Date: Wed, 8 Dec 2010 14:27:36 -0800
From: Jordan Faulkner <jfaulkner1992@hotmail.com>
Subject: The Red Ribbon Chapter 1

Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional and any resemblance to any
person, living or dead, is pure coincidence. This story is posted in the
Nifty Archives for the sole enjoyment of the readers and contains
homosexual subject matter. If you are forbidden by law to read such
materials please leave now. The author claims all copyrights to this story
and no duplication or publication of this story is allowed, except by The
Nifty Archive, without the express written consent of the author. This
story will, at times, contain graphic sex scenes, and if you are forbidden
to read these, or it is illegal, please leave now!

       I felt numb. My eyes were open but they refused to see. I felt the
cold ground underneath my body and pushed myself up. My head stung with
pain and I moved my hand to comfort it. The smell of fire was
prominent. Its acrid aftermath lingered in my nostrils as I tried to survey
my surroundings. I saw a small glow of ember around the room. I was covered
in soot and my arms were scuffed with cuts. Where am I?
	"Hello?" I shouted. Only crackling embers met my cries.
	I pushed myself up onto my feet and was met with aches all over my
body. I coughed as I surveyed the smoky room. There were no windows. I
inched forward and felt a lukewarm piece of metal hit my knee. I tried
pushing it out of the way and was met with a crashing sound and a cloud of
soot filled the air. I coughed and coughed and tried making my way
forward. My surroundings were so disoriented. Then a sudden burst of ember
illuminated the room around me. The metal that touched me now revealed
itself to be a desk with several others around it helter-skelter.  I found
a door on the opposite end of the room and made my way over towards it. The
pain in my knee was killing me as I limped towards the door. My feet
scraped against the soot covered concrete with every painful step I took. I
began coughing as the room filled with a smoky haze. I reached for the door
knob and twisted with anticipation of freedom. The knob didn't budge. I
pulled and twisted as fear shot through my body.
	I pounded on the door as hard as I could and began screaming for
help. Panic and adrenaline shot through my body and fueled me with the need
to survive. My hands began to sting with every pound that surfaced. I
pounded until my hands were raw.
	"Help!" I cried, "Is anybody out there! Please, help me. I'm
trapped!"
	"Now, now. Screaming will get you nowhere," replied a deep unknown
voice behind me.
	I turned around in fright. The glows from the embers in the room
illuminated a man's figure from across the room. He stood tall and lurked
his way towards me. I panicked and tried turning the knob on the door once
more. It was still locked.
	"What's the rush?" asked the man.
	"Stay away from me!" I shouted. I moved away from the door in
fright. Adrenaline fueled my body as I limped across the room navigating
around over turned desks. The man lurked towards the front of the room
wielding a metallic object that looked like a knife. He scraped the object
across the wall in front of him and a screech rang through the room.
	"Let's not be so rude," snarled the man, "Where's your sense of
respect?" He scraped his knife across the chalkboard in a swift motion
sending screeching pains in my ears. I covered them in an effort to block
out the noise.
	"Leave me alone," I cried.
	The man hulked his way towards me with vicious force. He over
turned desks that got in his way and sent them crashing against the wall
behind him. I whimpered and limped towards the back of the room. I was
trapped. His dark form inched closer and closer to me as I coward against
the wall. He was inches away from me and I couldn't make out his face
hidden in the perfect shadows. He pinned me against the wall with blunt
force that sent me gasping for air.
	"Who...who...are you?" I cried.
	"Remember me?" he bellowed as he wielded his knife against my side
scraping the tip up and down my arm. The sounds of my skin being scraped
sent chills through my body. I was paralyzed with fear. He tightened his
grip against my body and the wall compressing me further. I felt the air
being crushed out of me and whimpered in pain.
	"Remember me..." he echoed as he drew his arm up and plunged the
knife into my stomach sending me gasping for air and screaming.
	"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" I screamed.
	"Mr. Ryan's is there a problem?" snapped his English teacher,
Mrs. Duporee. Her eyes stared down at me through her thick glasses. With
mousy brown hair pulled back tightly her glare was dominant.
	I was gasping for air as I realized where I was. Sweat dripped down
my head and adrenaline surged through my body as everyone in my English
class stared at me. My friend Kris tapped me on my shoulder and asked me a
question that I didn't hear. I was too busy on realizing what was real and
what was not. I was still breathing heavily and felt my heart beat through
my chest rapidly. It felt so real. Everything. The room, the smoke, the
embers, the door, the pain, the man. It all felt so real.
	"Falling asleep in my class is highly discouraged
Mr. Ryan's. Especially when one wakes up screaming," shouted
Mrs. Duporee. The class laughed at the scolding. Luckily, the bell rang
signaling us to move on through our day. Thankfully, it was 6th period and
it was my open period which meant I got to laze around until my History
class in 7th period. I shot up and scurried my way out past the eyes and
whispers of my fellow classmates.
	The halls were filled with a swarm of teenagers that belonged to
every general high school stereotype you could think of. I made my way
through the halls towards my locker to get my ipod. I just needed to relax
and pop a xanex all to the musical styling's of some Indie princess who's
been hurt. The clangs of lockers echoed through the halls with adolescent
gossip. My friend Kris opened his locker next to mine in silent
anticipation. We both had free period during 6th period so there was no way
I was getting out of an explanation. He stood taller than me at 6ft 1 with
his sculpted shoulders and perfect jaw. He was a teenage heart throb
according to our school's gossip grape vine. He was single which confused
everyone except me. Kris was just the kind of guy who, when he met someone,
you knew he liked them and unfortunately he just hadn't met anyone he
liked. At least not that I knew of. His brown eyes stared at me with
concern as he ran his fingers through his coal black hair. I felt the
beginnings of an interrogation come on.
	"So," started Kris, "You want to tell me what that was all about?"
	"I think it's pretty self explanatory," I sighed.
	"Still having those nightmares?" he asked in concern.
	"No, I just decided to fall asleep in English and scream with
excitement when I woke up."
	"Asher, come on man, I'm just trying to help," he said while
rubbing his hand on my shoulder.
	"Look, I'm sorry. I'm just pretty exhausted is all."
	"When's the last time you actually slept?"he asked with concern
again.
	"I honestly don't remember," I muttered.
	The halls began to clear out as everyone made their way to their
next class. I was still fumbling with the stuff in my locker and grabbed my
ipod, shoving it into my jean pocket. I ran my fingers through my hair and
sighed with frustration. I leaned my head forward against the door of my
locker and felt the cool metal suppress the heat inside my head.
	"Have you considered therapy, Asher?"
	"Why? I'm not crazy."
	"I'm not saying you're crazy, it's just, after all that happened
back in..." explained Kris.
	"Stop," I said abruptly cutting him off, "I'm fine, ok? I don't
need to see a therapist, or a counselor, or anyone. This conversation is
over."
	"Look, I'm just trying to help. I'm concerned, we're all
concerned," he further explained.
	"Oh really? Whose we?" I snapped. "I'm fine ok!"
	"Your friends are concerned, Asher. F-r-i-e-n-d-s. Don't think your
screaming nightmare panic is gonna keep quiet around here. If you're lucky
it hasn't hit Twitter yet. I'm going to the fountain to meet up with the
rest of OUR, o-u-r, friends. What excuse should I give this time as to why
you're not coming?"
	"Well if my "screaming nightmare panic" isn't gonna keep quiet then
there's no need to give them an excuse. Now is there?" I retorted.
	"Call me when you're not being a dick dude," he scowled and turned
away stomping off towards the quad outside where our, o-u-r, friends would
be waiting. I sighed with frustration and banged my head on my locker
door. I looked at the mess that was forming in my locker. My textbooks were
covered in dust, papers thrown about and crumpled up in messy fashion,
pictures of friends adorned the interior with a small mirror that reflected
my anxious face back. My eye's carried dark heavy circles under them and
the blue in my eyes seemed to dim every day. My face was splotchy and pale
with a few freckles here and there. My ginger hair was unkempt and messy
due to me sleeping in class all the time. I pulled a moist wipe out from my
locker and cleaned my face up a bit. I discarded the dirty wipe in the back
of my locker where it would be forgotten until next June.
        Junior year of High School is apparently supposed to be really fun
but whoever said that totally lied. It's a bunch of homework and stupid
stuff. Sure I get a free period and all but that's only because we get tons
of homework that we need a free period to catch up on all of it. And I get
off campus privileges for lunch but it isn't like there's anything worth
driving too around here. Besides, not having gas in your car really puts a
damper on all of this newfound freedom. I pulled my cell phone out of my
pocket and decided to check out Twitter and see if luck was on my side
today.
       I scanned the most recent tweets and was met with the usual gossip
that came with High School until something caught my eye. The tweet read,
"Apparently Asher Ryan needs a nightlight in English. He woke up screaming!
Lol." I closed my phone shut and popped in my headphones and blared my
music hoping to drown out the stupidity around me. I started walking
towards the library since I knew I'd find solitude there but I did miss my
friends.
       I pulled out my phone and shot Kris a text message, "Am I still
welcome 2 come sit w/ u guys? Sorry. <3"
       My phone buzzed about half a second later with a reply from Kris,
"Yes. Im sorry 2. Cum over 2night? We need 2 talk bout sum stuff."
       I started walking towards the fountain as I texted a reply back,
"Yes. C u @ 7?"
       Kris replied with record timing, "Perfect. :)"
       I walked down the halls past the rows of lockers in the solitude of
my Indie princess singing about a man she once knew. Posters lined the
halls advertising car washes and school spirit. I finally made it to the
doors that lead outside to the quad and pushed my way outside. It was
overcast with a light fall breeze normal for Mid-October. I shivered as the
breeze gave goosebumps against my pale skin. Our quad was normal like any
other High School. Various benches and tables lay out in a clique design
fabricated by us students. Smack dab in the middle stood the famous
fountain that the seniors trash every year. I don't pay much attention to
cliques but apparently the fountain is off limits to Sophmore and
Freshman. It's also where the popular people sat apparently but I
disregarded that notion. I wasn't caught up in all that High School
bullshit. I figured I could sit where ever the hell I wanted and not let it
classify me. I was friends with almost every one. Except those who disliked
me for whatever stupid reason they chose to hate me for. Various kids sat
at their tables with their friends and eyed me as I walked by. Everyone had
to have known about my English outburst by now and I just kept on walking
until I finally approached the fountain. It was a big circular one with a
square of concrete that surrounds it. I saw my friends in their usual spots
with mine empty, waiting for me. Kris noticed me and hopped off his seat
with a big smile on his face obviously glad that I came. My friends each
turned their heads and saw me, each one smiling with my return. I pulled
out my head phones and smiled back.
       "He lives!" shouted Quentin. Quentin was on our varisty football
team and was probably going to win King of whatever dance he'll be
nominated for. He's your typical all American jock. Blonde hair, nice upper
body build, etc. His blue eyes always made me smile though because they
always flashed with sincerity. Quentin wasn't a dick which was really nice
compared to the eggheads that he played with. He was always that guy who'd
have your back even though he had no idea what was going on. He was just a
really good friend.
       "Oh my god, Asher! You look terrible. Please let me put some
foundation under those eyes! You look like you haven't slept in days. Come
sit next to me. Tell us what's going on!" squealed Candace, Quentin's
girlfriend. She and Quentin had been dating since 6th grade and where
perfect for each other. She had been his cheerleader ever since he started
football freshman year and now she was Co-Captain of the Varsity squad,
soon to be Captain next year. She was also most likely going to win queen
of whatever dance she was nominated for. Her dirty blonde hair tossed in
the sun as she looked at me with friendly blue eyes. Her and Quentin's kids
would be so beautiful.
       "I'm fine," I started to explain.
       "Fine my ass!" shouted Charlotte playfully. Charlotte was Candace's
best friend and confidant. They knew everything about each other, and
anyone when necessary. Charlotte had coal black hair just like her twin
brother, Kris. She eyed me with a look of concern that I felt wasn't
related to Candace's question. Her brown eyes mirrored her brothers but she
was smarter at deciphering and seeing through people than he was. She was
an observer and a damn good one. She was also the actress of the group
which meant she was often a little dramatic but nothing too serious. She
just got her first leading role in this year's Winter play and the rumor
mill was churning out that she might have a chance at a lead role in the
Spring Musical if she performed well this December.
       "Seriously though," said Quentin, "What's up? We feel like we
haven't seen you or heard from you in days."
       "Or like years," added Candace.
       "We're concerned," replied Charlotte.
       "I know. I know. I'm sorry for ignoring you guys like I have been
doing," I started to explain, "But I'm back now. And I promise I'll come to
you guys if I'm gonna be stupid again."
       Everyone laughed and coerced me into sitting in my usual spot. My
usual spot was actually on the concrete next to Kris. I normally laid in
the side of the fountain while he sat next to me, with Charlotte on his
left and Quentin and Candace on the left of her. We were still missing one
more person part of posse.
       "Where's Niko?" I asked quickly.
       "Remember me?" he asked in my ear. His tone was husky and dry that
spread fear across my face. Kris quickly realized my change in expression
and ran over to aid me. I began hyperventilating and lost my breath. My
chest tightened as fear spread through my body. I collapsed to the ground
and I vaguely heard screams from my friends.
       "Remember me," rang through my head paralyzing me even more. I began
screaming in fear. Darkness took over my sight and I eventually just went
numb. I heard muffled voices yelling my name that trailed off in oblivion
like the sun at twilight.
       My eyes opened to a white ceiling. The light was intense at first
but after the initial pain subsided I surveyed my surroundings. Health
charts lined the walls along with a scale on one side of the room. Various
jars held band-aids, cotton balls, and those weird looking wooden
sticks. Kris also sat next to me in a chair reading his English book. I
coughed and tried raising myself up but was still a little weak.
       "Hey," said Kris, "Take it easy. You fainted out there. What was
that?"
       "Thought I'd make my return a memorable one," I laughed.
       "Well, you certainly scared us. Niko thought he killed
you. Everyone's outside but they would only let one of us in at a time."
       "You all swear like I went into a coma," I said laughing, "I guess
it's just a lack of sleep and I didn't really eat much today."
       "Well that's part of it," said the nurse who walked in, "But you
also had a mild panic attack which ended up triggering you to faint and hit
your head outside. You'll have a good headache later on but other than that
let me just make sure you can still function and then it's off to class for
you."
       "Are we still in school?" I asked reluctantly.
       "No," said Kris, "We're in Narnia."
       I laughed and immediately regretted it. My head throbbed. I moved my
hand to try and suppress the pain and I felt a sense of déjà vu.
       "And the headache begins," laughed the Nurse, "Tell you what, since
you gave you and your friends such a scare I'll let all of you sit in here
till the bell. It's only twenty minutes anyways."
       "Thanks," said Kris, "Mind if I bring everyone in?"
       "Sure," replied the Nurse, "Just let me check on him. I'll let you
know when you can come back in."
       I watched Kris walk outside and immediately heard chattering from
everyone. I sat upright again for the Nurse who examined me and my
head. She asked me general questions and told me to go to the E.R. if I
felt whatever symptoms she mentioned. She laughed and mentioned how
wonderful it was to have friends who cared as much as they did to wait
outside.
       "Especially that young man who insisted he be by your side," she
said with a sly smile.
       "Yeah, he's my best friend," I explained.
       "Mmmmhhmmm. And a good one indeed. I hope...well never mind me. I'm
sure you just want to talk to your friends now instead of listening to me
prattle on about young love!" laughed the Nurse.
       "Love?" I asked, but the nurse was already out of the room before
she heard my question. Candace and Charlotte strode in and flung themselves
at me, followed by Quentin and Nikko with Kris straddling at the back
leaning against the wall. That was just like him. He always admired from
afar while he let everyone else indulge up close.
       "Dude," said Niko, "Don't do that again. I thought I killed you!"
       "Yeah," cried Candace, "I was so terrified. I've never seen someone
faint before."
       "And when you hit your head, man," explained Quentin, "I was like
dude."
       "What happened?" asked Charlotte.
       "Yeah," said Niko, "All I said was, `Remember me?'"
       "I don't know," I explained, "I just...fainted."
       "Well don't do it again," squealed Candace, "We love you."
       "Asher, what's going on? Seriously," questioned Charlotte.
       "Tell them, Ash, or I will," explained Kris.
       "Fine," I said exhausted, "I've been having nightmares and I just
haven't slept very well the past few days. And I guess I'm just burning the
candle at both ends."
       "What are they about?" asked Quentin.
       "And how does that relate to you fainting?" added Candace.
       "They're not just nightmares," explained Kris, "I'm sure you all
heard about his little English outburst today."
       "Oh my god yeah. I read it on the Twitter," laughed
Candace. Charlotte nudged her to stop laughing and she quickly shut up
after muttering an apology.
       "So what, is that Craig Freuger like stalking you or something?"
laughed Niko.
       "It's Freddy Kreuger dipshit," corrected Quentin, "And this is
serious. It's obviously affecting our friend."
       "Guys," I interjected, "They're just nightmares. That's it. I just
need some rest and support. No one is stalking me. I mean, come on
guys. It's 2010. Who stalks these days?"
       "I do it all the time on Facebook," laughed Candace. Her smile
showed she was serious and we all bursted out laughing. My head stung a
little bit and I glanced over at Kris who was staring at me. My heart
fluttered at the gaze he was bestowing upon me. The conversation with the
Nurse rang in my head from earlier. Young love? What did she mean? He
smiled at me with a smile I had never seen before. I turned over and
noticed Charlotte watching him and me. Her lips curved in a sly smile as
she brushed her hair behind her shoulders and twisted it into a bun. I
always like when she put her hair up. She had such amazing cheekbones.
       "Well me and Quentin should get going. We both have practice to get
ready for. Be careful Asher. Call me if you need anything," explained
Candace.
       "Yeah. Me too," added Quentin.
       I got up and hugged both of my friends and watch them walk out hand
in hand. Quentin clasped his hand on Kris's shoulder and muttered a, "Good
luck man." I looked at Kris puzzled and Kris just shrugged his
shoulders. Niko announced his leave as well as he had to get ready for his
tutoring sessions. Niko was the only one out of all of us who was
determined to go Ivy Leauge. I really hoped he made Valedictorian next
year.
       As Niko left another girl walked in. She was tall, with a slender
frame and ice blonde hair cropped at her shoulders and accented with
straight edge bangs. Her name was Janelle King and she sat to the left of
me in History. My cheeks reddened with embarrassment.
       "Hi Asher," she said cautiously, "I brought you the homework for
History. Don't worry. I have nightmares too. You coming Char?"
       "Yeah. I'll be right out," responded Charlotte, "Take it easy
Asher. And no matter what happens tonight, or tomorrow, or the next day,
just promise me you'll stay close to us?" She looked at both Kris and me as
she spoke in a caring manner. She began gathering her purse and folder and
made her way towards the door.
       "I promise," I said.
       "Good. And I know it's coming up and all for Natalie. Just know our
family is your family."
       My chest tightened at the mentioning of Natalie. "Thanks
Charlotte. I love you. And bye Janelle. Thanks for the homework!"
       "Bye," said Janelle and Charlotte in unison.
       "You know those volleyball players," said Kris who made his way over
to my side and sat down next to me.
       "Always eager to hit those balls," I added. We both laughed at our
immaturity.
       "Come on. I'll walk you to your car," offered Kris.
       "It's fine," I said, "I fainted Kris. I didn't nearly die or
anything."
       "I know. But I'm still gonna do it," he added with a smile.
       "You're incorrigible," I laughed. We both made our way out of the
Nurse's office and into the empty halls soon to be full when the bell
rang. We scurried our way to our lockers and grabbed our stuff. As we
exited the main building and walked towards the student parking lot we
heard the bell ring. Finally approaching my beat up Saturn I faced Kris. I
always liked how he kind of towered over my 5ft 10 nature. Sure, it wasn't
a tower, but it was always nice to look up at him. He was just
so...cute. His angular face and his brown eyes were a perfect combination
to make me swoon.
       "So, I'll see you tonight?" he asked.
       "Yeah, why don't you just come over? Parent's are out of town until
next Sunday," I said.
       "Again? They just got back two days ago and it's Tuesday!" he
laughed.
       "Yeah. I know. The joy of having parents in the business world. Well
mom's a flight attendant and dad's just business," I laughed.
       "Great. I'll be there at seven. Catch you later," said Kris with a
sweet smile. He turned on his heels and made his way towards his dumpy
truck. Sure it looked like crap but the thing was sturdy. It was Kris's
life and noble steed. Students were beginning to flood into the parking lot
so I hopped into my car before traffic got too intense.
       I drove home in silence and was eager to take a nap before Kris got
there. After a few traffic lights, left turns, and one stop sign, I was
pulling into my empty garage. I got out quickly with my back pack and
scurried into the side door from the garage. The floor plan was really
simple for my house. Right when you walk in you're in the main hall with
the center staircase leading you to the upstairs bedrooms and
crawlspace. Past the hall you have my living room, kitchen, den, and
library all hooking around in a circular motion back to the hall. It's
convenient that all the rooms connect and sort of gives off a beehive feel.
       I threw my back pack on the kitchen table and played the messages
left on the machine. The flashing light said I had three. Most likely from
my parents. I pressed the flashing play button and scanned for food in the
fridge.
       "Asher, it's your mother. There's money in your room for some food
until Sunday. I'll be in Atlanta tonight and then Singapore. I love you. NO
PARTIES."
       A beep signaled the next message.
       "Asher, it's your father. There's money on your bed. I'll be in
meetings and such. Try and keep the house clean and bring in the mail. If
you're gonna drink please be responsible. I have condoms in the drawer if
you are gonna throw any parties. Just make sure to clean up after
yourself. Love you."
       Another beep echoed as I shook my head at my Father's sense of
humor.
       A sudden white noise filled the room from my answering machine. It
crackled sending waves of uncertainty through my ears. I faced the
answering machine in curious skepticism at just what the message was. The
crackling continued as bits and pieces of a man's voice spewed out from the
answering machine in incoherent scratches. Finally the answering machine
stopped spewing the unknown message.
       "End of new messages," beeped the answering machine. I walked over
steadily towards the cordless phone and eagerly pressed the caller
i.d. button in anticipation to know who left that message. As I pressed the
button the glow from the screen only illuminated two calls, one from my mom
and one from my dad, but no third call was received.
       "Piece of shit phone," I muttered. I made my way through the kitchen
and scurried into the living room and plopped myself on the couch. I kicked
off my red sneakers and reclined myself with my feet on the coffee
table. It was just the method of relaxation I enjoyed performing when my
parents were out of town considering my Mother would have exploded if she
saw me right now. I enjoyed my silent rebellion. I grabbed the remote and
clicked on the t.v. eager to waste some time before Kris came over. I
checked the clock on the cable box and it read just a few minutes past
three. I had plenty of time to relax before Kris came over.
       A fair skinned teenage girl with jet black hair came on the
television. She wore a grey sweater and sat eagerly on the couch. She
flipped her hair back and tied it into a loose ponytail sighing
dramatically. So overplayed Hollywood. She curled herself in a little ball
as she sipped her Diet Soda through a straw until the phone rang next to
her. She jumped with an off guard squeal that made me jump.
       "So much for overplayed Hollywood acting," I muttered focused on the
television screen as a stranger spoke to the vulnerable pre-teen girl who
happened to be wearing too much make-up.
       "Hello," she said bubbly.
       "Hello," replied the man in a dark husky tone.
       "Hi. What's up?" she perked. She popped her pink bubble gum while
idly running a finger through her hair.
       "Who is this?" asked the man. I immediately realized I was watching
the beginning of the girl's demise. The girl laughed playfully into the
phone with flirtatious eyes.
       "Jessica," she laughed flirtatiously, "Whose this?"
       "Just a stranger," replied the man with flirtatious sarcasm, "You
sound awfully pretty Jessica."
       Jessica laughed too loudly for my tastes so I clicked the remote and
channel surfed. After cooking show, to talk show, to news show, to stupid
reality television, I focused on some documentary about Hollywood horror
films. Ironically they showed the scene I just watched as part of their
documentary. After commenting on the brilliance of the horror series I
sighed in boredom and ran my fingers through my hair. I leaned over on my
side and continued watching television lying down. After a few boring
minutes later I clicked the remote back to Jessica. As I predicted she was
now in utter panic.
       "If you don't leave me alone I'll call the cops," she cried.
       "Oh Jessica, don't call the cops. We're friends. I just want to play
with you," responded the man firmly.
       "Just leave me alone you fucking creep!" she cried once more as she
went to hang up the phone. Just before she clicked the phone off you could
hear the man on the other line threaten her to not hang up. A sudden
cinematic silence ensued and I prepared myself for something scary to pop
out. The doorbell rang in a sharp tone frightening both Jessica and
me. Jessica cried in helplessness.
       "Who's there? Mark? Is that you? Who's there?" she cried
frantically, "I'm calling the police."
       Just as she reached for the phone again it rang piercing Jessica's
scream of terror. She answered the phone with unsteady hands and
uncontrollable tears.
       "I told you not to hang up on me Jessica. And who's Mark? You told
me you didn't have a boyfriend. I don't like being lied too," snarled the
man.
       "Please. Just leave me alone," she begged helplessly. She back away
from her front door and crouched into the corner hallway. Her breathing
noticeable from the frantic up-and-down motions of her chest. Tears
streamed down her face giving way to her vulnerability.
       "I would have left you alone if you didn't lie to me Jessica. I'm
afraid I can't go now. I have to punish those who lie. Just like I punished
dear old Mark," he laughed sadistically.
       "What did you do to him?" she cried, "Leave him alone!"
       "Check the back patio Jessica, again," he commanded.
       Jessica scurried to the back door overlooking the patio. She let out
a scream of terror as she laid eyes upon her boyfriend hanging from the oak
tree with his guts hanging out. She backed away in primal fear. Her eyes
now a black mess from the mass production of tears and poor choice in
mascara.
       "Oh Jessica," teased the man, "I want to play a game."
       Jessica cried out in fear once again. She shifted herself up off the
floor and scanned her surroundings. She made her way over to the television
where she gripped a letter opener in protection. Her knuckles where white
with fear.
       "What game?" she cried.
       "Where am I?" asked the man with a smirk of sadistic confidence.
       "What?" asked Jessica in shock.
       "Where am I Jessica? There are two doors to your house, the back one
and the front one. Where am I?"
       Jessica peeked in both directions and clicked off the phone as she
ran up the stairs.
       "Fuck this," she cried.
       "No, don't run up the stairs dumb bitch!" I yelled.
       Jessica side swiped through the kitchen and up the stairs just as
the killer burst through the closet door. She screamed in panic and
scurried up the stairs faster with the costumed killer hot on her
trail. She grabbed the flower pot and threw it at him in defense. He ducked
in anticipation and lunged at her just grasping her ankle. Jessica fell
forward with a loud screaming thud. She wiggled as hard as she could out of
the killers grasp and barely broke free. The killer swayed his knife in her
direction as she crawled frantically up to her feet and down the hall. She
burst into her room crying and screaming.
       "Shit!" she yelled as she slammed her door shut locking it. She
surveyed her room and spotted her window. She crawled over her hot pink bed
and startled herself forward as the killer pounded on her door in
fury. Jessica pushed up her window and kicked the screen out. The screen
fell through and she watched it hit the ground below her. She eyed a small
brick ledge that led to the other side of the house where she spotted a
section of roof. The pounding grew louder as did her panic. She balanced
herself over the ledge still holding herself with the window sill.
       She was halfway out as she cried, "Help me!"
       The killer burst through the door grabbing her by the arm that sent
a piercing scream out of Jessica. Jessica fought as the killer grabbed her
in a headlock. He drew his knife and quickly slit Jessica's throat. The
cries were muffled by his ominous gloved hand. He thrusted his blade into
her side sealing her fate and finally released her letting her fall out the
window. After a final thud from all that was Jessica the killer leaned out
the window ensuring she was dead. Her body lay sprawled and broken on the
hard ground with blood seeping out of her. The camera zoomed into her
lifeless eye and displayed the title of the movie.
       My house phone rang out sending me in a slight jump. My heart
quickened and I cursed myself for letting myself get so easily scared. I
would be ten times smarter than that bimbo and besides, who would want to
kill me?  I reached over to the cordless phone and checked the caller
i.d. It was Kris. I clicked the phone to answer it.
       "You know I have a cell phone right?" I laughed.
       "You know you left it in the kitchen again right?" he bantered. I
checked my pockets for confirmation.
       "Touché," I laughed and glanced at the clock, "What's up? It's only
4."
       "I know. I just wanted to see if you wanted me to bring pizza on my
way over. I was thinking of renting a movie. You know the one with Sarah
Michelle Gellar and Selma Blair?"
       "Cruel Intentions?" I asked.
       "Yeah. Come on, we love that movie," he said. I noticed how he spoke
for the both of us. I kind of liked it.
       "Oh yes. Sibling rivalry fueled through cruel and spiteful acts in
uptown New York by spoiled rich kids. What could be better?" I joked.
       "Hey, you know you have the hots for Ryan Phillipe."
       "Oh yeah. Just as much as you do."
       "Sorry, got my eyes set on someone else," he laughed.
       "Right. Reese Witherspoon. How clumsy of me," I laughed back,
"Sure. Just get whatever movie. Just no scary flicks?"
       "Why? Too scared?" he questioned.
       "I mean they make me jump and all, but what's the point? They're all
the same. Some killer is stalking some dumb girl who over acts and runs up
the stairs when she should be running towards an exit," I explained.
       "You never know what you'd do in that situation," he countered.
       "Yeah because we totally live in a horror film right? With my luck
I'd get some arrogant actor who tries too hard to be a heart throb."
       "I see you as an average heart throb myself," he joked, "What ever
though. I'll be there by seven. Usual pizza?"
       "Pepperoni with extra cheese. You got it mister."
       "Alright. I'll be there later hun."
       "Hun?" I asked, "Since when do you call me hun?"
       "Take a joke Ash. You're not a total heart throb," he laughed but I
heard his voice trail off in the distance.
       "See you at 7...baby," I joked.
       "Don't tease me. See you in a bit," he clicked with his seventh
goodbye. Kris was such a dope. I leaned back into my couch thinking about
Jessica. I know I would totally do it better than she did. I wouldn't have
run up the stairs and I would have star sixty-nined his ass. Either way, I
wouldn't have run up the stairs. I cushioned myself back into the couch
with the faint hum of the television. The comfort consumed me as I slowly
drifted off to sleep.
       The loud ringing of the house phone jerked me awake. I quickly
reached for the noise maker and didn't even check the caller i.d. I just
wanted to shut the damn thing off. Fumbling to find the on button I managed
to press a few keys until I hit the right one.
       "Hello," I said groggily.
       "Hey there Sleeping Beauty," cooed Kris. I glanced at the clock and
saw that it was well past seven. I furrowed my brow in silence.
       "It's past seven Kristov," I warned. He hated when I used his full
name. My stomach rumbled at the declaration of his tardiness. "And I'm
really hungry."
       "I know. I'm sorry. Charlotte's car wouldn't start so I had to run
to the school and help her out. I couldn't work my magic so the thing had
to be towed. I had to get her," he explained.
       "Did she forget to put the key in again?" I laughed.
       "Ha ha," yelled Charlotte in the background.
       "By the way you're on speakerphone," added Kris.
       "Sorry Charlotte. Warn a guy next time Kristov! That's two strikes
for you tonight."
       "And that was Candace who forgot to put the key in. Well she
did. She just forgot to turn it," laughed Charlotte, "How dare you keep
your bo...best friend waiting, Kristov!"
       "Shut up Char!" hushed Kris.
       "Did I miss something?" I inquired.
       "NO!" they both shouted in twin unison.
       "Look. I've got the pizza with me and I'll be there in a little
bit. Don't act like I kept you waiting. You were so asleep. Char is just
gonna take my car home and pick me up later instead of me having to keep
you waiting and back tracking so your precious ooey-gooey pizza doesn't get
cold," he joked.
       "Dang. You've got it bad," laughed Charlotte.
       "Has what bad?" I asked.
       "Oh shit. Nothing!" responded Charlotte.
       I heard a muffled fight between Charlotte and Kris. I wasn't fully
awake to decipher their twin bickering. All I know was that I wanted my
pizza.
       "Just walk in when you're here. I'm gonna hop in the shower real
quick," I said.
       "Yeah. Bye," huffed Kris. He hung up quickly. I arched my brow and
wondered if I maybe crossed the line with me calling him Kristov.
       "Whatever," I mumbled. I got up from the couch and glanced at the
clock. It was about a quarter past seven. I suppose it could have been
worse but I made a note to apologize to Kris if I upset him. I strode
through the hall and up the stairs towards my bathroom. I flicked on the
light that was way too bright for my taste at the moment. The white tile
made it all the more bright. I walked over to the tub and turned on the
water, feeling the warm sensation on my hand as I gauged the perfect
temperature. Finally I pull the lever sending it into shower mode. I
strolled back out of the bathroom and flipped on my stereo blasting my
Indie princess from earlier. This time she declared she wouldn't make the
same mistake as last time. I took of my shirt and slipped off my pants. As
I stood in my red boxer briefs a small breeze came across my back sending a
shiver up my spine. I heard a slight creak from down the hall that got my
chilled attention. I peeked around the door and looked through the empty
hallway. I listened more and only heard the hum of the shower. I shook my
head and decided no more scary movies when I'm alone for a week. I skidded
over to the bathroom that was now steamed. I stripped off my underwear and
stepped into the warm shower waiting for me.
       The water was warmly inviting and I stood under the hot water. The
water glided down my back and massaged my muscles. My sense of exhaustion
seemed to drift away as I mindlessly stood under the stream of water. The
steam around me made my visibility slim and I tried grabbing my body
wash. After knocking over my shampoo and placing it back in its proper
place I lathered up my body with much needed soap. The suds grew and faded
away under the stream of water. After a few short minutes of touching
myself inappropriately I turned off the water. I reached for the towel and
began drying myself off. I wrapped the towel around my waist and walked to
my bedroom. I slipped on a fresh pair of underwear and began drying of my
hair. I turned off my music and heard a noise downstairs. My attention was
alert as I listened for more sounds. This time it wasn't just a creak.
       "Kris," I shouted, "Is that you?"
       I was met with silence. I inched forward and waited for a
response. I leaned over the banister and shouted once more, "Kris, is that
you down there?"
       I was still met with silence. I walked down the stairs and into the
living room. I was startled when the curtains fluttered with the breeze of
an open window. My heart began to beat faster. I didn't open the window. I
scanned the room as I realized I wasn't alone. I ran over to the fireplace
and grabbed the fire poker for protection. I listened for any signs of life
around me. I treaded lightly on my feet as to not give myself away. I made
my way back into the hallway and towards the kitchen. I heard a bang that
sent a scream from me. The grandfather clock behind me chimed the time. I
turned to face it and realized I had just screamed out loud with someone in
my house. I felt as stupid as Jessica for running up the stairs. I walked
backwards in the dark as I turned on the heel of my foot I bumped directly
into a body that sent another scream from me. I fell on my side and heard a
muffled groan from the man I smacked into. Through the faint light I
noticed it was Kris.
       "Do you always scream like this?" he asked.
       "Why didn't you answer me when I called you?" I retorted.
       "Maybe because I had to run back to the car and grab the pizza?" he
answered, "Why do you have a fire-poker and why are you half-naked?"
       I realized I still had the fire poker in my hand and I also realized
that I was in nothing but my underwear. I blushed at how exposed I felt to
Kris. Thank god it was too dark for him to notice. I lifted myself up off
the ground and attempted to cover myself.
       "Well when you didn't answer and I heard a noise I came down to
investigate. Then I saw the window was open and I thought someone broke
in," I explained.
       "Well if you didn't keep your door locked I would've gone through
the door like a normal person," he laughed, "Those scary movies really do
send you over the edge, don't they?"
       "No!" I quickly responded in defense, "Sorry. I forgot to unlock the
door and, ugh. I'm gonna go put some clothes on." I turned on my heel and
ran upstairs to go put on a t-shirt and shorts. I grabbed a faded black and
white baseball tee and some green basketball shorts. I ran down the hall
and into the kitchen. Kris was washing his hands when he turned and nodded
at the fire poker that was still in my hand, "I think you can put that away
now," he laughed.
       I blushed, "Right. Sorry."
       I walked over to the living room and returned the fire poker to its
original home. I noticed the window was no longer open either. I began to
feel like a huge idiot. I made my way back into the kitchen and saw Kris
sitting at the table with two plates and pizza in front of him.
       "I wanted to wait for you," he explained, "I was afraid you'd try
and kill me if I didn't."
       I blushed again, "Shut up...Kristov."
       His brow furrowed in disgust, "I hate when you call me that."
       "Why?" I asked, "It is your real name."
       "Still. Only my mom gets to call me that," he said as he began
eating his pizza.
       I stared at the pizza in front of me and began eating the ooey-goeey
goodness. The cheese burst flavor into my mouth as it slithered around with
each bite. I love extra cheese on pizza's. We ate in silence until Kris
initiated conversation.
       "They were out of Cruel Intentions so I got us The Breakfast Club,"
he said with a mouthful of pizza.
       "Nice," I muttered with cheese dribbling everywhere, "So what was up
with Charlotte?"
       "Huh?" he asked furrowing his brow.
       "In the car..." I explained trailing off.
       "Oh," he said in sudden realization. His brown eyes grown
wide. "She's just being her."
       "Still doesn't answer my question," I sang. I got up and disposed of
the remainders of my pizza in the trash can. I brushed the few crumbs off
my shorts and washed my hands. Kris was unusually silent as I felt him
observing me. I turned around to face him and saw him sitting in a deep
blank stare.
       "Are you ok?" I asked, "You seem distant. Are you that mad about me
calling you Kristov?"
       "No," he replied quickly, "You wouldn't understand."
       "Try me. I'm the one with the crazy nightmares here."
       "Speaking of nightmares. Did you have any during your nap?"
       I thought back and realized that for the first time in a good while
I slept uninterrupted. Well, uninterrupted by nightmares since Kris called
me and woke me up. I began scratching my arm as I replied, "No,
actually. The only thing that woke me up was your phone call."
       Kris blushed, "Sorry."
       "You're fine. So what's up. You said you needed to talk to me about
something?"
       "Later," he said smiling, "Let's just watch a movie and relax for a
bit. It's been a long day."
       "Ok," I agreed, "Seriously though. Everything ok?"
       "Yeah," he answered wrapping his arm around my shoulders. I felt a
surge of electricity at his touch. I let a small draw of breath at the
newfound sensation that was crippling my body. I stared up at him as he
stared back down at me. Our eyes caught in a gaze unknown.
       "Well," I said breaking off the stare, "How about that movie?"
       "Yeah," he sighed, "Time for some Molly Ringwald!"
       We curled up on the couch next to each other. I was on the corner
while he was to my left. He was close but not too close. We were at a
respectable distance but a distance close enough to spark attraction in my
senses and my pants. I felt his aura pulsating into mine during the
movie. As he laughed through all the right moments I kept imagining what it
would be like to kiss him. Instead of watching the movie I mainly focused
on this newfound attraction. He would glance a few times in my direction
out of the corner of his eye and I would try and snap my head to avert his
gaze. I didn't want to know that I'd been caught even though I did.
       He scooted a little closer to me with his hand next to mine. Our
pinky fingers grazed each other in his shifting. I felt a spark that awoke
my senses. I looked up at him and noticed that same spark flash before his
eyes. Another small gasp of breath exited my lips as we once again made an
unbreakable stare of uncertainty and emotion. The silence around me was
deafening.  I felt like I was in a swarm of emotion as it encircled me like
a calm and magical whirlwind. My heart fluttered as I noticed Kris leaning
forward slowly. I began to lean forward too as I realized we were inches
away from our first kiss. The tension was growing as we inched closer and
closer to what will be my first kiss with anyone. Let alone it be a
guy. The pace of my heart had picked up speed and was reflecting the
anticipation that surged through my body. Our noses touched and we both
drew in a breath of passion. Our skin tingled against each other and sent a
new wave of sparks through our bodies but our connection was forming. Our
auras were becoming one. He tilted his head as I began tilting mine. Just
as we were about to finally kiss the phone rang loudly and impatiently. I
screamed in defense and blushed in embarrassment.  Kris leaned over and
grabbed the phone in slight annoyance.
       "What?" he bellowed into the phone. I realized that he was leaning
over me and the faint smell of his cologne waft into my nostrils. He sat
back and sank into the couch. His eyes registered fear and uncertainty. I
tensed up at who was on the other line. I nudged him in hopes he'd signal
to me what was going on.
       "Yeah, come on over. What time were you there?  I'm so sorry
Char. Alright. Do you want me to call Quentin and Candace? Ok. Yeah. Just
have everyone come here. Love you too. No he..." he trailed off. He turned
to me, "Do you mind if Charlotte comes over?"
       I shook my head no and asked what was going on.I looked over at the
clock and saw that it was past 9:30. He hung up with Charlotte and faced
me. He leaned over and hugged me tightly. I patted his back in awkwardness
and confusion.
       "What's going on?" I asked.
       Kris looked at me and spoke deafening words, "Janelle King was found
murdered."
       My eyes grew big and I sputtered out questions, "By who?"
       "Charlotte found her," he whispered.
       "Oh my god," I gasped, "Where?"
       "In her house," he explained, "She's on her way over after she's
done being questioned by the police."
       I sat frozen in my seat at the icy sound of his words. It felt like
déjà vu all over again. My head was spinning. I barely heard Kris trying to
get my attention.
       "There's one more thing," he said.
       "What?" I asked.
       "She was found with a red ribbon tied around her neck," he said
slowly. He grabbed my hand and squeezed it with affection. I went numb. I
got up and felt my world spinning. I was revisiting a world I knew all too
well. My sight went blank and I fell into a dark oblivion. I faintly heard
Kris yelling my name as I hit the ground.