For We Bleed (A Slender Man Story)

For We Bleed (chapter 3)

3: Birthday Suprise

I trudged home from school, all the energy drained from that dark encounter. My mind froze at that moment, where his shadow brushed my skin, the dark sensation making shivers run up my spine, but, I liked it.

I finally made it home, and, when I opened my door....

"SUPRISE!!"

I jumped to see my parents, Toad, and Autumn all in black hats with purple bats on them.

Oh my gosh... Was it....?

"Happy Birthday, Carol," Toad exclaimed happily.

... How could I forget my own birthday?

Oh yeah.

Strange encounters with the same guy!

Autumn ran over and hugged me.

"Happy birthday," she said, handing me a wrapped up box.

Toad, mom, and dad, gave me some boxes too. I had to sit down from the weight of it all. I grabbed the top box, and, loosing balance, the present pile fell down to the carpet. I stared at it for a while then started to rip up the wrapping paper. I looked at the box, with jack Skellington on it. My heart accelerated, as I turned the box over.

A lamp!

A Jack Skellington Lamp!

I felt my lips curl into a bright smile. My parents smiled at me, so did Toad. I could tell this was from them, because, I've been asking for it.

I hugged them all and jumped up and down excitedly. Then, I went to the next present, from Autumn.

The wrapping paper made a pleasant ripping sound, revealing a clothing box you get from those clothing stores at Christmas. I opened the box and it was the most gorgeous tutu skirt I have ever seen! It was black with purple glittering stars on it. I held it up, my eyes bulging out of my head. It was so pretty. I hugged Autumn tightly.

"Thank you!"

"No problem, Carol," she replied, smiling.

A lot of presents later, I was at the last one, black wrapping paper with a black bow.

I looked at the box and picked it up.

There was no name on it, except for whom it was for.

Me.

I opened the little box and inside, something glittered in the light. A beautiful bracelet, a black chord with a diamond charm attached to it. I held it up to my eyes, gazing at it. Who would give me such a beautiful thing? I smiled to myself and placed it upon my wrist, and there it stayed.

I clasped my blankets, sweat streaming down my face. I felt pain rip through me like I was a scrap of thin paper. I felt a thin line cut through my skin. It tugged on my throat, pulling back on me. I gasped and cringed. I could not breathe. I cried, it was so painful. What is happening to me?!?! I screamed and arose from my place upon the mattress. My breath was heavy, my heart accelerating.

I shuddered and it was suddenly cold.

I wrapped the blankets around my shoulders as I heard a sound from the corner of the room.

Suddenly, shadows started swirling outward, expanding toward the rest of the room.

Tentacles.

He appeared, the shadows glistening off of his pale face, or what was left of it. He gazed in my direction and walked toward me, holding his hand out to me.

"What's your deal," I whispered. "Why do you keep finding me?"

He looked at my wrist and touched the diamond charm softly.

Then, it hit me like a ton of bricks.

"You... You gave this to me?"

A nod.

I felt myself melt on the inside. I was happy that it was from him.

"Thank you," I responded sweetly.

He took my hand and held it, leaning his head down and lowering to one knee before me. He put his forehead to the back of my hand.

I felt heat rush to my face.

Suddenly, a burning sensation spread through my hand. I winced in slight pain.

He took his head away to reveal a mark. Black as night, but a beautiful pattern made of swirls with thorns. A rose.

I looked at him, as a voice entered my mind, hypnotizing me.

Your mine...

And then, he vanished back into the shadows, leaving my heart facing and my cheeks flushed, wanting more.