Living Monsters

Chapter 1

The trees swayed as the wind blew at Penny Barrett's sun-kissed hair, causing it to shoot upward. She was heading towards her favorite coffee shop, one foot in front of the other. Shortly after Penny opened the front door, she immediately sighed and a small smile appeared on her lips. She had always loved the interior's large windows and the spaced-out tables, giving off a welcoming vibe. Penny spotted a girl sitting at a table near the counter. Her outfit was as dark as the night itself to compliment her makeup and eyes.

"Hey, sis!" The girl motioned toward Penny when she saw her. Penny came over to her.

"Hey, Lana," Penny greeted before sitting down across from her. Just then, Penny bit her lip. She remembered something. She took out her laptop to open the paper she was working on.

Lana raised her eyebrows. "What are you doing?" she asked.

"I forgot about my homework. It's due tomorrow."

"Don't sweat it, Pen. The professors all hate me 'cause I'm not doing a lot of the work."

Penny shook her head and resumed typing on her computer.

"I got us some hot chocolates. You want one?" Lana offered.

"Sure. Thanks," Penny replied. She took the cup from Lana's hand and placed it near her laptop.

"So, I know it's just the first year, but are you attracted to anyone yet?" Lana tilted her head sideways and blinked repeatedly.  

A map pulled up on the vintage television that displayed three war-torn cities that had already infiltrated and secluded themselves to their homes to work. She had better stop doing this or else she was going to end up dead. 

Penny rolled her eyes. "No," she responded curtly, and proceeded to type further. Meanwhile, Lana turned her attention to the television in front of her. Her eyes were straining to gaze at the misinformation.  

Breaking news, an unassuming lady with glasses screeched, residents of Lakeview have reported to have seen vampire-like creatures behaving in an aggressive fashion. Citizens in the surrounding areas are advised to stay indoors-

Lana noticed a guy with lavender, crusty skin with yellow eyes. Only it didn't look like a guy. It moved rather like a rabid animal towards the reporter. The camera dropped to the floor as a shriek was heard.

When Penny finished her assignment, she noticed Lana's frowning glance. Immediately after, Lana erased any control from her face before looking back at Penny.

"It's not gonna come to this town, right?" Penny shrugged and closed her laptop, trying not to focus on the quiet voices panicking in the area. She had no idea why Lana was blaring her horns at her face. 

On second thought, never mind.

"Screw Dad. We can get out of this place," she quipped with urgency.

She turned her head to see the darkening sky from the windowpane. It signaled the sun setting, which represented itself in a mix of orange and purple. "It's getting late, Lana. We should head home, okay?"

Lana slowly nodded. Then the two rushed outside and stepped in Lana's sliver Nissan.

"Be careful, Lana," Penny warned, sitting next to Lana.

"Of?" Lana questioned.

Penny's ocean-blue eyes widened as she turned her head to the left, prompting Lana to look out the window too.

"Focus on the road!" Penny screeched, her mouth seething. Lana looked back as soon as she heard her shout.

"Jesus, calm down. What's gotten into you today?"