Chapter 8)
Disclaimer: I do not own The Lost Boys or any of the real places or music referenced in the story.
I've been busy lately but long chappie atleast. Thank you to my reviews from jessie, nightscream and naveah! Thank you to those who followed/faved. Enjoy and Review!
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These next three days were very distinct. Scarlet chose to stay in those nights, but what the boys didn't know was that she was practicing waking up during the day. Gathering her necessities while dropping in with Marina had been possible. It was safe to do so by daylight, and the timing was right with Max away from town a couple days. No concern for Kelsey had come up just yet. No disappearance news had come either, but like each time before it was only a matter of time.
It was difficult. Day 4 now and it was 2 pm. Map route, lay-low points, bus ticket, funds… Seeing this before her, she's certain Marina would be fine beyond this point but she couldn't shake how Cassandra had actually seen this bundled information... Maybe it wouldn't matter? It's probably best they not keep talking though. It would avoid sending any more attention her way. Kelsey as Marina's friend was a serious example of collateral damage.
Looking about the cave with cracks of afternoon light, her senses picked up an aroma that was fainting now. The bowels of this cave run deep into the earth. She knows its tunnels and trenches harbor bone yards from those lazy clean ups. Up here the ocean air could still clear the air out, it's just the deepness beneath them that flies and maggots run wild.
Managing to her feet, new trinkets and souvenirs were now harbored in the cave but she glared at seeing a particular item that hadn't been disposed of.
My eyes snapped open and I gasped. Instincts flaring as I realize what was going on, laughter was almost surrounding me.
"Wakey, Wakey, Scar" Paul sang, having been waving a bottle right in front of me.
"What is that..?" I almost shriek.
"Someone got up on the wrong side of the bed" Marko teased, hiding a grin behind his leather clad hand. Both had sauntered over to my space of the cave.
Looking back to the cup that Paul held, I think I already knew. "Relax, girl, your bro's know you've been feeling under the weather so we gotcha some breakfast in bed. What do you say?" he grinned trying not to laugh.
"Oh I can really feel the love" I scoffed, disbelieving at this antic. Looking around, all the bodies and mess were gone but they presented me the leftovers in a clean bottle. I sharply took my covers and spun back the other way.
"Aw come on, sis. After all the trouble we went to. It might not be warm anymore but it's still fresh. Its sweet, it's tangy…" Paul kept poking my shoulder.
"…Its Kelsey" Marko finished almost sadistically, leaving them both chuckling. My shoulders stiffened at how I remember they finished that girl off. I only sunk further into my pillow.
"Okay maybe that was mean" Paul noted about the mention, before handing it back to Marko. It could be worse, meaning they didn't throw the body on her this time. Or they could have laid remains under the covers, like in the Godfather.
"No? Today's specials include Sheryl, and uh what's her face, Debbie…" they continued to hover.
"Off of my bed, or wake up with a haircut" All laughter ceased.
"Pshh, it'll grow back fast" Paul stood, shrugging at the thought.
"Not sure what second hand blood will do her. Could screw her up even more"~
Boys will be boys. Vampires will be vampires.
Once upon a time, no pressure existed what so ever. In fact, her eyes were shut away from it.
A new thought suddenly brought an unsettling suspicion of this means to an end. Where is the line between drinking human blood and actual murder?
After all, both the hunt and kill makes the vampire.
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Capitola Village
Street performances over run Santa Carla county and the soulful energy was infectious. These groups were simply young, wild and free. Congas, shakers, guitars, saxophones and mix tapes took turns controlling the rhythm of everyone's movement. Marina now included.
Gliding around other girls, they found themselves spun to face all the boys launching into a gremlin spin. The crowd egging them on.
"Wooo!"
"Get it!"
"Alright!"
Shoppers, beach goers and tourists would ogle at the unison and talent of the individuals letting their bodies flow to the varying songs that would transition from hip hop, to pop, to folk, to tango beats that resonated through the neighborhood. Laughter and smiles reached each person as they almost challenged one another. Each one impressed by the others reciprocation.
Claudia whooped her on as the next beat of music came in, not even realizing that many of the other girls were encouraged by Marina's movements. Lost in the shifting beats of the dance, there's always that one graceful performer that just carries the flow of the entire group. Its like the others suddenly feed off their energy, something Marina thought had been long ago drained from her.
As the guys and girls spun back towards one another, her raven locks spilled out of their bun. Hands swaying in the air and the movement of their hips created a sensuality and sexiness to the entire display. Suddenly they shrieked at being thrown up by the waist to sit over one shoulder, but Marina retained her balance; thrilled by the rhythm they carried. She let her head fall back as her partner's flow carried her. Gracefully falling to their feet, when the musicians finally hit their big finish, everyone struck their final pose to enter the brief silence before the applause and cheer of the street crowd filled the air.
Panting heavily, she could feel the sweat streak down her back after the soulful release under the hot sun. But a smile couldn't leave her face
"Alright!"
"Damn!"
Everyone praised one another, and she herself was surprised to receive such admiration.
"You got fire in your veins, girl!" they all laughed together.
She'd blush if her blood flow wasn't still speeding. "I didn't realize I'd be roped into this today, but that was a lot of fun"
"I had a feeling you had some moves" Claudia teased once the crowd started to continue on its way. The group actually accumulated hefty tips.
"We gotta pick this up later. Boardwalk tourists love a show!" This week was definitely very hot out and the streets were running rampant with newcomers every day.
"In the mean time we have jobs to get to" She primarily knew three people here from their jobs on the boardwalk but she met several during the display. She'd planned on simply having lunch but they'd now spent most of the afternoon on a neighborhood street dance.
The pastime took her back to her early high school years. She needed this. The last few days were brimming anxiety, only having one friend's company to keep her from going insane. Marina laughed before feeling panicked at checking her watch.
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(Start Playing Sing Child by Heart)
Meanwhile… Downtown
Dear Mom,
Your postcards and photographs look amazing. I'm glad everything's going well for you. California is way different from Vermont but in a good way. It reminds me of our moves. The community is alive and friendly with new faces everyday while locals know each other well in this town.
"Clear the way!" a honk filled the air and suddenly everyone scrambled off the cross walk up ahead. The skaters swerved off their boards and fell over the hoods of cars, a popsicle cart, and a goth airbrush t-shirt stand. Some of the surfers cackled from their car, crushing in-half skateboards that had been unlucky enough to roll on the street.
"Suckers!"
"Hey!" Profanity and cursing was yelled after them by not only tourists but another one of their angry rival gangs. Tire tracks and missing flyers left in the wake. Cassandra simply shook her head.
Grants doing well and most of his friends seem cool. The Surf competition is drawing people in and they plan on participating. They hang around a lot and are very close. You could say they bring out a new side to each other. Me as well.
Like when they ate at the grill. Are you kidding me? Greg and his buddies rooted out of the bar, having just dine and dashed on her. Rocco and Miles ran on their tail. Tapping the notepad to her forehead, she doesn't blame them so much for doing it as she blames herself for not predicting this stunt.
Later that night, she sighed having to carry Grant to their car after he passed out at the motel pool party they were invited to by new surfers in town for the competition. She didn't bother carrying him up though, not like she could. She went inside and he stayed passed out in the back seat with his feet out the window. She chuckled remembering his shoes got stolen that morning.
We're really bonding.
I have made a few friends but the two jobs do take up a lot of time.
Only a few faces came to mind, like Debbie. Sure some of the girls include her but a lot of their interests are very different. Her knee was still hurting after the disaster out on the waves. Laughter echoed from a certain girl she'd hate to have as a sister in law.
"That's gonna bruise" Somehow Cassi let them talk her into getting on a board. Surfing, not her thing… AT ALL. She prefers taking this time for herself. Like now, that she's exploring the Seabright and downtown neighborhoods.
It's still taking some getting use to but hey summer is a crazy time of year. It's a hot spot and I can see why. What do you think of UC in Santa Carla? San Francisco State? or Portland State? I'm still waiting for financial aid news.
Dads been in touch most nights which is awesome. I'm now just really missing you so much.
Okay so he and Grant still aren't talking but maybe it'll blow over by the end of summer. In the meantime, yeah, she's glad her mom's doing what she's always wanted but things are so different without her now.
I'll be fine here and I know you'll be great there, but keep writing and sending us pictures. I'll do the same. If it's possible to call soon, please let me know. Love you and miss you,
Cassi.
Dropping the letter at the post office, okay so maybe she sugar-coated a few details. She can't exactly send her a novel about it. Hopefully she'll be in a zone with telephonic reception sometime soon.
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The sun was setting from the sky now.
Let's see E…F…H category. Shuffling through the albums, they had their own labeled tab but the latest album wasn't here.
I've gotten every release since mom bought me their debut in '75. Shoulder's sinking, I sighed.
"Sorry, sweetheart. 'Bad Animals' is out of stock right now." Metalife is the second record store I've been to and Heart's latest album is sold out here as well, cassettes and LPs. Grant keeps a stereo at the garage while I usually prefer vinyl's, having brought our old player from home when I moved.
I decided to still have a look around
Admiring the cover art hung for new releases and popular picks, I recognized a few. I'd been needing new songs for my students, and the book store didn't have many songbooks or scores of modern music. Let's see… we use to have a lot of Zeppelin, we had The Who, Pink Floyd…hmm, and I think dad kept these... While I appreciate all music genres, I've looked back towards rock by one of my students wanting to take on more of it with their lessons. Come Sail Away has a well-known piano instrumental so I'd considered presenting it in the lesson plan to Laddie and Tim.
"Hey girl, wacha looking at?" Broken out of my thoughts, Sally had walked into the store with Courtney and Lila.
"Hey, just browsing" I smiled.
"You here on your own?" She looked around "Have you seen Debbie, lately? She and Frank were supposed to be at the pool party."
"Hmm, not since the past weekend" Debbie's boyfriend hasn't been around either, now that I think about it. "You tried the restaurant?"
"About to, but the guys think the love birds just headed up to Luna Bay for a few days.
"They got the right idea. Sick of all these amateurs over running our beach" A voice approached and suddenly the Styx album I was looking through was snatched out of my hands.
"Lookin good today, you three." It was none other than Brian and Chris.
"Sweetheart, get yourself some Permanent Vacation"
I scoffed amusingly. "Trust me, Grant's got us covered." He and his friends are big Aerosmith fans; ACDC, Great White, Beastie Boys, things of that nature. I enjoy a couple songs.
"I take it you guys have been scoping out your competition?" Courtney addressed their earlier notion.
"Scoping out… Weeding out runts" they smirked.
"What sportsmanship." I teased. Trying to take back the album, it was held away again.
"There's a food chain around here, little girl. And fresh meat gotta know the Surf Nazi's are at the top" Brian declared smirking, continuing to pull the album further and further until I finally snatched it back, gathering my selections to check out.
"Whatever you say." He's referring to the influx of more and more tourists. Everyday clusters of people were gathered along the water; all watching and cheering for the surfers. There were dozens, way more than Santa Carla's club population. The competition was this next coming weekend and it attracted competitors from everywhere. This was evident by the even louder ruckus on the boardwalk, occupancies AND beach sleepers high, and the bars were filling up.
"Uh guys, I think a few people disagree" Sally was looking through the glass window of the store and Chris immediately reacted. "Dude, our boards!"
"The hell..! Is it those skaters again?" The three of us immediately laughed when the guys rushed out to save their surfboards.
"Uh oh"
After that stunt earlier, "An eye for an eye" I shrugged, going through my purchase.
"We're gonna go find Deb. Come with us?" I nodded, deciding to see what she's been up to.
"What about the Casino? That's where Frank works" Courtney added.
Lila shook her head "Griffin, Reese and Grant were just in. He's wasn't there."
The idea of my brother near that betting table again was unsettling.
Exiting the store, Sally was the first to gawk and we followed. It wasn't the skaters around, but their surf boards were definitely in someone else's hands during the minutes they were inside.
Hand covering my mouth, I tried not to laugh because the guys were fuming about their boards. They were very important to them, and they were now vandalized with profanity.
"Their dead!"
"Now they've done it" Sally whispered.
The girls began walking ahead but I couldn't help noting the initials graffitied on Brian's board 'LBs'
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Max's Video Store
"Thanks again for the ride" I was late for my shift.
"Do you close tonight?"
"Yeah" I shut the door and ran up to Max's Video.
"Meet us out on the boardwalk for another throw down!" We'll have to see.
"I don't know if I can. I'll see you later" I waved back, panting into the store as they drove off.
"There you are, it's been busy." Blake, our second assistant manager was finally off his shift, handing me the keys for the store.
"Sorry, thanks."
I set my things behind the counter before clocking in. Max might have left the store to us for a few days but he's still gonna see all reports. His absence is no excuse for slack but between sleep and my longer shifts to increase sales, its taken a toll on me.
Tonight I had three other employees with me. Santa Carla is getting an all-time high with more and more people coming into town.
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"Busy night?" she was met with a pair of gray-blue eyes. Cassandra had just entered the store.
"Hey you" she chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, we got slammed for a while there. How have you been? I heard you took the job at the bar & grill"
They both smiled as Cassi nodded. "I got off earlier this afternoon. That's one of the reasons I stopped by. A few twists and turns but overall things are off to a good start. Thanks, again."
"That's awesome to hear. Don't sweat it, I'm glad I could help" The screen looked back on track but now she had paperwork to run through.
"I saw you out on the boardwalk not too many days ago. I would have gotten back to you sooner but when I called your name you looked in a real rush" Thinking over the night Cassi described, Marina recalled what exactly had her so scrambled and how her gut instinct had been right all along. She sighed, maybe if they had cornered her there, they wouldn't have followed Kelsey and seen where she actually lives now.
Cassi had been walking along the glass cases while the conversation continued but soon realized Marina wasn't responding, the mention having taken the older girl deep in thought.
"Marina?"
"Huh?" broken out of her space out, she realized Cassi looking confused at the conflicted expression she had. "Oh sorry, I just have a lot on my mind right now. Stressed." She tried shrugging it off.
"Oh I'm sorry. I did come by late. You're busy so I'd better g-.."
"No, no, you're okay. I'm about to close up soon. You can stick around with me till I finish?
"Uh, you sure its okay?" their teenage closer was about to leave so a little small talk here wouldn't hurt. Feeling reassured, Cassi and Marina took the time to catch up while tending to the final duties of the night. The closer was released, but not without passing a strawberry blonde that let herself in on the way out. Marina had left the monitors still playing music, usually doing so before she locked up.
"Working girl at it again?" the voice teased her new bestie. Walking back towards the front, a grin came to Marina's face at seeing their visitor.
"I thought you flaked out on me today" They were supposed to have lunch earlier.
"Of course not" smiling apologetically "I'm sorry, I just had trouble getting up today."
Again. And she'd noticed how Scarlet seemed different during the day; paler, tired, and eyes hidden behind shades. "If I hadn't seen you in the sun already, I'd say you were a vampire" Marina teased.
"Maybe I'm half" Scarlet shrugged.
"You were right, its sold out" sighing, Cassi stood up to lock eyes with Scarlet over the aisles.
"Whoa, hey"
"Hi" They both weren't expecting to run into each other like this.
"You two know each other?" Scarlet motioned to the two as each girl had the same thing in mind. Laughing together "We all met at the same time." Marina went back to describe Cassi's first night in Santa Carla when they were at the Bar & Grill. Leaning on the counter, they relayed their previous meetings and boy, for a town with such a population problem, the community could feel small too.
"Um, you know we should probably get going Cassi. Marina's closing, we should let her" Scarlet suggested. Understandable and innocent but an entirely different reasoning behind it…
Before anything else could be said, "No, its cool. You guys can keep me company" she reassured. Cassi smiled and though Scarlet did too, it hid an anxiety.
"You know, a few ups and downs but that was a fun night" Marina continued.
That was putting it mildly.
"Once I'm not as broke, maybe we could all go out again." For her own reasons, Scarlet wasn't sure that chance would come though. She lowered some of the blinds for the front windows, scanning over the people still walking about outside.
"Dido" Cassi knew the feeling.
Detecting a slight hint of somberness, Marina wondered "Your check is coming up right? Isn't the grill doing well?"
Casually balancing on the balls of her heels, "Yeah, it's nothing like that. Having my extra income though… my brother's suddenly gotten a little overboard with spending" Cassi sighed, watching the monitors. Marina passing her the remote suddenly and suggesting they flip through the order of music videos and new movie trailers.
He's her family so Scarlet wasn't going to make an insensitive comment, but from experience "Say something to him. Don't let him walk all over you."
"The money going towards more surf boards?" Marina chuckled. "Is he competing?"
"Yep, and he is dead set on getting first place this year. Actually…" Pondering the signs in his behavior. "a lot recently has gone towards boozing and betting so he can impress this girl."
"I thought you were gonna say pot" Scarlet fiddled with the string on the blinds.
"No, that was a norm growing up." The three couldn't help laughing at the notion.
"Tell him to get his ass in gear. I'm sure you didn't come out here to baby sit him" Marina declared.
Cassi was positive this was resulting from his own problems he has going on. Shifting gears, she looked back to the screens to continue browsing. Marina was finishing up the accounts for the night. Scarlet was able to visit with Marina these past few days, yet she seemed a little more stressed out lately. Catching a glimpse of the forms she was working on, a look of almost disappointment crossed her features when calculating the resulting sales. They weren't measuring up to her own stretched out goals for some reason.
Strange…
Each one of the girls had noticed something going on with each other though. Most of the blinds were lowered over the glass walls but Cassi noticed how Scarlet kept turning, mindful of any activity outside or if someone passes on the street. Maybe it's because they were here after hours?
"Expecting someone?" Scarlet had turned back to hear Cassi ask this.
Smiling again, "No" she turned away from the window with crossed arms.
The very next song to flip by on the screens was Kenny Loggins music video for 'Danger Zone.' They hadn't really mentioned them these past several days but for some reason it brought the boys to mind for Marina.
Walking through one aisle to restock the returns, Scarlet walked along the next one and Cassi sat at the counter watching the monitors. "Where are David and the others?"
Max might not be in town right now, but they being the reason she made a surveillance outside. Thankfully, she knew they had gone off further into town just before she came here. "Strip bar maybe. Don't really have the energy to care what they're up to…" so long as they're not nearby right now.
"You sound a little peeved" she noted, quickly maneuvering the boxes on the shelves.
"…We're not really seeing eye to eye right now." Marina figured this was particular to one guy.
Pausing the back stocks, Marina took a calculating look over her younger friend and was inclined to voice her newest thoughts. "Scarlet… I don't think I like David for you." Spinning back around, she hadn't anticipated that kind of notion.
Encouraged to clarify, Marina went on. "You're too beautiful to waste your time on bs. Since I met you, I haven't seen him show concern or second thought for how you feel about anything. I've only seen tension there. I don't know if it's because he has his friends or a reputation…" Not to mention the fatigue she's had during the day. It almost resembles a hangover…
"That's not what this is about" she denied the entire evaluation. Crossing her arms "I've told you, David and I are not romantic what so ever."
Her stance appeared entirely genuine. A moment of silence later "Alright." Marina nodded at the declaration, "Sorry. I believe you." though keeping her thoughts to herself. When it comes to him, Scarlet has a look in her eyes that Marina almost recognized…
Scarlet however can admit Marina was correct about David's disregard for her. But this isn't about love, it's about who lives and who dies and the role she plays in that. If only she could share this… but she can't.
"We just don't always agree on things."
"Sounds like more than a few" Marina sighed. Taking a bit of the stack from her, Scarlet helped her restock. "Don't worry about it"
The topic brought back to mind what the guys had mentioned about her. They had gone around Marina recently, but what did they mean the other night when she didn't take?
"Has Dwayne talked to you recently?"
She shook her head "No, not at all." Marina hadn't really had time to with the situation at hand. What more can really be said when you're brushed off anyway. "Just some of her friends." Marina explained, walking around to the other young brunette.
Scarlet exchanging a look with Cassi "My 'brothers'" she quoted, Looking back to Marina, this is a good thing. Scarlet realized it meant they were keeping their word "He isn't a good match for you either"
"Huh?" Marina looked over her shoulder at the two younger girls. Cassi chuckled at Marina's expression.
Scarlet's seen how he watches her and knows about their run ins. There was humor in her comment, but it was also a very serious warning.
"You don't have to worry about that." Marina reassured, fetching the rest of the merchandise.
Looking between the two, they suddenly became so quiet. It seems they all have bs going on. Before she could flip to the next video, Cassi recognized the opening to the one on by a pounding of the drums and three silhouettes on screen.
"Do you guys know this?"
Breaking them out of their thoughts, an upbeat guitar riff sounded throughout the video store.
(Start playing Edge of a Broken Heart by Vixen)
'I can't believe I could have been so blind but love is strange.
I thought about it for a long, long, time but the truth remains.
I don't need another lonely night to dry my tears.'
Scarlet and Marina began to smile. Of course they do
The answer's plain and its black and white and I can see the picture very clear…
"I've been living on the edge of a broken heart…" Cassi encouragingly turned up the volume for them with the first line of the chorus. Suddenly nodding their heads to the beat, the looks to each other had them all mouthing the words. Putting the last three tapes in their proper spots, Marina did so with a rhythm in her body's movements.
The songs signature riff returned. The coast was clear outside the store; their time in here so far was safe, maybe it couldn't hurt..?
Feeling their movements become more defined, the lines of the song were really hitting home with them. The three raised their voices with the words. Her two friends gawked when Scarlet suddenly strode on top of one of the cassette tables.
"Whoa there girl" Marina gawked but laughed. The smirk on her friend's face encouraged her.
After the pause in her own dancing, Marina appeared to give in and used the entire aisle to break out into a series of edgy dance moves. Cheering and clapping to the beat. Suddenly all three girls were enveloped with the infectious chorus. The volume now to its max in the store. Each girl belted with the song though the music was too loud to actually hear each others voices.
Movements turning to sways…
"I'll find someone else…" Scarlet paused when her defined hearing picked up Cassi's. She moved to the music but still sat on the counter, likely shy about dancing this way here in the store.
"And your gonna be sorry babe, when its over!" Scarlet and Marina yelled the lyrics but Cassi was actually singing. Hearing her acoustic was one thing, but turns out Cassi actually has an impressive range with this music. Re-joining her two… friends, waving their arms and hair wildly to the guitar. All three just let loose. Marina without worries spun herself around the thin pillar of the store and both Scarlet and Cassi squealed and cheered at the sultriness of the swing.
Both had talent…
Just before the chorus returned though, a loud series of knocking from outside broke through the music and all three sets of eyes widened. A wooden insert broke and Scarlet suddenly fell from the table with the A-D cassettes spilling out with her fall, Marina tripped over a series of amp wires making half the screens go black while Cassi slipped backwards, tumbling behind the glass counter, knocking over a series of files that scattered in the air over her.
While the two humans groaned in pain, Scarlet stared at the ceiling in a panic.
No…
No, no, no..! This isn't happening. If that's them then this is more of a disaster than the collapse of the store. We don't want to fall? Well we all just did.
Laughter entered the store but it wasn't the laughter she anticipated.
"Oh my gosh" Marina recovered the fastest, turning off the music and gawking at the new mess in the store.
"What the hell guys?"
"We didn't do anything. This is on you" A feminine voice laughed.
Quickly rising to her feet, 'Oh thank god!'
Scarlet felt the terrified panic subside when she didn't recognize the two people that appeared. Thank goodness…
It wasn't them.
It wasn't them, they weren't here.
But damn it, she let her guard down thinking they would be alright here with Max gone. The truth was that this is no different from treading inside the belly of a beast while it slumbers… The guys aren't that far away and always appear without warning. She and Marina are one thing but whoever they were, they couldn't be here; Cassi shouldn't be here.
"You scared the crap out of us. Oh my…" Covering her face with her hands. A look of dread fell over Marina. The end of the song would have meant they could leave for the night, but this accident… there was no way this would get fixed easily.
Thinking maybe it was a policeman or the boss, Cassi scrambled from the ground and she too took in the mess. "We are so sorry Marina" she voiced with guilty, trying to pick up all the folders and papers.
"No, no…" quickly gathering the wires, "Don't be, this is my fault…"
"Who are you?" Scarlet realized her tone might have sounded too demanding, but it was honestly a good question.
"This is Claudia and Rome; they work on the boardwalk and earlier today, a few of us were over in the Capitola neighborhood... performing." She tried wording it.
"You definitely have skills to pay the bills, Marina." Rome chuckled, "And I mean that in the best way."
"Thanks" She sighed but smiled. Exchanging a look with her, they knew Marina's work history. She has nothing against the occupation, her experience just wasn't the best.
Cassi had finished picking up the files, though they were likely out of order. "Thanks, Cassandra. Just leave them there, I'll organize them" The real mess was the cassette table and monitors.
"I don't suppose there's a handyman we could call?" The wooden cases couldn't hold the cassettes without nails. Scarlet tried picking them up.
"You know Rome has some handyman skills." Claudia entered, "We'd be happy to help on one condition Marina" her voice playful.
She arched a brow at the suggestion "That being?"
"You come perform with us on the boardwalk." Now Scarlet realized what they were known for. They were some of the various street dancers that entertained the tourists.
"Argh" Marina's groan was dramatic but held a seriousness beneath it. "I don't have time. I have to work…"
Not to mention that she had a very serious debt situation to handle. Going back and forth, back and forth for a while, Marina soon gave in due to the mess at hand.
"That sounds really cool though, Marina." Cassi encouraged. "I think you'd be great at it, I'd love to watch you guys" Marina finally smiled in return.
Checking the time, Scarlet was eager for them to finish things here. While Rome and Marina got to work, Scarlet stopped both Claudia and Cassandra.
"We can handle things here. You guys should call it a night" her voice sounding sympathetic but the reality was it was a demand.
Claudia was with Rome so with good reason she couldn't just leave without him. Cassi however needed to, but looked confused. "I'm part of the mess, I'd feel bad not help-"
"Don't be" Scarlet stopped her in her tracks.
Cassi was a cool person but she didn't plan on being near her anymore. Now seeing how she also knows Marina, Scarlet may just have to make her feel alienated… They too have a lot in common, even being around gangs that hate each other; there was almost the same kinship she had with Marina. But if she's going to remain alive, she has to go. "...No we can handle it. I'm pretty sure we can all agree its late and you should probably go check on your drunkard surf Nazi brother" Scarlet smirked, arms crossed.
Cassandra grew even more confused. True, they had both joked about the surf nazi's but that snide comment about Grant almost stung… Marina and Rome were too preoccupied to hear the conversation.
"Uh…" hands in her pockets. "Fine."
"See ya." She faced the door, but was hesitant. "Good night guys"
Marina realized this and waved. "Its cool. I'll visit the grill if I get the chance." They both nodded. One last look to Scarlet and she walked out.
Sorry. Scarlet sighed in relief when Cassi left in her car.
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Pleasure Point Strip Bar
They sure do love the talent. Stepping out the back entrance, he was in need of a smoke. The music and bustle from inside was audible out here. Dwayne was finishing another glass of bourbon so he was still inside receiving a lap dance. Out here in the dank alley, the eldest vampire wasn't alone though.
He smirked approaching the telephone booth where his youngest brother could be heard laughing with some random he picked up inside. Blurs of their silhouettes were visible. She squealed as the booth shook.
Releasing a puff of smoke as he leaned on the wall next to the booth, David knocked softly with the side of his knuckles.
The laughter calmed a little.
"Don't leave a mess Paul"
"I know what I'm doing bro" he laughed. Whatever chick was in there with him didn't care either, doing the same. Indifferent to their fooling around, the leader looked back into the night air when he sensed their other brother approaching.
Manifesting into the wind on the opposite end of the alley, Marko approached, now smirking at the sight of the shaking telephone booth.
"What was the kid up to?" David took another drag.
Marko tucked his hands into the pockets of his patched jacket "Visiting her little friend"
"Dwayne's new plaything?" Though the second eldest wasn't right there to tease. Marko nodded "But get this, like four of em were inside the video store"
He chuckled under his breath. Checking the time, they'd have to go get her soon. What had him check up on her was how unusually quick she got over their little dinner party. She'd spent a few days in but now that she joined their ride out, it was worth noting what she was getting back to.
Dwayne joined them outside, making a few playful shots with Marko while David finished his smoke. A few teasing comments but each apathetic to the laughter and loud moaning from the telephone booth.
Flicking away the blunt, David returned to his analysis over the packs only lost girl. Did a playmate really mean that much to her. He alone use to fascinate her, was his way of life really not enough? True they could have just forced her already, but she was one of them so it just wasn't right….
No, they wanted to see it all come crashing down on her, by her own choice and fault.
"She got her fruity perfume on you" Marko chuckled.
"Too bad you left. You know they love the baby faces" Dwayne and David smirked when Marko glared at the comment.
The booth shook again. "Yes!"
"Has our handy work shown up yet?" Dwayne asked his brothers, but reflecting their visits around town, new posters weren't up just yet.
"Give it another two days or so."
"Baby!"
"Who else got cleared out?"
"Tourists mostly" Dwayne noted.
"There were like four surf nazi's though" Marko added proudly, counting them on his hand. Looked like they were heading north so maybe it would take time to notice. "Two boardwalk workers and three runaways. Plus, Kelsey" they chuckled.
The drunken squealing came again when suddenly her laughter gasped and an earsplitting scream filled the booth. A demonic growl hissed and a long slash of red painted the inside of the telephone booth wall. A silhouette fell to the floor.
The door slid open, "Wooo!" Paul straightened his clothes while the blood was still visible over his mouth.
"So what's our little sis doing at dad's store?"
Max wasn't simply out of town, one of his stops included a visit to their nearest alliance. An ancient ally of theirs… Both of which David knows are very aware of Scarlet.
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Friday…
The guys didn't question her about how she'd been spending her time which was relieving. Standing there, she was close to falling back to sleep before a feint scrambling was heard. Eyes aglow by pure instinct, her only option left had her spring to hold a series of mice over a vintage glass for their blood.
Mixed with a splash of whiskey, it truly seemed grotesque, but it was the closest thing to what could rejuvenate her. Wearily bringing the glass to her lips, she bravely swallowed,
(Start playing La Isla Bonita by Madonna)
Putrid, yes, but color still returned to her lips, a glow to her cheeks and warmth to her hands. Pouring the rest into a flask and obtaining a sun hat with shades, her eyes lingered once more on the blood stained momentos left from the most recent victims. Struggling to swallow the last of it, she glared when she realized that bottled blood they preserved wasn't gone. It was calling to her; which was very frustrating. She'd have to get rid of that herself.
She didn't know where it came from, but some force told her to take certain items with her. Securely in her satchel, it wasn't long before Scarlet reached the mouth of the cave. Stepping into the sun, her skin tingled but there was absolutely no burn. Following the coast would take her towards town.
Holding her hat down over the wind, at least the air was cool. Her strength would restore at dark, but as a half, it was still a huge importance to walk in daylight. She appeared as any tourist...
Much further down the coast that faced the boardwalk, the beach was crowded like never before.
Joining a few others sitting on towels, after the hello's Cassi turned to Sandra. "Who are all these people here?" Competition, yes, but it almost looked like a new flock joined the gang; all new young faces.
"Fresh meat"
"Newbie's" another informed.
Among the laughter, Sally denoted to Cassi "They're high school kids. Probably looking to join for a blowout summer. A lot of them come from the Bay area"
"So the newest wave of Surf Nazi's"
Each higher ranking member was pointed out, including her brother.
The wind blew another furious gust. Frantically hanging onto the new music sheets she'd written, they turned back towards the water to witness another series of rips and spins while riding the current. Cassi only smiled from her seat while everyone else shot up to yell the surfers on.
Brushing the dark brown locks from her eyes, Cassi looked to see if Debbie was back. They hadn't seen her the other day so maybe they really were staying up in Luna Bay for a few days. When she wasn't in sight, Cassi did note that nearby another girl sat like she was. The young blonde was definitely one of the students visiting the area. She sat among her friends, but the surfing didn't appear to be the maximum form of entertainment for her. She clapped like the others but her eyes off in the distance.
Much more into town, both having been working, Marina was eager to touch base with Kelsey on how their save up had gone this week. Max would be back tonight and she finally had a day off. She'd woken up feeling very nervous because she knew they were running out of time. They'd been paid today too.
Marina thought she would visit with both Kelsey and Scarlet but for now it's just her. Deciding to go about her day like she normally would, she hauled a basket of laundry to take up the street.
During the day, and especially in the afternoon, her neighborhood had an evident characterization and life to it. All of Santa Carla did. From urban apartments to small flats, beach houses to wooden shacks, children big and small all over the streets, skateboarding, rollerblading, outdoor sports, street musicians, bustling low riders with feet out the windows and old hippies riding grocery carts.
Funny how all help disappears when trouble rears its head…
Passing the other apartments, a radio playing a Madonna song sounded. Walking down the steps and onto the busy streets, a series of kids scrimmaged by her in a soccer game, while others rushed towards the man with the ice cream cart.
Balancing the basket with her hip, she dodged a few kids while approaching "Hi Felix, Lime Popsicle please" she smiled.
"Hi Marina!" A few of the kids would greet.
"Hi girls, what are you having?" She greeted two smiling nine year olds before they were suddenly pulled away. Looking up, Mrs. Vargo gave her a falsely sweet smile before hissing quietly to the girls, thinking she wouldn't understand, telling them not to engage with her.
Receiving her treat from Felix, Marina could feel eyes on her. Looking over her shoulder, it was none other than the nosy stay at home moms that lived off of gossip. Seeing a look of condolence from Felix, they both knew Marina had become a hot topic. Especially after the rowdiness that her extortion caused the other night…
Loud noise was heard but absolutely no neighbors made any move to intervene. Talking behind her back was much more entertaining. Forget the fact that she was a young woman living on her own with no family involvement and to have loud male voices over, of course they would speak ill of her. Believe it or not, her old family once lived by the same practice. It was such a judgey mindset; the way she had left them was likely a disgrace to all their peers.
Not everyone was like this but a lot of the neighborhood had stopped to give her stares. Honestly, she didn't give a damn what housewife gossip went on about her.
Well… it did somewhat sting.
Walking along the street stands and small shops, sending hellos to the owners on their walk ups while Santana or Caifanes could softly be heard playing, a few looks continued from once friendly faces. Marina had very little times she could rely on others. It became foreign to her, but she would surpass this. Thankfully she had friends like Kelsey to help bear this burden. And although Scarlet was unaware of her situation, these days with her new friend were a pleasant company. Seeing Cassi again was great; Claudia and Rome were persistent but also a support.
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While my load finished drying at the laundromat, I went to the store to pick up a few essential groceries. Grocery basket in arm, acquiring a loaf of bread, cereal, ham, soup, I looked up to find myself blocked by two familiar thugs at the end of the aisle.
I froze. Oh no…
Turning the opposite direction, that side was also being blocked. One cheeky mug right in my face. The rest closing in, I swallowed deeply…
Looking around me, there wasn't any other customer in this part of the store… but there have got to be cameras somewhere.
"Times up"
"I don't have it on me. Kelsey is…" he shot his hand up to silence me.
"Tonight. 10 o'clock. Private place…"
I glared. "Public place" How stupid did they think I was?
Chuckling at my paranoid state, he still nodded. "Boardwalk. Under the Giant Dipper. Both of you, alone, just get us what's due and we'll leave you be…" He tried grazing my chin, but I instantly slapped his hand off. All of them that had closed in around me laughing, each turning away just as a group of shoppers neared.
I need to find Kelsey…
This debt was unfairly cast on me, but I'll get by just as I always have. The sooner it's paid, the sooner it's behind me and I would be left alone. Groceries forgotten, laundry in tow, and panting up to Kelsey's home though…
Several knocks and no answer would upstart another worry…
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Nightfall…
Leaving a gust of wind in my wake, it was only a few minutes after sun down. I was afraid they'd catch me coming in after dark but I'd cover by saying it was simply walking around the shores and cliffs.
Spilling rumble from the top entrance of the cave, I came to a halt on the edge and realized the shades were settling from the cavern winds but no one was around. Looking around the cave, nothing of theirs was moved. Lighting the oil drums and waiting another few minutes with no one appearing from the elevator shaft, I decided to crawl in and see.
I've never actually been inside the clan's coffin. The cave was one thing, but they didn't want me in their sleep chamber. It was almost pitch black in here. Pushing the debris, vines and masses of collapsed wood from the old hotel, the passage only became narrower. Urgh, it smells like the dead… Flies swarmed about, leaving me swatting away, and feeling crumbles under my feet revealed the source of the smell. Old bones…
The remains of corpses under my boots left me very hesitant on whether I wanted to go any further. At this point..
They weren't here…
The sun had barely set and they had already taken off.
Even when they leave me behind, I always see them. If they were looking for me they would have realized I'm near. Leaving like this, it only brings me to one conclusion. They went to see Max. When he wants to talk, I'm never taken. This thought alone brings me back to what I did today. The two couldn't be related, but… Now that it's done, I can't help but wonder if I acted impulsively.
Maybe…
Well it's not my problem anymore. Turning back towards where I entered, I stopped mid step when a slight wail was heard. Instantly turning back, my vision for darkness in full force but detecting nothing inside. Was that the wind? I didn't walk in further, but leaning in closer, it was almost like I heard a scattering of rocks. Exactly how far do these tunnels lead? In that next moment I was sure I heard another wail, but the wind has done so before. It might call to question how wind can enter this far into the earth. Stepping over the aged remains, I headed back to the hotel lobby.
I'm not sticking around here either.
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"Good Evening, boys." His back was faced to them, overlooking the beach cliffs from the glass balcony doors of his penthouse "Do come in."
They confidently strode in, whistling over the luxurious setting.
"Calling us from your house" etched with slight mockery to their maker, David approached the ash tray over the home-bar. In dabbing out the blunt "What's the occasion?"
"Welcome back pops. Pretty chill place you got here" Paul grinned as he began fiddling through his tape collection. Marko grinned after pulling open the liquor cabinet to reveal Max's best vintage.
"Hands to yourselves and take a seat!" Max thundered before he faced them. The boys smirked but obeyed. They may appear young men but their behavior says otherwise. Honestly why must children touch everything? Dwayne had already taken his relaxed place on the sofa, and the others followed suit. Instantly the head of their coven began regretting telling them to do as such when the stains and dirt among their clothes began smudging the pastel sofa. Before he could snap, he took a moment to let his frustration dissipate as he removed the show glasses.
He should really be stricter with them. Perhaps he needed help. A woman's touch could certainly do a hand in this foul behavior, but unfortunately a sister doesn't cut it. Thorn was next to enter the room, his loyal servant could definitely sense his displeasure. Growling as he slowly approached, the hound was settled by the stroke of his master turning back towards the glass that overlooked the ocean and night sky.
"Your mischief has brought this town number of concerns but you know well what is best for our survival here… HOWEVER" his tone now very serious. "You don't act as one now." Exchanging looks, they were confused.
"This concerns your lovely sister. How is she?"
David rolled his eyes. He wasn't in the mood to hear him gripe about her again. "We're working on her. You'll be the first to know." He stood up to leave as Max continued.
"You're working on her? Strange, considering her words to me were 'acceptance, gratitude and preparation' weren't far." the boys each gave a calculating look at his revelation.
"Wait, she told you she was going to go through with it?" Marko asked to make clear.
Max nodded. "I was truly looking forward to results. But I know my creations, and I can sense not all is right between you"
"If this is all you have to say, we're going" the young leader dismissed and his brothers stood up to follow.
"Despite your experiences, the female mind is something you cannot begin to understand boys. You may have your plans for her but I have no doubt she has her own" Max walked around to his armchair, and the hound followed. They turned back. David in particular was annoyed and wished he would just get to the point already.
It was Max's turn to look amused "Thorn here has followed her since I've been gone, and he has shown me interesting observations today you let slip right by you…" Voice darkening, the amusement was gone and his glare icy towards his sons.
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10 o'clock
I was very vigilant of all my surroundings. The horns of the shipping boats in the water could be heard, and the rush of shutters and roars of the crowds nearby. This roller coaster was built right above the water too, so crashing waves could slightly be heard. Stepping over the garbage that accumulates in these back alleys, lost items from the rides and electrical boxes, I was checking behind me before a whistle… more accurately a cat call sounded.
"She showed…"
"ONE did."
"Walk where I can see you" I demanded, envelope of money on the inside pocket of my flannel shirt. I was beyond confused, hurt and frustrated. I had no idea where Kelsey was right now… Day off of work but no sign of her anywhere else.
There was chuckling… "Where's your friend, Marina? Or do you have it all..?"
Despite the urge to save my own skin, I couldn't just throw her under the bus. Hesitantly I held the envelope out and he was quick to snatch it. Counting it quickly, easy to say he wasn't pleased.
"What the hell is this?"
"$700 is all we have..." It killed me to even give him that much. It'll probably be cans and cereal until my next check.
"That's ridiculous" he shoved me back but I returned it, glaring.
"$700, asshole. Take it or leave it" The others instantly shot my way. Reaching for only form of defense, I was still set to run before he yelled once more.
"Hold it…" When I heard their steps halt, I too couldn't help but turn back to look at the scene. He didn't look upset anymore, actually deep in thought, playing with the envelope before tucking it into his pocket…
"Alright… I guess cash must be tight for you guys" he calmly approached. "I'll be willing to waiver the amount. Back off fellas, we can close the deal with $700…" he declared, which was almost unbelievable. His goons confusingly pulling back. "Hell, you can even have 100 back. I'll cover the remainder"
I slightly turned back to face them and my disbelief was instantly addressed, "We close this deal…on one condition"
And there it was. Nothing comes that easy "…What?"
"I know Molly's history…" He alone walked closer and chuckled, bringing his forefinger to brush from my shoulder to the front of my shirt "…which means I know yours. Strippers? Show girls? L.A has a lot of variety…"
What was he implying? "This money here probably means a lot to you Sunset Blvd. girls." That hit a nerve "But I'm sure you have some useful talent, you know. It's not like this would be the first time you used your looks to get what you need." He held the bill up to my face before putting it himself into my back jean pocket. "Maybe a little 'action' would do wonders for you. Get rid of all your problems?"
This crossed a line. My expression was calm but on the inside I was a boiling mass of lava by this proposition. What is wrong with men? Why does it always come down to their perverse and desperate carnal satisfaction? It's pathetic and disgusting and infuriating. I wanted to just break his nose, but when signs of a glare began to show on my face, a strong grip took hold of my arms. His minions were closing in again and alarm began to overcome me.
"…Or we could go to L.A. You know, I'm in touch with the strips there. Maybe you'll know people?" I couldn't hold back a falter in my expression.
I didn't struggle at all, instead a slow smile finally spread on my face. "…Okay. I might be willing to give a little more" he arched a brow at my new stance, leaning closer into him.
"But your goons can't watch us…" I purred, reaching for the buttons of his shirt while pulling his collar closer.
He snapped his fingers and all his minions started snickering and whooping. They began their leave so it would be just the two of us, and I backed away from him, while he walked towards me.
Unbuttoning the first one on my shirt…
The second…
The third…
He smirked wildly, moving faster towards me as he saw more of my thin camisole underneath. Reaching inside the side of my own shirt, I found what I was looking for and thwarted it out from its hiding place.
Pistol now between us, targeting his face, the smirk barely had time to drop before I pulled the trigger….
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0.o how's Marina gonna get out of this? Uh oh, Max sounds unhappy. What did Scarlet do? A lot comes to light next chapter and SEVERAL FULL CONFRONTATIONS. Not sure how this mess will get untangled;) lol Each of them has their own life going on but they're being drawn closer and closer. The three meeting at the store was fun but walls are going to start closing are gonna start getting harder but the good times are still gonna roll.
Please review! :)