I opened the door in my silky red gown, smiling at Blake in his tux. He pulled at his collar, staring at me. "You look really pretty." He said. "I'm used to seeing you in jeans. I didn't realize you could even wear heels." He joked, flicking my arm. I stared at him slyly, and pulled away.
"No need to be jealous of my good looks. I'm sure someday you'll get pretty too, honey." I laughed as I stepped out the door and locked it. We walked to the car, where he opened the door for me. I stared at him. "Blake, don't be treating me like one of your club girls. I'm your friend, don't be a gentleman." I laughed as I sat down.
After thirty minutes, we showed up at the Rec Hall. Yellow balloons floated at the doors, greeting guests with a cheery feel. We walked down the main hall, my arm folded over Blake's. I looked at all of the pictures of leukemia victims and survivors that had been hung up. I heard the front door open, and I couldn't help but turn around to see who else had followed us in. I was in a great mood, and I was excited to see who else would be joining such a great cause.
My heart sunk when I saw it was Jack Manson.
I turned to Blake, my eyes large and worried. "Blake, we need to get inside. Now. Jack Manson is here." I whispered, squeezing his arm tightly. He turned and saw the despicable man, and nodded. He gripped me tighter and led us to the main event. I was relieved when we lost ourselves in a sea of people. A song came on and everyone rushed to the dance floor. I saw Jack in the corner speaking to another man, and the sight of him set me on edge. I stood and led Blake to the dance floor as well.
We danced slowly, my mind wandering. I looked around. Why did he even freak me out in the first place? I'd only met him one other time. I never knew who he really was. I just knew he had money and knew my name. That was all. He wasn't a serial killer, he didn't do anything to me.
So why was I so scared?
Another girl asked Blake to dance, and although he was about to say no, I pushed him into her. "Go for it." I smiled encouragingly at him, nodding my head. It'd be okay, I'd be alright. I turned just in time for another guy to swoop me into his arms. I laughed somewhat, nervously but still a laugh. I looked up into the eyes of the man who had worried me so. "Jack." I whispered.
"Ms. Karr. Nice to see you here tonight, you look lovely. Red is such a good color on you. It's nice seeing you in a dress, I'd never seen you wear something like that before. How often do you get dressed up, hm? You should really do it more often. I own a lovely night club, just off of Main and Knicks, you should really come sometime. I think you'd love it." His seemingly endless ramble gave me time to search for Blake in this sea of faces. Unfortunately, my search failed, and I realized I was alone.
No one would know that something was off about the man whose arms wrapped around me tightly. No one knew I wanted to get away. No one knew, except Blake. But he was the only one who I couldn't find. Jack's smooth voice brought me back to life. "Hayley, I must apologize for my rash behavior at the courthouse. I shouldn't have brought up your illness, that was incredibly offensive of me. I do sincerely apologize, and I hope you'll accept."
"No. Never. It's not an illness. I've already told you, I've had doctors check it out themselves. It's a mystery, but it's accurate. It's a gift." I hissed quietly. His eyes burned with something in them, something like lust . . . No. Not lust. Desire? No.
His eyes were bloodthirsty.
I pulled away from him, but his grip was too tight. He held me close, my physical struggle looking nothing more than a mere twitch of my arms. No one would notice I was in danger. I looked up at him, and he laughed. "I knew you were a smart girl. I knew that you'd realize what I was here for. Good job!"
"Why?" I whispered, shaking.
"I'm a sick man, Hayley. And this is a sick world. Did you ever get to say goodbye to your parents, your best friend?" He asked, and my blood ran cold. Only Blake knew about them. So how did Manson . . .?
"You did it." I whispered. "You killed my parents and started this!" My voice rose into a state of hysteria; no one could hear it over the music.
"So many loose ends. I know you aren't good at goodbyes, but I mean, you still should've at least told them you loved them, Hayley. It was wrong for you to just let them die without even saying anything. Did you tell Blake goodbye just now?"
I stared at him blankly, tears welling up in my eyes.
"Didn't think so. My word, you're a horrible friend. Horrible person. Horrible, horrible, horrible. You're sicker than me, my dear. Let me put you out of your misery. It'll be alright."
My lip quivered and I felt a tear run down my cheek.
"Shush, my darling, shush." Jack whispered.
