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A Never-Ending Nightmare - Story |
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The bar was just filling up as Alex walked in, ready to do her show. The karoke equipment was all ready for her to use. Now, the only question was; was he going to be there? Week after week, there was one special guest who was brave enough to sing with her, no matter the song. Taking a deep breath, she stepped on the stage, and readied her microphone. She left her equipment here, this way she wouldn't have to worry about setting up and taking it all down before and after each show she did right here. Alex wasn't the fondest of playing in other places, simply because she knew everyone in the town and she was content with it.
The night air was brisk against Joshua's face and neck, as his bike sped down the highway. He'd been waiting an entire week to play again with Alex, just to see her smile, to hear her laughs. It was always a joy being with her. He found his way to the exit, and pulled off, ready to take that sharp right turn that made his way to the bar. Traffic was beginning to build up in the parking lot, telling Josh that the show was beginning, as it always has, at eight o'clock sharp. He pulled his bike to the curb, and cut the engine. Relaxing against the handles, he breathed heavily. Her presence alone sent him gasping for air. It was a surprise he could even sing with her.
Inside, the mumble of chatter and the clanking of bottles and glasses filled the air. Off in the back, a woman let out some loud, barking laughs. Alex shut her eyes and took a deep breath. She signaled to the DJ to start the first song, and notes filled the air. The soothing beat was the beginning of the song, the perfect song to start off the night. Alex's hips swayed to the music, before finally letting out the first note with her voice. Just as she spoke, he walked in, nearly taking her breath away. He had dressed in his usual, jeans, T-shirt, and a leather jacket. Having never talked to him, Alex had begun to wonder if he really was a biker, or just some guy posing as one. The chorus to the song came up, and instantly she heard his voice, tuning itself to hers. His was that of silver notes ringing in the air, deep and melodic. She blushed, and continued to sing on, this time with more emotion.
After the song was over, Alex asked Josh if he would like to sing. Of course he would. Anything to please her. Erotic thoughts entered his mind, images of her underneath him, needing him. Blinking, he called to the DJ to play a certain song. It was one of her favorites, and he was sure of it. Alex cheered him on and on, and together they sung for the rest of the show.
Two o'clock came in a flash, as it always did when they were together. Pushing hand through her hair, Alex decided that she would finally talk to him tonight.
"Hey, we've been singing together for so long, I'm afraid I have never asked you for your name. I'm Alex," she said, holding out her hand.
"Hello, Alex. Joshua," he said, taking her hand and holding her eyes captive. Alex's heart skipped a beat, and blood rushed in her veins. She could feel a stirring in her stomach, and heat pooling. Turning away before anything else could go wrong, Alex went to go grab her bag.
"I-I'm so sorry. I really must go," she mustered.
"You say that every week," he said, his voice husky as his hand enveloped hers as he picked up her bag. "How about we get to know each other? You know, you come spend the night over at my place, and then we'll see about you going or not."
Alex didn't believe what she was hearing. Was this man truly hitting on her? This perfect man?
"I don't know what to say, Joshua. I think it's best for me to go, though," she said, taking her bag back from him. "Maybe some other time."
"There might not be another time, cara. You see, but I am moving next week. This is your last chance, I am sorry to say," he said, his eyes pleading as they met hers. Alex hesitated. The offer was enticing, as was he.
She had asked the bartender to park her car at one of her relatives houses. The wind whipped her hair, tossing it in all directions as her arms held onto Joshua's middle. She had decided to do the improper thing for the first time in perhaps her whole life, and she was going to enjoy every minute of it. Her smaller frame seemed fragile and weak against Joshua's larger one.
Alex nuzzled Joshua's back, keeping the biting wind from her face. The leather felt smooth, and his scent overwhelmed her nose. She inhaled deeply, absorbing his masculine scent.
"We'll be there soon, cara," he shouted over the wind. Alex nestled against him and murmured a low sound of approval. The vibrations of the bike coursed through her body, bringing new sensations to her. It seemed like sheer moments before he came off the highway and onto a side road. There were no houses around, and hardly any streetlights, making it incredibly dark, and yet still very serene. For the first time in a long time, Alex felt safe, even if she was riding on a bike with a total stranger in an unfamiliar neighborhood.
A fence appeared in the darkness. It wasn't white or any sort of bright color, so Alex almost wondered how she was able to see it. The fence wasn't metallic either, which would've given it a shine, even in the moonlight. Alex looked above her to see a full moon, shining brightly down on the Earth. She smiled.
Joshua cleared his throat. "We're here," he said, slowing down to enter an elongated driveway. He cut the engine, leaving the couple in an eerie silence. "Hope you like it," he shrugged as he helped her off the bike before climbing off himself.
"It's . . . amazing. And really big, too," Alex said, astounded. The place that Joshua had brought them to was none other than the most mysterious house of the county, if not the country. Rumor had it no one had lived there for centuries, yet this man seems to have developed an inhabitance of this once-majestic home. There were bits of rust lining the metal railings, but it just added to the old beauty of it. Alex traced her fingers along the railing closest to her, and took in the sheer beauty of it all. There was an omniscient presence about the area, but Alex didn't seem to mind. She felt as if she shouldn't be there, like the woodlands it was calling out to her. Her body tensed, but she tried to relax, by taking a deep breath. She felt a warm breath on her neck, and Alex turned to greet it.
Electricity cackled the air as his mouth found hers. His blood stirred, an uneasy feeling settling in his stomach. Alex pulled away first, stunned by the spontaneity if it. Her hand shook, and immediately Joshua took it between both of his.
"It is cold out here, how about we head inside?" He asked, his white teeth gleaming in the moonlight. Alex's heart stuttered. Fear engulfed her, and she suddenly no longer wished to be there. She tried to pull away, but Joshua had an iron grip.
"Let me go, Joshua. I change my mind," she said, gazing into his eyes, pleading with him.
"But the fun hasn't even started yet. You must stay," he said, his voice coaxing her, forcing her to his very will.
"I'm sorry, Joshua, but I really must go. It was a mistake coming here," she said, her heartbeat quickening.
"You are not leaving me, cara. You have no idea as to how long I have waited for this," he continued, taking a breath. "You cannot leave me. I need you. Come with me. Allow me to show you my beautiful home. Allow me to be with you this night."
Alex took a step back. "I really must go," she whimpered, her patience wearing thin. She looked into his eyes. They were bright red.
"You don't need to go. You're with me now," he whispered into her ear, his voice dropping an octave. Alex fell pliant against him. Her knees gave in, and she was left with him holding her gently in his arms. She sighed, all willpower to leave suddenly vanished. She was his now.
Alex woke to find herself in a bedroom of sorts. The furniture was very old, yet very beautiful. Strangely, there was no dust in the air, or on any of the furniture. Alex felt her way around the edges of the bed, ensuring she was alone. She then examined herself, moving one part of her body at a time to make sure everything was in tact. There was a stirring in the corner of the room.
"You're fine, cara mia. You will find that you are dressed, and you haven't been touched. You had passed out while we were outside earlier this morning," the voice said, emerging from the shadows. It wasn't he, but a ghostly figure. The frame was thin, almost of that of a starved or mutated man. His fingers were long and bony, the nails overgrown and cracked. He was tall, and dressed in clothing appropriate of that of someone who lived a century ago.
Alex scurried to the opposite corner of the room, away from the stranger. "Who are you? Where am I? What time is it?"
Raising his lanky hand in gesture, he bowed. "My apologies. It is 10 in the morning, miss. You are in the uppermost bedroom of my home. I, am the owner of this wonderful place I call my home. I have been living here for 146 years."
"So, you're a ghost," Alex said, feeling the wall behind her while moving toward the door.
"I wouldn't prefer to be called that. The young master, Joshua, is fast asleep on the sofa on the main floor. Quite the heavy sleeper, that young man," he chuckled, his rotten gums showing.
Alex's stomach heaved. The sight was not only grotesque, but unsettling. She screamed as she bolted out of the bedroom and down the stairs, trying to frantically find Joshua, or even outside to the motorcycle. Anything but that ghostly figure. There was a rumble off to her left, as if something or someone was jumping up and down and causing a riot.
"Alex! Are you alright?!" Joshua called. Alex ran to him and into his arms, crying.
"There was a ghost. I want to leave. Now," she muttered between sobs.
"You are fine. The ghost that you saw is the original owner of this fine home, and surprisingly, he still lives here. I do not disturb him, nor does he disturb here. I guess you can call it a mutual friendship," Joshua chuckled.
Alex pulled away, shocked at what he had said. She had never witnessed a ghost before, nor did she ever want to again. She ran outside, intent on escaping. The sun shone brightly, and her eyes squinted in the light. She continued to run, until she was afraid she might collapse. She had made it to the road with tears streaming down her cheeks. Collapsing, she leaned against a tree trunk, curling up into a ball. There was a movement behind her. Jumping to her feet, Alex turned to see it.
"I'm sorry I startled you. I knew a shortcut," Joshua said, grinning and gesturing towards the tree branches.
"Ape-man as well?" Alex started to quiver.
"Not necessarily. Now, now, let us head back inside, as the sun is scorching me," he said, his voice velvet. Alex slowly shook her head, trying to summon up the strength to run. There was no one around for miles, she knew that much, but anywhere would be safer than here.
Just then something sharp and shiny caught her eye. She let out her hand, in a handshake for Joshua. "Fine, take me back," she said, a smirk in her eyes. Joshua took her hand and instantly she grabbed his forearm with her other hand and spun around, dropping to her knees, sending Joshua flying over her head. She grabbed the knife and hooked her arm under his and up to his neck. Her other arm pinned his to his back. "Let me go, Joshua. I wish to leave. Let me go or I'll hurt you," she said, her voice shaky.
There were cracks from inside Joshua's head as it turned all the way around to face her. He tilted his head to view her beautiful face, covered in fear. Tears lined her cheeks, and dark circles were visible under her eyes. "You haven't slept well, have you? You must sleep. With me," he laughed, his raspy voice echoing in the silence.
Everything went dark as Alex opened her eyes. She was covered with a layer of cold sweat, still in the sheets. She looked at her clock in her room. It was only 6:45pm. It was just a nightmare. Only a nightmare. But the laughter still echoed fresh in her mind, as though her dream had really happened. She was due at the bar in about an hour, and she had nearly overslept.
The door opened and a dark figure walked in. "You sleep well?" it asked, its voice deep, like the man in her dreams. He took off his hood and smirked at her, his teeth white and eyes red.
 Thee Alchemyst · Wed Dec 31, 2008 @ 05:13am · 0 Comments |
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