at Paul and David they seemed to assessing the situation. "So why are you standing here shouldn't you be having fun."

"My little brother." he nodded inside the store that was full of comic books.

"Come on and meet my friends." I took his arm and led him to Paul and David. "That is Paul." I looked in his direction "and that's David. This is Michael I met him earlier today."

"Hi Michael." David smooth voice came across as sinister if anything. Paul looked cheerful as he caught a bunch of girls looking him over.

"Why don't you get something to eat." David put some money into my hand. "We have some things to do. We can meet up by the bikes in two hours."

I nodded "Later."

They walked past us as Sam came out shaking his head in disbelief. "Those guys are weird." he held a single comic.

"Come on Sam we should be meeting mom."

"We can hang out tomorrow.. would noon be to early." the sun how I missed the sun. I was supposed to be on Darren's back playing king of the wharf and having fun on the lake with our friends today well figuratively speaking of course.

"No where do you want to meet."

"Right here is fine."

"See you tomorrow." he smiled one last time then he left with his brother.

For food I went to a convenient store and brought root beer, chips, and a pre-made sandwich. I ate alone at a panic table on the carnival grounds. I still had an hour so I sat their knowing they were eating as well and that thought made me queasy. It was nice be able to sit for an hour to think. I was in California in 1987.. I needed to have an exit plan and the supplies to get home. I tried to go back in time to fix my parents marriage but ended up so far back that my parents didn't even know each other. How did this happen? In between my thoughts I had to brush of varies people as they came over to talk to me. I headed back to the bikes ready to get some much needed sleep.

Terrified

David POV

I would have killed him when he was running past me but I couldn't be exposed. I sensed the fear rolling off him it like a waterfall he was trembling uncontrollably. I needed to know why.

"Paul kept looking for Claire." I followed him into the woods where I confronted him. He backed against a tree his black hair stuck to his face. But it wasn't me he feared.

"Where is she?" he was breathing heavily. "I swore I won't.. I."

"Quiet. Who are you talking about?" A girl made him this afraid?

"That girl." that's all he could say before he started weeping. Tired of his whimpering I picked him up by his coat into the air where he started hyperventilating.

"What girl?" I demanded.

"The girl, she went psycho her eyes went black, and I. She is a.. witch." he finally got the last word out but he was trying to deny it to himself.

"Who was the girl?"

"The one I.." he reworded his sentence "saw yesterday she was.. You were there.." I dropped him as he scrambled away.

"Are you sure?" I looked down at him. Claire was a witch I couldn't believe it.

"Yes." I pulled him up and shifted into my vampire face as he screamed I bit into his throat. I hid his body where we put the others we killed near here a place no one would look. I found her.. Paul's relieved voice sounded in my head. I caught up to them seconds later.

"Did he put up a fight." Paul was joking but as I looked at Claire I knew she wasn't as she laughed and took a switchblade from Paul. I need one of those Paul was excited like always.

We need to feed.. I'll give some money to Claire so she can eat. Paul nodded at me when Claire took both of our hands as we marched down the boardwalk. "Michael!" Who is that? She let go to talk to this newbie I hadn't seen before.

Competition.. Paul confirmed my jealously as I stated at them and tried to stay calm when Claire introduced us. "Why don't you get something to eat." I dug some money out of my pocket and put it into her hand. "We have some things to do. We can meet up by the bikes in two hours."

She nodded "Later." I knew that my boys were hungry and even thought I ate earlier I needed to talk to them without her hearing. I accessed Marko's and Dwayne's thoughts We found her. Marko voice answered Good now can we eat? I replied Meet by the edge of the forest we'll find some partiers…I could still smell their blood hovering in the air as we threw the corpses into the fire.

"We need to talk about Claire." we walked out of the forest and on our way to the bikes discussing her. "I know that she would join our family willingly."

"I like her." Paul was all for changing her.

"How do you know she would." Marko was skeptical.

"She's a witch. That guy that tried to assault her yesterday I followed him today and her was petrified of her.

"A witch?" they were hooked now.

"I'm not sure what she did but he kept weeping and going on about some promise about not touching girls." I thought about it and realized she tortured him and made him promise not to touch another girl because of what he did to her. It made sense to them.

"What if she does that to us?" Marko questioned.

"She hasn't yet." I said simply

"Does she know about us?" Paul asked in interest.

"I'm not sure." Honestly I wanted her to already know it made it easier. We reached our bikes and Paul leaned against the railing. Dwayne, Marko and I stood we didn't talk until Claire came into view, "We should check in with Max but it's getting early so we will do it tomorrow." I didn't feel life telling Max about Claire yet.

"Hey." She was truly beautiful as she made her way over to us. We would say something tomorrow if Max said go ahead.

I smiled at her "Ready?"

"Yeah," she was devious sounding. Her arms held me tight as we raced to the cave, I enjoyed helping her up to the cave as my fingers touched her radiant skin. She went to her bed I emphasized her in my head. I wanted her to stay here with us. Paul, Marko, and Dwayne took their routine placement in the cave while I remained near the entrance. I was restless and the sun would be up in less than an hour. We use to goof around until we had to sleep but they were restrained and silent. I couldn't tell her just in case Max said no and the fear if I did that she would run off while we slept

Discover the Myths

Claire POV

David's fingertips chilled my skin as he held my waist. I felt wrong having this attachment to a vampire. I knew I could have him if I made a move, but I couldn't betray Darren. I quickly moved to stand by the bed leaving my temptation at the entrance. They were vampires and I didn't care I actually liked hanging out in their bat cave with them. That was to wrong to psychoanalyze. What the hell lets put all our cards on the table and go from there.

"I have something to say." they looked at me in surprise. "I'm from the future and I am a witch, I tried to go back one year and one day to somehow fix my parents marriage. But I ended up here in Santa Carla and I know your vampires." I took a breath I now waited for their reaction.

"So you did torture that guy." Paul looked impressed.

"How did you find out.. And I didn't torture him. I was aversive conditioning. I was stopping behavior by connecting that behavior to a negative connotation so that he would relate the behavior to the negative punishment, so that he won't do it again." my psychological ramble made them all look at me uncertain of what the hell I just said. I broke it down for them "I threatened to cut of his penis if he ever touched a girl with bad intensions."

They nodded Paul's lips spread into a grin "remind me to be careful around you and knives."

"Don't worry I could just set you on fire." I tried to be more threatening but I began to laugh. "I couldn't though.." I stopped what was I doing I couldn't say I liked them.

"Because you want me." Paul's ego, I shook my head smiling. David had moved to be close to the tunnel where they slept.

"Do you have coffins?" the question came from my mouth before I could stop it. Their laughter echoed throughout the cave.

"We sleep upside down." David answered.

"Like bats?"

"Yes like bats." he seemed amused and happy about my questions.

"Can you turn into bats?" Laughter again echoed off the cave walls.

"No, but we can fly." David wasn't impatient about my lack of knowledge.

"I haven't read much about vampires.. only the magic volumes have the truth. Most of what I know comes from Anne Rice or Dracula movies." I subconsciously held my bell necklace. They seemed to be enjoying our conversation.

"Witches are suppose to fly on brooms and turn men into toads." I had faith that Marko was pulling my leg but still I had to sit on my bed so that I didn't fall down laughing.

"No witches don't use brooms.. I guess we could turn someone into a toad but it's so over done in the movies." I smiled at Marko.

"What do you do?" they really didn't know, what kind of mythical creatures where they? I couldn't rub this in since I didn't know anything about vampires. But I recognized their interest as they awaited for me to answer.

"I was a practitioner for around a year then I ascended and gained my active powers."

"Ascended?" I was shocked to hear Dwayne speak to me.

"Only true witches have the power or magic inside them." I was trying to explain this like I did to Darren. "A person who is a witch practices the religion Wicca but doesn't ascend to have active powers. It takes them a lot more effort to do magic, plus certain Gods and Goddesses tend to just roll their eyes at them."

"What active powers do you have." Paul looked thrilled.

"I'll show you." My feet left the ground as I levitated. "this was my first active power." I held down my hand to David wanting to see him fly. He took my hand seconds later, his mirror image eyes held mine. "You are like the lost boys.." I whispered

He looked thoughtful. "I suppose we are." we lowered to the floor his hand still in mine.

"I want to see some more!" Paul's booming voice called.

"You might want to back away for this one." I couldn't do it with him so close to me, he threw me off. I was falling for a vampire and it scared me. David sat in the wheelchair his blue eyes looked in wonder. I shut my eyes to concentrate on my path I felt a tinkling sensation as my astral self followed my mental trail to stand behind David. I heard gasps followed by clapping and I wasn't done I had to focus on my hands as I pushed the back of the wheelchair. I moved back into my still body in time to see the wheelchair come to a stop.

"Cool." David announced as he looked at me in awe.

"Is that it?" Paul sounded a little disappointed. All of a sudden the nearest barrel took a turn for the worst the flames grew higher and hotter as Paul scrambled away. I smiled at him as he stood there bewildered, bet he wasn't disappointed anymore.

"I can manipulate fire but I can't create it." Then I saw the welcoming colors of sunrise "we can talk more when you get up.. I don't want you to burst into flames." I joked as I eyed Paul.

"Sweet Dreams Claire." Marko wished his sweet face spilt into his half smile as he disappeared down the tunnel.

"I want to see some more when I get up." Paul demanded jokingly. I retorted that I could always set him on fire.. his laughter continued as he went down the tunnel. I didn't know if Dwayne would say anything but he stopped and said "See you later." then he followed Paul. David came to softly kiss my cheek and whisper "we'll do something fun tomorrow." I nodded how could he be so insatiable. I felt completely turned on as I tossed and turned, finally drifting off to sleep.

Not Just Another Pretty Face

Paul POV

I knew David was completely in love with Claire. She was hot and seemed fun but I didn't want David to get his hopes up if Max said no or she ended up like Star. Claire was dangerous, who would have thought, this knowledge made me very hor- Paul.. I heard my name being growled in my head. But you have to admit I shot back Yes.. His voice trailed off. Completely in love I thought

Claire.. I studied her for the first time. Her midriff was showing as her jeans hung low on her hips a tattoo that looked like a bird was visible on the side of her stomach. My mouth watered as I searched her slim throat, she was very appealing. I stepped onto the fountain as Dwayne and Marko collapsed onto the conch. David was frozen at the entry, he was thinking. I should just tell her.. Max says no.. she runs away.. she ends up like Star.. on and on.

"I have something to say." I couldn't believe my ears. Was she going to try to kill us like Marko said?

"So you did torture that guy." I like that in a girl. She looked a little freaked that I knew and started to ramble. What is she saying? I saw her realization of our confusion and clarified.

She was very naughty I grinned "remind me to be careful around you and knives." I was quite attached to my manhood. She tried to be badass and mean it but she laughed. "I couldn't though.." She liked us.

I smirked "because you want me." She shook her head at my allegation but continued to smile maybe I had a chance but I couldn't press it with David around. I hoped he haven't heard that and thought I was threatening his position but he moved into the cave we will tell her tomorrow.. he gave this message to each of us. I know I want to keep her.. I thought she was hilarious so sweet yet so dark. If she becomes one of us its going to be interesting a witch vampire.. Marko was curious and excited to maybe getting a new family member after being the four of us for so long, expect for Star she wasn't ever really one of us. I want to see her set Paul on fire.. Dwayne couldn't hid his curiosity about Claire, even though he kept most emotions to himself. So it's settled.. David confirmed.

Her outburst made us stop short of disappearing down the tunnel.

We laughed hard she is going to be a fun girl when she joins us. We quieted down and David answered with the truth since she knew about us already. She really wasn't afraid of us hell she was just as curious about us as we were about her. Which made David happy. For a witch she didn't know much we would have a lot to teach her.

David wanted her.. and so did the rest of us.

"I haven't read much about vampires. Only the magic volumes have all the actual facts. Most of what I know comes from Anne Rice or Dracula movies." she was holding her necklace that I looked at earlier it was a single bell with hearts.

"Witches are supported to fly on brooms and turn men into toads." Marko was playing with her now but she had to sit down.

When she was in control she replied "No witches don't use brooms I guess we could turn someone into a toad but its so over done in the movies." she smiled at Marko. I knew if his heart did beat it would have sped up, Claire had that effect on guys I had experienced it when we were on the boardwalk together the guys ogled her. Claire didn't even notice, she was confident and powerful that made guys attracted to her plus she was a wanted to know more about her.

Dwayne he seemed to actually care about Claire. Which was usually he just stayed quite when we brought girls around.. He didn't even talk to Star and she was around for three months. Claire was more then a pretty face now she was family even if she didn't turn into one of us. We would care for her as long as she let us then we would let her go. I didn't want to think about that scenario.

She was thinking his question over before she replied. I was eager to see some magic. She agreed to show us. Her feet left the ground like she was flying; a vampire trait she would definably fit in. David was thinking the same thing. She held down her hand to David teasing him to meet her. He accepted as he took he hand and looked into her eyes. "You are like the lost boys.." she spoke so low I wouldn't have heard it if I didn't have vampire hearing. The lost boys? The Peter Pan lost boys I heard Marko thoughts I like that he grinned to himself.

"I suppose we are." when they reached the ground I wanted to see more but with the black eyes. "I want to see some more." I called loudly to Claire.

"You might want to back away for this one." David made his way to his wheelchair that we found in one of the rooms years ago. Claire closed her eyes as we waited, trying to be patient but dam this was cool. Her head slumped down and I made the move to see what was the matter when I saw she behind David looking pretty solid. I gasped as I looked at the double Claries, Marko and Dwayne clapped this is good entertainment I heard Marko exclaim in his head. The wheelchair moved as the double disappeared and the original Claire snapped her head up.

"Cool." David stared at her in amazement.

"Is that it." I wanted to see some evil magic. I sensed my skin peeling from sudden heat as I jumped off the fountain to stand near the bed. The barrel that I lit earlier had grew big and extremely hot; that little bitch.. dam she was fierce. She smiled at me having literally almost set me on fire. I wanted to see more but I felt the sun coming up.

"We can talk when you get up.. I don't want you to burst into flames." she looked at me when she said this. Since she unfortunately didn't manage too Dwayne thought. I gave him a dirty look as Marko wished Claire sweet dreams always the softly. "I want to see more when I get up." I playfully demanded to her.

"I can set you on fire." I laughed at her spunk until I hung upside down. When we were all dangling from the bean all our thought consisted of Claire hoping she would become part of our family.

Fated Demise

Claire POV

I had left an enchanted note because I knew that would get a kick out of it since it was magic and they seemed to enjoy the witch part of me. It was nice not having to hid my magical powers. The sun was almost directly over head as I walked to the boardwalk to meet Michael. I left early to get much needed provisions like food, clothing, and water but I didn't have any money. I have never stolen before but I found it to be really easy if you were a witch. I simply made them disappear in a black hole like cubby I made and carried the loot out the door. Even when one older man came to search me for being suspicions when he couldn't find them he told me sorry but I think he wanted to find something to be all manly and call the cops on me.

I stole candy bars, bottles of water, chips, and other snack goods to store at the cave. The clothing was a little trickery it was busy as girls looked through summer clothes. Randomly grabbing my sizes in clothing and undergarments. I stored them in my cubby and left the store. The comic book store was open and having ten minutes I went in even though comics weren't my thing.

Browsing the superman comics I had the feeling of being watched, turning I saw two boys looking at me not even trying to hide their stares they both came over hopefully not to hit on me since they were like fourteen. "You must be new in Santa Carla."

"Yeah I'm new in Santa Carla." Hell why did everyone know that.

"I wouldn't stay here long." One said, they looked like poster boys for the salvation army and with the army boots it was like they were in a war.

"I don't know I kind of like it here." I was surprised when I actually meant it.

"During the day." the boy looked to be the oldest his aura confused me it was gray but I couldn't tell much more than that it was like he was blocking something. "have you noticed the missing posters and all the strange disappearances?"

I had the first day the hundreds of fliers with names and faces.. "Yes I have seen them and I can take care of myself I don't need two boys telling me I should leave and be afraid." I left not wanting to hear more of their exasperating warnings.

"Hi Michael." he turned his eyes could have sparkled with joy.

"Hey Claire." he put his hand threw his hair, he was nervous. "Are you hungry."

"Yeah I could eat." trying to lighten the mood. I noticed he was dress simply in jeans and a black t-shirt.

"Where do you want to go?"

"Got a kitchen we can use?"

"At my place."

"Lets go their but first we need to go get some groceries." I know he felt weird shopping for food in a grocery store. The grocery store was like Toys R' Us to Darren. I made it painless I told him he could go wait outside I took enough stuff to make homemade macaroni and cheese for eight people. I took a couple bags to put it all in once I left the store. Michael had his bike, once I juggled the two bags and could hold onto Michael waist with one arm.

"Don't go speed demon on me." Like my vampires do I thought. He lived on the outskirts of town I always prided myself on being an original but this place was kind of creepy. Wooden totems decorated the sylvan yard, many chimes hung off trees and the house working together making a harmonious lullaby that filled the air. Michael took the bags from me as I followed him inside his house. I was shocked to see a stuffed fish on the wall and many other poor critics that remained in sickening complete being. The place had a country feel to it and it would have been homey if not for the vulgar display of stuffed animals.

"Hello, I didn't know we were having a guest." the woman declared this was the same woman who was at the video store. She was Michel's mother what a small world.

"I was hoping I could make lunch for you." she looked a little surprised but smiled compassionately.

"Of course you can make lunch here." she looked at me in all smiles then she lead me into a small kitchen. Michael placed all the groceries on the counter as Sam came in with a husky.

"What she doing here?" I have to suppress a smile as I patted the dog he had called Nanook .

"She came with Michael, you must be the girl I heard all about this morning you are as pretty as he said." she looked at her son who gave her a look of displeasure for her blabbing that information about me. He quickly got over it. "What do you have in mind.. Umm." she didn't know what to call me.

"Claire, I planned on making homemade macaroni and cheese."

"Sounds delicious we can all help." she started to unpack the bags. Lucy was a sweetheart and her aura was full of love and empathy I knew I would like her. I began to boil some water as Sam and Michael watched us cook. We all talked, they seemed to be interested in my life and I tried not to lie completely.

"Your from Maine, that must be beautiful this time of year."

"Yes but you should see the fall season all the leaves change colors."

"That would be such a trip did you fly here or drive?"

"I flew." not in a plane exactly but it still answered her question "I'm staying with some friends for the summer."

Michael then interrupted "Those two guys I met on the boardwalk?"

"Yeah but their was two more guys that you didn't meet." I don't think he liked that but didn't say anything.

"What are your interests?" Sam was speaking to me now.

"I actually am going to college for psychology at University of Maine Orono this fall."

"That's a interesting career choice your parents must be proud of you."

"I was going to be a doctor and when I changed my mind my father was a little disappointed he thought I would have been a great doctor. My mom only wants me to be happy even though she tried to swing me into going to a performance act college."

"Why didn't you want to become a doctor." Lucy questions didn't bother me as I told her about my love to help people but when I went to do a job shadow I met a woman who was a psychologist in the waiting room. Her brother was having surgery and I knew she was scared so we talked until she left to see her brother. She told me I was a natural and could have a great career as a psychologist that she even gave me her card. I guess I just stumbled into my prefect career field.

Lucy nodded her head as I sprinkled day old bread on top of the macaroni and cheese. She asked more about my skills and asked about how I learned to cook. I told her she would be a great nurse because of her patience and gentleness. She told me thank you "Looks like we are ready to eat." Somehow the boys came back to the kitchen after they was nothing else to do but eat. A weird horn sounded and a minute later an older man came in taking of hit hat.

"Who's that." indicating me as he looked to Lucy.

"Dad this is Claire she made lunch for us have a seat." She retried a plate from the kitchen and pushed a full plate to her father.

"This is really good, you really made this?" he was a cute old man I decided.

"Yes but Lucy helped as well." She told me to call her Lucy earlier "It's one of my favorites lunch recipes." He smiled good heartedly.

I helped clean the table as I declared that I would do the dishes Lucy was going to say not to but I said "Michael can I have a hand in the kitchen." He seemed to be happy to have me alone we talked and when I couldn't answer certain questions I changed the subject so he didn't realize I was deficient about universal knowledge for teens in this decade. I excused myself to go the bathroom and I wiped off my hands then my head exploded as pictures came to me in spasmodic flashes.

Paul was crying out in pain as the water melted his flesh like acid it dissipated his body until his skull showed through. The boils on his skin and the now simmering water. Blast of red water rocketing skyward from the sink and toilet.

I clung to the tub as my vision of Paul ended, my heart was pounding in my chest as the aftermath of what I saw. Paul's fated demise in the very tub I was holding onto, I sprang from the tub horror-struck. I had a new active power and what I saw put me in a dilemma I had already changed fate by coming here if I saved him destiny would alter severely. I picked myself off the floor and headed down the stairs in the living room area to tell Michael that I had to go. Sam was messing with the stereo and I couldn't see Michael anywhere. I decided I could just tell Sam so that I could disappear from this place. I touched his arm to get his attention as my head exploded into more images but this time it was Dwayne. I fell to the ground clinging to my head.

Dwayne was advancing as a blur hit him causing him to propel backwards into the stereo the sparks flew as Dwayne shook as the electricity ravaged his body. Then an arm dropped to the ground and seconds later Dwayne was destroyed.

They were staring at me as Lucy felt my head and told Sam to call the ambulance. I got up pushing past Michael arms that tried to hold me down. "Claire you shouldn't move."

"I'm fine. I have to get back I need to get back." I stepped out the door "I'm sorry." I left with no intention of ever going back.

My friends were going to die unless I didn't do something drastic to change their outcomes but a little voice told me I shouldn't be saving killers…

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