A/N: This chapter is the longest one, I believe. I wanted to have some time with Star and Laddie since I've barely touched on them in the last few chapters. That doesn't mean this chapter won't have some action in it, so no worries. Plus, it will also hint to some things for our girl, Jackie.

WARNING: Some violence and bloodshed ahead.

CHAPTER 5:

Teetering on Boundaries

"Boundaries define what we are. A boundary can show us where something ends and begins. It can also lead us to a sense of ownership. Knowing what you own and if you take responsibility for it can give you freedom."

As one could imagine, sleeping restfully was damn near impossible. Even the smallest sound, every little splat of water dripping in the distance or shift of limbs brushing along some fabric, felt intrusive— loud. Not only did noise eat away at my already tired mind, but my thoughts too. They were ruthless. They kept rotating around how I barely survived the night — tangling about David's stern words and the fact that I almost died. No matter what direction I tried to stir these troubling images, it ended up on one remaining judgment, and that was Max.

What to do about Max and his unrealistic goal for a family.

Turning Michael completely wasn't entirely out of the picture, but forcing him into a lifestyle I already know he fought against before didn't feel right. Helping him, helping Star and Laddie, felt better. Whatever slither of humanity left in me told me Max's death just made sense. What didn't was how to go about doing it.

David expected to talk things over tonight, to come up with a plan, and I was coming up blank. Of course, going along with the plot of the movie would, ideally, make that decision for me. Yet, it was keeping the Lost Boys out of the firing line, out of the massacre, difficult. All the half-vampires just assume that David is the ring leader in that's what draws those rather ambitious wannabe Vampire Hunters to do what they do.

The simple answer would be for Max's dirty secret to come out. Hell, Sam and the Frog Brother's already have suspicion during that particular dinner scene. Would it be too far fetched to help them along, give them some insight? Would giving the halflings the answer to mortality again be enough to leave the Lost Boy's alone? Or would they still be hunted down just for what they are?

I'll admit, teetering on the good and evil line of things is not a healthy place to be.

For all intent and purposes, I should be rooting for the good guys. I should be locking arms and charging headlong into the fray so no else can be slaughtered. My human brain, this mortal side of my knowledge, knowing full well what harm a group of vampires can do if left free. And yet, here I am. I am balancing cons and pros on how to keep their undead hearts metaphorically ticking. Instead of listening to all reasonings, I'm rooting for the bad guys, the monsters of this 80s flick.

Despite it almost getting me killed just hours ago.

What the fuck am I doing?

Rolling over, away from the stagnant material of the couch, I turned to the dimly lit hotel lobby. I have no sense of time, no idea how long I've been awake since dawn washed over the bluff, but that it was day and that was it. I guess that's all that mattered at this moment. The wool blanket carelessly thrown over my form slipped, crumpling upon itself on the cold floor. I didn't move to right it. Instead, I stared at the sleeping forms in the shadows across the cave.

Star didn't want this life. Laddie didn't deserve this life. The Emersons could do without being a blood-sucking Brady Bunch.

Killing Max was the answer. The only correct solution.

..

..

I woke up on the couch feeling a little stiff, but not as sore compared to when I woke up behind the shop. So improvement there at least. Rolling over, I took note that the place is not pitch black in entirely like a cave should be, but slightly illuminated in a warm glow from the barrels currently blazing in a low simmer — the dancing light flickering designs on the walls. My first thought went right back to what time it is, and my second thought was bathing, but I was stumped. Alas, It didn't help the grimy feeling.

Sighing quietly, I sat up and stretched my arms up above my head, feeling my body slowly kick-start into gear for the new day, well the night that is. While he grogginess of not having a full 'nights' sleep is still itching at my consciousness. Hearing a slight rustle off to my right alerted me of Star's presence before her voice broke the tranquillity.

"Hey." It was apparent she was either nervous or at least uncomfortable due to how timid her voice sounded.

"What's up?" I replied, more relaxed and welcoming while folding up the little wool blanket I had used before leaning against the armrest, drawing my legs up beneath me. I watched Star calmly, hoping I didn't come off as anything but friendly. There was no need to be distant to her after all. Yet, she continued to stand there by the edge of the couch awkwardly— unsure of herself.

"I don't bite, Star. You can take a seat."I offered while gesturing to the open side of the couch, giving a small smile to go along with my light joke. She gave a nod before sitting down but nonetheless keeping at a distance.

Now that she is sitting in front of me, somewhat, I noticed the water bottles in her hand. Figuring they were meant to be a conversation starter. The mere thought of water made my throat itchy. I could definitely do with some h2O. It didn't take long for Star to notice that I was looking at them, and she handed one over.

"So, is there something you want to talk about?" I softly urged after taking a refreshing sip. God, it was like liquid gold running down my throat.

"Yeah," she started before looking down at her lap, playing with the studded design on her broom skirt. Her dark brown curls were covering up her expression from this angle. "I wanted to know... to ask why you are choosing to be here even though it's dangerous." Again her voice was soft.

Did she know I didn't drink the blood? Could even half-vampires sense when a bond is made?

Despite how she acted yesterday, tip-toeing around Michael and all, I could not find myself to be too upset with her. Probably because I expected those actions from her since I had a grasp on why Star did what she did.

"Clearly you know what they are." She continued while cutting a glance at me."What I am." I hummed lightly, nodding. There was no reason for me to hide that from her entirely.

"Yes, I do know they are vampires and that you are a half-vampire. That Michael is now a half-vampire." that got her to look at me directly. A clear look of pain dancing in her dark brown eyes. A physical sign of regret that she did not stop it from happening and that I am confirming what she may have only suspected.

"But why I have chosen to be here is complicated, Star." I continued quietly, wanting to keep the atmosphere around us calm.

Still, Star wouldn't have asked that question if David and the guys told her anything. Nor would I expect them to tell her. So I'm not about to explain any big secrets to her in case she still plans to run off with Michael and get everyone killed. Luckily for me, Star didn't seem to question that cryptic answer but instead asked another.

"Are you not afraid of them? Of me?" Her voice now laced with concern. Concern for my well being or another reason entirely, I am unsure. I leaned over the arm of the couch even more, almost laying completely against it now, as I let out another sigh.

"Of course, I have fear. I know they are predators who can easily kill me. I'm surprised I even survived last night. So by some form of instinct, I do have a sense of fear, but..." I trailed off to gain her attention completely, speaking again when our eyes connected. "I trust them, and I trust you. And to be honest, I'd rather be in this cave, on this couch with water to drink and food to eat, a place to sleep, then be all alone on the streets."

At that, she looked shocked. Either by my words or from the fact that she just learned that I am technically a 'runaway.' Maybe even from my choice of phrasing it all. It didn't matter which one. Eventually, she looked away to stew over her own thoughts, which I took those minutes to gather myself as well. It was quiet for a moment before I broke the silence again.

"Star, can I ask you something?"

"Mmm? Yeah, go ahead."

"Why won't you become a full-fledged vampire? What's stopping you?" Star didn't respond right away and that was expected. Instead, she leaned back into the cushion of the couch and took a sip of her water, appearing to contemplate the answer. I watched as her gaze shifted over the cavern walls without really seeing them before her lips parted.

"I can't kill innocent people." Finally came her response with pain evident in her voice, her gaze landing on the ceiling of the cave in defeat. I secretly knew that but at least she came out with it. The half-vampire let out a tired sigh then. "I'm not a killer. I mean, I didn't choose to be a half-vampire, and neither did Laddie."

The movie never went into detail about her change or past. The audience had to fill in the blank spot, make assumptions based on the personality and actions of her character. Sadly, the same applied to Laddie.

In theory, Star could be a runaway that got swept off her feet by David while Laddie was dragged into this by him or Max. My intuition will lean toward Max, though. He probably wanted to keep Star intertwined in the slowly growing family. Give her a reason to stay, to be entertained with a child, but everything was up to debate. Laddie could have been with Star since the beginning. The boy could have run away with her, be her brother, or simply be a lost kid since his face was on that milk carton. No one truly knows.

Still, it is easy to assume that they and the Lost Boys had some type of relationship despite how they act now in the present. Maybe she even loved it until her world went haywire, and creatures of the night became a reality. Did David and her actually have something romantic at some point? Of course, a blind person could tell Star is infatuated with Michael in some way and vise-verse. But how David honestly feels about that is uncertain since the movie doesn't go in-depth about it.

"I'm sorry, Star." I quietly spoke up after silence had settled in. Halfway apologizing for the fact that Laddie and her, and like Michael, really didn't have a choice—they chose for them in a sense. Especially when it came down to Michael. The other half of my apology relating to how I know what she must be feeling right now.

"But, maybe I can figure something out to where there is a happy ending for you three." As soon as it left my lips I wanted to cringe, the look on Star's face beaming with happiness from my words. She acted like I promised her freedom as she shifted to face me entirely with hope gleaming in her eyes.

"Really? You can do that?" I couldn't look at the faith dancing in those brown irises, so I closed my own and turned away, planting my feet on the cool floor to sit up properly. I slumped my shoulders a little as I faced the rocky ground.

To be honest, I'm not entirely sure how to go about achieving that 'happy ending' for them. Of course, I want the end of this adventure to not go in the direction of where the Lost Boys die, but that leaves me with very few options. Some of which are possibly dark.

I shook my head mutely. I am not directing it at her question but at the rather dark thoughts eating away at me. They wouldn't be happy as vampires, and I had to remind myself that.

"I said maybe, so I'm not sure."I looked at her in a tilted fashion, a frown on my lips. "I can't promise you, Star. But I will at least attempt to figure something out." The hope in her eyes dimmed down a little, but she gave a nod of understanding before I looked to my socked feet again.

"I'd, I mean 'we,' would appreciate that," Star spoke with a soft smile in her voice before standing up to head over to her and Laddies make-shift bedroom. "The sun is about to set, so the guys will be up any minute." She finished before vanishing behind the curtains. How she knew that when the sunset cannot penetrate these cave walls, I don't know, but I'm going to chalk it up to another skill that vampires possess—even if she is only half.

So that would make it roughly seven.

I decided to finish off my water bottle in one fell swoop before pulling on my converses. Standing, I finger-combed my hair the best I could then tugged it into a ponytail, mentally noting to myself that a shower is due as soon as possible. If not tonight, then tomorrow during the day. I then grabbed my jacket from the chandelier-fountain that sat near the couch and slipped it on as the cold air of the cave began to nip at me. Taking a glance at a hole in the cave wall, already knowing that it is one of the entrances to their hiding spot deep down in the cave, I settled on adventuring outside.

"I'll be out front if any of the guys want to know," I announced to Star before descending up the rocky stair-like-slope even before receiving a reply.

I needed some air and I needed to be alone.

I jogged up the wooden stairs to the cliff where all their bikes sat awaiting their owners, taking a deep breath of the salty air just as the wind picked up around me, tossing my ponytail and clothes around with its breeze. It felt good. Releasing my breath, I turned to face the ever turning sea. The foamy waves crashing into the rocky base below while seagulls in the distance flapped their wings with vigorous effort to get wherever they were going.

It was peaceful up here watching them soar across the slowly dimming sky, but I eventually let my gaze wander back to the horizon while basking in the remaining glow before twilight could beckon the stars out. A sense of calmness claiming my mind as I listen to the ocean hum below. Yet, almost too soon even, the sun fell out of sight and I was shortly accompanied by David. He appeared beside me without making a single noise. It almost made me jump, but I was able to reel in that emotion, keeping my eyes set on where the sun once danced upon rippling waves.

"Did you enjoy the view?"

"I suppose," I answered without facing him. "Do you ever miss seeing the sunset?" The thought coming to me as the official purple and dark reds bled into blackness, appearing to swallow everything, even the sea, in shadows.

"It's been years since I've witnessed a true one. so I can't say I honestly do." Came his bland reply with a clicking noise and a spark of light appearing in my peripherals. "I don't see the point in them anymore." He finished with while exhaling. The smoke of his cigarette dancing off to blend in with the breeze, wafting in my direction temporarily.

I shifted my feet while placing my hands in my jacket. My gaze set to the sky above now that the small specks of light are twinkling into existence. "The point of them, to me anyway, is that when I see a sunset or a sunrise or even a full moon sitting high in the sky, I'm away from the world. For those brief moments, everything just seeps away and it's just me."

This caused a grunt from him, no doubt finding my thought process to be poetic and silly. "Sounds like something I would suspect a psychic to say." I felt his arm around my shoulder, something I'm coming to realize the guys do often before David guided me away from the cliff.

"The boys and I are heading to the boardwalk. I don't assume you want to stay here?" He glanced at me at the corner of his eye, smirk in place as he continued to smoke.

It was weird to see him acting so… normal. After last night especially. I guess someone woke up on the right side of the nonexistent bed.

"I thought we were going to discuss a plan tonight." I had mulled over ideas to the point of losing quite a lot of sleep. To say I'm ready to discuss things would be putting it mildly, and now he didn't want to. That didn't make sense.

He took a drag, "We will continue later. For now, I have things to do." His answer was vague, and knowing if I tried to gain more info from him would only earn me nothing, so I didn't.

David pulled away to fleck the dying cig away before swinging onto his sleek baby, the Triumphs body comfortably sagging beneath the weight. The open palm of his glove greeted me then as he stretched it out to me just as the group trotted on up the stairs. I took the offered hand and slipped on behind him, settling in behind David as if I've done it before. Being behind him, behind the leader, would give anyone a moment of pride—excitement, and that included me.

All the guys hopped onto their rides, including Laddie, who now sat behind Dwayne, but Star didn't move.

"Not coming, Star?" Inquired David as he kicked up the stand while shifting his weight to balance the bike. My own legs already bent up with my hands resting between my thighs on the seat, not yet wrapping my arms around David. Not ready to.

I gave Star a questioning look, thinking that seeing me on Davids bike being the cause of her judgment to pause, but then it dawned on me. Tonight was Star and Michael's sexy time together. That classic 80s' sex scene with love music and candles. With that in mind, I didn't question her motive to stay despite not truly knowing the purpose as to why she honestly did. It's not like Michael and Star secretly planned the rondeau, right?

"I'm going to hang back. I don't feel like going out tonight." Her voice sounded passive when talking to David, but that was expected what with their semi-odd relationship—whatever that relationship is.

"Suit yourself." David replied indifferently, "Let's go, boys!"

With that command, I hurriedly raced my arms around the vampire's waist just as our bodies lurched into motion. My action collecting a throaty chuckle from David before glancing at me over his shoulder. He looked so untamed just then. The bleach-blond spikes of his hair shifting in the wind as his eyes danced with energy. Even the way his lips lifted to the point of showing dull teeth with a grin. David looked young, reckless, sexy while the wind flew past.

"I recommend you hold on tighter, Jackie." Then he faced forward and twisted the throttle, coaxing the motorcycle to go faster.

Receiving that type of input I did exactly as advised, moving in closer to him to become flush against his back, as my arms tried to lock onto each other. We sped away into the night, our bodies now consumed by the new shadows. I rested my cheek against his coat, smelling the familiar layer of cigarette smoke, leather, the musk of a man, and the faint odor of copper; blood.

I vaguely watched the blurs of trees rush past my sight in a vague mass of shapes before I closed them altogether. Just letting the feel of the ride consume me.

..

..

..

We arrived at our destination in no time at all. The noise of the place announcing itself with excited screams, the unhealthy smell of carnival food, and just the overall racket a busy place accumulates; a herd of feet shuffling on wood, the chaos of bodies chatting, and creaking of rides in motion. I opened my eyes and leaned back as we casually cruised on the boardwalk, taking in the sights of people of all ages and styles but never lingering on one person.

After parking where I'm starting to assume is their go-to-spot, they all dismounted. People walked passed barely glancing at them either due to a lack of interest or because they are just that oblivious of the vampire's mere feet from them. Of course, they still drew in a few stray eyes. Those eyes were belonging to the female population, mainly. In return, the Lost Boys scanned the crowd in front of them in the form of 'people watching,' smirking as their eyes met with the few females that dare to stare. Completely unaware of what fate they gain from doing so.

I, on the other hand, stayed seated on Davids bike after sliding to the center point of the seat, my hands automatically falling to rest on the handlebars, watching them watch people as if deciding if the blonde girl or the brunette would be a tastier treat. It didn't last long, though, as David cut his gaze to me with a cocked eyebrow. As if questioning why I have yet to move from his bike. For all the world looking like I wanted to take it for a spin.

I didn't, of course.

"I have a feeling that you guys are hungry and planning to grab a bite to eat." Maybe that's the business David was talking about. They didn't eat yesterday for all I know, so it wasn't a poor guess to make. "I thought I would hang back and chill with Laddie. Maybe ride some rides and find something edible or something," I answered his silent question while officially sliding off his gorgeous baby, my hand trailing on the winged symbol of his bike.

Out of all four, five if you count Michael's, David's bike exceeded them all, in my opinion. Though, even seeing them in person, I am still baffled by what they are entirely made of. They are not just one part or one brand, and them having a mechanic shelf in the cave tells me they know how to maintain their motorcycles. It's not helpful to me either that I'm stuck in the eighties trying to figure out what looks like a sports cruiser hybrid of a Trumpet t100 and a 80s Low Rider Harley Davidson. That does not mean I can't admire their sleek bodies altogether.

"Alright," David shifted in his coat before pulling out a wad of cash, drawing my attention to his hand. "Here. Use it however you wish." I took the money and instantly started flicking through the bills — the amount equaling out to three-hundred.

Whoa, that's a hefty amount.

I could never use it all in one night, then again, I need some articles of clothing and a meal. I looked up at him while pocketing the wad in my jacket pocket, zipping it closed for safekeeping.

"Thanks." I honestly felt grateful to have cash on me again. Of course, I did not need to question how these jobless vampires had money on them for the dead have no need for it. "I doubt I'll use it all, but I'll put it to good use."

"Good. Meet us here at midnight." With those words, he gracefully, like the predator that he is, moved over the walkway to blend with the crowd with a silent Dwayne hot on his trail after giving me a stern look. I could only assume it had to do with keeping Laddie safe.

"Later." Salute-waved Marko as he fell in step after the stoic vampire. Paul just wiggled his fingers at Laddie and me before turning away to bounce off after his retreating brothers, laughter in the air as they all officially vanished.

With them now gone, I turned around to face the little guy, squatting down to be more eye level with him. I've never been a big 'kid person' to say the least. Being raised as a single child with very little friends shaped me into being a tad on the socially awkward side.

"So, Laddie, let's have fun, 'kay?" I asked him and he gave a nod, still shy toward me, but that's okay. "Alright, awesome. So, what do you want to do?" I gave him a kind smile while standing up, offering my hand to which he took.

"Don't know about you, but I'm in the mood for carny food." I thought out loud as we began to walk.

"Yeah." Came Laddie's soft agreement. Though he spoke lightly, there was a smile on his cute chubby face leading me to believe that I am getting somewhere with the kid.

Three hours passed in what felt like no time at all, and within that matter of time, two corn dogs and a large amount of cotton candy was consumed. Along with three rides accomplished and two clothing stores successfully raided. So far, it had been a good night. Sure, at some point, Michael will meet up with Star and come to some form of realization to just what the hell he got himself thrown into, but a good night. The little Tyke wasn't that bad of company, honestly.

I felt a tug and couldn't help but laugh as the little guy continued to drag me along the boardwalk, determined to take me somewhere. To where I didn't even know. It already felt like we've walked the entire place three times over. But I'm just glad we stopped by the bikes so I could put away the bags of goodies in David's storage compartment instead of lugging it around.

"Come on, slowpoke!" He giggled out, using both hands to now tug on my arm as he hurriedly pulled me toward the Giant Dipper. I didn't have it in me to tell him that he may be too short to ride that ride, so I just let him do his thing.

My own giggles mixing in with his. "Alright, bud. Slow down." His childish excitement was contagious. "After this ride, we have to head back to the bikes. It's almost midnight, 'kay?" Laddie nodded rapidly, showing he heard me, but that wasn't stopping him. Then I caught the slightest glimpse of something familiar, my smile disappearing as three figures came into focus ahead of us. I applied the breaks causing Laddie to turn to me with a look of surprise and confusion.

"What is it?" He mumbled while his gaze followed my stare to land on the misfit guys roaming ahead. Just in time too, as one of them paused to glance over his shoulder. It only took a sweeping motion for a set of eyes to land on me and another second for a smile to break out across his face.

Great, not these pigs again...

"Hey, will you look at that? It's sweet cheeks from the other day." Called out Mohawk Guy as he turned his shorter than himself leader-man around in my direction, speaking louder than necessary. I immediately tensed up and placed Laddie behind me as Johnny, bruised face and all, eagerly began to approach. I could feel Laddie's fingers on my belt loops tighten. He wasn't there when these guys ganged up on me, but even the small half-vampire could tell something wasn't right.

"Well, well, it is her." Johnny swiftly stepped forward into my direction with both of his guys in tow, swallowing up what little space we shared. This predicament was turning into a sour one now that the only exit is a dead-end behind us.

I can't run like I did last time because I have Laddie, and I can't fight three to one— shit, shit. Three muscular Surf Nazi's up against a slightly built person like myself. Che, It would be a miracle if I came out on top.

I watched those ugly eyes scan my body before locking on to the little mass behind me. That only made me tense up even more.

"Who ya' got there behind your back, huh? Little bro or a son? I'll give it to ya, you don't look to be a maa' to me." He spoke while stepping even closer, which forced me to ease further back. However, every step led me deeper into the alley, and what distance I managed to gain they took right back.

Enough was enough. "Back off," I demanded as I stopped my retreat. It felt fucking pointless anyway. "I really don't want trouble, boys." My words only caused a burst of laughter to bellow out from their alcoholic stained mouths.

Of course, they don't find me threatening. Not like I really expected them to agree and walk away, either.

"Don't want trouble? Well, ya' shouldn't have punched me, you stupid bitch." The backup henchmen voiced their agreement, egging him on. "I tried to offer ya' a good time and look at what that got me, huh." He tilted his head back to peer down his nose at me, a cocky sneer of disapproval lingering on his busted face.

"Where's my apology?" He threw down the beer can in his hand, the sound ricocheting along the narrow walls. "How ya' goin' to fix this?" He gestured to the dark bruises along his nose before slowly grinning again. As if something dawned on him. "I bet I know how. Don't you, boys?"

Disgusting. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what he could be suggesting.

I couldn't help the hateful look washing over my features. "Why don't you take your sad excuse of a dick and shove it up his ass instead!" I gestured to the Mr. Clean beside Mohawk Guy. "Because I—" My eyes narrowed in on him with pure anger. "—Don't want it."

Two things quickly happened upon my outburst, and if I were a vampire, I would have immediately torn them to shreds.

First, Johnny swallowed up what little room was left and backhanded me clear across the face. The force was enough to crack my face straight to the other side. My jaw was hanging open with shock as I stared at the brick wall. Secondly, Mr. Clean, who looked to be disgusted by my comment, quickly shifted that into anger before he launched himself in my direction.

I shouldn't be surprised that they would attack me. They did yesterday, so why would they stop now? But fucking Christ, I have a kid with me. Just what in their dumbass minds are they thinking!?

I tried to stumble backward as the Surf-Nazi took hold of my jacket collars, but there was no time. Quickly I fell forward just as his knee rammed right into my gut, knocking the wind out of me. Everything went a little cross-eyed for a second, spots dancing across my vision while air wheezed out of my lungs. All I could make out was my body shifting as they tossed me aside — my back smacking against the wall in a fit of coughs.

Holy Shit—

Sliding down, I felt the cold hard ground greet me just as a dense mass fell on top of me, keeping me there.

"No one talks shit like that to me! No one!" Bellowed out Johnny, who I now assume is the massive weight on me, his words ringing loud and clear. I squinted my eyes, my cheek still stinging, and spit directly in his disgraceful face like the smart person I am.

"Go fuck yourself!"

"Why you little piece of shit."

About all hell broke loose then.

"Jackie!" Laddie screamed as another full-swing-slap landed on the opposite cheek, open palm this time. I hissed from the pain and could feel my eyes beginning to water, but I never gave him the satisfaction of a whimper or cry.

No, fuck that.

Instead, I blindly leaned up while locking my legs around his upper thigh region, taking hold of the base of his shirt to tug it up quickly and over his head. Just as swiftly as I did that, I twisted the fabric and began to choke him with his own shirt. His motives quickly turned from trying to remove the material from around his neck to trying to get me off him. Even that eventually went to wailing on my back.

"Holy fuck, man! Let him go!" Shouted one of the Surf-Nazi's as they rushed to their leader's side. Good timing too, because he was about to pass the fuck out.

Quickly I adjusted to the situation and swiftly rolled over to jump off Johnny before his friends could do any harm to me. Knowing them, I would have earned a kick to my ribs or even my head. This was becoming a straight-up dirty brawl, and my adrenaline is pumping strong.

I may not be Laddie's mother, but I certainly felt like a momma bear right now.

Now on my feet, I could feel the left side of my cheek swelling as I surveyed the situation. Instantly I noticed Laddie being held back by Mohawk Guy. One arm behind the kids back with the other around the neck, preventing him from struggling without earning some choking persuasion to stop. While Johnny and Mr. Clean sat hunched on the floor, but I didn't care about them anymore. My gaze was now set on the idiot with a deathwish holding Laddie.

"Let him go. He's just a little kid." My voice was flat and severe as I waited for a split second for him to do as demanded. The Surf-Nazi didn't move. I then cut my angry green eyes to the leader who looked pathetic on the ground while in his coughing fit. "Tell him to let the kid go. Now!"

"Lucas, man, just let him go," Johnny spoke up between fits.

Lucas scowled but accepted the order and released Laddie. The boy quickly ran up to me, his eyes big with worry. I gave him a strained smile before turning him around to face the exit. I didn't want him here anymore. He needed to leave this mess. I leaned over his tiny body and whispered for him to run and look for one of the guys before giving him a gentle shove.

Laddie gave me one final look before disappearing into the throngs of people, and why no one stopped in the first place to help hardly mattered at this point. The people walking past didn't even appear to give a damn about the scene in the alley. Then again, this was no action-packed hero movie. Not one of that sense anyway, so I really don't and won't expect to be rescued by some heroic stranger. Let alone one of the guys magically appearing in time. I mean, It's not like they can sense I am in danger or anything.

"Now that the kid is out of the way," began the leader-man who was standing and fixing his shirt. "Where were we?"

"I was owning your ass in front of your boys that's where," I spat while lifting my hands up to my chest and falling into a defensive position, my legs bent and shoulders squared. I never said I couldn't fight, but that didn't mean I could fight well.

"C'mon, sweet cheeks, you have nowhere to run this time. Why not be a good girl and cooperate, huh?"

"How many times do I have to tell you to fuck off?"

"Fine, have it the hard way then. Boys!" Came the command and they rushed at me as a group.

Laddie ran through the massive crowd in a hurry, dodging legs and shoving people past the best he could till finally he reached their bikes. What hope Laddie had on his face fell upon quickly realizing no one was there yet. Even though it was almost midnight. Jackie was in trouble and she asked him to get help, but he didn't know where else to go. No idea how to find David or any of the other guys.

"Oh, man, oh, man." Laddie practically whined as he scurried over to Dwayne's bike. He climbed up to stand taller on the vampire's seat, straining to see past people's heads. He scanned for any glimpses of them, coming up with nothing. Yet he could sense they were nearby, somewhere. With a last-ditch effort, Laddie cupped his face and yelled their names.

"David! Dwayne!" He took another big breath, "Paul! Marko!" Nothing. Then suddenly behind him came a shuffle of footsteps as the group rounded the corner. They must have not been that far away just as his dull senses told him.

"What the hell, little man? What's got you screaming for us?" Paul hurriedly questioned as they came to a stop in front of the boy, Dwayne immediately lifting him off his bike.

"Wait, where is Jackie?" Marko inquired while doing a one-eighty-degree turn, coming up with nothing. "Didn't think she'd be the kind of person to ditch a kid."

"No!" Laddie shouted in her defense. "She's in trouble!" The moment his feet touched the ground he reached out and grabbed Dwayne's jacket cuff and tugged. "C'mon, Hurry!" Despite the sound of haste in Laddie's voice, the guys didn't move right away but instead glanced over at David, waiting for his decision.

"Our little Psychic got herself in trouble, huh?" Their platinum blond leader asked as he turned to face the way Laddie ran from earlier, already smelling blood in the air. The scent wavering in the clouded aroma of the boardwalk.

Laddie couldn't wait, didn't want to wait. He released Dwayne's jacket and ran in front of David, pointing ahead. "Yes! So come on already!" Then the kid was swallowed up by the crowd. No longer patient enough to wait on their asses.

"Let's go." David officially gave the order, flecking the partially used cig to the ground without mind. All four vampires heading in the direction Laddie ran.

With a huff, I threw the unconscious Surd-Nazi off me, his body rolling to lay motionless next to the wall—the same wall I just used to bash his head into. Now a small puddle of blood began to crown around his head. I didn't really want to hurt these guys that bad, but they were starting to leave me with little-to-no room to differ.

Once the dead weight was off me, I hurriedly climbed to my feet to face the two still standing. Johnny looked beyond pissed at seeing his friend bleeding there on the ground and not moving. Lucas, now sporting a growing black eye, spit some blood on the ground before shuffling closer, his arms up in a boxing position.

I have to give it to them; they at least know how to fight. Not professionally, of course, but enough to be considered street savvy. I'm not coming out of this unscathed, that is for sure. I ran my tongue along my busted lip while eyeing Lucas. Then I heard the last thing I wanted to hear; a click.

"Oh come on, a knife, really? Can't we dish this out like men?" I ironically say with my hands still up and ready to defend. "I hate knives because things always get messy when they are present, you know."

"Fuck you, street trash!" He spat out before running toward me, aiming to go in blind from the anger of his fallen brethren — Che' your choice.

As he ran at me, darting the knife out in a stabbing and slashing motion, I quickly stepped away. Stumbling back till hitting the alley wall to which I had to roll and dart away from since Johnny was not stopping his slashing parade anytime soon.

This went from trying to rape me to trying to kill me non-consensually. What the fuck!

Concentrating too hard on the one wielding a knife, I didn't comprehend that Lucas was now behind me. That I am running backward right into the man's arms until it was too late. The massive arms wrapped around my frame in a vise-like grip, pinning my arms to my side, and lifting me off the ground altogether.

"Fucking hell! Let me go!" I cried out, thrashing my head back and kicking my legs out, doing my damn best to ward off Mr. Happy Stabs while trying to get the guy to let go. It didn't work.

In the end, I just pissed off Johnny more since my shoe planted itself right on his face when he came too close to my flailing form, earning me a slash across my calf. Cursing, he gave Lucas the command to pin my body against the wall, so there I went face-first into brick. Lucas's heavy body was now holding me there, surprisingly off the ground.

Some times being short really, really sucks. One thing did change though, my arms were now held behind my back by one of his large hands—I swear this brute was a Viking in a past life, while the other hand forced my face to the wall. A knee jammed itself in the center between my legs is the only reason my feet are not touching the floor.

Now Johnny came into my one-eye view since the right side of my face is scrapping against the brick very uncomfortably, to have a little chat. I could already feel the rough texture tearing at the swollen flesh there, exceeding in making my anger grow with the pain.

"All you had to do was behave," Johnny said matter-of-factly while the tip of his knife pressed into my side. His hand guided the blade down with enough force to cut the fabric. Any more pressure in he would draw blood.

"I don't take orders from a piece of trash like you." I hissed out before unwilling letting out a yelp of pain, the tip of his knife officially breaking the skin. He didn't dig in deep, lucky me, but it still stung like shit. "What the fuck, man!?"

"Shut up, or I will fucking gut you!" He applied more pressure, and I bit my lip to stifle a cry as the blade inched in slowly. Just enough for blood to bubble to the surface and race down my side freely. I could feel it soaking my shirt and the waistline of my pants. Hell, I could smell the copper-metallic substance with my human nose. It was that much.

"Whoa, Johnny, that's taking it too far, man." Lucas finally spoke up. His voice was showing a clear sign of unease with the way his leader is acting. I felt his grip on me loosen a little and made a quick decision to milk the situation. I let out a gasp while squeezing my eyes tight, using the watering eyes of pain for fearful tears.

"Please! Just let me go, I'll... I'll do whatever you want, okay?" My voice cracked as I let the words of a begging woman come forth. Completely flipping my attitude in a one-eighty fashion. "Just please, no—no more!" A couple of seconds past, then I physically winced as I felt the inch or two of the blade slide back out.

"Good girl. That's what I wanted to hear." The filth cooed at me while giving my cheek an approving tap.

As much as I wanted to snap at that hand, I held back. Instead, I let out whimpers while patiently waiting for the dense mass on my back to ease away entirely. Hoping that he would and Lucas didn't disappoint me. Just as soon as the man backed off, I flashed my eyes open and quickly darted out to grab the knife.

I took hold of his wrist and twisted, forcing him to let go. It all happened so quickly that Johnny just stared at me with shock while releasing the blade, the clang of metal bouncing off the hard floor. Lucas just stood there like an idiot not making a move, so I hurriedly grabbed the knife and jumped away to gain distance.

Fuck, my side hurts!

"You tried to have your way with me. Then you threaten my God damn life!" I lashed out as my left hand pressed against my side. "And you fucking stabbed me!" I yelled while showing my bloody palm to him. "What the actual fuck is wrong with you!?" I was beyond livid. He could have killed me, hell, they could still be the death of me if this bleeding didn't stop. "And what? You think I'll just roll over and let you have your way with me now!?"

"Look, just drop the knife... don't do anything stupid." Lucas tried to coax me with his hands up in an 'I surrender' type way. I just sneered at him, my lip raising to another feral-like snarl, and If I could growl, I damn well would.

"What? Afraid I'll stab you as he did me!" I pointed my bloody finger at Johnny who just scuffed at me in return.

"Bitch, you don't have it in you to takes someone's life," Johnny seemed to brush it off while choosing to so boldly walk toward me. "Just give me my knife back."

I watched him like a hawk as he inched closer and closer to me, calculating. Thinking he is so stealthy, that he knows I wouldn't kill him. Well, he's fucking wrong. No one tries to kill me and thinks I won't defend myself. If my life is on the line, then so is his, my internal voice practically snapping with resolution.

I eased back out of my somewhat crouch and into a more relaxed posture, my hand playing with the knife as I secretly fight the urge to just attack him right there and now.

"Fine. Do you want your fucking knife? Take it." I held it out to him, handle first, the tip of the blade between my thumb and index finger. He smiled at me, thinking he won, but just as he reached for it, I raised my hand and flicked my wrist, sending the spiraling knife straight for his torso. Lucky me, it stuck in.

"Bulls-eye,"

He screamed and fell back, crashing to the ground while his hands hovered over the knife in that freaked out sort of manner, panic clearly setting in.

"Oh, shut up. It didn't go in that deep," I spoke up around the panicking mess on the ground before turning my blazing stare to the scared man-child once known as Lucas. "Hell, I'm pretty certain I didn't have enough room to really dig into his flesh all the way."

The way I was talking was like someone chatting about the weather. I appeared off my damn rocker as I walked toward Lucas. The once big and strong-looking man now backed himself up against the far wall like a caged animal. My body language relaxed despite the shooting pain in my side.

"He thinks I won't kill a man. Do you want to help me prove him wrong?" I cocked my head and applied the most sadistic serial killer smile that I could muster. If fighting didn't work, then scaring them will just have to do.

"Your…" He struggled to find the right words, mouth gaping like a fish for a second.

"C'mon, say it." I egged him on.

"Your a—a fucking psycho!" And with that dawning resolution, he took off as if a hound of hell was chasing him, nipping at his heels.

The moment he was out sight, I closed my eyes and took a breath through my nose, exhaling through my mouth. I needed to calm down. My heart felt like it was going ninety miles a minute. Opening my eyes again, I pivoted to face the guy on the ground. He was out cold — the pain and fear claiming him to the point of passing out. Then I glanced over at the motionless body of the still nameless Surf-Nazi, but could still see his chest rising and falling. He is alive but who's to say he isn't in a coma or worse.

Turning away from it all, I leaned back against the wall. Everything was starting to catch up to me, and I felt fucking exhausted.

Fuck my side hurts, fuck there is blood everywhere, fuck I almost killed somebody...

"Fuck me." I groan out loud.

"If you ask nicely, I just might." Came his voice right beside me. I jerked, which only made me wince more, causing me to take in a hissing breath. Having my stomach muscles clench like that was not good. I could hear David taking a deep breath and I knew I should be scared— scared that a vampire is breathing in the scent of blood that's just about everywhere. My blood included. Yet... I'm not. I'm too drained to give a damn really.

"You're bleeding."

"Oh, thank you, I didn't know," I replied sarcastically, still not angling my head to face the group. "And where was my Knight and Shining Armor's like five minutes ago?"

David didn't answer, but instead, Marko spoke up. "Damn, girly, you made a mess here. Aw, but you missed this one's heart." There was something of a whine to his voice. I rolled my eyes and turned over, my upper shoulder supporting my body against the wall now, as I looked over at him.

"That was the point. Besides, he didn't give me enough wiggle room to really throw the damn thing."

"Wait, you threw the knife?" Paul cocked his head with almost a child-like wonderment to it. "And here I just thought you stabbed the guy." He turned his gaze to Marko. "Stabbing would have been easier, right?"

"Kudos to you." Marko complimented me instead of adding to Paul's comment. "Practically killing people and not even panicking." Although he seemed to be analyzing me more if those words meant anything.

"Yes, I threw it," I answered Paul and decided to ignore Marko's comment altogether. "Hey, where's Dwayne and Laddie?" I took note that only three of the boys stood before me. Paul was hovering over Mr. Clean— dipping his hands into the pooling blood like he's about to do some finger painting while Marko is crouching over and poking Johnny half-heartily. That left David the closest to me as he leaned against the wall by my side.

"There is blood everywhere, Jackie." David said it like it was the most normal thing in the world.

"Oh, yeah... It would probably send Laddie into a frenzy, huh." I finished for David. "Sorry, a little light-headed from the adrenaline rush and blood loss here." I leaned my head back, my eyes closing again.

"The guy with the knife barely stuck in him stabbed me. The guy by the wall opposite of me tried to rape me, so I bashed his head against it till he passed out. And one of the guys…" I gestured out to the now somewhat empty Boardwalk with a hand. "Ran off," I informed them like I was counting groceries off a list. "They didn't really leave me with a lot of choices in the matter, though. It was my life against theirs the moment that idiot," I blindly motioned toward Johnny with my foot. "Pulled out a knife."

A minute ticked by undisturbed. "Do you regret hurting them?" Spoke up David calmly, I could feel his eyes trained on me, but I didn't dare peek at him.

I could smell the smoke from his cigarette wafting in the air around us while I pondered over that question, but it didn't really take long — my raw emotions on the forethought more than my reasoning. I might have even scoffed at the comment if I had a coherent mind to do so.

"Fuck no," It came out quieter then I wanted but with confidence. I could see spots now appearing behind my eyelids...

"If I could manage it, I would of... probably gut the guy for threatening to…" It felt like I was losing grasp of reality. "...gut me." My last words barely made it past my lips as darkness embraced me, my legs giving out. I was out cold before I could even feel my body collide with the hard ground.

I'm running. My feet slapping on what appears to be concrete. I can feel the lack of oxygen tearing at my lungs as I quickly run like my life depends on it, my heart thumping loudly in my ears. Footfalls echoing behind me pushed me onward. I can hear a faint call of a man's voice bouncing in the air, but the sound does not soothe me. No, it adds fuel to the flame as I try to kick into gear, to gain more distance, but finding it impossible to do so. My body wants to give out. I want to stop and give up, but I can't. I have to keep running.

How long have I been running, and why am I?

"STOP!" The man's yelled the only coherent thing I've come to understand so far. I don't answer and I don't stop. Instead, I focus on my feet. Gotta keep going. Can't stop.

"You can't do it! STOP! Don't leave me behind!" his calls sounded panicked. What can I not do? Why is he asking for me to stop? Why am I scared? Leave who?

Then I see it. Ahead of me is a drop-off where the building stops. Wait, I'm running on a building? Why? Do I know this place? I look over at the adjacent rooftops, but the force of my body never ceased. I keep going despite the burning in my lunges and the pulsing prickle at my side.

I can make it. I know I can.

The edge came up fast and I flung myself forward, vaulting over the gaping hole. I'm reaching out to grab anything with my legs ready to tumble, but it never came. Instead, with eyes wide with realization, I don't make it. The man was right, 'I can't do it.'

My mouth opened to scream as my fingertips dance mere inches from taking hold of the lifeline, and I go plummeting to the alley below with deadly silence. It was like a blink of an eye before I felt the impact and heard the crack. Falling nine stories should kill a person instantly, yet I lay there gasping and choking, unable to move. I can feel something warm engulfing me as I stare up at the dull sky above squeezed between two buildings. I can't stop staring up as the white flecks of first snow began to fall. Dancing down to kiss my cheek.

I've always loved the snow...

I'm dying, I know I am. There was no sense in lying to myself. I can't move, I can't feel my fingertips let alone wiggle my toes, and the warmth around me is most likely blood pooling out of my body. I choke again, feeling liquid escape my mouth as my body convulsed, my vision blurring into a white mess...

why did I jump? Why did I think I could make it? Why was I running, and who was that chasing me? Why can't I remember?

'I'm sorry...'

A/N: I'm not sure if I have mentioned this yet, but I'm trying to do a weekly to bi-weekly update on this story. However, I'm moving in Feb so updates may slow down for a bit. Just a heads up and whatnot. Also, I'm excited we've finally reached what I consider to be the beginning of Jackie's story. Right now it's just a hint of her abilities and stuff, I'm trying to be vague for those who haven't read Alternate Reality, but nonetheless I'm excited to get that ball rolling. Leave a review if you like! You know they always brighten my day/night!