Deadly Night - Chapter 1

Chapter One
First Sighting


     "Here kitty, kitty," I called out softly, reaching down to offer a small scrawny black kitten blossom sugar cookies outside the gates of my house.
The kitten mewed and gently pawed my hand, sniffing at the cookie curiously.
    "It's alright, I'm not here to hurt you," I smiled brightly as the cat took a small bite of the cookie. "See its good, isn't it?" I asked as he began to purr, I giggled in return, "Do you have a name?" the kitten paused and lowered his head as sorrow flooded his cerulean eyes that were now fixed on the pathment. "Really…? You don't have a name?" I asked, puzzled.
I then realized that my question had been meaningless, though the cat glanced up at me, somewhat nodding. I blinked repeatedly, trying to figure out if the kitten's head movement was a mere hallucination.  Pushing that aside, I nodded in return, "Hmm…" I began, contemplating on a suitable name, "I think I'll call you Jack! …Is that alright with you?" I grinned joyfully, though had faded away momentarily as I waited for his approval.
The kitten meowed in satisfaction and rubbed against my hand. I wasn't even sure if he could understand me what so ever, though he seemed to grasp the concept. I smiled brightly, "Alright then, will you be my friend, Jack?"
Wide bright yellow eyes gazed back up at me and glisten from the blissful rays of the setting sun. The autumn breeze sent shivers through my entire body, signaling it was time for me to head inside. In that moment I could have sworn there was a mere smile upon the creature's face, I smiled in return as I dropped a few more cookies beside him.
    "Don't worry, I know you only want food from me," I muttered as I got back on my feet, turning my back to the cat as I approached the front gate of my house. "Besides, why would anyone want to be my friend anyways, right?" my head dropped in shame as I fell silent, suddenly Jack rubbed against my leg with a soft mewl. I sighed, "Goodbye, Jack," and with that I pushed open the gate and entered my house in utter silence, ignoring the sound of the kitten crying out to me.
My eyes flew open as the sound of my alarm clock flooded my ears and broke me away from my heavy sleep. I swiftly turned off the alarm and shifted up into a sitting position, peering around my room, anxiously.
   "That dream...why now?" I voiced out loud, staring down at my trembling hands as I began to contemplate why I suddenly had that familiar dream. It has been years since that dream has reoccurred; could it possibly have a meaning behind it? "I haven't seen that stray cat since the day of my parent's death... He was my first friend," my heart began to ache, remembering repressed memories of losing my parents and my only friend, "Or...maybe I'm just over thinking it..." I sighed, failing to reassure myself as sorrow flooded my senses.
After a few moments of silence, I managed to force myself to pull off my bed sheets and begin my morning routine, trying my best to ignore the dream that caused me to remember such painful memories that best be forgotten.
I took a warm shower and got dressed, then made my way downstairs to make some simple breakfast to get me through the morning. As I sat down at my empty counter with a bowl of cereal, I stared out the sliding glass door, observing the rising sun shimmering off of the morning dew on the lush trimmed grass in my enclosed backyard.
    I wonder when things will ever change... hopefully, for the best this time, I thought to myself as I began to eat my cereal, completely zoning out in the process.
It's soon to be the anniversary of my parent's death which occurred 6 years ago in a fatal car crash, ever since then I've been living alone in this house that I've lived in since childhood. I was supposed to move in with my grandfather after they had died, though he pays for the rent and only sends me money to get me through each month so that I can feed myself, etc. To him it was important that I grow up sometime soon, and this was the perfect opportunity, I suppose.
I wouldn't want to be a burden to him, though… So, I guess this is for the best.
I have to admit it took me some time to adjust to my new lifestyle of living alone, especially since I was only a child at the time and have no siblings. Eventually I grew use to being alone, even though it isn't something I ever wanted to live through every day. My parents had always been there for me, there was never depression in our home. We only knew how to smile and express our love as a family, though I can admit I never thought it would end so suddenly.
To make things even worse in my case, I don't have any close friends or family relatives living nearby. The least I can say is that I've been alone ever since my parents had died and it's most likely going to stay that way.
When I think back to that dream, I'm surprised I haven't actually taken any stray cats in as my own, just so I wouldn't be as lonely. Though, I feared long ago that if I couldn't properly take care of myself, then I most likely wouldn't give them the best care as necessary. Even though, I've come to prove that fear wrong, I still haven't acted out on it. Despite that, I put my heart and soul into any animal that actually wastes their time on me, so I'm surprised that I would doubt myself in not taking care of them and fulfilling their needs.
It may be because no one even wants to be my friend, so why would a mere animal want to live in the same house with me, of all things? Maybe it's worse living with me than out on the streets starving, people sure make it seem that way.
I deeply sighed, getting up from my seat and placing my empty bowl in the sink.
I made my way towards the door as I got my jacket and shoes on in silence, "It's better for everyone if I remain alone until I'm no longer on the Earth..." I said under my breath as I walked out my front door.
   "Hmm…?" I managed to hear a low voice mumble, questionably.
My eyes widened in shock as I locked my gaze on a dark hooded boy sitting on the stone wall that separated the front yard from the house to my left. His sleek black hair hid most of his face and gave him a mysterious atmosphere. Out of the corner of his heavy lidded eye, a familiar mesmerizing, amber yellow met my gaze, curiously and glistened from the sun rising in my direction. He wore a dark grey hoodie and a purple v-neck with grey skinny jeans. Smoke slowly rises from the tip of a newly lighted cigarette that rested between his teeth and thin parted lips. The boy's thin structure was hunched over with his left arm resting on his bent knee, seeming completely calm and casual despite not knowing who I was.
I hadn't realized I was frozen in place, eyes wide and my mouth gaping open.
   "Did you say something?" he asked, placing his thumb and finger around the cigarette and inhaling deeply.
   "Uh—N-no, I was thinking out loud is all," I choked out; my voice lowering to a mere whisper as he calmly exhaled and removed the cigarette from his mouth.
   "Oh… I see," he replied, glancing away from me as he noticed how anxious I had become.
I bit down on my lip in regret, wishing that I hadn't made things awkward between us. I turned away to shut and lock the door behind me. I paused, closing my eyes and pretending everything's alright.
   "So, what's your name, kid?" he asked, my eyes fluttered open as I turned to face him, once again.
   "Burn," I mumbled, knowing he wouldn't realize I had told him my last name; I wasn't entirely comfortable telling a strange my real name.
   "Um, what?" he asked, taken aback.
   "My name is Burn,"
   "Hmm…" he began; I glanced up at him to see he was eyeing me suspiciously, "That's an interesting name," he replied, I looked away in relief, "So will you tell me your first name then?" That way I can address you properly."
My eyes widened as my gaze shot back up at him, my hands turned into fists as he was hiding a smile of amusement.
  "What do you mean?"  I asked, trying to act as if I didn't know what he was trying to say.
  "Burn is the name on your mailbox, isn't it? So, I assumed that must be your last name, am I right?" my eyes narrowed as I looked away, surrendering.
   "Hmm…You got me," I sighed, allowing my eyes to lightly close. He chuckled softly, inhaling his cigarette in satisfaction. "I'm Silver…and just who are you?" I asked, irritation rising to the surface and annoyance could be heard in my tone of voice.
   "Heh, I'm Jack Grayson Wyatt—your new neighbor, might I add," he flashed me a wicked grin, my cheeks burned painfully red of sudden embarrassment.
This guy is really my new neighbor of all things? He is a bit young to be living on his own… but I'm one to be talking, I guess.
   "Oh… I guess that explains why I've seen a moving truck outside my house recently; I didn't really think much of it at first," I sighed, lowering my head in the hopes of him not catching sight of my flushed face.
   "Yup," Jack replied with a smile, I glanced back up at him, somewhat surprised by his enthusiasm.
   "Yeah… Well, it's nice to meet you, Jack. I'm going to head to school now," I paused as a frown appeared on my face, "I'll see you around, I guess," I said in uncertainty, trying to hide my disappointment.
I was sure he would eventually avoid me; it wasn't like he purposely did this so that we'd meet face to face or anything, it was merely a coincidence.
   "Oh, yeah—I wouldn't want you to be late for school because of me," he smiled brightly; I couldn't help but smile back. "And don't worry—I'll most likely see you once school's out for the day," he grinned; I unwillingly blushed and slightly nodded.
   "Uh—sure," I faked a smile and waved goodbye.
After 6 straight hours of school, I was finally on my way home after a long lonely day.
Today was just like every other day, besides the strange encounter of meeting my new neighbor, everything was the same. All my classmates ignored me, unless they were to briefly glance at me or frown upon me. I should be use to it now, but having it be an everyday thing just doesn't seem to make things better. Most of them were nice to me at one point in time, though realized my place in the school and decided it were better to join the rest of the crowd by ignoring me as well.
I deeply sighed, glad that the day wouldn't last much longer.
As I turned the street corner, my eyes widened in surprise to see Jack sitting in the same spot I found him this morning smoking a cigarette, I couldn't help but freeze in my tracks.
   "W-what does he think he's doing?" I choked out, taking a step back so that way I could be somewhat hidden around the building's edge.
I figured he was just messing around saying that he'd see me after school—how could he have even known what time I got out? …I don't know how to deal with a situation like this; I'll just end up embarrassing myself and running away like I always have.
I began to panic, unsure on what to do next.
It may appear foolish of me, though, I honestly didn't know what to do in a situation like this.
If I just flat out told him I thought he would never look at me again, wouldn't that offend him, even though it was the truth?
But it wouldn't be enough to just tell him that I thought he had been joking, or would it?
As my thoughts began to settle, I couldn't help but observe him from afar out of curiosity. Instead of wearing the same outfit as earlier, he now wore a black tank top and black skinny jeans with plain converse. I suppose the change of the temperature throughout the day is what led to him changing, especially if he had been waiting outside for me.
He seemed calm and collective, just sitting there in that same position in silence, smoking his cigarette and gazing around at his surroundings, idly. While I was nearly breaking down from something as simple as this, which just comes to show how much of a coward I am.
Maybe he's just having a smoke outside is all… Yeah, that's probably why…
I tried to reassure myself, I knew that it'd be selfish to think he was waiting for me of all things.
Sigh.
I inhaled deeply, hesitantly taking a step forward as I headed in his direction. My gaze was focused on the pathment, pretending that I hadn't noticed him outside. I didn't want to make it seem too obvious that I was aware of his presence, but then again, I knew it'd be rude to completely ignore his existence; I of all people would know how painful it may be.
   "Hey there, Silver," I couldn't help but flinch from the sound of his familiar voice as he casually spoke my name.
   "Oh—Hi, Jack." I stammered, trying to remain calm as best as possible, which was honestly hopeless, "Sorry, I didn't see you there—kinda took me by surprise," I lied, faking a smile as I glanced up at him for the first time, anxiously.
  His smile slightly faded as he gave me a more cautious look, "Is that so?" he asked, pursing his lips.
I gulped nervously and nodded, a moment of silence passed until he spoke again, "…Is everything alright? You're trembling, you know…" he asked, I sheepishly averted my gaze.
   "Yeah… I—uh," I briefly paused, contemplating on what to say next. I didn't really feel comfortable telling him the reason why I was nervous, but then again I'd feel guilty if I were to lie to him like this, "Um, sorry… I get this way—when talking to someone I'm not all that use to," I admitted, blinking momentarily as I tried to hide my shock by how I was actually telling him something this, and by how patient he was with me.
He didn't respond right away, I could feel his fearless gaze locked on me as he deliberately inhaled from his cigarette.
   "I see…" he replied, taking a moment to thoughtfully exhale in the opposite of my direction, "I understand how you feel, and there's nothing wrong with that," he said, I glanced back up at him, timidly.
   "R-really…?" I asked feebly, trying to hide the sudden bashful expression upon my face.
He raised an eyebrow at me, seeming somewhat confused and surprised by my words.
   "Yeah, I use to be just like you—to be honest," Jack sighed, briefly averting his gaze, yet glancing back at me, discreetly.
   "Hmm…" I pondered a loud, taking him a back.
   "Is there something wrong?" he asked, suddenly bringing me back to reality.
   "Oh—um, everything is fine… I just," I paused, hesitantly meeting his incisive gaze, "I've never met anyone that was able to understand me," I muttered, apprehensively glancing away.
There was a temporary silence between the two of us as he observed me closely.
   "Well, you now have me, and shouldn't that be more than enough?" my eyes grew wide as I caught a glimpse of him flashing me a genuine smile.
   "Uh—yeah… Sorry," I sputtered, somewhat regretting my comment as I looked away.
   "C'mon, Silver—won't you smile for me, just this once?" Jack suddenly asked, crushing his cigarette as he brought his full attention to me.
I stared at him for a moment in disbelief.
What's with this guy? No one has ever cared if I were to dare smile in their presence…
   "Does it really mean anything to you if I were to smile?" I inquired, determined for an answer.
He opened his mouth to speak, though no words were present. I gazed down in disappointment, knowing it was too good to be true.
   "Oh c'mon, Silver," Jack began, suddenly shifting his position so that he was now facing me, "Of course it matters to me—why wouldn't it? I mean… we're friends now, aren't we?" his voice lowered in midsentence, as if confidence drained away from his very being.
Guilt washed over me as I caught sight of the look of rejection that dwelled within his once fierce and compassionate eyes. My mouth was gaped out as I wanted to reassure him that we were friends indeed, but I was suddenly choked up and couldn't find the words to speak.
How can I make things right? I don't know what to do in a situation like this—I never meant to hurt his feelings…
   "Heh, sorry—I must have gotten a little ahead of myself then it seems," he anxiously laughed as he was about ready to turn his back to me.
   "W-wait, I—" I managed to choke out, and without a second thought I reached out to grab a hold of his hand to stop him from leaving. I couldn't help but gasp when I realize what I had done; he locked his piercing gaze on my hand as I hesitantly let him go, though he momentarily fixed his eyes on me.  He was obviously not expecting me to react in any way it seems, and I almost wish I didn't.
   "I'm sorry… It's just that no one has ever wanted to be my friend before," I paused, staring down at the ground, feigning a sudden interest as I fought back stinging tears. "I didn't know what to say or do after what you said… I never imagined someone like you would ever want to be my friend—it seemed unreal," I laughed nervously, daring to risk glancing up at him. His expression hadn't changed, he just watched me closely, as if observing how apprehensive I had become, and I quickly looked away as I continued to speak. "I wasn't sure what to do when you seemed to be offended, I wanted to say something but words just wouldn't seem to come out—I don't want you to leave me—I mean I-uh…" I began to choke up as I helplessly panicked, fearing that I was making a fool of myself.
I tightly grasped my hand, hoping to subdue the fact that my hands were trembling.
   "I'm trying to say that…I-I want to be your friend… I really do! I'm just—" I lowered my head as I let out a faint sigh, trying to figure out where I was going with this.
I couldn't help but flinch when I managed to feel him gently patting my head, as if to comfort me in some way, "You shouldn't worry so much," he paused, I glanced up to see he was now smiling at me as he began to ruffle my hair, "I'm not like everyone else that has failed to acknowledge you and chose not to be your friend… Though, I do understand that you wouldn't know any better," Jack deliberately frowned, "But I want you to know that I will never be one of those people, please remember this for me, alright Silver…? I want it to always be there in the back of your mind—because I'll be there for you no matter what," he brightly smiled at me as he withdrew his hand, I hesitantly nodded in return.
I couldn't help but feel surprised that his words were in fact reassuring, and even by him just playfully ruffling my hair had comforted me in a way that I didn't know was possible.         
   "By the way…Uh—were you waiting here for me…?" I asked, trying to remain as calm as possible.
   "Of course I was," he chuckled softly, I couldn't help but smile.
I guess it'll be nice—to have a friend for once…