The Vampire Next Door

In celebration of Puma Man being almost done, I'm going to post my first paranormal short story, written in 1994 when I was a mere 13 years old:

"The Vampire Next Door"
by Sonja Likness
October 31, 1994
Period 4

I challenge you to a game of H-O-R-S-E!" Tyler said in his biggest voice one Halloween afternoon.

"I accept," said Ty's twin sister, Jan.

Ty ran off to get the basketball while Jan tied her long, dark hair up in a ponytail. Ty returned with the ball and threw it to Jan. He laughed as Jan chased after the ball. His brown eyes sparkled as Jan puffed back up the driveway.

"You start," she panted and shoved the ball into Ty's arms.

Ty bounced the ball a few times before making a shot at the free throw line. Jan easily made the same shot. The game dragged on and on. Soon, it started to get dark.

"Come on," said Jan. "Let's just call it a tie. It's getting dark and I still need to get my costume on."

"One more shot," pleaded Ty.

Jan nodded. Ty started running towards the basket. His foot got caught in a crack in the sidewalk. He lunged forward and dropped the ball in the process. Ty landed with a thud. Jan watched as the basketball flew over into the next yard.

"Oh no," she groaned. "Nice going, Twinkle-toes."

Ty shrugged. Jan started to climb the fence.

"No, Jan!" Ty yelled. "Zorana lives there."

"So what?" said Jan. "I want to get the ball back so I can go get my costume on."

"But, Jan," Ty whined, "Zorana is a vampire! She'll suck your blood out and leave your carcass on the ground to rot."

Jan made a face. "That's silly," she said. "Anyway, how do you know she's a vampire? Do you have any proof?"

"Of course I do," replied Ty in his know-it-all voice. "For one thing, she only wears the colors black, red, and white. She never wears anything else. She has huge canine teeth. She dyes her hair blonde, but it's really black. And most importantly, I saw her eyes glow in the dark one night when she was getting her paper."

"Oh, come on," said Jan.

Ty shook his head. Jan could see he was truly afraid.

"Look, Ty," she said gently. "If she comes outside in broad daylight, then she's not a vampire, okay?"

Ty reluctantly followed Jan over the fence and into Zorana's yard. By now, it was really dark, and try as they might, the twins could not find the basketball.

"Hey," whispered Jan. "I think I hear something. It sounds like... chanting. Come on. Let's find out what it is."

Jan led the way and Ty followed closely behind. Soon the twins came upon a circle of goblins, vampires, witches and the like dancing in a circle around a huge bonfire chanting word that the twins couldn't make out. They stared in awe at the strange sight. They were so intent on the strange party that they didn't hear someone approaching from behind.

"Hello children. Might you be looking for THIS?" said a woman who Ty recognized to be Zorana.

She hurled the ball at Jan who was knocked over by the weight of it. The children sat stunned and stared at Zorana who was towering over them. She had on a black cape, a white shirt, and a long black skirt. Her black hair curled around her shoulders and framed her face.

"You must never tell anyone what you have seen here tonight," whispered Zorana hoarsely.

"Why?" croaked the twins in unison.

"Because I didn't think to invite your parents to my little dinner party," said Zorana in an evil sort of way. She smiled, exposing her fangs. "Happy Halloween," she cackled.

The End