The Virus

Tia-May - February 10th

Seriously how is it possible for people to be so lame?

My parents suck. They know full well that if I don't go to Quinn's party tonight, I'll be a social outcast forever. They're trying to ruin my life and I have no idea why. Argh! Just because they're old now and have nothing worth living for, they have to make me miserable too?

All because some stupid, idiotic news report said that we should only go outside when necessary because of this bug thingy going around.

God, no one else's parents are taking it this seriously! Everyone else is still going. It's the social event of forever, and I can't miss it. The social suicide argument got a laugh out of Dad, though. He instantly started on the whole 'your school days mean nothing in the long run of your life' lecture.

Whatever. I want to go to this party; I might have to sneak out...

I've received the best text message, like, ever. If I don't go to this party now my life will not be worth living.

From: Tyler

Time: 8.35pm

Message: Hey Tia-May,

Can't wait to see your sexy self at Quinn's.

I fully intend to start an epic game of Spin

The Bottle, and if you aren't there, it'll

be a total let down ;) x

I've wanted to hook up with Tyler forever! He's so hot and he's hardly been with any of the girls in our year, so he's this major challenge too. The respect I would get if I could land a snog from the elusive Tyler would be amazing. Totally worth being grounded for the rest of my life. I have to go now; it's become a matter of life and death.

Luckily my bedroom window is next to a tree, which has come in handy many times in my life. I've needed to sneak out on a variety of occasions. If only my parents were cool, there would be no need for this. It must be because I'm an only child. They're so obsessed with what I do all the time. Quinn's parents have the decency to go on holiday, like, all the time, leaving her to do as she pleases. That's how she has managed to wangle herself the 'most popular girl' in school title.

Plus, it's also how she's managed to hook up with so many boys. Even though she's kind of a slut, that only adds to her popularity. Everything she does adds to her allure.

As I walk down the road, wearing an oversized jumper to hide my short dress, I'm delighted with myself for pulling this off again. I played the whole 'pillow body' under my duvet trick, after making a big point of 'going to bed', which I pray will work. Butterflies are going crazy in my stomach and I am buzzing with anticipation of tonight. So much could happen. You never know with these house parties how they're going to turn out. Even the bad ones usually have some funny stories to discuss the next week at school.

I can already hear the loud music playing, which is a sign that I'm close. There's so much noise and screaming, I'm surprised no one's complained yet. Mind you, overly excited teenagers always seem to end up making a racket, and none of Quinn's parties have ever been broken up before.

When I turn the corner, I can tell this time something is different.

Police cars are scattered in her back garden, an ambulance is in her driveway, and people are being dragged out of the house covered in blood and dirt.

What the hell...?

My heart jumps up to my throat when I see my best friend Harper screaming and crying, being bundled into the ambulance. Her hair is matted against her face, her makeup streaming, her outfit torn to shreds. Her leg looks broken, at a weird angle. As I examine it closer, it makes me gag. Bone is sticking out and her flesh is hanging off. The screams I mistook for fun are actually of terror.

Something terrible has gone on here...

Quinn is collapsed, sobbing on the lawn watching everyone being taken away. I want to go to her, to comfort her, but my legs won't move. I'm frozen to the spot. When I open my mouth to call out to her, nothing save a whisper passes my lips. My heart is pounding in my mouth and the butterflies that were swimming in my stomach have taken over my entire body.

I don't understand. Any of it.

Then my eyes find him, as if they're drawn to his presence. Tyler. He's in handcuffs, being held firmly by four police officers. He's making weird noises, sort of growling. His expression is weird, like nothing I've ever seen on a person's face before.

It's then the fear takes on another level and my legs start sprinting faster than I ever could've imagined they were capable of. I need to get home. My parents were right!

I push past people on the street, my face cold and wet with tears. I don't look at anyone, even the people who try to communicate with me. How can they be calm when something so weird is happening? I can't be around anyone. I need to be safe, indoors. I need my family.

I fall onto my bed, panting hard, trying to get my head around what I've just witnessed. Could it be the virus? I thought it only made you really ill if you got it. I know Mum said it was contagious, but seriously?

That was like something from a horror film, or another world.