Chapter 2

Narrator-

*6 Months Later*

Miranda exited the yellow cab, as the driver, an elderly gentleman wearing a gray patterned flat cap, opened the trunk to retrieve the two small luggage that Miranda carried on her trip.

Lacing the duffel back across her back, Miranda took the crumpled forty dollars cash she had stuffed in her back pocket, and handing it to the driver with a small, "Thanks."

The driver nodded in her direction with a smile, then he hopped back into the car, and drove away. Miranda sighed, looking at the receding cab, before turning her eyes back to the small white cottage-like home that belonged to her aunt. The front was painted white, with two large windows, adorned by red and yellow flowers that were planted in the bed below the windowsill. Grabbing her luggage, Miranda began heading towards the front door.

The front yard had green grass, along with various plants placed around the yard, surrounded by large beige rocks. There was a coconut tree growing near the far-right corner of the house. It's shadow casting a spider-like shape over the brown roof of the one-story home. Towards the left end of the yard, was the makeshift beige-colored, gravel driveway which led to the white steel carport, and a small path that breaks away, and leads to the front door.

Her feet crushed the light-colored pebbles, and every step Miranda performed was accompanied with a dry crunch. The rough path making it near impossible to roll her luggage. The small pathway which led to the door was bordered with various flowers of different colors. There were also small figures of gnomes, rabbits, deer, and even wolves.

When Miranda did reach the front door, she had already broken a sweat over her forehead. There weren't many sunny days in Eastborough Montana, but when the sun did shine, it burned like a mother. Miranda's hand reached for the small vertical rectangular doorbell on the right corner, but before her index finger could press it, the door swung open to reveal a short plump woman, with shoulder length red hair, round face, arms and legs, and wrinkles indicating her fifty-five years on planet Earth.

"Miranda, I just knew it was you! But why didn't you call, I could've picked you up from the train station, come in, come in." The woman greeted, scolded, and welcomed all at once.

"It's great to see you too Aunt May. I didn't want to bother you with the train. I took a cab." Miranda replied, as she entered the humble home, placing her luggage by the door, as well as her duffel bag, then she followed her aunt towards the kitchen in the back.

"Oh nonsense child, you know I enjoy the drive." Aunt May answered, before inviting, "Have a seat. You must be tired after that long trip. I made you your favorite buttermilk pancakes with scrambled eggs just the way you like it with the onions and bell peppers, I have the sausage links you're always raving about, and turkey bacon."

"Breakfast in the afternoon, my favorite." Miranda smiled, taking a seat at the two-chair table, while her aunt poured her a cup of hot chocolate.

"Aunt May, it's like ten thousand degrees outside." Miranda commented.

"Is that an excuse to not drink my famous hot chocolate?" Aunt May questioned.

"Absolutely not." Miranda giggled.

"That's what I thought." May said, while pinching Miranda's cheek, before heading back to the kitchen to finish plating Miranda's food.

"Where's uncle Ben?" Miranda asked, while blowing on her hot drink, before taking a careful sip.

"He's out hunting with the boys, won't be back until the weekend. Before he left though, he fixed up the shed out back into a really nice studio." Ant May called out, her back to Miranda, "There's a small kitchenette, stove and fridge. There's a working plumbing for the adjoined bathroom he added onto the shed. I think you're really going to like it." May explained, returning to the table with Miranda's food, as well as a cup of chocolate for herself.

"You really didn't have to go through all the trouble-"

"Nonsense child, when I heard you were coming, I knew you'd like your own privacy, but Nanda, I have to ask, are you sure you want to do this?" May questioned, her brow suddenly heavy with a worrisome frown.

Miranda pursed her lips, her mouth instantly running sour.

"She made her choice aunt May. So did I." Miranda gulped uncomfortably.

"But she's your mother." May said softly, reaching out to cocoon Miranda's hand, but Miranda pulled it away.

"She stopped being my mother the day we buried dad."

The room fell silent.

Miranda's eyes and ears prickled like a thousand tiny needles, and she knew this to be a sign of the tears that soon welled up in her lower eyelids. But she refused to cry. Her mouth was no longer sour, but rather a slimy saliva, with an underlying taste of salt washed over her tongue.

Maybe coming here was a mistake, Miranda thought. She didn't need another family member telling her to have patience with her mother. But Aunt May was all she had left.

Aunty May across the table noticed Miranda's red face. She was trying to keep her tears at bay. Not wanting to push any further, the elderly woman changed the subject.

"Well, there's no reason to sit here and sulk, go ahead and eat up." Aunt May encouraged, "Once you're done, I'll take you over to Georgie's. He owns a night bar, and they had an opening. In this small town, there isn't much opportunity, but I think this will help you get on your feet. You're welcome to stay as long as you want." May continued, then she smiled and reached for Miranda's hand again.

This time, Miranda did not pull away.

"I'm glad you're here." May said with a genuine tone.

"So am I aunt May." Miranda replied with a similar voice.

"Alright now, eat up." Aunt May encouraged with an excited grin, causing Miranda to laugh before grabbing her fork, and digging into the large pancakes.

After enjoying her lunch, Aunt May led Miranda to the fenced backyard, where the large shed was placed.

The small rectangular building also sported two large windows towards the front. The backyard fence had a door on the left side of the home, meaning Miranda could come and go without going through her aunt's house. The shed was surrounded by a flowerbed, housing dark applewood mulch, and beautiful flowers. The exterior was painted silver grey, the windows and door white. Uncle Ben added also small wooden deck, with two steps leading up to it. A fabric awning was hanging over the left window. There were two chairs and a small table sitting under the awning. A small welcome mat sat in front of the door.

Aunt May opened the door.

"Wow." Miranda muttered upon entering the space. The room was spacious, even for a such a small structure.

"Come on in." May said with a sing-song tune. Her own cheeks bright with a large smile.

The two large windows allowed for ample amount of sunlight to illuminate the small space. The floor was covered in beige tiles. There was a small couch that welcomed the guests. The small kitchen area with a standard white fridge and small two space stove was to the far right. A thin separation was made, and a small doorway led to a bedroom large enough to fit a twin sized bed, a nightstand, and a chest. There was a small closet to the side, and the bathroom was located on a space made near the back wall.

"You weren't kidding." Miranda commented, her eyes looking over the area with great wonder and appreciation.

"I knew you'd want your privacy. Now you won't have to wake up early to the sound of my morning routine. Garbage is thrown out every Tuesday evening, and I need your soiled clothes in the basket every Friday morning." Aunty May explained, as Miranda continued to explore the space of her own home.

"You got it." Miranda nodded, then aunty May smiled, before handing the keys to Miranda.

"Thank you, Aunt May. For everything." Miranda felt the tears pricking her nose.

Aunty May nodded but said nothing more. And simply excused herself, leaving Miranda alone.

Miranda exhaled, sitting on the two-seater grey couch as she brushed her brown hair behind her ears. There was a small brown coffee table between the couch, and the television stand placed along the wall next to the door. Miranda pulled out her phone to check for any notifications, but she was neither shocked nor disappointed to see that she had no missed calls or text messages. Making a flutter sound with her lips, Miranda stood, grabbing her luggage, and heading to the small bedroom.

The bed was placed against the wall, the head facing the window. The chest was positioned at the foot of the bed, the nightstand next to her head. Miranda removed the little amount of clothes she brought with her, placing each in their respective places. She decorated her space with the small picture frames she carried along, making note to purchase a few potted plants, real and artificial, to liven up her home.

Next, Miranda returned to the main living area, and headed to the kitchen. The small pantry was empty, except for a cutting board and a small knife set. There was a single space sink next to the stove, where an additional, smaller window was perched. The cabinet that hung next to the refrigerator had a small set of cutleries, four bowls with their matching plates, and cups. The fridge held nothing except for a case of water. Miranda nodded her head.

Her aunty knew her well. She was starting off with a blank slate, and even her empty home, not counting the furniture, signified as much.

Once Miranda was settled, she removed her wallet from her duffel bag, and grabbing the keys to her home, along with her phone, Miranda headed out to meet with her aunt.

"Now, I was able to twist the mechanic's arm a bit, and he sold me this small bug that works well enough to take you to and from work, and to every location in between." Aunt May began to explain as they pulled out of the driveway and began driving towards the town's center.

"They opened a small mart about a year ago, so now you don't have to wait for the weekly farmer's market to get your groceries." Aunty May pointed towards the store as they drive by, "We'll go say hello to George, then we can pick up the bug on the way home." Aunt May explained, as she drove her 2000 gold Toyota Corolla, with Miranda in the passenger seat.

Even with a small pillow under her round bum, Aunt May still craned her neck to fully see over the steering wheel. She sat close, her chest almost pressing against the black wheel. Miranda always felt uncomfortable for her aunt whenever they drove together, but she didn't comment. Instead, she posed the question she was truly curious about.

"So how come a small town like Eastborough now has a mart and a nightclub? Last time I was here, the hottest place in town was Mia's Diner."

"It's the new Mayor. About three years ago, this hot shot millionaire showed up and set up shop in the Sherriff's office. Next thing we know, he's named Mayor. He vowed to put us on the map. He brought in the food mart people, and that brought along new jobs, and where there's jobs, people flock," May explained as she turned into the parking lot of a rectangular building located a few minutes away from the town center, "so then there's a bunch of new faces walking around. A developer came in and built a neighborhood for the migrating workers, and boom, we're on the map just like he said." May conclude, as she shifted the car into park.

"Now you're gonna love George. He's a smooth talker, but he makes sure his girls are treated well. You'll be a waitress. The uniform is not skimpy, and like I said, no harm should come to you while you're working there. Come on."  May invited, before grabbing her brown, worn leather purse, and exited her car with humph and effort that caused the entire sedan to wiggle.

"Aunty May," A man greeted, just as the women entered the building, "Is Ben back yet? Cause I'm really tempted to come over and snuggle with you by that fireplace." The man flirted with a bright, white smile, and a wiggle of his eyebrows.

"Oh George stop it now, or else people will really think I'm messing around on my husband with you." May slapped his arm, although she blushed red, like a gala apple.

"Awe you're breaking my heart aunty May. And who do we have here?" George continued, as he turned his unique dark green colored eyes towards Miranda.

"This is Miranda, my niece." May explained, as she pointed toward Miranda who smiled, and reached out towards George for a handshake.

"Ah yes, well you never told me that she was such a gem. Hello beautiful, it's a pleasure to meet you." George greeted as he grabbed Miranda's hand and kissed it.

Miranda gasped, not at George's actions, but rather the subzero temperature of his skin. George noticed her reaction, but he did not rush in releasing her hand.

"The pleasure's mine." Miranda said carefully.

George was a tall man, with midnight black hair he pulled back into a bun behind his head. His skin was pale, his lips red. There were dark colored circles around his eyes, which seem to take refuge underneath his large forehead. He was dressed in an all-black suit, and when he smiled, Miranda noted the extra sharp but normal sized canine teeth.

"Now, I open from Thursdays to Sundays. You will work Friday and Sunday nights. Follow me." George said, as he began walking around the club.

There was a large dancefloor that occupied majority of the room. Upon entering the space, across from the entrance was a large bar, with tall stools. On the far right, booths line the walls, and the left wall housed square tables. The hallway which led to the bathroom was located between the bar and the right wall. The lighting was dim. The interior cool in comparison to the blazing heat outside. The colors around the room were kept dark, with various shades of red, dark grey, and black, which barely reflected any light.

"My office is located behind the bar. As a waitress, you'll meet a few people who will want to speak with me. Always ask for their name, if they refuse to tell you, move on, and alert the guards at the door." George explained, as he led the ladies towards the bar, where a short girl, with a pixie cut style in her dark hair, and small pointy nose moved around with a clipboard in her hands.

"Georgie, we're out of hard Rhum, Bacardi, and Vodka. The Hennessy is almost done, and the delivery guys aren't here yet." The girl began to list off, just as the group stopped by the bar.

"Jamie love, I love it when you worry you pretty little head over nothing." George greeted in return, pinching Jamie's nose, before turning his attention to Miranda.

"This is Miranda, she's the newest member of the team. Take her to the back, get her two sets of uniforms. Give her the rundown on what it's like working here. Once you're done, bring her back out." George instructed to Jamie.

Jamie nodded and smiled towards Miranda, and once again, Miranda noted the abnormally sharp canines, the pale skin, and weird eyes.

"Miranda love," George said, as Jamie moved from behind the bar, "I know that your official first day is not until tomorrow, but I'd like it if you came in this evening, even if it's just for a few hours. I want you to get used to the atmosphere." George concluded.

Miranda nodded with a smile and said, "Okay." Then she followed after Jamie.

"I cannot tell you just how excited we are to have some fresh meat around here." Jamie began as soon as they turned the corner behind the bar.

Jamie snuggled against Miranda's side, linking the arms together, as though they had been friends for years. She took a whiff breath from Miranda's skin.

"Gosh your skin is so warm." Jamie commented.

Miranda released an uncomfortable chuckle before replying, "must be the left-over effects of the Florida sun."

"That's so funny." Jamie giggled, leading Miranda to a door at the end of the hall. She opened it and allowed Miranda to go in first.

It was a standard office, with a desk, chairs, and a wall full of monitors, each displaying a camera inside and outside the club.

"Wow, George really wasn't kidding about the security." Miranda commented, while Jamie shuffled through a box of clothing, pulling out two white dress shirts, and two short skirts and tights for Miranda.

"Yes, this town is growing. A lot of different people around. They all come here for a good time, and Georgie makes sure that a good time is all that happens here." Jamie replied, then she walked up to Miranda, making her extend her arms at her side, while she plastered the white shirt over her chest.

"Does it ever get crazy in here? Like fights and stuff?" Miranda asked, while Jamie moved around her body making sure the sizes she picked for Miranda were correct.

"Well, you'll have the once in a while drunk brawl, but you'll soon find that there are two main crowds that come to this bar, and they don't mix. As long as each group stays in their lane, it's a smooth night." Jamie said, then with a smile she added, "All good."

Jamie folded the clothes and retrieved a clear plastic bag. The bag was marked with a logo of a bat's wing crossing over a full moon.

Placing the clothes in the bag, Jamie handed it to Miranda with a smile, "Welcome to the team."

"Thank you." Miranda smiled genuinely, then Jamie led her back out to the main area.

"All set?" George asked as the ladies approached him.

"Yep," Jamie nodded, then added, "All she needs now is to see the place in action. I think she'll be the belle of the ball. After all, she is warm, fresh meat." Jamie made the notion again.

"Yes, I believe you're right. She'll be quite the head turner." George hummed, his smile and deep gaze making Miranda feel slightly uncomfortable.

"Oh George stop trying to mess with her head." May scolded before turning to Miranda, "You're going to be fine child, they're just trying to ruffle your fur."

Miranda nodded with another nervous chuckle, "You know me Aunt May, all I need is a few minutes to canvas the crowd, then I'll fit in better than a needle in a haystack."

"Oh confident." George noted, and Jamie smiled impressed.

"That's my girl." May praised, as she pinched Miranda's cheek, then bidding George and Jamie goodbye, Miranda and May left the club.

On their way towards the mechanic, Miranda looked out the window, when something struck her as odd.

"If there's all this new activity, jobs and so on, how come I don't see that many people out and about?" Miranda asked her aunt.

"Well if you were just any outsider visiting, you'd think that almost everyone here are creatures of the night." May said strangely.

"Creatures of the night?" Miranda questioned, her throat running cold.

"Nocturnals, you know, people who only wake to party all night long. As soon as the sun goes down, that's when all the young people come out. It's quite strange." Aunt May said, her tone ominous, "like I said, it all started with that Mayor, and everything else changed after that. Now, us older people take care of our business early in the day, and we're in our homes by the time the sun sets. Then all the young people come out to play."

Miranda felt her aunt's words swell inside her ear canals, creating a heavy pressure on her brain.

"I tried to get you a job at the local mart, but the owner already had full time workers during the day, and he closes before sunset. Everywhere else either had all the employees they needed, or they all closed early enough that they didn't need someone for an evening shift. Georgie's was the only option." The aunt continued.

"It's okay aunty, I'll be fine at Georgie's." Miranda tried to reassure, but even she wasn't convinced of her words.

"Ah, here we are." May announced, while turning into the parking for Tio's garage.

Miranda swallowed a gulp before exiting the car. Her aunt's words were echoing in her ears, and as they did so, the feeling of George and Jamie's cold skins cause goosebumps to rise over Miranda's skin. She thought of their eyes, and the sharp canine teeth, while the phrase creatures of the night rang through the chambers of her skull repeatedly. Miranda tried to shake it off, but the heavy thought still slung to the back of her mind, like an impending doom. Something strange was going on, and Miranda planned to find out more in the evening.