Michael’s Creek

By Gav Night

 

He stood in the shadows on the wrong side of the creek watching the activity on the other side. His eyes, black and empty, narrowed behind his mask and his grip tightened on the knife he held at his side when he saw her. She would pay for all she had put him through. She would not escape this time. No, it was his turn to win the fight. He would be more careful this time. Idiot woman though she had gotten rid of him with that puny little axe. She thought she could hide here in case he did come back. Well, he had come back and she couldn't hide. Didn't she know? Didn't she realize? Pure evil never dies.

 

 

John Strode looked around the bustling cafeteria of Capeside High. He was not happy about being here. Michael was dead, but his mother wanted no lingering memories of him so she had moved him clear across the country to Capeside MA, otherwise known as Nowhere USA. To make things worse Molly had broken up with him as soon as she heard he was leaving. He sighed. Now here was he was in the middle of nowhere, with no friends, no life, and no clue as to what to do.

He spotted a boy from his film class at a table nearby. He had been nice enough. Retarded name though. What was it? Darrell, Darwin, Dawson? Yes, that was it.

John walked over to the table and looked down at Dawson. "Hey, you mind if I sit here?"

Dawson looked confused. "Oh, right. John, isn't it? From film class."

John nodded. "Dawson, right?"

Dawson nodded. "Dawson Leery. Sure, you can sit."

John pulled up an empty chair next to a thin, blond girl. She turned to him with an enormous, almost frightening, smile.

"Hi! I'm Andie McPhee. Nice to meet you." She stuck out her hand.

John shook it. "John Hyde. Nice to meet you too."

Andie turned to the dark-haired boy at her side. "This is my brother, Jack."

Jack waved slightly. "Hey.

"Hey."

Next to Jack sat a girl with short blond hair. John couldn't help but notice how much she resembled Molly. A guy with wavy brown hair sat next to her with his arm draped around her shoulders.

"And this is Jen Lindley and Pacey Witter," Andie said.

"Welcome to Capeside," Pacey said. "And hope you escape before it sucks every ounce of life out of you."

Jen elbowed him in the side. "Don't mind, Pace. It's not as bad as he thinks it is."

"Yes, it is." The girl who spoke had long brown hair and a weird half-smile.

"And finally we come to Joey Potter," Andie said. "She's Dawson's so don't try anything."

Joey blushed a pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. Dawson smiled proudly.

John glanced from face to face. "Nice to meet you all."

"So where are you from?" Pacey asked.

"Cal . . . Colorado. Denver to be exact."

"Why are you here?" Joey asked.

"My mother . . . she needed a break from the, er, snow."

"Ah, I see. Well, you've come to the right place."

And with that the conversation continued on as it had before he sat down. John felt a shiver run down his spine. He could feel someone's eyes burning into his back.

He spun around in his chair. He let out an unmanly yelp. There, across the sea of teenagers, stood his uncle. His head was very much attached to his shoulders, and a knife glistened at his side.

"John? John, you okay?" Andie asked.

John looked at her, eyes wide, breaths ragged. "Do you see him?"

"See who?" Andie asked.

"Him!" John pointed at the spot where Michael had stood. It was empty now. He shook his head and rubbed his eyes. "He was there a second ago. I swear!"

"Who?" Joey asked.

"My dead uncle."

Andie nodded in understanding. "You have that problem too. I hope they have you on a better medication than they had me on."

John stared helplessly at the faces around him. He wasn't crazy like his mother. He couldn't be. He didn't see things. But he had seen Michael. And he was certain Michael had seen him.

 

"So what do you think of the new kid?" Jen asked as Pacey drove her and Jack home that afternoon.

Pacey shrugged. "Seemed a bit . . ."

"Like Andie?" Jack asked.

Pacey nodded. "Yeah. It kind of freaked me out, you know? Reminded me of when she used to see Tim."

"He seemed like he was hiding something," Jen said. "Like he was making up his past as he said it."

Pacey smiled at her. "I seem to remember someone else who came to this town looking for a new start and making up a new past as she went."

Jen smiled back at him. "Are you trying to tell me it doesn't matter where he was before?"

Pacey nodded. "Exactly. It's the past. All that matter si the future."

Jen laid her head on his shoulder. "Our future, more specifically."

Pacey grinned and kissed the top of her head. "Yes. That's exactly what I mean."

Jack groaned. "Should I get out so you have can the seat to yourselves?"

Jen smiled at him and patted his arm. "Poor Jack. He's just jealous cuz I've got the hottest guy in school. But hey, look at the bright side? John could be gay."

Jack glared at her. "I think my sister has already got her sights set on him."

"Hmmm, that could be interesting. 'Table for four, please? Andie, John, Tim, and John's uncle." Jen mocked Andie.

Jack glared at her. "I don't find that at all funny, Miss Lindley."

"Sorry," Jen said. "You know Andie's my best girl friend."

Jack grunted. "She wants your man."

"She ain't getting him," Pacey said.

Jen turned her gaze back to him. He averted his eyes from the road long enough to give her a quick kiss on the lips.

"Hey, isn't that John there?" Jack asked, pointing out the window.

Pacey and Jen looked up and saw John standing in the front yard of the house next to Jen's. There was a moving truck in the yard and John was talking to an older woman, presumably his mother.

"So he's the new neighbor," Jen said. "I can't believe how dense I am. His mother's name is Marci. Grams says she just appeared out of nowhere a few weeks ago, bought the house, then disappeared again. They got here this morning, but I never saw John."

Pacey pulled the truck into Jen's driveway. Jack popped open the door and slid out.

"Want to come in for a while?" Jen asked.

Pacey shook his head. "I better get home. I wish I didn't have to, but . . ."

"Okay," Jen said.

They shared a deeper kiss this time than Jen slid out after Jack. She slammed the door and waved at him. Pacey watched her cross the yard to see John. He felt a tinge of jealousy well up in him, but it passed. He knew Jen loved him alone now. Besides, John seemed made for Andie. Pacey put his turck in reverse and backed out of the driveway, keeping his eyes on Jen the entire time.

But what was that? Pacey glanced into the rearview mirroe. A man was standing in the middle of the road dressed in overalls and a white mask, and something sharp glinted in his hand. Pacey blinked his eyes. The man was gone.

 

Cliff Elliot walked down the street towards Jen's house. He had been gone for a while, but now that he was back he wanted another chance with her. He glanced towards the creek. The last faint rays of sunlight still glinted off the water. A chilly breeze wafted across the street, stirring the dead leaves and sending chills up Cliff's spine.

He looked at Jen's house only a few hundred feet ahead. He hoped she didn't have somebody new. He scoffed. No one in this town wanted a New York slut.

The sun sank over the horizon, seemingly pulling all the light off the street. Cliff paused as he heard footsteps behind him. They stopped. Cliff started walking again. So did the footsteps. Cliff turned around. He saw someone about a hundred feet behind him, walking very slowly toward him. Something at his side glistened in the dim light of a streetlight whirring to life.

Cliff turned and started walking again. He felt a chill run up his spine. He looked over his shoulder. The man was only fifty feet away now. How did he do that?

Cliff quickened his pace. The footsteps behind him remained slow and steady. Cliff looked again. And then there was a glint of metal and then a spray of red that he realized all to late came from his neck. He stumbled backwards and he felt cold steel run the entire length of his throat to his crotch. Then there was nothing.

Michael stood over his victim, blood dripping from his knife. The boy's entrails spilled out of the slash down his torso. Michael leaned down and with one quick motion of his knife decapitated the boy. He picked up the dripping head by the hair and grabbed the body by one arm and dragged it down the street.

He stopped in front of his sister's house. She and her son had already turned in for the night. Michael dragged the body up the front steps. He hefted the body onto the porch swing, leaving it as if it were sitting there. He knocked over one of the hanging plants and replaced it with the boy's head.

Michael inspected his work. The porch was already staining red underneath the head and body and his intestines continued to spill out into his lap. Michael nodded in satisfaction. This should get his point across.

 

Marci Hyde, aka Laurie Strode, came down the stairs in her bathrobe. She went into the kitchen abd put on a pot of coffee. John would be up soon and would need a good breakfast, but first the morning paper.

She smiled as she walked into the living room. What an amazing little town this was where you could step out on your front porch in your bathrobe. And the best thing was, there was nothing here to remind her of him. Still smiling, Marci opened the door . . . and found herself face to face with the decapitated head of a teenage boy.

Marci screamed as she had never screamed before. She took a step back into the house only to slip in a puddle of blood and land flat on her butt in the doorframe. And then she saw the boy's body, wearing a Capeside High letter jacket, with his internal organs spilling out of his torso and onto her porch.

"Mom! Mom!" John was beside her, kneeling in the stick blood, not even noticing it or the dead boy.

Marci pointed at the head and when John saw it he began to retch, adding to the putrid smell already permeating the yard. A trail of blood stretched from several hundred feet down the street, across the grass of their lawn, and up their front steps.

John regained his stomach and wrapped his arms around his hysterical mother, who was babbling about her brother's return.

"Shhh," he whipsered into her hair. "It can't be him. It can't be. You killed him. Chopped off his head. He's dead."

Marci shook her head. "He's been dead several times, John. Why should the last one be any different."

John gently kissed her forehead and pulled her quivering form off the ground. He practically carried her inside and laid her on the couch, then he dialed the police station.

 

Pacey had just sat down to a nutrious breakfast of a burnt piece of toast when the phone rang. Grumbling, he got up and answered it.

"Pacey?" a gruff voice said on the other end. "Is your dad home?"

"Sure, Sgt. Daily," Pacey said with false cheerfulness. "I'll get him."

Pacey covered the mouthpiece of the phone and shoued up the stairs. "Dad, it for you!"

Pacey waited 'til his dad picked up and then went back to his breakfast. A few minutes later, Chief Witter rushed down the stairs.

"What's the hurry, dad?" Pacey asked though a mouthful of toast.

He was surprised when his father stopped and turned around. "There's been a murder, son."

Pacey's eyes widened. His jaw dropped and a little bit of toast goop fell onto the table. "A murder? In Capeside? Where? Who?"

Chief Witter swallowed. He looked almost compassionate for a moment. "I don't know who, son, but . . . but it was on Dawson and Jen's street."

"No," Pacey said, suddenly afraid. "Please, let me come with you, dad."

Witter shook his head. "Sorry, but this . . ."

Pacey looked on the vege of tears he was so afraid.

Witter sighed. "Get your butt in the truck."

Pacey ran out the door, praying to a God that Jen didn't believe in that she was all right.

 

Jen and Jack had just walked out the front door when Chief Witter's truck came roaring down the roar, sirens blaring.

"What the hell is Pacey doing?" Jack asked, staring at the truck.

Jen shook her head. "Nope, that's Mr. Witter, but Pacey's with him."

And that's when she noticed the cop cars congregated at the Hydes' house. Witter's turck slowed as it passed her yard, and before it pulled to a stop in front of her house, Pacey was out the passenger side door and running acroos her front lawn.

He caught her up in his arms, lifting her off the ground and covered her face in kisses: her lips, her forehead, her cheeks, her nose, and finally worked his way down to her neck and then back to her lips. He pulled away and took her face in his hands, resting his forehead against hers. There were tears streaming down his face.

Jen reached up and cupped his face in her hands. "Pacey? What's wrong?"

"Oh, Jen," he whimpered, kissing her softly on the lips. "I was so afraid."

"Afraid? Afraid of what?" Jen asked.

"Afraid you were the victim."

Jen looked at him, confused. "Victim?"

Pacey nodded. "There's been a murder. But its at John's house. It wasn't you. Thank God it wasn't you." He began kissing her again.

Jen gently puled away from him. She looked toward John's house and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw John talking to Chief Witter & Deputy Doug. Pacey slipped his arm protectively around her and Jack clasped her hand on her opposite side and they made their way across the yard.

"Dad?" Pacey asked softly when the Chief began to move away from John.

Witter looked at his son. "Yes, Pacey?"

"Who . . . who was it?"

"A teenage boy. We couldn't find any identification. He was wearing a Capeside letter jacket, but it was too covered in blood to tell anything yet."

"You think maybe we could take a look? See if we can identify him?"

Witter shook his head. "I don't think you want to do that."

Pacey nodded. "I can handle it. Where is he?"

John pointed at the front porch. "Paramedics haven't taken him yet."

Pacey, Jen, and Jack all followed Witter's finger to the porch. There was a moment of stunned silence while the scene registered, and then as if one mind controlled them all they dropped to their knees and began to vomit up the entire content of their breakfast and last night's dinner.

Finally, Pacey recovered and loosed himself from Jen's deathgrip on his arm. He made his way feebly across the lawn to the porch. He hesitated only a moment before going up the steps.

He reached the top and saw a the black-haired head hanging from a wire hanger that had once held a potted plant. He side-stepped it and went to the other side to see its face.

A face that all the girls called the face of a greek god. A chiseled, handsome, face. But his skin was turning a sickly gray and the jagged edges of his neck were stained red. There was blood at the corner of his lips, and around his nostrils. His eyes were open, but rolled so far back he could no longer see the iris, let alone the pupil.

Pacey felt bile rise in his throat and nearly fell down the steps in his run for it. He fell down and vomited again.

His father's black-booted foot landed in front of his face. "Well?"

"His names, Elliot," Pacey croaked. "Clifford Elliot."

 

Joey climbed out of her rowboat and quickly crossed the lawn to the ladder outside Dawson's window. The sun was sinking low over the creek, and the streetlights were coming to life along with every porch life within two miles, but she knew she would never feel safe in this neighborhood again no matter how much light there was.

Her hands slipped on the dew coating the ladder. She yelped and stopped to catch her heavy breaths. She reprimanded herself for being so jumpy, and began to climb the ladder again.

She stopped at the top as an eerie chill ran up her spine and down again. She felt eyes on her. She turned her head to the side, and from here she could see her house across the creek. And someone peering around the edge of the house. She saw only part of his face. It seemed white, but she thought it was just the light from the moon shining on Bodie.

She shook her head and rapped on the window. Pacey, Jen, Jack, & Andie were already seated on Dawson's bed with him. Everyone jumped when they heard her knocking on the window. Dawson came over and opened it.

"Sh*t, Jo, you scared the crap out of us," Dawson said.

Joey smiled weakly. "Sorry, Dawson, but the window was locked."

Dawson stepped back and helped her in. He slammed the window shut behind her, locking it, and pulling the shade.

"Scared much?" Joey asked.

Dawson nodded. "Aren't you?"

"No," Joey said easily.

"Liar," Jen said. "You look like you're about to piss yourself."

Joey shot her a glare and plopped down next to Andie. Dawson sat next to her.

"So what's going on? Why is everyone here?"

Dawson shrugged. "We all seemed just too alone at our own houses. Safety in numbers, maybe?"

CUT TO JOEY'S HOUSE
Bodie stood over the kitchen sink, his hands emersed in the soapy water. Bessie had taken Alexander to see The Eeyore Movie , leaving Bodie to clean up from dinner. Joey had taken off to Dawson's a few minutes ago.

Bodie switched on the garbage disposal and began shoving the leftovers down the roaring hole. He sang to himself as he did even though the disposal was so loud he couldn't hear himself, much less anything else.

And then it started spewing the food all over the kitchen. Bodie swore and switch it off. He went out the backdoor to get his toolbox.

It was cold out and he shivered as the late October air hit him. He found his toolbox laying open on a bench. A warning signal went off inside his head. He hadn't let it opened. He looked inside to find his screwdriver missing.

A twig cracked somewhere near.

Bodie spun around, eyes wide, breath ragged. He glanced from side to side and began backing toward the door, clutching a hammer from the toolbox. He reached the door, slammed it shut, and locked it. He breathed a sigh of relief.

He made his way down the hall to the bathroom, still holding the hammer. He laid it on the counted while he turned the shower on and began to undress.

Bodie slipped into the shower and let the warm water soothe him. He turned the heat up some as if it would burn away his fears.

A shadow passed on the other side of the curtain.

"Bessie?" he asked. "Want to join me?"

There was no answer. Bodie began to feel uneasy again. He turned the shower off and stepped out, he leaned over for his towel.

And felt a large hand on his neck. He froze. Cautiously, he turned his head to the side. And foundh himself staring into an emotionless white face, no a white mask. The hand tightened on his neck, and Bodie saw his screwdriver rise above the man's head.

Then it came down into his face. Again and again until he knew no more.

CUT TO DAWSON'S HOUSE
"So?" Dawson asked. "Are we gonna all crash here or what?"

Joey shook her head. "Can't. I told Bodie I'd be back by the time Bessie came home."

"I'm not leaving Grams alone," Jen said.

"And I'm not leaving Jen," Pacey said.

"Me either," Jack said.

"I'm staying with Jack tonight," Andie said.

Dawson's face fell. "So I get to stay alone tonight?"

Pacey slapped him on the shoulder. "Afraid of the dark, D-man?"

No one laughed at the feeble attempt at humor. Joey looked at her watch.

"Oh, crap, I gotta go. I'll see you guys tomorrow."

"Want me to walk you home?" Dawson offered.

"Chivalry is dead, Dawson."

"But Jo . . ."

"It's okay, Dawson. Why would anyone want to kill me? Shut up, Pacey."

Pacey just grinned. Joey slipped out the window and made her way back across the creek.

Pacey yawned an stretched. "We'd better head over to Jen's too. Her Grams is a basketcase enough already."

Jen elbowed him hard, but laughed. "He's right. You two ready?"

Jack & Andie nodded. Dawson looked genuinely frightened. Jen took pity on him.

"You want to come too?"

Dawson nodded vigorously. "I'll go tell my mom."

 

CUT TO JOEY'S HOUSE
Joey stepped into her house to find the lights already off. That was odd. It would be another thirty minutes at least before the movie was over and Bodie wouldn't turn the lights off. Maybe's he's gone to town, she thought, hoped. At least she'd have time to take a lengthy shower without someone screaming not to use all the hot water.

She tried the switch only to find the electricity was off completely. Great. They forgot to pay the bill again. She kicked off her shoes and felt her way down the hall to the bathroom.

She reached into the shower and turned it on, feeling a few drops of water land on her hand. She undressed and sat down to pee. She sniffed the air. Something didn't smell right here. Something just seemed . . . off.

She stood and pulled back the shower curtain. Something toppled out on top of her, pinning her to the ground. She pushed it off of her.

The moon outside her window peeked out from the clouds long enough to illuminate Bodie's torn & bloodied face. Joey screamed and scrambled to her feet, slipping on the wet floor.

She pulled herself up using the bathroom counter. She froze. A masked man stood in the doorway. The shock wore off and she screamed, hurtling Bodie's electric razor at him. He blocked it with one arm and made his way forward.

Joey's hand brushed the hammer Bodie had left on the counter. She raised it over her shoulder.

"Stay back or I'll hammer your d*ck like a f***in' nail!"

He raised his arm above his head. She screamed when she saw the long knife he held. She spun around and hurled the hammer threw the window.

She followed it very quickly. She yelped as she landed in the shattered glass, but kept running, not caring that she was naked. She didn't bother with rowboat; it was to slow. She reached the end of her little dock and leaped into the water.

She screamed as her naked body hit the almost-frigid water. She had to live though. She couldn't let it stop her. She forced her limbs to work, propelling herself across the creek.

She heard a splash behind her. She didn't need to look to know he was in her rowboat. SHe paddled harder. And then she was at the other side. She pulled herself onto the dock and crawled a short distance until she regained her breath. She ran across the lawn, her limbs heavy with cold.

She heard the familiar thump of the rowboat docking behind her. She ran faster. She went to Dawson's front door and began pounding away. A light came on inside.

"Dawson!" she screamed. "Help! Dawson!"

She leaned agains the door, too tired to beat on it anymore. She screamed again.

The door opened and she fell into the house.

"Joey?" Gail's voice, confused.

"Bodie dead . . . after me . . . got to warn Bess . . . help!"

Gail pulled the naked girl into the house and slammed the door shut.

"Lock the doors!" Joey screamed. "Call Mr. Witter! Anything! Don't let him hurt Bess! Please! She's all I have left."

CUT TO JEN'S ROOM
Dawson lay on the floor of Jen's bedroom with Jack Andie. Pacey had tried to convince Andie to sleep in the bed with Jen, but she wouldn't leave Jack's side, and Jen didn't want Pacey to leave hers. So Pacey & Jen were cuddled up on the bed.

Dawson was drifting off to sleep when he heard screaming. He tried to ignore it, but the voice was screaming his name. He ran to the window in time to see a naked Joey fall into his house. The door slammed shut. Dawson saw someone in his lawn.

A tall man, dressed in overalls, hair going everywhere, masked in white, and knife in hand.

"Aw, sh*t!!" Dawson screamed.

Pacey was jolted out of sleep by Dawson's outburst. He blinked open his eyes in time to see Dawson run out the door. He looked at Jack, lying on the floor right next to the bed. Jack jerked his head toward the door and Pacey nodded.

Pacey started to stand, but Jen caught him by the arm and stared pleadingly up into his eyes. "Please don't leave me."

Pacey kissed her softly on the lips. "Something's wrong, Jen. I have to go see what it is. I promise I'll be back."

Jen shook her head as Pacey stood. She refused to let go of his hand. He gently removed it with his other hand. He stroked her cheek once and leaned over to kiss her forehead.

With that, he and Jack, who was having his own problems with Andie, hurried out the door. Jen & Andie looked at each other & followed.

Pacey didn't hear the screaming until he reached the bottom of the stairs. He dashed toward the front door and onto the porch.

"Oh, sh*t."

Dawson was wrestling with someone on his front porch, and he was losing. The man pushed Dawson away and he rolled down the steps.

"What the . . . Dawson?!" Jen exclaimed.

Pacey turned around and stared at her. "Stay here, Jen. Jack, make sure they stay here."

Pacey bolted across the yard.

"Pacey!" Dawson screamed, trying to crawl towards him. There was blood on his right shoulder.

Then the man laid an enormous hand on Dawson's back and he froze. He raised his knife high in the air . . .

Pacey let out a roar of rage & launched himself toward the man. He caught the man fully in the chest and they tumbled across the yard. The men threw Pacey off of him, and went after Dawson again, who was making his to the front door. Pacey could see Gail watching from the front window with Joey's head buried in her shoulder.

Pacey picked himself up off the wet ground and grabbed the man around the waist. The man reached around with one of those enormous hands and picked Pacey up by the back of his shirt. Pacey froze. He was no looking directly into the eyes under the mask. Black eyes. Black like Satan's. And Pacey knew this wasn't just a man. He was evil personified.

And then he was thrown into the Leery's front porch. He lay there dazed as the man turned toward him. OUt of the corner of his eye he saw Dawson open the front door and pull Gail & Joey out. They made a dash for Jen's house.

The man didn't even see them. Once again, the terrible blade of steel rose over his head.

"Pacey!" Jen screamed.

She jerked out of Jack's grasp and grabbed one of Gram's spades. She ran at the man, weilding the spade like a knife. He turned around, looking almost quizzicaly at her. She shoved the pointed end of the spade into the man's shoulder.

For the first time, he made some noise that resembled a scream of pain. He pushed Jen to the ground and jerked the spade out of his arm. Blood dripped from the blade & and he advanced on Jen. Jen began to scoot backwards away from him.

Pacey recovered enough to realize what was happening. He crawled across the short distance to the man and latched himself onto his ankles.

"Pacey . . .!" Jen shouted.

The man turned around and before Pacey could move, he brought the spade down. Jen whimpered as she heard the sickening crunch of the spade being shoved into Pacey's ribcage.

"Nooooooo!!!!!" Jen screamed. "Pacey!!!"

The man turned back to her, leaving the spade in Pacey's side.

"Run, Jen," Pacey whispered. "Please . . ."

Jen shook her head. Trembling, she stood and faced the man. He started walking towards her, slowly as if he had all the time in the world to deal with a petulant teenage girl.

Jen bolted toward the Leery's front porch, seeing a shovel out of the corner of her eye. He followed, but he wasn't fast enough. Jen whirled around, holding the shovel like an axe.

The man stopped and stared at her. Their eyes met. And she knew what Pacey knew. She was looking into the face of pure evil. But there was also fear in his eyes suddenly, fear, not of her, but of something in his past.

And then he spoke, muffled through his mask. "Laurie."

"Go to hell, you f***ing b*****d!" Jen screamed.

She swung the shovel and caught him squarely upside the head. He crumpled to the ground. Jen dropped the shovel & and stood in awe of what she'd just done.

Then she ran to Pacey's side. Dawson & Jack were already there. Dawson was bleeding from the arm. Jen fell to her knees beside her boyfriend's body. Pacey's eyes fluttered open. He raised one arm weakly and let it brush her cheek.

"Oh, Pacey . . ."

He smiled. "I love you, Jen."

Jen shook her head. "No, Pacey. Don't do that. You aren't going to die."

Pacey shook his head. He moved slightly, so he was closer to her and dropped his head into her lap.

Jen stroked his hair. "Please, Pacey, you can't die. I need you, Pace. You can't leave me."

And then the most beautiful sound the gang had ever heard. Police & ambulance sirens.

Jen looked from Jack to Dawson questioningly.

"My mom called them," Dawson said softly. "Bodie's dead. My mom took Joey to cut Bess & Alex off at the pass."

The ambulance pulled to a stop in the front yard. Lights came on in houses all over the street.

"Over here!" Dawson shouted, waving his arms. "He's been stabbed!"

The paramedics hurried over with their gurney. They lifted Pacey out of Jen's arms and strapped him onto the gurney. Grams & Andie hurried over to the scene, and John & his mother also appeared.

"What happened?" John asked.

"This man . . ." Dawson said. "He killed Joey's brother-in-law. He stabbed me in the arm & he stabbed Pacey's in the ribs."

"Where is he now?" Marci asked, grabing Dawson roughly by the shoulders.

Dawson pointed to the spot where the man had fallen. He was gone. Dawson's mouth dropped open. "He was right there a minute ago."

"Oh, sh*t," John & Marci said simultaneously.

Jen followed Pacey to the ambulance, holding his hand all the way, trying to reassure him. They lifted him into the back and his hand was torn from Jen's grasp.

"Please, let me ride with him," Jen begged. "He's my boyfriend. We're practically engaged. Please, you have to let me ride with him."

The paramedics looked at each other & nodded. "Get in."

Jen jumped into the back just as Jack appeared outside the doors. He held out his hand and Jen took it.

"I'll see you at the hospital," he said, squeezing her hand gently. "I'm driving Andie & Grams. Dawson's riding with John and his mom to find Gail & Joey."

Jen nodded. Jack stepped away, dropping her hand. He smiled at her. "He's going to be all right, Jen."

Jen nodded & smiled tightly. "I know. I won't let anything happen to him. He can't die without me."

The paramedics closed the door and the sirens started. Jack followed them for a few feet before turning back.

Jen turned to Pacey and took his hand. She kissed him softly on the lips. "I love you too, Pacey."

Pacey looked confused.

"You said you loved me earlier. I never said it back."

Pacey smiled. His grip tightened on her hand, sending hope flooding over her. They shared a tight smile and the ambulance roared away toward the hospital.

"That's them!" Joey screamed loudly. "Hurry!"

Gail pressed the gas down adn the car shot forward. She had never driven so fast in her life she was certain. Within moments, they were alongside Bess's pickup.

"Bess!" Joey screamed, waving her arms frantically.

Bessie looked towards them and smiled at her little sister. She waved back.

Joey shook her head. "Stop! Stop the truck!"

Bessie's brow furrowed.

Gail gave the car more gas and swerved around the pickup. She slammed on the brakes and the car skidded in a complete 180.

Bessie's tires squealed as her truck jolted to a stop. Gail & Joey jumped out and ran toward the truck.

Bessie stepped out of the truck. "What the hell were you doing, Gail? I could've hit you head on! And why are you wearing a bathrobe, Jo?"

"Get in the car," Joey said. "Get Alex and get in the car. We're going to the hospital."

Bessie's mouth dropped. "What? Why? Is Bodie okay?"

Joey and Gail looked at each other. Gail cleared her throat. "He's dead. Murdered. Same man who killed the Elliot boy."

Bess shook her head. "This is a sick, sick joke, you two. If this was your idea, Jo, consider yourself grounded for life."

Joey stepped toward her sister. "Please, just get Alex, and come with us. We have to go to the hospital. Both Dawson & Pacey were stabbed too. I have to make sure they're all right."

"But it can't be . . ."

Joey sighed. "We don't have time for this."

She pushed past Bess and went to the passenger side of the truck. "Hey, Alex," she said softly, unbuckling his carseat.

She hefted him onto one hip and went back to the car. Gail put an arm around Bess and led her to the car. With Joey's help, they got the unwilling Bess into the backseat. Joey thrust Alex into her arms.

Joey climbed into the front seat. She told Bess about finding Bodie, but she had fainted before Joey could recount the rest of the night.

Jen paced back and forth in front of the emergency room doors. Dawson & Pacey were both back there. Dawson had been kidnapped by the nurses when they saw the blood on his arm.

She felt a hand on her shoulder. She recognized Jack's touch.

"Jack."

"Jen. You okay?"

Jen shook her head. She turned to Jack and collapsed against his chest. "I'll die," she whimpered. "If he doesn't make it, I, I don't want to live."

Jack gently stroked her hair. "Shhh, it's gonna be all right, Jen. Pacey's strong. He's going to make it."

Jen nodded. "I'm scared though, Jack. I love him so much, and if I lost him . . ."

Suddenly, Joey ran in and ran to the front desk. "Hurry, my sister's husband has been murdered and I think she's in shock. She's in the back of our car."

The nurse on duty nodded and soon two paremedics came out of the ER with a gurney. Jeoy ran back out the door with the paramedics on her heels.

Jack & Jen looked at each other, then rejoined the rest of their group. John & Andie were talking quietly while Marci & Grams did the same. They all waited in silence until the paramedics wheeled Bess in on the gurney. Gail followed with Alex in one arm and the other one around Joey.

"What happened?" Jack asked.

"She fainted when she realized Bodie was actually dead," Gail said.

No one spoke for a moment. Then Joey saw Jen's tear-stained cheeks. Her hand went to her mouth. "Oh, no . . . are, are they okay? Dawson? Pacey?"

Jack shook his head. "We don't know yet. I'm sure Dawson is. But Pacey -" Jack looked at Jen,"- well, I'm sure he'll be all right too."

Joey looked at Jen sympathetically for perhaps the first time since they met. "Of course he'll be."

"Where's Pacey's parents?" Gail asked.

"His dad & Doug went over to Joey's house. His mom and sister are taking their time getting here."

Gail frowned. "That figures. I guess I'd better call Mitch. I left my purse in the car so I'm going to go out there and call on the cell phone. I'll be right back."

Jack started to say something, but Gail as already gone. Jack sighed. "Never say you'll be right back and expect it to happen."

Jen glared at him. "This isn't a horror movie, Jack. This is life."

Jack ducked his head. "Sorry."

The ER doors swung open just then and Dawson stepped out, his arm in a sling. He grinned at his friends. Joey propelled herself across the room and into his arms. She covered his face in kisses.

"I'm glad to see you too," Dawson said softly.

"You saved my life," Joey whipsered, leaning her head against his chest. "You were almost killed."

Dawson kissed her forehead and hugged her with his good arm. "You know I'd die for you."

Jen felt more tears welling up in her eyes. Sure, she was glad Dawson was alive, but why was it always Joey who got the lucky break. What are you thinking, Jen? she reprimanded herself, She's just seen her brother-in-law dead & her sister in shock. Jen sighed. It still wasn't fair.

Dawson walked over to her & Jack, his good arm still slung around Joey's shoulder.

"How you doing, Jen?" he asked softly, his eyes kind.

"Not to great, Dawson. Do you know what's taking so long with Pacey?"

Before he could answer, the ER doors opened once more and a tall man in a surgeon's scrubs stepped out.

"Are Mr. and Mrs. Witter here?" he asked the room in general.

Jen stepped forward. "No, but I'm his fiancee."

Jack opened his mouth, but Joey slapped his butt. He made a little squeaking noise and shut his mouth, glaring at Joey.

Jen saw the doctor's eyes glance at the promise ring on her finger. He nodded.

"He's out of surgery and he's awake already."

Jen felt a smile spread across her face, but she quickly supressed it. "He's going to survive then?"

The doctor grinned. "Yes, he's going to pull through okay. He has a cracked rib, but it missed his vital organs. Might I ask what stabbed him? I've never seen a knife wound like that."

"A garden spade," Jen answered quietly.

The doctor's eyes widened, but other than that his face remained calm. "I see. Well, he can see you now. One at a time. So, Miss . . ."

"Lindley," Jen said.

"Miss Lindley, if you'd walk this way." He motioned for her to follow him into the ER.

Jack squeezed her hand encouragingly. Jen smiled tightly and followed the doctor through the doors.

Gail crossed the parking lot towards her car as quickly as her legs would carry her. A chill ran up her spine. She felt as if he were watching her. She brushed the thought aside. He wouldn't have followed them here.

Nonetheless, Gail locked the car once she was sitting behind the wheel. She reached under the seat and pulled her cell phone from her purse. She straightened herself and tossed the hair from her eyes.

She raised the phone to her ear, and stopped midway. Her eyes locked on the rearview mirror; locked on the black eyes of evil behind a white mask.

Once again, I'm sorry that was only 3 paragraphs long. Please, forgive me? I will start writing regularly again soon.

Pacey stared at his socked feet peeking out from his bedsheets. The only thing he could think of right now was that he was wearing a nightgown. He sighed. Pain shot up his side. He shifted and the bandages pulled at his skin, hurting even more. He gave up and lay still.

There were voices outside his room. His parents he figured. He closed his eyes, faking sleep. The door swung open and sooft footsteps echoed on the linoleum floor. He opened his eye a crack and found Jen staring back at him.

His eyes popped open and he broke into a grin, a weak one, but a grin. He patted the edge of his bed. Jen smiled and silently sat down next to him. She reached out a hand and softly caressed his cheek.

"You're going to be all right."

Pacey nodded. He laid his hand on top of hers. "I know. Are you?"

"As long as you are."

"Can I have a kiss?"

Jen smiled. "Of course."

She leaned over and pressed her lips against his. He reached his hand around her and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. She moaned softly as his hand traveled down her side. He kept going. All the way down to her butt.

Jen pulled away. She smiled at him. "Mmm, I don't think here is the best place for that."

Pacey's lower lip jutted out. "Awwwww . . ."

Jen kissed him softly again. "I love you."

His lips curved into a smile. "I love you too."

John sat beside his mother, holding her hand. He was beginning to lose circulation in it. He glanced at his mother. Her lips were drawn tight, and she stared straight ahead, showing no emotion.

Mrs. Ryan had asked who the man was. Now everyone was gathered around Marci, waiting for the story. Marci took a deep breath and began.

"Who is he?" she repeated softly. " First, who am I? My name is Laurie Strode. He's my brother. His name is Michael Myers. He's supposed to be dead and missing a head right now. I chopped it off with an axe myself."

Grams gasped, as did several others.

"When he was six years old, he killed my older sister. He was committed. Fast forward here. He escaped on Halloween in 1978, fifteen years later. He began stalking me. He's continued to do so ever since. That's all there is. He kills everyone who gets in his way. I thought he was finally dead. We moved to Summer Glen, California. It had been twenty years. And he came back. He killed people. I chopped his head off. Now he's back again. And he wants John and me." Her jaw tightened. "Tomorrow's Halloween. It's all gonna come down. And only one of us is going to survive."

Dawson sat silently in one of the hospital chairs. Joey was asleep against his chest. No one had spoken after Laurie's speech. Jack and Andie were curled up together on a sofa. Grams, Laurie, and John were talking quietly amongst themselves. The Witters had never shown up.

Dawson was just nodding off when something sturck him. He sat bolt upright, waking Joey.

"Where's my mom?" he asked.

Grams and Laurie looked at each other. "Oh, dear," Grams said softly. "Why, she went to call your father on her cell phone, but that must have been over an hour ago. Where could she be?"

Laurie stiffened. "Oh, sh*t."

Dawson's eyes widened. "You don't think . . ."

Laurie jumped from her seat and ran toward the door. Dawson started to follow, but John and Jack held him back. He went limp in their arms, already knowing his mother's fate.

Pacey's hospital room was dark except for the blue light cast from the televisions where music videos played loudly drowning out any other noise in the room.

Suddenly, the sheets of the hospital bed threw back and Jen looked down at Pacey's red face. Her breaths were heavy and labored and her naked shoulders glistened in the soft light.

"I thought you said this wasn't the best place for this," Pacey said, sliding his arms around the small of her back.

Jen leaned down and kissed him, sliding her tongue into his mouth. She pulled away. "I changed my mind."

He slid his hand up her back and pulled her face back to his, capturing her lips and tongue. Jen moaned softly as he thrust into her again and clutched at his shoulders.

"Mmm, I like it when I'm on top," she purred in his ear.

A low growl rumbled from Pacey's throat. "Don't get too used to it."

Jen smiled and made a trail of kisses down his neck, latching on at his collar bone and sucking. Pacey hands travelled down her back and to the her thigh, moving faster now.

"Oh, Pacey . . ." she moaned.

"Jen," he gasped.

"Harder, Tiger," she purred.

Pacey could only do as he was asked.

Half an hour later, Jen put her clothes on and kissed the sleeping Pacey on the lips. "I love you."

He smiled and mumbled, 'I love you too."

Jen smiled and slipped out of the room, running her hand through her hair, hoping she didn't look too guilty. She walked quickly and pushed open the emergency door, stepping out into the waiting room.

Dawson was sitting in the floor in a fetal position. Joey's arms were around him, rocking him back and forth, as he sobbed into her neck. Mitch was sitting in the chair above him, head in hands, sobbing quietly. John and Laurie huddled together as did Grams, Jack, and Andie, who was holding Alexander.

Jen quickly went to them. Grams looked up and said, "Mrs. Leery has . . . went on to her final reward."

Jen gasped. Her knees buckled and Jack jumped to his feet to support her. Jen leaned heavily against him.

"You were right then," she whispered.

"About what?" Jack asked softly.

"The rules of horror movies or whatever it was. Never say you'll be right back."

"Or drink or do drugs."

"Or have sex." Jen froze. "Oh, sh*t." She spun around and ran back toward Pacey's room.

Jen's feet pounded against the linoleum, echoing throught the entire Emercency ward. She was running so fast, she ran past Pacey's room and slid to a stop, falling on her butt. She yelped in pain, but quickly right herself.

She spun around just in time to see a tall man in a greenish jumpsiot enter Pacey's room, his face vored in a white mask.

"Nooooo!!!!!!" Jen screamed. She ran down the hall and skidded around the corner into Pacey's room.

"Don't you touch him, you b*st*rd!" Jen screamed.

The man, who was standing over a sitting-up, wide awake, and smiling Pacey, turned to her and removed his mask.

"Miss Lindley? Are you . . . upset with me in some way?"

Jen's mouth dropped as she stared into the kind, yet confused, face of Pacey's doctor. She looked him up and down, recongizing his clothing & 'mask' for what it was now - hospital scrubs.

Jen ducked her head to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks. "I'm sorry, Dr. I thought you were . . ."

Pacey laughed. "The killer dude?"

Jen nodded. Pacey continued laughing, and the doctor did as well. Jen hung her head in shame. Pacey cocked his head to one side and grinned. He opened up his arms.

"Awww, I'm sorry. C'mere, baby."

Jen shuffled over to him and sat on the corner of his bed. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against his chest, only wincing a little. He rested his chin on her shoulder and kissed her neck.

"The doctor was just telling me I could go home as early as tomorrow morning, well, this morning I guess it is now."

"That's right." The doctor smiled. "I think I should leave you two alone now."

"Doctor . . ."

He patted her shoulder. "No apologies necessary. I understand, miss."

The doctor turned and left. Jen leaned her head against Pacey's chest, pushing it under his neck. He clenched his hands around her stomach and nuzzled the top of her head with his cheek.

"I love you, Jen," he whispered.

Jen didn't respond.

"I love you, Jen," Pacey repeated.

Still no response. Pacey pushed her away from his and turned her face to look at him. Her cheeks were stained with tear tracks. Pacey enveloped her in an enormous bear hug.

"Oh, Jen, don't cry. Please, don't cry, baby."

Jen wrapped her arms around his neck. "I was scared, Pace. So scared. I can't lose you. Promise me you won't let him get you."

"Jen . . ."

"Promise!"

Pacey nodded, gently patting her back. "I promise."

She nuzzled her head into his neck again. "Thank you."

Pacey held her, gently rocking back and forth. Finally he asked, "Jen, why did you come running back here anyway?"

Jen pouted. "Jack reminded me of the horror movie rules. You know . . ."

Pacey started laughing again. "No sex?"

Jen nodded. Pacey laughed harder than she'd ever heard him laugh before. She glared at him and started to stand, but he pulled her back to his chest.

"DOn't leave. I'm sorry. It's just funny."

Jen tried to pout, but soon a smile cracked through. Pacey kissed her lightly on the nose. "There's that smile I love."

Jen giggled as pacey covered every inch of her face but her lips in kiss. Finally, he tilted her chin up to his face and softly captured her lips with his in a short, sweet kiss. He pulled away and smiled at her. "Now, I'll try it again. I love you, Jen."

Jen smiled and laughed softly, snuggling up against him and pulling his sheets over her. "I love you too, Pacey."

 

HALLOWEEN

John walked slowly out of the hospital into the cool, crisp autumn air. Today was the day. Halloween. A chill ran up John's spine. He walked slowly in circles, careful never to keep his back to anything for more than a second.

"Hey," a voice said softly.

John turned to see Jack standing there, looking like sh*t. His eyes had dark, purplish circles under them, his normally perfect hair was in shamble; he looked like he was on his last leg.

"Hey," John said.

Jack smiled wanly. "They're letting Pacey out today."

"That's good."

John pulled out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. He offered one to Jack, but he declined. Silently, he lit up and took a long, slow drag.

"Bessie's gonna be all right too, once the shock wears off. They'll be keeping her until tomorrow."

John nodded. "Make sure they keep her room locked. Not that that would stop him."

Jack nodded. "Is there any safe place to go?"

John shook his head. "No one's safe until they're dead."

The two boys both fell silent. John cleared his throat. "So, how's Dawson?"

Jack frowned. "How would you be if you mom was dead?"

John shrugged. "Okay. Stupid question."

There were several more minutes of silence, broken only by bird calls and cars on the highway.

"We need to go somewhere . . ." John said.

Jack looked at him sharply. "Where?"

"Somewhere," John said, his eyes far away.

"Somewhere where we have room to run . . . somewhere to lure Michael so we can kill him . . ."

Jack nodded. "Oh. Hmmm. The biggest place in town would have to be the highschool."

John shrugged uncomfortably. "Schools. That's where it all happened last time."

"Oh."

John shook his head as if to clear it. "But . . . it'll do. C'mon let's tell the others."

John spun on his heel and trotted briskly back to the building. Jack followed at a jog.

They entered the waiting room just as Pacey was hobbling out with the help of Jen and Mitch Leery, who had arrived during the night.

Pacey grinned at Jack and John. Jack smiled and walked over to him, hugging him lightly.

"Glad to see you alive, Witter," Jack said softly.

Pacey nodded. "Glad to say the same about you."

"You heard about Gail . . .?"

Pacey's smile faded. "Yeah. Jen told me."

Jack nodded. "We're, uh, we're going down to the school . . ."

"It's Saturday!" Pacey exclaimed.

"Not for school," Jack said. "We're gonna try and lure Michael into the school to kill him."

Pacey nodded. "What about the girls . . .?"

"I'll call Henry to stay with them at Jen's house."

Jen laughed. "Number one, Henry couldn't protect himself from a flea. Number two, there's no way I'm leaving Pacey, and I'm certain that Joey isn't leaving Dawson and Andie isn't leaving you."

"I guess you have a point there," Jack grumbled. "I don't know what will do. But we'll think of something. As long as Michael's dead I'm happy."

Pacey nodded, his lips tightening. "He will be."

"Good ol' Capeside High," Pacey muttered, staring at the front doors of the school.

"I've never looked forward to it more," Jack said, his fists clenching.

Pacey turned to face the teenagers accompanying him. Jen, Dawson, Joey, Jack, Andie, John, and Henry, who had come to the school to play football with some of the guys. The other guys had ran home when they heard what was going on, but Henry had wanted to stay with them. The adults had stayed at the hospital with Bess and Alex.

"Well?" Pacey asked. "Are you guys ready to kick some Michael as&?"

There was a low murmur of the group that Pacey took to be a yes. He nodded tightly. "Then let's do it."

He led the group up the steps and unlocked the doors with the key Mitch had given him. They swung open and the eight friends stepped into the darkened halls of Capeside High.

"Lights?" Joey asked.

John shook his head. "No. Leave it dark. We're going to split up now."

"Split up?" Henry squeaked, his earlier bravado fading.

"That's right. Pacey and Jen, Dawson and Joey, Jack and Andie, and I guess that leave me with you, Squeaky."

Henry gulped. "Oh."

John looked around the group. "Any problems with that?"

No one spoke. John nodded. "Good. Then each of you take a wing. If you find Michael, run like hell and try to get him into the cafeteria. Me and Henry will be waiting for him there."

"And what are you going to do to him?" Jack asked.

"You'll see. Understand the plan? Good. I knew you would. Now get out of here, and don't get seperated."

John stayed where he was and watched as the other three groups branched off, each holding tightly to their respective partners.

John jerked his head toward the cafeteria. "Come on, Squeaky."

John started down the hall at a quick walk. Henry had to run to catch up with him. "What if Michael doesn't show?"

"He will," John said, without looking at Henry.

Henry fell silent. John veered off into the cafeteria. Henry reached for the lights, but John slapped his hand away. "Leave it dark. "I've got a flashlight."

John pulled out a penlight and shone it around the room. He didn't see anything, but that didn't mean anything. He motioned towards the kitchen and Henry followed.

"Uncle Mikey's gonna get quite a surprise."

Jack and Andie walked down the middle of the hallway, holding onto each other as tightly as they could. Andie was shaking so much, Jack was surprised she could stand. He tightened his grip around her, trying to steady her. She smiled shakily at him.

"Jack, in case we die today, I just want you to know I love you and you're the best brother ever."

Jack looked at her sharply. He took her face in his hands. "We aren't going to die, Andie. I promise."

Andie nodded. Jack smiled at her. He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. "But I love you too and you're the best sister ever."

Andie smiled and they embraced for a moment. Then Jack motioned towards an open doorway ahead. He began walking, holding tightly to her hand, practically dragging her to the doorway. He peered into the room in one direction. Andie looked the other.

And screamed.

Jack spun around, forgetting the plan and threw himself in front of Andie. And found himself staring into the eyes of the science room's human skeleton. Jack stepped back and started to laugh. Andie giggled too and pretty soon they were leaning against the door, laughing their heads off, thinking how strange the things were that fear could do to you.

John heard the high-pitched scream from the kitchen and ran out into the cafeteria. Henry followed. John stood for a moment, undecided. That hadn't sounded too good to him. After a few moments of indecision, he turned to Henry.

"Wait here, Squeaky," he said. "I'll be right back."

Henry started to protest, but John had already disappeared. He turned and started to go back into the darkened kitchen.

And ran straight into a very tall man in a white mask. Henry's mouth opened to scream, but the man caught him by the throat. He lifted him off the ground and threw him onto on of the cafeteria tables like a sack of potatoes.

Henry slammed into the table head first. His vision blurred and ne began scooting backwards across the table. He couldn't see where Michael was, nor could he hear anything. He kept scooting across the table until he was certain he must be near the end.

And backed right into Michael. This time he did scream, but it was cut off abruptly as a strong arm snaked across his neck and began choking out his life. His vision cleared briefly, long enough to see the black eyes peering at him from under the mask. And the dull wooden spoon being brought down on him. Then there was nothing only the dull sensation of something being driven into his stomach before his life passed out of him.

 

To be continued…