Chapter 5)
Disclaimer: I do not own The Lost Boys or any of the music, movies, or places referenced in this chapter.
Bold will represent POV changes. I'm going to try labeling it if the scene/setting changes.
A big Thank You to Pandadrama, Wrote too Soon and Twisted Guitar for following and an especially big shout out to Shastadragonairtamer,emily quitadamo and ZoopBooper for reviewing. Hope you like this chapter.
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Sunrise…
After the decadence of the night, Santa Carla was often left in wakes of chaos, whether it be the clean ups on the beach, the boardwalk, or even resident homes…
She stirred out of her sleep. Slowly opening her eyes to welcome the morning sun shining in through her window, she felt an odd warmth behind her… It turns out there was another weight on the bed.
Everyone passed out in the living room suddenly burst awake at an ear piercing screams followed soon by a yowl of pain.
Grant tumbled off the couch at the yelling, "the hell…?"
Groggily pulling himself up with frantic eyes; others had flinched and moaned at the wake up call.
It took him a moment to recall what had happened as another one of the guys stumbled into the living room holding their forehead "Argh! Dude, your sister almost cold-cocked me with a table lamp!"
Cassi stormed out behind him with said lamp. "Your pervy friend got into my room and fell asleep on my bed!" she countered. Note to self, get another lock for bedroom door.
Some of the 'guests' waking up laughed at the scene. Looking around, the place was in shambles. The front door was even left open.
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Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, Grant finally glared "What were you doing in there?"
"Hey I didn't touch her. I swear" he held a hand up in defense.
I scoffed, crossing my arms. That still doesn't make it okay. Johnny appeared and gave him a smack to the back of the head.
"That's not cool, man. Get out of here" Grant declared. That's it? Uh, I was kind of hoping he'd beat the crap out of him.
"I think I'm bleeding" he looked at his hand, walking out.
"Serves you right" I shot. He's lucky my pepper spray was across the room.
"Alright freeloaders. The door is right there" Johnny cracked.
People were already starting to make their way out. Three friends stayed behind but at least now we could get things back to the way they were.
"And this is supposed to be a Monday?" unbelievable.
"That's Santa Carla" The guys laughed. Matt helped me pick up the plastic cups.
I'm surprised I was able to sleep through that. And without even realizing someone came into my room. After scolding my brother on how our apartment had been ravaged, I took pity on their hung over state and made a hefty breakfast for all of us.
"How did you even get by before I came out here?" Seriously, all of a sudden its on me to cook, clean and do laundry.
"Pop tarts, canned soup and take out" Johnny grinned, snatching Grants plate from him.
"Hey"
"Those were dark times, Cassi, dark times" he ate from his plate.
"Your mailbox was overflowing" Frank's girlfriend Debbie entered.
He groaned, "Junk, junk, junk, junk…"
I rolled my eyes with a grin. That junk is our bills. We're in debt, whoop, whoop. It wouldn't be like that if he knew how to spend more wisely. I set out another plate for him and laughed when Frank snatched it this time.
"Hey!"
Cracking another two eggs onto the pan, my brother called "Looks like mom sent us a post card"
I spun around instantly snatching it from him in excitement. "Let me see" I read it over. It's how we're staying in touch.
"How's the crusade with Indiana Jones going?"
"She joined the peace corps." I correct, though still laughed at the joke. Ah, our mother. She's out living her dream of adventure. Our parents were both hippies when they got together in college. Over time our father grew out of it, but mom remained the free spirit. Domestic life was never really for her so as soon as I got my diploma, she was done raising kids. She headed out for an African safari of sorts and I decided to come to northern California.
I read over it and admired the picture of her with the local villagers. Looks like things are off to a great start for her. "Wow, she's really liking it out there"
The frying then seemed to grow louder "Uh I think that's past over easy on the eggs" Matt laughed snatching the grilled cheese next to it.
"Opps" I spun back around to the pan.
"Oh come on" My brother was still groaning in need to get some greasy food to absorb the alcohol. Tough, he never learns.
The eggs were a little well-cooked but still good, and it didn't take long to add the bacon. Our front entrance was connected right with the kitchen so just as I slapped on the waffles from the hot iron and turned around with the plate, the front door flew open.
"Here-.." I cut myself off when we were startled by an entrance.
"Don't mind if I do" Greg and a few others of the gang suddenly walked in.
My brother and I both gawked disbelievingly. Grant because someone snatched his breakfast again and I because he just waltzed right in with our door hitting the plaster.
"Sup fella's" he bit off a piece of the waffle.
"Uh, hello? You couldn't knock?" How is it people keep doing that?
"Since when are we for formalities?" he snickered, turning to face my brother. What ever happened to common courtesy?
"What's this I've been hearing? You have a party and you don't invite?" he inquired feigning offense while he ate more of the waffle. Grant finally took to just snatching the plate back from him, leaning on the stool.
"It wasn't really a party, man. We were just drinking and then more of the neighbors started showing up" While more of the guys made themselves comfortable, I was still examining the door. Note to self, invest in two locks. One for my room, another for the front door. Hmm, and one for the bathroom just to be safe. Apparently breaking and entering is no big deal around here.
He chuckled "Its fine man, we were on the boardwalk anyway. We hung out with Connie, Marcia, Judy… and Shelly" I could tell by his tone that he was taunting my brother. From the expression that came to Grant's face, it looks like it was working with that revelation and Greg was rubbing it in.
"…Uh cool" he crossed his arms. Others looked amused at the little feud they've been having
I sighed quietly while adjusting our door to close properly. It looks like Greg's got the upper hand now in this love triangle and I hate to see my brother so bummed out. It didn't last very long though because suddenly he scarfed down the rest of his food and shot up, hangover forgotten.
"We're killing day light. Let's hit the waves"
"Yeah!" the other guys sounded.
"We got that competition coming up. All of you better be competing" Greg challenged the room.
"Who's taking home the gold this year?" Johnny hollered.
Oh boy...
"Here we go again" Debbie helped me fix up the kitchen.
From what I've heard, there's a big surfing competition coming up that their gang dominates. In fact, all of the head Surf Nazi's are titled champions. Performance is also how they recruit new members. All of the guys shot up and brought out surfboards that they haul around with them everywhere they go.
"My beach, my wave" From the hidden glares that my brother and Greg had behind their eyes it's pretty clear that both of them have their sights set on first place. They have all this bad blood with other gangs around town but when it comes to settling things within their group, surfing is how they work out their differences. Now it looks like Shelly is the next disagreement to settle the score on.
"Surf's up!" Grant declared. Suddenly all the gang cheered and broke out of our door, boards in hand hitting the entrance and even taking out the door knob.
"Grant!" I yelled after him. Jeez, our apartment is still a wreck! One completely ruffled my hair while passing and I instantly brushed him off.
"All you girly's better get those bikini's and catch us out there" another cackled, following behind him. Debbie and I rolled our eyes.
Debbie gathered the dishes while I did my best to adjust the knob back on. Fixing the door and most of the living room, that's probably as good as it's gonna get. He's supposed to be my older brother. Why do I have to be the responsible one of the two?
It was still pretty early before my first instruction of the day. I had some free time to kill so throwing on a flowy romper, I decided to go out to the beach after all. Debbie was calling some of the other girls to lay out for a while. She's probably the girl I've gotten closest to around here. I walked barefoot onto the sand. The breeze felt really good with the morning sun but… what was that smell? Brushing a few strands out of my face, the ocean air almost had an odd stench behind it. It's probably just the litter left out here after the bonfires each night.
A few workers were going around collecting the trash and astonishingly I noticed some people were even sleeping out here. Probably from the night before. Pretty soon the beach would be packed again. Watching the guy's race out with their boards, they kicked sand onto sun bathers and scared off kids near the shore as they torpedoed into the water. Swimming out, it looks like Grant has the lead this time.
My brother and I were very close growing up. I've definitely noticed sides of my brother that have changed in these few years he's been away. I understand why he chose to stay out here. Santa Carla seems so fun and full of life. I really wish I could be reckless and worry free like him but somehow there's a part of me that can't help being concerned. There were strangers going in and out of our apartment for crying out loud! And this town has shown the after effects of its deviance.
I don't care at all for any gang rivalries they have going on, but those kinds of clashes can easily turn violent. The little breakout I was told about this past weekend proved that. I'm even skeptical about some of his more distant gang buddies... What's harmless fun can have its tables turned and blindside anyone. My brother is all I have here…
I just hope neither of us downturn into any disastrous consequences….
Walking over the wet sand, I began to notice shells uncovered by the water. Admiring the designs, it wasn't long before I began gathering a few.
I flinched at a sharpness that dug into my foot. Looking down, I saw a tiny cut was made. Picking up a small yellowing sharp rock, I looked it over. The bizarre shape and texture, I then realized it was... bone. I cringed.
It was the only thing washed up. Must have just been from some kind of sea creature. I'm no marine biologist though.
I shrugged it off before throwing it back to the water.
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Nightfall… Video store…
My stomach growled. The hunger already has me eager to close so I can get some dinner. I'll probably heat up yesterday's leftovers before packing it in. Logging in a few more of the rentals that were returned, I took them underarm to put back on the shelves. Just as I was halfway through the stack, another client walked through the door. Shelving The Goonies, I realized it was the girl from the other day. "Hey, how's it going?"
Spotting me across the aisle, she smiled back "Hi again. It's good; had a descent line up of piano students today."
"Oh you teach piano?" That sounds fun. Since I heard her at karaoke night, it makes sense she has an admiration for music.
She nodded "Part time, yeah. While the job hunt goes on it scrapes together a little cash" we both laugh. "What about you?"
"Long day. The second assistant manager was feeling sick so I offered to stay and close. I'm hungry, tired and the soles of my shoes are killing me" I dramatically groan.
She gave me a sympathetic smile "Oooh, I'm sorry. That's gotta suck"
I shrug "Girls gotta do what a girls gotta do"
Cassi nods as we both lean against the counter "I know the feeling. This morning I woke up to some creeper in my room and a bunch of other drunk people that left our apartment like a herd of elephants passed through." My eyes widened.
"While my brother and the other drunken sailors went to the beach, guess who had to clean that up?"
I laughed when thinking over the description "Oh gosh, is your brother a Surf Nazi?"
She nodded "Run by Cowabunga Hitler himself" we broke out in laughter at the joke.
"Good one" In my experience, some could really be assholes "A few have of them have snatched some of our merchandise in the past" Other businesses on the boardwalk know the feeling.
"So were you looking for anything in particular?"
She shrugged "Anything you recommend?"
"Well let's see…" we both started scanning the aisles. "Any genre in mind?"
"Hmm…" we browsed.
"Labyrinth?"
"Seen it a dozen times already"
"Okay… Nightmare on Elm street"
"Noooo, cannot do horror" we laughed. That rules down a few.
"Ferris Bueller's Day off?"
"Seen it"
"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun?"
"Seen it"
"Return of the Jedi?"
"Hmm, yeah we'll do that one"
I handed it to her and it was then that What a feeling by Irene Cara started playing on one of the monitors. In our search, I noticed both of us mouthing the words silently and another answer hit me "Have you seen Flashdance?"
She noticed the video too "Actually no, I just know the theme music"
"Give it a shot. I like it, you might too" we both chuckled.
"Alright, I'll take your word for it"
She followed me to ring out at the counter "And take care with some of those guys. All the gangs around here have some kind of reputation"
"So I've noticed." She assured. "Thanks, Marina. Be sure to get some rest"
"You know now that I think about it, Rocco's Bar might be having an opening soon" I noted, seeing as how staff became short. "There's no word on my roommate Molly so far…" I sighed, looking to the ground.
"I'm really sorry to hear that"
I took in and released a big breath of air "Well they can't stay understaffed forever. Do you want me to put in a word for you?"
She smiled but didn't look very certain "I don't know. With how things are, I would have preferred to stay away from the bar scene or late night shifts…" I can understand the point she had, nodding.
"That's actually being smart" I admired, one has to look out for themselves.
"I'm not sure I can be picky though." She shrugged "Thank you, I'll give it some thought. In the meantime" she waved the tapes. We both strut towards another beat of the song on the monitors.
"Pictures come alive you can dance right through your life…" bursting into laughter, we both waved "I'll see you around"
Hearing that the song still had about another 30 seconds left and no one else was in the store at the moment I couldn't resist… I shot my arms up, took a sultry stride, shook my hips and spun with flare a few times before it ended.
"Keeping yourself entertained?" I spun around to the door and saw Darren smiling.
Every time you have a private moment, someone walks in! "What are you doing here?" I laughed.
"I was on the boardwalk and thought I'd drop in. You closing tonight?"
I recounted to him all that's been going on lately. He knew already about Molly and my new job position. Having someone check up on you was a very comforting gesture.
"Okay you are in need of a drink. Hurry and lock up the place so we can get you something" he declared making me laugh disbelievingly.
"I'm just gonna crash at home with some leftovers"
He shook his head in refusal "Hey I said I'd treat you sometime, remember?"
"I didn't realize getting coffee actually meant getting alcohol" we both snorted in laughter. None the less, it didn't take long to convince me. I'd check in with Rocco on how things were going to go with Molly's old position, get a drink and maybe an appetizer while I'm there too. Waiting another half hour, the store finally closed and after taking the accounts of the register and locking up I met Darren outside the store.
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(Start playing Fame by Irene Cara :)
The empty well was slammed back onto the bar "Filler up, handsome" Scarlet yawned but still smiled behind half-lid eyes.
The bartender shook his head while smiling in amusement "Think you've had enough, honey"
"Considering the fact that I'm still thirsty, it most definitely is not enough. Truuuussst me…" she smirked, leaning her face into her palm, elbow propped onto the counter. He rose a brow at her dazed composure "I have a strong thirst"
"How about water?" he finished polishing a few glasses. It wasn't too busy with it being a Monday night, and even during tourist season bars had their slow times.
"Water?" She scoffed playfully, "Look if you went through the hell I've just woken from, you'd understand why hard liquor is the answer to my world's problems right now. Pwease? Be a pal" she twirled the glass with her finger while pouting cutely.
Being a bartender you hear all kinds of stories. "I understand, but I'm pretty sure I'm doing you a favor by cutting you off now" He was actually trying to be of help.
"See no I don't think you do" she chuckled leaning forward "Unless of course you yourself just woke from a two-day coma after falling down a cliff with a heart dysfunction, holes in your memories, terrorized by your supposed friends and childhood love, and endured hunger pangs for the last five months. What was it like for you?" she rested her chin over her entwined fingers.
The bartender sighed, he had no idea how figuratively some of those hardships she described were but he felt sympathy looking into her eyes and seeing the stress behind the teasing and giggles was genuine. His answer came when he lifted the bottle stocked behind them to fill her glass.
"Now that's what I'm talking about" she winked before taking a sip, leaning back on her stool with her feet crossed over another.
"You should eat something though" he advised. She actually laughed at that suggestion. If he only knew…
"I am. I've opted for the breakfast of champions" she signaled her glass to the air before swigging down the rest.
He looked confused at using the word breakfast. "Don't worry too much about me. Tequila and I have a very good understanding of each other. If I look a little disheveled, this is just because of that condition I went through. Ordinarily I'm far more poised, graceful and charming than this. Oh and shinier hair." She laughed "That bottle and that jukebox playing is my best medicine right now"
He smiled at the amusing declaration "I should still probably get you that water and some fries" It had been obvious since she arrived that the bartender developed a soft spot for her, he didn't even ID her. Leaving to get said ailments, he made sure to put the bottle away. Once he turned to another customer calling him, that didn't stop Scarlet from reaching out to swipe it from behind the bar.
Pouring herself another drink, she brushed her long curls up into a high ponytail before resting her head back in her arms. She needed this time here to really get her mind cleared. She thought she had mastered how to keep her thirst settled and yet another painful symptom K.O'ed her. Literally. And with some pretty hard to describe after effects.
They say before you die your life flashes before your eyes. She thought she hadn't seen them feed until she was already grown up. She already knew David had to mesmerize her mind before. He told her himself. Actually seeing this though, she had to wonder if there were other things she was missing…
Truth be told it was strangely hard to remember life before the lost boys and Santa Carla. Sometimes the harder she thought of her old home, the more distant it felt while it hadn't even been six months. It actually seemed… unnatural. Her glass paused at her lips… what if that is part of the transition? Human memories really fading so you can fully fall in nature with being a vampire? If you turn into a vampire, you leave everything in your mortal life behind. Your new existence is secret. Humanity fades over time…
All of the boys can be vicious. Among them David had a subtle malice behind his charms and was inexplicably possessive. Dwayne and Marko usually ignore her presence, though Marco's sadistic humor could match David. And then there's Paul who's the youngest vampire and that's likely how he seems to be the more sympathetic towards her among the four.
Scarlet finally took a sip. This process sure is a full package. Being completely honest with herself, she really was prolonging the inevitable. Well… that is if those attacks don't finish her first. Scarlet Labelle refused to just lay down and die though… Especially after what David had said, knowing she could hear him. She had to do things her way…
There has to be a new purpose for her in this life. That's all she wanted now.
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Entering the bar…
"Sure you don't miss your old job, Marina?" He teased and I shoved him back playfully.
"No. Don't even joke about that" I still had to bite back a smile after the discussion we had been having over music. "They have a jukebox in here, maybe you should give it a try, delivery boy"
"This is more your song" he noted. Bobbing my head, I spun onto the bar stool while Darren waved the bartender over.
"Hey Rocco" I smiled.
"What are you guys doing out tonight?" he smirked, walking up to face us. He shot both of us back and forth glances. "This a date?"
"He owes me a drink" I corrected, smirking up to Darren who shrugged.
"Although we might as well get dinner while we're here" he playfully added, grabbing the menu.
I rolled my eyes "Nightcap, please"
"What?" Darren turned to me with a disbelieving smirk "No kamikaze shot? No long island ice tea?"
He listed a few more of my usual's "Its Monday night." I laughed "I'll be back" Walking towards the restroom, I passed more of the stools and saw a familiar figure sitting down from us.
"Scarlet?" I stopped and I think calling her name broke her out of a daze. "Marina…" she sat up instantly.
I smiled brightly, "Hey, why haven't I seen you around since we hung out?" I hugged my new friend disbelievingly "Where have you been?"
Eager for an explanation, the both of us ended up walking into the restroom together. Scarlet stayed by the entrance while I passed the mirror towards the stalls.
"What's been going on?" I called while doing my business "I've gotten a few glimpses of the guys around but these past like two weeks you've been out of sight. I don't know if you know this but Molly's been missing since she went out that night. I was really starting to worry that I would see your face on a flyer too." This was such a huge relief.
"I heard. Yeah, I know all that happened around town that weekend. I wasn't avoiding you or anything… um… I just felt it was… safer... for me to stay in after those disappearances"
"Well I can't disagree with that. Do you know if anything sketchy was going on at that party that might have led to what happened?" I exited the stall and she gave me a questioning look.
"Your friend Dwayne said they went to that gathering and I saw you ride out with them" I tried jogging her memory. She then nodded, crossing her arms.
"Uh no. We didn't really stick around since there were a lot of other people we don't get along with arriving there too" If that's the case I can't really see all of them partying together. From what I've seen, the lost boys carry themselves very exclusively anyway.
"I didn't know you talked to Dwayne. Has he been coming around you often?" she arched a brow curiously. I washed my hands with a chuckle. She's probably like Kelsey, wondering if something is going on between us.
"No, we just talked once. I've been doing nothing but focusing on work and keeping up with any news on my roommate" I sighed, drying my hands.
"I'm really sorry" she hugged me over Molly's disappearance. The longer it takes, the worse things are looking. It was really nice to be comforted by a friend.
Walking out of the bathroom together, I introduced her to Darren and asked her to sit with us. Ever since I first saw her in here, I couldn't help noticing something off about Scarlet. It was kind of like that night after we rode the roller coaster together. "Are you okay? You look a little scattered…" she was a little on the pale side too.
"Just tired." She assured.
I was skeptical. "How much have you had to drink?" Maybe it was a buzz.
"Half a bottles worth of Jose Cuervo" Suddenly Rocco appeared holding a bottle.
"Put it on my tab" Scarlet winked with a shrug.
"Rocco please get this girl a water and fries" I chuckled.
"Way ahead of you" he slid down the food from where she had previously been sitting.
"I'm not drunk. I promise" she assured.
"Tired, you said?" I still couldn't put my finger on it.
"Well… truthfully I wasn't just staying inside this whole time. I've been bed ridden lately."
That's probably it "Have you been sick?"
"I actually had a beach cliff accident" My eyes widened, choking on my drink. "Oh my god, are you okay?" what if she had gotten a concussion or something.
"I'm fine. I'm fine" she assured, gesturing up and down "just soreness and fatigue"
In relief, I was able to eat. Buzzed or not, it really looked like she needed to stomach something too.
"So why you here on your own?" Darren pondered.
"Keeping Rocco here company with the pace" she joked, we laughed at seeing him scoff playfully.
"Can't say I'm bored listening to her" he smirked, giving Darren and I a refill. The bar had an easy pace with a few clients around the bar, eating or playing pool. The jukebox provided the music when there wasn't a band or DJ set up.
"No word from Molly?" he recalled.
I sigh, chewing on a mini burger. I shook my head and his eyes dropped with an understanding nod.
"You okay?" Darren patted my back and I reassured.
"Anyway, what do you think you'll do with her position here?" I inquired, recalling this situation might at least bring someone some benefit.
"Can't hold her spot forever I'm afraid. I'll have to look for some extra help during our busy days…" he informed.
"Well hey you know, I might just know this girl who could use the spot. If she comes your way, do you think you could give her a shot?" I asked, putting in a good word ahead of time in case Cassandra decided to give this job a try.
"Well for experience reasons I'll probably train another member as the new bartender, but send her my way and I could have her serve drinks or help with event setups" I nodded and kept the information in mind.
"So you not hanging out with your friends?" I turned back to Scarlet.
She scoffed "Needed a break from the goofballs tonight" She tried reaching for the bottle again before Rocco swiped it away. "They went out ahead of me so I decided to come here"
I rolled my eyes "Men…"
"Hey" we laughed at Rocco and Darren.
Completely opposed to what Kelsey thinks I should do, I haven't dwelled much on the initial attraction I felt for Dwayne while there were other important things on my plate right now. I wonder how he's been lately. I still saw them around town, but technically we still didn't know each other. Recalling how Cassandra mentioned the Surf Nazi's earlier, it makes me wonder how Scarlet is around the Lost Boys all the time. If she was hurt not too long ago, I hope they do well to look out for her. Talking about the guys, we did well not to mention who they were while with Darren or Rocco. With all the antagonism and rumors that gangs have in this town it is best not to get anyone started or bad mouthed.
We finished eating and chilled back to finish the last few sips of our drinks.
"So you think you're gonna be fine on your own right now?" Scarlet asked me.
"Lord bless, Max" I nodded "Financially, I'm stable on my own. Maybe a little budgeting but I should get by fine with my new position as assistant manager at the video store. Up until this thing with Molly, everything had such a good outlook here"
"Were you guys very close?" Darren added.
"Yes and no. I mean she could be a superficial bitch sometimes but none the less, she was my friend. We left L.A and made it out here working together. We were supposed to look out for each other, and I feel like I failed that…" I leaned my elbows on the bar to rest my jaw in hands. I should have gone with her that night, something…
"Molly would not just take off without a word, even if it is decided in a drunken stupor. As much as I wish that she was on a little getaway, it's starting to look more and more like a kidnapping or…" Maybe worse as the locals love writing these off as.
Darren tried to comfort me and Scarlet even had this guilty look in her eyes. I hated to bring things down, I just needed to let this out. I felt Scarlet touch my arm
"We're here for you" she consoled and I smiled to both of them. Hearing that support has been very encouraging to me.
"Thank you. I'm definitely gonna keep looking out for myself." I assured I'd be fine "Her things will be stored away in our room for her. Its just the mystery of all this really bugs me"
"You know people like to say that Santa Carla is haunted…" Darren tried lightening with a joke. I rolled my eyes.
"More like there's a mass murderer on the loose" Rocco added. I cringed, especially since I've heard all this before.
"You're not helping" Scarlet gave them a sharp look.
"The police haven't been much help either" I noted. That's when an idea hit me and I told them both.
Next thing I know, I'm leading the way out the door.
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"Marina, what point could there possibly be in going there?" Scarlet hurried behind me.
"I just want to check it. Darren could you show me where it was?" he seemed up for it.
"Sure, no problem"
"Are you sure about this? What are you expecting to find?" Scarlet sounded concerned at the idea.
"It's not like its anything dangerous" no harm to it.
"You know they say the criminal always returns to the scene of the crime" That's a logical fallacy. I rolled my eyes.
"Easy private eye detective" Scarlet gave him another sharp look.
"It won't be very long. Do you want to come with me?" we both sat in the car. I was a little confused to see Scarlet had an unsure look to her eyes while looking around the parking lot and up the street towards the closing Boardwalk.
"What wrong? Are they waiting for you?"
"No" she assured, pulling herself into the back seat "It was hosted out in the middle of nowhere. That's my one concern"
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West Cliffs...
So here we are trudging through the west cliffs outside Santa Carla after parking the car back by the roads. I could probably still see the glow of the boardwalk miles and miles ahead, though that really only applies to my own vision.
"Here there was stuff set out everywhere. Tents, grills, hammocks, a giant bonfire, heck people brought their instruments too." Darren described the gathering to Marina. I understand her worry for her friend but it truly confused me on why she insisted she see the location when there were clearly no traces to be found.
"The police force already looked through here, right?" she questioned, glancing around the rocks and out onto the water. Darren assured. Seeing how much she needed convincing though, I truly admired how loyal she was to Molly.
I looked around cautiously once again. "Watch your step, it's very dark out here" I called and she nodded to me. My vision was fine but they needed flashlights. The wind blew harshly around us, this time with a chill in the air. Truth be told, what worried me most about this is that we aren't too far from Steamer lane. Said area is divided into four parts, one of which being The Point… which is overlooked by Hudson's Bluff.
It may seem far but not to certain others…
"Did the cops say anything about her car?" Darren called to Marina who hugged her arms over the chilly air. "Some of them went missing"
That's because they were disposed of to create a leave theory...
Marina shook her head gloomily "Our car was found. It won't be returned to me though since it isn't registered to me" Resting my hand on her shoulder, I couldn't help feeling a pang of guilt.
"Are you positive she didn't leave with some other friends for a while?" He suggested.
"For over two weeks without a word to me, her job or any of her stuff on her?" Marina countered, suddenly though, she looked regretful for snapping. "Sorry"
"Marina...?" I walked in front of her. It looks like it might be sinking in…
"Were any accidents reported off of the cliffs?" her voice was almost shaky as she looked over the edge.
Both our eyes got alarmed "Careful, get back here" Darren moved her away.
"You don't want to end up with my luck" I tried to lighten. "Come on we shouldn't be out here" I took another scan around the area.
"I'm sorry. They say no accidents were found" Darren answered. Her bottom lip trembled and I hugged my friend from the side. She was fine earlier but letting it out, I didn't realize how this would truly affect her…
"I've never really been confident in police help" she quietly murmured.
"Look I know why something like this bothers you so much but it's going to be alright" Darren brushed her hair behind her ear. "You have to keep pushing forward for yourself"
I was a little curious about those statements. "Could we talk for a second?" I asked Darren on Marina and I. He nodded, taking to making another scope around the area while we had some girl talk.
Sitting down on a few boulders, I wasn't precisely sure what to ask without meddling. She seemed to understand my curiosity before shrugging "I'm sorry I dragged you guys out here. Its just that disappearances are something I've seen happen to other girls I know. Remember the previous lifestyle I mentioned I was trying to leave behind?"
I nodded "Its okay… Did you wanna talk about it?"
After a while of staring out at the sea, I finally heard Marina sigh "... Molly wasn't the greatest friend ever, but the both of us worked together to leave Los Angeles" I nodded, urging her to go on. She confided in me things about her origin story...
"We were strippers. Sometimes it was peepshow booths. It was good money and I have a knack for dancing, but I didn't like it. It was degrading. For a while I was able to suck it up but somehow the people we were around... you never knew who to trust. It was no where near the life I thought I'd have once I left home..."
"Life throws you curve balls. You did what you had to do to get by.."I consoled.
"We knew other girls that got into serious trouble..." So like now.. "Once we had enough saved, we decided to move north and got out of there"
"The important thing is that's behind you. You did it. You left, you're past that" I encouraged and she nodded.
"And I am so grateful for it. Trying to find a different job, I was a mess... but coming here, the manager of the video store gave me a shot" she smiled. "This whole thing with Molly just bugs me because the two of us came so far, we had a positive outlook and now suddenly she's gone" she told me that she was familiar with being alone. I'm really glad that she was confiding in me.
"We may not have similar background but you and I are more alike than you think" I assured. Maybe that's why I spared her that night that my thirst got triggered. Even around other people, there's something that sets us apart from society. Sometimes you walk alone..."You'll be alright. You helped me chin up and now I'll help you. We're friends after all"
Soon we were both beaming...
"Friends" she nodded.
Darren's flashlight shone back our way. "Hey it's getting seriously foggy out here"
My smile dropped and I took another scan of the area. "It's late, we should get out of here"
The wind was loud, it was getting stronger and the waves were crashing harshly at the base.
"Hang on, come check this out" he guided us forward.
"Did you find something?" Marina fell in step behind him.
My eyes widened. What could he have possibly found? Its not like vampires leave DNA behind, and their masters at disposing of the remains. That's why its not murders reported, just missing people ads. I quickly followed.
"Look here" there was a pit of dark sand. Most of it had been scattered away by the wind but a few chips of dark wood and ash stood out. "This is where the bonfire was"
There weren't any burnt remains to find either.
"Jeez why so big?" Marina kicked around a few of the grains.
"Look here's what left of an old shoe, a book, a rusty bracelet…" I grew nervous at seeing him dig up burnt items. What the hell…
"People were burning their old homework's and junk they didn't need anymore while the semester was out"
Oh! Phew, what a relief… This town did get a lot of college kids...
"I can't imagine Molly throwing in anything of hers" she noted. I was still eager for us to head back. Before I could voice it again, my eyes widened…
Spinning around, I scanned the area all around us. Nothing was there but my hearing still picked up something in the wind…
"The fog's really coming in" Marina brushed her hair out of her face.
"We should really go now" I called back. The wind somewhat made my voice hard to hear. Suddenly a shiver ran up my spine. There was something in the sound of the wind. It wasn't really a howl; you might say its like a mosquito…
No… like a static… no… the sound of silence that you don't know where its coming from… I couldn't describe it. Very silent screeches…
A sinking feeling set into my stomach.
They couldn't hear it, but I could make out the familiar sound.
A sonic screeching…
Shit...
The wind almost sounded like it was laughing. I frantically scanned the sky but even I couldn't see anything.
"Guys we have to go now" This time my voice more serious and urging.
"Scarlet what's wrong" Marina turned around concerned. The sounds were getting closer and closer. It was dark, it was foggy and it was isolated around here…
"Nothing, we just shouldn't be out here. We need to get back" I insisted, pulling her towards the direction we had walked from. "Darren!" I called over the strong wind.
I heard him chuckle "Getting scared of the dark Scarlet?" He thought it was the fog and wind freaking me out. Idiot, its not me that's in danger here!
"Please, let's just go!" I finally yelled. They couldn't hear it but there were inaudible murmurs in the wind. Marina and I pushed on ahead and I kept looking back to make sure Darren kept following us.
The sonic rings kept getting closer. There was definitely laughing in the air around us…
"Come on!"
"Slow down" I was pulling a confused Marina. I was probably really alarming her but I'd come up with an explanation later.
"Hey I've got the keys" Darren caught up to us.
The next gust of wind to swoop by had both Marina and Darren gasp "Whoa"
I still pulled them through it. I could almost hear a flap behind the howling winds. I was in full panic now…
No matter where I looked, I saw nothing there but the sounds in the air up high confirmed the closeness. Go, go, go! Don't let anything happen.
Finally reaching the car "Darren, open up!" I demanded.
He unlocked the doors and we swiftly pulled ourselves in. "Drive!"
Doing exactly as I said, Darren pulled back onto the road. "Calm down, relax" he tried to lighten "Jeez, a storm must be pulling in tonight"
All of us were panting to catch our breath but I still looked frantically over the roads and out the windows. We need to hurry back into town, into public areas where there are street lights, businesses, and people.
"Scarlet are you okay?" she asked me again as she turned around from the front seat.
Turning back from the rear view window "Yeah" I collected myself and frantically thought of an excuse "I'm sorry about how I acted. Darren was right, the pitch black and stormy weather really freaks me out" I shrugged innocently like a child afraid of thunder.
"You were running like a monster was gonna jump out and grab you" Darren chuckled.
Not me…
Driving back into town, I was finally relieved.
No strikes tonight…
.
.
We offered to take Scarlet home but she was insistent she had her own way back. From there, Darren drove me home. He pulled up onto my street and stopped beside my apartment.
"Thanks for the ride" I smiled as he lowered the volume of the radio. He had really been a good friend tonight. Cheering me up and insisting we eat out.
"It's not a problem. I'm gonna be leaving to see my old friends in San Diego soon so I'm glad we got this time beforehand to hang out" he turned to me. I didn't know that's where he was from.
"Me too. And thank you for hanging out with me and Scarlet tonight." I hugged him over our seats.
"And hey, don't let yourself get too down about Molly. You'll be just fine" he assured and kissed my forehead. I nodded at the support.
(Start playing Another One Bites the Dust by Queen XD
"Goodnight" I pulled out of his car and smirked. "Have fun in San Diego"
"I'll watch you go up" he called as we both waved. True to his word, he stayed in place while I climbed up the staircase. Once on my floor, all the night porch lights went off. They must be all connected and a circuit went out. I could hear feint rings in the sky, probably birds. Fishing for my keys, I had to brush my hair out of my eyes as more wind came in. I stopped outside my door and managed to pull them out when suddenly a howling gust of wind blew by. Whoa, maybe there would be a storm tonight…
I turned to give a final wave. Just as I faced the street, the wind had entirely vanished and I didn't see Darren's car anywhere in sight.
What the..? I glanced up the street.
That's weird, I only looked down for a few seconds and didn't even hear him drive off. The electricity suddenly came back to the porch lights. The night air was entirely calm of wind now and in absolute silence.
Blinking a few times, I unlocked my door to go inside.
Strange weather here…
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.
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I'm pretty sure we can all guess what happened at the end part. LOL, I don't know about you guys but playing that last song was hilarious for me. Hey we've seen they have no trouble taking apart cars. The sonic screeches I was referring to are those sounds we hear in the movie when the boys fly. They also affect electrical appliances in the movie. I'm sure you've picked up on them before lol. And yes, that was a small human remain that Cassi found washed up. What do you guys think of the pace? I know the boys were only referenced in this chapter but they did have a quick swoop in near the end. LOL, I'm also shooting for a mystery element.
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