Keep Your Enemys Close: A Vampire Slayer Novel

Chapter 1- The Beginning of the End

"Shit" I muttered, as I descended the steps of the library and glanced at my watch. It was 11:20; twenty minutes past curfew. It was the second time this week that I had lost track of time while studying, which was going to earn me at least a weeks detention. Probably more, just because the headmaster hated me.

I walked quickly down the sidewalk, gripping my shoulder bag, praying for a little cover from the late-October wind. My dark-blue uniform blazer and plaid skirt weren't keeping me very warm.

The only light was cast by dim street lamps that were spread periodically down the sidewalk, and the only noise was the quick shuffle of my boots on the pavement. I kept my eyes pinned on the corner where I knew I had to turn; from there it was three blocks to civilization.

The entrance to the school was located on the main street of town, which was bustling with people all hours of the day. Sometimes girls will sneak out in the middle of the night and go down to Ed's Bar, a few buildings down the street. They almost always get caught, but every one of the them says it is worth the three weeks detention. I've never been invited along though, of course. I'm never invited anywhere.

 As I rounded the corner, I became consciously aware of the footsteps that had joined mine. Cautiously, I glanced over my shoulder to see a dark, tall figure walking a ways behind me. Probably male, I guessed, just by the height and build of the person. But his face was covered by shadows cast from his hood, so I couldn't be sure.

I knew it was most likely a coincidence that he ended up behind me on this deserted street, and that I was in no immediate danger. But this town wasn't exactly known for it's immaculate crime record, so I couldn't help but feel a little uneasy as I quickened my step.  I noticed though, as I sped up, his pace didn't waver, which gave me a little reassurance. But, as a last minute decision, I cut down a side street, hoping to lose him so that I didn't have to worry.

When I really started to freak out wasn't just when he turned down the street after me, but when I passed the 'No Outlet' sign on the side of the road. This street felt even more empty, if that was possible. And the flickering street lamp above my head gave off a horror-movie feel.

Glancing back over my shoulder, I noticed that he had gained on me. By a lot. So, thinking fast, I turned up the driveway of a nearby house, and took the sidewalk to the back door, acting as if I lived there. As soon as I was out of sight, I ran as fast as I could into the woods behind their yard, knowing that the other side came out on the main street.

My blazer whipped around my waist and I clutched my bag to my stomach as I entered the dense foilage. My eyes were starting to water from the cold wind, and my hair was getting caught in various branches. Left, right, left, right, I repeated.

As I bounded through the woods, I was silently praying a thank-you to god that I had put on my boots instead of my penny loafers. As it is my feet were sinking into the damp earth. Plus I could hardly see where I was stepping, since the moon cast little light through the trees.

Before I had time to react, I was sprawled out on the ground, having tripped on a root. I rose to my knees, frantically gathering all the books that had fallen out of the my bag. My long, brown hair fell over my shoulder, making it that much harder to see what I was doing.

There was a loud crack as something moved in the forest nearby. I froze, books in hand, trying to focus in on the spot where the noise had come from. But by the time I heard the second and third cracks, I was already back on my feet, running like mad through the trees.

This isn't happening, I thought as I dodged trees, not to me. But there was definitely something in hot pursuit behind me, and I knew I didn't have long until they caught up. The forest has to end soon, I told myself, I'm almost there. I just have to keep running.

Keep running.

I chanted that as, with one last boost of adrenaline, I broke out of the trees and went tumbling onto the pavement of the street. I quickly stood up, taking deep, burning breaths as I saw people from all around look over at me like I was crazy. But I didn't care. There were people around me now.

I knew I was safe.

I looked down as blood slid down my shin from the new scrape on my knee. I wasn't sure if I had gotten it on the street or in the woods, but I didn't really care. It didn't hurt, anyways.

Another crack from woods behind me sent me walking swiftly towards the sidewalk. Just don't look back, I thought, No one can hurt you here anyways.

My thoughts were cut short by a loud truck horn. It was too loud. My head quickly snapped to the right, and the last thing I saw was bright headlights before everything went black. 

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Love always,
Miranda