ONCE UPON A BLOOD MOON

Once upon a time... Let me rephrase... Just a few hours ago, my life was perfect. I was the most popular girl in school. My friends and I were feared and revered even by teachers. If Anna Xavier glanced your way twice, boy, what luck you must have. My perfume, so heavenly, had a hint of lavender and almond. I had people offer to carry my backpack just so I could notice them. Life was good until it flashed before my eyes on the eve of my 18th birthday. I stood right at the center of our living room, my hands shivering, jaws dropped almost to the ground with tears shimmering in my eyes as I watched my parents struggle with life. Dad’s shifted hairy hide clutched tightly around Mother, his eyelids flickered as he drew slow, painful breaths. Mother’s hand pushed hard against the hole in her stomach. My hands flew to my quivering lips; my legs suddenly became too heavy to lift. Mama’s lips parted open, hitching on her breath as tears flowed freely from her eyes. She whispered, “Run... child... run.” I shook my head, tears from my eyes scattering across the room. “Mama...” I whimpered, taking a step closer. Mama’s voice cut through again, “Run, child, he’s coming for you.” I felt cold wind brush against my skin. A pair of shiny eyes appeared in the dark room across us, followed by a creaking door sound from the lobby. I drew back my step, and before I could blink, a rushing wind twirled fast behind me. “Run, child!” Mama screamed, drawing the last breath from her lungs. I turned. The heels of my feet thudded hard against the marble floor as I ran... away from my family, away for safety... away to nowhere. I didn’t stop running. Tears poured from my eyes; my eye shadow dripped across my face along with the pouring tears. A few hours ago, I could have sworn life was good. My friend Marie had dolled me up with cat eye shadow and heavy pink glittery blush. My sparkly sleeveless gown was way up above my knee. I had wanted something a bit to the knee, but Marie insisted we go all out for my 18th birthday. I took a couple of shots of tequila — maybe six! I can’t remember, but I’m sure I took enough to make me laugh over everything said at the club. My body swayed to the music like there was no worry in this world. Of course, I was a lucky girl. I grinded excitedly on the corks of more college students than I can remember. I left that party a happy adult, with my silver heels dangling in my hand. I staggered home, swaying sometimes to the music in my head. My feet enjoyed the feel of sand clustered on them, and my head felt light. …………………………. “Anna... slow down,” a familiar voice called out, pulling me out of my thought. He was utterly breathless by the time he covered the distance. I didn’t stop running. He paused, bent over his knee to catch his breath. “Anna...” he called out again. This time his voice grew tight. Zane ran up to me and pulled me to a halt. His eyes widened as soon as his gaze met mine. “You’ve gone from smoky hot to a spooky mess,” his tone crackled. Zane and Marie were the only friends I had aside from the crowd. Zane had his way of making a joke out of everything, and his dry jokes always made me laugh but not today. His eyes peered into mine. He loosed his grip and cleared his throat nervously. “Anna, what’s wrong? The humans started a fight, Marie and I looked for you nonstop at the club.” My lips parted but no words were formed. “Ma... ma...” Tears came pouring again. He drew me into an embrace. I buried my face in his tuxedo and sniffled. His hands slowly reached for my hair and patted it softly, “Shhh, I’m here, you’re safe.” My arms tightened around his thin monkey jacket; my sobbing softened. He didn’t say anything else. His hands moved across my hair, his touch gentle as a feather. “My parents have been murdered, Zane.” My voice sounded muffled against his shirt. I didn’t look up, I couldn’t look up... I was scared. His breath hitched. I could hear his heart thud harder against his chest. He adjusted his weight and pulled me into a tighter hug. “I’m so sorry, Anna... we’ll get through this together, I promise.” His voice was husky; his lips brushed against my ear as he spoke. He let his face drop into my shoulder. “We’ll get through this,” he whispered again. That night I followed Zane to the McDicksons’ residence. I sat in the living room, arms wrapped around my knees and my face buried into my thigh. Zane was at the kitchen island with his parents, speaking in hushed voices. “You’ll be sleeping in the guest room. Mom has instructed the maid to clean it out for you,” he patted the small of my back as he spoke. I shook my head. “Can I sleep in your room...” My voice quivered; tears gathered at the corner of my eyes. “Please...” I can’t remember the last time I said please. It tasted bitter on the tips of my lips, but I didn’t care. Zane nodded. “Okay.” He bent over and picked me up. My arm rubbed against his thick muscles; he adjusted his weight. As he walked past his parents, his dad held his mother close. In their eyes, I saw pity... I hated the look on their faces, so I hid mine in Zane’s shirt and let it stay there till we entered his room. Zane’s hands wrapped around my waist as he drifted off right next to me on his king-sized bed. I couldn’t sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw them — my parents lying in the pool of their blood. For each time my mind wandered back to the scene I had just run from, only one question pounded in my heart. “Why?”