The Community
05:43 Sep 16 2008
Times Read: 729
Living in the shadows was a thing in the past. I now live within a community that accepts who and what I am. It had been a dangerous journey to this place.
It started when I had left my home at sixteen. It wasn't because my parents were abusive. I just was a rebel and no longer wanted to live with a curfew, or to do housework when I didn't want to. I stayed with friends until I had graduated and was able to live on my own.
As soon as I got the chance I was out. I didn't want to live by any one's rules. I had to be on my own so I could be myself. All these years pretending to be some I wasn't had sent me into an uncontrolable spiral that I could recover from.
The world was out there, and I wanted to see it all. I wanted to travel. I wanted to make new friends. Friends that wouldn't judge me for who I was.
I stayed wherever I could, because I had no money left. When I left on my own I had quit my job, as an emergancy dispatcher, thinking I could do without it.
I spent two years living on the streets. I had always considered myself the lucky one. I didn't steal, do drugs, drink, or prostitute myself for money. I did all I could to stay out that scene. Although the days were long and the nights cold I knew things would look up. I didn't have any worries. It wasn't exactly how I wanted to see the world, but I was able to travel from place to place as I pleased. There were times I feared for my safety, but I had always kept head held high.
One day as I stood at a light, waiting to cross the street, a man walked up to me. He looked to be in his thirties. He had shoulder length brown hair. He wore a dark blue suit with a white dress shirt. He was quite handsome.
He offered to walk me across the street. I hesitated in answering him. By time I could speak we were walking across side by side. We were on the oposite corner when I blinked.
"Name's Dale. What's your name?" he asked.
"I'm Fyre." I replied using my nickname a friend had given me.
"Well, Fyre, where are you staying?"
"With a couple of friends of mine." I lied.
I was beginning to wonder why this stranger was asking me so questions. It was kind of creepy.
"I know that is not true." he said matter-of-factly. "If you're wondering if I am a cop...I'm not. In fact cops kind of freak me out. Why don't you tell me the truth?"
A smile suddenly formed in his eyes that made them twinkle. Those deep brown eyes looked down at me with kindness and understanding.
There was just something about him that made me feel comfortable. Just the look in his eyes, when he looked down on me, made me feel warm. It was the oddest thing. I've never trusted anyone, including myself, and then Dale showed up. It was as if everything I thought I knew had disappeared and I was wondering, once again, if there was more to myself than wanting to roam and see the world.
"You know I was once like you. I thought that the world was mine for the taking. I ended up on the streets as you are now." he said.
"I never said..." I began.
"You didn't have to. I just said I once was in your shoes. I can tell."
"What do you do now?" I asked not knowing what else to say.
"I work part time as a lawyer and the rest of the time I dedicate my time to saving others like yourself."
"Like a minister or social worker? I don't need saving." I said sternly.
"Yes, you do. You just don't know you do." he said without flinching. "I am not a minister or anything like that. I don't believe religion is a factor when determining whether or not some one needs help. If that was the case all us would be screwed." he said with a snicker.
"All of who?" I asked wondering who he was refering to.
"You, me,...most of the world. You know, if we all believed in the same thing it would get pretty boring."
"I guess so. I never really gave it much thought." I said.
"How about I take you to lunch." he suggested.
"I'm not really hungry." I said honestly.
"How about this then? Will you at least take a walk with me? There is a place I want to tell you about."
"If it's a shelter or half way house I'm not interested."
"It's nothing like that. Just come with me. If it sounds good I can show you the place. That's all up to you."
"Sure. Why not." I relented.
We walked off together down the street. He didn't try to take my hand like most might have tried. We just walked next to each other; still strangers. Of course he could make a good friend to some one looking for one.
We walked in silence for a long time watching the cars speed past us and people walking by without looking our way. I found that a little unusual. I guess what I thought about the big city was all wrong. My impression was if you felt out of place, or was out of place, people would give you strange looks or make some off handed comments. No one said a word to us. It was almost like we were invisible the way people took no notice. It felt good.
"What is this place you were talking about?" I finally asked.
"It is a community that accepts everyone for who they are. The residence have at least one thing in common with on another. In fact I've lived there fore the past twenty years." he said looking down at me as we walked. "It stands on acres and acres of beautiful land. The best thing is it's hours away from any given town. I was introduced to it by its founder, Alex."
"Who is Alex other than the person who.." I began.
"He is the oldest one that lives there. He founded it when his wife passed away about thirty years ago. He knew he was different that others and wanted a place where other outcast, so to speak, could live without others being scrutinized. It's a place that they can feel safe and call home."
"Sound more like a cult." I said without thinking.
"Media. The ever bringer of misguided news." he said shaking his head.
"I'm sorry. I..."
"It's not your fault. Parents and the media like to misinterpret things. Just because a group of people don't live like the rest think they should...they call it a cult." he said becoming upset.
"I.."
"How about you come with me and you can decide for yourself." he said changing his tone to more of an upbeat one. He also smiled.
"Sure." I said afraid to upset him again.
"Here's my car. Let's go."
It was as if he knew I would go with him.
I really didn't pay attention to the outside of the car. I just opened the door and got in. He got in at the same time.
The inside of the car was dim because of the tinting on the windows. They were so dark it was as if I was wearing sunglasses with really dark lenses. Most of the interior was tan leather including the dash and seats. The seats, themselves, were quite comfortable. The gear shift sat between the seats within a tan console.
I buckled by seat belt. I also heard his click at the same time as mine. "Where are we going?" I asked.
"I told you. I am taking you to the community. There will be no talking during the drive. I like to drive in silence." he said reaching behind him. He handed me a bottle of water. "This is if you get thirsty. Ready to go?"
"I guess so." I said suddenly feeling nervous.
He drove off away from the sun without another word. He wouldn't even turn on the radio.
I took a sip of the water. Within a few moments I began to feel strange. I got light headed and slightly disoriented. I tried to say something but no sound came out. Dale looked over at me with a smile, but he didn't say anything. Without warning my eyes closed and everything went black.
When I woke up it was dark. We had stopped. Dale was at the passenger side holding his hand out to me. I took it. I got out the car not knowing where I was or even sure if I should have been there.
I looked up Dale. Some how he looked a little different from when I had first met him, but I couldn't put my finger on how. It was only a slight change, but noticible none the less.
"Are you alright?" he asked still holding my hand.
"I'm fine. Are we there?" I asked clearing my head."
"We are here." he said turning us around. In front of us stood large houses. They were big enough to mansions. Although it was getting late people roamed the grounds. I was wanting to ask him about the water, but when I saw what was, now, around me I had forgotten.
"Do all these people live here?" I asked amazed at how many there were.
"Yes they do. These are my friends and neighbors." he said. "All have day jobs giving their nights to do what they wish."
"I don't see any children." I observed.
"The children don't come out at night. Most of the time they are kept busy with studies and chores. It keeps them out of trouble.
I thought that was strict. My parents gave me more freedom than that. I couldn't believe it. It was as if the parents were dictators. I was beginning to question if this was the right place for me. I don't like rules.
We walked to the center of the town where there was a beautiful garden with a fountain in the center. There were flowers of reds and blues in bloom. Even in the moonlight they were gorgeous. It was a wonderful sight. It was as if all beauty in the world was here in the garden.
"Who is this young woman?" a voice said from next us. I turned my head startled. A tall man dressed in a black suit was sitting on a bench next to where we were standing. Although I couldn't see his eyes I could feel them staring through me as if he was trying to read my soul. It was quite unnerving. I've never felt eyes so intense on me.
"Her name is Fyre, my lord." Dale said with a slight bow.
"Come here, Fyre." he said in a low voice. I , for some unknown reason, stepped closer. He held out his hand and I placed mine in his. His long fingers enclosed my hand in a gentle grip.
"You are a remarkable woman. I can feel strength course through your veins. You are also a very independent person who doesn't live by anyone's rule, but her own. You are a traveler who wants to see the world yet at the same time feels lost, but not really alone." he said in a tone that was like silk on flesh. I was mesmerized by this stranger who held my hand as if I was a delicate child. As much as I wanted to pull away I couldn't.
After a few moments he let go of my hand. I pulled it to my chest. It tingled as if a short electrical shock went through it. It didn't hurt. It just tingled. Confusion swept over me as I held my hand there. There was something odd about this man and about this place that I couldn't quite put my finger on.
The man stood. He towered over me by at least a foot if not more. Just looking at him made me speachless.
"So, child, what do you think of this place?" he asked kindly.
"Don't call me child." I stated crossing my arms over my chest.
"Of course. I do apologize. It has been a long time since we have had some one as young as yourself enter our little community."
"I thought there were children younger here." I said looking briefly at Dale.
"I meant from the outside." he said smoothly.
"This place seems peaceful but some how odd." I said finally answering his question.
"I can garantee you there is nothing odd here. We are just people who got tired of the world outside. We got tired of others being judgemental of us and wanted to live in a place where we could leave all that behind. Don't you want the same?" he asked.
"I don't know." I replied honestly unsure.
Give it a few days and I will ask you again. If you don't like it you can leave."
"Okay." I said.
"Dale, she will live with you until she has made her mind up. I will return to your home in a few days to see the both of you. Now I must bid you good night."
"Yes, my lord." Dale said as we watched the man walk into the darkness.
"Who was that?" I asked.
"That was our founder, Alex." Dale replied leading me toward one of the large houses.
"So...he's like the mayor?"
"You could say that." Dale replied with a chuckle.
We entered the house closet to the garden. It was huge. It would have made two of my parents' home. The living room was decorated in Persian decor of rich reds and purples.
He led me to the first bedroom off the hall. The Asian decor was beautiful. The rich colors made me feel relaxed and welcome. The bed was at least a king with silk pillows filling half the thick mattress. There was a small black, stuffed panther, holding a single red rose between its paws, propped against the pillows.
"Is this my room?" I asked in amazed.
"Sure is." he said with a smile. "Don't forget you can stay as long as you wish."
"This is great!" I exclamed plopping down on the bed.
Dale watched in amusement as I laid there taking in the room. I picked up the panther and set it on my chest. I brought the rose up to my nose and inhaled deeply.
You really need to get some rest." Dale said standing in the doorway. "I will see you in the morning. You will find clothes in the closet."
"Thank you." I said as he closed the door behind him.
I pushed all but two pillows on to the floor. I slipped under the thick red comforter. I closed my eyes.
I opened my eyes to darkness. I got up and headed blindly for the door. It took a couple of moments, but I eventually found it. I turned the knob slowly. Silence filled the hallway as I stepped out of my bedroom. The only light was a slight illumination underneath a door futher down the hall.
I quietly opened the door to find the illumination was coming from candles set in a circle. I didn't count how many there were, but it was enough to the dimmly light the room. In the center of the circle lay a man on what looked to be a pine coffin. He was dressed in a dark colored suit. It was too dim to see the exact color. People in white robes stood around him chanting softly.
I knew I shouldn't have been in there, but I couldn't get myself to leave. I was fixated on what was going on. I stood there for long moments before someone dressed in white entered the circle. The person held some kind of sharp object in their hand. They lifted it up high before quickly drawing it down into the man on the coffin.
I held my hand over my mouth to keep from screaming. I didn't know if the man had been killed or what had just transpired. I couldn't tear my eyes from the sight. Although I couldn't see what was happening it looked as if the person with the weapon was twisting it. The man on the coffin didn't say a word. No sound came from his lips. He remained still.
I regained control and tried to slip out the door before I was someone noticed me. As I turned to leave a hand slipped through the small opening and grabbed my arm. I tried to pull away with no avail. I was quickly pulled to the other side of the door.
I was taken in front of the person that had the weapon or what I thought was a weapon. He looked at me from under his hood. His eyes seemed to pierce my soul like ice. I was truly frightened for the first time I could remember. To my surprise he smiled. He stepped aside revealing the man on the coffin.
There were no wounds on his body. There was no blood flowing. Instead of being injured or killed the man sat up. He looked at me with the same eyes as the first man had. He also had a smile on his lips.
"Now I am one with this community." he said proudly raising his arms toward the ceiling.
"Yes, you are, my son. You are welcomed among us and will always have a home here." the man with the hood said. The others cheered and raised their arms.
The man with the hood stood back in front of me. I was too shocked to say a word. The cheering had stopped as soon as it began and silence once again filled the room.
"What did you think?" the man said removing his hood to reveal long hair.
"I...I..." I stammered trying to find my voice.
"Drink with us." he said handing me a glass with dark liquid. "I promise it's not poisoned."
I took the glass not wanting to be disrespectful. I brought the crystal goblet to my lips and took a sip. The drink had a coppery taste to it that I couldn't identify. I didn't want to be rude so I drank down the liquid.
Moments later my head began to swim. I was suddenly dizzy for no reason I could think of. The man who had handed me the goblet held me before I could slip to the floor. I couldn't speak. It was as if my voice had been silenced by magic.
The man led me carefully to the coffin. He lifted me up and laid my body on top of the wooden surface. I coudln't move. My body felt paralized. There was nothing I could do but lay there. He held something up high above my body. My eyes were fixed on only the in the robe. The chanting began once again. The last words I heard before I passed into darkness was, "You are now a member of this community. You are welcome here and will always have a home here with us."
The Creature21:30 Sep 14 2008
Times Read: 731
The creature peered from the darkness. A meer shadow waiting for his meal. Red eyes stared out of the darkness where he lay in wait for its victim appear. Only then will he reveal himself to snatch the victim and ravish the body with his sharp skilled teeth, and a tongue that could already taste the warm still blood.
The creature counted the seconds that turned into minutes amd quickly into hours. Impatience burned through his blood as he stood there and waited.
The night disguised his location. The weeping willows provided extra protection. His first thought was to hide in the alley, but the smell repulsed him. The rats would have surely given him away as they scurried about looking for food.
The predator inside was getting restless. It was hungry and wanted to eat. It knew it had to be control itself. On nights like these it was difficult to do so. No one on the streets meant a longer wait for a meal.
Of course there this time alone he was able to think of how it was before and how food was pleantiful.
It was once a man like every other man he knew. He was born into a predominate family who was never in need of money. When the Great Depression hit, his was one of the few of the lucky families. When his father, eventually, lost his job he spent a lot of the money on gambling and drinking. Although he wasn't an abusive drunk his few friends left for better company. His mother turned a blind eye.
When he turned eighteen a change had come over him. Within a few months of his birthday he had began to feel more animal than human. One night as his parents slept peacefully he crept into their room. Although the lights were out he could see perfectly through the darkness. He attacked them as they slept. He ripped at their throats so viciously that blood spurted on the clean white sheets and wood panelled wall.
He chewed at their flesh without remorse. The taste was like a carefully prepared gourmet meal. The blood was the fine wine. He gnawed until there was nothing left but shells of bones. He had even sucked the precious marrow out of what remain of his parents.. When he was finished he disappeared into the night never to return.
No one had explained what was happening to him. He had to learn to control his curse confused and alone. After a few years of wandering around, lost in his own mind, he learned to control the demon inside that was constantly trying to come out.
Lately the crime rate had risen and people were afraid to leave their homes at night. Even the pimps kept their women behind locked doors with a sign that read: INVITATION ONLY.
He wasn't sure if they were normal human criminals or others like him that had frightened everyone into hiding. He couldn't be sure because he had never met another like him. He knew there had to be more creatures. but like him remained hidden. Was it to possible that they were so rare or was it they to be solitary creatures for their own protection? Perhaps those like him would attack each other waging a war that would wipe their species from the planet. He began to think that it wouldn't be such a bad idea.
The stillness bothered him. Not even a breeze blew or sounds could be heard close by nor in the distance. He didn't like the quiet. The silence gave his mind the freedom to think and sometimes be remorseful for the vile things he had done to survive. Maybe he didn't need to survive. He could stop killing and commit suicide by starving himself. He had already decided not to father children. He didn't want the curse to fall upon the shoulders of the next generation.
His appetite grew as he waited, unmoving, in the shadows. Time went by slowly. He didn't know the time. The only thing he had to go by was the surrounding darkness.
Out of the night he heard faint footsteps approach. He crouched ready to strike. The foot falls stopped directly in front of him.
With his keen eyesight he could tell the person was a woman. She was petite with slim features. Her brown hair fell just below her shoulders in a wave of curls. She was probably on her way home from a party or a late night at work. He guess work by the blue pant suit she wore.
He reached his long arm out and yanked her into the shadows. His other hand covered her mouth so she couldn't scream. His red eyes glowed through the darkness taking her beauty before he killed her.
He laid on top of her so she couldn't move. She tried to struggle, but he was too strong for her to do much but squirm lightly under his own body. A lot of men would have found her movements arounsing, but he was there for only one purpose, and that was to feed.
He dipped his head down and tore at her throat like a vicious lion eating its prey. It didn't take long for death to take her leaving her body for him to do what he pleased. The warmth of her blood covered his face as well as his chest. He wanted more than anything to roar in satisfaction, but he didn't want to take a chance of being heard. He ate until there was nothing but a broken skelaton. When he was finished with her he ran off to disappear into the darkness only to return another night.
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