Danny pulled the car up beside James’ house and Darren got out, he watched Darren leap up the steps and walk to the door before driving to his house. When Danny arrived, he wandered around for a moment before going to his room, he knew the uneasiness wouldn’t settle until Darren came back. Danny changed into a light blue short-sleeve v-neck and some black shorts, then he set down his car keys on the dresser and lay on his bed waiting for Darren to get there or to call.

Danny awoke almost an hour later, having passed out from a mixture of exhaustion and boredom. He quickly left his house heading over to James’; it was about two in the afternoon and the sky was covered in storm clouds. It started to rain lightly as Danny drove and by the time he reached James’ house, the monstrous clouds that loomed above him were drenching his surroundings. The rain made loud “clinks” as they pelted his car and the pavement; the fresh smell of the cool rain hitting the hot asphalt filled his nostrils.

Danny stepped out of the car and walked up slowly to the front door, admiring the details of the house; it was similar to his house in style, having old-fashioned moldings and stone statues scattered about the yard. Danny had thought about staying in the guest house himself, it suited his taste much better than the actual house but his dad was never home anyway and it would be a waste to leave the house empty. He approached the door and as he reached for the knocker, the door swung open. Danny was expecting to see James but instead, it was Darren.

“Oh thank god! I was getting worried,” Danny stated as Darren stepped out into the rain, greeting him with a hug. Something felt different this time though, it wasn’t the warm hug Danny had quickly become accustomed to recently.

“Worried? Why were you worried?” Darren asked.

“Because you hadn’t met me at my house yet or called me to let me know you needed a ride!” Danny explained.

“What are you talking about?” Darren replied with a quizzical look.

“Darren, what are you talking about?”

“Danny, are you okay? Did you bump your head or something?”

“No, I’m perfectly fine! It’s you who seems to have lost his memory!” Before Darren had a chance to reply, James opened the door.

“Danny, good it turns out Darren didn’t have to fetch you after all. Well come on in, it’s pouring rain out here!” James said, leading the way in. Darren began to walk away. Something about him was different, Danny could feel it, and if he wanted to get to the bottom of it, he would have to talk to James.

Danny walked through the large archway. His heart beat hastened in fear of seeing something surprising and his breathing became more shallow as he sat next to James. James hadn’t started talking yet so Danny started the conversation.

“So, what did you need Darren for?”

“Ah, yes. Well, I asked him to go and get you for me.” Danny looked puzzled. James could easily come to his house, he knew where Danny lived. Danny ignored this for the moment though.

“What did you need me for then?” James’ head drooped; slowly, he raised it and Danny watched as his eyes changed to a pitch-black color. Danny tried to speak, but he was immobilized. He could hardly even move his eyes from side to side. James lunged and pushed him to the floor, sinking his fangs into the nape of Danny’s neck. There was a twinge, followed by a sharp, piercing pain. Danny closed his eyes, hoping for the pain to cease and he opened them a few moments later. They were still on the couch, in the same spots. Danny looked at James again; half afraid he would lunge.

“Okay, James, no games. There have been a lot of strange things that have happened recently and I have a feeling that it is all connected to you.”

“You're feeling it, aren't you? The hunger, the aspiration for blood. It gets much worse if you don't feed it. You're imagining it; I can see the warm blood flow through your eyes.” Boiling with anger and confusion, Danny began to yell.

“James, what in the hell are you talking about? It's all so confusing. First, there was the dream, then the shower, and now this...” His voice trailed off into the distance.

“Danny, calm down and get a hold of yourself! The dreams were real, don't worry everything will be fine.” Danny stared at James now with pure disgust; James had been afraid of this.