Vampire World

by Douglas, Rich

  “Isn’t that some great music, Janice?” Mr. FreeCut asked.

  “You actually like that?” I replied, stunned.

  “Yes. And they are just an amateur cover band.”

  Like at the RazorCut Mall, I was getting some rude looks from the crowd, though this time I didn’t notice it as much. Probably because I was with Mr. FreeCut.

  I thought about my date that evening. With just twenty Carns to my name, I would never be able to afford the cool haircuts that all these other girls had, or the jewelry, necklaces, earrings and tattoos. And the shirts…God…I’d probably have to settle for something really cheap. But I didn’t care. I had to get this funky black bag off of my chest. Otherwise my date would probably freak out and run away.

  After stopping at an open food court and enjoying some grub paid for by Mr. FreeCut, we walked past a tattoo shop with a long line in front. A sign read: 'Large tattoos: 150 Carns. Glow in the dark tattoos: 300 Carns. 3-D tattoos: 450 Carns'. Damn. I really was broke.

  “I’m rather surprised that you haven’t gotten anything yet, Janice,” Mr. FreeCut said. “You have a hundred and twenty Carns to spend. I know that doesn't make you rich, but you could afford a cheap ring or necklace.”

  “Actually,” I told him, “I’m interested in getting a shirt. Where is that shop you talked about?”

  I followed him a few more steps until we came to Vampire Supermarket. In front of this large, box-like store, a fountain similar to the one at DeathCourt gushed out a never-ending flow of green liquid. Clothes of all kinds were on display behind the supermarket's tinted windows. A 'Help Wanted' sign hung on the front door.

  “I’m sure you’ll find something in here,” Mr. FreeCut said.

  The inside of the store certainly was impressive. Monumental shelves of clothes stretched out in every direction, including high above my head. So high in fact, I couldn’t even see where they ended. I started checking out the ladies' department. Dim red lights illuminated the endless variety of clothes on show - tight, fancy black dresses with images of dragons on them at 200 Carns, green glow-in-the-dark slip over sweaters at 250 Carns, and chic blood-red tank tops with jewelry littered all over them at 400 Carns – all of these caught my eye but were way out of my price league.

  Feeling like I was walking through a canyon between the towering shelves, I moved on to the less expensive stuff. Rose-colored hip hugging jeans with eccentric though stylish designs priced at 120 Carns. Nice. But I could still only look.

  Moving further on, the clothes continued to get cheaper. Eventually I came to a plain old black, button down shirt with an imprint of a small jade skull on the front going for 15 Carns.

  I picked it up. It may have not been much to look at, but it was a hell of a lot better than what I had on now.

  Realizing that I now only had 5 Carns to my name, which was just enough to get me to my destination tonight, I got more excited about my date. I almost wanted to tell Mr. FreeCut about everything I’d done behind his back, but eventually decided not to. He’d probably drink my blood and eat me for dinner.

  On the way back to the car we passed by DeathNail Club and Spirits. I made a careful note of its location, at the same time remembering that I still hadn't yet figured out a plan for how to get away that night. I looked nervously at my watch. Time was running out.

  “You look like you have something on your mind, Janice,” he remarked.

  All I had to do was tell him the truth! But I couldn’t do it. So I just told him I was fine and not to worry.

  Arriving home only made me more anxious. What the hell was I going to do? Run away?

  “I have something to give you,” Mr. FreeCut said. “It means so much to me, because you mean so much to me.”

  He handed me a plain black necklace. “It belonged to my mother. I hope you like it.”

  I put the necklace on and peered into a mirror. I actually liked the way it looked, even though it was very plain. It looked especially good against my pale skin.

  As day turned into night and the massive Garlic Moon shone behind the glowing leaves of the front yard tree, I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to tell him, because I was not going to pass this gorgeous guy up. No way!

  I heard Mr. FreeCut talking on a phone in a frustrated voice. Moments later he came up to me looking upset.

  “I was looking forward to spending a nice evening with you, Janice, but there’s been an explosion at the plant. I need to be over there to help out. So you’ll have the house to yourself. I’m sorry.”

  Oh…now that’s just what I wanted to hear….

  I tried my best to put on a phony frown. “I’ll miss you,” I said. “Stay safe.”

  I watched him leave, not in his own car that was parked in the garage, but in a SUV that someone else was driving.

  Not wasting time wondering why he didn’t drive himself to the plant, I rushed to the mirror to check out my face. I grinned as I told myself I looked decent. After all, I was only trying to impress my date tonight, not the whole freakin world.

  I put on my new shirt. It fitted me well, though it was still lackluster by vampire standards. I smoothed down my hair the best I could with my hands, at the same time wishing that I had enough Carns to get it done nicely.

  After deciding to keep Mr. FreeCut’s chain on, I grabbed my purse and set off from the house. Although still wearing my baggy pants and granny shoes, I comforted myself with the fact that I was at least halfway decently dressed.

  At the train station, I placed my card into the machine and stated my destination. But instead of the usual acceptance, I was distraught to see an unexpected message flash up.

  TRAIN IN REPAIR: TWENTY DEGREE DELAY.

  My heart sank. No, you can't do this, I wanted to cry out. How in the hell was I going to meet my date? I’d never make it in time!

  There was only one thing for it. I sprinted back to the house as fast as I could.

  I was going to have to borrow Mr. FreeCut’s car.

  DATE

  It didn’t take me long to find his keys, which he'd left on the counter top. I went to the garage, knowing that I could be in big trouble if Mr. FreeCut returned before me and found his car gone. But right at that moment, I didn’t care. All I could think of was my date.

  Driving came naturally to me, almost like I’d been doing it for a few years, even though I didn’t remember any of it and this thing handled like a box on four wheels. I followed the same road we'd taken earlier, encountering very few other vehicles along the way until after clearing the rough neighborhood of DeathHouse.

  Only after crossing Slice Canyon did the traffic really start to increase. I eyed the iconic buildings of downtown, all the time thinking of what Mr. FreeCut might do if he got home before me and discovered that I'd 'borrowed' his car without telling him.

  Remembering exactly the location of the parking garage, I parked the car and walked out onto the shopping street. It was a far more bustling place at night. Struggling along through the sea of physically flawless, finely dressed vampires, many more of whom were lined up outside different clubs and restaurants, it took me about a degree to reach DeathNail Club and Spirits.

  I waited directly beneath the club's bright neon sign, wondering how I would ever be able to find Rob in such a crowd. Again, uninviting stares were thrown my way by well-groomed vamps standing in line. But maybe it was a good thing I stood out.

  I waited for what seemed like forever, staring at the beautiful haircuts of several girls. Then I heard somebody call out my name.

  Turning around, I gazed into the scarlet eyes of Rob.

  “Hello, Janice.”

  We hugged. His muscular arms sent a pleasurable chill down my spine.

  “Glad you showed up,” he said. “We’re really gonna have a fun time tonight.”

  Pleasurably dazed by his long red hair, perfect face, and slick outfit of maroon jeans and black collared shirt with a glow-in-the-dark snake on the front, I found it hard to speak.


  “My charm seems to stun you,” he laughed. Yes, it most certainly did. “Well, it’s time to eat. Follow me.”

  It appeared he knew the restaurant and club host, which meant we were able to walk right past the line. The guys on the door let us in without a wait.

  We were seated immediately in a luxurious booth. The airy restaurant reeked of tempting blood, and a live band was playing soft distorted guitar music on an elaborate stage in the center.

  “I told you this place was nice,” Rob said. “Get whatever you like. I’m loaded.”

  “Thank you,” I replied. I couldn't help but smile.

  A gorgeous looking waitress handed me a menu, together with a syringe shaped cup full of blood with a green piece of fruit at the top. I scanned the menu carefully. Large mallet of blood: 70 Carns. Fresh Molluka and potenna bread: 90 Carns. Bloody Pork and Sonta Beans: 60 Carns. Fresh Blood Pizza with Molluka: 50 Carns.

  I decided to go with the pizza.

  “Good choice,” Rob said. “As for me, I’m craving some Molluka and potenna bread, not to mention some of their delicious bloodcheese sticks.”

  We gave the waitress our order after I finished my cup of blood. She handed us some hot and spicy bloodcheese sticks, also two mega mallets of blood. My eyes wanted to pop out of my head. This was the most blood I’d ever seen in one serving.

  “Gosh, thanks,” I said deliriously.

  Not wasting any time, I clasped the mallet and started drinking. It tasted like a sweet fruit drink.

  “You’re too cute not to spend money on,” he said.

  I blushed while secretly drooling over his topaz earrings, multiple rings, and several posh glow-in-the dark tattoos.

  “You know,” he said as we waited for our food. “Not only are you beautiful, you're also different. I’ve never been out with a girl who wears her hair down, or one who didn’t have any earrings or tattoos. And as for your outfit – well, what can I say?”

  I explained to him about the accident, and how I'd recently been adopted by a guy who couldn't afford to give me lots of pocket money or posh clothes.

  “You’re going to be alright,” he said. “I really like you. After we eat, you must come with me into the club.”

  The more he talked, the more I was captivated by his incredible bad boy eyes.

  Our food arrived. My pizza was smothered in blood and topped with pepperoni and miniature Molluka, which were some sort of fish-like creatures with three eyes. Rob received a monster sized Molluka smothered in blood. All the food was so yummy. And so was Rob.

  With our stomachs full and bodies flowing with blood, we left the restaurant section and headed into the club.

  Inside, the place was jumping with wickedly fun dance music. Smoke filled the room, its hazy clouds glistening with swirling fairy dust. The floor shimmered with glitter.

  “This place is amazing,” I told Rob as we began to dance. A waitress handed us blood shot glasses. Rob told me they came free with the admission price. We both downed ours right away.

  We continued bumping and grinding, our sweaty bodies close together. Rob smelled like a dead fish. Not that I minded. By now, almost anything dead seemed to smell like roses. But why had he chosen a badly dressed and fashionably clueless me over the countless other girl vampires who looked so much better? I hadn’t a freakin clue. I wanted to kiss him.

  I wanted him to kiss me.

  We exited the club, smiling and holding hands. His hot body brushed up against mine, making me want to scream.

  “Hey, you got to see my ride,” he said.

  I followed him into a nearby parking garage and up a few flights of stairs.

  “Here it is,” he said, smiling.

  Rob pointed to a sleek, all-black sports car with blood-red tires and shiny golden rims. A golden skull with diamonds in its eyes sat on the hood. It was much larger than the skull on Mr. FreeCut’s car.

  Rob clutched my hand. “You know, I reckon you’re gorgeous. Don’t take this the wrong way, but just think. If you had enough money to buy some nice clothes and fix up your hair, you would be a complete knock out.”

  I laughed.

  “I’ll take you shopping tomorrow,” he continued. “I’ll buy you some hot clothes, rings, necklaces, shoes - anything you want, baby.”

  Quite suddenly, he kissed me on the lips. My heart raced.

  “Come and check out the inside,” he said, pointing to his car again.

  He opened the door and we both climbed into the back, which was much bigger than it appeared from the outside. The rock-hard seats shimmered with gold.

  He kissed me passionately, his cold tongue touching mine as our fangs gently locked together. Before I knew it, Rob had taken off his shirt and we were kissing real heavy. I marveled at his sexy chest, amazed by how good it looked, and how pretty his glow-in-the-dark tats were.

  Oddly, I felt like I’d been in this situation before - I just couldn’t remember the details. But I did sense a warning coming through. All of a sudden, something didn’t feel right.

  “I think we better slow down,” I told him, pulling back.

  He gazed at me, discouraged. “Why? Come on. Don’t be boring.”

  He closed in on me again, but I gently pushed him away. Then I climbed over the front seat and got out of the car. He did the same.

  “I really like you, Rob,” I said. “But I’m just not ready for that yet….”

  His face hardened a touch. “I treated you to dinner,” he growled. “I was going to take you shopping. Is this all I get?”

  I said nothing as I saw the blood rush into his face. I didn’t feel good. I was actually scared.

  “You don’t know what you’re passing up,” he continued. “I’ve been with so many girls. And you’re turning me down? I can’t believe that.”

  I quickly went from scared to pissed off.

  “So you’re saying I’m ugly?” I stormed back. “Goodbye!”

  I walked rapidly away. He didn’t follow, but did shout after me that I was a vampire bitch just as I was leaving the parking area. Anger turned to hurt on realizing that I’d been used by someone I thought was Mr. Right. Once again, it seemed, everyone in this world was a blood-sucking demon. Well, everyone except for Mr. FreeCut and a few others.

  Picking up the pace, I found the parking garage I'd used and made my way to Mr. FreeCut’s car. But someone was standing there. Someone I most definitely did not want to see. My stalker in the mall. He was on the other side of the car, his nasty eyes staring at me.

  “Well, well! How are you, beautiful?”

  Ignoring the rat, I jumped into the car and started the engine. But through the rear view mirror I could see him getting into a vehicle of his own.

  Slamming my foot on the gas, I zoomed down the winding parking garage and into the street. The traffic was heavy, making me growl with frustration as I tried to get away from the shopping district. I had to get home before Mr. FreeCut found out I stole his car.

  Stuck at a red light forever, I peered in my mirror and saw a car right behind me. My stalker was inside. The light at last turned green. I immediately floored it.

  Swerving dangerously in and out of traffic, I headed for home with Garlic Moon shining on the horizon. But this was quickly swallowed up by a chilling wall of green clouds moving in. The wind started to blow real hard, making it difficult to drive as I sped past the swaying trees and rusty buildings that surrounded downtown.

  The monstrous olive clouds, mixed with crimson lightning bolts, overtook me, drenching the car with radiant rain that shimmered like slime. Soon, I could barely see a thing in front of me. The deluge stuck to the windshield faster than the wipers could swish it off. It poured down ferociously, backed by a screaming wind.

  I knew I should slow right down. But I kept going, determined to make it home.

  Suddenly, caught in a particularly ferocious gust of wind, I lost control of the car. I skidded for a few yards and then BAM! The car rammed into a tree with an almighty
thud.

  Oh No! No! No! No!

  For a while the world spun madly around me. Eventually it slowed down and I came to my senses. I realized that I wasn't hurt, but the car most certainly was. I attempted to start it, but the engine only puttered. With the rain now slackening, I got out to check the damage. The front was bashed in pretty good thanks to the tree's large trunk.

  A car pulled up alongside, its headlights blinding me. I hoped it might be a cop offering to help. But no. It was my stalker. He stood in front of me, grinning evilly.

  “Well, looks like you’re in some trouble,” he said, his fangs glistening. “You can come in my car and everything will be alright, baby.”

  My instincts took over. I set off as swiftly as my vampire feet could take me toward a grove of glistening trees. Through the trees I ran with no idea of where I was heading for. Then, in my blind haste, I tripped and fell forward into a hole that was obscured by the darkness and foliage. A very, very deep hole – the Slice Canyon. I tumbled down and down before crashing into the bottom so hard I could hear every bone in my body shatter.

  After that I blacked out.

  RECOVERY

  I woke up in horrifying pain and with several tubes attached to me. Fresh blood was being squirted into my arms, chest, legs and head. The hospital room twirled as I saw Mr. FreeCut; he was calling out my name. Then I passed out again.

  After waking a second time, I could finally see straight, though the pain was still gut-wrenching. New blood was still being pumped into me. I focused on Mr. FreeCut clearly now.

  “Janice, can you hear me?”

  I tried to speak, but was unable. Then I saw a vampire dressed in a bloody smock. He must have been a doctor.

  “She’s going to make it,” he said. “In twenty degrees her bones and organs should all be healed. In thirty, her cuts and bruises will be gone too.”

  Mr. FreeCut was ecstatic. “Thank goodness!”

  “She was very lucky. That fall almost killed her.”

  As the grueling degrees ticked by, gradually the pain lessened and my memory returned. I was able to talk a little too. I remembered the terrifying fall. I must have gone down like two hundred feet. How could I possibly be alive?