Original Horror
Kept in the Night
by Laurie Larangel00@aol.com
Nikki Windsor tucked her hands deeper into her pockets into her pockets determined to stay warm. The wind was whipping at her face with the bitterness of solid ice.
All around her the tall buildings loomed like giants starring down at her with unblinking eyes. The street cut between the buildings leading cars away from the city life.
Nikki wished she didn’t have to walk home so late, but her job at a local Kroger’s sometimes sent her working late into the night. This was because of some of the other employee’s inability to show up to work.
Though she rarely came home so late, Nikki knew her parents would be furious with her. She was an only child, leaving her parents worrying about her most of the time.
She continued walking until she came across a deserted street. The only way home was through that street. Hesitating slightly, she stepped onto the street. Darkness came immediately. The advertisement lights died slowly behind her.
How was it everything seemed so much more inviting during the day?
Nikki walked quickly avoiding the temptation to look around. The only thing keeping her going was the fact that she would be home soon.
What was that?
Nikki spun around. She swore she heard footsteps.
Paranoia swept in as another sound of shoes slapping the pavement echoed from behind her.
She froze; every muscle in her body clenched tightly. Another cold breeze blew at her shoulder length red hair.
The silence was deafening.
She began to contemplate whether she had actually heard anything.
“ Hello?” She choked.
She regretted speaking second she had said anything. If someone had been following her, they would notice the intense fear in her voice. Leaving her vulnerable.
You’re ok; no one’s following you! Nikki told herself.
Right then, the feeling of home was inviting. The feeling of being safe and content in her small apartment by the river.
I have to run…
Trying to move, she found that her legs wouldn’t budge. They were locked in place as if there was something holding her back. She trembled violently as a cold wind picked up blowing her coat opened. She quickly pulled it tightly around herself.
“Hello.”
A cold whispered voice came from behind her. Spinning around, she came face to face with a man.
He was in his late teens with black hair and threatening black eyes. His skin was very pale with no color at all considering the freezing temperatures.
Nikki held his gaze, but remained silent. Her heart thudded loudly in her chest. She was certain he could here it.
Finally, her muscles gave way, and she turned around sprinting in the direction she assumed was home. Darting down the dark street she felt her breath coming out in gasps. Her toes were the only part of her feet touching the ground. The fast pace she was keeping made her muscles demand a rest. But she continued running.
Without warning, a figure stepped out in front of her. She stopped abruptly.
“ It’s rude to leave before saying goodbye.” The man said.
He grinned, his eyes surveying the area.
“ What do you want?” Her voice shook uncontrollably.
“ We, just want to talk.”
“ We…”
For the first time, Nikki noticed the other figures in the shadows. They surrounded her in a circle. She stood there helplessly…locked in place.
They got closer…
How she would love to be at home, safe in her bed.
Closer still…
She closed her eyes and sunk to her knees. Warm tears streamed down her face. She let out a small cry as something pierced her neck. Whatever had pierced her neck was painless as it put her to sleep.
Nikki woke up in a cold sweat. Her covers damp with perspiration. She realized she was in her room, safe and sound in bed. Just some strange nightmare, interrupting her sleep.
But everything seemed so…real. Had she really just dreamed it all?
Nikki lay back down placing her head lightly on her pillow. She pulled her covers up to her shoulders thankful to be home.
But something wasn’t right.
Her neck was incredibly wet with a thick substance. Something thicker than sweat. Feeling her neck, she pulled her hand away, and starred at it, the color drained completely from her face.
Blood!
There was blood streaming down her neck, staining her white T-shirt.
Nikki opened her mouth and let out a high pitched scream.
RETURN TO FRIGHTSCAPE HOMEPAGE
FrightScape and its contents are Copyright 1999,2000 Frightscape. All Rights Reserved
Some of the opinions Expressed on this board are not necessarily the opinions of FrightScape or its Authors
To contact FrightScape, click here.