Chapter 3)
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Disclaimer: I do not own The Lost Boys
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Well, looks like I'm hitching a ride with Kelsey today. Stretching my arms with a yawn, I noticed Molly's car wasn't back in the drive way which means her Friday night still hasn't ended. It's perfectly normal for her to not come home till the next day or so. Kicking out of bed, I'm opening the store this morning. I just got my paycheck too and it's my turn on groceries.
After a quickie shower, I changed into my white off the shoulder top that showed the black strap underneath, black jeggings, silver earrings and my ankle boots. When I got downstairs Kelsey was already waiting for me in her car.
"I see Molly pulled an all-nighter" Kelsey chuckled as we pulled out of the parking lot "Must have been crazy. I feel like such a square for not going"
I grinned "Well the squares have early jobs to get to"
"Instead of waking up in the middle of nowhere next to some hot naked stranger?" she teased.
"Pshh, been there done that" I rolled my eyes but still chuckled.
We pulled up to a drive-thru to pick up a quick breakfast. While we waited on our food, Kelsey was shooting me a thoughtful glance before she voiced… "Do you think Molly met up with that guy again and hit it off?"
They might have, but I'd really rather not dwell on the thought. I just shrugged, leaning back in my seat to rest my eyes a little more.
"You know, Marina" Kelsey wondered "Last night I thought you might have been kind of disappointed that Molly took such a quick leap at Dwayne."
I really didn't want to admit it but I think a part of me did feel that sense of disappointment. None the less I still tried to shrug it off "It's nothing really. I mean it's not like we were even talking" so there's nothing to be upset about.
"Still, you obviously noticed him and he clearly looked interested in you. She kind of just swooped in and took that chance from you" We were then handed our meals through the window. After paying, we pulled out.
Well if he's that quick to redirect his interest to another girl then that's not a chance I need. If they did meet up, heck if they woke up next to each other it's no concern of mine.
"Look it's alright. Okay a mysterious guy like Dwayne spells nothing but danger and drama and I don't need that to get my life straightened out" I sighed sipping my coffee. "I've got enough worries as it is so I need safe and boring"
"That's hot" sarcasm dripping. We both sighed then automatically shared a laugh with that last comment. She dropped me off at work and I was ready to begin the day. The morning started off slow but it didn't take too long to pick up. Tourism is about to skyrocket around here and business with all the merchandise we offer is running great.
"Hey Marina" I spun around from the counter to see Darren, our delivery guy, drop off a new load of inventory.
"Hey" I smiled, walking over from adjusting the monitors "whoa, you look in rough shape"
He chuckled, nodding. "I passed out early but I'm still a little hungover. Some of us went out last night and others never made it home"
"I hear that" we chuckled while I signed for the package.
Handing the clip board back to Darren, I was going to place the package back around the counter to organize later when he offered to do so for me. "Well I may be a mess but you're sure looking really pretty today" he noted, moving the shipment.
"Thanks" I grinned and turned to my coffee cup. Once he had set it down, I held it to him.
"Here, I only took one sip" He arched a brow, taking the cup in hand.
"We're both in for a long work day and something tells me you need it more than me" I laughed. He smiled, giving me a long stare.
"Thanks. I'll be sure to treat you sometime" he winked, moving towards the door. I then got set on work.
Further into the afternoon when others came in for their shift, or when she caught wind from clients, there was more word of the party going around that seemed to spark Marina's attention. A few number of people who had been there were also saying that several others hadn't been seen or heard from since last night. There's a number of risks that can run high when you have a gathering of drunk people partying in Santa Carla. Inhibitions run low and you would never guess what kind of messes you can get into. There hadn't been any police sirens going off around town thus far, so maybe last night's decadence will clear up before everyone moves onto their Saturday night fever. Marina could only hope Molly didn't end up totaling the car, or something like that.
It was then just past sunset. She'd be off soon and have the night to herself. Finishing a transaction, that was when Max pulled up in his red convertible. He says that lately she's become a model employee and Marina is proud to have proven herself so far in her short time there. He's looking for a new assistant manager and she just might be up for it. She filled him in on customer traffic flow for the day thus far, sales per segment stats and the new inventory they received. He took this with him to his office, and as he was back there that was when 4 boys who were supposedly banned from the video store decided to pay a visit.
Marina was a little preoccupied with processing some returns at the counter as they walked behind her. They made a round of the store yet kept an eye assessing the unsuspecting sales clerk. A strange shiver ran through her. She then heard a tap at the counter. Marina turned to only see a lone tape placed down but looking up she caught eye of the muffled grins of the 4 bikers feigning to look through the store.
The sight came very unexpectedly since Max had banned them those several weeks back. No doubt he wouldn't be happy to come out of his office and see them here. Then again, they obviously have a disregard for rules and undermine authority. Seeing just the four of them, she looked back towards the door and noticed Scarlet wasn't with them this time. Strange, she must be out on the boardwalk. She recalled Scarlet might have been at the gathering last night too. Hopefully both she and Molly took care to watch their backs.
Just as the boys circled the table, she happened to catch sight of David who was grinning back at her. She could tell that her new friend had a connection with the platinum blonde of the gang but Marina couldn't lock eyes for too long because to her something about David's presence was much more intimidating than the other boys. The air to him is likely how he's leader of the gang. It's fascinating how Scarlet isn't unnerved by it one bit. The other boys passed the counter with charming grins as well…
"We only come here to watch one thing" the one with hair like Twisted Sister teased, erupting a smile at the flattery of the notion. The blonde with a Cheshire grin leaned over the counter making her shake her head at their antics. She knew Dwayne was looking her way as well, but she could only give him a brief glance before looking down. Molly was probably at work right now but after how they might have hit it off last night, she just felt like steering clear.
She kept her eyes glued to the counter under Dwayne's gaze and thought to ask them about Scarlet when… "I told you not to come in here anymore" she hadn't noticed Max had stepped behind the counter with her.
After a long warning stare, the boys grinned at Max and signaled they'd comply. They moved towards the door with a final smile her way. At first she had felt bad that they were banned but Marina was also relieved that she was no longer under Dwayne's looks.
"Wild kids" he muttered.
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After work, Kelsey and I went shopping together. It was time to restock the fridge and I felt like staying in tonight. I'd cook dinner and I got the nerve to try a scary movie this week so I thought I'd give Fright Night a try. I waited outside the store with my groceries while Kelsey finished paying hers when suddenly a revving of tires halted right beside me. I spun around and a pair of almost onyx eyes met with my hazel ones. I almost let the bags slip out of my hand at the surprise. Crap, the last thing I need is cracked eggs.
"Hey" he greeted. It looks like it's just him here; the other bikers nowhere in sight.
It took me a moment to find my voice while adjusting my bags "U-uh, hi"
"I thought I recognized you" his smile wide and I couldn't help but dwell on his words. This was the first time we've actually spoken, and the first time I'm hearing his voice. From what I've seen he's the most quiet of the group but his voice was deep and velvety.
I brushed my hair behind my ear. "Marina?" he raised his finger slightly.
I nodded and did the same "Dwayne?"
His grin widened with a nod. "I've seen you around a lot on the boardwalk. Thought I'd finally come and talk to you"
Shifting my bags a little, I confirmed how I've seen him on quite a few occasions as well "Yeah, back at the video store, and last night you talked to my roommate, Molly." he nodded at the mention.
"Did she get back okay? I didn't see her this morning" We'd likely be picking her up from work soon.
"I'm not sure" I was surprised to see him shake his head "She came out last night but we only talked for a minute before we did our own thing" he shrugged.
"Oh.." Am I feeling a sense relief by that revelation…? I rapidly tried to brush off the feeling.
"She said you couldn't come out last night. That's too bad…" he leaned back on his bike and that's when I noticed he didn't wear a shirt under his leather jacket.
Oh… my…
NO! Marina, eyes up! Eyes up!
His grin widened slightly before voicing "Would have been nice to see you there. We could have talked sooner"
My heart was starting to pound but I kept a straight face "Or if you hadn't been banned from the video store" I remarked.
"Your boss is a hard ass" we laughed together.
He noticed me shift my bags in hand again. "You need a ride?" he motioned to the back of his bike. "That's gotta be a pain to carry"
He offered me his hand. A part of me wanted to say yes but the reality of it all came back. I shook my head to decline "No, my friend has her car. I'm just waiting on her to finish."
He nodded in understanding, setting his hand back on the handle.
"I'll see you around," I decided to close things here since Kelsey should be out any second to go.
"You will" we shared a long stare before a smile curved over his features and he rode off.
"I saw that!" Kelsey came squealing from the store. Was she watching the entire time? When she had me fill her in on what was said, she was exasperating on why I didn't take up his offer. It was like a repeat of this morning's conversation though. It's best to stay clear…
Seeing the time, we decided it best to pick up Molly from work. Kelsey waited in the car while I ran to see if her shift was over.
"Hi Marina" the manager was behind the counter
"Hi Rocco" I glanced around for Molly "Is Molly off yet?"
"Heh, I was about to ask you where she's been" Huh? I was confused "She never showed up for her shift"
I've been in Santa Carla a few months now, but after tonight I would then become more of a believer on why most locals call Santa Carla…. the Murder Capital of the World…
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~2 weeks later…
He felt the tickle at his nose and squinted. The tickle came again and his head shook slightly, sniffing a few times. The tickle brushed over a third time and raising his hand to scratch it, his nostrils and face were met with a splat. His eyes shot open to meet whip cream as a burst of laughter finally escaped me.
I fell back at the hilarious sight.
"Oh real funny, Cass" my brother attempted to sit up but fell back in a groan, probably feeling a wave of nausea.
"You asked me to be your wake up call" I taunted, putting down the feather to toss him a rag. "Seeing as how all your alarms get thrown at the wall"
"At least my alarms don't pelt me with whip cream" he cleaned off his face and pulled the sheet over his head. Technically he pelted his own face with whip cream.
"For a moment I thought you were too far gone to even feel the feather." I noted. If mornings are tough it's because he brings it on himself with weeknight boozing. "You know it's concerning to see you like this if people are trusting you to fix their cars." I stole the sheet to fold it.
He finally managed to pull himself up from the couch "I could fix anything in my sleep" he declared, almost stumbling onto the coffee table. I lent him a hand up to pull him towards the breakfast I set on the counter.
"Where are you off to this morning?" he yawned. My hair was in a high pony tail and I wore a white top tucked into a high waist floral skirt, a flowy cardigan and sandals.
"I'm starting to teach piano lessons. I've already got a few kids I'll be seeing a couple times a week" I revealed. Gotta dress appropriately.
"I thought you were looking for something on the boardwalk?" he drowned his pancakes in syrup.
"I'm still looking but everything's full. Some guy said nothing legal is out there" Grant began chuckling with his mouth full. Gonna take what I can and keep up the search. Right now my brother's apartment is a messy one bed room that his friends like to crash in. He gave me the bedroom since he always sleeps on the couch anyway but I was hoping to make the extra money needed for a two bedroom.
"Dad called to check in on us" I called from the doorway.
"Like he cares" Grant rolled his eyes.
"Don't say that." I defended, but they haven't gotten along in years. "Heading out"
"Good luck" was barely audible with his mouth full "Boardwalk later"
The sun was bright in the sky as I drove the buzzing streets of Santa Carla. I had a little time to spare before my first piano session so I parked and took to walking instead. Most of the downtown area was centered close to the boardwalk lining the beach. Summer break was now in full speed in northern California and moving here sounded like a great way to kick off having graduated from high school. In over 2 weeks here though, I've noticed a number of peculiar things about this town.
The city seems very alive with interesting characters at every turn. It floods with tourism and the notorious nightlife but every street lamp, bulletin and store window had a missing person's ad. I know every city has its shady side but its almost an epidemic. Call in Miami Vice?
I picked up a coffee and went off towards the designated address. I had 3 beginners scheduled for hour long lessons today and the first up was a rowdy eight year old that would much rather have been outside playing. I'll make it fun. After him was the over achieving angel whose mother would no doubt have her run for Miss America. After a lunch break, there was simply the girl who wanted to try something new. It's fascinating to work with kids as they grow into themselves and experience music they create with their own hands rather than be an audience. The pay might not be very high but it's a start here.
Late in the afternoon, my brother and his buddies would surely be off and hit the beach. I never knew he took up surfing. Should I be disturbed they call themselves Surf Nazis? There's a lot of them. In fact by the faces you see together, its obvious Santa Carla is swarming with gangs. My brother's group seems cool, though I can't say I'm crazy about all of them.
Walking through the beach crowds, I heard a voice "Hey it's the little sister!"
Spinning around, I found a layout of familiar faces. The one who called setting down his board.
Pshh…that's me, 'Grant's little sister'.
"Hey lay off man" another playfully shoved his buddy "she's not little anymore" he winked.
I rolled my eyes, approaching their set up. Some had just come out of the water while a few girls were catching the last bit of sun. "Where's Grant?"
"Catching a wave" they hooted. Blocking the sun from my eyes, I managed to spot him out on the next big one. All of them almost move like a canon. Others rushed back into the water. I gotta admit he's impressive out there. It was really nice seeing my brother again. The breeze feels so good and that sun set was gorgeous. Santa Carla is a strange place but the view is to kill for. I was left to sit by the other girls while they finished their ride.
"Woooh! That's my man!" Sandra cheered on Tony.
"Look at them go! Get it Johnny!"
"Go Grant!"
"Oh gosh, Cassi. Your brother is hot" Courtney almost drooled.
I cringed "Ew." they laughed.
"It's too bad he's been hanging out with Shelly lately"
"Ugh, how is she getting all this attention?" I know the girl their referring too. I'm honestly not crazy about who Grant's trying to date. They're not exclusive yet so she's back and forth between him and Greg right now. Maybe she loves the attention but my brother is nobody's fool.
"Has there been any news on the disappearances?" I overheard Lila.
"None. We thought they might have just headed on a road trip at first but there hasn't been any word" A few weeks back, several more people went missing. The only one I had properly met was Molly but this event still brings us back to the ridiculous amount of missing people in this town. Crime rates and gang activity are often presumed answers but without evidence everyone is left to their scary theories.
Night fall was setting in and it was getting darker and darker out on the sand. Gliding to the shore, we saw the last of the sun about to set at any moment. Everyone would be headed up to the boardwalk soon. It cast a shadow with the orange sky. The lights flickered on and you could hear the screams of the roller coaster blown with the wind.
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Sunset…
Even if the rays won't harm me it's been months since I've seen daylight. I've adapted to sleeping during the day and awaking at night because sun light still makes a half vampire weak. But I woke up a little earlier today, even with sun glasses over my eyes I felt like seeing the sun set again.
(Must start playing Welcome to the Jungle by Guns n' Roses! ;)
Sitting at the entrance of the cave, I sat watching the darkening sky. The waves crashed more harshly over the rocks at the base of the cliff with high tide setting in. I hugged my off-white leather jacket closer to me as the wind was incredibly strong over the peaks. The sun vanished from the horizon and a sensation of wails echoed from the tunnels behind me. The wind whistling with them. I looked over my shoulder at the darkness, knowing full well what to expect.
It's like the elements around us knew too, with the wind blowing my hair wild high and the waves crashing more violently. Hoots, whistles and cackling erupted out of the cave. One shot by me… two… three, four, all of them throwing dust to the wind around me, soaring over the ocean into the blackening sky and noctilucent clouds.
The feint sound of his chuckling ghosted through my ears and I shot into the air behind them.
The moon was glowing brightly tonight. Calm ripples of the ocean reflected its light the deeper it was, while nearing the shore shone the reflection of the boardwalks glow. Laughter, hollers and music from the crowds grew stronger. Clusters of people all around. And a live performance on the sand below. Couples, families, tourists, school kids and gangs of surfers, punks, skateboarders, artists and hippies all around. As lively as it was, it was both a playground and a hunting ground…
Every player of the night made their arrival.
Factions of Surf Nazi's flooded in. Cassi accompanied her brother and his friends. Her hair now down, in her Doc Martens and replaced the cardigan with her peplum leather jacket. Though not wanting to feel like a tag-along, she strayed to wonder again.
Meanwhile the boardwalk employees might feel overwhelmed with the crowds of people flowing in. Business poured in all around and the video store was no exception. Marina had a closing shift tonight but for the past two weeks had been very active on seeking out any sign of her vanished roommate on the boardwalk and around town.
Roars of their motors hushed as Santa Carla's most reputable bikers pulled in at the entrance of the boardwalk. Looking over the sign while stepping off David's bike, Scarlet had mostly stayed clear of the boardwalk those past two weeks. Ever since the massive body count went up in smoke at the alcove.
The boys swagger their way in with many in the crowds almost parting way for them. They might just be the smallest gang but very notorious. They scoped out the crowds and what many would deem normal for a gang of young guys; hollering into restaurants, cutting lines onto the games, moshing at the live concerts, harassing shop owners, flicking cigarettes down onto people, flirting with beach babes and shooting crossed looks at their most opposing gang, but the night wasn't just vandalism and funnel cakes.
Luring unsuspecting victims to their doom, no matter the buzzing crowds, the boardwalk had many dark narrow alleys, close by warehouses and unlit piers. They came like sheep that wandered from the herd. A couple looking to sneak privacy on the dock was descended on. The girl was pushed into the water while her boyfriend's upcoming scream was silenced. David had his, now Dwayne took his turn. Just as she made it back up, her date's head floated beside her. Gaping in horror, she was wretched out of the water next. Romantically, at least they died together. A Dealer and their punk customer gave an added bonus on their usefulness.
"Dinner and plenty of desert" Paul laughed, swiping the stashes.
A lonely penny pincher was put out of their misery over the narrows. And the classic and all around favorite; a lustful pretty face giddy at the attention served well to satisfy Marko's early craving. Their false sense of security made it so laughable. The horror and shock in their eyes made it all the more thrilling and fun before they were torn apart. Ripping their jugular, slicing their arteries, tearing flesh, seeing them suffer slowly and throwing waste far into the sea. Sometimes it was bonfires. People didn't die every single night, but bloody murder still made for one heck of a good time to a vampire…
Going about their business, Scarlet then simply turned away from the slaughter in a storm. Knowing she could turn heads, David just suggested she could lure someone their way for sport and she took an unknown offense to the idea.
Back near the shops, Cassi had come across the video store. Now as assistant manager, Marina would be closing on her own tonight.
"Hi, how you doing tonight?" Marina walked around the counter to greet the girl entering, while noting a familiarity.
"Good, you?" she smiled back.
She made a so and so gesture "Things have slowed down. Can I help you find anything? We've got the largest variety and the latest stuff"
"Actually I was wondering if you were accepting job applications right now ..?" Yes, no, maybe?
Marina had to give a regretful smile "Unfortunately, we just got fully staffed for the summer"
Cassi sighed but chuckled "It's the same all over town" they both nodded.
Taking a flyer, Marina had just been allowed to post it up on the store window. "I know. That's summer for you."
Catching a glimpse of the flyer, Cassi realized it was a missing person's ad and she recognized the face. Noting this "Did you know her?" she asked Marina.
Looking up from the tape down, she nodded "She was my roommate. Did you?" she quirked a brow.
"My brother's friends did. I had just met her on my first night here about two weeks back" she explained and Marina realized how she recognized her.
"I thought you looked familiar" she smiled "You're the girl from Open Mic night. Cassandra?"
They both laughed at realizing they met before "You were sitting with Molly. I didn't get your name though" she held her arm out to greet.
"Marina" they shook hands at officially introducing themselves.
"That's actually the night it happened" Marina noted.
"Molly was the only one I had met but I heard there were others that popped up all at once" it was kind of freaky to think how close to you something like that could occur.
"Same here. I have no idea where she might be but I'm starting to assume the worst" her tone now gloomy and disheartened.
"I really hope they find her. Try to stay positive." She assured. It wouldn't be too long till close so she decided to leave her to it and head back.
"Thanks, it was nice meeting you. Be sure to come around again" she brightened up.
"I will. And take care" they nodded, parting ways.
No change of luck tonight. Having walked out to the edges of the boardwalk, she passed several restaurants overlooking the pier. It was lined with jugglers, artwork stands and people skateboarding or sitting along the railings. Making her way back, she passed a group of Mohawks and muscle shirts harassing people who walked too close where they sat with a round of beers. Trying to avoid eye contact, it was actually one of the bikini girls with a boycut hairstyle that called.
"Hey didn't you just move in upstairs?" she beamed. There were so many people that Grant was familiar with she hadn't been good with names.
"I moved in with my brother so we're neighbors" she shrugged though still trying to just walk on by.
"Damn, you live with Grant? We'll be sure to drop by sometime" One guy with a green Mohawk slurred and winked.
She saw them stand to their feet. Jeez, this is what she gets for being polite and responding. Screw it.
"Please don't." they walked behind her "There's already enough wall and carpet damage we owe the landlord" People raid their things, empty the fridge and leave the apartment a wreck. A grip took hold of her forearm facing her back around.
"Well you clearly need to party with us" he cackled. Cassi loves a blowout as much as the next girl, but it's not as appreciated when so much of it happens at her brother's expense.
"I'm sure you guys have some good times but I think I'll pass" she tried pulling her arm away but he wouldn't budge. Now she was getting ticked off.
"We never hear Grant complaining" He calls these people his friends?
"Let go" she demanding sternly.
"Or what, you'll run to big brother?" they burst into laughter. An idea then came. It's like the only self-defense move she knows but when executed quickly its effective no matter the size difference.
"No, I'll do this" she quickly took his forearm and shoulder, maneuvered her leg and hip around behind his and pushed him back. The technique instantly flipped him over, colliding back first into the ground. Laughing instantly stopped when he met the ground. She dusted her hands and sped off.
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Nearby...
Scarlet was exceptionally upset but couldn't figure out why. It might have been all the gore she's seen but she's grown unusually accustomed to it now. Somehow his last suggestion had her more steamed than all the bloodshed. How insane does that sound? It coming from him was what especially stung. But why was she surprised…
Holding David's cigarette pack, she had stolen one for herself. It was all too easy to find a lighter. Strutting towards a pack of skateboarders, one sparked a flame and she took his wrist. While surprised at her appearance, she lit the cigarette on her lips before releasing his arm.
"Thank you" her voice resonant but sweet. They couldn't help but let their eyes linger her form in watching her leave. It was a pretty uncommon sight for a girl like Scarlet to smoke. Somehow it almost looked fancy. Stepping up to the Ferris Wheel, a good view always calmed her nerves.
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Waiting for the ride to start, I leaned my forehead for my fingers to rub my brow. Tonight has been nothing but headaches. Up all over the boardwalk were a new influx of missing people flyers. I'd seen Molly's as well and know that Marina is searching for her. So many people I was around that Friday night had been massacred so I decided to steer clear for a while. I know for a fact that the guys had scoped out Marina but maybe her working under Max serves as a safeguard. To what extent I don't know. Unfortunately, there wasn't anything I could do for Molly. I couldn't show that I knew her and once the boys have their prey in the perfect spot, I couldn't possibly stop it.
Just as the Ferris wheel was started, a voice called. "Hold up!"
"Sorry, mind if I sit here?" she pulled the bar down over our laps. The operator gave a thumbs up and started the Ferris wheel. I couldn't help but give a strange look at her sudden turn up next to me
She leaned back to catch her breath "Sorry if you wanted to ride alone. I saw the ride and just kinda jumped on without thinking" her eyes apologetic.
"What's got you so out of breath?" I inquired. Her attention wasn't on the Ferris wheel, more like she was avoiding something.
She groaned softly "Some jerks that know my brother were just hassling me"
I snorted "Been there"
"You have an older brother?"
"Well... several quasi- brothers" I grumbled. There's no precise way to put it. She gave a strange look but nodded none the less.
"I thought I had it rough" we overlooked all of the boardwalk and people down below. With how late it was getting to be, the sand and water in the distance looked almost pitch black now.
"I don't mean to pry but you look kind of down" even before she jumped on.
"You caught that, huh?" I tried sitting up straighter "Same hassles as you I'm afraid"
Maybe different scenarios but same hassles.
"Two peas in a pod" she gave solace "Sometimes you just gotta say piss off"
We laughed. I offered the remainder of the cigarette. It didn't look too appealing but eventually consideration crossed her. She shrugged, taking a small drag before we put it out.
"It might not be tequila but it helps" For me in more ways than one, though it wasn't a habitual thing. Laughing caused her a slight choke from it. I couldn't help being amused.
Enjoying the sight and breeze the rest of the ride down, we were the last gondola to be let off. Just as we lifting the bar, a set of hands shot out to press it back down forcing us to sit.
"What the..!"
"Hey..!"
Eyes wide, I recognized a group of grungy Surf Nazi's.
"Why'd you run off, Cass?" they taunted the girl next to me.
"Get off" Together, we forced the bar off and side stepped around them.
"Well, well, well…" In walking down, a set of arms set onto our shoulders and we looked up to see the mug of Greg, one of the self-proclaimed leaders of the gang. They like to rank with so many of them.
"You girls having fun?"
"No not really" I grumbled. What does he want? She wasn't kidding about being hassled. He walked us under arm and leaving the Ferris wheel, the rest trailed.
"So you're Cassandra. It's nice to finally meet you." He sniggered.
"Can I help you?" we kept trying to shake off his arms but he wouldn't budge.
"The girl went all Jackie Chan on Rufus" the group behind hollered.
"You know it's not nice to flip people. But you know what else isn't nice?" he held her closer by the neck "For your brother to try moving in on my girl"
She gaped, disbelievingly.
"Heard you were here, so I thought I'd let you help talk some sense into your brother. I love the guy but he's cruising for a bruising" she threw his arm off and he finally let me go too.
"You know what, leave me out of your guy problems"
Somehow I got dragged here but a side of me really had to speak out "You're so pathetic, Greg." I crossed my arms.
Finally recognizing who her companion was, I could tell he knew me. "Well if it isn't the biker bitch" he sneered.
"The name is Scarlet" Rumblings from the others were heard around us and he stepped closer but I wouldn't be intimidated. "Need to have your pathetic threats messaged like a coward? Why not say it to your rivals face like a man?" I taunted, smiling.
He glared "I can whoop some jerk offs without having to threaten their bitches" He then sharply turned to whom I now knew was Cassandra. "You better not be tangling with the wrong people" he warned. She then looked confused.
"Hey you need to just chill man" That was when another surfer with shaggy brown hair appeared.
Cassandra recognized her brother's close friend Johnny whom had spotted them. He was one of the few she was actually comfortable around. Greg needed to cool his block.
"Just two girls, man. Chill" he patted his back. Johnny knew very well about the bad blood that existed between the two gangs so Scarlet's presence was an understandable set off. And he did have this rivalry going with Grant for Shelly lately but none were reason to start up trouble.
Greg snorted before smirking down.
"Come on. A few of us are hitting the bars. Let's head out" Johnny motioned to all to of them.
"I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of each other" Greg tried to graze Cassi's chin when she moved it away. Then shooting a wicked look to Scarlet, Greg and the other Surf Nazi's walked on. Rolling her eyes, Scarlet nodded a bye before going her own way.
"Come on, Grant and the others are near the front" he led Cassi back.
Some of the smaller stands were starting to shut down, and younger crowds had already diminished for the night. Cassi would certainly be packing it in, but Scarlet knew the night was still young.
Finding the four vampires that watched over her didn't take very long when tension set off a cluster of people.
At the carnival game stands, what started off as a heated glare then used a simple game of Water Race to drench a group of surfers, mocking their favorite pastime.
"They sure caught that wave" the boys cracked up as David grinned.
Retaliation was to be expected, but it came with a pair of Speed Pitch balls zooming for the back of Marko's and David's head. Thinking it would strike completely unexpected, they were shocked to find all of them anticipated the shots. Dwayne and Paul snatched a perfect catch just in time. Their hands unfazed by the speed and both David and Marko turned around with knowing smirks in their eyes.
"Lose something?" Paul yelled as he and Dwayne sent them spiraling back. One ducked in time yet the other made a direct hit with one of their shoulders. Surprise was replaced with glares. Smirks were then replaced with scowls and both groups marched back ready for a brawl.
Standing face to face, bystanders maneuvered around the groups to avoid getting close. Several people from the games headed for the clear and employees were weary of getting security there soon. Everyone ready for all hell to break loose.
"Karma's a bitch" Marko grinned at the one fallen over in the dodge after trying to hit him. He launched up to stand face to face. His friends gave a warning look to Dwayne whom was only amused at the shot he made.
Trying to not let his wounded shoulder look hurt, Bryan glared menacingly at Paul who laughed mockingly. Another head figure of the gang, Chad hissed to David "Pretty sure this is our part of the boardwalk"
Scarlet pushed her way through the crowd and found the scene just in time. This can't be good…
"I don't see your name on it" he blew smoke in his face from the cigarette. Suddenly, Chad snapped and shoved David back, though it wasn't long until David knocked him back for his friends to catch. Bryan aimed his fist for Paul's face, but he made a perfect dodge, sending his own fist to smash his cheek. When Cooper tried shoving Marko, he twisted his arm around to yell in shock so his friend attempted to push Marko off. Two other surfers attempted to tackle down Dwayne who struggled yet stood tall like a wall of steel, shoving them at bay. Beach girls shrieked and cleared the way in the struggle when more hits and shoves made violent blows. More people cleared from surrounding games and security was yelled for.
Coming up behind David, Scarlet hoped her presence would get them to pull back from each other but the struggle kept her at bay. She had no choice but the watch as people were thrown and knocked over.
Grant saw his friends in a struggle and attempted to step in to their aid. Shelly stayed at bay. Few had the courage to try and pull people off of each other. He tried lifting Cooper up, whom was seething to land a blow. He himself was shoved, catching his footing and almost hit when his friend dodged. If a hit took aim at him, he too might go at it.
Johnny and Cassi came just in time to find a crowd. Hearing yells and struggling, she couldn't at all see what was going on. Johnny pushed his way in to help, leaving her on the outside to try and see over people's heads.
"Stop!"
"Back off, man!"
"Why you..!"
"Piss off!"
"Eat my shorts!"
"Get lost"
"Bastard!"
Was someone fighting? Was her brother here?
Suddenly a screeching whistle overwhelmed the entire tussle. Scarlet fell when another shove was sent to David.
"Hey! Break it up!" the security on duty pushed their way through and many pulled their hands back. Several then dashing for the exit to avoid trouble.
"This is your last warning!"
One had received a busted lip and fell near Scarlet. The Lost boys stood their ground while the others scrambled up. Scarlet was the last to be seen between the groups and while some would assume she was hurt, that wasn't the case at all...
"David" Dwayne noted to their leader, breaking his glare from Chad to notice Scarlet holding her mouth, eyes shut.
"Boardwalk's closing, exits right there, I want you all out of here!" They looked wearily at one another by the security guards demand.
Ordinarily while her thirst would be a great thing, there was too much of a crowd to stay. Surprising even her, David pulled her to him and through his arm over her shoulder, guiding her to the bikes. Everyone was pushed to the exit.
Having to follow the tall crowd, Cassi finally spotted Grant and pushed her way through.
"You alright man?" Grant checked on his friends, whom looked furious. Then spotting his sister "Hey there you are"
Grumbles were heard all around "What was going on?" She hadn't seen a thing.
"Imma break his face the next time I see him" Bryan muttered.
"Don't worry about it" Grant consoled. Shelly had rejoined her own friends so he guided his sister out the boardwalk.
"Sometimes tussles breakout" Johnny noted. She followed their gazes and over the large masses of the crowd that hit the street, she spotted four people revving their bikes. She only saw their backs but one of their outfits she very much recognized.
"I sat with that girl on the Ferris wheel" she noted. They were a gang of bikers. All of the opponent gang glared heatedly at the bikers as they sped onto the road, riding off.
"You stay far away from them Cass" Grant warned sternly.
The turf war face-off seemed over, but it would send into a scramble a list of names that were being bumped up to the top of a certain hit list. The order of who is next is always up in the air. Each time the sun sets over Santa Carla, who will survive the night?
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Trying to keep it at a realistic pace. Dramatic irony all over the place. Stay tuned! Next chapter is a flashback so we'll see more of the lost boys all over it. I need to know how you guys are liking the pace, and story so far. Please review to let me know what you think!