Waking Shadows Release :) (another unfinished story lol)

Gritting my teeth I felt the tug of skin beneath my blade. I watched the blood flow rapidly from the jogger’s neck causing me crave so much more. I wanted to cut here and there saw of a limb or two. I smirked at myself of all the possibilities I could dispose of the body. Blood ran down my arms and I hungrily wrapped them around me wanting nothing more than to bathe in this pathetic man’s blood.  I threw back my head and laughed a sick and twisted laugh as I made cuts along his arteries letting his blood pour into the buckets I laid under his body. His body twitched on the metal bed frame showing the last signs of any life in his body leaving. I turned and looked at the dirty mirror that hung on the wall of the cramped work space and smiled happily at myself. My eyes were blood shot and my small round face was caked in his blood along with several chunks of my thick brown hair.

Sucking in a sharp breath of air I held back a scream. The purple sheets from my bed clung to my body from the cold sweat that drenched me. I quickly rubbed my face and slapped myself to make sure that I was for sure awake. I don’t know why that particular nightmare of me murdering the same guy kept coming back each and every time I went to sleep. At first I was afraid to sleep and I would stay up for days on end until I crashed in the middle of class. I fell out of my chair twitching and flopping around like a fish I guess I freaked the teacher out because everyone thought I was having a seizure and he ran off to fetch the nurse. By the time they returned I was sitting up looking like I just drank a bottle of booze. They called my mom to come and get me and take me to the nearest clinic because they were freaked out that I would do it again. But of course all of the tests came back negative and they prescribed me sleeping pills because they thought I had a massive case of insomnia. All I can say to that is whatever.   

Sighing I climbed out of bed what I needed right now was a nice hot shower to rinse away the nights torture. Stepping under the warm spray I rubbed my hands through my hair trying to contemplate if I should skip school today or not. I only have a few more weeks until I graduate and I have perfect grades plus I hardly skip and I know that Tasha will give me the day’s notes seeing as we made sure we had the same exact classes for our last trimester in school.  Another bonus is that I can fake my mom’s voice and call in saying I’m not going to be at school. Sneering at the tiled wall I knew that today would be perfect to skip because both my mom and dad we’re going to be out on some huge case they’ve been working on and I guess they had some sort of breakthrough.  I wrapped a towel around myself and stepped out when I heard a light knock at the door. Cracking it open I peeked into the hall to see my mom was standing just outside the door.

“Marissa we’re heading out now and I don’t know when we’ll be back I’m assuming later tonight, but if we aren’t back by dinner time go ahead and order some pizza if you don’t feel like cooking. Also you can invite Tasha over if you want so you won’t be all alone all night either. Maybe you two can have a little sleep over or something?”   She tilted her head to the side and flashed me her wide toothed grin.

“Yeah okay mom sounds good to me.” I flashed a small smile back at her. “Be careful today and I hope you guys catch the sick guy that’s killing all these people.” She tilted her head and nodded.

“Why thank you honey and you have a nice time at school. Love you.” She turned and left I think she’s grown accustom to me not ever saying it back.  I pushed the meaningless thoughts aside and clicked the door shut behind me. Blow drying my hair and styling it up I lined my plump lips with some gloss, and rimmed my eyes in dark eyeliner.  After getting dressed for the day I grabbed my cellphone and headed downstairs just to make sure they really left. Satisfied they were gone I called up the school.

“Bingham Senior High School this is Edna.” Edna nasally voiced into my ear.

“Hello Edna this is Mrs. Jenkins my daughter Marissa is ill with the flu and won’t be coming into school today.” I cleared my throat as I twirled a chunk of my hair around my finger.

“Very well thank you for calling and letting us know we’ll clear her for the day.”  I could hear her typing rapidly at her keyboard and smacking her gum. “Have a nice day Mrs. Jenkins.”

“You too Edna.” I hit the end button eager to get out of the house. I grabbed my car keys and bolted out the door to find that a light drizzle of rain hit my face. “You have got to be freaking kidding me.” As if in response the wind picked up and whipped my hair into my face. “Yeah sure just go right on a ahead and try to make my day bad. That’s SO not going to happen.” I yelled at the wind as I climbed into my small car. Turning the engine over and over again it refused to start. “Go figure just my luck that everything has to go wrong the day I skip school. Maybe it’s karma.” I mumble under my breath as I smack my head onto the steering wheel.

Chewing on the inside of my lip I head back inside. “I guess I’ll stay in today. Maybe watch a movie or something.” I dug through our stash of DVD’s and decided on some sappy love story called Desires of the Soul.  I put the disk in and walked into the kitchen to whip up some popcorn. I can never watch a movie without some sort of munchies and drink so I grabbed a can of soda as the popcorn popped. Hearing the beginning of the movie the microwave binged I grabbed it and plopped my butt down on our white sofa. Though the next thing I knew I woke up to my phone blaring Higher by Taio Cruz. Puzzled I shook my hand out of the popcorn bowel and grabbed for my phone.

“Hello.” I mumbled into the phone as I wiped the sleep from my eyes.

“Marissa why weren’t you in class today?” An urgent but calm voice said on the opposite end that I could only assume was from my best friend Tasha. 

“Tasha aren’t you a lovely checker upper?” I was quite annoyed that I was interrupted from the nap I don’t remember taking, but it was nice having some sleep without that horrid nightmare.

“Well how come?” Just  as I was about to answer her when I heard a hard knock on the door.

“Look Tasha I can’t talk about that right now someone’s at the door. I’ll call you back later okay.” I cracked my neck as I stood up waiting for her to respond.

“Whatever.” After that all I heard was the dial tone so I knew she was pissed at me. Hanging up the phone I answered the door and placed a hand on my hip, but the instant I saw that a tall and very good looking police officer was standing in my door way my heart immediately dropped.

“Are you Marissa Jenkins?”  He raised his eyebrow at the question making his lucid green eyes shimmer. I gulped and shook my head yes. “Marissa I’m afraid I have some bad news for you. Your parents were killed in a shootout earlier today.” I just sat there and stared at him to afraid to move and to afraid to speak because I knew if I did I would fall apart right then and there.

Darkness -- Small Preview

Staring up into the darkening sky it seems as if I can glimpse into my soul. I was once a good person that is until my parents were brutally murdered in front of me when I was fourteen. Opening my mouth I took in the humid air hoping it would moisten the feeling of sandpaper in my mouth. I spread my arms wide wanting to embrace the creeping feeling of death and despair into every pore of my body. I didn’t care if people would stop and glance at me and give me odd looks. I felt at home standing here in the middle of this particular graveyard.  A slow wicked smile spread across my face as I released the breath of air and slowly lowered my arms I was finally at ease and ready to take on the night.  Hailing a taxi I told him my destination, Club Tonic. I’ve always loved going there during the waking hours of the night.    

Getting out of the taxi I paid my fare and looked around. Music pounded through the walls of the club pouring into the dark dank alley. A couple hooking up just outside the backdoor by the dumpster was rather hilarious to me. Cocking my head to the side I always wondered what it would be like to feel such emotion.  The only emotions I tend to feel are those that consist of hate and death. I don’t think I can say I’ve actually felt close to anyone. Letting out a breath of air it came out in little puffs against the brisk cold air as I dug my hands deeper into my jacket pockets. Hunching my shoulders I moved towards the line that wrapped around the club and expertly weaved my way into the crowd that was just moving inside the club door.

“Hey watch it dude.” Some chick blurted into my ear. I must not have seen her and caused her to fall into the door jamb when I bumped into her. Mumbling sorry I made my way to the bar. The bar has always had good luck for me it’s where I would always find my prey. I really didn’t have a type per say. I mainly looked for someone who caught my eye for the night. I mostly looked for the ones that seemed a bit desperate or pissed off at the world for some stupid reason. Or maybe a loner someone who seems depressed and sits at the bar drinking like a fish. Though I don’t go around slicing people’s throats or breaking necks to get my jolly’s off. I’m not into that at all. I’m more into freezing them chopping them up or mulching them into little tiny bits. Yes I will admit it’s a bit twisted, but I never said I was your typical normal killer.

I watched as the wave of bodies danced under the pulsing lights that changed with every thump of music. Hands waved into the air, hips swayed in an effortless motion and bodies bumped against one another.  I squinted my eyes when I spotted her as she gracefully climbed the stairs up onto the bar. I could tell she was going to be the one tonight. I snickered to myself as she sat on the wooden barstool next to me. This is going to be easy I thought to myself. I cracked my neck and flashed a smile when she looked my way. She had stick straight blonde hair and her eyes gleamed a golden hazel color when the light caught them just right. Her makeup was on way to thick and her clothes were to tight. She gave me the impression she was desperate for attention from anyone as she shifted slightly towards me.

“I’m Trista.” Her voice was velvety and soft, she raised her eyebrow as she waited for me to respond. Clearing my throat I tilted my head forward.

“I’m Corbin; it’s very nice to meet your acquaintance Trista.”  I watched a slight smile spread across her face, and I couldn’t help but smile even wider. This really was going to be too easy. I could tell she was already giving in by my just answering her. I leaned forward and whispered into her ear. “May I buy you a drink?” I watched as she nervously played with a strand of her hair as she shook her head. “Great. Can we get two shots of whatever over here?” The bar tender looked up from his obvious show of time consuming activity of rubbing down glasses and nodded slightly. I’ve never seen sour face before he either must be new or a transfer, but all I know is that I didn’t like the vibe he put off either that or his body odor.  He mixed them and brought them over with a smug look on his acne scared face.

“Twelve fifty buddy.” His rancid breath wafted into my face as I dug through my pocket and pulled out fifteen bucks and placed it onto the bar top.

“Keep the change.” He shook his head and walked off.   “So Trista, what’s a pretty girl like you doing in a dive like this?”

She chuckled lightly and bit into her lip. “Oh I don’t know. I was just bored and all my friends are out working tonight.”  I smiled at her and watched as some of the stress washed away from her face. “You know it’s so nice to actually meet a guy who wants to have a conversation rather than sex.” Nope I want your pathetic self in tiny bits laying at the bottom of the lake nearby I thought to myself. She returned my smile and I knew that I had her underneath my finger. “Though I would like to go somewhere a bit quieter you know so maybe we can get to know each other a bit more.” What was it that any conversation I had it always ended up short sweet and to the point? Maybe it’s because I came off as a nice guy rather than the monster I truly was, all I know is it was quite odd but very nice at the same time.

I stuck my arm out and she giggled like the Pillsbury dough boy as she threaded her arm through mine. I led her out to my beat up old dodge and let her in the passenger side. I rounded the corner and I could feel her eyes pierce me to the bone I glanced sideways and smirked lightly just before climbing into the driver’s side. Silently as drove I made a mental checklist in my mind to make sure I had everything I would need. The drugs were hidden in my glove compartment and my carving tools along with the rope and tape were in the tool box in the bed of the truck. I tapped my finger on the steering wheel as I felt her scoot closer to me. I was suddenly feeling claustrophobic and wanted nothing more than to shove her out of the truck as I slammed on the gas petal flooring it. She flung back and giggled making my anger spark. I gripped the steering wheel now causing my knuckles to turn white against my tanned skin. 

I could feel the urge taking over and I knew I was no longer myself. My need to kill was more prominent than my need to breathe. My blood began to boil in my veins as the evil began to chip away at mortality. I yanked the wheel to the right pulling the truck onto a deserted road and pulled over. I could hear her suck in a deep breath as I turned the engine off and moved towards her. I couldn’t help but notice the small bruises on the inside of her arm. She was a drug user. “Drugs?” I whispered into the dead air.

“What do you mean? I…I don’t do drugs?” She scooted into the passenger side door gnawing on her bottom lip.

“Yes you do Trista.” I spat out her name when I could sense her fear rising. “I know you do I can tell by the ligature marks on your skin you shoot heroin don’t you?”

Her face crumpled in defeat. “Yes…yes I do. Do you really have some?” I shot my eyes to the glove box and nodded discreetly. She reached over and opened it than began to go through its contents.  Her face light up as she pulled out a small black pouch. Gingerly she pulled the needle out and looked at it in awe. “Can I really have some?” Eagerly I shook my head as I watched her slide the needle into her arm and push the plunger down. A small whimper of pleasure escaped her lips as she thought what was heroin flood into her veins. “Thank you so much Corbin.” I knitted my eyebrows together confused momentarily.

“Who’s Corbin?” I cocked my head to the side and say in a wickedly harsh tone. Her face went from relaxed to alarm. She tried to bail out of the truck, but discovered she couldn’t move to well. She began to pat her hands all over her body as the panic spread when she realized she couldn’t feel most of her body. I sat back and watched her with a twisted evil grin on my face.

 “Corbin’s not your name?”  The side of her jaw was slightly slacked and her words came out jumbled and barely audible

“My name?” I threw my head back and laughed hysterically. “Why sweet heart I lied to you. I don’t go around giving my reaal name out freely.” I could see her eyebrows drop lower and lower and soon she was out cold. I sat up straight and scooted back into the driver’s seat and started the truck back up. I had to get her back to my place and into my torture chambers in my special secluded basement just on the outskirts of town before she fully came too. I wasn’t in the mood to wrestle with my kill.

Soon my small wooden shack came into view. I always liked coming here not only just to kill, but just because it was away from civilization. I hated being in crowded areas for to long, and I always ended up losing my temper. Exiting my truck I went around to the passenger side and opened the door. Her body toppled over the side and landed face flat in the cold wet mud. Shaking my head I chuckled lightly as I hoisted her body over my shoulder. I kicked open the door and it creaked open on its rusted hinges. The inside reeked of mildew and old shoes. The floors were rotting and covered in dirt and grime from the weather that managed to make it in from the broken windows. I never dared cross those floor boards for the fear of falling through and plummeting into the basement. Grunting I cared her towards the stairs cautious of where I stepped. My foot slid on the top stair and I let her body go as I grabbed for the rail. Her body bounced down the stairs like a bowling ball until it landed with a loud thud on the bottom step. Looks like she’ll be passed out longer than I wanted her to be which meant I would have to hurry. 

Slowly I walked down the stairs making sure I wouldn’t end up sliding down them and knock myself out. I picked up her lifeless body and threw her on the cold hard table that was in the middle of stone basement and strapped her down. I examined her closely I knew each and every point on which I would make my cuts to make her bleed out. I clicked my tongue against my teeth and headed back up the stairs. An odd compulsion to clean up the evidence of her being in my truck took over. At least I knew I wouldn’t have to just stand there looking stupid waiting for her to wake up. I grabbed my shop vacuum and began to suck away every little crumb. Afterward I wiped down all the doors and little buttons she may have touched to make sure none of her finger prints showed up. Wiping away the sweat on my brow I threw away the wipes into a tin trashcan so I could burn those along with her belongings and clothes.

I whistled as I walked down the creaky old stairs. I could hear her thrashing around on the table as I hit the bottom step and a devilish smile spread across my face. I pushed the door open and peered around the edge. Her body instantly went still as I heard her cry out. “Please what do you want with me?” I chuckled as I walked into the room making sure I shut the door before I answered her. “What did I do to you?” Her cries became frantic and her makeup and mud ran like a lumpy colorful river down the sides of her small oval shaped face.

“I want your blood to run like the crimson river it was meant to be. I want your body chopped into little bits and used as my special mulch I use on my plants.” I sneered at her as I grabbed my clear plastic apron. Her eyes grew wide as I grabbed my electric saw and plugged it in. For effect I revved it up and watched her squirm against the restraints.

“Please oh please don’t kill me.” She struggled harder as she pleaded for her pathetic life. I put my face close to hers and smiled.

“I just can’t do that sweet heart. See here I have this urge or shall I say this need to spill the blood of someone who I think deserves it. Now don’t go on and ask questions. I believe you greatly deserve what is coming to you. You’re a drug addict abused I presume by the small bruises I can see that cover your stomach and neck. You’re nothing but a waste of walking skin and air and filled to the brim with glorious blood. You think you’re better than everyone else and you have massive insecurity’s about how you look.  If that doesn’t sound deserving enough that you are in fact perfect to be killed than I don’t know what does.”  She thrashed about some more than finally succumbed to the fact that she wasn’t going to break from her chained restraints.

 I taped over her mouth, turned my large electric saw and began my art of cutting along the desired areas. Her screams were like a song that hit all the right cords in my body, but I began to get sloppy as they died and I no longer had my rhythm to work with. I wiped away the excess blood from my arms and face as I observed my work. Her body was chopped a little jagged in some spots which would be no problem when I throw her body into my glorious wood chipper. Shoving her body parts into various black bags I lugged them up the stairs and deposited the one bag that contained her belongings into the small trashcan. I light a match threw it in and watched as the angry flames licked and burned away the rest of the evidence.

 Grunting I picked the bags back up and carried them to the wood chipper. Flicking it on I looked up at the sky noticing rain threatened to poor down on my parade. “Son of a bitch you have got to be kidding me!” I was answered with a loud clap of thunder followed by a bright bolt of lightning.  “That’s what I thought.” I mumbled under my breath as I quickly began to toss body parts and tree branches, even a few limes to kill the smell of the future decaying of the small chips of flesh into the groaning wood chipper. Just as the last part went in I felt a speckle of rain slosh onto my face. Sighing I wheeled my wheelbarrow into the pathetic excuse for a garage to begin the final mixing of my award winning mulch. I took my hand and began to mix it around. Thrill buzzed through my body as I could still feel the mushing and warmth of her blood in the ground up trees and dirt. I licked my lips hungrily as I tossed handfuls into more black bags. This right here was always one of my favorite parts. I loved the feel of the warmth of another person’s blood between my gloved fingers. It reminded me so much of the day that changed me.

My mother and father sat in the kitchen tied up to chairs and I was strapped by handcuffs to our fridge. My mother was crying mercifully as the intruder began to carve around my father’s body. He didn’t make a sound of pain he just kept saying how much he loved my mom and I. We were forced to watch if either of us was to squeeze our eyes shut or look away the man’s partner would start to do the same to us.  He would twitch here and there and soon his words faded and he was dead to the world. My mother screamed his name and looked away as the intruder and his partner severed my dad’s head. Than they were upon her she just screamed and sobbed as they made their cuts. They were much faster on her they had cut her throat shortly after they started on her; I’m only guessing it was because she was so loud. I watched as her blood sprayed across my face, and I still didn’t look away. A sinister grin spread across my face as I took it all in. My mom and dad’s blood began to mix as it pooled onto the kitchen floor and made its way towards me. I could feel it between my fingers warm and wet as it began to seep into my clothes. They stopped when her head was disconnected and gawked at me like I was a freak, but I knew what they were thinking. They were amazed that a fourteen year old boy could just sit there and watch his parents got mutilated and actually be fascinated by it. I think they must have knocked me out after that because I don’t remember anything else.

                After heaving the bags full of my corpse mulch I threw them into the large freezer down in my secluded basement so all the blood would freeze and crystalize furthering the process of proper mulch.  Cracking my knuckles I stripped my gloves and clothes off and changed. Grabbing my ruined clothes I headed back up upstairs hoping the rain hadn’t put out the fire I started. I poked my head out from under the small tiny roof I smiled lightly glad that the sky was still spitting instead of pouring. Depositing my clothes in the trashcan I grabbed a nearby stick and prodded the fire stirring around the ashes making sure the flames consumed everything. The rain started to pick up and I could feel heavy fat splashes of it run down the back of my neck. Anxiously I chewed the inside of my cheek as I watched the final glove melt away.  “Now it’s time to head on home. Thank you Trista for you lovely contribution to my mulching business.”

                Climbing into my truck I started it up, turned on the stereo and cranked the heat up. I could still here the pitter patter of rain on the metal roof of my truck and I tapped my foot lightly on the door panel.  The adrenaline and thrill from killing was slowly dying and I was beginning to feel exhausted, but I wasn’t ready to head home. I hardly ever got to leave as it was, but I was slowly working on that. There was nothing like some good mind picking here and there to lower the defenses of Ian. I closed my eyes and before I knew it I could feel sleep pulling me deeper into the recesses of my mind and I instantly snapped my eyes open. I couldn’t go to sleep just yet at least not here. Maybe heading home wasn’t such a bad idea anyways. It was almost five in the morning and I knew it would take a good hour and a half to get home. That is if I didn’t hit massive traffic this early in the morning. Putting the truck into gear I pulled away and couldn’t help but look into my rear view mirror and watch my sacred place disappear in the distance.

“Great, just my freaking luck.” I slammed my head into the steering wheel as my truck began to shutter and spew smoke from the hood. I knew I should have paid more attention when that stupid check engine light came on last night. I scanned my areas hoping that there was a place the truck would make it before it decided to fully die on me. There was a small grocery store parking lot to my right, and traffic wasn’t moving so that would be my best bet.  Plus there was a bus stop right on the corner, and that was probably going to be the only way I could possibly make it home. Quickly I turned the wheel and hit the gas, the truck groaned and more smoke poured from the hood, but it managed to crawl across the open road and into the parking lot. I had managed to park it on the far end of the lot just before it fully died on me.

                Climbing out I kicked the side of the truck silently cussing it for dying on me in my moment of need. I was just glad that I had decided to leave my tools of torture back at the shack, I couldn’t even imagine what it would be like trying to explain them if I accidently dropped them and someone saw them. Looking up I could see the line forming at the bus stop so I threw my hood up and jogged lightly towards it hoping it would actually be on time today. The buses here in Chicago are notorious for never being on time. Looks like my luck is turning I thought to myself just as the bus came to a stop in front of the line of people. I threw in the bus fare and weaved my way to the back of it. The smell of body odor, old musty leather, and oil filled my lungs as I drew in a deep breath which made me want to hurl. A small pudgy kid sat across from me and shoved a handful of chocolate into his mouth. It irritated me when people just sat there and stared at me even little kids. I coughed lightly and turned my head. The last thing that I needed right now was having my anger spark right here in the middle of a crowded cramped Chicago bus. I silently flexed my hands trying to drive my urges elsewhere so there wouldn’t be a blood bath. I breathed a sigh of relief when the bus finally arrived on the more swanky side of town and I eagerly took in a deep breath the instant I stepped out of those metal doors.

                Tall buildings gleamed in the morning sun. The glossed windows of the skyscrapers gleamed and shined as the sun bore down on them. Small puddles from last night’s storm still stained the roads and sidewalks. The pudgy kid waddled along while his mother gripped his hand tight, and it tweaked my every nerve that he still had his head turned staring at me. Grinding my teeth I turned abruptly running into an old woman. “What the hell.” I threw my arms into the air more annoyed then I should be and walked off leaving her on the ground. I began to sprint towards Ian’s knowing he would soon wake up. Reaching the gates of his town house I sucked in my last breath of fresh air for who knows how long.

****

                Sun pierced through my low slung blinds. Groaning I shielded my face and rolled over yanking the covers over my head not ready to wake up. My alarm sounded its annoying beep over and over again until I finally slammed my fist down on the snooze button. Sliding out of my white cotton sheets I moved groggily across my heated tiled floor heading straight to the shower. For some odd reason I felt kind of grimy and dirty. I peeled my clothes off dropping them into my nearby hamper and stood under the luke warm spray of my shower head. I cracked my neck and looked down noticing that I was in fact washing away looked like dirt and possibly blood. “What the…” I whispered between my sore chapped lips. I licked at them hoping to restore some moisture to them, but instead I got jolts of sharp pain. “Damn this humidity.”  This is the third time in the past two weeks that I’ve woken up feeling like someone dragged me through a puddle of mud. Sure there’s been days for quite a while that I’ve felt like this, but I’ve never had it happen this many times in such a short amount of weeks. It’s just odd.

                Stepping out of the shower I wrapped a towel around my bottom half and headed over to my closet. I rummaged through my casual dress wear knowing that if I didn’t hurry up I was going to be late for work. Finally settling on simple khaki slacks and a blue stripped dress shirt with a deep blue tie I got dressed, grabbed my keys and headed out to my Bentley.

Falling Inside the Black Chapter 4

I cared really I did. Watching her walk out that door was one of the hardest things that I have ever done. I mean seriously what could I say? She was my best friend, and I know that no matter what I could have said she would have never listened to me. She was always like that, hard headed and determined to figure things out on her own. I remember trying to convince her to move in with me into this house, but she figured It would be easier just to get her own place. Then there was the convincing her to actually go on her actual first date with Brian. They were so happy together, and I believed her when she said that she didn’t murder him. I never told her, but a few days before he was killed he had confessed to me that he was going to ask her to be his wife. I knew it was smart of me not to tell her. For one she would have let it slip that I told her and Brian would have been pissed at me, but now it would have just tore her up even more.  When I heard that Brian was murdered, and that she had found him the way she did I rushed to be by her side. I knew by the looks of her she was practically dead on the inside. Her usual happiness was gone and the light in her green eyes had disappeared; her face was pale and her lips were chapped it was like she was nothing but an empty shell. She didn’t speak or acknowledge anyone when they talked to her she just sat there looking at the peeling walls of the lobby lost in her own world.

 But now she snapped out of her shocked state and I could see her determination coming back. It was the least I could do to give her a few of my things and some of my extra cash I had been saving up to spend on next semester. Sighing into the ice covered window I saw the familiar flashing of the red and blue lights pull onto my driveway followed by the small knock on the door. Wrapping my button up cashmere sweater around me I answered the door to two short chubby officers.

“Hello Miss Jones I’m Officer Rivas and this is Officer Hansen. We have a few questions for you regarding Casey Lufkin and her mother and father.”   Motioning them to come in I lead them to the living area.

“Please have a seat and uh is there anything that I can get for you two Officers?” Biting my lip I adjusted from one foot to the other.

“No thank you, but can you tell us what Casey told you when she called? What did she sound like? Did she sound upset?”

Rolling my eyes at their stupid questions I sat down in the chair in front of them and glared at them. “She called and told me that someone had broken into her house and it had sounded like her parents were struggling with the intruder, and of course she sound upset she was on the verge of being hysterical!” Laying into the back of the chair I crossed my legs waiting for more of their useless questions.

“Do you know she called you first instead of the police?” Officer Hansen pressed the matter by slamming his pen against the notebook.

“I have no idea to be honest with you.” I blurted out as cocky and offensive as I could. Watching them under the dim light of my lamp they exchanged annoyed glances. “What happened anyways? Is she alright and what about her parents are they okay? Did you guys catch who ever broke into their house?”

Officer Rivas stood up adjusting his belt than looked at his partner than shrugged. “The Lufkin house was indeed broken into, and as far as you need to know her father is in critical condition at EIRMC and well her mother she didn’t make it. It seems to us that things are getting very suspicious about Casey. She wasn’t anywhere to be found and there wasn’t any further signs of an abduction.” Rage exploded throughout my body and I jumped up pointing towards the door as I yelled at them. “First things first Officers my friend is not a cold blooded murderer. She had no reason to kill Brian or her parents. It’s sad to know that her mother is no longer here on earth with us she was an amazing woman, but don’t go around asking stupid questions that you guys already know the answers to.” Stopping I took in a breath so I could continue.”  And you guys know what I don’t know why she would run, and I sure as hell know she wouldn’t so the only obvious explanation is that she was abducted.” I lied like a rug.  “Now please get out of my house I’m sick and tired of seeing your faces.”

With that said they left without another word.  Climbing the stairs to my bedroom I wonder if I should have told them that she did come over and that in a sense she was running but not running because she was a murder, but to get away from the person who tried to murder her. It was complicated and I could only imagine just how she felt. Climbing into my pajamas and into bed I laid there thinking of how I could help my best friend. Thoughts flooded my brain and instantly I was up grabbing my laptop. Turning it on I plopped down on my bed and googled Brian’s murder. I remember someone say that one of his friends had heard her frantic screaming and came to the rescue but I couldn’t remember the guy’s name. Thanks to Austin I knew for a fact that none of Brian’s friends had planned on visiting him that night, and that none of them even lived in the same building. Reading the article over and over again there was only a small mention of an unnamed man who came to her aide.

Frantically I searched more into the murder hoping that somehow maybe someone had leaked something on the case, but came up empty. Placing my laptop on the desk I shook my head knowing that I was onto something, frustrated that I couldn’t figure it out I slammed my fists into my lavender pillows. Laying back I shut my eyes but sleep never came. Rolling over to observe my alarm clock I discovered it was four in the morning. Groaning I placed my pillow over my head. Just as was about to fade into sleep a small creak of a door downstairs made me snap my eyes open. My heart began to pound as I heard small footsteps on the hardwood floor. Blindly I grabbed for my cellphone for just in case. Hearing the creaking of the steps I immediately dialed 911 again as my heart pounded against my rib cage.

“911 what’s your emergency?”

“Hello,” I whispered frantically into the phone as another step creaked. “Someone’s broken into my house, please send someone quickly.” Another step creaked and I jumped into action. Sliding my chair from my desk under the door knob I stepped back as another step creaked. Biting my lip I clutched my phone to my ear as the operator talked to me, but I was unable to comprehend anything she was saying when my door knob began to twist and turn. My breathing became erratic I stepped back quickly scanning my room I realized I had nothing to protect myself. Heading over to the window I cracked it open and stepped out onto the icy ledge just as my bedroom door flew open. Peaking in I saw a tall man enter my room. “Oh God.”  I whispered to myself as I carefully ran along the edge. Turning around I saw the man climb out onto the ledge where I was. Expertly he ran towards me. My foot slid and I fell towards the ground. Landing with a thud I groaned as I tried to move. Instant pain filled my leg and I screamed out in pain. Sirens filled the dead silent air and tears filled my eyes thinking I was saved. The man jumped down from the ledge landing on his feet beside me causing me to yelp out in surprise. Watching him he walked towards me with no limp and I was surprised he didn’t hurt himself from jumping off the ledge. My eyes grew wide as he grabbed my top pulling me towards him he sneered in my face.  “Where is she?” His breath stank of fish and rotting teeth as he asked me so subtly.

“I don’t know how you’re talking about.”  There was no way I was going to give up my friend to some psychotic killer.

“Big mistake.” He went to plunge the knife into my stomach but as the sirens grew closer he got nervous and missed his mark. Cursing at himself he got up and took of just before the police cruisers rounded the corner.

Falling Inside The Black Chapter 3

Letting out a small scream for help I kicked him square in the jaw when he started to grab at me. Taking his moment of weakness I sprung from my bed hearing him growl under his breath he caught my right ankle in his strong firm grasp yanking me to the ground. Landing with a thud grunting I tried to kick him in the face again, but he had managed to clasp my other ankle. Whimpering I thrashed around as he dragged me away from the door. Banging my fists against the hardwood I yelled for my parents to come to my aide. Instead of the sounds of running I was answered by a dark eerie laugh that bounced off the purple walls of my room.

“They aren’t coming to help you, you know.” Wrapping his hands around my throat he picked me up slamming my body into the wall causing the dry wall to cave under such force. Wildly I kicked and scratched at his hands silently pleading for some sort of inner strength. My foot connected with his crotch dropping me he doubled over in pain. I coughed hysterically as I managed to get my bedroom door opened. I tripped over my own feet at the top of the stairs I tumbled down them like a bowling ball running into every blessed step and rail. Groaning I hear him running down the stairs instant adrenaline kicked in. I ignored the pain and ran straight to the front door, but my foot connected with something and I tumbled forward. Cussing I turned around to discover I had tripped over my mother’s lifeless body. My heart leapt into my throat and my eyes grew in terror. Gulping back the sob that threatened to rip out of my throat I clasped the door knob pulling me up. Yanking it open I barreled down the steps out onto the dew glossed lawn heading towards the street as I heard the familiar thump thump of footsteps on our wooden deck. Pumping my arms I ran down the sidewalk my feet began to hurt as they slapped against the pavement, but I knew I couldn’t stop. My lungs burned and I could barely breathe as I took a sharp left heading straight for Tara’s house. I couldn’t help but look back to make sure he wasn’t following me and when I didn’t see him relief filled my body, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was still following.

Reaching Tara’s house I pounded on her back door fast and loud. Seeing the kitchen light flick on I swallowed hard feeling exposed out in the dim moonlight seconds ticked by when she finally appeared with a bathrobe wrapped around her and clear agitation on her face. 

“What the hell Casey?” She opened the door letting me in. “God you look like crap what happened?”

Taking in several deep breathes to calm my erratic heart beat I looked up at her as she tapped her foot lightly on the hardwood floor.

“Someone broke into our house and I think they killed my parents.” Her eyes grew wide as she looked at me with disbelief in her eyes.

“What!” She threw her hands up in the air. “How did you get away? Did they follow you? Oh god I’m calling the cops.” Running into the living room she grabbed her cell phone dialing 911 as fast as she could.

I grabbed a hold of her wrist when she came back into the kitchen. “You didn’t say I was here did you?”

“No I didn’t say you were here.  All I had said was that you called me all freaked out saying that someone broke into your house and you think they may have attacked your parents.” Raising her eyebrow she questioned me silently.

“Good, can I borrow a few shirts and pants? I promise to replace them as soon as possible.” Opening her mouth she snapped it shut thinking twice about asking why.

“Whatever, I don’t want to know.”

A few minutes ticked by and she walked down the stairs carrying a small red duffle bag and a pair of shoes.  I could tell she was worried and that she had a lot of questions running around in her head, but she knew that I couldn’t share them.

“Look Casey call me when you can okay?” Biting her lip she handed me her things as she continued. “I’m guessing your leaving town or something like that so I packed a few uh extras in there, and don’t worry about replacing them I promise its stuff I can live without. Though you had better get going before the cops show up here or else you’re going to make me look like a liar.” She tried to smile but I could see tears well up in her eyes as she headed towards the window. “Goodbye Casey.” Fog spread across the pane as she whispered it mostly to herself.

“Goodbye Tara and thank you so much.” With that said I left quickly through the back door afraid that if I stayed any longer I would either be caught or I’d break down into a crying fit. Closing my eyes I breathed in the cold crisp air as I slid on the shoes she gave me and sprinted through her backyard and into the nearby woods making sure that I kept near the road, but not to close because I didn’t want to be spotted. Reaching the edge of the woods before I entered the main part of town I stopped to open the duffle bag. I sucked in a sharp breath of air when I saw that there was a small wad of cash sitting on top of the clothes. Looking up at the sky I silently thanked my friend for being there when I needed her the most. She had given me five hundred dollars, and I knew that this had come out of her student loan fund. Carefully I placed the cash back inside the bag and ran into the busy section of town. Finally I located a cheap hotel and checked in under a fake name using the cash Tara had given me.

Entering the musty hotel room I locked and dead bolted the door, double checked that all the windows were locked and the curtains we’re down. Plopping down on the edge of the bed I let my tears finally fall. Everything that I ever loved and cared about was being yanked away from me in a blink of the eye. There was only one possible way to cope with that which was to cry till I couldn’t feel anymore. I had lost my boyfriend and now my parents than to top it all off I was being hunted for some unknown reason to me. I knew that I had to find the answers and quick because I knew that if whoever it was that wanted to spill my blood would do so the instant he found me. Taking in a deep breath I grabbed the bag taking into the tiny dirty bathroom with me. I desperately wanted to soak away the dirt and grime from the forest, and the possible blood from my mother. Cranking the shower on I jumped in enjoying the soft spray from the warm water. Afterwards I wrapped myself into a towel and took the bag back into the main area with me. Gently I set it on the floor by my feet, zipping it open I pulled out its contents. She had given me a few pairs of underwear, a bra, socks, and some blue jeans, a couple of white and blue tops, and she even threw in two pairs of her comfy pajama bottoms. Smiling slightly I pulled on some of the items grateful to have some clean stuff with me.

Climbing into the stiff brown sheets of the queen bed I wrapped the golden quilt around me as a small cold breeze chilled me to the bone.  Or maybe it was just the fact that I still didn’t feel that safe.  I haven’t felt safe since Brain died, and it still ate slowly ate at me that I couldn’t change the past. Clamping my eyes shut I tried to think about all the things that used to be good in my life and soon I fell into a restless sleep.

****

It was Brian and I’s first Christmas together and I was itching with excitement waiting for him knock on the front door.

“Oh Casey get your butt back in here.” My mother called me from the kitchen and I could tell she was getting annoyed with calling me back into help her with dinner. Shaking my head I turned on my heels and entered the kitchen. The smells of ham and potatoes filled my lungs making my mouth salivate just a little bit. “Honey you’ll hear the doorbell when he arrives so just stop pacing around your driving me insane.” I could tell she was joking by the small smile on her face and the hint of sarcasm in her tone.

“Oh I know mom, I’m just so excited for you guys to actually meet him! He means so much to me and we’re going onto our five month anniversary!” I grabbed a nearby knife preoccupying myself so I could cut up the remaining vegetables so I didn’t have to fully listen to her rambling that was bound to come after that statement.

“Casey I know you think you may be in love with this Brian guy, but honey like you just said you’re only moving into five months’ worth of dating. I just don’t think you should jump into something you may not be ready for. You know your father and I dated for a whole year before I decided that I was truly in love with him, and then what do you know another year later we were married and pregnant with your brother James.” I was shocked that she had mentioned James. No one has talked about him really since his car accident eleven years ago. I was ten when he passed away which would have made him eighteen at the time. A school bus had run a stop sign broadsiding the passenger side of his Honda Accord. I stopped my cutting when I noticed that my mother was no longer talking. Turning around I saw her just standing there with a dazed look on her small round face. Her hazel eyes were focused on something or some memory I couldn’t see. Lightly I placed my hand on her shoulder giving it a reassuring squeeze. She absentmindedly placed her hand on mine giving me a small pat on my hand as she snapped from her trance. “Sorry.” She mumbled under her breath as she turned her attention back on the stove. Sighing I turned my focus back onto mutilating the veggies when the doorbell rang. My excitement returned as I dropped the knife on the table and bolted for the door.

“Hey.” Brian said coolly as I opened the door to let him in. “You look great.” He gave me a single rose as he planted a small kiss on my cheek when he stepped inside.  Giggling I blushed as I smelled the sweetness of the red rose.

“Thanks Brian.” I said as I motioned him towards the living area where I knew my dad and older brother were. I coughed lightly to let them know we had joined them. They both turned at the same time plastering smiles on their faces when they realized Brian was with me. “Uh Dad and Alec this Brian, and Brian this is my Dad Eric and my older brother Alec.” I made sure they were exchanging handshakes and nods before I went back into the kitchen to check up on my mom. 

“Goodness I was just about to call you back in here. Can you help me set up the table?” She had all the meat, potatoes and veggies all in separate bowls ready to be taken out and placed on the table.

“I can help too.” Brains voice startled us both causing my mom to drop the pitcher of water she held in her hands. “Oh crap I’m sorry.” He said as he rushed over to help my mom clean up the spill. “Let me get that please it was my fault that I startled you.”  My mom looked up at him with more interest than I thought she would as she stepped out of his way so he could mop up the mess. Looking back to make sure he wasn’t paying attention she looked over at me winking and giving me a thumbs up to let me know she already approved of him. Nodding in agreement I took some of the bowls and placed them on the festive table cloth. “I’m Brian by the way, and you must by Casey’s mom Ellen. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He stuck out his hand so subtle that my mom didn’t even notice it she just wrapped him up into a hug which caught him off guard because he gave me the whole what the heck type of look. Shrugging I just sat there and smiled as my mother bear hugged him.

After dinner and desert I helped my mom clean up the mess while the guys decided to get acquainted some more.

“I can see why you like him so much he’s such a charmer.” She said as she elbowed me in the arm.

“Thanks mom.” I mutter mostly to myself. I mean don’t get me wrong I’m glad that my mom likes him, and it seems like from the cheering and hollering in the other room my dad and brother have warmed up to him. I’m thrilled really I am I just seriously didn’t expect them to well like him so fast, but I guess my mom is right he’s a charmer. I look up just as Brain comes stumbling in with my brother laughing their butts off.

“Sis you seriously picked a winner here he’s better than any of the other guys you’ve brought home.” They burst out laughing when Alec socked Brian in the arm while both my mom and I rolled our eyes in unison.  Watching Alec leave the room Brian turned his attention to us.

“Do you lovely gals need some help in here?” My mom let out a small snicker and shook her hands out of the water.

“Why yes Brian my hands are feeling a bit pruned up would you mind helping Casey finish up the dishes?” She winked at me again as she moved out of Brian’s way.

“I’d love to.” He said with amusement in his tone which both he and I knew my mom was giving us a bit of alone time.

“Your family is great Casey.” He enthused as soon as my mom had left the room and was out of ear shot. “And your brother he’s pretty cool. He’s what a year older than us?”

“Thanks, and yeah he’ll be twenty two here in a few weeks.” I said just as he lightly splashed me with the soapy water. Giggling I returned the playful splash when I gently through a plate in the sink in front of him. Laughing he leaned over kissing me on top of my head. “So when do I get to meet your family?” I ask as casually as I can. He knows I’ve wanted to meet his parents for some time, and I just can’t put my finger on the fact of why he doesn’t want me to meet them.

Clearing his throat he glanced at my sideways and shrugged. “Oh I don’t know. My dad he’s always busy and well my mom she locks herself in her art studio all day. I hardly ever see them as it is.” Deciding against pressing the matter I put the last dish in the rinse water. “So I have something for you.” Looking over at him I raised my eyebrow.

“Oh you do now.” Playfully I tugged on his arm for him to wrap them around me. “What if I were to say I had something for you too up in my room.” Smiling lightly he poked my nose. “Hey!”

“What can I say you have a cute button nose.” Cracking up at his own comment we both busted out laughing till my mom came in to see what got us all hysterical which made us laugh harder. Shaking her head she left the room with a smile on her face. Finally after we calmed down I poked my head into the living room to see if my mom was in there.

“Hey mom I’m taking Brian up to my room to uh get his gift.” She turned around giving me that don’t do anything stupid kind of look and I rolled my eyes as I turned my attention back to Brian. Taking his hand I led him up the stairs and into my bedroom where I lightly closed the door behind us. Immediately he ran his fingers through my hair and kissed me passionately on the lips.

“I’ve been waiting to do that all night long.” He said as we pulled away from one another to get some air. I watched as he headed towards my bed and plop himself down on the edge. Smiling he lounged backwards cocking his head up towards the ceiling I fought back the urge to run over and kiss his neck. Biting my lip I went over to my desk grabbing the small red velvet case. Raising his eyebrow as I handed it to him I motioned for him to open it when I sat beside him. Awe spread across his face when he opened the box to reveal a small gold chair with a class ring threaded through it. “What’s this Casey?”

Locking eyes with him I grabbed the chain from the box and clasped it around his neck. “It used to belong to my brother James. It’s his class ring he gave it to me the day before he left which also happened to be the day he died in a car accident. I wanted to give you something that meant a lot to me so you would know exactly how I feel about you.” Looking down at my shaggy brown carpeted floor I twiddled my thumbs as he lightly fingered the ring. He reached over placing his hand under my chin bringing my lips to his.

“Casey you have no idea how much this means to me. I had no idea you felt so strongly about me.” He mumbled against my lips. Placing my head in the crook of his should as we laid back on my bed I couldn’t have felt safer. He wrapped his arms around me hugging me close to him. I enjoyed the feel of him against me and I couldn’t help but breathe in his bittersweet aftershave that reminded me of peppermint and chocolate.  Feeling him move I adjusted so he could sit up and I watched him wiggle something small out of his front pocket. He turned and looked at me as he gnawed on the bottom of his lip. Moving my hair to the side he slid on a small chained necklace with a heart attached to it.  “I give you my heart Casey to hold onto for as long as you want it. I knew from the moment I met you back in high school we would have something special in the future, and I was right. I fell in love with you.” Tears welled up in my eyes as I registered his words and a small smile spread across my face as he took me into his arms.

“I love you too Brian.” I mumbled into his neck.

*****

I woke up crying wanting nothing more than to be wrapped up into his big strong arms, and the sad thing is I already knew that that was never going to happen again. I grabbed the nearby flat pillow and hugged it close to my body as I heaved in and out. Sorrow filled my body knowing that I may never be happy again. Breathing in and out I placed my head into the pillow and screamed as frustration took over. I was bound and determined to bring Brian’s killer to justice even if it killed me which the ironic truth is that that may just happen. Glancing over at the clock I saw it was almost five in the morning so I threw my covers off and picked out a pair of jeans and socks from the bag Tara had given me. I had to pick up a few supplies from the nearby Wal-Mart and one of those items had to be a disposable phone. If I was going to get any answers I needed someone who could keep an eye out on things and be a spy for me which only meant that once again I was in desperate need of Tara’s help. 

After grabbing what I thought would make a good disguise I was heading through the electronics section just as a horrific scene on one of the TV’s played before my eyes. 

It is said that Ellen Lufkin was pronounced dead upon arrival to the scene of the break in. As for her husband Eric Lufkin is now being taken care of at EIRMC and is in Critical condition. Their daughter Casey Lufkin whom was just released from Milton’s Behavioral Health Center has gone missing. Police are still unsure if she was kidnapped by the home invader or an accomplice to the murder of her mother and late boyfriend Brian Ackles.

A recent picture of me smiling flashed across the screen.  I recognized it almost immediately it was from a photo that I had taken with Brian a few days before he was murdered. Suddenly afraid I would be spotted I grabbed the cheapest disposable phone and went to check out. Throwing my hood up over my head as I ran out of the doors I made a beeline for my hotel so I could begin step one of my mission.

Stepping inside my dank room I flipped the light on watching it spread light across the living space. Shaking my head I dumped the supplies on the bed.  Chewing on my lip I started at the scissors, hair dye, makeup and colored contact lenses. The only way that I could stay in town was to practically change my look.  Snatching up the scissors and dye I went into the dimly light bathroom. Taking in a deep breath I began to cut my hair into a short bob and after I was satisfied that my hair wasn’t horribly mutilated I took the black hair dye mixed it and began the application process. Pacing around the room I tried to think of my second move as I waited for the dye to set. I had to gain access to the library today maybe there might some news I could look into that there might be a possibility that this has happened before.  I knew it was a slim chance, but I just had to know.  Then I had to get a hold of Tara and see what the cops had to say last night.

An hour went by and instead of long blonde hair, blue eyes and basically plain looks I had short black hair, golden green eyes and I actually had makeup on. Which I was glad that Tara had actually taken the time to show me how to do it properly I looked like a totally different person. Satisfied I headed to the library to begin my research. 

Throwing my hood up I walked the rain slicked streets. I don’t know why it would have been easier and  way faster to take the bus or a taxi, but I guess you can say I still don’t really want to put my new looks to the test. An hour went by and I finally stood in front of the bricked library. Shoving my hands in my pockets I took a deep breath and ran up the stone steps through the entrance and straight to the computers. Scanning my surroundings I slid my hood off and booted the ancient computer. It groaned as it came to life and I couldn’t help but wonder just how long it had been since these had actually been used. Accessing the internet I began my search with high hopes. Hours went by and I kept coming up empty frustrated I turned the computer off and bolted through the double glass paned doors. It was pouring rain and it froze me right to the bone, but I ran anyways. Tripping over my own feet I landed on the sidewalk and the tears began to fall. There was only one thing in this world and that was to have the answers of who did this to Brian but reality sets in quick and I knew from the way things were going that my wish would never ever come true.