Into the Night

Prologue

August 20, 2023

My fingers drummed on the bathroom countertop, my eyes fixated on the faucet that was dripping water. The noise of the bathroom vent made me feel anxious with every little tick it produced. I had doubts that the test would show double strips, but something did not feel right. I'm only a couple days late on my period, but I fell nauseas while eating my favorite pizza; the microwaveable pepperoni. I loved it so much, but I gagged when I took a whiff of the smell. That had to be a sign, right?

Pushing my thoughts away, I jumped at the sound of my phone alarm blaring, indicating that it was time for the reveal. I held my breath as I pushed myself off the toilet seat and flipped the test over.

Positive.

My breath caught in my throat, as I let out a wail. My hand flew to my mouth, as my emotions took over and tears slipped. I couldn't be pregnant. I could've sworn we used protection. But, that shit was ineffective obviously. I grabbed the test, flinging it at the wall with no thought. It clinked onto my carpet, and I threw myself onto the ground in disbelief. Questions ran through my head as I scooped up my phone. With shaky hand, I text Jared.

Come over, please.

Jared lived about a couple blocks down, so it was a short trip for him. By the time he came over my eyes were sore from crying. I desperately wanted to lay down and close them for the needed rest they craved.

I opened the door to a worried looking Jared who was nervously grabbing the hem of his shirt. Once he saw me, he embraced me in a tight hug. "What the hell?" He whispered, which I responded with an eyebrow raise. I pushed him away and took a step back. "What do you mean what the hell?" I stuttered, as Jared took a step inside and went straight for the couch. I followed in pursuit, taking a seat next to him. "I figured you were crying because your mom." Jared responded as he took my hands.

I chuckled and shook my head. "No." I stated, as I gave his hands a squeeze. I didn't know how to approach this, how do people even tell their partners? "Then what's wrong?" He hummed, leaning in a little closer. "I.." I trailed off as more tears brimmed. Jared was patient, I liked that about him. He sat quietly, his thumb caressing my knuckles, as his lips parted.

"I'm pregnant" I croaked, tears falling. I looked past Jared, too nervous to see his reaction. "Are you being for real?" Jared stammered, the corners of his mouth twitching. I nodded, sucking in my lips to try and contain anymore tears. Next thing I knew, I was pulled into a tight embrace. The force causing me to gasp.

"Why're you crying? This is big news!" Jared exclaimed, as he tickled his hands along my back. I shivered at the touch, as my heart rate slowly decreased. He was happy?  "Wait, you're happy? Why? I don't know if we can even afford a baby!" I cried out as I pushed him off me.

He cupped my face, and gave me a reassuring look. "Affording a baby is the least of my worries. I'm more worried about the baby having loving parents who will do anything to make sure they have everything. Beside, we have 9 months. I can and will work harder." He stated as he took me in for another hug.

I sighed heavily, and hugged him back, hoping he was right.

August 30, 2023

"Come here!" Jared laughed as he yanked me closer. I responded with a howl of laughter as I struggled to get out of his grasp. We had just came back from the first appointment, and we seemed to be overjoyed.

After I saw the ultrasound with our little bean inside me, I fell in love. I still had my doubts and worry about how we'd be able to afford a baby, but it was at the back of my mind right now. I trusted Jared and his way of thinking, even though sometimes it's like he shared a brain with a monkey.

Jared and I wrestled for a couple more minutes, before Harold, Jared's younger brother stormed in. "If y'all are gonna fuck, atleast do it quietly" he groaned, his PlayStation headphones relaxing around his neck. I sat up, laughing as I nudged Jared off me. "You wish we were fucking," Jared spat.

I rolled my eyes, "that's disgusting to think about" I huffed. Harold responded with a gagging motion, as he typed on his phone. "Grandma said dinner will be finished shortly"

I nodded, as I shooed him away and turned towards Jared who was flipping Harold off. After hearing the door shut, Jared slammed his lips onto mine. I kissed him back, allowing our lips to explore each other for a couple more minutes. I pulled away abruptly once I heard his grandma call out for dinner.

Dinner was nothing out of the ordinary, we had steak and asparagus. His grandma was a basic cook, but everything she made had a tinge of love in it that you could easily taste. It was something I long desired after my own grandma passed away.

"Elle, how's school going?" Jared's grandma hummed, her hand shakily using the fork to stab her half bitten asparagus. I chuckled slightly, taking a glance towards her. "I'm almost done! I'll be graduating this year."

His grandmas smile grew as she shoveled her asparagus into her mouth, giving a nod of approval.

All of a sudden, there was a thud at the door, causing all of us to jump. It wasn't a simple knock, but as if someone threw something. With that Grandma banged her fork down, pushing herself up. "Damn kids," she grumbled as she strutted towards the door. Jared and I exchanged glasses, as we too stood up in astonishment. We knew about the kids bothering his grandma.

We heard the door open, "I told-" His grandmas voice was cut off by a scream. Jared and I basically sprinted, as well as Harold and their sister. The sight we saw was something you'd never want to see. An older male was laying atop of Jared's grandma, his eyes a yellow shade but his pupils were foggy and distant. He was wearing a jersey and basketball shorts, but had blood oozing from his neck.

I screamed a painful scream as we all scrambled to push the guy off as he was gnawing on grandmas cheeks, ripping her flesh. I stopped in my tracks, gripping the door frame of the dining room as bile rushed out of my mouth. "Fuck, Elle!" Jared wailed as he rushed back. Within the 30 seconds of my vomiting, we heard Jane scream. We both looked up, the male finding his way on top of Jane, but instead he was biting on her arm.

"What the fuck!" Harold and Jared yelped together.

What the fuck was right.

-

I apologize for the lengthy chapter. I tried keeping it short but I also wanted to include the introduction of the main characters, as well as include the two main conflicts of this story!

Please leave your honest opinions as it would generously help me improve!