*Author's Note - This story does not spoil anything from the new Beetlejuice movie; with the only exception being the references characters make to what happened during the 36 year gap between the two movies. So if you've already seen the new movie, enjoy this fun prequel tale. For those that haven't seen the new movie... enjoy this fun sequel to the classic movie that will prepare you for the status quo of the new film.

Winter River, Connecticut - June 1989

The bell sounded loudly at Miss Shannon's School for Girls. School was out for the summer and no one was more excited than Lydia Deetz to get out of the school building. Without wasting any time, Lydia unchained her bike from where she had it locked, and then instantly began to ride it home. As Lydia rode her bike home, she softly sung to herself: "Day-o. Me say day, me say day-o. Daylight come and me want go home." Lydia rode her bike through the covered bridge in town, and then began to pedal harder as she rode her bike on the uphill road towards her home. However as she was riding her bike, she suddenly saw a truck turn a corner and quickly come her way. A wide eyed and frightened Lydia swerved off the road, and suddenly found her bike heading down into the yard of a local farm. Lydia screamed as she and her bike crashed through an old fence, and Lydia instantly found herself falling to the ground, with her head hitting the grass.

From the nearby house, a Latino teenage boy rushed over to Lydia as he said, "Are you okay!? That looked like a nasty tumble." As Lydia slowly got up, she said, "Oh, that was nothing. I've dealt with worse. It's not like that truck was scarier than Beetleju.. errh... a swarm of beetles." The teenage boy looked slightly relieved as he said, "Well, I learned from lifeguard training to never treat a fall to the head lightly. You could have a concussion. Come on. My grandparents have plenty of ice in their home. You can sit outside on the porch as I get it." As Lydia stood up, and slowly followed the teenage boy to the nearby house, she curiously said, "So... what's a young lifeguard like you doing so far away from any decent beach?" The teenage boy smirked as he said, "Everyone had to know basic life guard training during my missions trip to this summer camp I was working at in Guatemala last summer. This summer though I'm helping my grandparents on their farm here as they're preparing to sell it. I'm Richard by the way." Lydia smirked as she held out her hand and said, "Lydia." Lydia and Richard briefly shook hands.

Richard and Lydia soon reached the porch of the nearby house. However Lydia suddenly began to feel a little dizzy as she said, "Whoa..." A concerned Richard then held Lydia's hand to keep her from falling as he said, "Okay. I know we just met, but I think you should come in where it's a bit cooler." Lydia then followed Richard into the house, where an elderly man and woman were cooking. Richard waved his hand as he said, "Grandpa, grandma. This is Lydia. She fell down on her bike outside, so I'm just gonna let her get some ice and sit down for a bit for while she catches her breath." Richard's grandmother smiled as she said, "Ah, yes. I recognize you. You're the Deetz girl. Oh, so many people in town say you're a very creepy girl." Lydia looked surprised as she said, "They do?" Richard's grandmother smiled as she said, "Oh, yes. But now that I'm up close to you for the first time... I can definitely say you indeed quite the creepy girl." Richard looked a bit angry and embarrassed as he said, "Okay. That's enough grandma."

As Richard let Lydia into another room, he said, "Sorry. My grandmother has no filter on her brain." Lydia however looked pleased as she said, "I actually appreciate the brutal honesty. Most people waste their whole lives building a facade behind pleasantries. However the only hope humanity has in improving is if we all show our true selves and true feelings upon the world in which we see. For hiding the truth behind the lies of pleasantries, only means we are building up a world built on facades." As Lydia sat down, Richard prepared a bag of ice as he said, "Hmm. You know, I've never met a girl who talks like you Lydia... but I like it."

As Richard handed Lydia a bag of ice, Lydia turned her head and saw a series of book shelves filled with many horror themed VHS tapes. Lydia's eyes widened with wonder as she said, "Whoa. I've never seen such a huge VHS collection... and they're all horror movies!" As Lydia moved her body towards the VHS collection, a delighted Richard said, "Yeah. I go to every video store I can find to get copies of these movies. My parents don't like me having them at home, so I keep my collection here at my grandparents' place." As Lydia pulled out one VHS tape, she looked very impressed as she said, "Oh my gosh! This is the X-rated version of this film that was only released in Japan! This is insanely cool!"

As Richard sat down next to Lydia, he said, "Well what I think is insanely cool is that you're a girl but you're totally into horror movies. Don't most women get squeamish by the sight of so much gore?" Lydia had a smirk on her face as she said, "Most women do... but I've seen some crazy stuff over the last year that pretty much makes all these horror movies look like kids' stuff. I don't fear the dead. In fact... I literally have a fond relationship with them." Then as Richard grabbed a few VHS tapes, he said, "Well... how about you and me watch some kids' stuff tonight after the sun goes down. If you bring over some popcorn, I'll supply a marathon of movies." Lydia began to blush a bit as she said, "So... you asking me out on a date?" Richard smirked as he said, "What if I am?" Then Lydia slowly stood up as she said, "Then I'd have to say... make sure you've rewound all your best gory movie tapes before sun down."

A short time later, Lydia walked into her home with a big smile on her face. Suddenly, Lydia saw appearing in front of her were the ghosts of Adam and Barbara Maitland. Adam looked worried as he said, "Lydia, are you okay? You should've been home from school over an hour ago. We were supposed to have your End of School Year party as soon as you got here." Lydia meanwhile took off her shoes, while keeping a big smile on her face as she said, "Sorry. I just... got a bit distracted while on the way home."

Barbara then looked carefully at Lydia's face as she said, "Wait a minute. That smile on your face... why, that's the kind of smile that a girl only makes when..." Lydia then began to chuckle a bit as she said, "Is it really that obvious?" Adam however looked very confused as he said, "What is obvious? What happened?" A smiling Barbara nudged Adam as she said, "Adam, Lydia obviously met a boy." Adam still looked confused though as he said, "Wait. Lydia, how could you meet a boy? There aren't any boys living between here and the school. When did you find the time to meet a boy?"

Lydia looked up with dreamy eyes as she said, "His name is Richard, and he's only staying with his grandparents at the nearby farm for the summer. He's really sweet, he's a trained lifeguard, he's a missionary, he's handsome... and has the biggest collection of horror movies you've ever seen. Now if you excuse me... I have to find the perfect outfit to wear for my date with Richard tonight." Lydia then headed up to her bedroom. Meanwhile Adam looked at Barbara with a concerned face as he said, "Should we be worried Barbara? I mean we're bound to haunting only this house. Maybe we could encourage Lydia to invite this Richard boy over here." Barbara crossed her arms and chuckled as she said, "Oh, Adam..."

Lydia walked by a room in the house where her father was reading a book. Lydia paused for a moment looking uncertain... but then approached her father as she said, "Dad... can I ask you a question?" Lydia's father quickly put down the book he was reading as he said, "Of course Lydia. What is it?" Lydia looked a bit nervous and embarrassed as she said, "I met... a boy today... and I'm planning to see him tonight, so... you have any advice?" Lydia's father now looked a bit nervous, but put on a smile as he said with surprise, "A boy!? Wow. Lydia... I never thought that you'd ever... I mean it's great that you are, but... are you sure you wouldn't rather talk to Delia about this?"

Suddenly Lydia's step-mother: Delia walked into the room holding a sculpture of a man with the head missing. As Delia held the headless sculpture out, she said, "Everyone, I present my greatest masterpiece! The man with the face of great wonder!" Lydia however looked confused as she said, "What face of wonder? That sculpture has no head." Delia then smiled as she excitedly said, "I know. It's all about picturing what the face could look like if it was there. It's art that inspires the imagination... and also, I'll say the head was lost in a terrible accident. Do you know how much people pay for me for pieces of partially destroyed art!?" Then Delia stepped out of the room looking very pleased with herself, as Lydia's father (in a forced supportive tone) said, "Your artwork is brilliant dear."

Lydia then turned to look at her father once more as she said, "Lets just say... I don't think Delia's ideas quite fit with how my mind works. So anyway, the boy I'm talkin about is named Richard. He's staying with his grandparents down the road at the big farm before the bridge. We're going to watch movies tonight, and... I'm not sure what I should wear or what I should do." Lydia's father looked slightly lost for words as he said, "Well... I have to say I never thought we'd be having this conversation. Honestly, I thought you'd wind up being a spinstress who would die never even looking at boys your age." As Lydia sat down in a chair facing her father, she said, "Well... I kind of assumed the same thing for a long time as well. But then... I just saw Richard, and it was like... wow." Lydia's father made a warm smile as he said, "It was the same thing I felt when I met your mother. Look Lydia, the best advice I can give you is... be completely you. Don't hold back. If you want to find out if this Richard boy really likes you, then you have to just be Lydia Deetz: 200 percent!" Lydia pondered for a moment, as she said, "Hmmm. Be Lydia Deetz: 200 percent... Okay. I got some ideas. Thanks dad."

Lydia then stood up, and walked out of the room. Lydia's father then looked back at his book as he said, "All right. Lets get back to my reading and try to ignore the overwhelming fear that my daughter is becoming a woman." Then Delia suddenly walked back into the room holding a sculpture of a demon head as she said, "What do you think dear?" Lydia's father turned his head to look at the demon head sculpture, and then immediately screamed as he fell out of his chair. Delia meanwhile just made a happy smile as she said, "Wow. My art is a real scream. Oh, this is so exciting!"

Just as the sun outside finished setting, Richard heard a knock at the door to his grandparents' home. Richard quickly opened the door, only for his eyes to widen at what he was seeing. Standing before Richard was Lydia Deetz, wearing an all black ensemble with black spikey hair, spikey chains, a torn black dress, ripped black stockings, black eye shadow, and black lipstick. Lydia smirked as she said, "What do you think?" With wide eyes and a surprised face, Richard simply said, "Lydia, that has got to be the creepiest and most messed up outfit that any girl could wear on a first date... and God, does it look so sexy." Lydia blushed brightly as she smiled and said, "Really? Thanks. Anyway, I brought the popcorn. You got the tapes ready for our horror movie marathon?" Richard smiled as he said, "You bet I do."

Several hours later, Lydia and Richard were sitting on a couch together smiling as they watched a horror movie. As Richard looked at a nearby clock, he said, "Dang. We're almost through three movies. Think we can make it through a fourth?" Lydia smiled as she said, "I'm down to try if you are." Richard and Lydia then continued to watch the horror movie... but as they continued watching, their hands slowly made their way towards each other and touched. The two teenagers then turned their heads to look into each other's eyes. Both teenagers' hearts began to beat a little faster as Richard said, "Lydia... have you ever believed you could fall in love with someone... like, seriously?"

Lydia looked a little nervous as she said, "Well... for so long, I never thought I could love someone. I never thought someone could love me. There were so many nights where I felt ready to jump, or rather, plummet to my death... because I thought finding love was something I was incapable of doing. Of course... I'm too mature to believe in love the way it's depicted in movies. Love as we know it is just an illusion. It's a construct created by the human mind. It is simply born from when imagery is associated with pleasurable stimuli, or when one does not wish to part with the presence of an individual that reminds one of pleasing memories or the promise of pleasing stimuli to happen in the future, or..."

Then suddenly Richard leaned in and kissed Lydia on the lips. Lydia remained still as Richard continued to kiss her for a moment. Richard then moved his face away as he said, "So how would you describe that?" Lydia looked a bit lost for words as she said, "Well... I... I think the only way I can describe it... is like this." Then Lydia immediately pounced on top of Richard, nailed him to the couch, got on all fours on top of him, smiled... and then Lydia pushed her whole body down as she kissed Richard. A pleased Richard then kissed Lydia back as he wrapped his arms around her. A happy Lydia wrapped her arms around Richard as the two of them continued to kiss one another with passion.

Winter River, Connecticut - July 1989

On a sunny summer afternoon, Lydia and Richard were both running up the hill towards Lydia's home while holding hands as they laughed together. Lydia was wearing a black t-shirt with black shorts, while Richard wore pants and a large t-shirt with a vampire image on it. As they ran, Lydia suddenly tripped and fell onto Ricard. Richard then fell down onto the ground with Lydia, causing both teenagers to roll around in the grass for a moment. The two teenagers then remained in the grass as they looked at one another.

A smiling Lydia then looked into Richard's eyes as she said, "Happy one month anniversary Richard." A very happy Richard then said, "Happy one month anniversary Lydia. You know... I've traveled to ten different countries now with my parents on different missionary trips. I've seen great mountains, beaches, and so many wonders... but the beautiful thing in the world is laying right beside me right here." Lydia blushed as she said, "Thank you Richard. Thank you so much." Lydia then reached into her pocket as she said, "I actually got you a little gift for our anniversary." Richard smiled as he reached into his own pocket and said, "Well, I got you a little gift too."

Lydia then held out a voodoo doll that looked like herself, while Richard also held out a voodoo doll that look like him. Both teenagers smiled, and giggled together. However Richard opened up a small part of his voodoo doll and pulled a small piece of red cloth out of it. Lydia looked confused as he said, "What's that?" Richard then began to put the small piece of red cloth into Lydia's doll as he said, "It's my heart.. and now it's with you... always." Lydia smiled, as she leaned her head over and kissed Richard again.

However as the two teenagers kissed, Richard noticed two figures watching them from the largest window of Lydia's home. Richard stopped kissing Lydia as he said, "Lydia, who is the man and woman watching us from the window?" Lydia rolled her eyes as she said, "Uggh. Are my dad and step mom watching us?" Richard looked confused as he said, "No, I've met them. It's some other man and woman... and I think they're floating in the air trying to get a better view of us."

Lydia suddenly looked shocked as she said, "Hold on! Richard... you can see the ghosts in my home too!?" Richard then plainly said, "Yeah. I sometimes see other ghosts too when I'm traveling. Most people find a way to block out the strange and unusual. However, I love the strange and usual... which is probably why I fell for you." Lydia's smile grew big, and then she began to laugh, and then she began to hug Richard while also waving to Adam and Barbara (who were both floating inside the home near the top of a large window waving back).

Winter River, Connecticut - August 1989

On a cool evening: Lydia and Richard were both sitting on top of Lydia's bed in her home while kissing one another. The two soon stopped kissing for a moment as Richard said, "So are you sure the Maitlands said they wouldn't be here tonight?" Lydia nodded her head excitedly as she said, "Yeah. They're visiting their lawyer in the underworld tonight to try to find a loophole to reduce their sentence of being bound to this home for another 124 years. Meanwhile, my dad and step mom won't be back until tomorrow night. Which means... we have the whole house to ourselves."

A smiling Richard then kissed Lydia again. However, Lydia soon pulled away from Richard's embrace as she said, "But before we do anything else... we should talk." Richard looked a bit nervous as he said, "Okay. What is it?" Lydia looked into Richard's eyes with a very serious face as she said, "Richard... you and your grandparents are moving away tomorrow to live with your parents. It may be a long time until we're together again. This summer we've shared has been so perfect... and so... to end this perfect summer, I... I want us to make love tonight." Richard looked shocked, but also very aroused as he said, "Lydia... are you sure? I mean... I know I would love to do it with you. However I don't want to do anything that would make you uncomfortable or anything that you're not ready for."

Lydia nodded her head as she said, "I've never been more ready. Also, I don't want to let you leave me tomorrow without experiencing everything that our love has to offer." Richard took a deep breath as he said, "Okay. But... what if when I first go into you it makes you feel..." Lydia interrupted Richard as she said, "Don't worry. I've read plenty of books about sex, so I know what to expect." Richard looked relieved, and then leaned back into Lydia's embrace as he said, "Okay. If we're doing this... then lets do this."

Lydia and Richard then began to kiss again, but this time their kisses grew more passionate. They began to remove each other's clothes as they touched each other's bodies. Richard unbuttoned Lydia's shirt and took it off her, revealing her black lacy bra. Meanwhile Lydia began to unbuckle Richard's pants, but suddenly stopped as she said, "Are you absolutely sure you're ready?" Richard kissed Lydia's forehead as he said, "If something doesn't feel right, we'll stop. But I promise to go slow and make sure you're okay with every step." Lydia nodded her head as she said, "Okay."

The two of them lay down on the bed together. Richard began to kiss Lydia's neck, and Lydia began to moan with pleasure. Richard's hands roamed over Lydia's body, his fingers tracing the curves of her breasts, her waist, her hips. Lydia moaned, her body responding to his touch. Richard's mouth found Lydia's neck, his lips and teeth leaving marks on her pale skin. Lydia gasped, her body arching towards him. She wanted more, she needed more. As Richard reached down to remove Lydia's underwear, he kissed her on the lips deeply. The anticipation in the room grew as they began to explore each other's bodies even further with their hands. Soon Lydia was laying completely naked on the bed, as Richard was on all fours on top of her. Lydia looked up at Richard with excitement, as Richard looked down at Lydia with warm affection. Slowly Richard lowered himself down and slowly pushed his penis into Lydia's vagina. Lydia winced a bit at first... but then began to smile as she said, "It does hurt a little... but that makes me love it so much more." Richard smiled as he slowly began to thrust his hips back and forth, slowly pushing his manhood further into Lydia's teenage body. Lydia meanwhile quickly began to get lost in the sensations of extreme pleasure that were already overwhelming her body.

As Richard began to thrust into Lydia harder and faster, Lydia's moans grew louder. She gripped the bed sheets tightly as she whispered, "Bang me harder. I don't care how much it hurts. I'll love any pain that comes from you." Richard nodded as he continued to slam his flesh against Lydia harder. Richard soon began to grasp Lydia's hair tight with one hand, while using his other hand to squeeze Lydia's butt tight. At one point, the two teenage lovers rolled around, causing Richard to slap Lydia's butt cheeks hard. Lydia screamed in pain, but with a smile that assured Richard she was enjoying this. As the two teenagers continued to have sex, they moved together in a rhythm that was both primal and beautiful.

The room quickly grew hot with passion, as Lydia and Richard's bodies were now glistening with sweat under the moonlight that streamed through the window. Richard continued to squeeze Lydia's butt tightly, and she arched her back, her eyes rolling into the back of her head. "Oh, God, Richard," she gasped, her voice strained and needy. He kissed her neck, sucking gently, leaving a trail of hickeys that she would proudly wear the next day. The intensity grew, and Lydia felt a pressure building within her. Her muscles tightened around Richard, and she dug her nails into his back as she felt her climax approaching. Lydia's eyes rolled back in her head as she felt the beginnings of an orgasm. Richard could feel himself getting closer as well.

Finally, Lydia's body tensed up as she screamed out in pleasure. Richard followed soon after, his body shaking as semen shot at lightning speed out of his penis and into Lydia. Within moments, the sexual intercourse was over, and Lydia and Richard were now laying in bed; completely sweaty, and gasping for air as their hearts were racing. After several moments passed, Richard cuddled close to Lydia, holding her tightly as he said, "I love you Lydia. I will love you forever." Lydia looked at her lover with a smile on her face as she said, "And I'll love you forever too Richard." The two of them cuddled together, their naked bodies pressed against one another. The two teenagers then soon fell asleep; the most peaceful sleep of their lives.

Winter River, Connecticut - September 1989

Lydia rushed towards her home's mailbox, seeing that the town mailman had just passed by. Lydia opened the mailbox with anticipation... only to look disappointed when she saw no letter addressed to her in the mailbox. Lydia then headed back to her home and went towards the phone. Lydia's father happened to be walking by, but then looked stern as he said, "No more long distance calls Lydia! Those cost us a fortune!" Lydia looked annoyed as she said, "But it can take weeks for Richard to write back to me. Please dad. Please!" Lydia's father sighed, and then said, "Just one call. No more than ten minutes!" Lydia made a big smile as she began to dial a number. Lydia then heard Richard's voice say, "Hello?" An excited Lydia then said, "Richard! Hey! How are things going?"

Richard sounded relieved as he said, "Lydia. So glad you called, since I was about to call you. Listen, I just got accepted into this huge missions program to help poor tribes deep into the jungles of South America get food and running water. I thought I was too young to get accepted, but they had an opening, and took me in last minute." Lydia looked shocked as she said, "Whoa. Wow. I mean... I know you told me you liked doing missions work... but this is so sudden. When are you leaving?" Richard sighed, and then said, "Well... I'm leaving tomorrow... and I'm gonna be far away from civilization for the next nine months. Which means... we probably won't be able to contact each other for a long time." Lydia had a look of shock and dread go across her face as she said, "So long? But... we had plans to get together on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and most importantly: Halloween! Why... how..." Richard sounded sad as he said, "I'm sorry Lydia. I know this is sudden. But this is a dream opportunity I've always wanted... however don't think I still don't want you. Please wait for me Lydia. I promise to think about you every day. Please don't forget... I love you." Tears then appeared in Lydia's eyes, as she was bordering on crying as she said, "I love you too."

Winter River, Connecticut - October 1989

Late in the evening, Lydia was tossing and turning in bed as she found herself unable to sleep. As she tried to sleep, Lydia saw visions featuring strange images and sounds she could barely comprehend. Then Lydia heard the sound of a baby crying. Suddenly the frightening image of Beetlejuice appeared holding a baby as he said, "Well, ol' Richy may have left you. But I'm ready to step in as a good old step-dad. Don't worry. I'll raise this little one like he's my own. Look. I even gave him a makeover!" Then Beetlejuice turned the baby's face forward showing a horrific looking baby that appeared to be a baby-size Beetlejuice crying with razor sharp teeth.

Suddenly Lydia woke up in a cold sweat. Her heart was racing, but then Lydia winced in pain at odd sensations in her stomach. Quickly, Lydia got out of bed, sneaked out of her house, and rode her bike to the general store in town that was opened late. Soon after, Lydia got home and went to the bathroom. After some time passed, Lydia came out of the bathroom with a worried look on her face... as she was holding out a pregnancy test. Lydia then looked up with very sad eyes as she said, "Oh God. I'm pregnant."

TO BE CONTINUED...

*Author's Note - I hope you all enjoyed this first chapter. If there's anything you all want to see this story address or delve into, let me know. Also, for anyone who tells me the continuity of this story isn't matching up with the new movie... trust me, I know what I'm doing. The new movie only had a small number of lines of dialogue that addressed what happened to the characters between the two movies; so I plan to insert A LOT of my own material, filled with tons of plot twists and turns that will surprise even people who have already seen the newest movie. So stayed tuned. There is more to come...