Chapter 4)
I'm back :) This chapter turned out longer than I thought but I doubt others will be any longer than this. After this we're taking a break from flashbacks. Thank you to my new followers Koyner-Sigguros-Levine, callmelittlewolf, , Fire and Ash, and a special thanks to Rosey and Shastadragonairtamer for reviewing. You guys are great and I hope you guys continue enjoying my story.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lost Boys
.
I ran.
The air stung my burning throat while I panted furiously to scramble away. The kicking of dirt, twigs and rocks sounded as I ran through the wooded area before Hudson's Bluff. Suddenly the joints and muscles of my arms were starting to feel very strained but I ignored it and pushed on.
"tsk, tsk, tsk… so stubborn"
"You can run, but you can't hide!"
"You're only making it harder on yourself"
"Ha, ha, come on! It's just a little blood!"
I could hear all four of them. Their cynical laughter echoed in my head. I growled, thrashing my skull forward; my hair waving all over. I stumbled trying to shake them off. Catching my footing, I still ran. I hate their telepathic ability to communicate. As a half, it's not something I can do but they can penetrate my mind for me to hear them.
I focused on getting back to the cave, there I'd be at peace and find my remedies. My eyes glowed and my throat and lungs were on fire. It's like I had swallowed battery acid and whisky. I was so thirsty…
It's been a while since I've let the guys see me like this. I think I lost them, or they finally relented. The tenderness David had with me at the boardwalk earlier was something I hadn't seen in quite a while now. But the comfort it brought me vanished when I realized they were scheming a set up for my thirst. One second he was holding me close, the next I'm face to face with a fresh corpse. Holding it up and locking me in place, they came close to forcing me. Breaking away, they were instantly on my tail. Every corner I turn they held that slaughtered body, pulling me back, holding my jaw, tossing them on me, laughing each time I fled.
Chest pains were stiffening over my ribs but I wouldn't stop. I took to the air as flying would get me there instantly but just as I neared the sandy cliffs, I fell back to the ground. I couldn't properly fly like this. Haggardly breathing, I held my abdomen as I stumbled over the sand. I'd gotten use to the symptoms of a screaming stomach, burning throat, chest and limb pains but…
Almost five months…
Absolutely no one has ever been a half for this long…
The ray of the lighthouse shines out to me…
Almost there…
I can't believe those jerks! How could they do this to me? They just love seeing my thirst. I was seething, this isn't over!
I stumbled to the trail and stairway that would lead me to the entrance at the base of the cave. Using the rails to steady me, then came the very next shot of pain and a groan shot out…
Just then I froze mid step on the stairs, eyes wide and completely immobile. Ow... The stiffness in my left arm turned to a stab; it took over it and shot up. Suddenly I wail with my rasping breath, clutching my chest fiercely, I was struggling to get oxygen. The railing had to keep me up. What's happening?
Argh…! It's not passing… It's not a beat skip.
This…
The vampire blood in my system is…
I-s this a heart attack?
Jolting involuntarily, my legs gave out and I topple forward. I fall hard onto the remaining edges of the staircase. Tumbling all the way down the wooden steps, I finally land over the rocks at the bottom of Hudson's Bluff. A sharpness dug into the back of my head.
The entrance is right there but the sound of the waves grew further, the beam from the lighthouse faded and my vision finally blackens.
.
The beating slowed, and slowed, and stopped.
.
.
.
Can't stay a Halfling forever…
The thirst will devour you…
The sand in your hour glass will run out…
Is this what he meant?
You don't know me, kid.
Scarlet…
.
.
San Francisco~ 1981
"Scarlet!"
She could still here him yelling from inside. Suddenly she tripped, scraping her knee over the pavement but still didn't listen, got up and dashed towards her bike on their front lawn. She didn't care that she was barefoot in her night shirt, and shorts. All she wanted was an ounce of his attention but when she has it this is what she gets?
Scarlet refused to sleep at home tonight. No doubt she'd be in trouble when she got back but she still pedaled out onto the street with her father calling from the porch.
Her cheek throbbed in pain but she never let herself spill a tear. Never. To the outside she looked like the perfect Daddy's girl but for years he hissed that she grew more and more like his ex-wife, her late mother. It was engraved in her mind. Even in death he spoke ill of her, of them both. Never letting it rest in peace. Did he fight for custody out of spite? Was his greatest failure all he saw in her..?
And they are stuck together. Somehow Scarlet managed to care for her father, but when would she be free of this? What day?
He hardly cared that she fled to the clubhouse on the neighborhood playground, but today she chose to ride further. Pedaling through the hills of the neighborhood, she found herself admiring her bicycle. Riding through the brisk night air, there was something about riding it that was alleviating and freeing. What she liked most was when she didn't pedal and let the hills carry her down through the air. It felt like flying…
So she decided to keep riding further and further. Biking through town, at least she had a sweatshirt. It wasn't very late at night just yet so several places were still open. In clearing her mind, she'd somehow rode by the entrance point of the Chinatown area. Wow, she'd never entered before but the lively crowds, lights and signs looked so fascinating. Maybe it's about time.
The street wafted with delicious smells from the restaurants and chatter from the shops. It wasn't only Chinese Americans, it swarmed with tourism as well. With these streets she had to step off her bike. The shops had so many cool things. There were a few dollars she had saved in her sweater pocket, so what she desperately needed was shoes. Managing to find a stand with a variety of sandals, and a struggle to communicate with the old merchant, she was able to buy a cheap generic pair. Anything to walk on was good.
Returning to her bike, she was kind of hungry since they hadn't sat down for dinner earlier. Unfortunately, she wasn't sure she had enough for a plate of anything around. Definitely not enough to sit at a restaurant table so she opted for the fast food. Passing all the chow mein, pickled vegetables, duck and beefs, she settled for some dumplings.
She resumed her exploration, passing performers in her wake, alleys and streets. In crossing the road, she and the other pedestrians suddenly shrunk back at the passing hollers. Stumbling back to scrape her leg on a pedal, a series of motorcycles zoomed by.
Complains were yelled in their wake. Jeez, if her bike could do that…
She stopped to listen to the music playing on the corners, she watched a set of acrobats display a routine of gymnastic strength and skill. The last of her money was able to get her a candy while she roamed the market areas. Trinkets, souvenirs, she was happy just wandering. She didn't have much experience with nightlife and it all looked so fascinating. She loved the feeling it brought her. Feeling so adventurous, the flow of the crowd brought her to the strip of lounges and bars. It wasn't very late quite yet but people started filling in. Today's music sounded from one of them. People conversing outside, she passed a couple of girls walking underarm a blonde rogue with hair and clothes like a rock star.
You could get lost in a crowd of strangers with all the faces and melted away distinction. Scarlet made sure to keep a safe monitor of her surroundings. She may be here alone in her PJ's but most people didn't look her way for very long. She was surrounded by strangers but she's wise enough to look out for herself now…
This may sound silly, but for her it felt so cool being here all on her own.
Guiding her bike further down, she passed all kinds of outdoor seating. Through all the characters, a very bright jacket with a few assorted patches adorning it stood out as the most unique. She couldn't see the face but she wasn't the only girl to notice the jacket and cascading blonde curls as the boy was approached by several flirty smiles. She passed several women with promiscuous intentions in their eyes.
She knew San Francisco was laced with a debauchery underside, as was every society for centuries or millenniums. Despite some vulgarity, it was eye opening to witness. There was still culture and experience there.
A parade looked to be approaching ahead. The streets filled with cheers. The crowd surrounding her left her unable to properly move, though a few tall figures were able to push their way by. She'd make it out if she followed their trail so she quickly let one lead. In keeping up, she was suddenly shoved, as was the tall stranger unknowingly guiding her out. Scarlet fell with her bike, while her guide was barely fazed.
"Watch it!" A new figure hissed. The youth wore a university tee shirt, brown hair, and glared at the brunette she had been trailing. He had long black hair and a leather jacket. He glowered dangerously at the college boy and his two friends. Somehow, he didn't even have to say anything before you could see a quake in their eyes.
"There a problem?" A new voice sounded, though one she couldn't see with the flood of people around, while trying to stand. The three that shoved people did see him and suddenly anyone could tell they were intimidated.
"Let's go" they glared, brushing by her down below them.
Their quick leave knocked her bike back down. "Hey" she scoffed. But they barely noticed Scarlet in their quick retreat. It was then the brunette had the graciousness to stand her bike for her. Before she could fully word a thank you, he followed behind the voice she hadn't identified.
The crowd was closing in again. Swiftly, she trailed the openings they left and broke out of the cluster from the parade. She was able to watch from a clear distance and once it finally passed her street, the space allowed her to resume her bike ride.
Pedaling down towards the next walkway, she slowed near the corner and set her foot down when a familiar sight caught her. Across the way, parallel to a lively bar, she spotted the tall dark featured boy she walked behind just minutes earlier. He stepped over a motorcycle, roaring it to life; however, his bike wasn't parked alone. Leaned against a second motorcycle, a spark inflamed the end of a cigarette. His companion had spiked platinum blonde hair, contrasting his attire topped with a black coat. They looked about the same age. Could that friend have been the voice she heard earlier? She saw the brunette speak with him before he nodded. Revving the motor, he flashed down the street leaving the blonde on his own.
The parking lot was lined with the alley and conjoined with the bar. Several groups passed him, some catching eye with what were extraordinarily piercing blue irises. She leaned her bike against the brick wall she sided with. Something about this stranger somehow had her staring. She's pretty sure she's never seen him before but there's something in his essence that looked familiar. Out of the sea of faces she's seen tonight, he very much stood out to her.
She tried shaking off the thought. Wandering across the street, she neared the popular lounge. Aiming to not let her eyes drift to the mystifying stranger, she situated her bike near the narrow wedge of two brick walls where she could return to it. With all the bustle these places had, she just wanted a little peak of what went on in there. Music was great but Scarlet didn't understand what was so great about alcohol.
There was once a time she burned her tongue with some Tabasco sauce and she sipped her father's scotch in thinking it was water. Safe to say that didn't help the burn. Not to mention her middle school course had already begun an intense lecture in health class over the effects of smoking. She'd caught wind of several boys, even girls in her grade already busted with cigarettes. She sought enlightenment. Stepping by the doorway, she got a whiff of tobacco, teriyaki chicken and sweat all mixed into the cool air of the dim lounge. Before she could take another step in though, a figure appeared over her.
"Whoa, what are you doing in here?" the man looking to work for the lounge stopped her in her tracks.
Did she really look so out of place? She scrambled for an answer, "Oh um, I was looking for a friend"
"You're not gonna find any of your friends in here, sweet heart. Run along to play somewhere else. Adults only" somehow, the tone of his voice sounded condescending. She would have let it go if it didn't somehow feel offensive.
She crossed her arms "Go play? Mister, I'm not a little baby. I only wanted to look around" she retorted.
"Look, am I gonna have to get our security to walk you out to find your parents?" He warned, then made a hand motion, waving over some brutish men. "You suck" She stuck her tongue out at the creep and stomped back outside. Rude! Isn't it supposed to be a free country?
Arms crossed, she sighed in disappointment, fiddling the necklace around her neck. It looks like her exploring can only go as far as the street markets. A few steps up the sidewalk, she was able to once again spot the blonde stranger from earlier, still leaning near his bike. She'd never seen a boy quite like him before, so somehow her eyes kept drifting back to the biker. He was definitely not 'the boy next door'. Closer than before, she realized the spikes in his hair were longer near the back to fully style what's called a mullet. Stubble lined his jaw but he still had a youthful face. If it truly was his voice she had heard earlier, everything about him spelled power and intimidation; maybe even frightening, which would explain how unnerved the boys they confronted earlier became. Somehow though, that's not what the thirteen year old felt when looking at the older boy.
He was handsome. And he just looked interesting all together. Thinking this almost felt inappropriate for her but it was very much true. She was several feet away. Leaning back on the wall, she upheld the same stance he stood with. Even while she watched people and busyness pass them by, her eyes somehow shifted their way back up to the stranger. Her eyes then flickered to the ground, confused on why he was so peculiar to her…
"You gonna stand over there all night, or you got something to say?"
Broken out of her thoughts, her head shot up to see at her left, several feet closer in the same pose he'd been in, the blonde biker taking a drag from his cigarette...
She was left dumbfounded on what to say. How had he suddenly appeared much closer without her noticing? Had he seen her earlier..? He noticed her watching?
His gaze finally shifted down over her. Only about 5 feet apart, blue met blue.
"Cat got your tongue, sweet pea?" he drew out a puff of smoke "Or are you dozing off being out past bedtime?" she could tell he held in a chuckle looking back forward.
The 13 year old stood up straighter, noting her height was probably at his shoulders.
"I was only startled to see you standing there" she defended before declaring "And I don't have a bedtime"
He grinned, still watching the crowds "Oh I apologize then Miss, but the kitty pajamas kind of gave that impression"
She had to blush at this, zipping her sweatshirt higher. The sleep shorts had tiny hello kitty faces on them, and the white tee had a big one.
"Hey these are old and besides, girls of all ages love cute things" she almost pouted.
"Of course, right" he sounded amused, lifting the cigarette back to his lips "You gonna answer my question?"
Scarlet shifted in uncertainty. Even she wasn't fully certain why she was watching but opted for the basic answer "Um, I didn't mean to stare" she fiddled with her necklace "I recognized your friend from when we were both shoved by those jerks earlier. I think I heard your voice too. I just happened to notice you guys is all" she shrugged, still leaning against the wall to stare up at him release a smoke. He only gave a half nod, though didn't even look back at her through the explanation.
It felt a little awkward for people who seem so different to be talking, but somehow she wanted the conversation to continue.
"You're bike's really cool" she added, playing with her fingers. After a moment he finally looked back down at her. Still leaning there beside him, even he found them talking to be unusual. He had no involvement with kids whatsoever. In fact, he's sure he frightens kids. They never come near them. What is this girl, maybe 12? He knew he drew the eyes of hormonal, sultry young women. The allure of someone dangerous drew them in like flies, but little girls no doubt shriek away at his presence. He's exactly the kind of stranger they get warned about. He had noticed her staring and intended that talking would scare her off, yet here this perky mortal girl is giving him a soft smile.
"Thanks" he blew out. "Nice ride" eyeing her bike.
She had to blush "thanks" she noted sarcastically, but still chuckled. This coming from a biker, of course there was nothing to compare.
They stayed silent when in the next moment, he drew the eyes of two passing tourists. They smiled flirtatiously as they walked past, giggling when a curve rose at the corner of his mouth. Afterward, he noticed the young girl still stood a few feet to his right, still glancing curiously to him. This really called attention to what a girl her age was even doing out on her own on the strip of bars and lounges in Chinatown.
Their eyes locked for a long moment. An expecting glance from him while she tried to find the words for what she had been wondering. "Um, could I try one?"
He arched a brow, not having anticipated that kind of request. Shirley Temple was just a bag of surprises. He was by no means any kind of authority figure or supporter so it was of no consequence to him. Humoring the idea, he held out his still fresh cigarette to her, not believing she'd actually take a drag.
"Didn't your Daddy ever warn you about this, kid" he puffed. She took it into her hand, confused "What?"
"Smoking with strangers" he teased.
Her expression hardened, being reminded of earlier tonight. "No" she stated "Sometimes strangers make better company"
"And why's that?"
This time she remained quiet, eyes drifting off in looking at the cigarette he'd handed her. She knew many life lessons from her mother, her father… he was just there. Her legal guardian. Her hand always found its way to her necklace, twirling it in her hand at those memories.
When it didn't look like she'd respond, "You don't have to tell me if you don't wanna" he dismissed, head leaning back against the wall.
Whatever had this kid out here was a shame. Sad really. She looks entirely out place here. Whether talking to strangers or not, once the hours get late this sweet girl is exactly what the word victim looks like. She's easy prey for all the wasted drunks that would come out, pick-pocketers, desperate thugs, or sleazy perverts. The night is filled with freaks, wicked souls, deceiving and dangerous monsters. Someone like this would make an easy meal out of her… someone like him.
Scarlet sighed quietly. Releasing her necklace, she decided she'd try the cigarette. Softly inhaling, it was instant that the scratchiness caught in the back of her throat. Flinching at the sensation, her immediate exhaled cough made her hack at the sensation.
Well that was embarrassing. His eyes shown complete amusement at her reaction while he casually took a drag, releasing a smoke ring with ease. She beat on her chest slightly to clear her throat, which was when a shining object drew his eye. Hanging around her neck were two pendants, silver and gold. Catching this had him do a double take. It wasn't just pendants, a golden heart locket hung familiarly with a silver dog tag. A memory was suddenly drawing back to him. "Where did you get that?"
Her hand shot up to where he directed "Oh" he was talking about her necklace. She thought back to both instances "My mother gave me this locket with our old family picture, and then…" the second memory took a moment longer at recalling that night as a small child. Recalling she got lost… recalling a stranger who's face she couldn't fully fill in but still thought fondly of. She shrugged with a smile "An old friend gave me the tag and chain when I was a little girl"
Oh you've got to be kidding me…
Looking back over the young girl, long wavy locks framing her face, blue eyes, rosy cheeks, taller but still growing; this is definitely the same girl now that he remembered more vividly.
He laughed dryly, flicking away his cigarette.
She looked confused. Knowing she couldn't finish it, she put the cigarette out.
With that calculating look he was giving her "What is it?" she pondered.
Crossing his arms, he took a few steps forward to lean onto his bike. She felt the need to follow a few steps. Hands in pockets, he cocked his head slightly "I don't know what kind of a job your folks did, kid; but I'm pretty sure this friend of yours warned you about getting lost and talking to strangers."
Blinking a few times in silence, hearing him say that allowed her to fill in that faint memory. Looking the stranger up and down, her lips parted slightly and eyes widened at the realization. Fully striding up to him "… It's you" signs of a smile began rising "That was you that helped me that night wasn't it?" That's why something felt so familiar when she saw him!
"Well isn't this a pleasant surprise" he mused. She had to laugh, smiling brightly. What are the odds?
What are chances he runs into the same little girl twice near dark alleys? That's gotta sound disturbing. Is there some kind of message he's not getting here?
"I see you're still not staying out of trouble." He taunted.
She shook her head "I'm not lost this time and I'm perfectly fine on my own. I was just riding my bike and realized I've never been to Chinatown." Scarlet defended proudly.
"Pshh, whatever you say, kid" he turned to straddle his bike. As lovely as this reunion was, he was due to meet up with the boys for a busy night.
"What about you?" She noted it looked like he was ready to head out but Scarlet found herself wishing to talk longer with him. It truly was a pleasant surprise from her childhood.
"I'm still that wandering stranger that saved your tiny ass. But I can't say I'm always such a 'Good Samaritan'" he revved his engine. What a lucky girl, he's never spared a person twice. Best he take off before he changes his mind.
"But you're not a stranger to me, David"
He paused, pulling his hands back from the handle bars. So she remembered his name. Strange for someone to say it with such an innocent smile on their face. He tried picturing this girl battered in blood, yet a strange sensation overcame him when the image didn't come to mind quite like how he was expecting it. "You should pedal on home, kid"
She couldn't help but wonder if he remembered her name too…
"I take it you have to get going?" He'd probably be meeting back with the dark haired biker or any other friends he might be here with. It was brief but it had still been nice that she got to see him again. Even so she wasn't ready to head on home quite yet. She liked it out here.
He nodded, and she looked understanding. "Till we meet again then" what would those chances be?
She pulled her bike from the alley, but while she did this, an idea was forming. She began down the sidewalk, only thing is that wasn't going in the direction he recalled she lived near. She gave one final friendly wave.
Suddenly a set of tires made a screech forward. She jolted at seeing David on his bike, up close to the curb beside her. "You hungry, kid?"
Huh? She was confused. "Me and a few others are getting some food at the Kam Lok. Find your way over there and we'll treat you."
He was offering to get food together? "Umm.." Contemplating the thought, it put off going home for a little longer, and she was curious to go through with it. "Ah okay. Do I follow you?" She looked from her bike to his.
"Sure, if you can keep up" his grin was almost devilish. There wasn't any room on the sidewalk, and other bikers were pedaling by cars.
His bike roared when he zipped onto the road and she mounted her bike in astonishment. Before she could even find a clearing to pull in, he was already rounding the corner ahead.
She gawked. Well clearly he had no intention of waiting up. The condition was she had to find it on her own. Argh… out of all these restaurants? Well she had the name. The Kam Lok?
Scarlet set off in the direction she'd seen him disappear, hoping to still catch a glimpse of him. She'd likely have to ask for directions from here.
After a back and forth search of nearly being trampled by cars, hitting pedestrians and struggling to understand the accent on a few locals, Scarlet finally caught sight of the Kam Lok signage. Pulling out front, she saw a line of bikes outside the restaurant and the familiar platinum hair through the window inside. David certainly wasn't alone. Now she started second guessing her decision. With him sat three other bikers; the brunette she had seen before and two blondes she might have spotted around town earlier. All four of them together now gave her a timid feeling.
Now that she really thought about it, David didn't look much different from how she remembered those years ago, but he and the others could be anywhere from… 17 to 25? Is that a good guess? At 13, she's obviously noticed boys already and even if all of them are way older, they were still cute...
Now she really did feel silly. Here she stood all panting, hair a mess and in her PJ's riding a skinny bicycle, about to join them in there? This is probably every young girl's worst nightmare. She thought it best she just leave. That is, until all four heads caught her through the window…
Eeep…
He signaled her in. All of them chuckling to themselves. Like a robot, she walked inside. Moving passed the busy tables, she could feel each one of their stares while she watched her feet.
"Uh hi"
"You certainly took your time, kid" looking around, they all looked done with their food. Each of them laughed, while she shifted awkwardly.
"Aww sit yourself on down, sweetheart. We saved you a plate" The rock star looking boy stood up to motion towards the seat between him and the curly haired blonde. Looking to David, he nodded as well so she pulled herself in sitting right across from him.
"These are my boys Paul, Marko, and you know Dwayne" he introduced each one.
She gave a wave of recognition to the brunette since he lent her a hand earlier that night. He nodded his head in a 'what's up' signal, to which she smiled.
"Dig in, girly" the curly haired one pulled a plate of chicken fried rice and a fork in front of her.
"Thank you" she finally smiled to each of them. Truth be told, she was still very hungry. Three dumplings and a candy wasn't a very decent dinner, especially since her bike riding washed things down. This definitely wasn't the kind of night she imagined she'd go through when she woke up this morning.
Scooping the first quick bites into her mouth, she savored the flavor before noticing each of the boys eyeing her eat. Uh oh, is it her table manners? Is soy sauce on her chin?
Scarlet sat up straighter, making sure to eat with poise.
"You're sure liking those maggots" Her hand paused in reaching for a napkin. She looked back to David confused. His smile once again had that devilish quality to it. All of the boys were still watching her and they began snickering.
"Huh?" She swallowed. What's so funny?
"He said you're eating Maggots" Paul instantly clarified, grinning.
"They taste good?" Marko added, a Cheshire grin behind his thumbnail.
Her eyes widened. Maggots? She had a huge dislike for bugs to begin with, and suddenly the rice on her plate looked to be crawling all over the chicken.
She threw the plate back, having it clatter all over the table and shrieked loudly. The restaurant was bustling with noise already but the volume of her scream still managed to turn a few heads. At the same time, David and his friends began howling in laughter at the young girl's reaction. Even after the shock, here distress still didn't stop as her chair fell back on its two back legs in her scramble to retreat.
Luckily for her, Paul and Marko reacted quickly to save her chair from falling over.
"Whoa, take it easy" David still smiled "We were kidding"
Her heart was pounding in her ears, when Dwayne turned the plate back over to reveal the majority of spilled rice "It's just rice" he assured. When they told her that, she must have freaked out too fast and her mind played a trick on her.
"Should have seen your face" Marko noted.
"That wasn't funny!" she pouted, glaring while fighting off a blush. She tried seeing the funny side of it but it was hard with them laughing at her.
"Ah, chill out girl" Paul patted her back, taking a drink.
"Come on. Can't take a joke, kid?" David tried to console.
She finally managed to calm from the trick and crossed her arms "You know you keep calling me the kid, but the last time a boy tried to trick me to eat bugs, we were five." She taunted "Who's the kid here?"
"Ooooh" the boys smirked to each other at the witty remark.
David still had to grin at this "True, but who's to say we knew you'd panic? Don't tell me your hallucinating, Scar…"
"Its dim in this place" she defended. It was an embarrassing moment for her. It just seemed so real, why did she jump like some frady cat?
Marko and David looked to each other.
"Well it's a shame you still haven't eaten properly" He motioned to his right hand man in approval.
"Here, we still have chicken chow Mein" Marko pushed one of the To-go boxes before her.
Finally over the joke, Scarlet smiled. "You sure?" it must have been one of theirs.
They nodded. She took some chop stick and pulled open the flap. Seeing it up close, her eyes widened and she shrieked "Worms!" she jumped, releasing the box but it splattered on her lap.
"Oh!" they howled.
The boys were in hysterics with their laughter above all the sounds in the restaurant. A few complaints were yelled for them to hush, which they ignored.
Ready to scream again as the food hung all over her legs, she blinked to realize it was just a mess of noodles on her. How is that possible? She could have sworn..!
Standing on her feet now, a mess of food on her legs, complains from other patrons and the boys almost falling over in cackles, a lump formed in the back of her throat. That had honestly freaked her out. The girl was just 13, and her instincts were winning over her pride. She didn't see any funny side this time. As they continued laughing at her, tears threatened to spill from the rims of her eyes.
She tried to fight it back in glaring.
"Worms"
"Priceless!"
"It's all on her"
"We need to get your eyes checked"
Is this the only reason he told her to come here? All their jokes and humiliation finally pushed the tear to trail down her cheek. She wouldn't take it standing though. Marko and Paul's laugh on either side of her, she grabbed some noodles and pushed them inside Marko's jacket.
"Hey!"
Next she gave Paul a swift kick to the shin.
"Ow!"
Scarlet didn't even bother looking in David's direction, running out of the restaurant in tears. She didn't stop outside either, bike forgotten she ran down the streets of Chinatown. And to think she thought it had turned into such a good night. Suddenly she was fleeing again. She didn't want to be there anymore. Her feet carried her all the way back to the Chinatown gate on Grant Ave. when she finally exhausted herself. Feeling so drained from dashing so far, that's when it finally sank in she had left her bike behind.
She dried her eyes and contemplating going back. But it was such a far off path and she just wanted to leave, her bike was best left forgotten. Cherry on top of a perfect night. The strawberry blonde sighed, leaving Chinatown behind.
Most day time businesses were closing. It was barely starting to get late as she contemplated where to go. Home seemed like the only option. Just as she was up the street, the rumble of an unknown vehicle was behind her. The light shone closer on the road but when it didn't pass and it sounded right by her, she looked up to find David pulling up to the curb. The other boys didn't look to be with him.
"You left your ride back the-"
"Leave me alone" she cut him off, storming faster.
"Where you going? If I recall correctly, your neighborhood isn't exactly a close walk"
"That's my problem" she countered.
"What's the matter, princess?" he casually drove is bike beside her "Did my boys and I hurt your feelings?" he smiled "I told you that you didn't know me"
She finally stopped, fully facing him with a sneer "You were mean. I was happy to see you again, but sorry if I was cramping your style. You didn't have to be such jerks though!" she told him off with pride.
He gave a feint chuckle watching her temper tantrum, "Alright, alright" he waved his hand "I'm sorry. How's that?" his voice was obviously being sarcastic. He doesn't mean it. Arms crossed, she still refused to look at him.
"I said we're sorry" his voice still taunting "Scarlet?" she glared.
David rolled his eyes, sighing with a stop to his bike. "Okay fine" she faced him again. Face free of smirks, his eyes with sincerity "I'M SORRY. Happy?"
Her eyes shot down to the ground. Leaning back and forth on her feet.
"If I recall correctly, that last time we met you enjoyed riding my bike" her gaze finally met his with a questioning look. What was he insinuating? It was answered when he motioned to his Triumph. "How bout I take you home for old times' sake?"
Her mouth parted slightly with the awe of the suggestion. If he was trying to make amends… well, it had her somewhat tempted. It would be cool. Looking back and forth between the bike, and the lane of street lamps ahead.
"I don't have all night, kid" he declared.
Facing her best option once again, she conceded with uncrossing her arms while trying not to look too excited "Okay"
Albeit with a slight struggle, this time she was taller and able to straddle the bike on her own. Hesitant on where to put her arms; you're supposed to hold the drivers waist right? Her choice was made for her when the bike sped forward, automatically bringing her arms to hold his abdomen.
"Try not to fall off"
Scarlet did exactly that as the wind was blowing through their hair. Lights and buildings passing them by so fast, the memory was vague but she did indeed enjoy being on his bike as a little girl. It had been so thrilling to be that young and do so, and even now it was an amazing experience being on a motorcycle. A smile couldn't help but spread on her face over the ride. This felt amazing.
Directing him where to go, they agreed it was best he leave her up the street so no one would see how she arrived to the house. When she noticed ahead that the lights were out, a very sad feeling came to her. She didn't show it in facing David again though.
"I suppose this was a decent apology. Thank you… Again" she couldn't help but crack a smile.
He lit a cigarette between his lips "Get on out of here, kid."
"Stop calling me kid" she asserted, though still fighting off a smile. He smirked in a 'not gonna happen' way. That's all she was after all.
The wind had left her hair in such a mess, she pushed her long waves behind her ears. Standing near the lamp post, she looked over her shoulder at her house again. Two somethings caught David's eye with this. The first and foremost being "How did you get that?"
"What?" she turned back confused. He directed to her face and her hand shot up. She hadn't forgotten but didn't realize swelling had continued there. To his eyes, a discoloration was starting.
Scarlet was astonished. He had never hit this hard before. It had hurt but a bruise was beginning to show? "I don't know. Maybe when I fell earlier…"
He cut her off with a huff of his cigarette "Who hit you?" expressionless, but his eyes demanding. How the hell does America's little darling here get hit?
When an answer wouldn't come, the strangest sensation overcame her when their eyes locked. The blue of them looked like they were looking into her very soul. The look in his eyes gave her a bizarre sensation before it was broken. Delving into her mind, he knew all he needed to.
Problems like this were honestly of no importance to him. He didn't even like kids, yet there was something in this girl that he's able to identify with. Could he see a potential in this girl to be what they are? Is that it? David found all the others. He'd chosen them. Does the fact that he hasn't ripped her throat out mean it's because she could be the first female to be like them? He wasn't so sure…
For now…
"I got a better idea." She listened. "You're already out. Pretty sure you're not gonna be missed another few hours" She tilted her head.
"How's about you take off for the night" Leave again?
"Where to?" eyes wondrous.
"Sometimes its best to not ask questions or think too hard on it. Remember what I told you..?" She tried thinking back to their past conversations "Just get on my bike and ride" he finished. She blinked a few times in wondering about the possibility. How was it he lived like this? All of them probably live like this. Ever since she met him, he represented a freedom and non-conformity that enticed her. Is it something she could trust? Despite the night's earlier stunt, she's never feared David. She very much admired him.
Given the choices, it would make no difference in returning to the house now vs. later. His suggestion truthfully had her intrigued.
"Live a little, Scarlet" What did she have to lose?
It wasn't long before she sat behind him once again, adrenaline pumping as three other roars surrounded them. Pausing near the entrance onto the Golden Gate bridge, she looked shyly to David, Paul and Dwayne.
"Well look who's back" they grinned and didn't look to have any hard feelings from earlier.
"Alright boys, let's go" Tires screeching on the pavement, all four bikes shot forward onto the bridge, lights and water all around them. The view was so entrancing. So they'd just figure out their destination as they went?
Transitioning passed all the cars, it wasn't long before David yelled over to them all. "Let's pull onto I-280 South. When we reach CA-17, we'll go till we hit the coast"
Cheers and cackles were yelled by all the others. They seemed to understand it with ease. Where would that lead them? Guess she'd have to wait and see.
David and the boys scrambled inversely past other cars around them. Racing and hollering at the thrill.
She couldn't believe she was riding his bike again. This time, she was seated behind him. The lights from other cars passed them by. The repeating beams of the street lamps, the sound of the ocean beside them. The wind blowing by their hair. She felt so alive, she felt so free. Trusting herself to unwrap her arms from him, she leaned back further and further with her legs keeping a firm hold onto the seat so she could look up at the night sky. She waved her arms out and felt more of the wind flow through her. It was probably dangerous, especially without a helmet but she wasn't one bit afraid. It was kind of like flying.
"Hang on, kid"
Suddenly, a revving was heard and she felt the back of the bike launch forward. Eyes bursting open, she was hauled up into the air and felt her stomach stopped by David's back. There was no dangerous crash but there was a whole new view.
"Oh my god!" she squealed, bursting with laughter at the amazing sight. David had revved to bike forward and was balancing them on the front wheel as the bike still drove!
"Woooo!" he himself yelled and Scarlet followed suit, throwing her hands in the air.
Seeing them, the boys even encouraged her excitement. In her opinion, the drive through the night had gone by too fast, but in reality they drove for over an hour. Pulling off of the highway, onto town roads, she thought to ask where they thought to come.
"What is this place?" she leaned up for David to hear.
"I've been all over the west coast, kid. I've past through this town before." He called back to her. "Pretty cool place. You'll like it"
The town was named as they revved by the sign 'Welcome to Santa Carla' it read.
Dwayne and David had been to this town before, but this was actually the first time they introduced it to Paul and Marko as well. Reaching the heart of the coastal town, Scarlet's eyes were overwhelmed with enthusiasm.
"A boardwalk?" she gasped in excitement.
"Yeah, this place has quite a history. Its start-up dates back to the late 1800 and early part of the century." They pulled into the parking lot.
"Check this out" Paul grinned, as he and Marko took it all in.
Scarlet gazed all around in amazement while David shared with the boys all he knew about the place. Dismounting their bikes, Scarlet felt the liberty to shoot off ahead. They trailed behind the excited young girl, though slowing down in thinking 'control yourself, you're not a child.' This only served to amuse the four older boys.
But she'd never been to a boardwalk! There was so much to do! All the games, the giant rides, the fun houses, the mirror maze, the carousel, the haunted house! She wanted to see it all! The boys were actually starting to act decently towards her. They allowed her to see all of this, usually taking to waiting nearby but actually mounting along on some of the bigger attractions. Competitive matches were set off at the game tables with who could knock over the most bottles, breaking plates, shooting basketballs, and Dwayne smashing the Hi-Striker. The Freefall had her hands in the air, the Logger drop had Scarlet soaking wet, the Tornado had them dizzy, the Rock & Roll had them jamming.
There were several instances where she saw the boys receive warnings for causing disturbances in the area, but Scarlet was momentarily in her own little world. Spotting the Carousel, she mounted one of the wooden horses without any questions asked. It might seem like a kitty ride, but the experience was too majestic for words. If only she had a camera for all this.
The ride made its circles to the jolly carnival music and she closed her eyes in leaning on her horse. She was very much happy right now. The boys were having a smoke while eyeing each time the strawberry blonde made a round. She looked so up in the clouds, it was laughable but… cute. After another round, Scarlet managed to lock eyes with a certain blue pair. Holding their gaze the entire time until she passed, David may have been expressionless but Scarlet was beaming back. This is when she realized even through the few things the boys had participated in, David had yet to do any.
The thought didn't sit too well with her. Being so filled with energy, when the ride ended she marched right up to him "Is there something you wanna try out?" she pondered.
"Pretty sure you're having enough fun for the both of us" he dismissed.
"Come ride something!" she declared.
"Excuse me?"
The boys started laughing.
"Let's go on a ride" she ordered.
"No"
"You have to! Drop the cool act for a minute and get on a ride" she trailed behind his walking form. The boys grinned at her antics. "Come on!"
"No"
"Yes"
"No"
"Yes"
"No"
"Yes"
Twenty minutes later…
"Now is this so bad?" she grinned victoriously while he had a glower on his face. She succeeded in having him accompany her on the Ferris wheel. She had a view of the entire boardwalk and all the gleaming lights.
"Yes, I would have settled for the roller coaster or the Fireball, but no, you had to choose the effing Ferris Wheel" This didn't faze her.
"Oh come on! Look at the view! Besides, earlier I was on the verge of puking" Scarlet retorted.
"Anything to shut you up" The boys were waiting not far below. He had smacked their heads for mocking him.
She couldn't help getting a warm feeling after the night she had. Turning to him, it just kind of came out "Look thank you for tonight. You're definitely the nicest stranger I've ever ran into"
David sighed internally, shaking his head "I'm not nice, kid. In fact… I can be very, very mean." His voice softened, looking out to the night.
Well yeah, after the food thing it was proven. Scarlet only smiled "Sure but it doesn't make you a bad person"
"Actually it does. A very bad person." He smirked back to her, voice lowered "And I enjoy every second of it"
Rolling her eyes, her smile didn't falter, leaning back to watch the sky "Fine, your bad to the bone"
She shifted in remembering that she would have to go home soon. It brought the thought of when they had been outside her house.
"I tore up our living room" she confessed. David turned to her at the statement.
"Since I last met you, my mom passed away. I'm only with my dad now but we're not very close. It was never the same after my mom left him. And he's always seen so much of her in me…"
Maybe she's just a constant reminder. David stayed quiet.
"A few weeks back was my thirteenth birthday. A boy in my class walked me home, and I got my first kiss that day" she blushed. "That was when my dad came outside, exploding in anger. He had him running for the hills" That actually sounded pretty amusing.
"In all honesty, I was actually a little glad to see my dad like this. I must mean he cares… that is, until he called me a harlot" harsh… She was somehow feeling more comfortable to share this with him.
"He may be neglectful but if I ever mouth off or step out of line, I certainly get his full attention. I'm just never good enough in his eyes. So when I exploded on him earlier, throwing lamps, frames and cracking the TV, that's how I earned this" she brushed her hair behind her cheek. Though this is the first time her discipline has left a mark.
"You don't need his approval." David's response came faster than she thought. He saw a great many things in her mind. Hearing the explanation just helped piece together some of the reasoning.
"If he's wallowing in how he failed your mother's happiness, don't let him ruin yours by waiting on him for affection. Don't let him screw you up" He leaned back, propping his boots onto the gondola.
"Best thing you can do is make your own way, and look for your own life as you grow" he was telling her to get out of there as soon as possible. He could tell she was adventurous; she had her own journey and family waiting. "Hurry and grow up" he looked down into her eyes "Then don't ever look back."
It almost sounded like a challenge. Not too many years away, it would be a big step to take, she thought.
Could that be what he's done? He said he was a wanderer. All of them were. It was a strange way of life but the freedom it possessed sounded incredible. It got her thinking about all the places she had ever thought to go. He could see all the thrilling cities buzzing through her mind.
Who knows, maybe this could be her first stop. Santa Carla was positively incredible tonight. "I will" Just like that. Who knows, maybe their more alike than they think.
He smirked at the declaration.
In the next few moments that their eyes stayed locked, that's when something happened. Her smile faded and eyes shot down at feeling her face grow hot. Oh my gosh, her heart was pounding…
David snorted quietly. Cute, she has a little crush now.
The boys would sure get a hoot out of that. Speaking of which, they caught them not too far ahead as they were let off the Ferris Wheel.
"Fun, huh?" Scarlet teased after composing herself.
The boardwalk would be closing soon but before it did, Scarlet was hoping she could do one final thing. The Sky Glider had the best view of all. In asking this, they rejoined the boys whom had started up a little chat with a small group of girls. Everyone immediately turned their way.
"This is David" Dwayne introduced. Setting their eyes on the illustrious leader, they looked just as enthusiastic.
"Hi" each one introduced themselves to him, and one even noticed her "oh that's sweet. You brought your little sister" they smiled.
The statement caused a strange irritation in Scarlet. Before she could spill a snide retort, it makes sense to assume something like that. That's a logical idea when they see this group of boys with such a young girl. Its not like they were being rude.
"So what are you guys up to now?" a tall brunette with short hair inquired. It seems the older group had taken their own conversation around her.
"Boys and I were just heading for a drink" David flashed a charming smile with almost a wicked glint to his eyes. "Care to join?"
She looked up at him. But what about the Sky Glider?
They girls chuckled in consulting each other "Oh. Well um sur-.."
"Hey we've been waiting for you" Another voice had approached the group of teenagers.
They were boys. Walking up, they sported board short, tanks, bandannas and buzz cuts.
The girls looked like dear caught in headlights "Oh, we were just-.."
"Who the hell are these guys?"
"Friends" Marko had a cheeky smile on his face. The boys all smirked at the ideas forming in the opposing groups minds.
"Well get lost. They're with us" several of them seemed to step up close to one of girls.
"This is my girl" one or two would call.
"I don't see your name on her" Paul mocked.
"These ladies can make their own decisions" David added. Suddenly he was shoved by the jealous boyfriend but it only served to amuse him.
"Why don't you piss off and mind your own business" he put his arm around his girl and turned the group away.
"Take a hike"
"You got off easy" their groups took off towards the beach but the boys only stared back in complete amusement. She was starting to worry there. The idea of them getting hurt was an awful thing to think about.
"David..?" she voiced. The looks they exchanged really had Scarlet confused.
Finally remembering she was with them, David handed the tween a bit of money. "Boys and I are getting thirsty. You head over to the Sky Glider and we'll meet you back at the bikes. Wait right there, kid" he instructed. It looks like she was on her own for the last ride…
"Alright"
Climbing onto a carrier alone, she tried not to let it faze her. It carried her high over the boardwalk and the beach. There were so many bonfires illuminated on the sand. Despite the ups and downs, she was glad to end the night this way. She had a feeling she'd find her way back here one day…
Who knows what would happen after? It was highly doubtful David and the others were going to stick around, but maybe this time… it might be nice to keep in touch. She couldn't see him ever writing her a letter, but if he's ever back in San Francisco… maybe he wouldn't mind just dropping in…
In thinking of them, that's when Scarlet realized she saw four figures far off below. Cool, that's them! They were actually walking down the steps elevated from the sand below. Weren't they getting drinks? Why were they walking further onto the beach? It came to a point where it was too dark to see them that far off in the dark.
After she was let off the Sky Glider, she passed the bikes and discovered they still hadn't returned. They weren't making their own bonfire were they? They wouldn't just forget to meet her right? Another thought then suggested trouble. Oh no, they wouldn't be looking to try and settle the score with those guys from earlier right? Men and their egos. The very idea left a worrying sensation in her stomach.
She couldn't just wait for the worst to happen. She scurried down towards the sand and took off in the direction she saw the boys walk. The bonfires did well to light up the way but luckily she also had a mini flashlight she won from the games earlier.
Trudging the high and low dunes, she couldn't believe how far out some people were setting up their bonfires. They were more and more spaced out the further she walked. She didn't like being out here in the pitch black but there was still no sign of them. Jeez, it's likely they already walked back but she didn't notice in the dark out here. Just as she was going to turn around, she caught sight of a flicker further up the beach. It was certainly a ways off from the boardwalk. Much of the sandy planes were even lined with tall grass or moss out here. Could they have seriously gone way out there?
Well… it was the only place she hadn't looked. The flicker was actually huge so once she was a good ways close, she'd be able to tell if it was them or not. She didn't have to approach entirely. Her sandals were in hand to make it easier to walk but she soon found herself walking on planes with sedimentary rocks poking her feet. More tall hay and dunes in her path, Scarlet was finally able to catch some figures but turned her light off in realizing it was those guys and girls they met. A boom box was playing and several were dancing around the fire, some girls roasting s'mores while certain couples were snuggling or making out right in their own little worlds. Scarlet felt like she was intruding with these sights. Since there wasn't any sign of a confrontation here, worrying about the boys was unnecessary. She quietly snuck back into the shadows to leave.
Before she could leave any further though, the very next sound drew the lanes of where this night hit a fork between harmony and insanity. Rushing back at the sounds of screams, Scarlet was met with things that a person can't un-see. Things that you never forget, things that demolish the innocent quality in one's eyes. These exist in horror films, or a person's most vivid nightmares. But it comes with a paralyzing blow when you realize you're already awake.
Four dark figures had descended from the black sky and the next thing she knew, flesh was torn from bone. Clavicles twisted, collar bones snapped, the sand sprayed with red. Screams of bloody murder and absolute horror beat into her ears. A couple kicked and screamed from the ground while bites were taken from both of them by one figure. Entrails were pulled by vicious fangs as they drank. A girl squirmed under one of the figures and a brave spirit even latched onto their back to break her free. It happened in vain though, as the girl was given a front row seat of the boy having claws sunk into his skull and his entire head flew off in the maneuver to dislodge them. Scarlet shrieked as well but caught it midway out of her mouth, tears spilling from her eyes. They walked like humans but beast in nature. The fierce growls they emitted were demonic with laughter of pure evil. The next thing she knew, bodies and limbs were being tossed into the bonfire.
"Hey Marko, catch" an arm was chucked through the air.
"Toss that in Dwayne!"
Scarlet was too absorbed in the initial shock to move or properly think before it finally sank in that they were communicating. What had they just said?
M-marko? Dwayne?
The fire had shadows cast over their forms but if they walked near it, their features were more detailed. That was when she recognized the jacket with a few sorted patches. Their hair was curly. What the…?
Next she recognized the hair and jackets of Paul… Dwayne… and finally the trench coat that was indeed... David. One final memory came to her…
"You don't know me, kid. I could be a murderous vampire for all you know"
Vampire?
Once it appeared like the final humans were drained almost dry, they had done a thorough job of finishing everyone. Her survival instincts were screaming at her to leave before it's too late and she finally found the feeling in her legs. Move! Get out of here!
She couldn't stand just yet. She crawled back through the tall hay in order to stay hidden. Tears welling in her eyes from the horror. Still in shock over her discovery…
She kept sneaking looks back to make sure she wasn't spotted, but just as she was out of the grass needing to run a shadow did indeed turn around. Faced with no other option, she shot up and ran for her life.
Eyes puffy, she finally sobbed, panting and whimpering with the trauma. Her shoes and flashlight dropped, moonlight was the only thing guiding her in the dark. She turned back again, finding relief that no one was following; that is, until she looked forward and a large black figure swooped into her path.
She finally screamed, falling backwards to the sand. The tall dark figure had coat flaps that almost waved like wings.
"Eavesdropping? 'Curiosity killed the cat', kid" It was David.
She crawled backwards from him in hysterics.
"You were not supposed to see that" his voice icy, eyes glowing that yellow she imagined those years ago. Had he killed that man?
"How very disobedient" one step forward "ill-mannered" another "and troublesome of you" the closer he came, the more sobs fell as he stood over her.
"Y-you… you" she sniveled "you're a vampire?"
"What? You thought I was kidding when I left you at your nana's?" he harshly taunted "Unfortunately, humans can't see what you've seen and live"
Her eyes widened when his gloved hand gripped the collar of her sweatshirt. She shrieked and struggled when she was lifted by one hand. Her feet off the ground, she was now able to look down at him, moonlight shining on his face. It was no longer animalistic but blood still coated it.
"You've been a naughty little girl, Scarlet" he glared "We'll have to do something about that"
.
.
.
"You're not going to remember this talk. Up to this point it was just a very bad dream cooked up by your silly little imagination. You'll laugh it off, you won't even bother mentioning it. You'll forget it and move on. It was all just a dream… Are we clear?"
.
Scarlet shot up in a sweat. Taking a moment to catch her breath and wipe her brow, where was she? Looking around, it was morning and she was… back in her room.
She caught her breath and sighed in relief. My gosh, what a nightmare. Details were fading by the second after breaking out of rem sleep…
Kicking out of bed, she tied her hair, and listened for any noise downstairs.
A strange feeling came to her. She tried recalling how the night started…
Her father… They had fought.
Hadn't she run out of the house last night? Slowly making her way down, she was relieved to find her father had already left for work. Scanning the living room however, there was still the damage she caused last night. Looking out her window, she found her bike was back on the front lawn.
Hadn't she left that behind when she was in Chinatown?
Or… did she ride it back?
Had she really met David and his friends last night?
Dashing back up to her room, she found a certain something on the floor. Yes, she had run out last night. That part was real. She ran out and she indeed went to Chinatown. She bought these cheap sandals there!
Sitting down, this was the part where it was hard to distinguish where reality ended and her dream began. She laughed. She actually imagined David and those other boys as vampires. Maybe she recalled the joke he told the first time they met and that's how she imagined them like monsters. But how had she dreamt him and the others completely out of the blue? Her hand fingered the two pendants still around her neck. That's gotta be it...
She shot up again. Yes, she did run into him last night! There was no way it was her imagination that created those amazing views and sensations from riding his motorcycle. After he brought her to the house, maybe one of the boys had brought her bike back for her. That must be where the weird dream started….
(Start playing Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler; play it till the end)
She'd found her answers, or at least she thought she did. For some reason she was still unsettled moving on further into the day. Why did it feel like there was a hole in her mind?
Somehow she wasn't satisfied with the answer. She knew the whole monsters drinking blood was a wacky nightmare, but couldn't the part of the boardwalk be real? It was so amazing there. She had so much fun. It had truly been the perfect night. Thinking back to when she and David sat on the Ferris wheel, she bit her lip feeling butterflies in her stomach.
What was wrong with her? He was way too old for her but… he was just so..! She couldn't seriously have dreamt up those feelings too...?
She didn't have an answer for it. Would she ever hear from him again? It certainly didn't look that way. Even if she never saw him again, there was one feeling that would never leave her alone. Had that trip to Santa Carla been conjured up by her imagination? Or had he really taken her there? The only way she would know for sure, is if she found Santa Carla and she returned to that boardwalk one day.
.
That was a goal that certainly wasn't going to happen anytime soon.
Somehow this girl was just the luckiest mortal on the planet. Somehow he spared her again. Was she destined to be one of them?
No, he wouldn't have it at all.
That's enough playing with mortal kids. She could just continue living her pathetic little existence. Her memories are handled and he's certain she wouldn't go asking questions. They wouldn't meet again beyond this point. And if by some tragic turn of destiny they did run into each other again, no more luck and no more mercy. He manipulated her mind. Poof, gore and fangs were only a vague dream. But if this kid were to meet him again…
He would kill her without blinking… and he'd enjoy it until the life left those aggravating bright eyes of hers.
.
.
.
"She's never drank human blood. This can't be normal could it?" Dwayne pondered.
"How the hell are we supposed to have a clue?" Paul muttered.
"I'm telling you she's fine" the annoyed voice of their leader brushed it off.
The boys had found Scarlet's body at the base of Hudson's Bluff on the end of the previous night, however, the sun had come and gone since then and it had been over a good 16 hours since her body lay not unconscious… but without a heartbeat.
"How do you know?" Marko called from one of the higher levels in the hotel lobby.
"Because there's still vampire blood in her system" he aggravatingly took a drag of his cigarette.
But halflings are still supposed to have heartbeats. Laying on the mattress she took to sleeping in, her form was laid out in the exact same position they set her down to. Not a stir, not a breath, not anything.
Even though they didn't voice it, it was buzzing around in all their heads that this girl had finally been devoured by the vampire blood inside her. Every hour that she passed without a heartbeat, it would suggest they were just harboring a corpse. Having these thoughts enter their mind link every hour was what was starting to aggravate David.
After returning to the bluff again, they found her without change but went about things like they normally do.
"How long will this last then?" whispers...
"I'm pretty sure fighting it killed her" they snickered.
"Oh for the love of god, I'm telling you the kid is fine. Would you drop it already!" David finally burst in irritation that startled even the boys. She can't be completely dead with the blood in her system. That's how the rules work… right? True, he's never seen this done but … that's how vampire nature works. She is not dead...
Suddenly a small thump was heard. David spun around being the first to notice, followed by Dwayne, Paul and Marko.… a slow rhythm of beating had sounded.
A sharp breath of air was taken in. Her heart had finally restarted…
"Well what do you know…" Paul whistled at the discovery.
"She's coming back" Dwayne noted
Slowly, the voices of the boys began registering in her mind. Her blood pressure was moving very slowly to start out, but the flow to her brain allowed her to become aware once again of her surroundings. Scarlet however, did not open her eyes.
David felt his shoulders lower, then scoffed. "Didn't I tell you? She's fine"
Scarlet was able to process who's voice that was. Recalling the earlier events that knocked her out, she realized they must have found her. She could have opened her eyes now but decided not to. Her breath was kept even and she now gave the appearance of being asleep, however, David was the only one not fooled by it when he caught another look her way.
"This is what she gets for being so petulant and stubborn"
Scarlet couldn't explain what had happened to her; that world she created. Entering that state of mind had really felt like dying.
"Looks like a new symptom so it's probable to happen again. Even if it does end up killing her. It'll be her own damn fault for not following through with turning like she was going to. Maybe next time she can just stay out there and rot" She didn't let the sting show, keeping her facade. Luckily her head was faced away from where they all stood. Seeing their second meet again and now hearing him voice that was hurtful… and infuriating. She wasn't that sweet kid anymore. That almost felt like an eternity ago...
That memory wasn't their last meet, but it was a turning point. With no understanding of how, years later it would go on to happen a third time. The third time being entirely different. She had finally turned into a young woman. Scarlet was fine to open her eyes again, but she refused to turn and opted to sleep for real this time. Feeling his gaze linger on her back, she drifted off, clutching her two pendants.
.
(Fun Fact: Jim Steinman said he wrote Total Eclipse of the Heart as a vampire love song. I just found out lol)
Okay, flashbacks are done for quite a while now. She's not a kid anymore so its definitely not gonna get cutesy. Remember its the Lost Boys we're talking about. As much as we love them, they are still evil vampires! Next chapter we get back to the present time mayhem and the other characters we've met. Please REVIEW! :D