Dark World
Concerita Tortorici
Vertical Brain Books
Copyright © 2019 by Concerita Tortorici
All rights reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Contents
1. «Holy shit!»
2. «Yes, ma'am»
3. «Open the door, Ruby!»
4. «Are you just going to stand there and ignore your best friend?»
5. «HELP ME!»
6. «Shut up!»
7. «What are you looking for?»
8. «Then we'll hang out until then»
9. «Anything for you»
10. «We should have never...»
11. «and that must be...»
12. «That ass hole»
13. «Say no more»
14. «Joshua!»
15. «I'm sorry»
16. «Cat got your tongue?»
17. «It's hard to understand»
18. «This is too perfect!»
19. «You're not gonna like my answer»
20. «We need to talk»
21. «I don't remember»
22. «What's going on?»
23. «I know more than you know»
THE END
Thank you so much for reading my book!
1
«Holy shit!»
After being forced out of the bar, Myles and Cam staggered out, both disappointed in themselves for getting kicked out. They were still very much awake and ready for more fun. However, with it being so late, there wasn't much open in the way of fun. Most bars were closing for the night, and every liquor store had been closed for hours now. The only places left open were some 24/7 gas stations. Which meant the only place left for them to drink was at either of their apartments.
The streets were quiet, unusually quiet for a late summer night. Perhaps it was due to the light rain that fell over the city. Or maybe it was something else. What people were out, had taken shelter from the rain in nearby restaurants or pubs. And while the streets were quiet, those businesses were abnormally busy. Through the steam covered windows, everyone seemed content and happy with their lives.
«I can't believe we got kicked out,» Cam groaned, «just when things were getting good. Now, what are we gonna do?»
«Forget it, Cam, we'll find another place to drink,» Myles said as he waved his friend over.
Myles took his friend by the arm and led him down the street. Though he had no idea where they would find another drink, let alone their place. He was hopeful that someone would take pity on them and invite them over. He smiled as the thought festered in his mind. He imagined a beautiful woman taking both of them to her place. As his mind grew lost in thought, Cam tugged at Myles' arm.
«Myles,» He groaned, «I need another drink. I'm not done celebrating!»
«Don't worry, we'll find something,» Myles slurred.
Both of them wore suits with a small company insignia on it. They had gone out to celebrate their company's big win. Having landed a well-respected client, everyone had gone out to celebrate at a different bar, while Myles and Cam went to their usual bar. It was a smaller bar than the others of New York. The manager, whom they both knew well, allowed them to stay past the last call on a few occasions. Hell, even the bartender Ruby wasn't bad to look at either. Her sweet smile would warm their hearts. And her silver eyes left them speechless each time.
Letting out a sigh, Cam signaled Myles to stop. They had walked a few blocks from the pub, without even knowing it. Both of them looked to either side of them. They had no idea where they were, or what path had brought them there. The street was more barren than the others had been. With only a few street lights lighting a dark path, the place looked out of place for New York. They proceeded with caution down the dark street. The buildings looked run down with almost every window and door boarded up from the outside.
The street felt longer than most, as they staggered through. Myles tried to recognize the buildings, but nothing seemed the list bit familiar to him. Now, it could have been because of how drunk he was, or it could have been how dark out it was. Looking down at the street, Myles let out a breath. There was garbage everywhere. There were several large black bags full of trash and some barrels full of trash. Leaning against them, were several broken wooden pallets, which had most likely been used as a source of warmth. As they continued to walk, Myles couldn't help but feel a bit anxious.
His heart began to race, and sweat began to drip from his forehead. Something was watching them. Something in the shadows. Myles tried his best to shake the uneasy feeling. But it wouldn't budge. It stuck with him like glue. He pleaded with Cam to find a place for them to chill for a while. But as Cam pointed out, there were only gas stations open. No one would hang out there. Myles hung back, feeling a little disappointed in Cam's decision to continue through the darkened street.
«Let's call it a night,» Myles said as he caught up to Cam.
«Are you crazy,» Cam replied, «the nights still young!»
«Cam,» Myles pleaded.
«What is your deal?» Cam barked, «we'll find something fun soon.»
Myles did his best to keep up the act of being fine. However, the hairs on the back of his neck began to stand as a rush of cold air brushed passed him. His feeling of being watched came back as he stood frozen in place. Around him, the air began to grow colder. Wrapping his arms around him for warmth, He looked to Cam. Cam still looked the same.
«How the fuck did it get so cold out?» Myles asked.
«You're crazy,» Cam replied, «it's 23 degrees out. It's warm.»
«You're not crazy.»
Myles froze in his step. He felt the hairs on his arms rise. Someone was there. Someone was definitely following them. He turned around quickly, again only to be met with an empty street behind him. But this time, something was different. The fog started to roll in and covered everything in a thick gray blanket.
«Holy shit!» Cam said, «Jackpot!»
Myles turned back around to see Cam pointing to a young woman standing a few feet from them. She looked no older than 25, with brown hair that fell to her waist. She wore a short black dress that hugged each curve perfectly. When she turned to them, Myles felt his heart skip a beat with excitement. Never before had he seen such a beauty. She smiled at them and walked into the alley beside her.
Feeling the anticipation of the night fill his blood with excitement, Cam and Myles followed her. However, in the pit of Myles' stomach, he felt uneasy. Something felt off about the whole scenario. Why would she willingly lead them into an alley? And why was there so much for? As the fog covered the alley, Myles felt a sudden sense of fear grip his mind. There was definitely something off about this. But knowing Cam, Myles kept his thoughts to himself. They heard a small giggle come from the fog, and together they followed the sound until they found her staring at the wall.
«You know, it's dangerous out here this late. Why don't we escort you home.» Cam said slyly.
The girl stayed silent and remained with her back to them.
«What do you say?» Cam asked, «maybe we could have a drink? At your place?»
He approached her slowly as to not scare her. But as he stood inches from her, the fog began to enclose around her. Cam rushed toward her, hoping to grab her just before the fog swallowed her. However, as he went to grab her, he was met with nothing but air. How was it possible for one person to disappear so quickly?
«What the hell?» Cam barked.
«I can't believe I'm forced to feed on the likes of you.»
; Cam and Myles turned slowly around. When they faced the road, they noticed a young man standing before them. His skin was pale and seemed to glow with the light of the moon. He stood a little taller than Cam and his clothes were all black as if he were trying to blend in with the shadows. There was something different about this guy. As Myles gazed upon him, he couldn't help but notice how handsome he was.
«What the fuck did you say?» Cam barked.
«I said, I can't believe I'm forced to feed on scum like you.»
Cam's anger grew as he glared at the man before him. He had a smug look on his face that angered Cam more. He lunged for him. Swinging a fist, Cam thought for sure it would hit. Cam was fast, the fastest when it came to fistfights. However, this guy was a lot quicker. Cam met the ground hard. Looking up to his opponent his eyes widened. Where he once stood, now was vacant.
Getting to his feet, Cam circled around. He had to be there somewhere. He snickered after coming to a stop in front of Myles. Again, his eyes widened, this time in fear. Standing behind Myles was the young man. His eyes glowing red as he tilted his head toward Myles' neck. Cam watched as the life drained from Myles' face. Suddenly, everything Myles had said made sense. Whoever, or whatever that guy, was not normal. He had obviously been following them and waiting for the right time to strike. He tried to make a run for it.
As he ran, it felt as though the alley was longer than before. Perhaps it was just the fear that made it like that. He was inches away from the street when the man flashed before him. How could someone move so fast? As Cam gazed upon the creature, he noticed the blood dripping from his chin. With wide eyes, Cam knew he was done for. There was no way for him to escape. Still, he tried, he darted to the side and lunged forward. He passed by him as if in slow-motion. Reaching out to the road before him, Cam felt the excitement of fleeing. However, the feeling was bittersweet. As his arms reached out to the street before him, he felt a strong tug on his shirt.
His feet fell out from under him as he flew through the air. He crashed into the wall and felt the world around him grow fuzzy. Looking up, he watched as the creature drew closer, his eyes glowing a bright shade of red. Cam felt a sting of pain, almost like a bee and stung him. Soon, he watched as the world faded to black.
He stood up with blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. He felt disgusted with his choice for a meal. Letting out a sigh, he disappeared into the night.
As Ruby tried to sleep, her mind had other plans. An eerie orange glow appeared as screams echoed through the darkness. Her body felt hot and sticky with sweat. Even her heart began to race with anxious thoughts. She turned to her side, hoping it would subdue the thoughts. But as she the screams grew louder, they also appeared to be getting closer. As the amber glow brightened, she thought she could see it flicker. And in a flash, it began to roar like fire. The snaps and crackles began to slowly drown out the screams until that was all she heard.
She rolled over once more, again hoping the nightmare would stop. For a time, they had. In fact, she hadn't had one in years. It was always the same. The flames were covering the screams, the bright glow of the fire, and the unmistakable smell of blood. And much like every other time, Ruby would wake up in a panic and drenched in sweat. She had sought out help in the past. However, the prescription medication the doctors had prescribed, worked for a little while. Thinking she had been cured, she had stopped taking them. That was a few years ago and told her she needed them again.
Her eye's opened quickly as she jolted up from her bed. Clenching her chest, she let out a few breaths. Her heart throbbed against her fingers as she held her black tank top tightly. Her muscles felt tight and heavy as she stared blankly at her blue comforter. It seemed to help ease her thoughts. After a few moments of silence, her breathing returned to normal. Looking over to the wall adjacent to her bed, she let out a breath.
The wall was covered with old newspaper articles about a fire and a couple who had been trapped inside. The police and fire department both claimed it had started from a gas leak. Something within the manor had sparked, causing it to explode. The article mentioned that the couple had left behind two small children who would likely spend their lives growing up with a relative. Growing up, Ruby had been told countless times that what the papers said were true. However, deep in the back of her mind, she knew that wasn't the case. It frustrated her, not knowing the real reason why it happened.
Lowering her gaze back to her blanket, Ruby sat silently, collecting her thoughts. Glancing over at her phone, she wondered how late it was. Feeling annoyed when she looked at the numbers glowing at 5 am, she let out a breath. She had only slept for a few hours. It was useless now for her to try and fall back asleep. Tossing the blanket off her legs, she slowly got up and headed for the shower. It was one of the only things that would help bring her back to normal. Well, that and a visit to her good friend Nikky.
Ruby had known Nikky for a few years now. She was the first person Ruby met when she had moved to New York. She worked at a modernized 50s diner known as 'The Midnight Diner'. The food was great, but the service was better. Nikky had a certain way with her customers, which made them come back.
Ruby threw on a pair of ripped jeans and a shirt. Before leaving, she looked at her reflection. Her mulberry hair was a mess from the lack of sleep. She tried her best to straighten it out, but as she did, she couldn't help but notice the dark circles under her eyes. They looked darker than usual. Letting out a breath, she grabbed her jacket and headed out.
The streets were bursting with life. Those who needed to work early were rushing out of their homes, trying to make it before they'd be late. Cars rushed passed one by one, each racing the other to the next light. As Ruby took a moment to watch them, she smiled to herself. This was why she didn't have a car. However, she still carried her license, for that just in case moment. She used to own an old mustang that her aunt passed down to her. She had driven it all over the place. That was until she had decided to move. After moving, she sold it off for some extra cash.
There was a part of her that regretted that decision. It would have been faster to get to work and a hell of a lot warmer in the winter. Still, walking was good for the soul. At least in her case. Walking to her meant that she was trapped with her thoughts. Most of them were of her plans for work that night. Others had been about the nightmares. This time, Ruby kept her focus on two things. The dinner and Nikky. Letting out a breath, she picked up her pace.
The diner's exterior resembled that of something out of the 50s. Its bright neon diner sign flashed like it always did. And the neon lights that stretched along the roof of the building shined brightly. It's bright blues and whites seemed to light up the surrounding area. It was a good thing the surrounding buildings were only business. Had there been any apartments, Ruby was sure they'd have a few complaints by now.
There was quite a difference between the exterior and the interior of the diner. While the exterior was stuck in the oldies, the interior flourished in modern attire. The white walls had a pale blue hue to them that accented the tiled floor wonderfully. The tables were dark oak and the booths were made from black leather. It amazed everyone that walked in how different it looked. Ruby knew the owner was just too cheap to do the exterior yet, which was why the building was like that.
«RUBY!»
Nikky's loud squeaky voice echoed through the diner bringing everyone's attention to her. Ruby found her table by the window and headed toward it. With everyone's eyes back to their meals, Ruby couldn't help but notice how busy it was. Friday's were usually the diner's busiest days. However, this was the busiest she had ever seen it. Only a few tables were left empty and awaiting their next customer. As Ruby sat down, she noticed Nikky heading her way.
Nikky's copper hair danced behind her in a tight ponytail as she neared. Bright white teeth greeted each customer as she passed, as well as her bright green eyes. Nikky was gorgeous and she knew it. She was slim and fit, unlike her some of her coworkers. Nikky was also v
ery spunky and carefree. Which might have been the reason Ruby got along so well with her.
«Good morning Luv,» Nikky said as she got to Ruby's table.
«Morning, Nik,» Ruby replied. She tried her best to sound peppy as to not raise any of Nikky's alarms. However, Nikky was smart she would catch on.
«You look like a mess,» Nikky said with a slight chuckle in her voice. «Did you not sleep?»
Sleep. Ruby longed to go back to her bed and sleep the rest of the day away. But she knew too well what awaited her when she closed her eyes. The same nightmare as before. Maybe it wouldn't happen again. She didn't want to take that chance.
«You could say that,» Ruby admitted. It was better than lying to her. Besides, she really couldn't lie to Nikky.
«I'll bring you your usual. And a nice cup of coffee,» Nikky said with a bright smile.
One thing about The Midnight Diner that Ruby loved was the coffee. Mostly the specialty ones. And Nikky could make a mean specialty coffee. Ruby never asked what Nikky put it in it, but could taste caramel and a hint of vanilla. Whatever Nikky did to it, Ruby loved it.
As Nikky left to fix up her meal, Ruby leaned her head against the glass and watched as a few police cars drove by, followed by a black car with a single red light flashing on its roof. She wondered if it had anything to do with why the diner was so busy.
«That's the fourth police car to pass,» someone whispered.
Dark World Page 1
