phychohex

[phychohex]

I Met a Vampire Down in Santa Carla (Ch 19)

The past two weeks have gone by so fast. Mom is in the process of getting a job at the local vet office. She claimed that even though she has half a million she doesn't want to be cooped up all day. I didn't blame her. It is up in the air right now if we will move to a smaller place. Right now living in a five-bedroom house with it being only the two of us wasn't ideal. Why was the house so big for a family of three was beyond me. I theorized Steve wanted to show off his wealth with fancy things. Hence why his brothers thought my car was his. I had my room then mom had hers. There is a home office and guest room. The last room was like a man cave of sorts and Mom and I never went in until he died. It was the most decked-out room we've seen. With a TV bigger than the one in the living room and a couch behind it was a pool table and a wall filled with all his football memorabilia. She could get a lot for the house if we move but she doesn't want to start a new mortgage. Claiming she wants to wait until the insurance comes back. 

She did end up getting served a lawsuit from Janet. We weren't surprised in the slightest. At my job things have finally settled into normalcy. I had normal clients lined up for the next three months. David comes in every night for my break and is always there to come see me after work so that we can go hang out whether it be at the shack or the boardwalk. I'm still not sure what we are. On one hand, we have been hanging out alone more but besides the night mom was in jail we have yet to do anything a normal couple would. We haven't held hands, cuddled up on the couch to watch a movie, or kissed. It was getting frustrating. He claimed to feel the same way yet not much has changed to prove it. Part of me hopes it's just him being respectful considering he knows my past experiences and not that his feelings have changed. As for everyone else we have gotten back into a flow. Dnd now weekly as well as band practice. I'm getting ready for the monthly larp as my high elf Ismeth. I'm currently a level-four druid. I have on the ears and black facial markings. Using white foundation for the skin and contacts to make my eyes fire red. I have a chocker with a pendant which is a magic item. The dress has a low v-neck and a cinched waist the sleeves are off the shoulder and flow past the fingertips. The skirt is to the ankle and has a slit up both sides to the right below the hip. I have knee-high boots and a strap around my left thigh with glitter in it. The glitter is for spells. I am busy styling my hair pulling two strands at the front into small braids to pull back behind my head to hold it out of my face. I feel a breeze brush past me making a shiver run down my spine. I turn to see David lying out on my bed watching me get ready. 

"How did you get in? Don't vampires need permission to enter someone's house?" I ask confused about how he got in.

"You don't remember me spending the night with you?" He raises his eyebrows and nods his head towards me. "What's with the get-up?" I turn back to the mirror to focus on what I'm doing with my hair. It was giving me more issues than I wanted. 

"Larp," I mutter "Did you need something?" I ask I hear shuffling behind me. He leans over looking in the mirror his reflection showing. He had told me that when permission is granted he gets temporary immunity to holy items and silver. He also gains his reflection. 

"Do I need a reason to come see my girl?" He barriers his face into my neck smiling. I turn to him in shock.

"Your girl?" He looked confused. 

"Is that a problem?" 

"No" I shake my head quickly. "It's just. Well, we haven't made anything official." He stands up straight. He turns me around caging me between him and the vanity. 

"My bad princess I didn't realize I had to be blunt about it." He smirks. "Will you be mine?" I blush nodding trying to bite back the huge smile that made its way on my face. "What?" He tilts his head teasing I cover my face trying to turn away. It was embarrassing getting all giddy like a high school girl who just got asked out by the popular football player. "Do I make you that flustered?" He laughs. "Your hearts beating so fast guppie." He kisses my cheeks grabbing my wrist to prevent me from shying away. The moment is spoiled by my phone going off. I hang up and try to work up the courage to pull him into a kiss but apparently whoever tried calling really needed my attention. I answer after the third ring both David and I visibly annoyed. 

"Hello?"

"Where are you we were supposed to start twenty minutes ago?" Kayla complains. I look at the time freaking out. 

"Shit, I'm on my way." I stand up grabbing my staff and bag. "I lost track of time that's my bad I'll be there in ten." I hang up. "Sorry, I have to go." 

"It's fine I'll meet you there." I turn eyes widening. It was one thing doing larp with friends but in front of him, it seemed embarrassing. "What?"

"Are you going to join or just watch?" I ask.

"Watch. Is that a problem?" I shake my head. "Alright then" He goes past me. "See you there" The drive wasn't long and once I got to the park I was scolded by Kayla for being late. Josh gets us together. 

"Last time we met you all followed the map to the castle of Hallid and met the king who has tasked you with retrieving the Crystal of Redstone. The crystal is said to be used in ritual practice by a cult called the Ovral who worship a deity known as Mortis a god of death and destruction. If you fail to retrieve the crystal the ritual that they are performing to bring upon a plague destroying the kingdom of Hallid. If you succeed there will be great fortune and level up. We hear the motorcycles turning to see the boys show up. "Oh hey," Josh smiles. They get off greeting. 

"Hey babe," Kayla walks over kissing Dwayne the two having become a couple. "We are just about to start if you want to go sit over there." She points to the picnic table. I watch as they sit down. Alex had his two kids with him I assume to be our little actors for a later fight. Josh pulls out his notebook and calls the game to start. 

"As you come to the entrance of the cave you see sigils around the door." We look at the sidewalk to see markings. Lilly pulls out her book trying to look them up. 

"I can't find them" She frowns. "Ismeth you got anything? It could be druid" I opened my own book and I was also having a hard time finding anything. 

"Move aside." Alex boast. We look at him skeptically. He grabs a rock and tosses it. Nothing happens. "See no magic." He smiles. 

"That doesn't prove" I start 

"Hush." He puts his finger on my lips shushing me. "Not everything has to be cursed you magic folk always on edge."  Kayla rolls a fifteen and asks if she got my necklace. She is successful, taking it off of me. 

"Hey!" I snapped trying to get it from her she threw it to the ground causing my guide which is a cat to pop out. It is just a stuffed animal that I had to place on the ground. She grabs it and throws it into the cave. My mouth dropped. Lilly covers her mouth just as shocked. I looked to Josh who was holding back a laugh. 

"You watch as the cat turns to stone." I turn to Kayla baffled.

"Korak what the fuck." She holds her hands up. 

"It's not my fault." 

"Not your fault you just threw my cat into a cursed cave." I turn looking at the stuffed animal saddened by the fact that it is now most likely dead. 

"I'm not the dumbass who almost got us killed because he threw a rock. Rocks can't get curses."

I grab my dice and roll breaking her armor class. "I cast reduce" I grab a bit of glitter and toss it on her. "You are now the size of an apple." I cross my arms and she laughs. 

"What is that supposed to do." I pick up a stick and pause the game. 

"This is to represent Kayla" I look to Josh. He agrees and we continue.  I toss the stick across the park not into the fake cave. She took fall damage now having to only use on leg and having to hop. It took a while but we managed to get into the cave. Once entered we go down to the field. The boys follow. David comes up. 

"So this is all just playing pretend?"

"Yeah pretty much. I can't believe she threw Dennis into the cave like that." I grumble "Took me three sessions to gain his trust." David starts laughing. He held up the plush having grabbed it for me. 

"I mean you can take him home and use him as a statue." He jokes. 

"That is so rude no. I'm hoping I can make a call to Will's paladin to heal him or have some way to reverse the spell." I shrug "You don't think this is weird?" 

"Oh no it is totally weird but it's entertaining to watch. Especially since you immerse yourself in it so much." I look up.

"Have you been reading my mind?" He cringes having been caught. "David I told you not to do that."

"Sorry," The sarcasm showed he is in fact not sorry. 

"It's fine" I sigh. "I guess I don't mind if you do it while we play. It's probably more entertaining than just watching a bunch of adults run around in makeup playing with fake weapons." We end up at the field. I wave as he goes to sit down. 

"Roll for saving throws," Josh announces. The only ones who managed to beat the saving throw were Kayla and Lilly. "Throx trips falling over a rock sending Ismeth to the ground which causes her to trip the detection. Suddenly a statue opens its eyes the crystal being on its forehead. The statue is one of the god Mortis. Two cult members make their way out of the shadows the statue speaks." We look at will. 

"Movere" The two children run at us Alex draws his sword blocking Danny from hitting me with his foam sword. Giggling the whole time. I am helped up and I grab my staff which is made of light material so it can be used as a weapon. 

"Movere what does that mean?" Kayla asks. 

"It's Latin for move." Lilly grabs the orb out of her pocket. "I cast teleport." She rolls a nat one. "Or not" 

"Fairwood fails to teleport the orb shattering in her hand which is now unusable." Josh directs. 

"Congelo" Will says the two kids freeze in place. Alex takes this chance to run at the statue Josh throwing glitter on him. 

"You are now frozen in place until the statue says" 

"Movere" The children run to their father stabbing him in the side. I grab a marble and throw it at Maci it hits her arm. Now her character is on fire. Danny tries to attend to her as she rolls around trying to put out the flame. They knew whatever color of marble was used what they needed to do. "Cangelo" Danny freezes in place as Maci continues to roll around having glitter tossed on her as she freezes in place.  Kayla has to speed walk due to the size she is in the game and glitter is also tossed on her. Getting that she needs to freeze she does so. "Movere" 

"Throx has regained his ability to move however Korak is now frozen in her place and one of the cult members has perished due to their injuries turning to dust. Another member running out from the far corner next to Ismeth." Maci runs over to me and jumps on me I hold onto her not to drop her. I fall and hold her hand as she tries to stab me with a foam knife. 

"It's a game. Red light green light." I manage to disarm her and push her away. She playfully rolls acting like she's been kicked. I clap my hands causing Alex to do a barrel roll forward Danny mimicking him. Maci continues to roll away giggling. "Fairwood run and try to get the crystal I'll cover you. Throx fight off the cultist closest to you I can handle this one." I run at Maci who dodges the staff I pull the fake sword from my hip and she grabs the one from her the leftover ashes of her dead character. 

"Cangelo" I freeze in place everyone does. "Movere" the fight continues Lilly is able to grab the crystal. 

"The cave shakes as the statue crumbles. The cave is going to be caving in any moment." I book it towards the park followed by everyone else. We managed to make it out. "You watch as the cave crumbles to nothing. The crystal in hand. You have managed to save the kingdom for now. That's it." Josh closed his notes "We will continue this on the board next week sound good." We gather our things to leave. I go over to the boys who were talking amongst themselves. Paul and Marko were talking amongst themselves and Dwayne went over to Kayla. I sit down next to David. 

"Have fun?"

"Yeah." I chuckle "We are going to go get pizza and chill at the shack are you guys joining?" 

"Can't we're about to go eat," My eyes widen and I look around at the people around us. No one paid much attention to us everyone doing their own things. A group of college kids on the soccer field playing catch. Others shop and go to bars heading to the boardwalk. I wanted to know who. Memorising all the faces so that when they show up on the morning news I could know the truth. "Rory," I look back at David "You okay? Spaced out on me."

"Yeah I was just trying to see who you are going to kill," Paul leans over and points. 

"Those guys" I try to follow his finger only to have my eyes covered by David. "Hey, she asked." David gets up and helps me up. He cups my face. 

"Don't worry about it okay?" He tries to convince me. "Okay?" 

"Okay." I nod he kisses my forehead. "Have fun I'll see you tomorrow." He walks me to my car arm over my shoulder. He didn't want me to know the horrors that would be committed tonight. Trying to keep me away from the reality. When we got to the shack I tried to keep my mind off of it. Right now he is feeding off someone. Someone in Santa Carla is going to die. The murder capital was to have another victim and I am dating the killer. 

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A/N: I wanted to do a more campy, fun chapter. If this chapter was cringe then oh well it is all for fun anyway. A lot of stuff has been going on that I felt a palate cleanser would be nice.

[phychohex]

I Met a Vampire Down in Santa Carla (Ch 18)

I hear the door knock and open it, letting David in. "It's going to be okay." He comments. "We can't be seen on camera." 

"What about mom being a suspect?" I fold my arms still trembling. "Janet thinks I had something to do with it as well. Saying I got you guys to do it. For all I know I'm a suspect as well and if Janet has told her theory to police so are you guys." 

"It's being handled." He runs a hand through his hair. "This isn't my first rodeo sugar." 

"Well, then you better start explaining what is going to happen because right now I'm in a constant state of panic." 

"Dwayne used hypnosis to have everyone forget. So to them, we have an alibi and we never left. They remember a night of drinks and movies. They will all say you were there and so were we it's a solid alibi. Your mom remembers him walking out. When we killed him we dumped his body next to a bar that gets a shit ton of fights and gang activity. Once they question everyone they won't know anything. We will get a dirtbag just like him to have the memory of an argument and then killing him. Dwayne is doing that as we speak." I felt nerves running rampant. This will work. He grabs my shoulders. "I said it would be okay and it will." I nod. "So who why is your mom in jail." 

"It's a long story." I wipe away the tears. "We had Steve's stuff in the driveway and his mom came to get it. She was out there yelling for us to come out for like an hour before I went out there telling her to stop and leave. She slapped me, spit on me, and made the accusations. Mom pulled me back inside and punched her which led to an all-out brawl between the two. Not just that her two burly sons tried getting in on it and I had no choice but to call the cops which wasn't the first time today. Mom said some not-so-savory things in her speech before we left and Janet and her other son who is also in jail came following. It was a whole thing. That's when the cop told me that mom wasn't making it look good for herself. Said she is a suspect. They are thinking murder for hire." I sit on the couch. I lean against him. "I'm so tired but I don't want to be alone. I don't know if the other two will show up. If Janet thinks I'm involved, while true, her sons believe it as well." 

"If you want to go to bed I'll stay here." I look up. 

"Promise?" he nods I get up and stretch "Okay I'm going to hop in the shower. Make yourself at home kay?" I smile. I get out shorts and a spaghetti strap tank before hopping in. As the hot water runs down my body making me crave sleep even more I try to put this all behind me. It wasn't easy. I think more about what it would be like to have to deal with this for eternity. I know they don't ever get this close though. This is a rare occasion. Would I even be able to do it? The thought of eternal youth sounds amazing but having to kill. I knew I couldn't feed on just anyone. If this is something I'm going to do then I need to have a target type. People like John and Steve would be best. Child predators, rapists, and pure evil would be my food. I shake the feelings away. It isn't something I need to consider any time soon. I need to know more about what it means to be a vampire first. I need to learn more about the life. I leave the shower and I try to snuggle in bed. My mind was too loud. I bet he could hear if he tried. I sit up biting my lip trying to get the nerve to get up. After a moment of debating I realize I won't be able to sleep alone.  I go downstairs and peek into the living area. He was watching a movie of some sort. "D-David" I try not to startle him. He turns and instantly his eyes are wandering shamelessly. "Do you think it'd be okay if you laid down with me? Just till I fell asleep?" I had never seen a man get up as quickly as he did shutting the TV off. A smile plastered on his face. He meets me at the top of the stairs leaning close. 

"Of course, I'd love to." He glances back down at the rest of my body making me become self-conscious of the outfit I chose. 

"No funny business." I pout playfully. He rolls his eyes muttering under his breath. "I'm serious." I smile enjoying his childish behavior. Like a kid being denied candy. 

"Okay." I turn and lead the way he looks around the room analyzing it. I sit on my side of the bed and wait. He takes his boots and trench off before sitting next to me. 

"Do you want some blanket?" I ask 

"No it's fine just lay there and go to sleep." He leans his head on the headboard leaning his back against it. I turn over away from him subconsciously scoots right up against him. "Night guppie." He mutters as I find myself able to fall asleep better than I had in a long time. 

When I woke up the next morning he was gone but made sure to leave a note. It read how he had to go cause the sun would kill him. I lay in bed doom scrolling for a good two hours before finally getting out of bed. The house is bare of anyone. The once-high tensions gone the air felt easier to breathe. I still have yet to get a call for Mom to post bail. I text Natasha to let her know I'd be coming in tonight for work. I go around the empty house trying to find something to do but all I came up with was turning on the news. There were more disappearances. I knew what happened tho. A tourist comes to the murder capital becoming vampire ala mode. What did it taste like? I need to do research cause it's obvious they aren't anything like Twilight. I go into the home office that I wasn't ever allowed to enter. I found it strange the room was bare except for a desk and a laptop. I tiptoe in like a kid sneaking a late-night snack afraid to wake their parents. The effect of the abuse was something I feared might never go away. I open the laptop and put in the password. I knew it because the dumbass had the same password for everything. I'm surprised nothing of his has been hacked. I go through the files on the computer and all his emails. His job had emailed him about a party and there was some online subscription to pornhub. Nothing out of the ordinary. It seemed like he was a standup dude whose only flaw was he'd beat his wife and stepdaughter. 

I can't wrap my mind around why he did what he did. It's not like I'll ever figure it out either. I wish I could go and ask what happened to him to make him the way he was. It's too late for that though. I pull up Google and search vampires. It took me to the folklore wiki page. I read the brief overview and history. How originated in Europe and the term wasn't popular til the eighteenth century yada yada. I scroll lower to the folk beliefs. It was a big ol history lesson that gave no real answers. When it came to prevention and protection I grabbed a notepad and jot down all the ways to take one out. Not to do any of it but to ask how true it was. Did garlic really do damage? Silver seemed to be a big thing but I've seen all four of the boys wear 'silver' jewelry all the time but that doesn't mean it was real silver. That would suck cause silver is the only thing I wear. I go to the abilities that were typical to the lore I've seen growing up and from what David has told me so far. 

I could get on board for this. I wouldn't mind being this age forever and being able to fly would rock. I just have too much right now. There isn't any real direction of what lies ahead. The investigators haven't said anything. I am startled by my phone ringing making me curse myself for jumping like a chicken shit. "Hello?"

"Hello is this Rory Jones?"

"Yes, this is she."

"Hey, Miss Jones my name is Officer Issac Carter. I'm calling in regards to your mother Linda. She has seen the judge who has posted bail at two thousand. She has a meeting with the Lawyer on the tenth of this month. I need to know if you are willing to post bail if not then we can work with a bondsman due to this being her first time in any trouble." 

"Um yes, I can post her bail where will I need to be to do that." 

"Just come to the police office and tell the front desk. Everything should be taken care of then. I am also calling for a Janet Jones. Her bail is a bit more. I've called around to others for her and you were last on her list."

"No, I'm not going to pay for her bond." I roll my eyes wondering why I was on the list at all.

"Alright then. We will see you soon have a good day ma'am." 

"You too bye." I hang up and quickly put on a tee shirt and some jeans throwing my hair into a messy bun. I didn't want mom to have to sit in jail for another second. I drive up to the jail and pay the two thousand. I wait in the parking lot for her. I scroll through my phone waiting when the car door opens. She looked like a wreck. Her hair was crazy and all over the place. Her lower lip was puffy and her left eye was blackened. "Jesus Mom," 

"Shut it." She sighs. "It was fucking horrible. The whole time Janet kept crying about what happened. I stayed up all night freaking out that I'd be shanked." I start the car shaking my head. "Thank you I'll pay you back as soon as all the banking shit is taken care of." 

"Don't worry about it. When they called I was already prepared to pay. I wasn't prepared for them to ask for Janet's bail." 

"You have to be fucking kidding me really?" I nod pulling into McDonald's for the second time this week. "Well, I hope I can cut a deal with her. We both got the same fucking charges so did Jack. I'll tell her I'll drop the charges on both of them if they drop mine." 

"Hopefully she is smart enough to take that." 

"We'll see" I drive us home before having to get ready for work. I still haven't brought my car back to my house which is something I need to do so I have to take the minivan. I walk in greeting Nat. 

"Hey, how was the funeral." 

"God don't get me started." She makes a face of sympathy. 

"That bad huh?" I walk back setting up. 

"Trust me whatever you are thinking right now but ten times worse." The door dings and her first client comes in. I have yet to schedule anyone because I didn't want to until I had the funeral taken care of. That meant I got to open the front desk computer for clients. Clients can personally request and to my surprise, I have about thirty. I start the calls knowing most won't pick up. The few that do I schedule for consults. A group of women come in and I take the time to see what I could do. They are tourist and want a tattoo to remember their time in the murder capital. All wanting matching knives with blood dripping to the words Santa Carla. I thought it was funny. I take the first woman back letting the other three come with her. I let the group talk amongst themselves as I work. It took an hour for each girl. I hope that they don't get targeted. I text David worried about the group of middle-aged moms. 'hey if you see a group of moms please don't eat them.' I put the phone down going back to making calls. I hear a ding looking down smiling.

'well okay then'

'I just gave them tattoos. They are touring Santa Carla and were talking about taking their kids to Disney in a month. I couldn't just let you go and eat them.'

'trust me I wouldn't think about it' I look at the words on the screen pondering for a moment,

'you have a type' I didn't get a response before another client came in asking if we did piercings. I ended up busy. When break rolled around and David came in I was still trying to catch up on client work. I hold my finger up to stop him from talking to me as a woman on the phone bitched about how she had to go to someone else for her tattoo. He raises his eyebrows amused by my actions to keep him quiet. He bats my hand away only for me to put it back and for him to repeat the action. I smile as I reply to the woman. "I am very sorry for that ma'am. I hope it turned out how you liked." I shove his arm away flipping him off him returning the favor. I pulled the phone away as the woman proceeded to cuss about how she had a friend recommending me and how bad it was for me to just ignore a paying customer. "Ma'am I was on leave for personal reasons I wasn't ignoring clients and by the sounds of it, I would've refused service anyway. Have a good night." I hang up huffing. "That's the third call like that." I stand up getting ready to go to the back. "What's up?" 

"Besides our nightly dinner nothing." He holds up a bag of lo mein.

"You got my favorite. Aw, you shouldn't have." I walk around and hug him taking the bag from him. "You never answered my question by the way." I walk towards the back him following, 

"What about my type?" I nod sitting down. "We don't just eat anyone. If we think they have a family that needs them or kids then it's a no-go. A lot of who we catch are people who try to harass the locals or a grouchy old prick who has lived long enough."

"Is that why there was a teen on the news the other day?" 

"You know not all of the missing people are because of us right? We only need to eat once a week twice at most and we don't always kill 'em."

"Oh." I shrug "What is it like? The taste that is." 

"Depends on the health of the person. Old people tend to taste the worst. If we can avoid it we do but the best to feed from is someone your age." I glare up at him. 

"So why eat human food." 

"The taste. It doesn't affect us in any way. Can't gain weight from eating junk but also can't get energy from it either. All it does is satisfy a craving for taste doesn't even fill you up." 

"That sounds like a blessing being able to eat whatever you want with no consequences" 

"Well after a while you forget about it because it isn't a need." I shake my head. 

"I don't think I could give this up," I say taking in a noodle. We finish our food and he leaves but not before kissing my forehead. I wanted more than that but I'm still not a hundred on what we are nothing having been made official. I haven't been in a normal or healthy relationship so I don't know how to tell what stage we are at or if there is even a we. The rest of the night goes by smoothly with no one else coming in. By the time I got home I was exhausted by the events of the day. 

The tenth couldn't have come sooner. I decided to go with Mom to support. In case things go sideways. We called the lawyer on the phone who has set up the meeting with Janet and Jack. I'm hoping they do the smart thing and take her deal and don't ask for shit. I did manage to get my car from the shack though David had to drive me up there to get it. I park the car and notice Jack standing with Janet. The two look at us with hate. We enter the meeting room with our lawyer on our side of the table and Janet and Jack's shared lawyer on their side. Their lawyer starts. 

"What happened is a fight between family so we are meeting to keep it just that in the family. My clients find no reason why this needs to be dragged out." 

"So does mine she is willing to make a deal." Ours smiles. 

"As are we. If I may?" He asks permission to go first. Our lawyer looks at us and I look at Mom. She nods wanting to see what they want. "They are willing to pay a nice sum of money in order for charges to be dropped on both. Ten thousand from each in the sum of small payments. I see this as a good option."

"What about the charges against my client?"

"They will still be held. I have heard enough to know that the injustice of what they have had to go through emotionally is well enough to warrant the charges." Mom raises her finger she is given permission.

"I will admit what I said at the funeral shouldn't have been said. I do regret having said it at that time it wasn't right, but that doesn't make it any less true. I meant what was said just chose the wrong time and place to say it. I have evidence of the abuse at the hands of my husband." Our lawyer turns.

"You mention emotional damage to Mr and Mrs Jones how am I to take a deal where they may just as easily turn a file for a lawsuit? I assume that was the end goal no. That way my client would be cheated out of the deal money along with having her finances drained. She was the one to inherit most of Mr Jones's things which is a reason that the fight happened. Not only that my client would still have to go to trial. I think that is unjust and unreasonable. She however has come up with something reasonable. All charges are to be dropped on everyone. You drop yours she'll drop both of hers. It's a two-for-one. No money exchanges no contact which is what my client wants." There is a silence. 

"I would like some time to talk to my clients alone please." Our lawyer nods and has us follow him. Once out of the room, he shakes his head. 

"What a load of shit." He huffs. "I knew Baxter was a crafty son of a bitch but that." He lights a cigarette. He is a personal friend of my mom. He is doing all for half price knowing the truth and having been the one mom contacted while in jail. I didn't know it but the two had been trying to get a way out for six months now. I hope that the cops find out about it as well. If David's plan doesn't work then Mom is the one to go on trial and all their gathered proof can be used in her favor. Not even ten minutes later we are allowed back in. We sit and wait for the response. 

"I would just like to say one thing," Janet speaks up. Just as mom was allowed she is also granted to speak. "I don't know of proof. I only know that my son was killed and I have to grieve for him but I didn't even get to have a nice funeral for him. We are willing to drop the charges if you are but I will be suing for emotional damages." I shed a sigh of relief. 

"That's fair." Mom nods. "After the lawsuit I want you to not contact me or Rory ever again. If you do I will try for a restraining order." Mom was firm and Janet held back but agreed. Some papers need signing to dismiss all charges. We are led to our car. 

"Adam I can't thank you enough for helping us." Mom shakes her head smiling. 

"It is no problem really. I'm just glad you can live your life how you deserve. If anything happens please call and keep me updated on the case" 

"Will do." The two hug and he nods goodbye to me. 

"How bad do you think the lawsuit is going to be?" 

"I don't know. I won't fight it though what I did was fucked up and she is right I denied her a proper funeral of her son. I can't imagine someone doing that to me." I hug her. 

"You're a good person Mom you just had a lot of emotion and stress. I know if you could go back you would change how it was." We leave with a small weight off our shoulders. 

[phychohex]

I Met a Vampire Down in Santa Carla (Ch 17)

I wasn't looking forward to another long day with the family. The funeral starts at ten and then we have to go to the lawyer's office for the reading of the will. I'm just glad that after today I don't have to see or hear from any of these people again and a long horrible chapter of both mom and I's life can be over. I decide to dress more modestly. I may not be religious but that also didn't mean I wouldn't respect the sacred holy place of others. I do light makeup with a winged eyeliner and brown eyeshadow that barely shows. I just did lipgloss and mascara not worrying to do a full face like the day before. I put on a black dress that goes to my knees with a cinched waist. It was a high cut with sheer sleeves. I wear the same heels as the day prior and try to cover any tattoos with tights. I go down for something quick to eat to see Mom doing the opposite of me. Her dress while beautiful wouldn't be anyone's first pick. It didn't have sleeves the top tiying around the neck. It goes to her mid-thigh with a sheer longer skirt that was cut in the front and dropped in the back which was to the ankle. Her hair was in a neat ponytail and her makeup was a deep red lip and smokey eye. It was as if she was going to a goth summer festival. 

"You know it's a church right?" I ask hating how I sounded. 

"Yep," She speaks flatly before taking a sip of her morning coffee. "Are you ready?" I nod and she grabs her bag before we head out. It is silent and a tenseness is in the air. I wasn't expecting to pull into a McDonald's drive-thru. She gets me the two breakfast burritos. She gets herself a chicken biscuit. I am not sure where the tenseness was from considering yesterday she was partying. 

"Hey, are you okay?" I ask she nods. "Are you sure? I would understand if you aren't it's a lot to lose someone even if they were an ass."

"I'm fine Rory. I just want this to be over with." She hisses before sighing. "I, I'm sorry I didn't mean to snap. When you left Jack came over cussing about your car. Then Janet just had to go on about how much of a trouble you are and they just pushed and pushed until I lost it." 

"What did you say?" 

"I told them that if they were going to disrespect you then they could leave. I told them after today that we would be cut from them. She said how it isn't fair and I told her to fuck off and leave. I'm not looking forward to having to say nice things about that bastard at the podium today. I was up for hours the other day trying so hard to find a single nice thing to say and I just couldn't find it." 

"Speak from the heart. I will support anything you say or do today. As you said after today we won't have shit to do with these people." Mom smiles and holds the back of my head then caresses my cheek. 

"What would I do if it weren't for you?" I smile ready to face today with her. We make it to the church. We were not the first to arrive his mom and brothers were all there. I look at them as they glare in my direction. I felt a chill go down my spine as last night ran in my mind. Janet comes over and looks down then at my mom.

"Look. I know things got heated yesterday. Things were emotional and things were said that weren't meant. We are family and we need each other. I know how losing a husband is and I have taken it upon myself to stay with you in this gurling time." Janet smile

"What was said that wasn't meant?" Mom tilts her head squinting. 

"About us losing all contact. That isn't what's best and,"

Mom cuts her off. "No, I meant that. Just like you meant to talk shit about my child. Steve is dead and we are no longer related. I didn't have children with him so there is no reason for us to talk. On the other hand, where did you think you'd stay cause it sure wasn't going to be in my home." Janet looks mortified. 

"Linda," She gasps. "I don't get why you are being this way. It isn't right and you know it." 

"No, what isn't right is all the shit I had to take and then be expected to come here and play nice." I grab Mom and pull her away. I look to Janet. 

"We'll see you inside." I led Mom away who was about to become hysterical. I take her to the side as she rants about how she couldn't believe the nerve that Janet had. How she sees why Steve was the way he was with a mother who took no accountability or sorrow for others. How she felt so hurt for her the day before hoping in the light of the situation things would be civil. She claims she is done being nice how that ship has sailed. I try to calm her down. I didn't want her to make a big commotion at the podium which I'm sure is going to happen. I try to remind her how people here do feel sorrow for the loss of a loved one. The music starts and a member of the church comes telling us it is starting and to take our place at the front. I lead her to our front-row seat to the shit show. 

When the music stops and everyone is sat the pastor starts. "Well hello again everyone. I wish we were gathered here for a happier occasion but sadly that isn't the case. For us at least.  For Steve he is without worry, stress, or pain. He is with our Lord who has chosen to take him back into his arms in heaven. He is looking upon us with the joys of heaven. He wouldn't want us to cry for him but rather come together and celebrate his life. Nothing can be said about who Steve was but the Lord. I would like for anyone who has something they'd like to share about Steve to please come and take the stand. Then we will join in prayer and music before hearing the final speech given by his loving wife Linda." He nods. One of Steve's brothers comes up and sniffles back a tear. He hugs the pastor and takes the stand. 

"Well look here." He laughs "I never thought I'd be here. As the oldest, it wasn't supposed to be this way. I guess it's good it is. Steve growing up was always a party man. He always knew how to make someone laugh and make them feel heard and seen. I remember he came to me just two months or so ago telling me how he wanted to do a big grill out and throw a party. How it was about time to let loose with his retirement pending in just two years. He wanted it to be just like the good 'ol days. Have a beer listen to music that our mom would've said was just loud noise and talk." a couple of people chuckle as if remembering the better days. "I will miss him." He nods sniffling back a tear. "I have this video of us this past fourth of July." He pulls out the phone and plays a video. On it was Steve and Mom. He had an arm wrapped around her and beer in hand laughing. She was laughing with him. He starts talking about how loud the fireworks are and how he wishes every day was like this. He cracked a praise America which caused others to cheer. Once the video ends Jack leaves the stand. Then was Steve's best friend. He gave another similar talk claiming Jack took the words from his mouth. Then Kate tried to take the stand but was stopped by one of the male family members ending up having to be told to sit down. The pastor took the podium and had us rise as music played. I look around at the sad faces hoping the speeches and video would make what's about to happen go smoother. That mom can hang on just a bit longer.

The songs took way longer than needed. I ended up checking my phone annoyed that it had been almost two hours of songs with the pastor getting in a groove of speaking over it preaching about heaven. I feel a slap on my shoulder and I turn to see a random lady looking at me scolding me. I shrug it off. After another half hour, things calmed and Mom was called up. I give her a small thumbs up and she nods to me. 

"I don't really know how to start." She chuckles. "After hearing all these wonderful things it's just." She pauses thinking hard about what she will say. "It's hard ya'know. After I lost my first husband I never thought I'd find love again. It was as if Steve was sent to me. He helped me through the pain and sorrow and picked me up again. I found myself in love and my daughter was happy our lives were back to normal." I see the frown on her face and the scowl on her brow. I take a deep breath preparing myself for the worst. "I thought it was all going to be okay again, but then he hit me for the first time." There is an audible gasp of horror and shock. "I knew who he really was, a bastard, a monster, who I wish I'd never meet. He was sent to me by the devil himself. To say he got what was coming is an understatement" I see two men rush up to her and grab her I shoot up.

"Let her go!" I yell and she shakes them off looking out at everyone. She grabs the mic.

"Whoever wants the ashes can have them don't contact me or my daughter ever again" She grabs my hand and drags me out. We sit in the car as people follow. She speeds off and drives to the nearest gas station. She lets out a scream of frustration and anger. I just sit there wishing I could do more for her. I let her sob head against the string wheel. What seemed like a century of anguish subsides and she sits up straight and pulls the driver's mirror down. "I'm sorry Rory." She fixes her makeup with her hands. "You didn't need to see that." 

"No it's okay I said I'd be there for you and I still am." 

"I know but I should not have done that, it was wrong." I hear a siren and cars squealing into the gas station parking lot. It was Jack and Janet. He gets out of the car face red in rage and slams the hood of the car.

"Get the fuck out both of you." He tried to pull the door open but we had them locked. I look at Mom horrified. "The hell was that you sadistic bitch." He screams and the manager of the gas station comes out trying to pull him away and cops speed in. He is dragged away by an officer. The same officer who came to tell us about the death knocks on the window and both mom and I step out. 

"What happened?" The officer asks. Janet comes yelling crying shouting how Mom soiled on the funeral how she caused a scene and left cussing and screaming.

"No, she didn't" I snap. "She said how shitty your son was to both of us and was dragged away by crazy over there and we left!" I yell back anger coursing through me. The cops split us up and ask the full situation. I was away from Mom and told them what happened and what was said. How I don't agree with her action but how it was true and how mom spoke from the heart. The cop asks if there is a chance that Mom had someone kill Steve. I told them no she wouldn't go that far. I find out that the investigation is still open and that the actions she has aren't screaming innocent. "Look I get that I really do but you have no idea the extent of shit we had to go through due to him. She just doesn't have any sadness he is gone that doesn't make her a murderer." The cops nods.

"I understand that ma'am but we can't with no real certainty say she isn't involved." 

"So what do you want us to do?" I shake my head running a hand through my hair.

"There isn't much you can do. Just try and live life as usual? I personally feel like she wasn't involved. We are looking into the video cameras from the area." I felt my heart sink. Can vampires be shown on camera? They don't in the media but who is to say about real life? "If you can think of anything please let us know. You're free to go." I walk back to the car and I see Jack being arrested and mom holding her face with an ice pack. 

"What happened?" 

"I was punched. Seems to run in the family." She jokes. I take the pack away to see a forming bruise. "I  pressed charges don't worry." 

"That's fine. We need to go through it's almost time to see the lawyer." I help her off the sidewalk and we drive to the lawyer's office. The wait was long and we weren't the only ones to show up. The pastor of the church showed up, as well as Janet and her other two sons. The lawyer starts with a sigh. 

"I'm sorry for everyone's loss. Due to the case of his death being open insurance can't be collected at this time however other things can be collected. I have his bank statements here." He shuffles the papers making them all neat. "Having almost a million in his retirement savings he has awarded half go to the church and the other half goes to Lina Jones his wife as well as the home and any verticals at the time of death. As for any personal belongings are to be distributed by whoever wants and or needs them as long as they have permission from Linda. Once any insurance is gone through depending on the way the case goes they will also go to Linda. Again I am sorry for your loss." I was frozen. I looked at Mom who was just as shocked. 

"No!" Janet stands. "This isn't right." I help mom stand and I rush her out. I knew that they were going to be coming right behind to raid the house. I needed to lock up my room. I get to the house and I lock the door going around the house helping Mom bring out the boxes of his things out to the driveway. We didn't want anything of his and once the dates were set for his funeral we started packing his shit. Anything they didn't take we will donate to the church. Soon cars pull up and Janet is cussing a storm. We enter the house locking the door quickly. She knocks wanting to barge in. "You bitch let us in. This can't be it!" She screams. I watch Mom go to the liquor cabinet and grab some wine popping the top drinking it striaght from the bottle. 

"What should we do?" I ask 

"Let her yell I could give two fucks." She flops on the couch and turns on the TV. I look out the window as the yelling continued. I sit and take out my phone texting David. I knew he was most likely asleep and that nothing could be done till sundown but I was worried. What if they tried to break in or smash the window? It was three hours till sundown and waiting and playing by ear wasn't the best plan. Not to mention my worries about the cops finding the truth. I couldn't ask over text though. Police might want to see it and as far as I know, I'm just as much of a suspect as mom is. What's worse is I can't tell her about any of it. If I do then it makes her an accessory to murder which is what I am. 

The yelling continues for another hour and I check to see her other two sons loading all of his things into the cars. I see Katie come and try to plead to keep something. I was done with the drama. It is exhausting. "Stop yelling." I come out. Katie runs to me grabbing my arm.

"Please help me." She sobs. "I'm pregnant and I need something anything for the baby." I felt bad but also found it hard to believe. 

"No, I'm sorry. I need you all off the property in the next half hour. If not the cops will be called." I back away to try and get back inside. I am slapped across the face by Janet then spat on. I look at her stunned. 

"You killed him didn't you?" She hisses. "Your biker buddies maybe?" Mom grabs me pulling me in and punches Janet's lights out. Her two sons come and try to break it up and a full-on fight starts. I call 911 and the cops show up. The same officer for our case comes. Mom and Janet are both arrested and I am told they will call me. I was left alone in a big house. With multiple people who would want to hurt me. The second the sun set I picked up my phone and called David. I couldn't be alone tonight. 

"Hello?" He sounded groggy voice deeper due to sleep. 

"Please come over," I beg. "Mom was arrested and I'm alone. I'm scared." I try to hold back tears shaking with adrenaline and emotion.

"Okay, I'm coming just keep the doors locked." He sounded much more awake with shuffling in the background. "What happened?" 

"She got into a fight with Steve's mom. The cops think Mom had him killed or something. They are looking at footage from the cameras in the area where he was found. Can vampires be seen on camera? Oh god." I start crying. I hear the engine of his bike start-up. 

"I'm on my way I'll see you in a minute." He hangs up leaving the silence of the house to invade. I sit on the couch holding myself. I thought it was over but the true horror has yet to begin. Mom is a suspect for murder and the true killer was the man I have come to find safety in.

[phychohex]

I Met a Vampire Down in Santa Carla (Ch 16)

I look in the mirror dreading the day ahead. I decided to wear a dress Steve would've hated out of pure spite. It is black and goes to my knees with a sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder long sleeves. I have winged eyeliner with black lipstick as well as a smokey eye. I put on high heels. I meet Mom downstairs and she was looking hot as well. It was as if she was Princess Diana wearing the revenge Dress. Her black dress is low cut with short sleeves. The dress is form-fitting and goes to her ankles. She is wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed summer hat to match. "You ready?" I smile and she groans. 

"As I possibly could be. God I do not want to see his family I wish we could do the viewing and funeral on the same day. I mean why do we need a view anyway it's a closed casket." She grabs her bag and we head out. We are the first to arrive to meet the director. 

"You must be Mrs. Jones I am terribly sorry for your loss." 

"Thank you. This means a lot to both me and my daughter." 

"It is my pleasure Steve was a good man" He nods and lets us in leading us to the casket. I look at it feeling no emotion. It was fifteen minutes before the viewing actually started. The Director gives us time to ourselves. 

"So how long do you think this is going to take?" Mom ponders. 

"Knowing the dramatics of his family probably all day. Just remember to play nice okay?" I remind. She nods and we hear crying. I turn to see his mother. I felt guilt eat me up. He might have been a monster that we hated but that didn't mean there aren't going to be people that will miss him and genuinely mourn his loss which is what I had to remind myself. She comes over and is taken aback by our appearance but puts face up in light of the mood. 

"Oh Linda I can't believe it." She sobs. "To think just a month ago he was alive and well now." she hugs my mom who hugs her back. No matter how Mom might feel about her mental state and lack of sadness for him she was sad for her. My mom is an empath at heart and as a mother, she probably couldn't imagine if it was me in the casket instead of him. She could sympathize which is why it is easy for her to shed the few tears she had. "Oh Rory," She turns to me. "I didn't think you'd come," She admits. "I take it you lent your mom the dress." She picks and I force a smile. 

"Hello to you Janet" She looks me up and down and shakes her head she peaks behind to see the closed casket. 

"Why is it closed?" She looked heartbroken. "Why can't I see him?"

"The way he was found was disturbing trust me you wouldn't want to see him that way." Mom puts her hand on the now sobbing woman's shoulder leading her to sit and to comfort her. I greet the next slum of guests with the same fake sorrow and smiles. The same I'm sorry and I wish it were different. I hear a big busting sob from the showing area and I rush to see what the commotion is. There is a woman about my age maybe a bit older lying across the casket sobbing. I didn't recognize her nor did mom. I go over to Janet confused. 

"Who is that?" I ask she looks at me puzzled shaking her head. I go over and place my hand on her shoulder. "Miss?" She stands up straight turning to me and brushing me off. 

"It's not fair!" She yells. My mom comes over eyes widening in pure shock. "You," The woman points. "He was going to leave you know. He was going to marry me!" The silence that filled the room was loud. 

"I'm sorry who are you?" Mom asks baffled with a shocked smile on her face. 

"Katie Wilburg." She stands with pride. "We have been together a year and you had no idea. He told me about you. How you would hound him about bills and money. How you would deny the basic duties of a wife. He was going to leave you for me but he. He is" the woman breaks down in sobs. I turn from everyone biting my cheek trying not to laugh. I glanced at my mom and it was over we both had the same look. Mom loses it laughing. I cover my face trying to keep what little composer I had. 

"Honey I don't care about that you should've talked him into it sooner honestly." Mom shakes her head. "But what you aren't going to do is yell at me and disturb the people trying to mourn him with these childish theatrics. You can either go sit and cry like everyone else maybe introduce yourself to his mother or even pastor. If you continue to throw yourself like a toddler then you need to leave and no you will not be joining the after-viewing at my home." My mom puts her hand up and walks out. Janet going to follow. I look around as people mutter to themselves and I glance at the woman whose face is red with humiliation. I sit at my spot and wait for it all to come together. Once everyone was seated the pastor took head. I would be lying if I wasn't looking forward to his words of wisdom after the side chick drama. 

He looked nervous and pats sweat from his head. "Well, we all knew Steve to be a caring and gentle man. Steve was a man you could go to in a time of need. There was one time I came to him and said Steve the church needs extra hands and he got his employees to pitch in free of charge to us. He was giving always making sure his neighbor was taken care of. He even made sure to do right by his stepdaughter Aroura sending her to Sunday school and trying to lead her on the path of God." He shakes his head. "God has a way of bringing people together you know. Even in the midst of such a tragedy which is what this is. The world has lost a good man who is now in the land of the lord." He kept the same pacing which repeated itself a lot. Giving a few stories of all the good he did. In retrospect, he did do some good. He donated what he could and every year helped out to feed the homeless on Thanksgiving and played Santa at the church Christmas parties. I just don't understand how someone like that can go home and beat his wife. After a few hymns and prayers, we all load up to go to the house. I go in my room ready to lock myself in my room but after seeing how many showed up I felt it wouldn't be right to leave Mom with the vultures. I look everywhere for her only to find her hiding in the side yard a blunt in hand. 

"Mom?" I go over and she rushes me telling me to shush. "What are you doing?"  I sit next to her. 

"Celebrating," She giggles. "Can you believe that bullshit? A mistress really oh my god." I take the blunt smoking some myself. "I mean come on how low is that? I wish he left would've saved me time." 

"Not so loud someone might hear you"

"Let 'em. I have to give a speech tomorrow at the funeral. I'm getting him cremated tonight and might give his ashes to what's her name?"

"Katie" I hand the blunt back. "What about his mom?"

"Shit, I don't care who takes him as long as I don't have to deal with it. What about you baby what are you doing?"

"Checking on you but seems like you're doing just fine. I might go hang out at the shack if that's alright?"

"Yes of course don't let me stop you live it up. We're free it's time to celebrate." She pats my back and I head to the Garage. Luckily no one was parked in my way which at first didn't make sense. I see my 'uncles' gathered around my car smoking cigars. I brush past trying to get in. Just as I open the door it slams. 

"Where are you going?"

"To see some friends." I look at him confused.

"Taking Steve's car? I think the fuck not." It clicked. No one parked here so they could try and get my car which they mistook for his. 

"You mean my car. That is Steve's car." I point to the minivan. "And if you planned on taking this car not only would that be stealing even if it was Steve's you can't have it till tomorrow when the will which was written when he got life insurance three years ago was read. Now move out of my way." He didn't budge. I held up my keys that had keychains that further proved it was mine by making it alert. This caused them to back up. I get in and drive off making sure my middle finger was out the window. I drive the short drive to the shack to see three bikes and some cars parked. I walk in to see Paul and Marko playing Mario Kart. David is chilling on the couch his head turns to see me and he smiles. 

"So how was it?" He asks taking a sip of beer. I roll my eyes. 

"Suffocating." I sit next to him. "Everything was going smooth till his mistress came in bawling her eyes out." I see Lilly's head poke out from the kitchen. 

"No fucking way." She brings out popcorn and other snacks. "Tell me everything right now." I lean forward smiling. 

"Okay, so I'm greeting people coming in, and all of a sudden there is the wailing coming from the main room where the casket is. I go and see this chick our fucking age Lilly." I state her eyes going wide. "I know right."

"Oh my god. He was like what fifty." I nod vigorously. 

"Yes! I asked Janet who it was cause I'm thinking it was a niece or some shit and she didn't know. So I go to her and she turns around yelling about how Steve was going to leave my mom for her how they'd been going out and started talking shit about my mom. I had to turn around so I didn't start laughing and mom was just standing there doing the same thing. The second our eyes met all bets were off. Mom told her she wished he had left her but to not come interrupting the people trying to mourn him and to stop being a baby." Lilly laughs rolling in her seat and I wasn't far behind. 

"So wait what did she think that would accomplish?" 

"I don't know. I thought it was a prank or something. You know the hire me to cause drama at a funeral type thing but bitch was so serious. I've never seen realer tears in my life."

"I wish Kayla was here she'd be losing it." Lilly leans back before shoving Marko. "Hey, you said one more round." She lectures like a scolding mother. He leans away trying to focus on the game which he is losing. 

"Where is Kayla." 

"On a date with Dwayne." David chuckles "Took him long enough." The game is disregarded. 

"I know you didn't just say that." Paul turns. David smacks him on the head. This leads to Marko winning and Lilly taking the TV away. She puts in our personal favorite Moulin Rouge. I sit back with popcorn in my lap. As much as I love this movie I can't help but replay the day. It went better than I would have imagined. Then David popped into my head. Even though he is sitting right next to me arm around the back of the couch. I wanted to lean against him to be closer. I try not to let my mind flood with thoughts just like it. Wondering what it'd be like to kiss him. To hold his hand in public. What Dwayne said was replaying in my mind. I wanted to know the reasons why I was untouchable when there is nothing inherently special about me. I get up to go grab more food and David follows. As I lean against the counter I pop more popcorn being hungrier than I thought. It is as if he is reading my mind. 

"Want to go get some food?" I turn confused. 

"How did you know?" I ask hoping it isn't true. He walks over shruging. "Don't use your vampy mind tricks on me." I shiver. 

"Even if I can't help it?" He puts his hands on either side of me closing me between him and the counter, "You think very loudly." He can read my mind. It is just as I dreaded. For the past hour, he has been sitting there nonchalantly reading my mind with me imagining kissing him, having him hold me, what sex would be like. I look down and push past him trying not to let my head explode. He knows I have feelings for him. He knew about Steve even before he had a reason to kill him. "Come on" He grabs my hand. He leads me out announcing he is taking me home which is probably a good thing considering that my 'uncles' want to steal my car. He gets on the bike and waits for me to get on with him. I hold on tightly trying to think of what to say. How do I say anything to a man who can read my mind? I wanted to feel violated but I wasn't if anything it made me thrilled more than anything. Like it is some kinky mind game. We stop at a nice restaurant. I hadn't been watching where we were going this whole time. 

"What are we doing here?" I look at him puzzled. I follow as he holds the door open.

"A date." He smirks causing me to blush. We are sat at a booth and I couldn't look him in the eye my heart racing as my nerves were shot. "You're cute when you're flustered, but I promise I won't read your mind no matter how tempting it is." I gather the courage to look up. 

"What is it like? Reading minds."

"Depends. For most people, as they get older it turns into radio but for you, it's like watching a movie. When I was first turned I liked seeing what kids would come up with. It was entertaining especially cause TV wasn't a thing back then. I like watching yours especially when you are deep in thought."

"How often have you done that," 

"Not as often as you might think. When you were hiding something like the abuse I checked. When you were lost in thought. Like how you were on the couch." he smirks. I look down at the menu as the waitress comes back. I order and he gets something as well. I try to change the topic. 

"So can all vampires do that? Read minds I mean." 

"Yeah, some better than others."

 As the food comes back I get ready for the biggest question on my mind. "So do you like me? Romantically I mean." I felt like my heart was going to leap out of my throat at any moment.

"Would I have brought you here if I didn't?" 

"I guess not. Sorry, I'm not used to this I guess," 

"I imagine. How was seeing your family besides the side chick." 

"They aren't my family. All of them were his none of which had many good thoughts about me or Mom. I wanted to get out of there as fast as I could. I'm just glad mom is okay. I found her smoking a blunt in the side yard hiding from everyone." 

"Damn didn't know your mom was chill like that." 

"Neither did I. I feel like I'm just now getting to know the real her. Someone who isn't afraid to speak or do what she wants. She even confessed how she tried leaving but he threatened her with custody shit. I sometimes feel bad that if I wasn't found in time then she wouldn't have had me drag her down." 

"No." He shakes his head. "She loves you too much." I smile. "You and her are a lot alike. Both of you are loud thinkers."

"Is she radio as well." 

"Yeah, you are a rarity. I have only met three others like that and all of them were creative. Marko was the first one I met that's one of the reasons I turned him." 

"How do you do that?"

"Turn someone?" I nodded my food was basically gone. "I have them drink my blood. I have a special bottle for it. Why do you want to be one of us." 

"I wouldn't mind it. I just don't want to leave mom behind ya'know." 

"How about this whenever you are ready I will turn you as long as you promise you will turn" 

"What like a reverse familiar." I joke he nods. He is serious about it. "Okay deal." We leave a tip and head home. I get off the bike and he grabs my wrist. I look at him confused. He is glaring at my uncle. "David?" I frown. "What's wrong?" He looks up his expression that of anger. 

"You go to your room and don't talk to them got it." I glance over and back at him nodding. "Lock your door." 

"O-Okay" I felt chills run down my spine. His gaze softens. 

"Don't worry I won't let anything happen I promise." He kisses my hand and watches me go inside.  As I pass them one of my uncles tries to talk to me which causes me to run to my room locking the door. I didn't know what they had planned which just made my dread for tomorrow worse. 

[phychohex]

I Met a Vampire Down In Santa Carla (Ch 15)

I wake up groaning the memories of last night hazy. I remember a mess and yelling. I couldn't piece anything together. Did I drink myself stupid last night? That isn't like me but in light of recent events with Steve, I can't say I blame myself but how the fuck did I get back here. I sit up head pounding. I go downstairs not expecting to see Mom on the couch along with two cops. My mom spots me and stands coming over arms open for embrace. "Oh thank god," She lets out a sigh of relief. "I thought you were with your friends still" 

"No, I came home drunk," I groan. "What's going on?" Mom takes me to sit down. 

"It's Steve. Last night he was mugged and murdered," Mom says plainly with little upset. I instantly put the pieces together. I was at the shack and David discovered that was the last memory of the previous night. They killed him. I was floored I hug Mom not sure what to do to support her. She hugs me back causing me to yelp in pain. Mom scoots away asking what is wrong the officers are also concerned. 

"My ribs hurt," Mom lifts my shirt and is horrified. I hear the police call for an ambulance. "It's okay" I tried to brush all the commotion off but it was too late. 

"How did that happen miss?" The female officer asks. 

"Steve," I look down ashamed. "He would frequently beat us." 

"Do you know if he had any enemies?" 

"No. He always played up the good church-going man in public. I have a report on him or had one."  The ambulance pulls up and two paramedics come in. They check me out listening to my heart and hooking me up to EKG. They advise a trip to the hospital for imaging would be best. I decide to go without the fee of an ambulance ride. Once the police and paramedics leave Mom drives me to the hospital too worried about me to let me drive or to let me be by myself. The whole trip took three hours. I was okay nothing serious luckily. They gave me some pain meds and sent me home. Once home I try to piece more of what happened together but couldn't. Mom helps me to the couch and there is an eerie silence. Mom and I both stare at the blank screen trying to process everything from this morning. Suddenly she starts laughing. I look over as if she has finally broken and gone insane. 

"We're free," She laughs harder. "He can't hurt us anymore." She barriers her head in her hands tears staining her face. I place my hand on her shoulder. 

"Mom?" I mutter softly so as to not disturb her already-falling mind. She looks up and covers her mouth seeming just as shocked by what she said as I was. 

"Oh God forgive me," She looks down. "I just. It's just he is gone and I don't have to worry about you or myself. I know it's wrong but damn am I happy. I thought just for a second that I was about to do it myself you know. I had planned it all out but someone got to it first. I don't know what happened last night. We were yelling and then it's just blank. I try to put together what happened but I can't not for the life of me. I must sound crazy." She looks at me pleading that her mind hasn't been lost. 

"No, I know what you mean. I don't remember coming home. I left and had no intent on coming back. You're right we are free." I smile "I just wish you didn't feel the need to kill him. I'm glad you didn't I couldn't handle losing you." I admit. "Why didn't you ever leave." She leans back shaking her head. She reaches into her purse and pulls out a cigarette lighting it.  She takes a long drag before resting her head on the back of the couch and sighing. 

"I thought about it. I did at one point. The night he sent you to that youth camp. I never cared that you were a lesbian or bisexual. For all I knew you were a kid just trying to work through hormones and trying things out. If it came that it was who you were I'd love you no matter what. I do love you no matter what. But he came for me and threatened he'd take you fully away from me. A single mom with no place to live and no income I had no choice but to come back." She looks at me. "I wasn't as strong as you are and I wish I'd been a better mom for you," She gives a sad smile. 

"You know when I was younger I hated both of you. Then I was with John and realized what you had gone through and I couldn't blame you. I forgive everything that you did or didn't do because in a fucked up way I ended up like you. I don't think you are weak you just didn't have the resources you needed to get away. You're strong to Mom we both are." I hold her hand and she rests her head on my shoulder. "Now what," I ask. 

"I have to go identify the body. They found his ID so we know it's him we just have to claim it." 

"Why can't we just let his family do it," I groan. She shakes her head.

"Because even if he was a monster he was my husband and I did love him at a point in time. Besides it would look bad on us if I want the insurance then I have to play nice." She puts her cigarette out getting up. "You don't have to come if you don't want but we can get Waffle House on the way back," She raises her eyebrow in a teasing way. I nod and go get changed still being in the outfit I was wearing the night before. I get dressed in a black teeshirt with Courage the Cowardly Dog on the front with fishnet sleeves tucked into black jeans and boots putting my hair in a ponytail before going with Mom. The drive wasn't long and we sat in the car for a moment hesitant to go in. All she knows is he was mugged, but I know the truth. That's the reason I tagged along not just because of a promise to get food. I need to know what David is capable of. I remember one thing from last night. I had talked to Dwayne. I assume he hypnotized me to forget the night's events. We go in and they take us back. 

"I just want to warn you both the state he is in isn't for the weak-hearted." The coroner warns before leading us into the room where he is. On the table was Steve a white sheet covering his body. I stand next to Mom holding her hand as the coroner waits for us to be ready. Nothing could've prepared me for what I saw. Once the sheet was drawn back I was horrified. He was bruised all over his face causing swelling. The unsettling part was his neck. He looked like he had chunks ripped out by an animal. The coroner had the sheet lowered to his chest so the way his shoulder was popped half hazardly back in place was obvious. Mom covers her mouth tears spilling. I look down feeling nauseous. This is just what I could see god only knows the real damage. Mom points to his neck. 

"I-I thought he was robbed." She stutters "What in the hell did that," The corner shakes his head. 

"A dog maybe? We tried to get DNA but there wasn't anything we could get. I'm sorry for your loss." He covers the body up again mom lets out a sob knees buckling. I help her up and the coroner rushes her to sit. She starts to sob. I can't imagine what is going through her mind. 

"What injuries did he have?" I ask. The coroner hands me a sheet of paper with the points of injury. A shattered right arm, Six broken ribs, Broken legs, bites in various places, his hands ripped off and throat of course. 

"It is as if he fell from a height like a building and then dogs got to him. I've personally never seen anything like it. What killed him was the bite in the neck. He bleed out but not before he sustained a good amount of damage." The coroner frowns. "I'm truly sorry, if there is anything that I can do for you I would be more than happy to help." Mom shakes her head and looks up. 

"Can he have a funeral or does he need to be seen more for investigations?" 

"No ma'am you can have a funeral I can set you guys up with the local funeral home and give you the number so they can call once they have the body. I hope you get justice." I help Mom up thanking the man before going to the car. I sat watching as she sobbed. It tore me up inside to know that it was because of me. I am the real reason he is dead if David hadn't found out he'd be alive. 

"Mom?" I ask "Are you okay?" She takes a deep breath nodding. 

"I am I just. How was he mugged and that's the outcome? I thought a shot to the head but that. He was tortured Rory. Who does that to a stranger they don't know and for what some cash? I just feel such guilt because I looked at him and the first thing in my mind wasn't oh my god my husband it was that's what you get asshole. I have been married to that man for fifteen years and that's what my sick twisted mind comes with. I wasn't crying for him for losing him I'm crying because I wished I did it." She says through gritted teeth as she shakes with rage. I didn't know how to respond. I couldn't tell her what happened that would put all the boys in danger. 

"What do you need from me?" I ask trying to support her. 

"I don't know. I think I need to process" She admits buckling up. "If you want we can go eat but I don't think I can." She admits. I nod agreeing. After seeing what happened to him I can't even think about food. Once we get home I get a text from Lilly asking where I was and asking if I remembered anything from the night before. I let her know I was at home and that Steve died which led to an hour in a group call with her and Kayla. I look in my text one being from Otis. He was asking if I could work tonight. How he got the whole Tyler bullshit settled. I let him know I will and about how I might need a day or two off coming up due to the funeral. He offered to let me off tonight but I have missed so much work it wouldn't be worth it. I make sure Mom is okay before leaving. I walk in and felt right at home going into my area and it is just as I've left it. I hear a hello from behind me and turn to see a woman in her early forties covered in tattoos. 

"Oh hi, I'm Rory," I smile shaking her hand she takes mine and smiles. 

"Natasha but you can call me Nat. I heard about what had been going on with dick head sorry you had to put up with that for so long." 

"I'm just glad I don't have to anymore." I chuckle. "I don't have anything booked do you?" 

"Yeah, I got some. Why trying to steal my clients?" she jokes. 

"No, I just wondering I will take all the walk-ins hopefully we are busy." I sigh she nods. 

"For your sake, I hope so too," The door dings and her first client arrives. I sit at the front waiting for anyone. I didn't manage to get anyone though. It's as if I jinxed myself. I pull out my phone and text David. Just like clockwork right when I'm on break he shows up. I felt myself get nervous. I remember what he did to Steve and questions filled my head. 

"Hey guppie," He leans over the counter. "You look like you've seen a ghost." He smirks. I grab his arm and take him to the room. I shut the door and I take a deep breath. 

"It was you wasn't it?" I ask He tilts his head eyes narrowing. 

"What? You think I did it?" 

"Don't bullshit me, David. I might not be able to remember 'cause of your spooky vampire hypnosis but I'm not stupid."

"Spooky? Don't tell me you're afraid." He chuckles darkly. I shake my head and he gets closer. "Oh really? Then why is your heart beating so fast hm." I feel my cheeks redden. He has me in a corner hand next to my face looming over me. His eyes wandered down at his other hand that is slowly lifting my shirt I couldn't move. I shiver as his gloved hand gently across my bruise. "Say I did do it." His eyes meet mine. "Fucker deserved it." I nod he smiles. "So we're good?" He smiles and I nod. I hear a knock on the door causing him to pull away. Natasha comes in and is shocked to see him. 

"Who is this," She asks. 

"Nat, this is David he's my friend." She looks between us not convinced he was just a friend. 

"Uh-huh, well I was going to get some subway you want any?"

"Yeah um, the Philly is good." I stutter. She leaves and I sit down. "So what all happened I don't remember anything," I ask. 

"Well, that defeats the whole point of the hypnosis sweetheart." He sits across from me. "What do you know?" 

"I saw the body. In the coroner's office today. It was shocking, to say the least. Mom's reaction was shocking."

"She okay" He seemed genuinely concerned. "When we got there she was about to stab him." My eyes widen. 

"She said she was going to kill him I didn't realize she was that close to doing it."

"You're telling me. For a tiny lady, she sure looked batshit." 

"Well, years of abuse does that to someone. She is beside herself. She keeps worrying if she has gone crazy. How she wishes she did it and feels no real sadness over his death." 

"What about you?" 

"Indriffent. I'm glad he is gone I just have no real emotion to it." He leans back and looks at my abdomen. He seemed to be lost in thought. "David?" I smile. 

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I knew what you would do. I didn't want to be the reason someone died."

"It's not your fault you know that right?" I look down. "Rory," His voice was stern causing me to flinch and look at him. He has never used such a tone with me. "I did it because I care about you and you deserve more than to be treated like that. I would've done it eventually when you did feel the need to tell me." He gets up and helps me up. I feel the rush of the day coming to me and I hug him tight crying. He wraps his arms around me and kisses the top of my head. 

"Thank you." I cry knowing the nightmare is finally over. 

[phychohex]

I Met A Vampire Down In Santa Carla (CH 14)

Trigger waring: Mentions of abuse, past suicide attempt (not in depth) mentions of lost pregnancy (not in depth) violence

I sip my soda, watching as people pass by without worry. They are completely oblivious to the monsters that roam amongst them. I was one of those people until a week ago. Even though I know the truth about the boys, my feelings for David haven't faltered. Sure, it was nerve-wracking to think this whole time he could've killed me like it was nothing, but he hasn't. I'm brought back to reality with Marko shouting about a guard. David puts out his cigarette and grabs my hand. He gets on his bike and waits for me to get on with him before taking off. I hold on tight. He's going faster than he usually would when I'm riding with him. We stopped near my car, laughing. "What was that?" I ask 

"Paul got caught trying to steal something." Marko hits Paul on the side of the head. "Now we have to kill that guy so we don't get in trouble," I freeze, still not used to the lingo they use. 

"Hey, you good?" David asks, "You look pale." I nod and get off, hugging him goodbye. I start my car, only for it to stutter and not work. I try again and again, only for it to fail. I get out pissed off. They had already ridden off. I give him a quick call, causing them to come back. They are back in a few minutes. "Can't get enough of me, huh?" He jokes 

"Haha." I roll my eyes. "It won't start." Dwayne walks over and opens the hood. This is the third time this week. 

"Did you take it in yet?" Dwayne asks. I shake my head. He frowns his face reading 'bitch really'.

"I'm sorry I haven't had time, and it's the only ride I have." I end up having to call a tow truck. Watching as my car is gone, I groan, holding my chest. "I hate watching it leave, goodbye sweet prince." I reach out. 

"God, you're dramatic," David snickers as he lights another cigarette. 

"Hey, that car is my baby. How would you like it if your bike broke down?" His eyebrows knit together, and he flips me off, causing me to stick my tongue out at him. Things have finally found normalcy. Steve hasn't been up my ass ever since I said no to the proposal he hasn't said a word to me. Band practice has also gotten more regular. Every night, I've been spending it with my favorite people. 

"Come on, I'll drive you home." He motions for me to hop on. I wrap my arms around him tightly in anticipation of him taking off like a bat out of hell. The drive wasn't long, and when we pulled up in the driveway, I noticed Steve peeking at us from the window. I hug David, saying bye, before watching as he drives off. I enter the house it is almost time for Steve to leave for work. 

"So that's who you choose." Steve pipes up, fixing his sleeve.

"What?" I look at him, confused. 

"Are you dating him?" He gets close, I back up as fear creeps its way into my pores. I shake my head. "But you're fucking him tho right?" I shake my head and am about to speak when I feel a sharp pain in my lower abdomen. I fall to my knees, gripping my bruising stomach. He punched me. He kicks me to where I'm lying on my back before stomping just above my pelvic area. I sob as pain becomes too much to bear. Memories of that night when I lost my son at the forefront of my mind. Steve steps over me. "Just in case," He slams the front door before leaving for work. I lay on the ground, helpless, trying to catch my breath, the wind having been knocked out of me. 

Once I have the strength to get up, I go to the bathroom and lift my shirt to see a dark bruise forming. I hold my stomach before breaking down into sobs. All I could think about was my son. The day I lost him, I tried to kill myself so I could be with him. Even though there is no baby this time, the memories make it real. It makes what he did real. He would stoop to a level even satan would grimace at. I eventually hear mom asking what's wrong. I leave the bathroom, having cried so hard that I threw up. I glare at her, my emotions pointed at the wrong person. 

"Your husband happened." I groan. Moving hurt, I double over, and she holds me up. "I think I need to go to the hospital," I mutter, my mind going fuzzy before falling over. I come to and am being taken away in an ambulance before going back under. I wake in a hospital room. I had gone into shock, but luckily had no internal bleeding. A female officer comes in to ask questions. I tell her everything, not caring how much trouble I'll get into. I am under observation that night and leave the next day. I come home to Steve not being there. He had been arrested and his bail has yet to be posted. I knew his mom is going to bail him out, but this gave us a few days of peace. I stayed home the next two days. I got a text from Kayla that everyone was having a grill out, including the boys, whom I haven't seen in almost a week. 

I look at the time, it's ten in the morning, the cookout isn't till eight. I was feeling better, the bruise has also gone from a dark purple to a light purple with a yellow tint. I hear a car pull up, and I see Steve come out of the car with his mom. I run to my door and I lock it, my heart racing. I scream for Mom. Only to see them both come in. I try to hear what was being said, and after thirty minutes go by, I get a knock on the door. It was his mom. I open the door slightly, not wanting her to come in. She frowns at me. "I think there should be a family meeting." She starts. "I need to know what really happened." 

"What did he say?" 

"That you fell." 

"I didn't fall, He beat the shit out of me." 

"There is no need for that language," she frowns. "Why did you lie to the cops?" 

"I didn't." She shakes her head, grabbing my wrist with her crazy old lady super strength. 

"Now you listen here, I raised him right, it is not my fault that he has you as a stepdaughter. He has been nothing but good to you and your mother, so stop being ungrateful." I pull away and slam the door in her face. I can see why he does what he does. Bastered probably didn't have to take accountability for anything. I watch as the bitter woman leaves.. I hear my mom scream. I run down to see her on the floor, Steve standing over her, his fist raised. I run and grab his arm. He grabs me and throws me down, and slaps me. I kick him in the stomach and he falls back. I try to get up only to be kicked in the gut. I fall and get into a fetal position as he stomps on me. 

"If you ever try that shit again I will fucking kill you!" He shouts Mom begging him to stop. Once he does, I lie there, my side hurting like hell. I eventually get up and pack a bag. I call Lilly. 

"Hey, what's up?" 

"I'm staying at the house for the foreseeable future," I cry. 

"Woah, are you okay?" 

"I can't do it anymore Lilly I cant live in this fucking house anymore." 

"Okay, I'm coming to get you. Have your things ready stay there as long as you need. Do you want me to cancel the barbecue tonight?"

"No, I don't want anyone to worry, just please hurry," I beg. Once we hang up, I go to my mom, who is cooking. "Pack a bag, we are leaving," I tell her. 

"I can't." 

"Yes, you can." 

"This is my home, Aroura, I can't." She has tears in her eyes. I am filled with blinding rage.

"How can you stay here with him. He just threatened to kill me mom what the fuck will it take for you to leave," 

"Go," she smiles, "It will all be okay." I have a sickly feeling about her words, but I don't think too much into it as Lilly texts that she is here. I grab my bags and run to the car. Once inside, I break down. She lets me sit and sob. Once we get to the house, I see Will setting up a room for me. He hugs me and apologizes for anything that happened. I stay in the room setting up my stuff till the sun goes down. I hear the engines of motorcycles and leave for the first time. I check to see if no bruises are visible and that my makeup has covered up the fact that I spent most of the day in tears. I leave and see David, who looks up and comes over. 

"Where you been?" He smiles, wrapping an arm around me. 

"Busy is all," I lie. He frowns but is interrupted by Marko coming over, telling me what I've missed this last week. After everyone gets here, they set up a board game the guys in the kitchen and start drinking. Kayla comes over and tells me to follow her. I follow her to the bathroom, where Lilly waited. "What's this an intervention?" I joke. 

"Show us," She frowns, fully serious, which was rare for her. I shake my head. "Rory, I swear to god if you don't show us, I will call the cops." I look down, ashamed. I lift my shirt to afraid to see the reactions. "Oh my god," I glance up, Kayla's jaw dropped, eyes wide with tears peeking through. Lilly backs away, hands clapped over her mouth. 

"Don't make a big deal over it," I pull my shirt back down, only for Kayla to lift it. 

"Lilly, go get the first aid now," Kayla snaps, going into mamma bear mode. "You realize there is dried blood, right?" My eyes widen. I look down only for her to be right. 

"He was wearing cleats?" I mutter, having not noticed. The door burst open, hoping it's just Lilly, only for it to be David. 

"The hell is going, What the fuck happened." He absentmindedly pushes Kayla aside and lightly traces my side, causing me to cry out in pain. "Who did this?" He asks. 

"Her stepdad," Kayla blabs. 

"What happened?" Tears roll down my face as I shake my head. He gently cups my face. "I need to know what I'm killing him for, baby." 

"In case I was pregnant," I sobbed, breaking down in his arms. He wraps them around me, kissing the top of my head. He whistles to the boys, who rush out hollering. David kisses my forehead. 

"We will take care of it," He then follows. I feel myself grow pale. 

"Kayla, get the keys." I ran after them the bikes were gone. 

"They aren't actually going to kill him, are they?" She gets in and books it. 

"Yes, they are. I can't explain right now, but you need to hurry." We get to my house to see the door is busted wide open, and four bikes are parked outside. I run inside to see that the living room is a disaster. David is vamped out, holding Steve up by the collar. Steve's face is bloody, and one arm is limp at an angle it shouldn't be in as the other gripped David's wrist. I look to see Dwayne come up to us, grabbing Kayla, who is to start screaming, covering her mouth, and muttering something before she passes out. 

"If I ever hear you've put your hands on her, I will slowly gut you like a pig," David spits, his face inches from Steve's. Steve sputters, sobbing, begging with him. It only made him laugh. Marko joins, getting hyped up. I look around for my mom and see her hand on the ground. I run to her, seeing that she has passed out. Tears run down my face. 

"Mom, wake up," I cry. I feel a hand on my shoulder. I look to see Paul. 

"She is okay, Dwayne hypnotized her to sleep. She won't remember anything from tonight. She was about to kill him herself when we got here." He crouches down next to me. "It's okay," He rubs my back. I hear glass shattering. I run to see Steve on the ground, the glass coffee table broken. David looks over to me and motions for me to come to him. I start trembling. I was scared of what he would do to him. I have only seen him vamped out in a non-threatening manner, never in a blacked out rage. Once I'm in front of him, he grabs Steve by the hair and forces him to look at me. 

"Beg!" His voice boomed, causing me to jump. "Beg her for forgiveness!" I look at Steve's bloody face. Having a closer look, he is bleeding from a cut on his forehead. One eye is bruised and swollen shut, and he has several teeth missing. 

"I-I'm so sorry, Aroura," He sobs. "Please, I won't lay a hand on you again." He was trembling and grabbing my pants. I felt a sick twist in my gut. I try not to smile, but some part of me enjoyed this. I enjoyed seeing him finally get what was coming to him, but that made me sick of myself. How fucked up was I to wish this on him. I backed away. Steve's grip wasn't strong. I trip over the remote caddy that was on the table before Steve was thrown into it.

I look up, meeting David's threatening gaze. He tilts his head, smiling like a psychopath. "What's wrong, guppy, you scared?" I nod. I am scared, I'm scared of what comes after this. He drops Steve coming over to me, making sure to step on him. He wraps his arm around my shoulder, pointing to the pathetic excuse of a man kneeling at my feet, still babbling pleas of mercy. "Want him dead?"I look at David eyes widen in horror. "We can make it look like he was mugged. Your mom won't remember a thing, nor will Kayla or anyone at the house. Dwayne is already there, taking care of it." I look to see Kayla is gone and so was her car. I feel a hand on my leg gripping tightly. I look down at Steve. 

"I'm sorry. I just did what was best for you." He cries. Memories of the years of abuse flood my mind. The ice baths to cleanse my soul. The beatings when I didn't fall in line. The camp, when I told him I liked both genders, to fix me. I feel tears falling down my face, and I nod. Steve's eyes widen in horror. David whistles, and Paul starts dragging Steve out of the house, Marko following. David stands in front of me as the screaming stops with the sound of a loud crack, causing me to jump and start crying. He blocked my view, but I knew Steve was gone. David cups my cheek, making me look up at him. 

"Shhhh, it's okay. He can't hurt you anymore." I hug him tightly, trembling. He wraps his arms around me, kissing the top of my head. "Come on, go take a bath, I'll clean up." He leads me to the bathroom, starting the water. I dip into the warmth and try to wrap my mind around what just happened. My paranoia with what will happen tomorrow when mom wakes up to find the house in ruins. There is no way he can clean all of that himself. How do I explain the coffee table or the ruined framed photos? I can't relax. The bath was doing nothing to ease my nerves. I get dressed in a nice cozy pajama set and come out to the living room, being spotless. The glass was cleaned up, and the photos were no longer on the wall. I see Dwayne mopping the floor. He looks up before dropping the broom and rushing over. I didn't even blink, and he was helping me stand. 

"Sit down," He helps me to a chair. "You okay, you look pale." He puts his hand on my head. 

"Where is David?" 

"He is helping dispose of the body. He told me to stay with you," I felt my stomach turn at the word body. "Wait here." Dwayne gets up and goes to the kitchen. I peeked to see Mom wasn't there anymore. He comes back with an ice water. 

"Where is my mom?" I mutter, my eyes never leaving the spot she was once in.

"I put her in her room," He sits down, sighing, running a hand through his hair. "Goddamn this was hard to clean up. Still not done, he really went all out." I look up at him. He was looking at the living room, where the blood on the floor was still there. Somehow, he got it off the wall and most everywhere else. The house smelled strong of lemons and cleaning supplies. "Shit he hasn't been that pissed in almost twenty years," 

"Why hasn't he killed me?" I ask the question that has plagued me for almost two weeks now at the forefront of my mind. After seeing what he can do, it made me wonder even more. "I'm an easy target after all. Abusive stepdad who would want me dead, and having barely established anything until little under a few months ago. Why hasn't he or any of you killed me?"

"He would never hurt you," I look at him. He takes a deep breath. "From the second he laid eyes on you at the bookstore, you took up all his thoughts. From that moment on, you were off limits. None of us were to lay a finger on you or the people you care about. It's hard to explain why, and it's also not my place to tell you, just know that as long as he is around, you have nothing to worry about. Now go get some rest, I'll finish up here. I get up and he does as well. He follows me to my room and makes sure I'm comfortable before placing his hand over my eyes. I felt a bit dizzy, and the effect of the hypnosis took over. Even if I fought it, I wouldn't be able to stay awake. I am thankful for that. 

[phychohex]

I Met a Vampire Down in Santa Carla (CH 13)

(TRIGGER WARNING: Thoughts of self-harm and death but no action is taken and mentions of past abuse)

I look in the mirror dreading the events of this dinner tonight. I decided to wear a brown dress with a comfy brown sweater. I was told to dress up. I do a small winged eyeliner with brown eyeshadow and light pink lipgloss. This week has been hell. I have had no contact with everyone. I just didn't want to be around anyone, especially the boys. I'm still beyond pissed with David and with what he did. Even so, he was in my head and heart which only drove me deeper into my anger. My mental health has been shit this week as well. I have yet to get a call from Oscar about the changes being made for me to be able to come back to work in a safe environment. On top of everything we had to cancel band practice which gave me zero excuse to leave the house. 

I hear a knock on my door and I open it to see my mom in her Sunday finest. I had to go to church with them this morning and barely got to meet who the hell we were supposed to be having dinner with. The entire time we were there though Steve kept boasting about how he has his girl back. He thinks it is back to how it was before I knew his true nature. Back when I was still a kid who saw the world through rose tinted lens. "It's time to go," She smiles. I follow her downstairs to see Steve in a suit. It made me feel underdressed. He eyes me up and down with a wide grin. He was eating this shit up. 

"Amazing. You look great all covered no tattoos showing. Little heavy on the makeup but besides that." He shrugs. "We are going to take your car." I knew why he wanted to take my car. It is a fucking badass car compared to his fucking minivan. 

"I'm driving then," I frown. There was no way in hell I was letting someone else drive my car.

"You don't know where we are going though," He frowns "Come on you have been so good this week don't fuck it up now." I didn't feel like fighting. I hand him the keys feeling another part of myself break. We drove to a nice sit-down Italian restaurant. When we get there we wait to sit for the family to come. After ten or so minutes a woman around mom's age comes in with a young man. Probably not much older than me.  As well as an older man who was just as clean-shaven as Steve. They hug and laugh greeting each other. 

"You must be Aroura," The woman smiles shaking my hand. I smile and nod. 

"Call me Rory" I smile I look over at her son who shakes my hand. 

"I'm James it's a pleasure to meet you," 

"Same," I lie. I did not want to be here and I was trying my best to make it not seem that way. I thought there would be more people but it was just them. When Steve told me church friends I figured it would be more than just three people. I didn't care though Steve already said he was paying for the dinner which meant free food. We get seated Mom sitting next to me and the woman sitting across from my mom her son sitting across from me. The two 'heads of the house' sat at the ends of the table. 

"So Rory," The man starts. He unfolds his napkin onto his lap before crossing his fingers together and looking me in the eye. "What do you do for work? Steve was just telling me you were looking for one." 

"Oh no sir I'm not. I still have one there are just some things that need sorting out. I'm a tattoo artist," I smile. The man seemed intrigued. 

"James here is in college for a doctorate, how harmful are tattoos son?" He asks, James is taken aback. 

"They aren't really as long as everything is sterile. Tattoos have been around for hundreds of years. Although it is against the rules of god. Leviticus 19:28 You shall not make any gashes in your flesh for the dead or tattoo any marks upon you." He qouts. "Do you have tattoos?"

"Yeah, I do," I nod I get a glare from Steve as if I wasn't supposed to be honest. "What kind of doctorate are you getting?"

"neurology" He smiles "The brain is quite fascinating I'd love to talk more about it but I don't want to hog the table," There is a bit of quiet laughter. The waitress comes to get our drinks and orders. I decided to play safe with ice water and alfredo. "You know they have ways to remove tattoos." 

"Yeah, I know" I sip my water "It's expensive," 

"Enough about work," The woman, whose name is Amber, speaks. "Let's talk about hobbies or something else it's always work with the men." She chuckles. "Steve says you moved back after a bad breakup and needed help." I glare at Steve. "Have you found or met anyone since being here?" 

"I thought I did." I admit "But I don't think it's a good fit. To be honest I think I'm done trying to find someone," 

"Well, what if someone was found for you?" She suggests "There are plenty of good men in town." 

"Amber," Her husband scolds. 

"It's fine" I smile "I just don't know if I am over all the stuff that made me leave so love isn't in the picture for me." The food gets here and I try to get the conversation off of me. The group managed to talk about something else with James and I striking up a conversation about hobbies. We both have similar interests and it wasn't a total bust. 

"Gosh, I would say this is a success!" Amber smiles. "The marriage will be beautiful," Her husband agreed. 

"What marriage?" The table went silent. 

"Yours." Steve smiles "This was so you and James could meet. We have agreed that an arranged marriage should be a good option for you both. A god holy man to steer you in the right direction and him for his own reasons." I look at my mom who just stares down at her plate. 

"No," I stand up "I'm sorry but I had no knowledge of the reasons I was invited, and while I'm flattered I decline. Now if you excuse me I'm leaving," I get up and leave the restaurant heading to nowhere. I see a bar and decide to fuck off in there. "Shot of vodka please make it two," I groan and am quickly given my drinks. I wanted to disappear. I wanted to run away like I always have. I wanted to call him. I groan ordering another round and letting the alcohol wash away any convictions I have. I want him out of my mind. This was sad he left me on the side of the road for Christ's sake. Maybe arranged marriage isn't the worst thing in the world. I refuse to let Steve control another aspect of my life though. Speaking of the bastard he was storming into the bar. 

"Get up" he snaps. "We are leaving" 

"Fuck you," I snap. He pays my tab before grabbing my arm and dragging me out of the bar. He throws me into the backseat of my own car. 

"You are an embarrassment," He snaps "I did what I could to raise you and this is how you turn out a drunken whore sloshing herself away at a bar because you are afraid to commit to a good man." 

"Excuse me for not wanting to marry a guy I just met," 

"Says the one who ran off with the first guy to say he loved you. How did that work out for you hmm? All beat and used, you should be thanking me that I found a man who is willing to overlook all of that." We pull into the driveway and I get out, him following me. Berating me as I slam and lock the door in his face. He bangs on it nearly breaking it down as I sob. I wanted what he said not to be true but it was. I felt like my world was crumbling down into nothing. By the time he left, I was done crying. I felt numb. I look at my desk knowing a box cutter was in there. Debating if I should just end it. The thought scared me but it wasn't a thought I hadn't had before. I could picture my funeral and Steve saying I took the coward's way out. That I ran away again. I decide against it and just go to bed. 

I spent the next couple of days trapped in my room barely coming out. If it wasn't for food or the bathroom then I spent it in my room. Tonight was dnd but I called telling them I was sick. I haven't told anyone about the arranged marriage trick that Steve pulled. I try to focus on anything else by venting in a journal. It was late but I couldn't sleep. So when a tap on the balcony door was heard I thought I was hallucinating. I look at the door hoping I didn't hear it again only for it to be louder this time. Who the hell is up here? I get up grabbing a bat that I kept for protection. I move the curtain to see David. I roll my eyes and open the balcony door. "The fuck do you want?" I snap "How the hell are you up here?" 

"I came here to see where you've been," I laugh. 

"on the side of the road," I roll my eyes "I'd rather not talk or see you right now so climb down and go away," 

"I can explain," He was getting annoyed and I was done with taking peoples bullshit. 

"Explain! You took off! I had to walk five fucking with glass in my foot! In the dark mind you! Everything is fucked! I leave one abusive prick to live with another who not even a week ago tried to marry me off, I'm done! I'm done being a toy to fucked up men being seen as a trading tool! I'm so tired with life honestly unless you have a really good reason for ditching me then I don't want to hear it!" I yell. 

"Your blood," He starts 

"Aw, what's wrong poor baby can't handle a wittle bwood. Well, do I have news for you asshole!" 

"Shut up!" He yells back having had enough of my meltdown.

"NO! I WILL NOT SHUT UP!" I step up to him anger flowing through my veins. He grabs me around my waist and suddenly we are above my house. I hold onto him for dear life his face having changed, his brow bone more pronounced. His eyes were a bright yellow with fangs protruding from his mouth. 

"If I stayed I would've drained you and we don't want that now do we" I was terrified. He is a fucking vampire. I shake my head holding on tight. I look down and scream. "Don't panic I'm not going to drop you" He laughs. I wrap my arms around his neck. I hide my face in his chest as my body trembles. I feel the wind blowing past me. 

"P-P-Please just put me down" I beg. He gently places me in an unfamiliar place. On a set of train tracks. I was shaking like a newborn baby dear. He holds my arms as my knees almost give out. "You're a vampire?" I looked to see his face was back to normal. 

"No shit," His smile was mischievous. 

"Why didn't you say anything sooner?"

"Cause of your reaction. You can barely stand up right now and the look on your face while priceless is filled with fear. I didn't want you to be scared of me." He sits me down as my mind races with questions. 

"Are there more out there? Are the boys vampires too." 

"Yeah, I'm the leader. I turned them. What else do you need to know,"

"Are you guys the reason this is the murder capital."

"Can't take all the credit but we certainly add to it. If your next question is why you are still alive is because I like you. When we met I was drawn to you and you piqued my interest." His arm was behind my back almost wrapped around me. 

"So all the things you told me about your past were they lies?"

"I couldn't just out and tell you everything. Before I was a vampire I was a rancher at around 19 I found Max who later turned me, I didn't lie just didn't say the whole truth." 

"How old are you?" 

"Around a hundred" My mind was shell-shocked. He has been a part of wars and history or he had to have been a little bit. 

"Did you own slaves," He was taken aback by this and shook his head. 

"Too poor," Well at least he is honest.

"Did you want to," he gives me a deadpan look. "Sorry, it's just a question." 

"No, I didn't want slaves." 

"What was it like though back then I mean. Did you fight in any wars?" I started trying to probe deeper into his past my anger about him ditching me was still there but I understood why he left. It doesn't change how shitty it was but it makes it understandable. 

"God you're a nerd," He gets up. 

"Well excuse me for being curious," I roll my eyes. "Can you forgive me?" I ask fiddling with my hands "I just ghosted you and I yelled at you. I was kinda an overall bitch" 

"I had it coming," he lights a cig. "You had every right to be pissed at me"

"I'm still sorry" I look up. 

"You do that a lot you know. Say sorry. Who is hurting you here." My eyes widen. 

"What do you mean?"

"Don't bullshit me. At the house, you said you left an abusive prick for another. I want to know who is hurting you." His tone was filled with rage. I knew I couldn't lie to him I was in too deep. 

"It isn't anything horrible. Just some verbal abuse nothing I can't handle." I lie I knew now how dangerous he is and if I say anything along the lines of what is actually going on Steve is dead and that will just cause more problems. I stand up and we walk off the tracks hearing a train coming. 

"That didn't answer my question though sweetheart," I blush at the nickname. 

"Steve" I mutter. "But like I said I can handle it he did the same shit before I left. I have handled worse from my ex." I huff remembering all the pain that man put me through. "I left when I was sixteen he was older and was a way out. It was good at first but then he started drinking. He would yell then hit then rape. I can handle the verbal assaults that I get now. It is nothing compared to what it was." We walk till we get to his bike. He planned on taking me here having a talk. He planned to tell me tonight whether I went willingly or not. He gets on waiting for me to get on. I wrap my arms around him holding on tight as he speeds to get me home. I didn't want it to end. I wanted to be in this very moment forever. When we got to my house though we stayed in the driveway. 

"Look I won't do anything to him but the second he steps out of line all you have to do is call me." He assures. "I meant what I said. You intrigue me and I've grown to care about you. I might hate how soft you make me but there is no use in fighting it. Tried that it didn't work." 

"Well if it's any consolation I care about you too. More than I'd like to admit." I lean against him. "I haven't cared about anyone the way I do for you." 

"Then why aren't we together" He was serious. I look him in the eyes wanting to know the answer myself. Our faces are only inches apart. I'm ready to give in. It is time to trust again. Suddenly the door opens to Steve who looks furious. I get up stopping the almost kiss wishing Steve didn't show up. "I should go," David had murder in his eyes. I knew if I said it Steve would be his next meal. 

"Y-yeah I should too it's getting late." I blush "I'll call you okay" I assure him as he gets on his bike. I wanted to kiss him goodbye but with Steve's eyes lazoring me in the head I didn't want to risk it. I watch as he drives away. We weren't together yet because of the wall I've built and the wall he is slowly chipping away at. Only a few bricks standing in the way. 

[phychohex]

I met a Vampire in Santa Carla (Ch. 12)

TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions of past abuse (not in detail) 

Sneaking in this morning was nerve-wracking. I came home to the lights on and Steve was awake about to go to work. I had defeated my whole purpose to be out all night and to go home when he was fast asleep. I park my car in the driveway and head inside. I glance over at him and he glares at me no words are shared. I get to my room surprised to see it was still there. I unlock the door to see it has been untouched. I went to bed, not wanting to think about what should've happened. 

Getting up for work was like pulling nails out of concrete. I had to drag myself out of the warm embrace of the blankets. I was going to be late, meaning I couldn't grab something quick to eat. As I was heading out, Steve's degrading voice stopped me. "I take it you are going out again?"

"Yep, got work," I open the door and he follows. I try to get in and he closes the door shut. His glares eyes filled with rage and hate. "I don't have time for this Steve I have to go,"

"You changed the locks on your door and took down the cameras I ought to have you arrested for destruction of property," He hisses behind gritted teeth. 

"I pay rent for that room so it isn't destruction of property it's only a door knob. As for the cameras, it's illegal to have them in bedrooms and bathrooms so go ahead and try," I open the door as he stands back anger seeping off him. As I pull away I see him going back inside and throwing a wrench at the wall having a total premadona meltdown. I was a minute late getting to work which is nothing like me. I get inside and see my boss cleaning up and waiting. "I'm so sorry I was having trouble at home it won't happen again," I go to my office placing my bag down. 

"It's fine you're only a minute late, Tyler isn't here either think you are good taking over by yourself till he gets here?" 

"Of course." I take the broom from his hands. 

"If he isn't here within the next thirty minutes then call me I'll cover. I doubt that will be the case though." He smiled waving bye as I had the shop to myself. I go to the radio turning it up a few notches. I clean the display case of the piercings and the tattoo books in order. I was enjoying the peace. 

"You will not believe the night I had last night!" Tyler exclaims as he walks through the door. I look up from the front counter. "After I left you and your little biker gang I meet this chick with the biggest tits," I was shocked. After how he acted last night I knew tonight was going to be awkward but I figured it would be on both ends. "Took her home and gave it to her real good. Had her screaming and crying for more shoulda been there," 

"This isn't good work talk," I glare. How can he talk so openly and degrading like that? 

"Oh don't be like that. We're friends right, it's just friend talk." I didn't want to tell him that no we are not friends. I'm afraid if I do then he'll get pissy and I have to stay here alone with him for the night.

"I never talk to my friends about my partners like that," I frown. 

"That's cause you aren't the one doing all the fucking," He laughs "She was hot, had this bright red hair, natural like yours. I have this big thing for redheads," He smiles leaning on the counter and pulling out the appointment booklet. I felt like running out of the store and back into bed. I didn't feel safe anymore but I can't call out either I need the money. If I'm going to get me and mom out of this situation at home then I can't afford to miss a day. "You don't have any appointments?" 

"Yeah, I had someone cancel due to a family emergency and the other got sick so I'm just going to take the walk-ins." I grab the booklet from him and go over the next couple of days. "You are fully booked, might want to get your room set up," I mutter hoping he gets the hint. Thankfully he did. His client came in and went to the room leaving me waiting alone. Nights like this don't come often but they leave me wishing I was out in the crowds that pass by. The boardwalk was as busy as it ever was and yet I was sitting on a stool watching. With nothing but time on my hands, I decided to start drawing. It is a portrait of David. It made the time go by quickly. The bell rings and two girls who look like they are in their late teens or early twenties come in. They are looking for friendship tattoos. "Do you already know what you'd like or do you want to get some ideas"

"We want butterflies matching ones," I get them set up and ready. The two talk amongst each other. It filled up most of my night. I wave them goodbye and get out my phone texting David. I'm starving and I didn't want to go next door for a shitty sub. 'Want to get dinner tonight I'll pay you back' I hear the bell ding looking up as a burly guy with a leather jacket comes in. He has patches all over with shit like white pride and a swastica. I put on a fake smile and take a deep breath. 

"How may I help you this evening?" I smile 

"You got a guy working tonight?"

"Yes, but he is going to be fully booked for the night,"

"You'll do then. I'm looking to get the American flag tatted on my arm, instead of stars though I want a swastica." He leans over the counter causing me to back up a bit. I had never gotten this kind of request and this wasn't a guy I want to piss off. 

"Hang on one moment," I go to Tyler's office knocking frantically. He opens it to the client he had looking over their new tat. "Can you take this client please," I put my hands together begging. "He wants the American flag but instead of stars he wasnt a swastica I don't want to do that,"

"What's in it for me?" Tyler looked annoyed with the idea but seemed willing. 

"You'd get the pay of a client and my gratitude?" 

"How bout this I do the client and you let me take you out," I laugh causing him to hold his hands out in shock. "What it's a fair trade."

"Not after the way you talked about your sexcapade." Suddenly telling this guy to fuck off didn't seem so bad. I go back to the front desk where the guy has been waiting. His eyes narrow and his fist pulled tight. "I'm sorry but I refuse to tattoo that and my colleague is busy."

"Fine," the guy huffs "Bitch" he mutters under his breath as he leaves making sure to slam the door. I look at my phone to see if David ever texted back. 'Chinese?' I smile replying. I clean up random areas that don't need it to pass the time. Tyler comes looking for ink as I am organizing the inks. He reaches right above my head pressing his body against mine. He stays there for a minute searching. I couldn't move being frozen in place. There is no fucking way he is trying what I think he is. My heart starts racing and a blush creeps its way onto my cheeks. The bell to the front dings. I use that as my excuse to get away. At the front waiting is David with bags of Chinese takeout in his hands. 

"Thank god," I go up to him and take the bags. "You got here at the perfect time" We head back to my office and eat in a long silence. He seemed off tonight. Like something else has his attention. "Hey, you okay?" I ask taking an egg roll. "You've barely touched your food." He smiles nodding. 

"Just got a lot on my mind is all." I scoot closer hoping to get him to open up. "Is that jackass here?" 

"Who Tyler?" He nods "Yeah, look I'm sorry he was such a dick yesterday I don't know what's gotten into him lately." 

"I have a few ideas." His jaw clenches. "I'll see you after you get off okay?" 

"oh okay, I was just going to go home after this I'm really tired and kinda off today ya' know" He nods as we clean up as he is leaving Tyler is walking to his office. I notice David shoot him daggers.  

"Geez what's his deal," Tyler asks and I shrug. I didn't know what was wrong and that worried me. Did someone piss him off beforehand or was he mad at me? I couldn't think of anything wrong that I did. "Whatever let's just get back to work okay?" Tyler smiles and I nod. The rest of the night was boring as fuck. Not a single walk-in, which just left me to be alone in the front room. I decided to finish the sketch I was working on earlier. I hate how much he occupied my mind. I have never been this strung up over a guy. Even my ex I never felt this way. Then again being treated like shit will do that to someone. I finished the sketch and it was good, really good actually. I don't usually do realistic portraits so I am proud of how it turned out. I start packing up stuff to leave and get the shop closed for the night. "So what are your plans after this?"

"Home I am beyond tired." I chuckle. 

"Oh, alright bet. Hey if I take a quick smoke break think that be good?" He asks I shrug having done most of the work by myself already. "Thanks, I owe you one." He grabs his jacket and makes his way outside. I make sure that all the lights are shut off and that the door is locked. As I am locking the door I feel a hand on my shoulder making me jump only for it to be David. 

"Jesus you scared the shit out of me," I laugh. 

"I told you I was going to take you home didn't I?" I was taken aback. I point to the parking lot. 

"Yeah but what about my car?" He was getting irritated I could tell. "You can walk me if you'd like?" I smile hoping his mood will lighten. "Is everything okay? You seem really off tonight?" I ask and start walking him following closely. Almost brushing against me at this point. I get to my car and notice a tilt. "What the fuck?" someone has slashed my tires. 

"Trust me guppie you will want to come with me," His tone was serious and he was losing his patience. Suddenly Tyler appeared out of nowhere. 

"Damn that fucking sucks" He chuckles "Wonder who did that." he leans down checking my tire. I was getting a bad feeling about all of this. I had that pit in my stomach telling me to run but I couldn't. 

"I don't know. This is going to cost me a shit ton though" I groan at the implications of some asshole work. 

"Hey, I got a spare at my place. I can take you and we can go get it." I felt the pit sink and I realize this isn't right. 

"I don't want to bother you David said I could have a ride with him. I'll just get a tow in the morning." 

"Alright but how will you get to work," Tyler spoke dryly, "It's no trouble come on"

"She said no" David wraps his arm around my waist. "Fuck off" 

"Oh come on." Tyler laughs "This shit again you know you really piss me off," I could see a fight happening. I pull on David's sleeve. 

"I want to go home" I mutter. He flips Tyler off and leads me to his bike. I've never been on his bike but the memories of riding on one came back. It was like riding a bike after years of forgetting you had one. I hold onto him tight as the pit in my stomach rose to my chest. I knew it was Tyler who slashed the tire. He always carries around a pocket knife and him wanting a smoke break. God im so stupid. If David wasn't here then I would have had no real choice but to go with him. He has been trying to get me alone for weeks now. What if he had missed a client? And with the way he was talking about his hookup. I knew he was a creep but could he really be that bad? Memories of my ex flood my mind. The first time we hooked up was so similar. Someone fucked with my ride home and he offered. He took me out partying and I was drunk. Now that I think about it compared to the current situation. I couldn't handle it I tapped on David's chest rapidly causing him to pull over in the sand. I get off the bike hyperventilating. 

My lungs felt like they were on fire. My stomach clawed its way out as panic set in. "Hey," David turns the engine off and starts to try and comfort me. I let out the sob that I was fighting back. Anger filled me as panic settled how could I be so stupid. I stand up and kick the sand not realizing there was broken glass cutting my foot.

"Fuck!" I hiss as blood pooled out I knew flats were a bad idea. "God dammnit! Why am I so fucking stupid." I bend down and sob. I felt alone and I didn't care anymore if David was here. I couldn't stop the flow of the tears. I hear the engine and I turn to see David getting on his bike. "Wait," I groan standing up the pain in my foot made it hard to walk. Suddenly he drives off. I stand there like a deer in the headlights. Did he really just fucking leave. My brain couldn't process this betrail. I'm standing here alone on a beach five miles away from my house. I was shocked having never thought he'd just up and leave like that. I let myself cry for a few more minutes before womaning up and starting the walk home. It was one in the morning before I got home. 

My foot throbbed in pain and I tracked a bit of mud, sand, and blood in the house that if not cleaned before I go to bed then I'll have hell to pay. I didn't understand what happened. Maybe he finally got tired of my baggage. I'm surprised he stuck it out this long. I take a shower and wash myself three times hoping the feeling of disgust would leave and it never did. I made sure to clean up the mess I made before flopping down in my bed. I couldn't believe he just left me there. I hear my phone going off and I ignore it. It was probably him and I didn't care. I go to my sketchbook takeing the sketch I had done and tear it into little pieces before crying myself to sleep.

I groan as the sun shines in my face. The memories of last night plagued my mind. I look at the time on my phone only for it to be dead. Jackass must've been trying to call me all night. I plug it up and make my way downstairs. I see mom reading in the living room. "Oh hi didn't think you'd be up this early don't you have work?" I shrug 

"I'm quitting" She stands up and walks over.

"What why I thought you loved that job." 

"I do, but it isn't safe the boardwalk isn't safe," I mutter. I grab an apple and head back up to my room. I get dressed in baggy clothes before going back downstairs. "Can I borrow your car," I ask "Someone fucked up my tires last night and I need to go get it fixed." 

"Sure I'll come with," She smiles trying to comfort me. We go to the boardwalk and I call a tow company who take it to the local micanic. We follow them and wait as my tire has to be completely replaced. I tell Mom bye as I get in my car and head to work three hours early. 

"Rory you don't come in for another couple hours." Oscar smiles. "Is everything okay," 

"I need to put in my two week notice." I frown trying not to cry. I fucking love this job and leaving it hurt but I don't want to be alone at night with Tyler. 

"What" his voice soft coming around the counter. "Why, you are good and have loyal customers. Is there something going on" The door dings and Tyler comes in. I refuse to make eye contact as he comes up patting me on the back.

"See you got your car taken care of that's nice," I didn't know why he was there until I remembered payday. I have been so caught up in all the bullshit that I forgot he would be here. I regret not just calling. 

"Its complicated." I glance over at tyler and then to the floor. 

"Come to my room" Oscar suddenly got serious and I followed him. "Is the reason you want to quit because of co-worker issues." I nod. "What did he do?" 

"Nothing. I think he slashed my tire to get me to go home with him for a new one. If my friend hadn't been there then that's what would have happened. He has also been more pushy to hang out outside of work. I just don't feel safe working alone with him anymore."

"I understand" He sighs. "Since we don't know for sure he did it and he has yet to do anything we can't call the cops. But I promise you I will get it handled see if I can move the scedual. Just don't give up on this place yet okay."

"Okay," 

"Don't worry about comming in tonight or until I get this handled, I can't pay you but it also won't count against you. I'll have Ashly change the booking schedule for you as well. Go home and rest you look exhausted." He smiles I leave his office feeling somewhat better knowing I still have a job. I'm glad we were able to work things out. I get home in a slightly better mood until I see Steve's car. I walk in the house and the first thing to happen is for beef stew to hit my nose. This means that Steve needed something from me. Sadly I know I have to stay in line because being out of work and now not having the boys to occupy my time I need life at home to be civil. I sit at the table and let them pray. Afterward, though it's silent until Steve opens his fat mouth.

"Heard you quit your job," Steve smiles.

"Actully talked to my boss. He said I can take a break while the issue is being taken care of."

"When will you be going back?" he asks.

"Don't know yet," I look up "why"

"Well, we have a couple of church friends coming over who want to meet you in a few days. I want you to be here for it," 

"Why do they want to meet me?"

"Well you are our daughter. They want to see how much you've grown." He smiles "Just be on your best behavior" I knew I had no choice. 

[phychohex]

I Met a Vampire in Santa Carla (ch. 11)

It is my off day, meaning I don't have the excuse of needing to rest for work to pass my day. It's early in the morning and my throat felt dry. I head down the stairs to see someone watching the TV. I peek to see if maybe mom is up but am horrified by what I saw. "What the fuck," I snap watching as the screen showed me in bed reading a book. The view is from right across the bed at the vanity. I look to see the one watching is Steve. 

"That's no way to greet your father now, is it?" he snaps.

"Why the hell are you watching me from a camera? Do you know how violating that is?" I was awake now. How long has he had hidden cameras in my room? Are there others? Fuck, I get naked in my room. Thoughts fill my mind with what he has seen.

"I had them installed before you moved in. I knew you couldn't be trusted. He flips to a hidden camera in the corner of the living room. I look to see nothing until I notice the photo hanging up. He hid them! I look back at the TV to see David and I cuddling on the couch. "Who is this?" He stands up looking displeased. 

"A friend," I mutter knowing I've been caught. I wasn't allowed to have guests, and I broke a rule by not knowing I was being watched. 

"Yeah right. I bet he has done more than snuggled up to you hm." He gets closer and I step back. 

"You're disgusting," I hiss. "Does mom know you hid cameras?" He freezes in place. "She doesn't, does she?" I let out an airy laugh. "You call yourself a holy man yet spy on your stepdaughter? What else have you seen Steve? I bet you have one hidden in my bathroom? I wonder what will happen to your picture perfect image when people find out." I smile wide, I have something on him. 

"You won't get the chance to." He lunges at me, and I run down the hall and out the back door. I manage to make it to my car. I had my keys in my pocket, having gotten back late and just crashed. I get in and lock the doors. The sun was coming up and fast. He grabs my door handle trying to pry the door open. I flip him off laughing hysterically. If I were a stranger walking by I'd think I was crazy. I put my car out of the driveway and drove off to the nearest hardware store. It didn't open for another two hours, but I'd rather go to hell than back at the house. I decide to go through a McDonald's drive-thru to get a breakfast burrito meal. It only killed thirty minutes. I make a list of things I need. How am I supposed to get cameras out of my room, especially hidden ones? I haven't the slightest idea on where they are hidden and how many there are. Would I get in trouble? I drive to the local police station looking a hot fucking mess.

"Hello, is there something I can help you with?" The female officer at the front desk smiles.

"I need to know if I'll get into trouble for removing hidden cameras in my room." She shows a look of concern.

"There shouldn't be surveillance cameras in your room. It's illegal actually." I smile brightly. "Are you okay?" 

"Peachey." 

"Do you want to file a report?" I sit for a minute. One report and it could all go away. However, it wouldn't go away fast enough and from the look on his face this morning, if I pull a stunt like this then I'm out on the streets. 

"No, I think I have things handled, thank you," I make my way to the now open hardware store to buy the things I'll need. I get a camera detector, a cheap one, pliers, and scissors. I make it home and Steve is gone for the day. I immediately start with the bathroom. It is the only one I use and I'll be damned if he sees me naked. I scanned and there wasn't anything. Guess he has some morals. My room, however, was bugged to the max. I have one hidden in the vanity but also on my ceiling fan, inside my closet, and one pointing to the double doors of the balcony. It took hours before I felt like I'd gotten them all.  I spent the rest of the day cleaning blasting bands like Avenged Sevenfold, Danzig, Ghost, and other bands like them to channel the rage coursing through me. I hate this man to my core. Once my room is back to normal I change the door knob to one with a lock and I put the kye on my keychain and have a spare in my room. I knew how to pick a lock if it comes down to it.  

Now that I'm finally able to sit and relax, I shoot a text to Kayla. We talk for hours back and forth about how fucked up it was and that I should probably not be at the house til things cool off. I agreed with her, but she has to sleep for work. I go to the next best thing. I let the phone ring for a bit to no answer. It was a bummer but I didn't have to go to the boardwalk with him. I hear a knock on my door as it tries to open. "Who is it?" I question

"Your father," Steve snaps, "Let me in! Did you change the door knob?" I look around needing to leave the room. I grab my bag and leave a note telling them I'm out for the night, and yes, I changed the door lock just in case he manages to get in. I open the balcony doors and I close them as quietly as possible. I look for my usual route. It is surprisingly still there. I take a deep breath and make my way down. I almost fell on my ass but I made it. I drive myself to the boardwalk looking at all the busy lights and people. God, I was bored, things aren't as much fun if the boys aren't here. I decided to walk around at the shops hoping that I'd just stumble on them. My wish was soon answered and Marko jumps on my back. 

"BOO!" I laugh at his attempt to scare. "What are you doing here alone?" He looked confused and it was only him. 

"Step dick is being himself," I roll my eyes "I tried to call david to see if you guys wanted to hang out tonight but he never picked up. Why are you here by yourself?" I smile as we walk around the shop. 

"I wandered off, the guys are out eating,"

"God food sounds amazing right now. How 'bout we go meet up with them?" His eyes widen and he shakes his head. 

"They are probably already done and making their way up, but if you want, we can grab a bite," I nod agreeing. We head over to one of the many food stands and I get a mini bucket of chili cheese fries to share. I think back to today's events, the reality creeping up like a fog over a lake. When I see Steve, he is going to beat me, that's for sure, if he doesn't then it will be to the surprise of the universe. I could come home to more cameras or my door no longer on its hinges. Things he has done before, but I was a teen and couldn't do anything. Now I'm an adult, meaning he can't get away with things. He is though. "Hey?" a glove hand waves in front of my face, Marko's once happy demeanor shifted to one of worry. "Are you okay?" I nod shooting a fake smile. "How are things at home? I know you said your stepdad is an asshole but how is he an asshole," I was stunned. 

"Um, you know the usual stuff. Didn't approve of my friends, still doesn't approve of my friends. He is the dictator of the house if things aren't his way he flips his shit," I laugh "We just don't see eye to eye is all. Can you not mention it to anyone though. I don't want anyone to worry about me. Not that there is a need to worry, I just know that people blow things bigger than they are." I lie. He smiles sadly and nods. He didn't believe me for a second. 

"You mother fuckers got chilli cheese fries without us" Paul frowns coming up and stealing a fry from the bucket. "What are you girls talking about," He smirks and Marko pushes him off the seat calling him a little bitch. 

"Nothing," I smile watching the two rough house. David sits next to me and has an arm around my shoulder. I hold the bucket up to him, offering him some, which he happily took. "I tried calling you earlier but you never responded."

"We've been a bit busy tonight, sorry doll," He looks down at me, our eyes meeting. I wanted to kiss him but I know now isn't the right time. If he asked me out again I would say yes in a second. I realized what I want. He shakes me a bit. "You good," he smirks, "Seem to have lost you in space." I blush and shake my head. 

"S-Sorry my mind has been all over the place today, I don't know what's wrong with me." He has me look at him. 

"What's going on in that pretty head of yours?" I felt my throat dry up with nerves. For some reason I couldn't stop the words from flowing out of my mouth. 

"How many cameras are hidden in the house?" It was quick like my mouth had a mind of its own. My eyes widen and I look away, the fog that was coming up gone. 

"Cameras?" Dwayne's face contorted in confusion." Why the hell are there cameras hidden in your house?" I can't back up now. 

"Well I can't be trusted apparently. Steve put them in before I came back. There were four or five in my room," I chuckle nervously. 

"What the fuck," Daivd sits up leaning forward turning towerds me. "Just in your room?" I shake my head. 

"No, there is at least one in the living room. I didn't find any in the bathroom so that's good." I cheer up trying to downplay the whole thing. "It's nothing to worry about."

"Like hell it is that's an envasion of privacy." Marko exclaims "Are you sure you are okay?" 

"Guys, it's not that serious I promise." I stand up. "I took the cameras down and changed the door knob so now my door locks from both sides I have a kye and everything." I wanted this conversation to be over and done with. They look at each other, sharing the same unsure look. I roll my eyes. "Let's go do something, it's a nice night. Maybe the beach, or how about the arcade, we haven't been to the arcade in a bit," I felt like I'm grasping for straws at this point. They agree to go to the Dave n Busters though. When we get there, David stayed next to me like a protective mama bear. I notice an axe throwing game, which is something I've never seen before. I head towards it, but Marko beats me to it. The axes are rubber and stick to the little squares on the target board. The squares pull back and the fake axes come back on a conveyor. Marko did the first three throws and either hit to hard making it bounce off or his aim was shit. Paul did much better getting two on there. 

"That's bullshit" Marko groans "Let me try again" He picks up the axes and tries his best managing to get one. I grab the three axes, having been axe throwing with my ex. It was how I let out my rage back then, but I'm not sure this game is the same. I hold the axe at eye level before bringing it back and throwing. It stuck and was close to the bullseye. I slowly start to get the muscle memory back and make two bullseyes. 

"Holy shit" Paul laughs. "Remind me not to piss you off" I do a small curtsy as they clap. Marko pouts. 

"I'm trying again," he marches up to the game again before throwing the axes again. He refused to leave the spot. I sit at the table watching as Marko and Paul argue about who's turn it was. Dwayne was sitting, reading a boo,k and David went to get a pizza. I was shocked to hear a familiar voice. 

"Hey, what the heck are you doing here?" Tyler sits with me. 

"I'm here with my friends, what about you?" 

"Ah thought I'd curse the bar looking for chicks but haven't found any." He leans back in the chair, "So, who are you here with?" I look at him confused and point to Dwayne, who is glaring at Tyler. He looked like he wanted to kill him. "Sup," Dwayne looks over at David who has a pizza. "Sweet, you don't mind if I grab a slice" 

"I didn't pay for it," I mutter, getting second-hand embarrassment. How can he act like this, especially out in public? 

"No you can't" David sits next to me and wraps his arm around my shoulder. Paul and Marko made their way over laughing. Once they look at the situation, their demeanors change as well. Like they all felt an off vibe. Tyler got the hint and stood up holding his hands up in defence. 

"Hey, I'm not looking for trouble," He chuckles, backing away. "I'll see you tomorrow, Rory" He nods before making a grand exit. 

"Who was that?" Marko asks, snatching a slice of pizza. He was back to normal.

"My coworker. He is a pain in my ass," I admit grabbing my own "He is harmless though" I feel David tense up. As we continue eating, joking about the strange encounter, David sat back silently. It looked like he was deep in thought as if trying to process his emotions. I tug his sleeve curiously. "Hey you good?" 

He smiles seemingly out of his thoughts. "I'm fine" I didn't believe him but I wasn't about to pry. The night slowly drew to an end and I said my goodbyes to the boys. I feel David tug on my arm, pulling me close, whispering in my ear. "Careful around Tyler," as if it was a warning laced with the poison of a threat. I nod. The closeness, only feeding my cravings for him. He opens my car door for me. I drive off watching them from the rearview mirror. It is nearing five in the morning, sleep has plagued me. Tomorrow was going to suck having to be in a shop all alone with him. 

[phychohex]

Alert

I forgot the password for this account. Which sucks cause the Email I used isn't the email I use anymore and I can't log into that either. This affects the story. I will repost this story on a new tumbler but will post at to this new account soon.

[phychohex]

I Met a Vampire Down in Santa Carla (Chapter ten)

TRIGGER WARNING. There are mentions of alcohol and its consumption. There is also drug use, but it's only weed. After the last chapter, I made a happy, good time chapter. 

The last few days have been hell. I've been frozen in place. My life consisting of total isolation. All I've been able to do within the last two weeks is sleep, go to work, then repeat. I haven't had the excuse of going to DND or band practice because Alex went on a family vacation. The only reason I'm not at home right now is because if Steve catches me calculating all my funds, he might take them. So now I'm sitting in a random bar on the boardwalk trying to see if I'm close to affording a place for me and mom. It is hard tho, from the loud music to me not being the best at math. 

My nose is assaulted by the smell of Jack Daniel's and regret. I glance over to see some random drunk guy making his spot next to me. I roll my eyes, scooting my chair a bit. "So what is a girl like you doing in a place like this?" he slurs. 

"Minding my business," I don't look up from my work, trying to keep what little focus I had. 

"Aw don't be like that sweetheart. How 'bout a drink hmm?" He leans his head down, trying to get me to look at him. His breath reeked from him being shitfaced. I hate that fucking smell. The smell that burns of bad memories. Realizing this asshat won't take the hint I pull out my phone and text david. 'this guy won't fuck off.' I didn't have time to put my phone down before it dinged with a response. 'Who?' 'At this bar and this guy won't take a hint. Could you come by and help?' I hope to god he is quick about it. 'Just pretend you are my boyfriend and have been at the bar this whole time or something.' I suggest. My phone is ripped from my hands and slammed on the counter. "It's not nice to ignore company," he snaps. "How 'bout you let me take you out and show you some manners hmm?" I gag at this man's repulsive behavior. I glance around the room, hoping David shows up, or is at least on his way. Out in the crowd I see him walking through the door. My knight in shiny leather. 

"Not a good idea, my boyfriend has a nasty temper," I warn, waving David over. He notices me and makes his way over. Just by looking you can tell he isn't pleased. He changed the whole vibe of the entire bar. It got quite as people moved out of his way and looked down, speaking only amongst each other. It has to be my imagination though. There is no way people would do that, this isn't a cheesy 80's romance movie. Before I could realize he is right next to me, an arm leaning on the bar, the other holding the back of my chair. Caging me between him and the drunk. My nose no long raped by the smell of alcohol. Instead it was filled with his cologne. 

"You okay baby," He smiles down at me. I nod my voice caught in my throat. I didn't expect that. Even though I did tell him to pretend to be my boyfriend. "Good. Hey asshole if I ever get a text from her to come help I'll gut you" his voice was dark. The guy stands nearly falling on his ass. 

"Oh yeah I'd like to see you fucking try" A whole new problem starting. I start hastily tossing my things into my bag. 

"Let's go," I get down and he places a hand on my waist guiding me out never breaking eye contact from the drunk stranger. Once out of the bar I let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks" I smile. We walk to the bikes where the others waited. 

"Who do I have to fuck up" Marko shouts smiling. I shake my head chuckling. "You okay?" 

"Yeah, I am" I nod "My car is at home, do you think I can catch a ride," I ask anxiously. 

"Why didn't you drive?" Dwayne asks. 

"It's nice out" I lie. They look amongst themselves knowing I lied. It's the middle of summer in Santa Carla, there is no way in hell it's nice out. More like swimming in the devils ass. "So, is it okay?" 

"Yeah," David gets on "But you're riding with me" I get on behind him wrapping my arms around his waist holding on tight. 

"Let's go to the hideout first," Paul smirks. I nod, not sure what they are talking about. With the roar of the engine we take off. I bury my head in his back, eyes shut tight. I felt like my heart was going to leap out from my chest. I held onto him like he was a lifeline. By the time we stop I'm still hanging on. I feel a pat on my back. "We're here," I look up noticing the beach. There is a cave opening. 

"Where are we?" I ask 

"Home" Marko runs past me. I follow into a dimly lit hideout. It was a wreck, sure but it held its own charm. "This is where we hang out most of the time. This used to be a hotel that fell in the 20s. After some time, this part of it was found by us. Of course all the decor and shit we did."

"What if it caves in?" I ask, looking around amazed. 

"It won't, we've been here a long time," Dwayne comes up from behind. "It's a hotel that fell when an earthquake happened. The structure it'self is sucre" 

"Like Atlantis," I ask, making my way to the main area of the fallen hotel. 

"Yep, our own personal kingdom," David sits down on an old rusted wheelchair that sat almost center stage bathed in moonlight. It lights him as if he were the star of a stage play. "Want a drink?" He asks. A tension invaded the air. The boys looked to each other just like they previously had when I lied. David snaps his fingers and Paul hands him a wine bottle. It was pretty having gold metal and red jewels. 

"What is it?" I ask sitting on a stool across from him. 

"Wine," he smiles, gesturing at me. I shake my head. 

"No thanks" His smile fades and he leans back. 

"Why have you been distant?" his words were harsh. I'm a bit taken aback by his sudden harshness. 

"My step dad," I found myself telling the truth for reasons unknown to myself. "He has just been an ass. More of an ass then usual. Plus I haven't been feeling too good since I hit my head."

"How did you hit your head?" he tilts his head, focusing on every word like it was gospel. 

"I fell down the stairs," my mouth felt dry. Is now the time to tell the full truth. It isn't like they can do anything. The tension in the air is suffocating. I change the topic quickly. "What are you guys doing for the fourth?" I smile, breaking the intense eye contact from David. 

"Anything you do gorgeous" Paul smirks. 

"My friends are having a big bonfire, you guys should come, it will be lots of fun," I exclaimed. "I want you guys to meet them. They've been wanting to meet you guys as well." 

"Okay, we'll be there," Dwayne gets up, "I'll take you home." He offers I follow trying to ignore the look David gave. As if he was shooting daggers at my head. What did I do? Saying no to a drink should be fine, he knows I don't drink, so why offer. It hurt that he would get so pissy about it. There has to be something that I'm missing. 

After Dwayne had dropped me off, I went straight to bed. I found myself in that same loop again. That is until tonight. The fourth is finally here and I get to party with my favorite people. I start to clean from my last client. Tyler and I get the night off early to celebrate. He has still been getting on my nerves. It's like he is just always there lurking. I decided to rebel a bit. I'll be out all night, spending it at the shack, which meant I get to embrace being myself. I'm wearing an AC/DC crop top with fishnet sleeves. Black shorts that go to mid thigh and ankle height boots. 

I show up at the shack hearing music blasting. I notice Alex and Sarah, his wife, trying to get their kids in line. As I get out, Kayla rushes over hugging me. "Did you invite them?" she asks, having been the most anxious to meet the boys.

"Yeah, they should be here soon. Do you need any help setting shit up" She drags me to the kitchen where all kinds of barbecue sat. Will must've been cooking all day for this kind of spread. Twenty minutes go by, setting everything up and getting plates out to everyone. I go to help start the bonfire. I look at my phone, it is nearing ten, so I shoot David a text.' You guys are still coming right?' I put my phone up and set up the marshmallows. I hear the roar of the motorcycles. I look over to them as they are parking. I felt a weight of relief wash over me as a tension in my chest that I didn't know I was holding let go. I  walk over to greet them. Marko runs up and hugs me, doing a Disney twirl. I hear Kayla coming up. "Guys, this is Marko, Paul, and Dwayne, boys, this is Kayla. Over there, is Will he cooked all the meat for tonight. Alex is with the kids in the house with Sarah. I think Lilly and Josh are in the house as well." I try to make sure I got everyone. We make our way over to the shack. Paul went to Will, who is rolling a blunt. We all talk amongst ourselves as people go into their own mini groups to get to know each other better. 

Kayla has completely gotten the attention of Dwayne talking about some band. Marko was in the DND room looking and touching everything. Paul was helping roll blunts and joints. I needed one bad from the stress of everything. The hell going on at home is enough to drive someone to weed, not to mention work being hell right now. I grab a joint and head out by the bonfire away from everyone. I didn't notice David was following close behind. I stand on the porch and try to light it. "Didn't take you for a smoker," I jump from the sudden presence that was always there. 

"I'm not usually, but it's a holiday," He pulls out a lighter and lights it for me. "Thanks," I take a long puff and sigh in relief. It was the good shit that's for sure. We walk over to the bonfire that was left on its own. We sit down on the bench. "Are you still mad?" I ask sheepishly. 

"Who said I was mad?" he leans back having his arm lazily draped on the back of the bench.

"You just seemed upset that I didn't drink that wine," I shrug.

"It is okay. I knew you'd say no but didn't think it hurt to ask. I was more upset that I got ghosted." I kick a pebble under my foot.

"Sorry, it's just things aren't going that good at home. Plus Tyler is making work annoying. Did I tell you how he didn't tell anyone he used all the red ink. I needed it for a client and when I went to go see if there was more there wasn't any, so I got chewed out by a guy twice my size." I take another puff, the effects making it's way through.

"I understand. If you need help."

"I don't," I scold as panic sets in. "I can handle it." I take a deep breath. "It's not that I don't want to drink either, it's just I've seen what it does to people. I don't want to do something I will regret." 

"What if? Hear me out," He leans forward."I don't drink at all tonight, and you drink. I won't let you do anything stupid or embarrassing." I look at him trying to think. Should I really just betray my rule even for one night? 

"You promise," my voice was quite trying to find any hints of a lie. He holds out a pinky.

"I promise" I hold back. I want to just let go and have fun. It is tempting, as tempting as going on a diet, but someone offers you your favorite food. He is going to be the death of me, I just know it. Even though everything in my mind screamed to say no, everything else said yes. I connect our pinkies. It is time to learn to trust people again. He has earned that. "Here" he hands me the bottle in his hand. "it isn't strong so you won't get shitfaced off it" I hold it in my hand trying to get the nerve to take a sip. He sits there with a shit eating grin. I closed my eyes and took a long swing back. It burnt going down and tasted like what one could assume lighter fluid tastes like. I coughed handing it back. He laughs his ass off nearly falling forward. I hit his arm playfully. 

"God that taste like motor fluid why do you drink this shit" I cough. 

"I didn't think you'd chug it" He laughs. "I can get you a sissy drink if you want?" I nod although the want for alcohol is gone. He gets up and heads into the house as I put the joint out. I didn't finish it yet, but I don't think it's good to just let perfectly good weed go to waste. I look up at the stars, my mind going blank on any real thought. Not even the sinking feeling of regret is there. It's peaceful. Until I feel someone sit next to me and the sounds of laughter of everyone making it to the bonfire. David is back sitting next to as if he never left. He hands me a can and before I can fully take it he points in my face to gain my full attention. "You sip this okay?" he smirks. I roll my eyes nodding. He turns his attention to the group. "So how did you all meet?" 

"I've known Rory since the third grade," Lilly starts. "She was playing alone in the dirt. I went over and she was holding a bug. I tried to get her to drop it until she started listing facts on it." She smiles 

"Awe, I remember that didn't you two raise it," Kayla teases. "Lilly introduced me to her. She was new in town."

"What kind of bug was it?" Marko asks 

"rollie pollie" I smile "His name was Sir Rollsworth the third." I give my best British accent. "Had him for like three weeks before, one of us dropped him and he got lost."

"We all didn't meet until sixth grade tho. The girls were already in a band by that point. Lilly's dad was the drummer. I took his place not that long after we all met." Alex leans forward. "How 'bout you guys, how did you all meet?" 

"We were all taken in by this guy. Max, he died a while ago. We have been together ever since." Dwayne shrugs. I glance up at David, he was listening closely. I couldn't read what was going through his mind. His expression was void of emotion. He glances down at me and smiles. Whatever trance he was in was gone. As the night went on, we swapped stories from our youth. Hell, we are still young but there is nothing like reminiscing of the past. Once the shitty fireworks we got where lit and the kids fell asleep the real party started. 

We sat inside the bonfire long since dissipated. Everyone besides David and Alex are drunk by this point. "okay okay okay smash or pass," Paul sits in the circle. "If you smash you drink. We'll go in a circle and say someone." With that, the game starts. "David Bowie." I take a sip as do all the girls and Marko. "Will Smith" Lilly was the only one to drink. "Brad Pitt" Kayla and Lilly. Once her glass is slammed down, Kayla slurs her words. "You two are fucking liars."

"I'm sorry, he just isn't it for me" I shake my head. "Also this is bullshit we haven't named any women." 

"Fine," Kayla sits back, "Drew Berrymore," I glare at her before taking a sip. 

"No shit really" Paul has a shit eating grin. I flip him off. "Rachel from friends." Alex, Will, and Josh all drink. "Tiffiany from bride of chucky" 

"Oh fuck yeah" I take a sip. The alcohol is making me a bit more honest with my opinions. Little did I know David, Dwayne, Marko, and almost all the guys drank to that. It was Lilly's turn,

"Ghostface?" 

"Which one?" Kayla asks 

"does it matter" 

"Yes it matters. It's a smash if it's stu" I hold up my drink waiting to see if it is a true smash or pass.

"What about Billy?"

"No fuck Billy. He is a douche bag" 

"I'm sorry, but they are both serial killers," Sarah, who wasn't playing, pipes up. 

"With or without the mask," Paul asks, looking at his drink, focusing, trying to take in as much information as he could. 

"Both" us three girls say in unison before bursting into a fit of laughter. It rolls around 2 am and everything was winding down. The boys are getting ready to head out. I walk them to the bikes the best of my ability. I'm not shitfaced but it is obvious that I'm drunk. 

"You want a ride home," David offers. 

"No thanks, I'm staying the night here. If I were to pull up with you, my stepdad will kill me." I chuckle "Bringing home another asshole on a bike you've done it now girl" I mock.

"You have a type", He teases. 

I snicker, "yeah, I should probably rethink my choices," he stops in front of me. I look up in his clear blue eyes. He takes a small bit of the end of my hair, playing with it. 

"So if I asked you right now you'd say no?" I was shell shocked sober. 

"I don't know." I admit "I don't know if I'm ready yet." He lets my hair fall. 

"Well, I'm here whenever you're ready, Guppie." He then leaves on his bike, leaving me wishing I'd man up and say yes. 

[phychohex]

I met a Vampire in Santa Carla Chapter Nine

(TRIGGER WARNING!!!!!!!! This chapter contains abuse by a parent (We all know who if you've been reading from the start. This chapter is a character growth and background, mostly of our main girl. If you feel as though you can't read this chapter I completely understand and will do my best to make it where you can skip it and the story still makes sense. If you do read thank you and enjoy. PS this chapter is a bit shorter. )

I slam the door harshly. I was out all night once again. Work was shit, from Tyler using the last of the red ink having not told anyone, to me getting chewed out by a customer. Then after work I went shopping for some little things around the house. When I got home, I was bored out of my mind so I went to chill at the shack. Now the sun has come up along with the feeling of needing sleep. 

I flop down on the couch and turn on the TV absentmindedly. I wasn't paying attention to what was on or the fact that today was the day Steve and Mom were supposed to be back. I hear the door slam, and I turn to see them. Mom doesn't look at me, her head down in shame and fear. "Hey, how was the?" I'm cut off by Steve.

"You didn't tell us you are in a band." He hisses anger coursing through his veins. I shake my head to dismiss any ideas he might have. I felt the same sinking pit in my stomach that I felt when John would came home shitfaced. 

"I'm not in a band," I laugh, it came out more like a huff. "I don't know who lied to you," I'm again cut off with harsh words.

"Don't bullshit me girl." He looks down at his phone and shows me a video. It was me singing on the stage. Someone had taken a video and posted it on Facebook. Somehow someone he knows saw it and sent it to him or he just stumbled across it himself. Either way I'm screwed not just cause of the video but because I've just lied to him. "Do you not know how embarrassing this is to me. To both of us to have our daughter prancing around on stage singing this," He stutters. His words seeped with anger. His face became red with rage "This filth!" He slams the phone down, causing both mom and I to flinch. 

"I-It isn't that bad. I'm not naked or a-anything and the songs aren't that bad if you'll just let me explain." I start trying to plead a case for myself like a fifteen-year-old who just got caught going to a party.

"NO!" He snaps "I've had enough. What else have you been doing behind my back?" I freeze. Does he know about David? Hell if he knows about the band, who is to say he doesn't know about the boys. If he finds out I've been hanging around a group of four guys on motorcycles who always wear leather. I might as well dig myself a grave. "It has been a long time. Too long in fact, since you've been cleansed." My mom looks up at him, horrified, grabbing his arm.

"No. She isn't a child, you can't just throw her in a cold bath, I won't let you." She is met with a slap to the face and thrown on the ground. I try to run to her but am grabbed and yanked to the bathroom. I pull away, he has managed to drag me half way up the stairs. He lets go, causing me to fall backwards down the stairs. I hit the ground with a good wack to the head. I hear the water running and I feel arms wrap around me. I try to fight them only to realize they are my moms. "Come on, get up" she sobs. She tries her best to help me up, but I was stumbling. Steve walks past us and to the garage, picking out a bag of ice. As he comes back to inflict punishment, he kicks mom off of me and grabs me by my hair. I hear my mom sobbing, begging him to stop. 

I should be fighting back but my ears rang in distress. My head ached as he shoves me to the floor. Taking out his pocket knife, he opens the bag of ice and dumps it into the already freezing water. Once done, he grabs my hair and dunks my head into the water. I feel the pricing pain as the cold water hit my cheeks. My midsection ached from the side of the tub. I was brought back up only for it to be done again and again. I lost track of how many times he did this. Eventually he lets up. I cough and sob as the pain fades. Cold, wet droplets drip from my hair, making the freezing of the water worse. He pulls me up by my arm, tossing me in the tub before sitting against the door, watching me as I freeze. "Confess your sins," he orders. I glare up at him. 

"I have none to confess" I hiss. He shrugs and leans back. The water wasn't letting up. I stop my crying and I focus on my breath. It made the water easier to bear. After ten minutes he asks again only to hear the same response. After thirty minutes, the injury to my head was getting to me and I felt nausea take over. I lean over the tub trying to catch the toilet in time. Luckily for me he wasn't sitting on the toilet. Some part of me wishes he was just so I could throw up on his lap. Gives me the chance to get away. 

"I'll take you to the hospital once you confess," He states. I needed to go. I have a concussion at the very least. I swallow up all my pride. 

"I confess to going behind your back. I sang at a bar, I had fun out with my friends. I confess to singing songs of unholy standards and dressing as a harlot." I spit at him. His stern look turned into a sadistic grin. He stands up and leaves. I take this time to drain the tub and strip off my clothes. My hands shaking violently as I turn on the hot water. Even with it being warm water, it hurt. It is what I can imagine being defrosted felt like. Once I'm used to it though, it felt like heaven on earth. I wash up before carefully getting up, going to my room. I get dressed as the background of yelling is heard. I felt anger course through me. Not just at Steve but also at my mom. I was in there for an hour and she didn't call the cops. This only made guilt eat at me. If she had then what would've happened? She has no job and I can't afford this place on my own. She is stuck, like a mouse caught on a sticky trap. Starving and hoping to be let free. No, I can't blame her, I was her and still am. The only one who is truly to blame is him. I walk down the stairs. I see mom silent in the kitchen, not looking at me. Shame most likely. 

"Ready kiddo" Steve smiles. Acting as if he didn't torture me for an hour. I nod, afraid of the vice that would be laced in my voice. We get into his car and make our way to the hospital, which is forty minutes away. "Once you are cleared, I figured we could stop and get some ice cream, or iced coffee," I glare up at him. He leans forward and turns on the Christian radio. "Oh bless this station. All the others are filled with. What did you call it, unholy standards." He laughs turning it up. I groan closing my eyes. It was silent for the rest of the drive. The only thing heard was the radio which I couldn't tune out. Every high note causing the ache in my head to stab at my nerves. 

We had finally made it to the hospital. He stayed by my side the whole time so that I couldn't tell the doctors what happened. I did indeed have a concussion. Which meant two days of staying at home resting. Once I was finally back in my safe place, I called my boss to let him know. He wished me well and that he could cover my shifts. I hated not working, hated not making money. I look online for listings. I probably have a good amount saved to get a two-bedroom house. If I do leave, I'm taking my mom with me. After hours of scrolling my head started to hurt worse and I laid down to sleep. 

The water was deep and cold. I was in the ocean. I come up to see mom on the beach sunbathing. I wave at her but she was too far to see me. I hear her faint yelling and I call out. "What?" I scream. She points behind me. I turn to see a big wave. This wasn't like any wave I've ever seen. The water was harsh. The minute it hit me I felt thousands of pins and needles kissing my skin. I come back up. I'm no longer at the beach. I'm in the bathroom, no longer safe. I let out a shrill scream that knocks me back deeper into the depth of the cold. 

I shoot up in bed gasping, looking around the room. I'm safe and in bed, it having been just a dream. I grab my phone to see the time. It is noon and a whole new day. My phone only had one missed text which was from David. He was checking to see if I was okay and why I wasn't at work. I shoot a quick text back explaining I hit my head and have a concussion. I drag myself out of bed. I get dressed in something better before going back on my computer to look at the listing. I  even made some calls. I didn't want to leave my room for anyone or anything, but I couldn't fight the hunger forever. When mom came to tell me she made a pot roast I couldn't help but go downstairs to bask in the glory of it. 

The silence that overtook us was loud. I didn't dare look up at either of them. I didn't want to slip up and say some shit that I couldn't come back from. Steve clears his throat before starting. "You slept almost twenty-four hours. Surprised you woke up at all with that nasty bump you gave yourself." I clench my jaw. "I didn't get a chance to ask you if you had anyone over while we were gone." 

"I didn't" I mutter lying through gritted teeth. 

"Good I don't want any delinquents in my home." 

"They aren't" I huff.

"What was that? I didn't hear you," he leans in. I couldn't take this bullshit anymore.

"You know nothing about me or the people I chose to spend my time with. Matthew 7:1 do not judge so that you will not be judged." I quote. He leans back and nods, trying to make his next sentence make sense with what he wants. It was the worlds most fucked up game of chess.

"I don't need to know them. I will give you credit where it is due, I shouldn't judge those I don't know, but you I know. You are a quitter; a whore who will run off with the first man who offers his dick. Leaving your mother to worry. If she had done better in raising you then"

"I didn't leave because of her. I left because of you!"

"Yet here you are! Having came crawling back. You have no right to bad mouth. If I were you right about now I'd go back to my room or leave for the night. Get out of my sight before I put the fear of god in you" I stand up to go to my room. I couldn't just take off for the night and he knows that. Once in my room, I slam the door sobbing. I was trapped again. I'm the mouse trapped in the glue. Starving for release. 

[phychohex]

I Met A Vampire Down in Santa Carla (Chapter Eight)

The one thing I didn't miss about Santa Carla was the heat. Even sitting here with the AC in the shack at full blast wearing tank tops and booty shorts wasn't enough. Watching as Jason chased some slutty campers around Crystal Lake we sat sweating. The heat felt like it would numb our brains to the point where they'd melt. Even with the screaming teens on the screen, I couldn't get the images of me and David cuddling. His skin was cool even on the hottest days of summer. I don't know how he managed it. The other day it put me to sleep. Lilly stands up with a huff. "Let's do something," 

"Like what?" Josh groans "It's like satans ass out there,"

"Night surfing" she suggests. I took that as my cue to go home. I get up and make my way out. "Where are you going, Rory?"

"Home, there is no way in hell I'm going night surfing,"

"No you have to come it won't be the same without you, you don't have to surf just get in the water a little bit," she begs.

"Oh, I doubt I'd go in at all," I try not to give in but her puppy dog eyes have yet to be defeated. "Fine I'll go," I smile her squeal of joy making me hope I won't regret this decision. "but I'm not getting in the breeze will be good enough for me." I start to grab my things. "I'll meet you guys there" I leave with threats of them showing up to take me if I'm not there in an hour. I drive to my place and get a beach bag ready. I put on a one-piece black swimsuit with a strap that ties around the back of my neck. I cover myself with an old oversized Bettyboop tee. I make sure I have everything I need; a blanket and a good book.

I wasn't expecting there to be a bunch of people due to the sun having been down an hour now but I was mistaken. It seemed like all the teens who were out on break had the same idea we did. I find the group and help set up our area watching as they run leaving me to sit on the blanket. I pull out a light that attaches to the book to help read. It was a romance novel. It is extremely cheesy and not my usual read but I am in the mood for being a hopeless romantic. I felt a chill run across me which I chalked up to the breeze of the waves. Looking up to see my friends having the time of their lives. What I didn't realize was David sitting next to me. I glance over shrieking leaping back five feet. He laughs pulling out a cigarette. I slap his arm with my book. 

"The fuck dude!" I exclaim "How long have you just been sitting here?" he looks at the watch on his wrist.

"Bout' ten minutes," 

"I didn't hear you come up. What are you doing here?"

"Could ask you the same?" he leans back taking a long drag of the cigarette. 

"Night surfing," I roll my eyes "Not my idea," I pull the shirt down more realizing I am reveling more than I would've liked. "Where are the guys?"

"Out getting food, I noticed you here decided to come say hi" He kicks off his boots. At the moment he looked kinda like a greaser from every shitty depiction of the 50s. A white short sleeve shirt with jeans hair slicked back. It showed off his broad shoulders and thick arms. "There isn't a monster out in the water you know, not really," He puts the bud of the now-finished cigarette out. "Let's go swim." I raise an eyebrow.

"You aren't in swim attire" I point out. he stands up shrugging. I felt my chest tighten with fear. The thought of going in the water was paralyzing. "I don't know," He rolls his eyes and grabs my arm forcing me to stand up. "David wait I'm serious,"

"So am I," he starts leading us to the water the second the cold water hits me I freeze in place. "come on," he urges. I shake my head.

"I can't," I start trembling as fear overtakes me.

"I won't let anything happen," He was trying his best to be patient I could tell. I wanted to go in the water with him. The fear wouldn't let me. I hold out my pinky and he gives a confused expression.

"Promise," he smirks and does it. I hold them to my lips giving a small peck. I wait for him to do the same. 

"Seriously?" I give him a look pleading with him.

"They are sacred," he brings our hands up to his lips making direct eye contact.

"Do you trust me?" he questions I nod blushing. His eyes pierce through me like daggers. "That's a wise decision" he smirks as sarcasm seeps from him. He pulls me close to him before picking me up over his shoulder. 

"David!" I shriek. "Put me down!" He starts to walk deeper into the water. "You promised!" 

"I'm keeping the promise," He chuckles "I'm just not doing it the way you like."

"David I'm fucking serious put me down!" He shrugs and puts me down the water now up to my waist. I latch onto him for dear life. I start hyperventilating my eyes shut tight. "You are such a fucking dick, I can't believe you talked me into this." I snap through gritted teeth.

"It's okay," he laughs "Open your eyes there is nothing wrong." I open my eyes; my grip tightens. "See no monsters." I glare at him and loosen my grip the feeling becoming familiar. The cool water against my skin. The soft mushy ground between my toes. I splash him out of spite. He gets me back starting an all-out war. I soon forget my fear. The memories of swimming with my dad were the happy ones. I swim away from him. He catches up faster than I thought. "Fucking fish out of water," he picks me up and dunks me under. When I come back up I splash him in the face. I try to catch my breath. "Aw what's wrong guppie can't keep up?" he teases. 

"I can keep up just fine thank you very much," I wipe the salt water from my face. "I haven't gotten in the water since my dad died," I admit. "Thank you," 

"For what?"

"Protecting me from the sea monsters," I tease. We are interrupted by a big splash in our faces. I look to see Kayla.

"The fuck you doing chica?" she gushes. 

"Swimming" I climb on her board knocking her off. Lilly comes up whooping at me. 

"You did it holy shit." she rushes over. "Thanks, random citizen for saving our friend from never going to the beach," she puts on a fake deep superhero voice thanking David.

"Oh yeah, this is David" I introduce them. He holds out his hand shaking it as Lilly stares at me wide-eyed. We all made our way out to dry off, it was getting late. Sitting on our towels talking. Honestly, it was more of Lilly and Kayla interrogating David while Will Josh, and Alex packed our stuff. My heart races hoping they don't ask anything out of pocket or worse say something embarrassing about me. 

"I gotta go meet up with the guys," he stands up halfway dry. "I'll see you later guppie" He smirks at me before walking off. I blush bright red at my new nickname. Kayla and Lilly bite the inside of their cheeks looking at me. Once he was out of earshot they attacked. 

"Please tell me you are dating him." Lilly groans. I shake my head "Then you best make a move," I shake my head laughing.

"God no,"

"You don't like him," I look at Kayla like she is insane.

"Of course I like him" I shout "Have you seen him? He has been one of the best things to happen to me in a long time and he listens to all the bullshit and doesn't judge me."

"So why not ask him out?" Will plops down.

"I don't think he sees me that way." I grab my stuff. 

"Are you blind by chance?" Will asks, "Motherfucker looks at you like a starving dog and you got a pocket filled with treats. You should invite him to our next session. Blend the friend groups that way if he has bad vibes we can tell you" Will had always been like a protective older brother.

"I'll ask but I don't think that is his thing," I say my goodbyes and head home. Mom and Steve get back in the morning meaning that I'm bout to be back in my hell. The fun times are over. When I got home it was silent, peaceful. I take a quick shower and lie down for the night. 

I don't know where I am, it's dark and the room swayed up and down. I stand up without thought. Everything was taller than it should be or maybe I'm just shorter than normal. I walk out to see the harsh waves crashing down. I see him, my dad fighting the wheel. I know this place, this day. I run up to him hugging his leg not wanting to ever let go. "Sweetie get back inside!" he shouts. "It's not safe."

"I'm scared" I cry out. Water splashed my face the cold air hitting my skin like thousands of small needles. He stops what he's doing and grabs me running back down to the boat house. All I can do is sob. He grabs my bright pink life jacket putting it on me, as well as the emergency bag. 

"Look at me honey okay." he holds my face wiping the tears from my eyes. "There is a three-mile high wave coming towards us and I need you to stay calm." He grabs the scuba mask and tank putting them on me. "When we get to the surface we have minutes to get the lifeboat ready. I will handle it just keep calm and do as I say." Suddenly there is a loud crash and the boat falls under the water. Water crashes through the door. He grabs me and pulls me out, the water was black. I breathe heavily looking around. If it wasn't for the scuba gear then I'd be dead. I see him swimming to the top my life jacket was already doing the work for me. Once we reach the surface he grabs me pulling the string to the lifeboat. he places me inside and looks down at the sinking boat below us. "I will be right back okay?" he nods I shake my head.

"no don't go please" I sob he holds my face and kisses my forehead.

"It's time to swim with the big fishes now okay." A tear falls down his face before he goes back down to the boat. I hear a roar from behind me. I turn to see the biggest wave ever. As thunder clashes I see the outline of the monster. I knew then he wouldn't be coming back up. I knew I was stranded on this lifeboat till I am found or I die to the elements. I close my eyes tight waiting for an impact that never came. I open my eyes to see the lab. The storm that haunts my dreams no longer clashed around me. Instead, I was watching my dad play with an Octopus. I go over to him looking down at the small creature. "Did you know there is a bigger version of this little guy out there?" I shake my head. He brings me to the window our house outlooked the ocean. "There are millions of creatures just like him out there. I study all of them. One day we will go out there just us and I'll show you all of it." I look up at him the smile on his face is bright and filled with excitement for whatever he can find. His eyes are bright with awe and amazement. He reminds me of a kid going to Disney for the first time. He died doing what he loved. Even though his last moments were filled with worry for me and if we would make it out alive he died studying the ocean and all it had to offer. I miss him, I miss the ocean. 

[phychohex]

HEY SO..

so I didn't realize till now I CAN MAKE DIFFERENT BLOGS FOR DIFFERENT FANDOMS. this makes it easier to switch up without messing with another blog layout. So this is clearly my Lost Boys Blog.

ALLLSSSOOOO

I have another Idea for a longer fanfic for David let me know if I should post it alongside the current one.

[phychohex]

I Met A Vampire Down In Santa Carla Chapter Seven

A/N: Sorry I haven't updated this in a bit. I not only got severe writer's block, and my mental health had gotten bad but I'm back bitches. There is no trigger warning for this chapter. 

I pull into the driveway, glad that Steve isn't home. I go inside, expecting no one to be home, when my mom scares me by greeting me from her room. I peek into her packing a suitcase. "What are you doing?" I ask. She smiles at me and comes to the side, holding out a pack of cigs. My eyes widen in shock. 

"Oh don't look at me like that. We all have our secrets right?" She takes one and lights it "He won't be home for hours and I make sure to light candles. Our anniversary is tomorrow and Steve is taking me on a cruise." She wiggles her brows in excitement. I sit on her bed to listen to her. "I swear that man is full of surprises. For two weeks we'll be gone out in the Bahamas. She flops down holding the cigarette away from my face. "Isn't it magical," I smile nodding letting her forget all the horror that is Steve. She looked like her old self whom I hadn't seen in years. Not since she stopped being a veterinarian. She loved working with the animals but due to Steve who helped her retire early. "Oh if your father was there imagine his amazement of the little ocean critters. We are going to be swimming with sharks." 

"Yeah he would've loved that," I smile. "I remember the scuba trips he never let me go out too far." I laugh. "You're too little so swim with little fish," We say in unison before busting out in a fit of laughter.  We sit for a minute before the air turns somber. "I wonder what it would be like if he was still here. No Steve that's for sure." She sits up and takes a deep breath. I feel guilt seep its way in. She turns with a warm fake smile. 

"How about we go out to lunch just me and you?" She offers. I nod and hop into the shower quickly before getting ready. We head out and go into a nice little bar and grill. "We haven't gotten to catch up" She smiles sitting across from me. "I hope it wasn't all bad when you left" I felt this was going to go this way. I've been here for about four months and haven't been able to sit down and have a serious talk with her. 

"No there was some good the ending sucked that's for sure" I nod "When did it get worse?"

"Not long after you left" She admits. "I swear he wasn't like that and there is so much good in him I know it that's why I stay. It's just after the crash and all the pain pills it changed him" The waitress comes and takes our order before rushing off to the next table the place being busy due to the lunch rush. "He never gave me the real answer to why you left." She admits

"Are you sure you want to know, I mean you're about to go on a cruise with him." She nods a serious look on her face. "I couldn't take it anymore. After having to miss my best friend's funeral over the fact he didn't agree with who he chose to love and said he was going to hell for it I was done. So when the way out was shown I left. I was a dumb kid though I shouldn't have. If I could go back I'd stay and do little ways of rebellion so his focus could stick to me and not to you." I admit she nods tears in her eyes. "What did he tell you?" 

"That you left cause of me," The silence that came over us was loud. It was as if no one else was there just silence. We are both drawn out of the silence by our food. "Let's change the topic this is just sad," She laughs. "What did you go do last night?" 

"We had a gig." I smile "It was fun and David came to see us perform." She looks at me a smile working its way across her face. 

"David?" I roll my eyes I haven't told her about him yet. We haven't had the chance to sit and talk. 

"Yeah, we met not that long ago, and no we aren't dating."  She raises her brow not believing me. "Why does everyone do that we aren't dating?" I laugh. "Anyways it went well, but what about you what are you doing all day." 

"Cleaning the house." She shrugs. 

"Please tell me you're joking you clean the already spotless house?" 

"Well, I don't have anything else to do," 

"You could I don't know become a vet again. You used to love it and it won't negatively effect the income. You should do stuff. Have a bigger life than just the household. It's never been like you to stay in one spot like that." She nods thinking deeply.

"Yeah, I've been thinking about going back. There is always something stopping me."

"You mean someone?" She nods nonchalantly the wine she is enjoying makes her more truthful.

"God, I wish I was brave like you," She shakes her head "You are so strong, and take your trauma and just head on with life. Your father would be proud."

"You want to leave him?" I was stunned she has always had an excuse for him not once has she said or thought about this but apparently she has some secrets.

"Are you kidding me? If it wasn't for the fact that I have no personal income I would've left years ago. This whole cruise is more for me than him he always goes off to work on his phone and lets me do whatever as long as I'm not shitface and back in the room by ten I'm good. I do hate having to give in to the sex though" I take her wine away wide-eyed. Once we finish I drive us home and help her finish packing before telling her to take a nap. it was almost three and I had work so I had to take a nap myself dreading the hours ahead. 

I walk into the shop with Iced coffee from Starbucks in hand beyond tired. I go and set up my stuff when a soft knock comes from the door. I glance to see Tyler and smile at him. He hasn't been a total dick. In fact he has been rather sweet for the past couple of weeks. "you guys were pretty great last night" He comments. 

"Thanks," I smile "It was a ton of fun. Thanks for coming by the way." Before we could conversate much more two clients walked in. I go to mine and help her get settled. "It's nice to see you I drew up a couple of ideas if you want to take a look. I hand her my tablet. She was getting her mom's name with a rose and a butterfly. She chose the design with the rose being the body of the butterfly with her mom's name threw it. I set her up and she decided to talk instead. She shares stories about her mom. By the time we were wrapping up, it was close to midnight so I decided to take a break. Once she leaves I shoot David a text. 'What are you doing tonight?' I wasn't expecting a reply so I was pleasantly surprised to get one. 

'Hanging out at the peer why?'

'No reason I'm on break if you want to swing by,' There was no reply so I sit in my room and look for any of the ramen I store just for times like this. It hasn't even been five minutes when the door chimes. I walk out to see David holding a bag of Chinese food. I hurry to him starving and he sits in the room with me as we split the noodles. "You wouldn't believe the day I've had," I admit. 

"Try me," 

"Okay so my mom wants to leave my stepdad which isn't shocking but the fact that she admitted it is."

"You said he is a dickhead so I don't blame her," He sips on some noodles he pauses and looks at the noodles and glances at me smirking. "Didn't know you liked worms so much," confused he points to my noodles. Only they aren't noodles they are slimy worms. I let out a shriek droping them all over the floor only for them to be noodles again. I look from them up to him and back down at my now-spoiled dinner. 

"H-How did you" I mutter as he laughs before helping clean up the mess. He ends up giving me his food which he barely touched. "How did you do that" 

"easy just a minor dose of hypnosis." He smirks. "so she is leaving him"

"No, she is too scared to," I shrug "But they are going on a cruise for two weeks. I'm looking forward to having alone time. I stay out all night cause of Steve, but now I can curl up on the couch and watch a movie on the massive TV in the living room." 

"Why is she scared?" He becomes serious just as he had the previous night. 

"Well um" I tried to make an excuse but nothing came to my brain. 

"Is he hurting her?" I nod "But not you?" I shake my head as if hypnotized still. "Well we are going to have to fix that" He smiles standing up. I grab his arm. 

"Don't!" I look at him in his clear blue eyes that have a way of making me talk. "Don't do anything to him please we are okay," I lie he tries to puzzle it together and nods agreeing. I walk him to the door wishing I hadn't slipped up. I could only imagine what the small biker gang might do if they found out the extent of how fucked up Steve is. I watch as he drives off only to be scared shitless by Tyler standing right behind me. I walk past him slightly annoyed.

"So that's your boyfriend?" The question came with no teasing like it has from everyone else yet I couldn't help but roll my eyes. 

"Nope,"

"So a client?" I glare at him warning not to keep this topic up. Luckily a client walks in. I rush to talk to them to avoid the conversation. I felt like a broken record at this point. I try to focus on the work and leave any processing for later but halfway through the tattoo I get a call from my mom. I look and my heart sinks trying to wrap my brain around what could've happened. Did David ignore me and took the boys to fuck Steve up or did Steve just come home in a pissy mood. I apologize to my client who thankfully didn't mind. 

"Mom?" I try not to let the fear in my voice seep out.

"Hey sweetie I just wanted to let you know Steve and I are going to the airport early is all." I let out a sigh of relief. 

"Oh okay. why though?" I ask 

"Don't know Steve just wants to get going I guess. The key is under the mat just in case. Try not to overwork yourself okay hun." The call ended minutes later. After my client is all set and out I start to clean the shop. Tyler leans on the doorframe to my room.

"Do you have a boyfriend?" He asks abruptly taking me by surprise. I stare at him wide eyed.

"Umm why?"

"Just wondering,"

"No" I go back to taking inventory for the day shift. He walks over leaning on the counter. I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and the room seemed to get eerily cold as if a ghost walts in. 

"So a husband then?"

"Nope. I'm not looking for romance anyways." I turn to him and try to get past but he just follows.

"Come on there has to be someone you are interested in or at least is interested in you." I turn to him annoyed. "You know I bet you dress like you did last night you'd have any man you want" I felt a chill run down my spine.

"And now I'm leaving" I wave as I leave the shop to drive straight home. I walk into the empty house and look around the whole place before I flop down on the couch. I start to flip through channels landing on a retelling medical show like sex sent me to the ER or Emergency Room stories. I know the shows are kinda trash but they are my version of the Kardashians. As the show continues I get the same sickly feeling as I had when Tyler tried to flirt. I knew it was nothing but my brain wouldn't let me believe it. I grab the gun that's in Steve's side table knowing when he finds out I touched it he'll have my head on a platter. I go to all the windows and doors locking them before returning to my spot on the couch. I looked at the time and it was only two thirty having not been home for more than an hour. I texted David asking if he wanted to chill and that I was off work. Assuming I'll feel safer if he was here. God what is wrong with me? I shouldn't let myself fall for him. I haven't even left a year yet I feel ready to jump into the arms of the next guy who shows interest. Ten minutes later when the knock on my door pulled me out of my deep thoughts. I grab the gun and slowly make my way to the door I peep threw the peephole it being David. I take a sigh of relief and open the door. 

"You always come to the door loaded" He jokes just waiting at the open door. 

"No, come on in why are you just standing there?" He instantly walks in and flops on the couch. His face shifts into one of confusion looking at the current episode I was 'watching'. I sit next to him after putting the gun away.

"So what happened to being alone and relaxing" He teases. I sit purposefully not close to him. "You good?" I nod giving him a fake smile. He leans closer and lowers his brows. 

"God you are terrible liar" I roll my eyes. 

"Tyler was just acting fucking wired. He kept asking if I had a boyfriend or a husband and kept being a creep" 

"Well you lied right?" I look away sheepishly "Why did you tell him the truth if he was being a creep." He leaned forward. 

"I don't know" I shurg nonchalantly. 

"Next time lie trust me it's easier." I smile.

"Do you lie when women are lined up for you" He glares and smiles. He shakes his head running his gloved fingers through his hair leaning back. 

"Totally" he chuckles "It's also safer." I turn my body towards him ready to take in his advice. "When I lived with my parents there was this guy who always just hung around. He would 'flirt'" he puts the word in quotations to show she was in a similar situation as mine. "She eventually made her stand and told him to fuck off. He threatened her though. Said he'd tell my Pops the truth. It wasn't till later after I was with Max that I found out the truth. My Pops wasn't biologically my dad. That the guy raped her and I was the outcome. She lied to Pop saying I was his. She got rid of me because Pop was a drunk and would kill her or me if he had found out." I was stunned.  He was looking at his hand fidgeting with his glove. I reach out and hold his hand. He glances up at me and I smile. 

"I'm sorry that happened. I couldn't imagine finding something like that out. Thank you for sharing that for feeling safe to share that. You're right it isn't safe that it is better to lie about that stuff. I was just so taken aback by the questions." I admit. There is a long pause of silence before the show says something out of pocket. 

"Okay what the fuck are we watching right now." I shrug equally as disturbed. He grabs the remote and flips to the DVD player. I get up and open the movie cabnet not finding anything worth watching. 

"Hold on I'll go get one of my movies from my room." I rush upstairs and grab Beetlejuice. As I set up the movie he is off in the kitchen trying to find something to eat. As the movie is playing I felt my eyelids close slowly drifting into a nice sleep. 

[phychohex]

Addicted (Jesse Pinkman Love Story) Proulge

I look up at the clock as it ticks away. Once again, I have gotten caught up in the art and have stayed later than intended. I save all my work and shut everything down. As I am leaving, Jessica stops me. "What the hell are you still doing here?" she asks. 

"Got caught up in the work again." I sigh this tends to happen a lot and I get overtime way too often which tends to get me into some trouble. Once I start it's hard to stop. I work at an expanding company that specializes in merchandise as a freelance graphic designer. We have some pretty big contracts with people like Disney and Marvel. I specialize in horror art and when I find one of my designs on a shirt at places like Walmart or the mall it makes me feel like I am successful.

"Well go home, you goddamn workaholic." She jokes I nod waving bye and go to my car. This was my average life. I am just an average woman with a normal job and a place that I share with my freeloader boyfriend. You wouldn't tell just by looking at me the shit show that was my life. My freeloader boyfriend for one. We met while I was still in college. I went to SCAD also known as Savannah College for Art and Design. After college, we moved and got our place in a shitty part of town. We worked at the same grocery store and hit it off great. Now that I have a high-paying job and he was fired a little over two years ago we were broke with me having to pay for everything. I use that as an excuse for why I stay so late and while it is partly true I just tend to hyperfixate. For the first month, no one noticed a new co-worker. I have never been social and tend to keep to myself, but this is mostly because I'm autistic. Socializing has never been easy for me. 

After the twenty-minute drive, I slowly pull into my driveway seeing another car. I groan knowing that his friends are over. I have nothing against with them it's just I need time to decompress my social battery being completely drained. I take a deep breath and make eye contact with myself in the rearview mirror. I was average, with long chocolate brown hair that I usually keep in a high ponytail so that it's out of my face. I have hazel eyes with pale skin and freckles across my cheeks. I have always been the 'good girl' the only semblance of rebellion is my tattoos which are put in easy-to-cover places. With all my might I get out of the car and go into my house. My five-year-old pitbull Princess quickly greets me. I got her a few years back as a puppy as a guard dog. My dad was worried after I broke up with my boyfriend at the time and he showed up begging for me back on his knees. When I laughed at him for the way he was acting he got mad and tried to burst in but I managed to close the door just in time. 

I hear the yelling and gunshots from the living room as Alex and his two friends play Call of Duty. I look around my living room groaning. There are beer bottles and trash from chips and whatever else they decide to eat. "What the hell Alex?" I snap picking stuff up and getting in front of the TV for a second "I thought I asked you to clean up in here not make it worse"

"Get the fuck out of the way!" He snaps pausing the game. "What the hell is wrong with you?" I look at him putting my hands on my hips.

"I asked you to clean. It's the least you can do I work almost forty hours a week and you expect me to clean the entire house by myself." I snap having enough of the disrespect. His friend Max starts picking up stuff.

"My bad Ash we didn't mean to make a mess," he apologized. he is a nice guy and one of his better friends. I smile thanking him and I sit down for a minute.

"The fuck are you doing?" Alex snaps. I look at him confused. 

"Dude chill," Max rolls his eyes "She just got home man."

"You shut the fuck up!" he stands up pointing to the couch. He looked at me and I could feel shivers go up my spine. "Go start dinner" I just stay seated looking at him my flight or fight not kicking in all I'm doing is sitting here like a deer in the headlights. "Bitch" he rushes over and grabs me by my arm and forces me to my feet. "Get your ass in the kitchen" he pushes me into the kitchen and shoves me to the counter. He grabs my hair and forces me to look at him. "I hate having to do this you know that right?" I nod as the fear rises. He shoves me and goes back to the living room. I stand there in shock. This wasn't the first time he had done something like this but he didn't usually do it in front of other people. I hear arguing and the front door slamming shut before the game starts back up. 

I started to make Alfredo it is quick and easy. I fight the tears that threatened to spill out. I wish this wasn't my life. Even with my dream job, I was miserable. I try to think about anything other than the pain in my heart. As I watch the water boil and the tears peaking through I feel my phone buzzing in my pocket. I look at the contact it being my stepmom Skyler. "Hello?" 

"He has, oh my god." She sobs making whatever I was upset about going to the backburner. 

"Sky, what's wrong? Calm down breathe." My brows furrowed in worry not being prepared for what she was about to tell me.

"It's Walt," she hiccups. "He has cancer" I felt my world shift everything around me was no longer there and the floor beneath me was gone. I felt like I was floating in a wave of shock. "Ash?" she manages.

"Y-yeah I'm here. Um okay, how bad is it?" My voice wavers as the tears start to peak through now for a whole different reason. 

"They say it's terminal. Stage three lung cancer can you believe it? What are we going to do Ash?" she sobs. 

"Is there anything I can do? I can send money for treatments or to help with bills." I offered "Do you know how long they said he has I mean terminal means he doesn't have long right?" This only made it worse her sobbing getting louder.

"A year maybe two. Oh Ash I wish I didn't have to tell you this over the phone." 

"Yeah, same. Do you think I could come down and stay for a little bit just to help when he starts the treatments I know it will be hard." I offer hoping she'd allow me. I can be closer to him. I have always been a daddy's girl my bond with him has always been better than the one with my mom. He is my everything and my world.

"yes oh god please come down as soon as you can you need to be here. Can you take time off to visit?" 

"Yeah, I can I just have to set stuff up." I nod as if she was in front of me and I wipe the tears that flow down my face. We talked a bit more about where I could sleep and how long I might be able to stay. Once we hung up I just stood there as shock overtook. My mind went to when I was young.

(flashback)

I watched as he coddled the little brat. I hated this I hated him. It wasn't fair he was paying so much attention to him what's so special about him? Ever since he married Skyler and moved away I haven't been able to see him often. I only see him in the summer and on school breaks. I have only been here a few days and we haven't done anything fun just him taking care of the baby. I look at the time and back at him. "Daddy you said we would go get ice cream," I huff.

"I know sweetie I just have to get Jr down for his nap okay?" That was it I couldn't take this anymore. I feel as my heart crumbles to nothing pouting. I stomp away and slam my bedroom door before going to my bed to cry. I hear Skyler ask what is wrong with me and Dad reply he didn't know. I hear her open the door and I turn throwing a pillow. 

"Get out!" I shriek "Evil lady" I sob her eyes widen in shock. 

"Ashly," she comes in slowly "Sweetie what's wrong," I flop on the bed screaming. She turns the light on which only hurts my eyes all the emotions and the light in my eyes are overwhelming and then that stupid baby starts crying. I cover my ears as I scream I close my eyes as panic and overstimulation take over. I couldn't process all of this. I hear Skyler call for my dad and him giving her Jr. 

"Ashly" he gets on his knees in front of my bed. "Sweetheart you need to calm down and talk to me."  I hit my head with my fist I hate this feeling it was overtaking me. "Okay okay" he wraps his arms around me holding my arms down as I scream more. "I know I'm sorry but you can't hit yourself." I cry letting all the hurt out as he rocks softly. The feeling of him holding me slowly started to work. I hug him crying.

"Not fair" I sob. 

"what's wrong baby" he continues to rock me. 

"You said ice cream at one and we didn't go because of him" I cry he stands up and carries me to the car Skyler comes out to see if I'm okay and he talks to her for a second before getting in the car. 

"I'm sorry that we didn't leave in time," he stated "We are going now though" I sniffle nodding guilt eating its way through. I look up at him feeling guilty. "You know it's okay to feel jealous right" I shake my head. "Well, it is. You know it's common for the older siblings to be jealous of the younger new sibling and it's because babies need a lot of attention. A normal baby can't feed itself, can't soothe itself even. Your brother has a disability so he needs more attention than most you were the same way." he pulls into the parking lot of the small ice cream shop. we go in and order before sitting down. 

"I'm sorry" I mutter.

"It's okay, I know it's hard for you sometimes but you are a strong girl always have been." He smiles "You know you were born before we expected and you were so little and you were sick so you had to stay in the hospital for a long time. Yet you were so strong and made it through it and then a few months later you got sick and managed to get better then too. I know we don't get to see each other as often with me living so far but maybe we can talk to your mom and have a monthly visit and it can be all about you and me." He offers I nod smiling and digging into my ice cream. 

"Is he going to be okay,"

"yeah he will be and as he gets older he is going to start looking up to you. You're his older sister and you have to be there for him. Just know you will always be my little girl." 

(end of flashback)

"What are you doing!" Alex snaps getting me out of my mind I look as if the water has almost boiled out and the food burns. "You're burning the fucking food get your head out of your ass" He snaps and yells in my face. Princess runs up at him barking he moves away. "Get the dog before I kill it" he snaps I grab her collar pulling her away realizing I couldn't just visit my dad but needed to go home for good. 

[phychohex]

I Met a Vampire in Santa Carla (Chapter Six)

(A/N: Hey so this has a heavy topic. The mention of a lost pregnancy is in this chapter. It is part of her backstory and she is talking about it in more in-depth. I just wanted to do a warning.)

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I sit on the floor messing with an amp for the mic. We weren't ready for the next DND session so we decided band practice wouldn't be bad. "So you've been hanging out with him more" Kayla asks as she tunes her guitar. "Are you guys dating?"

"No" I shrug "We are just friends. I met his friends the other day though they were all pretty chill." 

"By yourself?" Lilly exclaims "Weren't you worried that something could've happened?"

"No, I trust David he hasn't given me any real reason not to. I find him-"

"We got a gig!" I am interrupted by Will bursting through the door like the fucking Kool-Aid man. 

"What, When?"  Josh looks up. 

"Next Wednesday at The Halo. They are throwing a psychobilly event and I'm friends with the owner's son." Will rambles on about it. How we would get three hundred for the whole thing? Arguments ensue. 

"I thought we agreed this was just for fun," Lilly groans.

"Yeah, besides you didn't think to ask first. We just started practicing and I don't know if we are ready," I mention the anxiety filling in my voice. I don't have stage fright but the thought of someone catching me singing covers of songs that Steve would disapprove of. Worse what if someone posted photos and saw me in all my get-ups for when we used to do shows? After a good scolding, we finally agreed that we needed to practice nightly till the show. That meant that after work I had to come straight here. Over the next week, we picked the songs we wanted to perform. We practiced and worked on our sound. 

It is now the night before our performance and I am closing up the tattoo shop. I feel hands on my shoulders "BOO!" I turn shrieking only for it to be David. I hit his arm as he laughed at me. 

"That wasn't funny jackass," I chuckle. 

"Then why are you laughing?" He teases. "Where have you been," 

"Oh, I'm sorry I've just been really busy. Will got us this gig at The Halo and we've just been practicing as much as possible." I shake my head walking to my car. "I didn't mean to ignore or make you feel forgotten I'm really sorry," 

"You didn't make me feel that way." He reassures "I was just curious why we haven't hung out." We have been texting and that is it. I missed hanging out with him. "So what time do you guys start," I felt all color leave my face. 

"Why?" I look at him freezing my eyes wide. 

"Well I'm coming of course," I blush bright red. What the fuck is wrong with me right now? I have never been so nervous for someone to come see me perform. Why does the mere thought of him being in the crowd make chills run down my spine? Do I really care what he would think? 

"Um yeah we start at ten," We get to the car "I have to go home so that I can get ready for tomorrow night." I smiled "I'll see you there" I tried to sleep but it was no use. All I can think about is how I might fuck up. How my voice might crack. Then the thoughts of what I would be wearing spill into my mind. All that anyone has seen me in lately was the long skirts or jeans. I always cover everything as per the rules. That wasn't me though. I loved the skirts sure, but I also love to wear tight-fitting pencil skirts that only go to my knees. I love showing some cleavage. I loved dresses that showed off my curves. What if I show what I love to wear and what I enjoy and he no longer wants to hang out thinking I'm a whore or some shit? I doubt he would but I can't deny the beliefs that have been etched into my brain by Steve all my life. 'Men don't want a woman who shows everything, not as a wife. You would be nothing more than a plaything if you show yourself as such' 

I decided to go in what I wear now but just in case I bring my favorite dress. A tight black with little white polka dots all over. It has a cinched-in waist and a pencil skirt that goes to my knees. With a sweetheart neckline and thin tank top sleeves. I brought a bright red waist belt as well as black platform heels. That is what I wanted to wear but couldn't leave the house in. When I show up seeing the guys in their getups and the girls in similar outfits. Will wearing black skinny jeans with a white tee shirt tucked in and hair slicked back. Josh wearing black jeans with a black short-sleeved button-up and a red vest. Alex is wearing a similar outfit as Josh. Kayla is wearing tight red pants a black top with off-the-shoulder sleeves and a red mesh neck chocker. Lilly has on black and white top that looks similar to my dress with a black waist belt. A red flowy skirt and high heels. Kayla rushes over to me "What are you wearing I thought we all agreed to match?" 

"And we are but I couldn't leave the house wearing it," She gives me a sad look and takes me to the bathroom with the show starting in an hour. Lilly follows to help. I put on the dress and I do makeup as Lilly does my hair and Kayla puts on fake nails. Once I was done and got a look I felt a joy in my heart now recognizing myself. With a light smokey eye and sharp winged liner. A bold red lip blended into black near the corners of my mouth. My hair was put into a high ponytail and my bangs curled into a nice bump. I saw my figure in the dress which took my breath away. My waist is sinched always has been from years of outfits like this. It made my hips look bigger and my thick thighs filled out the skirt. My chest looked amazing. All of my curves are shown in the right places. I turned to see my stomach pointed out just a bit but I still thought it looked sexy. I felt my confidence skyrocket. I go out to the stage and there are a lot more people than I thought there'd be. As my eyes roam through the crowd I see not only David but also the other boys. I wave excited they all came. David makes eye contact and smiles waving back. I also notice someone else in the crowd. Tyler was here. I didn't realize that he liked this kind of music. 

We started playing and I got into my rhythm. We started with some misfits and led into Danzig. After Blood and Tears, we go into Elvis. As the night goes on we get into more specific things like Nekromantix and Reverend Horton Heat. The night draws to a close and we start to pack up. I head over to the bar where David sat by himself. The boys are hanging out with some chicks. I hug him happy he came. "You made it!" I exclaim. 

"I said I would." He chuckles "Can I get virgin strawberry daiquiri?" He requests. I sit with him "You weren't lying when you said you were covered in tatts." He turns and looks me up and down causing me to blush. "Which one is your favorite?" he asks.

"I really like my Bride of Frankenstein on my leg." I turn my leg to show him. She is a pinup version of the character. He nods as the bartender comes back with the drink. He slides it over to me. "Thank you" I smile. 

"You look good" His eyes never left mine as if he was straining to not look at my cleavage. I blush and take a sip. 

"Thanks,"

"I'm serious it really suits you." 

"I used to wear stuff like this all the time but I can't anymore," I admit stirring the sweet drink with the straw awkwardly.

"Why?" He leans on the bar gripping his own glass filled with what I assume is whiskey. 

"My stepdad." I start ready to unpack. "If I want a roof over my head then I need to keep modest. He is a religious nut and ever since I could remember he had this hangup about the way I dressed. He always told me no man would want me if I dressed this way. They would only want my body. I didn't want to believe him but I think he was right,"

"How?" I look at him. My expression screaming bitch are you serious. He rolls his eyes "Look I'll admit you look amazing, and it could just be due to me already caring about you but you are more than just a body. You are funny and smart. You are brave and any man would be lucky to have you for you." My eyes widen. No one has ever said something that sweet to me. I look down fighting back tears. His words have genuinely moved me. I feel him put his hand on my back. "What's wrong?" 

I shake my head smiling. I look up to not let the tear fall. "No one has said something like that to me before," I admit. "Thank you,"

"You good?" I look over at him not moving my head. 

"Yeah, I just can't move till my tears dry," 

"Why?" 

"I spent an hour on my makeup and I refuse to fuck it up" He burst out laughing with me joining him. He hands me a napkin so that I can gently pat my eyes dry. 

"Why not just move out"

"And leave my mom with that psycho?" I shake my head "I already did that once and it has been my biggest regret. I'm not doing that to her again especially now that he has gotten worse."

"Is he hurting you?" I notice his expression change. His once joyful look is now superficial. He still smiled but his eyes were burning with rage. I shake my head lying to him. Even though I try to lie and make him believe I'm okay his rage didn't falter. "Good," he mutters. He looks down quickly, looking at my chest. 

"You cheeky bitch" I shove him playfully. "Why are you staring at my chest." He holds his hands up in defense. 

"I was looking at the tattoo I swear" I look down to see Milo written in cursive with angel wings and little footprints. "Was that his name" I cover the tattoo with my hand lightly. 

"Yeah," I smile. 

"I like it," He admits. "I'm sorry you lost him," I smile at him. 

"It's okay." 

"Do you want kids? You never really talk about it. If I'm overstepping then just tell me," 

"No, it's fine. I wouldn't mind if it happened by accident and with the right person. But I wouldn't try for one. I wouldn't be able to take that heartbreak again. I feel guilty sometimes for being thankful that he didn't get to be born" I admit my eyes widening. I didn't mean to say that. I never said that out loud. I cover my mouth and look at him. "I didn't mean to say that out loud," I felt myself tremble. He gave me a sad look. "oh god I'm a horrible mom," He pulls me closer to look at him. "I didn't mean it like I didn't want him. I'm just thankful he never had to see how horrible his father was. If he was born I would've married his dad and been stuck in a horrible abusive marriage and he never got the chance to see all that abuse. He died because of it." I felt my heart race as a panic attack started. 

"That's understandable." He nods "I don't think that is bad that you didn't want that for him. You are a good mom. You would've been an amazing mom to him if you had the chance." He talks to me slowly and calmly. The panic attack that was about to happen didn't. I feel someone jump on me. 

"Say bye to your boo thang we got to go." Kayla laughs being a bit tipsy. "I got work in the morning," I gather my stuff and we all head out to the car I was her ride home as I was going to be spending the night with her. Once I get to my car David stops me. 

"You goin' be okay?" I smile at him nodding. "Let me know you made it home safe okay" I smile at him nodding. I drive to the shack where we're staying the night. I take a quick shower and get some food before going to the living room to sleep. I see Kayla lying down watching TV. She looks over at me smiling. 

"So, did you kiss him yet?" 

"No," I roll my eyes "What is with you? We are just friends." 

"Bitch please I've seen the way you look at him like a puppy that is begging for a treat." I flop next to her. 

"Well, we aren't dating," I get on my phone to text him. I glance over to see Kayla on her side with her eyebrows raised. "What?" 

"Who are you texting right now?" I shove her and she burst out laughing. "I'm just teasing you. What were you two talking about though I could tell you weren't okay?" I smile.

"Milo," her eyes widen and she sits up straight. 

"Are you okay?" Her tone was sad. 

"Yeah, I am. I told him something I hadn't admitted to out loud. I was a bit shaken up is all," I look at her she rolls her hand to tell me to go further. "I admitted to being glad he didn't get a chance to be born, that he didn't have to meet his dad and see what a monster he was." She nods thinking. 

"I get that," she shrugs I felt even more validated in my feelings. "Did you want him in the first place?" 

"Of course I did." I sit up "When I found out I was scared but I was so fucking happy. When I lost him I felt a part of me died with him." She nods. 

"Sorry, I was just wondering. It was wrong of me to ask that." 

"No, it's okay I get it." I shrug

"You sure?" I could read the guilt on her I hug her.

"I promise you I'm okay let's get to sleep okay," She nods agreeing with me. I slowly fade into a deep sleep. I open my eyes hearing clashing in the kitchen. I recognized this place and I could feel the fear pick up pace. Was it all a dream, did I dream that I left? I sit up feeling a heavy weight. I look down at my round belly gasping lightly. I hold my stomach tearing up realizing I was dreaming. I know this day. It was the day I lost Milo. I get up my feet moving on their own accord. I walk into the kitchen to see John rummaging through cabinets looking for booze that I poured out the night before. I tremble as he turns to me. His yelling falls on deft ears. He makes his way over and grabs me. I sob being thrown to the floor and falling on my stomach. He gets ready to beat me but a blinding light comes through the door. I look over seeing a little boy. He looked about three. He has bright green eyes and pale skin with freckles across his cheeks. His hair was dark and he was so small. I look up to see John gone. I look back to the boy knowing it was Milo. I get up and run to him grabbing him. I back away and look at his face. "Milo?" I smile he smiles back and I pull him into a tight hug. "Oh my sweet boy," I sob I feel his small hand on my face. 

"I love you, mama." He smiles "Please don't feel bad" I nod holding him closer as I feel myself starting to wake up dreading having to leave.