Hi guys!
So I got another review, thank you very much PoisonApple13! Big hug!
Also thanks to fisherlinda53 for following and favouriting. If you've read this story but have decided to remian silent, you rock as well!
Now that you've officially met Sarah I can tell you who I pictured as her. At first I didn't think Vanessa Hudgens would be tough enough for this role, but then I saw Give Me Shelter and I was like, it has to be her! But this is as much your story as it is mine, so let me know who you think should be Sarah, just for interest's sake. As for Lexi and Shane… I have no idea. Any thoughts?
Disclaimer: As I have mentioned, I do not own the Lost Boys, but Sarah, Lexi and Shane are all mine!
Enjoy beautiful people!
II.
By the time seven o'clock came around I was more than ready to go home, put on the loosest clothes I could find, heat up some box noodles and watch MTV.
But alas, Alexia and Shane had other plans for me.
I had just finished doing a final count up and was busy locking the register when Lexi pounced on me.
"You're coming out with us, right Sarah?"
I shook my head at and grabbed my sling bag from under the counter, "Not tonight, Lex."
She put on her best pouty face and took hold of my shoulders, giving them a shake, "Come on, Sarah! Please?"
"I'm tired, Sarah, it's been a long day. All I want to do is go home and crash. Besides it's laundry day today."
"Then I'll come with you and afterwards we can go out, you have to at least meet the guys. They keep asking about you every time they come into the shop."
I let out very long, very loud sigh. Lexi wasn't lying. Her and Shane's guy friends, usually the same four guys, often made a point of staying in the shop way longer than they needed to, asking for several records that they never actually bought. All the while the girls stayed near the front scowling at either them or me. It frustrated the deuce out of me, but I managed to ignore it for the most part. After Mitch-bitch I was in no mood for another fling that would just end in trouble.
But then I realized if I actually met them, officially, then maybe they'd see I wasn't interested and leave me alone.
At least that's what I had hoped would happen.
Eventually I threw my hands up in defeat. "Fine! But just for a few hours okay?"
"Scout's honour, bestie."
"Yeah, whatever."
Lexi laughed and then pointedly looked me up and down, making me glance down at myself anxiously.
"But first, you need to change."
"Excuse me?" I liked to think my wardrobe was awesome thank you very much. It was something I prided myself on. Today's outfit was denim cutoffs, a white billowy tank top and a coral knitted wool waistcoat.
"Why, dear Lexi is this not suitable for a beach party?" those things happened like every night around here, so it was the obvious choice for my little outing.
"Because, you can look hotter."
I made a shocked sound and slapped her on the arm, walking towards the door where Shane was waiting, "Thank you, Lexi. As always your advice is so uplifting."
But I did really want to shower and get the day's work off me, so I figured why the hell not?
"If you say one thing about the new outfit I will go home."
"I won't say anything if I help pick it out."
"Now why does that scare me?"
Lexi giggled and then said to Shane, "I'm going to go keep Sarah company, babe. We'll get you at the spot in about an hour."
The man only shrugged, already out the door and walking towards the boardwalk that was quickly filling with night time patrons.
Walking home was always a bit unnerving for me. I lived in a somewhat crowded part of town so there was never a shortage of witnesses, but if something did happen these people were far more likely to look the other way than help. Clutching my bag with iron fists I made my up to the apartment, glancing around every now and then to make sure I wasn't being followed. I had the essentials with me, pepper spray, emergency details and so forth, but I still got a chill up my spine every now and then.
Lexi on the other hand had no such fears about being out at night. She just trotted beside me, talking endlessly about the four guys that just had to get to know her co-worker.
At this point, having heard it a thousand times, I just half listened. They had been to the shop a few times, always just before they went to the area of the boardwalk where the stalls, park rides and concerts were, and after they left every time I would get told how lucky I was that I had four guys, and more apparently, vying for my attention.
Lexi was a hopeless romantic, and led to her fantasizing about things that would never be. Things that usually pertained to my uneventful love life. And I wanted to keep it uneventful.
But the wistful Lexi just continued her monologue all the way up to my door.
My apartment was a typical first home away from home kind of place, with basic, very old furniture and records, books scattered everywhere and instant food helpers and coffee stocked in the cupboards. As I passed the counter by the door I stuck my hand into a massive jar and pulled out a handful of candy corns, waving for Lexi to take some too.
The little moocher brought the whole jar into my bedroom!
As she rifled through my closet, looking for something "suitable" for me, I walked around my room gathering up the clothes that needed a fluff and fold and shoving them in a laundry bag.
"Oh my God, Sarah you are so lucky you live above a Laundromat, my folks always make me walk to the one like twenty blocks away to do ours."
"Yep, Lexi I'm living the dream." I slung the bag over my shoulder and looked at her, "Are you done yet?"
"Almost." She had an armful of stuff by the time she was done and she threw it on the bed, going to my bureau to no doubt collect some makeup and jewelry as well.
Once she'd placed the items on the bed as well, we went downstairs. She brought the damn makeup with her so we could kill time while waiting for the clothes.
Sure enough, about fifteen minutes later I was seated on a machine while she stood in front of me and applied what she liked to call a just-tumbled-out-of-bed look.
I had about five minutes to get back upstairs and change before we had to meet Shane.
I must say though, that Lexi is just as good with dressing me as I am.
She had chosen my favourite floor length black skirt, a white top and my jean jacket that had a mess of badges and patches sewn onto it, with sandals that I had forgotten I own.
With the makeup and jewelry I looked good.
"You're going to turn me into a conceited bitch, Lexi."
She only grinned at me, "You're welcome. Now come on! Shane is waiting for us."
The 'spot' Shane had mentioned earlier was one of many bonfires on the beach. As we approached I could hear music from a boombox, smell some sort of food being slowly turned into charcoal, and see the people I would be forced to converse with in 3…2…1…
"Guys, this is Sarah. She works with us at the store."
As if they didn't already know that.
"Sarah, this is guys."
For about the next five minutes I was introduced to about twenty people, all very excited to finally meet the girl Lexi talked so much about.
Alright, alright. I won't lie, they were pretty cool.
None of them really made me feel that uncomfortable, and when the drink and… other stuff… started flowing I wasn't asked more than once if I wanted anything… anything at all.
And they were funny. Just listening to them talking to each other was enough to make me giggle hysterically every now and then.
Eventually I found a fellow music lover, besides Lexi and Shane, and we spent a good hour sitting by the fire, discussing favourite bands and worst songs ever and what have you.
"Def Leppard. Hands down, best band ever."
I laughed at the guy, hadn't quite gotten his name, and nodded my head, "If you like that sort of thing."
"Oh, then enlighten me, Yoda. What is your choice?"
"Don't have one. I like everything as long as it is worth listening to."
"Then don't insult my favourite band just because you can't make up your mind!"
His high pitched voice made me laugh till my sides ached.
He laughed along with me, probably at my hysterics, and when we sobered he asked another question, "Okay, best concert ever."
"That's easy, Woodstock, 1969."
"No way, that was awesome."
I was about to answer when I caught sight of the four guys walking towards us.
Okay, Sarah don't panic. If you stay still maybe they won't see you.
That theory worked for about five minutes.
"Lexi, baby! You finally got her to come."
I let out a groan as the conversation carried on behind me. Then I felt a hand on my shoulder and I looked up into a pair of very happy eyes.
"Come on, Sarah. There's some people I want you to meet."
I considered telling Lexi my legs had gone to sleep, but the guy I was talking to was already getting up and pulling me with him.
"You'll love them, they're like Santa Carla royalty."
"That's not saying much."
He laughed and took my hand, dragging me the twenty feet it took to reach the group.
They looked the same as they did every time they came to the shop. Arrogant, confident and way too lingering with their gazes.
Lexi slung her arm around my shoulders and gestured to the four, "Well, gentlemen may I present Sarah Kessler. Sarah this is…"
The first stepped up and took my hand in both of his, "Andrew, pleasure."
"Is all mine." I said with a slightly sarcastic edge to my voice.
I gave the other three the quickest handshakes I could, and then after a brief conversation about what made me finally venture out one of them said something that made my skin go cold.
"Let's go swimming!"
"But it's dark." Thank you Lexi, you tell 'em.
"No worries, we just don't go further than the waist."
She looked doubtful for a moment, then to my horror she smiled and said it was good idea.
I took a few steps back as they took off their various pieces of clothing to reveal the swimsuits underneath. Stupidly enough I had worn mine, but only because it went with the outfit. This suit had yet to get wet, and I was planning to keep it that way.
Lexi was about to run to the waves when she stopped and looked back at me, waving at me frantically. "Come on, Sarah. I put your bathing suit out didn't I?"
"Yeah, you did Lex, but I think I'll pass."
"Well, if you change your mind…"
"I know where the ocean is."
I watched as about ten people ran forward and splashed into the water, laughing and dunking each other.
I on the other hand was just trying to breathe normally. My hands were shaking and I could feel a pressure behind my eyes I hadn't felt since…
Oh God.
Queue Andrew.
"Not a fan of swimming, are you?" he said silkily as he sat down.
"Nope, I am a freak of nature apparently." I tried not glare at him as he sat down, too close for comfort.
He chuckled and said, "That's cool, we can just keep each other company then."
That sounded like a fantastic idea!
"You know what, it's getting late I should-" I froze as his hand wound around the knee I had propped up to rest my elbow on. "Would you like to keep that hand, buddy?"
"Don't worry Sarah, Lexi told me how much you like me."
"She did what now?" I suddenly had an urge to throw up.
"Yeah. I mean at first I was little weirded out that a girl was practically stalking me, but then I found it quite flattering."
His hand slid up my leg a few inches and that's when I decided enough was freaking enough. Getting up I dusted my skirt off and knelt down till I was looking him in the eyes.
"First of all, Lexi would never tell you that because it just so happens she knows exactly what I think of the four of you. Secondly me liking you would require me being blind, deaf and dumb. And for future reference, my leg is not an arm rest!"
I found Shane lighting up a few feet away and told him I was going home. All I got in reply was a wave.
Walking through the busiest part of the boardwalk I was able to get my temper back under control. God I hate men!
But short of becoming a nun I wasn't ever going to get away from them. Where had all the gentlemen gone?!
I had reached a comic book store and was walking past when a little kid ran into me, knocking me so hard I nearly fell on my face. The force of the knock made him stumble backwards too and I grabbed onto him before he toppled over.
Looking down at him I said, "You okay there, buddy."
The poor thing looked frightened out of his mind. "I'm fine, sorry."
"Eh, no worries, nothing broken I don't think." He didn't smile like I hoped he would, but looked around us frantically, which made me frown.
"Where were you running off to so fast?" I didn't say what I was thinking, which was who were you running from?
"Nowhere, I just-"
"HEY!"
The little boy grimaced as a man approached us. He looked furious and I wanted to punch him for directing his fury at this little cutie.
Instinctively I pushed the boy behind me as the man came to stop in front of us.
"Can I help with something, sir?"
He pointed at the boy and said acidly, "That little scum stole from my shop!"
I felt arms go around me and hands cling to my clothes. This kid was way too trusting. But there was no way I could give him up to this guy.
"What did he steal?"
After listing the whole three bags of candy, the man made a grab for the boy. I stepped between them once again and said to him, "Look, I'm sure he didn't mean to steal, I mean look at him." I put my hand on his head and played with his hair, "This little tike probably hasn't had a piece of candy in years."
"That's not my problem."
I sighed dramatically and reached for my purse.
"Okay, how about this. I'll pay for the things he took, and he'll promise never to steal from you again…deal?"
The man narrowed his eyes, contemplating my offer.
"Fine." He grabbed the money out of my outstretched hand and pointed his finger at the boy again.
"If I catch him in a store again-"
"It'll be the last thing he ever does, yes I get it."
I didn't receive an answer, just the pleasure of watching the man storm away.
"Jackass." Hopefully the kid didn't hear that.
I knelt down to him and folded my arms over my chest. "Are you alright, kiddo?"
He nodded and smiled at me. "Thanks."
"No problem. Hey, well done on almost getting away with it too. For a minute there I think you nearly lost him."
He stuck his chin out triumphantly at me, "I would have if you hadn't been in my way."
I laughed loudly at him, "Is that anyway to thank the person that allowed you to have sweet treasures?"
"Want some?" he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out one of the bags.
"Candy corns!" I sounded as young as him just then in all my shrieking. I was going to get a sugar rush soon.
As I popped two into my mouth I grinned at him, "Christmas in a lick, huh?"
He nodded his head as he threw about ten into his mouth.
I waited till he swallowed and then looked around me, we were still surrounded by people walking around, me kneeling on the walk in front of him, so I pulled him over to an empty bench where we wouldn't be in everyone's way.
Once seated I looked at him and said, "So where are parents, bud?"
"At home." He threw more candy into his mouth while I gaped at him in shock.
"You mean you're here alone?!"
"It's no big deal, I come here a lot."
"Why aren't they with you?" I couldn't believe adults would be so careless about their own kid!
"I can look after myself." He gave me a defiant stare.
"You're like ten years old, kid."
"Eight."
"Whatever. As much as you seem in tune to the night life here on the boardwalk, I think I should take you home." This kid was not safe here.
"NO!" he stood up and folded his arms, his tantrum drawing some stares. "I don't want to go home, it always smells bad there, and my parents are asleep all the time anyway. At least here I get to have some fun."
"I know, kiddo but-" something he said made a light bulb go off in my head.
"How do you mean it smells bad?"
He scrunched his nose up as if he were smelling it now, "Sweet. But not like candy or sugar. Like medicine, but worse."
I knew what he was talking about. The poor boys loser parents were a pair of druggies.
A sympathetic look must have crossed my face because the boy sat down next to me once and put more sweets in his mouth.
For a while we just sat in silence, him chewing and me thinking about how sorry I felt for him. I had never been on this side of the fence before, being the one to have to witness the drugs take their hold on you. I mean I had seen what had happened to people who were on stronger stuff than me, but I had been too high for the memories to really affect me.
I could only imagine what this poor kid had already seen, and he was only eight years old for crying out loud!
"What's your name?"
He looked at me and said through the gummy mess, "Laddie."
I held out my hand to him and he shook it with his tiny one, "Nice to meet you, Laddie. I'm Sarah."
"That's a nice name."
"Thanks." I shifted in my seat so that I was facing him, "Is there nowhere safe for you to spend the night, kiddo?"
"Well, sometimes I stay with my grandma."
"Okay, then how about this: you and I can hang out together for a bit if you like, just so that you've got someone to keep you safe. And then I'll take you to your grandma's house afterwards?"
"Okay!"
The little boy threw the empty sweet away, grabbed my hand and dragged me out of the chair.
At this point I was starting to think I had bitten off more than I can chew with this little guy.
Oh crap. He just ate a whole bag of sweets didn't he?
This is going to be a long night.
A/N: Is Laddie a mini vampire yet? Only time will tell.
By the way, all of my music knowledge comes from my dad, since he was around when most of this stuff came out. And his favourites etc. are what I've based Sarah's favourites on and so forth.