I keep telling myself it’s not true.
But deep down in my heart…
I know that something is off.
I’ve been dating Nate for six months.
And he’s my favorite person in the world.
He’s the first real boyfriend I’ve ever had.
Last week, we went to the school dance together.
That was the first time I saw the signs.
Usually, he can’t keep his eyes off of me.
But that night, he seemed distant.
And the only person he was staring at…
She’s the most popular girl in school.
Nate and Crystal have been hanging out. A lot.
When I find Nate at his locker…
Of course, Crystal is there, too.
I kiss Nate on the cheek.
Nate
Crystal and I were just talking about you.
I look into Crystal’s cold eyes.
She gives me a little smile.
Crystal
Nate says your birthday’s coming up.
Crystal
He says he’s getting you something really special.
She puts a hand on Nate’s shoulder…
And looks me right in the eye.
Wow, this girl gives me the creeps.
Crystal
Well, see you guys around.
Crystal pulls her hoodie up as she walks away.
She’s always wearing that hoodie…
Like she’s too cool to look at you.
I grab Nate’s hand as we walk down the hall.
Alyssa
I just don’t understand…
Alyssa
Why you hang out with Crystal so much.
Nate
We’re just friends, okay?
Nate
You have nothing to worry about.
Nate
You two would get along.
Nate
She’s really pretty interesting…
Nate
When you get to know her.
What is that supposed to mean?
Alyssa
Nate, I trust you, okay?
Alyssa
Just don’t give me any reason not to.
Nate
Come on, you’re my girlfriend.
Nate
I would never do anything to hurt you.
Nate leans in and kisses me.
Nate
I’ll see you after school.
At three o’clock the bell rings.
This day has felt like an eternity.
I pull out my phone and text Nate…
But just as I’m about to press send…
I see him across the parking lot.
He’s standing with Crystal.
She’s laughing hysterically.
He reaches out and grabs her hand…
My heart sinks into my stomach.
Right then and there I decide…
I need to know what’s going on with them.
But I have to spy on my boyfriend.
I park my car down the street from Nate’s house.
I’m hoping he doesn’t leave.
I want to believe I can trust him.
And eventually, I drift off to sleep.
But then, all of a sudden…
He’s closing the front door of his house.
I keep my distance, trailing behind Nate’s car.
After a few minutes, he pulls into the cemetery.
A chill runs down my spine.
What could he possibly be doing here?
He parks outside the gate.
As he sneaks through a hole in the fence.
I park on the street, gathering my courage.
Then I follow close behind.
Deep into the cemetery, I see something.
As I get closer, I can make out their faces.
And two other kids from our school:
There’s something weird going on…
Why are they walking like zombies?
Nate looks completely out of it.
They’re just walking in circles around Crystal…
It seems like they’re in some sort of trance.
My heart starts to thump in my chest.
Whatever is going on here, it’s not natural.
Nate grabs Tommy by the arms…
And Zack pins Tommy to the ground.
I search Nate’s eyes for any sign of life…
But it’s like he’s completely gone.
Crystal slinks over, her eyes burning blue.
She opens her mouth like a snake…
And then, shining under the moonlight…
I don’t understand what’s happening.
Crystal leans down next to Tommy…
And sinks her teeth into his neck.
As she sucks the blood right out of him…
Seeing this happen before my eyes…
I scream at the top of my lungs.
Crystal’s head snaps towards me.
Blood trickles down her chin.
Nate and Zack turn to look at me.
Their eyes are hollow and blue…
Crystal sprints past the boys.
A strong hand grabs me by the hair.
Crystal throws me to the ground.
Crystal
Now do you get it?
I try to scratch at her face…
She pins me to the ground with one hand.
Crystal
You’re interrupting a sacred practice.
Crystal
So now you’ll have to join in.
Adrenaline courses through my veins.
Crystal
He can’t help you…
Crystal
He’s not your boyfriend anymore.
I can feel her breath on my neck…
Sticking out from her back…
Crystal lets out the most awful cry I’ve ever heard.
The only sound is the panting of my breath.
Nate leans down with tears in his eyes.
Nate
I’m so sorry, Alyssa.
Nate
You broke the spell.
Nate
Because I heard you calling for me.
My favorite person in the whole world.
Nate
I love you so much, Alyssa.
Alyssa
I love you too, Nate.
He takes my face in his hands…
And kisses me like he’s never kissed me before.
And I know that no matter what happens from now on…
