I come from a long line of farmers

I'm a farmer. A pig farmer.

Have been all my life. Matter of fact, my daddy was a pig farmer. Like his daddy before him and his daddy before him. And so on.

I don't like to brag, but I am good at it too.

Best bacon and pork chops this side of the Mississippi.

Better than any of my predecessors.

I mean, they did good. I took what they did and well...perfected it.

What's the secret to my success?

Well now, that's a little more complicated than just “I did this or that”

That would take for me to divulge our family recipe...for success.

But I suppose that's what you all are here for, right? To know how I do what I do and how I do it so well?

Right.

Let me tell you how my great great granddaddy figured out what his granddaddy had been doing wrong all those years.

He started his farm with nothing but six pigs. Two males and four females. All for breeding purposes.

Times were okay. Kinda rough if one of the sows lost any of her litter.

But for the most part, they did well enough.

That is, until a drifter came through town and begged for a little work.

That's how a lot of folks got farm hands, ya see?

It twernt nothin to bring in some down on his luck hobo, feed him and give him a warm place to sleep, so as long as he did his fare share.

Some stayed for a while. Some just stayed one night.

Either way, they weren't getting fed until they did an honest days work.

So as I was sayin, this drifter came through and asked to stay a week with food and a dry bed and he'd help ‘em out with their farmin.

We will call him, Sly.

Sly was decent folk. He said he didn’t have much family to speak of. His wife a child died in a fire a few years back. The poor man lost everything. His house. His woman. His legacy. Everything.

And his sister was pretty much the only living relative he had left. But she was one of them uppity folks and couldn't see herself admitting to having a homeless brother.

So Sly took to wandering.

Jumping trains and whatnot just to keep on the move. Picking up odd jobs here and there to put food in his belly and on occasion, when needed, another pair of shoes on his feet.

So great great granddaddy, Paul, took old Sly in. His wife, my great great grandmammy, Elizabeth, she got the man some bedclothes, a pillow and a nice warm quilt, and Paul showed Sly his cot in the barn next to the pig house.

It wasn't much, but they didn't have much back in those days. Not being farmers, and such.

So, things went pretty smooth the first couple of days.

Until the third day.

They'd got up, like normal, slopped the hogs and tilled the small garden out back of the barn. Then after they ate some breakfast they washed down the hogs pen and Paul asked Sly to gather the piglets that were ready to be weaned from their momma.

So, Sly went in the pig house and made his way over to the sow’s stall.

Now, that sow was a prize sow for Paul. Her name was Helen. Just like that Helen of Troy girl? You know, the one that caused all that ruckus between those men because of her beauty? Yeah. Well, this Helen wasn't gonna cause any wars, but she was something else.

She'd had six good sized litters and even fed Paul's family in the harshest of winters they'd had when his oldest daughter, Corinne, was just a baby.

But she was getting up in years and as cranky as the day is long.

And wouldn't ya know it, the second that Sly stuck his hand amidst her babies, she took a big old chunk outta his arm. Ripped a hole in that muscle like one of them hole punch things popped through paper.

Well, Sly let out a holler that you coulda heard three counties over and just as Paul came running in the pig house all those piglets went a scattering out the door and old Sly was already shoulder deep with the mighty Helen rippin and tearin away at him like he was a stack of hay.

Paul didn't quite know what to do. For about ten seconds he stood there in shock as he watched his prize sow as she devoured a hired hand.

But ten seconds is all it took for Paul to do what he had to, to keep his life as he knew it intact.

That's when he picked up the hay fork and charged at those two, landin those prines of the fork dead middle of Sly’s throat, thus ending his screams and makin it easier for Helen to finish the job.

Now don't get him wrong, Paul wasn't the murderin’ type. Matter of fact he didn’t have a mean bone in his body.

He just knew, if he would have aimed the pitch fork at Helen, he would have given up the best sow money could buy.

And he just couldn't do that to his family.

So he did what he had to do to keep from losing all he had worked for.

Now ya know why he did it at first. It was an accident that coulda gone South fast and he made a snap decision.

But some months went by, and the next litter Helen had after that was probably the tastiest pork you'd ever had.

Tender, sweet meat that had such little wrong with it that he sold each and every pig she had.

But none of the others were even close to being as good.

Sure, they were still good. But nothing compared to that litter Helen had with old Sly’s blood still pumping deep in her belly.

That got Paul to thinking. He was always the smart one in the family.

Yep, Paul had an idea.

He figured any time drifters came through town, he would pick and choose to get some help.

If they fit the criteria, he'd hire them.

And that's how things went for years.

Paul handed the family farm and secret down to his sons. And they to their sons.

And so on.

And that comes to me. My name's Jacob.

Times are different now. You don't get so many drifters coming through. Hobos are practically a thing of the past.

So, I had to improvise. And that, my dear friends, is what makes me so much better of a farmer than my ancestors.

I don't use homeless people, or vagrants. I keep my secret in house.

It's one family secret that stays in the family.

The meat is sweeter, and with all this bacon craze in the world, it has me in quite the lucrative business.

I've got six farms across this great nation of ours. All family ran. Even though they are all under different names. They're all mine.

And I have to tell you all my boys have the same family values I do.

Yep. Keep it in the family.

Now, you wanna know my secret?

(Chuckles)

Let's just say, the younger the feed, the sweeter the meat.

Speakin of, my son Jimmy, his wife, Eleanor, is due...any...day...now.

I like to run

I like to run.

No. Scratch that. I don't like it. I need it.

At least that's what my therapist, and best friend says.

“Run to clear your mind.”

Dr. Tanner says.

“Nah. Run to have a smokin’ bod so you don't have to be alone.”

Kelly, my best friend, says.

All are true. Well, not so much about the being alone part.

I kinda like that.

It keeps me from having more issues than I need.

I don't need a man or a woman in my life other than who I already have.

Hell, I already have to go to therapy twice a week and run four times a week to keep me from grabbing the checker at the Fast Stop that wouldn't get off her phone long enough to ring up my gas!

Ohhhh, I really wanted to clamp my long fingers around her snarky, gum chewing, too much makeup wearing face and squeeze until her head popped like a grape.

Feeling her eyes squelch when they exploded between my knuckles, just to shut her up

But...I didn't. I couldn't. So I run.

To keep from letting my inner...issues...come out.

It's amazing. The feel of the wind on my face. The thwap of the concrete as my Nikes hit it.

The thump of the base in my ears as I round the second corner.

Yeah, this was heaven. Or...at least it wasn't hell...not for me and not for anyone…

“Aye. Look at that, Pete!”

A voice pulled me from my Zen like state, even over the pounding beat of my music, and I slid a headphone out of one of my ears and cocked my head in the direction of the voice.

There. Across the street.

Three guys on the corner and they were looking...at me.

Shit.

Don't stop. Just keep going. They're dicks. Just ignore...

“I see that, Stevie. Looks kinda juicy.”

I slowed down, not listening to my inner voice.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

“Plump and juicy. Like a Butterball.”

They all started chuckling and I took in a deep breath before turning to face them.

“Leave. Me. Alone.”

I said, calmly and quite easily. Which was impressive that was all that came out, judging from the fire I had building in me.

“But why, Plumper? I'm just sayin you have a juicy lookin ass. That's a compliment.”

Boiling. My blood was boiling.

But I just stood there. Blinking slowly and not moving as the Neanderthals sauntered across the empty street toward me.

“She got some thick thighs, Pete.”

The one called Stevie said as his tall smelly frame suddenly hovered over me.

“Please. Stop.”

I managed to hiss out as I flinched when he touched my hair and gave it a sniff.

“I seen you runnin' the other day. You look pretty into it. Made me wonder whatcha got goin’ on in that head of yours.”

Pete said, and I narrowed my eyes at him, never looking away, as he started the predator encircling his prey movement.

“Back. Off. I'm warning you...”

I actually growled. This might be harder than I expected to keep any issue from surfacing.

I needed to move. Just walk away and nobody gets hurt. Be the one to walk away. They are dicks. Nobody special. Just…

“How about...no?”

Pete said getting up in my face and grabbing my arm.

That was when something switched on in me. On. Or maybe off.

Either way, I was not in control of any actions I did.

“Okay.”

I whispered in a voice that sounded like me, but wasn't me.

Taking a step back, I smirked as I pulled them in between the abandoned houses we were next.

“Oh YEAH!”

The two that I knew their names, Stevie and Pete, were surprisingly ready for action.

The third guy hadn't said much. Probably just hung out with these guys because they made him. Or maybe he was related.

No matter.

Wrong place. Wrong time.

As we made it to the darkened area, Stevie and Pete made no qualms about what they wanted.

But what they wanted and what they got were not even close.

Pete didn't notice my eyes grow black, or my teeth elongate before I was able to pierce his throat and pull his Adam's apple out, crunching it with a smile.

“Mmmm.”

I chuckled and grabbed a handful of Stevie’s crotch, and pulled it free as Pete bled out at my feet.

“What...the fu…?!”

“Yum.”

I gleefully gurgled in between sinewy bites, then I turned to the third guy.

Just frozen. Standing there watching me as I took one step, then another, slowly lumbering over his friends.

“Listen lady...I...I don't...want…”

I chuckled as I licked my fingers clean.

“You don't want...what? Any problems? Issues?”

“Yeah.”

He stumbled backwards and before he hit the ground I jumped forward, grabbing his shirt.

“You picked the wrong friends.”

My growl was deeper as I pulled him close.

“Y-you won't...get away with this…”

I could smell every bit of him. His fear. The sweat pooling at his top lip. The urine filling his underwear.

The smell of victory.

Pulling him to where his ear touched my lips and I trailed my tongue over his gauged earring.

“Wanna bet?”

_______________________

2 days later

Walking in through the double glass doors of the diner down the street from my apartment, I pushed my hands down the front of my thighs to smooth my skirt.

The incident that happened earlier that week was all over the news. Not that it was a huge surprise.

But they had it all wrong.

“The bodies of three unknown males were found crushed to death in the car compactor at Pete's Tow and Scrap on the East end of town. It is suspected that one is the owner, Peter D’Agastino. And it possibly could have been a drug deal gone very wrong. More details when we have it….”

The reporters voice trailed off as I moved up to the counter and smiled as the man greeted me.

“Hey there, Detective. The usual?”

I smirked and pulled my badge off my belt and laid it on the counter as I slid down next to my partner.

“Nah, Jerry. Just a water. And stop calling me detective. I told you...call me Lilith.”

He nodded with a smile and I turned to the big burly man to my right.

“So, what's new?”

I said as Kelly, my partner and best friend of more years that I could count, turned to me, then nodded his head at the television.

“The Captain wants us to take that case.”

“What case?”

I said taking a slow drink of my water as Jerry handed it to me.

“The D’Agastino case. He thinks the mobs involved. Or maybe the Cartel. Could be high profile. Just the thing to have as your last case before you up and retire and leave me to train a rookie while you bask in the sun in Jamaica.”

I arched a brow and smirked at him as I looked up at the television as they flashed pictures of the three douche bags on the screen.

“Maybe. Looks a little open and shut. But it might be something fun to sink my teeth into….”

Speed Dating

I squeezed my eyes shut, doing what I could to not inhale too deep. Because I knew if I did, I would smell it.
Smell...him.
His cologne. His natural musk. His essence. And that would be it. I would be done.
I knew he was as dead as my love life. Which, is why I ended up here.

So, with my eyes shut, and my nasal breaths shallow, I wiggled backward. Even though I knew it was totally hopeless to try to move away, seeing that we were chained together. But distancing myself, at least mentally, might keep me from losing what little mind I had left.

How we got here was no surprise. At least the final outcome.

But why...me?

I had always been good. Kind.
Well, sort of.

Am I being punished for his misjudgment?

Guilt by association, I suppose. By proximity. By proxy.
But, dammit.
Isn't this how it always happens?

Yes. That was it. I was being punished because I was standing too close. Too close and I got hit by the proverbial shrapnel of his wrong turn in life.

So, here I sat. Chained to what was left of a man I just met. In a room so dark you could barely see shapes, better yet, faces.

Okay. Screw it. I couldn't do this anymore.

Taking that deep breath I dreaded, I winced at the coppery smell that mixed with the other natural scents.

Well, not great, but, not as bad as I expected.

Alright.

Breathing in. Step one. Done.

Now, the eyes.

Slowly I parted them to slits.

Somewhat dark.

Okay, not bad.

I can do this.

Blinking them open further, I first, glanced down at myself.

From what I could see in the dim light had me groan externally.

Shit.

I just bought this shirt, and now it was totally ruined. Great.

With blood, all you needed was some cold water or club soda and bing-bang-boom, stains gone. But this? This was blood and sinew. And that was a completely different, very chunky, story.

Just gross.

So, with a sigh, I turned and wrinkled my nose at the lump next to me.

“What. A. Waste.”

I whispered out loud, then jumped at the shrill ding that pierced the air and shaded my eyes when the lights came up faster than I expected.

“Are we moving on, Miss?”

The handsome man said as he loomed over me, and I chuckled as I raised my wrist in the air.

“No. I've had enough for this evening. I can't take another one exploding like a pop rock in my mouth.”

The man smiled and helped me up as he unlocked my wrist.

“You know the risks, miss. Some are more eager than others.”

I nodded and wiped my bottom lip clean.

“I know.”
I turned to glance in the mostly empty room, then my eyes went back to my host and handed him a stack of cash.
“I think I'm done with speed dates.”

“That's too bad, miss. We just teamed up with Tinder.”

I narrowed my eyes and smiled, walking off.
“Hmmm, is that so?”

The Vanator (Prologue)

The Vanator

My alarm screeched me awake and I slowly reached over to smack it off.

"Ugh" I said softly and slowly sat up in bed letting my dark bangs fall across my forehead and eyes.

"Wakey wakey, sleepy head!" Gracie said bouncing into the bedroom from the bathroom.

Her perfect blonde curls fell around her face and shoulders and she smiled her perfect smile as she batted her big blue eyes.

I really hated that.

Gracie was my foster sister. And my bedroom mate. She wasn't the worst I’ve had. But she was definitely the most annoying. Bubbly and perky were her two best and worst qualities.

And the fact that she was only a little over a year older than me, but was already filled out in all the right places.

A fourteen year old that looked eighteen. Yep, she was bound to be hated by the likes of me.

She stood there, in front of the vanity putting pink blush on her already naturally pink cheeks, and she looked at me through her reflection.

"Get up grumpy Gus....or we'll be late for school."

"No." I grumbled back as I glared at her and she just giggled, then turned around to bounce over to my bed and sit down at my feet.

"Why are you always so angry Maxine Rose?"

I growled. I hated it when she said my full name.

"Because you're not."

She laughed and patted my legs, making me flinch.
I couldn't stand it when she touched me. Matter of fact, I couldn't stand it when anyone touched me.

"What on earth does that mean? Because you're not." She said lowering her voice, apparently trying to sound like me.

I looked at her between my bangs and exhaled a long slow sigh.

"There can't be good without evil. There can't be light without dark. Happiness without anger. Forgiveness without... revenge…”

She raised an eyebrow at me and shook her head, getting that perfect blonde hair to bounce around, then she stood and snorted softly at me.

"You are so weird Maxine."

She said, almost sounded like she was singing as she skipped to the door.

"See ya downstairs cranky pants."

And then she was gone. In a whirlwind of blonde hair and stinky perfume out the door.

I was alone again.

Finally.

I slowly slid off the bed and shuffled to the bathroom to get ready for school.

_______________________

After getting dressed in my favorite black Fiona Apple shirt, ripped jeans and black Converse high-tops, I reluctantly went downstairs to have breakfast with the rest of my foster family.

Sitting at the table already was Gracie, daintily eating her bowl of granola and sipping a glass of orange juice.

Next to her was my foster dad, Frank. He was just as blonde as Gracie and had her same blue eyes.

The only thing that set him apart was his blonde goatee, and he always had a toothpick hanging between his lips.

He had quit smoking a year or so before and he said that was the only thing that kept him from sitting on a rooftop with a sniper rifle when he wanted a cigarette.

He was laughing softly looking away from Gracie at his son, Frank Jr., or Frankie. Gracie's sixteen year old brother.

But as I came into the kitchen, they both turned to me and smiled.

"Well good morning sunshine!" Frankie said beaming at me.

He was just as happy as Gracie.

Happy and almost bubbly. Well, as bubbly as a guy could be. But for some reason he didn't annoy me as much. Maybe it was because he was just downright gorgeous, with his shoulder length blonde hair that swept over one eye, a little stubble on his chin that made him look older and just grunge enough that he seemed more of a rebel than the quarterback that he actually was.

"Um, hey." I said softly and down next to him.

He nudged me with his elbow and then we both looked up as my foster mom, Angela, walked to the table with a full plate of food.

Pancakes, eggs and sausage and we're placed in front of me.

Oh wow. Uh.

Angela was the poster child for moms.

Dark blonde hair swept up on the back of her head. Never cross and always sweet. Almost too perfect, but she was way better than some, so I liked her okay.

Pursing my lips, I looked down at the little feast on my plate, and picked up my fork.

"Thanks."

I said softly and she smiled as she fingered a strand of my hair to tuck it behind my ear.

Okay, so I could stand some touching me.

"You are quite welcome sweetheart. A special breakfast on your special day."

I creased my forehead and scanned my collective memory.

Oh yeah. I almost forgot. My thirteenth birthday. Crap.

"Oh shi...crap, I uh...forgot. Thanks."

She winked at me, letting the almost curse word slip, and she spun on her heel to bounce out of the kitchen and just a few seconds later she sauntered back in with a box wrapped in silver and blue shiny wrapping paper in her hands.

Leaning over, she handed it to me.

"Happy birthday honey. It's nothing special. I...we thought it might be something you'd like."

Taking the box, I looked at her, completely stunned.

I had been shuffled around from foster home to foster home after I lost my family, when I was just six.

Not remembering much about my birth family or my childhood before they died, because for the most part, it was all kind of a blur. Like some subconscious dream, or even a movie. Something that happened to someone else. Not me.

But, I did know that they died suddenly, some sort of freak accident, I think.

And since I didn't have any other living relatives, that the state could find, I went to disappear into the system.

The Sanderson's were my ninth foster family in seven years but probably the best ones yet. None of the other families made any gestures to treat me like a family member. I was more of a paycheck for them, than a kid.

But the Sandersons actually seemed like they cared about me.

Me.

Weird little Maxine Riley.

And they didn't treat me any different than Gracie, or Frankie. Like I was their kid. Which, for the first time ever, I kinda wished I was.

But anyway. Stuff like that didn't happen to me. Give them a few more months and they’ll get tired of me or I'd act like an asshole and back to the home I'd go.

But, yeah, until then, I guess it wouldn't hurt to enjoy the perks.

Since, this was the first birthday present I remembered getting. Ever. I sighed and gave Angela a forced smile then slowly laid my fork back down and put the box on my lap.

"Open it, stupid." Frankie said nudging me again and I looked up at him out of the corner of my eye seeing him smile.

Sighing heavily, I ripped gingerly through the paper and pulled the lid open to reveal a black leather bound book.

In the top center it was engraved with one word.

Journal.

I picked it up and opened the front to see that Angela had written on the inside of the cover.

Maxine Rose Riley,

To write your dreams, so they will come true. And your nightmares, so they will disappear.

Happy Thirteenth Birthday!

Love,

Mom Angela, Dad Frank, Frankie and Gracie

I looked up at Angela's smiling face, then I slowly scanned the room.

Everyone sat there grinning at me. Expecting me to speak.

Crap.

These people actually cared about me.

"Um, thanks."

Was all I managed to say, as I put the book back in the box and sat it down on the table next to my plate.

"Do you like it?" Gracie said picking up the box and running her fingers over the leather face of the book.
I nodded and smiled again. This time with a lot more feeling behind it.

"I do. It’s awesome. Thank you."

Glancing up at Angela, I could see her eyes were tearing up.

"Oh I'm so glad! Happy birthday honey."

She cooed at me, then kissed me on the side of my head and bounced back to the sink to clean the dishes.

Picking up my fork again, I slowly went back to eating my birthday breakfast.

With just a little more warmth inside me. Even though I tried my best not to show it.

_______________________

"Hurry up slowpoke!"

Gracie yelled to me as she ran back to the house, but I just kept my normal slow pace trailing behind her.

The sky had already started  turning dark with the clouds swirling above us.

I knew they had a party waiting for me, but for some reason I wasn't in the mood.

School was long and boring and all I could think about was going home to write in my brand new journal.

But, Gracie had to stop at the Dairy Queen on the way home to see her 'boyfriend' Jesse.

Her parents didn't really approve of him, because he was the same age as Frankie, so she had to sneak her visits with him at his work after school.

But this visit lasted a little longer than normal and we didn't head home until the sun was starting to set.

Which was probably on purpose.

I was weird. But I wasn't dumb. Gracie stalled so the parental units could set up for a not so surprising, surprise party.

So, I played along. I stayed with Gracie, as annoying as she was, and I played the part of the alibi as we stopped for a slushie on our way home. That just happened to be at her boyfriend's work.

Coming around the last corner before the house, I could see Gracie running into the front yard and darting up to the door.

Just then, a smell filled the air.

Sickeningly sweet.

“Oh gross.”

I whispered to myself and had to cover my mouth and nose, as I walked up to the front walk, to keep from gagging.

I could see someone, a man who was just a dark shadow walking...no...not walking. More like skulking, across the porch.

Frankie?

No.

It definitely wasn't Frankie. Or even Frank senior.

Hmmmm.

I had a strong urge to hide. Hide, but not run.

And I had a subconscious voice hissing at me.

Don't be seen.

Quiet.

Use your stealth.

Sinking back behind the front bush, I watched as he came into the light, exposing his face fully.

Long dark hair.

Pale.

Sunken eyes.

He hissed and growled like an animal, his eyes darting back and forth.

And then there was his mouth.

He slowly parted his lips with another hiss and I could see his teeth.

His TEETH! Oh my God!

They were long and almost glowed in the moonlight.

Fangs.

What the shit?! A vampire?! Really?!

He only stood there for a second as I processed what I was seeing,  and then... he was gone.

Wait, what? Where did he go?!?

I stood up and darted to the porch as bangs and crashes, mixed with ungodly screams and screeches came from inside.

Oh. God.

My heart started pounding, and it was so loud that my hearing shifted to only that.

No screams.

No bangs.

Just a loud thump that vibrated my chest, making it impossible to move for a few seconds.

Then, as if the climax of a horror movie commanded it, the screaming escalated briefly, then stopped all together.

That was when I finally found my legs again.

“Oh god! No! My family!”

I screamed as I burst through the door to see that...man... leaning over Frankie, holding him by his shoulders.

He slowly cranked his head to turn around and smiled at me. Smiling like he knew me.

Then, before I had a chance to react, he put his mouth to Frankie's neck causing my foster brother to scream and shake.

I froze.

Shit. Do something, Max.

What? What do I do? I...I…

I didn't know what to do. At all.

My mind was buzzing and whirring like an electric fan on high.

My eyes darted around to see the entryway to the dining room.

It was decorated with a banner that said 'Happy Birthday" in giant glittery letters.

There was a cake that was smooshed and strewn across the table and I sighed as I turned to see into the living room.

Blood.

It was everywhere.

Blood mixed with blonde hair and body parts. They were littering the entire house.

How? It was so fast. God.

Not the birthday party I was expecting.
I cringed when I came to the grim realization.

They were all dead.

All of them.

Oh my god.

Tears filled my eyes trying to decipher what belonged to whom, but I couldn't tell. They had each been pieced apart.

Shit. It was horrible.

This was terrifying.

I...was terrified, but for some reason, it didn't affect me the way you would have expected.

At least, I didn’t expect it.

I wasn't nauseous or anything.

What I was...was energized. Energized and angry.

Weird.

I turned back to Frankie and needed to think on all that later.

Now, I just needed to do...something.

Reacting with an instinct I didn't know I had, I scanned the room again and saw a broken chair lying on the floor.

Running to it, I grabbed one of the legs and I turned back to the front room.

“Let him go.”

I growled at the thing, and his eyes met mine again.

“Fuck off. Child.”

His voice had years of gravel in it. Hissing and gurgling as he tossed Frankie’s limp body to the floor.

Frankie.

I groaned in my head, but again, I didn't have time to ponder over anything.

The next few moments were a blur, as the thing and I jumped at each other simultaneously.

Him, with a loud guttural growl and me, with the high pitched screech of a thirteen year old girl.

I couldn't be afraid. I couldn't.

This was for my family. This was for Gracie.

And Angela.

Frank Sr. And Frankie.

“YOU SON OF A BITCH!! YOU KILLED MY FAMILY!!!”

I screamed at the top of my lungs as plunged the chair leg into his chest over and over screaming louder with every thrust. The more I stabbed it into him the more he struggled but I wasn't going to let go.
He killed my family and I couldn't let him get away with it.

With one more final swing I felt it go completely through him, the tip of the chair leg poked me, but I must have hit the right spot because he stilled and then with a loud pop he disintegrated right out from under me, causing me to fall hard onto the floor and hitting my head on the coffee table behind me.

I lay there half in and out of consciousness as I watched blurry figures scurry around the house back and forth over me.

Then one leaned close to my face.

He was a dark haired man I didn't know, but he touched my neck and smiled.

"She's alive!" He yelled and then I was being lifted onto a board and quickly taken from the house.

___________________________

I woke up in a hospital bed.

Looking to my right, I could see the sun peeking up over the buildings outside.

Morning. It was morning.

I lay there for a second in the quiet, until I heard the faint scratching of pen to paper, getting me to slowly turn my head to the left.

There sat a small red-headed lady writing in a notepad.

She glanced up with just her eyes, then exhaled a soft sigh as she gave me a sad smile.

"Maxine, how are you dear?"

I blinked. I wasn't sure. My head hurt and I was still a little foggy.

"I'm okay...I guess...who are you?"

I said hoarsely, and she stood to lean over me.

"My name is Mrs. Shaffer. I'm a social worker. I was appointed to you, and as soon as you were awake I was supposed to take you to Hoffman House."

I sighed. Back into the system I go.
I gave her a frown.

"My foster family?"

Her sad smile faded and shook her head.

"I'm sorry honey..."

I closed my eyes and rolled over on my side away from her.
They were all dead. I knew that now.

"Okay."

I said softly and then I felt her hand on my back.

"I gathered your things honey and I have them in my car. As soon as the doctor releases you we can go."

I nodded not looking at her, then I waited until I heard her walk from the room, to roll to my back.

The anger boiled in me.

I was brooding before. But now, now...this was pure anger.

Just five more years in the system and then I could be on my own.

On my own to find more of those things.
To get rid of them all.

Taking back what you ruined (NSFW)

                      Taking back what you ruined

                                       By Jen Parsons

I stood staring at my reflection.
My eyes glazed and cloudy.
My skin was pale but sallow.
The fact that I was seeing myself like this wasn't as astounding as the fact that I was just seeing
myself.

You see, I couldn't remember much of anything but darkness before that moment.

Nothing existed.
No places.
No sounds.
Nothing.
I was…nothing.

Okay, I take that back. I wasn’t nothing. I was something. Something that most couldn’t even
comprehend.

I was that something that nightmares were made of. Flitting demons through people’s minds.
Shadows that moved out of the corner of your eye, but disappear when you turned to look at
them.
I was what you most feared.

But now, now I was something else. Something with substance and being. Something that was
here for a reason. Something with a purpose.
Purpose.
Yes.
Purpose, along with a sentence playing in my head.

As they are euphoric, take their soul.

Over and over. The same words. The same melodic voice. Or a chorus of voices. Ones that I had
never heard before, but never knew any others to speak to me.

As they are euphoric, take their soul.

All I knew...was…I was here…now....and I had something to do.

Get them to come with me.
Who?
Everyone.
Where?
Home.
Who's home?
Mine.

I have to find them all and convince them they have to follow me.

As they are euphoric, take their soul.
As they are euphoric, take their soul.

Inhaling softly, I stood in a bathroom. A bathroom at a gas station in the middle of nowhere. In
the dead of the night.

I had made an extensive climb from within the earth to be here. Shifting and changing.

I have never been male, nor female.
I just was.

Staring at my reflection, I cocked my head to study my face.
Human. I was human, I believe.

Tall and thin, I was almost waif-like. And I have, what I would have assumed to be, blond hair,
that fell just past my shoulders.

Female. I was now in female form. As far as I can tell.

Looking down, I cupped my hands over the modest breasts under the thin t-shirt I acquired with
the random submissive human that just happened to be in this dank room when I slithered in.

Yes, definitely female.

I turned my eyes down to look into the dirty, overused sink and reached my long spindly fingers
to the rounded chrome handle, instinctively turning it slowly.

I needed to be clean to continue. Clean for my task.

The water filled the sink and I cupped it with my hands, proceeding to wash myself, letting
clumps of dirt fall to the sink and floor.

This human had been desolate.
Alone.
Dirty.

Stripping myself of my shirt and pants, I let them fall to the floor and continued to bath.

After the last bit of dirt swirled down the drain of the sink, I dried my body and slowly put back
on the used clothing.

Looking at myself one more time in the mirror I lean forward and open my mouth to reveal my
teeth. They were slightly elongated and sharpened but gleaming under the fluorescence of the
lights above me.

I blinked and stood up straight, smoothing my hair then cleared my throat.

"Hell...oh...." I said softly to myself and then angled my head sideways.
“Hell…oh….yuu…yessss. Hello.”

Blinking again I turned and put my hand on the doorknob.
I know what I am to do.

Turning it slowly I opened the door to reveal a vast desert floor in front of me.

Grass with pavement, but mostly sand.

I looked to my left to hear a woman laughing and I instinctively walked toward the sound, and
the dimly lit parking lot.

She had her back to me and I moved up slowly and quietly behind her. Her brown curls
cascading down her back.

I walked up to her and lightly touch her shoulder getting her to turn to me with a smile.

"Oh...wow...um...okay. Let me call you back..." She said in almost a whisper into her phone as
she couldn't take her eyes off of me.

We were even in height, standing there eye to eye.
"Hey." She said and I felt the corners of my mouth turn up into a smile.

Looking deep into her eyes, I began to see all that she had ever done.
Lying.
Stealing.
Cheating.
Selling her body for money.

She was beautiful, and perfect. Her soul screamed to me.

As they are euphoric, take their soul.

"Hello." I said back and she extended her hand out to me.

I glanced down at her tanned well-manicured fingers and I slowly brought my own hand up to
grip them, caressing and massaging the tips of my long fingers against her skin.
She tensed then relaxed almost immediately as I looked back up into her crystal blue eyes.

"Will...you...come...with...me?" I said with such extreme innocence that she shuddered with a
sigh.

Reaching up I caressed her cheek with my fingertips and all that managed to escape her lips was
a single moan as she stepped even closer to me.

"Will you...come...with me?" I said again and she was now only an inch from my face. Her eyes
closed and I can feel her labored breathing as my fingers slowly trail down the side of her neck.

As they are euphoric, take their soul.

She slowly opened her eyes again and pulled me closer putting her mouth on mine.
It was nothing but instinct as all she knew was that she needed me.
Her tongue and lips teasing and playing with mine as if they required it. With soft moans as one
hand hungrily groped and grasped at every bit of skin they could find, and her other hand pushed
down into the front of my pants playing gingerly, telling me she wanted anything I was willing to
give to her.

Reaching up, I grabbed her shoulders to push her against the stone building and let my mouth
push down her neck to her chest, ripping open her shirt and bra. I sucked and tugged her skin
with my lips the rest of the way down the trunk of her body and pulled up her short skirt to
reveal white lacy underwear, which I yanked on, getting them to fall down around her ankles.

This is what I had to do to gain her.

I wasn’t sure how I knew. I just did.

Slowly turning my head, I placed my mouth on her inner thigh and parted my lips, letting my
teeth elongate. Sinking through the meaty muscle like a hot spike through rubber, piercing her
soft pink flesh.

She whimpered as I sucked on her vein. Her blood trailing down my throat as her sex flowed
down my arm. Sucking harder she screamed out as both legs now wrapped around my head and
she violently convulsed at my touch.

I pulled my mouth from her thigh and looked up into her eyes. Nothing was left as they clouded
over with a glassy intoxication.

She was mine now.

I stood as she slowly slid down the wall to hover on her haunches over a puddle of her orgasmic
juices and blood and I touched her hair getting her eyes to turn up to me.

Yes. I have her.

"Will you come with me...?" I hissed to her and she slowly stood, nodding.

I stared deep into her eyes. "Say....the words..."

Her lips parted and a gasp escaped as she whispered to me.

"I will come with you..." She wheezed as her face instantly disintegrated in front of me. Clouds
of fiery skin and bone barely resembling her outline as of what I had just had in a sexual frenzy,
and it bled into the wind swirling and floating just in front of my face.

That was when I inhaled and every bit of her essence flew at me, flowing into my lungs.
I reared my head back sucking her in, then I folded inward as all of what she once was raced
through my lungs and exploded throughout my body.

Shaking, I fell to my knees throwing my face into my hands with labored breaths and only
moments later, I opened my eyes again with a smile flickering over my face allowing me to lick
my lips.

“More.” I whispered and stood, turning to walk around the corner of the building.

”Mmmm.” The hum that vibrated my lips was all I could express as I saw a man standing next to
his car.

Walking up to him I twirled a finger through my now long brown curls that flowed across my
shoulders and down my back.
Reaching down, I smoothed out my short skirt and licked my lips again.

He turned to me just as I approached behind him and a smile crept across his handsome face as
his brow arched at the sight of me.
His short black hair blowing lightly against his forehead and cheeks.

Oh yes. His soul is perfectly tainted.
Rape.
Assault.

We had to have him.

"Well hello there." He said in a genuinely seductive voice and I walked straight up to him,
putting my hand directly on the front of his jeans rubbing his crotch.

"Oh hell yeah." He said laughing softly, then he quickly shut up as my mouth was on his,
sucking his tongue and grabbing his shirt and pushing him against the car.

"Whoa...easy now. Slow down baby...we'll get there. Let’s get somewhere less…exposed." He
said as he smirked at me.

“Now. I want you….now.” I growled at him and he chuckled.

“Well, okay then.” His tongue pushed over his bottom lip as he studied me for a moment.

Possibly assessing my intentions.

Although, he could never have fathomed what they truly were.

Exhaling a deep, final breath, he opened the car’s back door and slid himself onto the seat,
undoing the button on his jeans.

I crawled in, kneeling on the floor board in front of him and yanked them down to around his
knees as his impressive manhood sprang free in my face.
Grasping hold, I proceeded to do what I needed to, to get his head to fly backward with nothing
but moans and pleasurable obscenities leaving his lips.
Opening my mouth I smirked at him as he throbbed and bucked at my touch, pulling his bottom
lip up under his top teeth, writhing and groaning.
I produced a crooked grin watching his face as he reached that elated moment, then I turned my
face to eye his soft hair covered husk as I sank my teeth into his tight thigh muscle.

He moaned and growled in sensual agony as he fell into an exploding submission. He tensed and
mumbled softly as his satisfaction cascaded down my hand.

Removing my mouth from his skin, I looked up at his face and beckoned silently for him to turn
his gaze down to me.
He blinked and gave me a drowsy smile as I peered into his eyes.

"Will you come with me?" I uttered softly and he nodded staring down at me.

"Yes..." He muttered. "...I will come with you...." And just as the words escaped his lips I was
inhaling and devouring all that swirled in front of me.

Turning around, I pulled myself up onto the seat, pushing my fingers through my now short
black hair.

“Well, okay then.” I chuckled with a deep buttery tone.

Stepping out of the back seat, I adjusted my jeans around until I was comfortable, then I pulled
the nozzle out of the automobile and sat it back on the cradle.
Putting a hand into my front pocket I found the keys and I slunk onto the driver’s seat to start the
car.
I popped my neck and adjusted the rear view mirror, then raised a brow blinking my dark brown
eyes.

As they are euphoric, take their soul.

I turned to face forward and slowly pulled from the gas station parking lot toward town.
The music throbbed inside of the car as I gripped the steering wheel and pushed my foot down
on the gas pedal.

As they are euphoric, take their soul.

Cleanse...the earth.

Those last three words consumed me.

Cleanse the earth.

They drove me to find them all. Every soul that needed to be purged.

Hmm, maybe I will meet some of...you?

Bad Day

Bad Day                                                       

                                        By Jen Parsons



                                  



    Internally I was screaming "Oh my GOD! Stop!!!!" But all that managed to escape my lips was a single sigh as I sat there listening to my roommate go on and on and on about her hugely endowed boyfriend.



I really didn't care, but she felt that no matter what, everyone needed to hear about Andrew's manly third leg. I'm sure in all actuality he was average or maybe even pretty small. But I still, sat there and listened as she described how girthy his sex rocket was.



Looking at my watch for the fifth time in fourteen minutes I finally stood just as she giggled and was starting to describe the angle from yet another way she had to endure him, so I raised my hand up for her to stop.



"Kristen...I gotta get to work...."



She stopped mid-sentence and glared at me. "Uh, no you don't..."



I nodded. "Seriously....I do!"



She pursed her lips and let out a heavy sigh. "Fine. But let me know when you get home...I can finish then...."



Oh goodie. I can't wait.



I smiled, giving an internal high five to myself, then turned and tried to contain my happiness and to keep from running like a madwoman out the front door.



Don't get me wrong. I don't mind having to hear about a man's love wand like any other girl. But, on a daily basis of knowing about Andrew and Kristen's sexual escapades was starting to make me wish I was deaf.



But seeing that I wasn’t, I was a good roommate and I sat there and listened until my ears would start ringing, that was when I would usually have to use work as an exit strategy.

It almost always worked.


Thank God.



And even though I most generally did have to work. Today was an exception.



Nope, today I wanted to just be away from everyone. Just go to a park, turn my cell phone off, and just read.



Basically spend some quality me time and make it a "Ginny's day of relaxation".

Oh, that's me, by the way. Virginia Miller. But most everyone calls me Ginny.

After gathering my purse and keys off the sofa table I slithered out the door, to my little piece of shit car, just to head out on my perfect day by myself.

The drive to the park seemed to take forever, just because I chose one furthest outside of our little town so I wouldn't have a chance of seeing anyone.



At least no one I knew.



Yeah, the drive was totally going to be worth it.

It was a quiet drive too, that is, until I came around the final corner at the top of the hill, and I was suddenly met with a deer in the middle of the road.

“OH SHIT!!”

I squealed loudly, then slammed on my brakes, making my tires do an ear shattering screech.

Oh my god. Ohmygod ohmygod.

I swerved onto the side of the road, and came to a stuttering stop on the gravel. So very happy that no one was behind me.


Oh god....Holy shit.


I put my forehead on the steering wheel, trying to catch my breath.



At least I didn't hit it...holy shit, that was close....



It took a bit, but finally I was able to slow my heart rate down as I collected myself.

No more of that. Jeeze.

I took a slow, deep breath and put it back in drive to pull back onto the road.

Yep. I was a lot more careful this time even though I only had about another half a mile to go.



Pulling up to the closed rod iron gate, I jumped out to use all of my girl muscle to push it open.



"Easy Peasy..." I said dusting my hands off on my jeans and grinned to myself before turning to jump back in my car to pull into a nice secluded shady spot at the top of a hill to start my awesome day.







Settling under a large oak tree with my blanket, book and bottle of Pinot Noir. Nothing was going to keep me from relaxing today.

Nothing.

But, about an hour later and a half a bottle of wine down, the words on the page started to get a little blurry.



A nap wouldn't hurt. Right? I mean it is only 1 o'clock.


So with that, I set the bottle of wine next to me leaning against the tree, laid the book down on its face on the blanket, and I slowly closed my eyes only to be bombarded with flashes of light and ended up shooting them open again from what I thought was only a few seconds.



But, oddly enough, it was already getting dark.



What the hell?



I looked around at my book that I had laid down next to me and saw that I had knocked over my bottle of wine.

Shit.

The book, blanket and my jeans were all covered in red wine.


Awesome.


I put my hand down to find it was dry. All of it. My jeans. The book. My blanket.


Huh? How long was I asleep?


I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket and turned it on to see the time.



8:15. Seriously?



Quickly gathering my wine covered items, I ran back up the hill to where I had left my car.


But, it was gone.


Son of bitch.


I pulled my phone out to dial my roommates number, and only after a few seconds there was a strange tone and woman's automated voice was in my ear.



"I'm sorry. You are attempting to dial out on a phone that is no longer in service. Please contact your local provider and reconnect your service."

“Uh...”

I ended that call and tried another number, only to get the same message.



"Shit. I know I paid my bill..."

I said hoarsely then I put my hand to my throat.

Wow. So thirsty. Cotton mouth. No more wine during the day. Ever.



Looking down at my empty bottle of wine, I figured it didn't do any good to have that anymore so I tossed into the trash bin, then sighed as I threw my blanket and book in too.


The less I have to carry to go back to town, the better.

And I started off down the road back toward civilization.





The walk was so much longer than I would have thought. I knew I was only a few miles out of town, but it seemed like a thousand.



Yep. This day of relaxation has turned out to be the worst day ever. Falling asleep, spilling good wine everywhere, my car gets stolen, and to top it all off, my phone isn't working.



Awesome fucking day.

I should have just stayed and listened to "As the Penis Turns".

Snorting to myself at my totally stupid, yet slightly inappropriate joke, I stopped as I came to the top of a hill overlooking the town.



It's all lit up. Wow. For a small town, it sure looks like a sweet little city at night. I'm surprised I never noticed that before.





Looking down the hill at the dark wooded area and I thought for a second that maybe I could take a short cut.

Seems harmless enough. Snorting again, I rolled my eyes.



Yep, that's what every damsel in distress says just before a hockey mask wearing axe wielding psycho chases her down until she falls not so gracefully in her super high heels.
Dumb ass.



I shook my head in sheer disbelief of my stupidity and decided that, yet again, the road might be better.

Longer, but definitely safer.





As I finally made it back to the city limits I looked at my non-working phone and saw that it was only 11:40. Not too bad of timing for an out of shape checker at the local book store.



Picking up the pace a bit I made it to my street just a few minutes after midnight and the closer I got to my house the better I felt.



Bouncing up the front stairs I reached into my pocket to get my keys out.



Nothing. Huh? I know I put them in there.


Fuck.


I must have left them in the car. Which was now stolen. No wonder.



This is so gonna piss Kristen off. I thought as I reached up to knock.

Nothing.

I knocked again and waited for a few more seconds then I jumped as I heard a stick crack behind me, but I turned to an empty yard.


"Um...." I cleared my throat. Holy hell, I am so friggin thirsty. "Hello?" I said softly.

But instead of getting a solid response, I was met with whispering.

Walking off the porch, I stepped into the yard where the whispering seemed to get loud enough that it was a solid hissing in my ears.

Sticking my finger in my ear, attempting to clear it with a wiggling digit.

"What the fuck....who's out there?"

I said again starting to gain my voice, and just as quickly as they started. They stopped, after my direct question, and it was quiet again.

Huh?

Blinking, I turned back around to look at the house, trying to remember if we ever left any windows or doors unlocked.

Nope. None.

Damn you Kristen and your paranoia.


Sighing again, I turned back to the street.

Maybe that gas station on the next block was still open.

God I hope so.



After a significant trek through our dark street, I turned the corner and started up the half block to the well lit store, but froze as the lights quickly shut off.

“Wait. No!”

I ran to the door and starting banging on it open handed.

"Hey! I just need to use your phone!"

No answer.

"Come on! I just saw your lights go off! I know you are in there!"

Still no answer.

What an asshole.

Wrinkling my forehead, I turned around to jump as I see a lone person standing at the end of the lot.

Whoa.

They didn’t move as we stood there for just a few seconds staring at each other, then I finally took a step forward to speak.


"Hey!" I said giving my best smile and waving, but, I was obviously a just a little too boisterous because they turned and bolted away.


"Whoa! Wait! I'm sorry!"

I tried yelling to them, but I apparently wasn't very successful because they just disappeared into the shadows on the street.


Shit. Way to go Miss Friendly-pants.



Rolling my eyes, I started on down the street to the next set of lights that I saw on.

I had figured a Quick-E Mart would be open 24/7, so, that was my next destination.

It was only a few blocks away, so as I rounded that last corner I saw that I was right.

Yes!

But just as my feet hit the parking lot off went the lights again.

You have GOT to be kidding me!

I took off running up to the door but skidded to a stop as I saw the same person from the gas station standing at corner of the darkened store.


Slowly this time genius.

I thought to myself, as I gingerly took a step toward them,and this time they didn't run.

Okay, let's try this again.


I cleared my throat. "Um, hi..." I said a little softer than the last time.



Cool.



I took another step closer and they flinched, so I quickly stopped.



"I'm sorry...I'm sorry...it's okay...I won't hurt you..." I said throwing my hands up in a surrender.



They just stood there staring at me. Well, I assumed they were, even though I couldn't see their face.

And that was when the whispering started again.



"Why...no...don't....must go....slow....no....go....resist....resist..."



What the hell? Creepy much?



I sighed heavily and stuck my hands in my pockets. I wasn't sure what I should say to the rambling whispers, so I decided on small talk.

"Um....so....is the town shutting down for the night?"



Now no answer at all. They just stood there in silence.



Sheesh.



"My name is Virginia...Ginny. What's yours?"



Nothing for another few seconds and then the whispering started again. This time it was closer to a sentence.


Well, sort of.


"Don't....go....go....stay....three...oh....five...three...resist...oh....don't...five...no...stay...no...resist....resist....resissssssst...." And then the whispering changed to a solid hissing and a faint beeping.



Holy hell...very very weird....



"Um...who...uh...okay....do you hear that?" I said to them hoping to get a head shake or a nod, or something.



But, nothing.



Letting out an exasperated sigh I turned away from them. "Fine!" I yelled waving my arms. "Really didn't want to talk to you anyway!"



And I took off walking back toward my house, but I stopped as turned back onto my street, because there they were again. Standing, just at the curb at my yard.



Baaaa, huh?



I didn't say anything this time, I just took off at a steady pace toward them.



They didn't run as I got just ten feet or so in front of them, so I stopped.



Now I could see some of the contours of their face.



It was a woman. I think. Small lips. Turned up nose. But I couldn't see her eyes. The hoodie shaded them too much.



"Uh...so...why are you following me?"



No answer.



Okay, this chick is starting to piss me off.



"You know...answering a person when they speak to you is just good manners...."



"She won't answer you...she is lost...." Came a raspy voice behind me and I whipped around to see a tall thin man standing just a few feet from me.



What?



"Who....what....she did before....what do you...how...uh, who the hell are you?"



He chuckled and took a step toward me and I could see out of the corner of my eye, the hooded girl running off into the darkness again.



Oh how awesome. All alone in the dark with a strange man. And me....without my stiletto heels on.



I narrowed my eyes as he walked into the illumination of the street lamp. His face was long and thin with skinny lips and a long nose, all sitting below two dark but shining eyes. Creepy was not even touching what he was.



"My name...is not important....but you...you...are Virginia...Virginia Miller."



Oh great. Creepy and a stalker. Could my day be any better?



"Well if you know my name...why can't I know yours?"



He snickered again. "Very well then...you may call me Peter."



Okay. Not a Jason or a Freddie.



"Uh...nice to meet you Peter. So...how do you know me? And what was up with that girl? Do you know her too?" I said taking a step back. I had to brace myself to run. Yep. Always be prepared.



"Pay no attention to her...she....is lost...but I...I am here to collect you..."



Um....huh?



"Collect me? What the hell does that mean?"



He took another step making me jerk a bit. "You have passed my dear...I am here to take you on..."



His voice turned into the hissing I had heard before and I blinked a bit when his face suddenly blurred.



I....what?



"Get...da fuck out..." I said exhaling a nervous laugh and he took another step, putting him just a few feet from me now.



He nodded and slowly extended his long arm toward me, making me back up, recoiling away from his reach.



"I'm not...dead. How could I be? When? I was just at the park...reading...and I dozed off...I'm not..." I stammered and started to feel sick. "Oh hell...no...."



He nodded.



"Yes. You did. At the park. Nearly 12 hours ago."



This guy is really starting to freak me out.



"Dude....this shit is not funny. I am not dead."



"Trust me. You are...very much...dead."



I frowned and backed up again. But he followed me, mirroring my steps. This guy is relentless.



"Okay, so....um..." I shivered. "...if I'm dead. How am I talking to you?"



He smiled showing his bright white teeth.



"Because that is the way..."



Huh?



"Because that is the way? What kind of an answer is that?"



He laughed. "It is the only one I have....now....come."



I looked at his long bony fingers as they slowly waggled in the air in front of me.



I can't be dead. Wouldn't I feel something? I would know. Right? Wouldn't I remember dying?



I looked up at his face. "If I'm dead...then...how did I...die?"



Dropping his hand again he let out a heavy sigh.



"Have you seen your reflection yet?"



What kind of a weird ass question is that? Of course I'd seen my reflection. Uh. Hadn't I? Wait...



I shook my head and turned around as he pointed to the front window on my house.


Shit. Fine. I'll humor the weirdo.

Creasing my forehead I walked up to the window and reluctantly looked into it.

Gazing back at me was a face that had my eyes, nose and mouth. But the left half of my head showed my hair was matted and...bloody. Matter of fact the whole left side of my body was just a dark crimson.



I looked down at my jeans to closer inspect and I noticed that what I thought was wine before, was actually blood.



Whoa.



Slowly, I turned back to face him.



"How...?"



He held out his hand again. "I will explain on the way..."



I moved backward again. "On the way....where?"



Shaking his hand he took another step to me.

"Where you are to go...now....come."



I shook my head. "No. Tell me....or I'm not going anywhere."



He pulled his hand back and crossed his arms over his chest. "Why are you making this so difficult?"



I grinned wide.

He can't make me go anywhere unless I consent.

Nice. I like this power.



"Because I am a stubborn woman. And I think I have every right to ask questions."



He groaned, waving his hand in the air and suddenly we were both standing in the park I was at that afternoon. But, oddly enough, it was daylight again.



I felt like I was watching a movie, without sound.



There was my car.

And I watched as I bounced from the driver’s side, to push that heavy gate open. Then back to the car and in through the gate.

Park it at the top of the hill. And I get out, grabbing my blanket, book and wine to walk to the tree.

Then the scene changed and there I was, sleeping, leaning on the tree and, finally I hear one sound.

Squeaking.

It was slow and soft at first. But quickly gained volume and I turned to see my car as it was rolling down the hill toward my unsuspecting sleeping body.



Oh no! Oh no! Oh shit!



I wanted to scream. To run toward...myself. But I just stood and watched this morbid movie, then I jumped as the car slammed into the tree.



Standing there, I couldn't do anything but stare at my car wedged into that huge oak tree. My legs sticking out from under the driver's front tire.



My parking brake must have given out.

Shit. I knew I should have taken it in to get it looked at.

Why am I such a procrastinator?


Sighing, I turned to look at him as the scene changed again.

People came out of nowhere.

The place was crawling with bystanders, paramedics and police.

I just watched, helplessly, as they picked up my body and put it on a gurney then I was off in an ambulance.



Wow.



I turned to him, opening my mouth to speak, but quickly closed my yap as the whispering and beeping started again.



Shit. Maybe I did die.



"Um...okay...so..." The beeping and whispering was getting louder. "I...damn..." I reached up and fingered at my ear again. "Do...you...hear that?"



He shook his head and slowly brought his arm up, holding out his hand again.



"No Miss Miller. Now, I have answered your questions....it is time to go..."



I stared at his fingers.



Why don't I remember any of that? I don't remember getting hit. I should have. That had to have been painful. I...what in the hell is that infernal beeping?!?

I was screaming in my head and just as I put my hands to my ears, the scene changed again.



A hospital.

Wha….

I looked around and I didn't see Mr. Tall and Creepy anywhere.



Sweet. Guess he's not the only way to travel.



The beeping and whispering was getting even louder now, so I started to walk toward where I thought it was coming from.



I'm not dead. Holy shit. I'm here. I...must be....I....



But my thoughts were cut short by the weird little hooded woman from before, standing just a few feet in front of me.



"Oh...hey there...um..." I said and she pulled her hood off to reveal a young, but weathered looking face. "Oh...wow...I uh...um...so....who are you?"



She stared at me for a second and then her lips started moving but all I could hear was the whispering.



"I...can't hear you...shit...um...speak up..." I said walking a little closer to her.



The whispers were starting to even out. Almost pulsating the closer I got to her and I could almost even begin to make out what she was saying.



"Don't...go....slow....don't...go...with...him...resist....resist...stay...stay...don't....stop...go...with....him...stay...stay....resist....don't....resist...resist...go...slow..."



I was paralyzed, completely confused.



"I don't understand....do I stay? Or go? Am I dead or not?"



She took another step closer and her whisper turned into a loud screeching. Like tires on pavement, or nails on a chalkboard.



Oh hell!!



I threw my hands over my ears but it didn't help. It just got louder and louder, thumping in my ears. In my head.

The air fluctuated and everything around me started to pulsate.



I was flipping back and forth from the park to my house, back to the park, my car and then to the hospital.

Fuck.

My head was spinning.



Oh God...make it stop....make....it....stop!!!!



I screamed as loud as I could and then I started having flashes in my head. The road to the park. Swerving to avoid hitting a deer.

No....not a deer....a girl...the girl....in the hoodie....oh hell....I didn't miss. I....hit....her....I didn't....



The beeping started again. Louder.

Beep. Beep. Beep....Beep.....Beep.....



Beep.





Beep.





Beep.





Ah....crap....







Shooting my eyes open I sat up, panting.



Holy hell.



Completely confused, I looked around.



Still daylight.



Blinking slowly, I looked at my lap, no wine spilt and the wine bottle was still leaning against the tree.



My book, on its face, next to me.



Turning my head up, to look at the top of the hill, I let out a small gasp.

There sat my car. Where I had left it.



Rubbing my eyes I started giggling. "What a fucked up dream..." And I snatched up the wine bottle. "No more wine in the afternoon...again..."



I gathered my things and went to make my way back to my car.

I loaded everything in the back seat and pulled my phone from my pocket to turn it on.



Almost 3...hmmm...



I shivered with an odd deja vu, then I slowly put my seatbelt on and turned the car around, starting down the road to home.




Coming up on the corner, I looked down at the clock on my dash.

Only for a second. Just...one...second...



3:05...huh...oh...oh?



Then I flinched as my eyes hit the road again as a girl in a gray hoodie stepped out in front of me just as the sun shot straight into my eyes.



Oh shit!



I screamed and swerved as I hit the gravel on the side of the road...

“Now, Miss Miller...I have come to collect you…”

The low raspy voice said as I turned to see a tall thin creepy guy standing behind me.

“Well, shit…”