Thriller

It was a dark and stormy night. The wind seemed to whistle an eerie tune in the hallways of the century old university. Rain hit the windows with such force; the girls thought for sure, the glass would break. As they hurried out into the wet evening, their umbrellas proved to be useless against the wind, turning inside out and finally blowing away. The pair tried to dodge the raindrops, while they ran to the Union for some late night snacks.

After she stopped laughing, Amy stopped just inside the door and looked at her friend in disbelief. "You're kidding, right?"

Kellie wiped the rain from her face, but didn't look like she was kidding when she said, "No. Do I look it? Come on, you've seen all those flash mob dances on YouTube. You know the ones that took place in train stations and in airports? This is a chance for us to be part of something big! It'll be campus history! It could go global!"

The idea wasn't so outlandish. It had worked for others so why not a group of college students? Nick Sheldon was head of the Drama Club, and it was his idea to hold this during half-time at the Halloween football game. He had already approached Mr. Kingdon, the coach, and the Drama Club advisor, Mrs. Heath. While waiting for permission to come down from the ivy-covered tower, Nick started talking to the students majoring in drama, dance and music. There was going to be a meeting in the Union that night. It didn't take long for news like that to get around campus.

Kellie pulled at Amy's arm and begged, "Please...please do this with me. It would be so cool."

"But Kellie, I don't belong to the Drama Club."

"You and I have taken dance since we were three years old. Do you remember the pictures of us in those stupid frog costumes? There's no reason why we can't just go and listen. Besides, they'll probably have auditions, and we can prove we're dancers then," Kellie continued to beg.

Amy looked at her best friend. They had known each other from before they were born. Their mothers became friends while each was pregnant. Kellie had been born in the spring, a dark haired, blue eyed, Irish baby who was now a tall, slender young woman with a dancer's body. Amy arrived in early autumn, blonde with pale gray eyes. She was a German as they come, curves that made a man think only of one thing. As different as they looked, they were more alike than their own siblings. There wasn't a weekend that passed where one didn't sleep at the other's house. They were in pre-school together, dance, Girl Scouts, and a lot of times in the same class at school. They even went away to summer camp together. Now, they were in their junior years at the same university; Kellie was majoring in Film, Television, and Theater, while Amy studied Psychology.

Kellie knew Amy would say yes. There wasn't anything they wouldn't do for each other. They got through dealing with mean girls, cheating boyfriends, proms, ear infections, learning to drive, first tattoos, and Kellie's parents divorcing. Their shoulders were used to cry on; their arms were used to hold each other up. Best friend was a term that was a little inadequate, but that is what they were.

The rain eased off and the girls left the Union, bags of protein bars and energy drinks banged against their legs, and wet leaves shuffled under their feet as they continued on their walk to the dorms. The hope for any more warm days was dwindling as the cool, damp air swished around the campus square. Kellie talked excitedly about being part of the flash mob. Amy had her doubts, but eventually she let her friend get her caught up in her vision.

"I knew you would say yes!"

"I knew you knew I would, too," Amy responded, less enthusiastically than her friend. "Why do I have the feeling this is not going to turn out the way you hope?"

On Thursday night, at nine o'clock, Kellie and Amy found themselves amongst dozens of other hopefuls, at a dance club on the outskirts of town. Nick stood on a chair at the far end of the room, trying to bring some order to the excited crowd.

"Listen up! If you want a chance at being a part of campus history, you'll shut up now!"

Nick was a striking figure. He didn't come across as an artsy drama geek, but looked more like an athlete. Tall, dark and handsome, surrounded by hopeful young women, he was also a man who had the respect of the male population. Amy glanced at Kellie and could see she was mesmerized by him.

"We can only have twenty-four people on the dance floor at a time. I want three rows of eight; no pushing, no shoving or you're outta here. Jennifer will show you some moves, and the ones who pick it up the fastest will be in. And I don't want to hear any arguments. Our decision is final," Nick explained, before taking a seat behind some tables.

There were five students judging the performances, with Mrs. Heath standing by as advisor. She was a funny/strange woman, definitely a theater patron. She was dressed all in black, black beaded choker, dyed magenta hair and really dark make-up. Amy thought someone really ought to tell her that a pop of color would go a long way, but not on your hair.

Jennifer did not go easy on the people auditioning. She wasted no time in running through the routine once and then having them perform. For those who thought they would have an advantage by being able to see the routine over and over and practice it in their heads, they were sadly mistaken. Each group of twenty-four got a brand new routine. When Kellie and Amy finally got their turn, it was obvious that Amy was not picking up the moves as fast as her friend. When they left the dance floor, Amy felt inadequate, while Kellie was elated. Of course, receiving a wink from Nick didn't hurt. It was no surprise that Kellie was one of the people asked to return the next night, while Amy didn't make the cut.

"Not fair," Kellie complained to Amy. "You're good."

"No, I passed as okay when I was a kid. YOU are good. And you know what? Maybe this is a good thing. You've missed dancing since high school, so now you can do what you love, and it will be a great experience. Heck, maybe you'll even win a part in the next drama club production."

Kellie pouted. "What are you going to do?"

"Kell, my life doesn't depend on sharing every waking moment with you. I'll pull out my camera and start exploring again. Really, it's fine," Amy promised her. That was the last time they spent any quality time together.

Kellie sent Amy a text to tell her she got a part in the flash mob. An email with a link to YouTube told Amy they were dancing to Michael Jackson's "Thriller". A picture of the type of make-up Kellie would be wearing was slid under Amy's door. Every day Amy looked for her but after two weeks of not seeing Kellie, she finally went knocking at her door, close to midnight one night. She was shocked when Nick answered, his hair tousled and a sheepish look on his face.

"Hey Kell, Amy's here," he called to Kellie.

Amy was shocked to see Kellie looking thin and pale. She was wearing black yoga pants, a white tank top, and an Indian print scarf around her neck. Her skin almost looked translucent, especially against her black hair.

"Uh, h...h...hi," Amy stuttered. "I'm sorry to knock so late but I haven't seen you in more than two weeks. I was starting to get worried."

Amy glanced at Nick and continued, "We've never gone this long without seeing each other. Are you okay? You look so drained."

Kellie opened her mouth, but it was Nick who cut her off. "Kellie's just fine - honest. We've been practicing every night so I guess I'm to blame. It's hard to keep up with school work and try and get this whole flash mob thing thrown together. You wanna come in for a while?"

"No, that's okay. I guess we can catch up over brunch or something this weekend, right Kell?"

"Oh, about that," Kellie replied, her voice barely louder than a whisper. "I won't be here this weekend. A bunch of us are going camping. I'll see you next week, okay?"

Amy felt tears starting to burn her eyes, but refused to let the two of them see she was upset. Turning away, she said, "Sure, no problem; maybe next week." She retreated down the hallway, confused by her friend's behavior. This was wrong - so wrong. Perhaps Kellie was involved with Nick now and didn't have time for her, but that hadn't happened in the past. No, it was as if they were no longer friends. She supposed that could have happened, being replaced by the kids in drama. She just wished Kellie would talk to her about it.

Kellie backed into her room while Nick watched Amy disappear down the hall. When he turned around, Kellie's arms were crossed over her chest and her head was down.

"Look at me, Kellie," Nick commanded.

Hesitantly, she raised her head, finally looking at him. His pale blue eyes seemed to be defined by a ring of black.

"Drop your arms."

The darkened room was lit only with a few candles. The window was cracked, allowing the cool autumn breeze in and making the flames dance. Goose bumps rose on Kellie's arm and her nipples hardened into sharp points. The site of her trembling body made Nick hunger for her. He moved close to her, without touching. He could feel the heat of her body.

"Kellie, why are you trembling? You asked me to come here, didn't you?" Nick asked, in a voice that was barely audible.

She nodded without speaking. She wanted him. She wanted to lose herself in him. She had only ever dreamt about this gorgeous man wanting her, but he did. Tonight she would finally feel the love she had only imagined.

Kellie shivered at the touch of his one finger moving along her jaw line, down her throat, into the valley between her breasts. Nick's touch was like ice, colder than Kellie could have possibly imagined. His eyes seemed to burn into her soul. She wanted him. Kellie wanted him more than anything.

He pulled at her shirt and peered down at her small breasts. He smiled and winked at her, when he looked up again. Without saying a word, his hands went to the hem of her shirt and began to pull it up her body. Almost involuntarily, Kellie raised her arms to help him.

Her skin seemed to glow in the dim light. Tossing Kellie's shirt aside, Nick started at her shoulders and ran his hands up and down the length of her arms. Kellie wanted to tell him to take her, but she couldn't speak. Up and down, from her throat and shoulders to her fingers and back again. He seemed to be playing her like a musical instrument. The rest was a blur. Before Kellie realized it, her clothes were on the floor next to Nick's, and his mouth was on hers.

Slowly, he moved her backward, towards the bed, never breaking contact with Kellie's lips. Nick acted like he couldn't get enough of her. His lips traveled around her face, covering her eyes, forehead, nose and cheeks. His tongue acted like an aggressive intruder, filling her mouth and tasting her body.

Laying her down, Nick knelt between Kellie's legs, put his hands on her shoulders and held her down. He began to nibble and lick at her breasts, turning her moans into squeals when he finally began to nurse from her. She was filled with the desire to feed him.

It was probably minutes, but it felt like she was experiencing hours of pleasure, before he abandoned her chest and started moving down her body. With every kiss, Kellie felt herself growing more and more wet. Each time he stopped to explore her breasts again, electric tingling shot through her pussy. Ever moving, he drew his tongue down her flat belly, pushing it into her naval. Kellie clenched the bed linens as his mouth came to her throbbing sex. Nick's hands were now opening her lower lips, allowing his tongue to sweep her length and lap at her sweetness. When Nick's concentration soloed in on her clit, Kellie all but screamed, arching her back, trying to move away from him, but he would have none of it.

Relentlessly, he massaged her nub with his tongue, kissing, licking, sucking on it until Kellie screamed and released the juices that had been churning inside of her. He drank her honey-like nectar as she lay, her chest heaving with panting breaths, and out of her mind with desire.

"I'm going to fuck you now," he whispered, opening her thighs and pressing into her hot body. "I'm going to take you tonight; you're going to be mine. You want that, right Kellie?"

"Yes, yes, yes..." she panted.

As Nick gently pushed into her, he felt her body accept his. Soon, his length was enveloped by her hot wetness and his balls were resting against her puckered hole. Lifting himself up, he paused to raise her toned legs onto his shoulders. Now leveraged, he pulled back until his cock was almost free, and then drove deep, back inside. Kellie's eyes opened and her mouth formed a perfect O. Nick waited, moving slowly in and out until he felt her hips squirm and she pushed back against him. It was time. She needed him as much as he needed her. It was the perfect pairing.

He rammed his cock deep inside, pounding her pussy with indescribable need. Nick dropped her legs and let his body mold to hers, moving in and out, allowing her to dig her nails into his ass, showing her desire She felt him riding her hard. She could smell his musk and it was intoxicating. He was close - so close, feeling his balls start to churn. He put his head up one last time to see Kellie's beautiful face, her half-opened eyes filled with lust.

"Do you want me, Kellie? Are you ready for me? Can you feel me inside you? My cock is ready to fill you. Huh, baby?" Nick's words came out with each rapid push into her body.

"Oh, God," she screamed. Nick could feel her muscles contract, beginning their milking pull on his cock.

"He won't help you now."

As his cum began to fill her, Nick's movements became slower but deeper. His arms were straight, holding his body up away from her, forcing his hips to push him deeper than he could ever have realized. Spurting cum fired into her Kellie's wanting body.

He dropped on top of her, feeling young again. He nuzzled her neck, feeling her hair moist with perspiration. What a lovely girl; what a beautiful long throat. Kellie could feel his breath on her, as he kissed her, nibbled at her, until there was one sharp pain. She was exhausted from the love-making but now she felt even more drained. She was becoming colder.

There was no catching up the next week, or the week after. Sometimes Amy would catch a glimpse of Kellie and Nick leaving the dorm late at night. She thought about following them, but decided she didn't want to intrude. Lonely without her friend, she buried herself in her studies.

Late one night, while studying in the almost deserted library, Amy felt a cool breeze on her neck. She quickly turned to her left, not seeing or hearing anything. As she turned back, she caught movement out of the corner of her eye. Kellie was sitting down next to her.

"Did you just...?" Amy began. Seeing a smile cross Kellie's lips, Amy continued, "You just scared the crap out of me, you know that, right?"

"Sorry, I couldn't resist. What are you doing here so late?" Kellie asked in a low melodic voice.

Amy frowned and answered, "Um, I'm studying? What are you doing here?"

Amy looked at her friend. Kellie was dressed in a black leotard, tights and a black beaded choker, under a wool thigh-length coat. Amy noticed a streak of eggplant color, running down Kellie's long dark hair. She sort of reminded her of Mrs. Heath. But there was also something else, something that made her a little uneasy.

Kellie sat down next to her friend, close enough to make Amy a little uncomfortable. "I was looking for you. A bunch of us are getting together tonight and I thought you might like to come along. It's been forever since we've hung out," she said, running a fingernail along Amy's bare arm.

Goosebumps quickly formed on her arm, and Amy pulled away. There was something she couldn't put her finger on, something that scared her. Kellie seemed to sense Amy's thoughts and stood up to leave.

"Suit yourself. I gave you a chance to be with us, but I guess you're just not what I thought. Sorry about that. Have a nice life."

Before she could open her mouth, Amy watched Kellie exit the room. Deep down inside, a horrible thought began to surface. No - she was not the Kellie who used to be her friend. Amy couldn't even put it into words, but she knew something was wrong. Kellie hadn't spoken to her like a sister, but more like an acquaintance. Amy wondered if she shouldn't run after Kellie and join her for the evening. After a moment, she realized that they were probably going to keep moving in separate circles. She hoped things would be different when they went home on school break.

Halloween was still a week and a half away. Amy had been worrying more about Kellie, in addition to keeping up with her college work. During a study session with students from her Theology class, the group was discussing Christianity and world religions when the conversation drifted away from the standard curriculum. An off-handed remark about the impact of teen vampire fiction and its effect on high school students changed the discussion to the occult and the paranormal. It was a subject the teaching staff was forbidden to bring up, but all having read the novels, seen the movies, and been fans of the different series, of course they were going to talk about it.

"Don't you think that today's fiction pulls kids away from standard religion? I believe it presents a harmless picture of witchcraft, vampires and cults, in general. The weaker kid is going to be swept up in the "glamor" of something that can be quite dangerous," said Jason, whose goal was to become a youth pastor. "If you stop and think about it, movies like the Twilight series have done nothing but get kids thinking only romantic thoughts about vampires. Things like that make them believe they can live forever with no worries. The fact is it's nothing but crap.'

Avery chimed in, "You can't discount everything, you know. Think about witchcraft. You believe in that, don't you?"

"Of course I do. You'd have to be stupid not to. Wicca is a practiced religion, but it depends how far some are willing to take it. Legitimately, it celebrates nature and its goddesses, but some choose to go much darker. This is what draws kids in - the thought of power and the glamor. They don't realize that power can come from their Christian beliefs."

"Do you believe in ghosts? Spirits?"

"You mean aside from drinking?" Jason laughed. "My religion says I shouldn't, and there is a lot of fakery in reports and photographs, but I don't know. I mean, it would be kind of cool to connect with the spirit of a relative, but then part of me thinks that by doing that, we don't allow their souls to rest."

Amy quietly asked, "So you don't believe in vampires?"

"Heck, no," Justin replied. "I thought you were smarter than that. It comes from really bad literature. Vampires and zombies are completely mythological; there's nothing to back up any claims."

"How do you know?" This question came from a guy that Amy didn't really know.

"Everyone knows that, "Jason answered. "Really? Dracula? Come on."

Amy hesitated and then spoke, "There are segments of the population that believe otherwise."

Justin stood up and spoke, "Like who? People who believe in voodoo? The same ones who believe in zombies? Stop and think about it; if there really were vampires don't you think someone would have documented it by now?"

Amy backed down from the conversation. She could see that no one, except for the Asian guy seated at the end, put any credence in the idea that vampires existed. He stood up and walked to the door. Before he left he said, "I have thought about it, and it makes me afraid."

The discussion ended shortly afterward, and Amy began her walk to the dorms. The sun was low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the buildings. The sky was blue-gray with a tint of purple, seeming to warn of bad weather. The crunch of leaves behind her and a hand on her elbow caused Amy to jump.