It came with Snow
We all hate holidays

Erie. Those who lived in America and knew of this town knew it by one name. The Mistake by the lake. So, the question still burned deep. Why was Miles Wagner returning here?

He closed his laptop and slid it into his carry-on bag. He checked his phone and grunted at the ungodly amount of social media notifications, and text messages. Any form of social media communications was a gateway of “Old Friends” trying to reach him. They all wanted the same thing. Book ideas showing music or some other form of get rich quick scheme. He sighed setting it to airplane mode and hit play on his favorite song Marvin Gaye’s “Heard it through The Grapevine”.

The soothing song had become strange soundtrack as the bus made its way through the old city. They first passed the water park. Its rides hanging neglected and barely covered in blue tarps and casting shadows. Some of the pieces where not properly covered leaving monstrous shadows in the late afternoon. Rumors was that a few seasons ago some chemical in the pool mixed badly with a boy suntan lotion had led to his death. Cops ruled it as a result of a bad chemical reaction. Another girl was apparently shoved over one of the 3 story high slides. The fact the place was not shut down permanently was a miracle or curse.

Next stop was the old Harrington Plant. A factory that was once so large it was a city inside of the city almost 68% of the local populace use to work for them. But as the economy went down the company slowly closed sending the jobs out west. It was a pity now the company had less than 500 locals working for them and the few taverns had new members of the drunk broke bastard’s club.

Up next was passing the Veterans Memorial Stadium. One of the local politicians last ditch efforts to try to revive the city. Yes, that is exactly what was needed. A large stadium, not jobs, better housing or funds sent to the local dilapidated buildings they called schools. For some weird reason, the field lights where off, and the front gate was blocked off by a few police cruisers and a fire truck. Probably some idiots fighting at another high school game. One rule of this city same trash different piles.

The bumbling coach bus hit a few potholes before turning onto the lake front Connector. As the view of the frozen waters of Presque Isle came into view Miles let his mind wander.

As Marvin began to sing about his sorrow Miles let his own mind drift into the past. He thought of how his former classmates and instructors called him a loser. He remembered the events that pushed him to the road of the man he was to become.

“What you writin weirdo?” One of the larger kids snickered. Miles watched as his spiral notebook floated thru the air to another bully. Miles struggled to grab it and was met with force as the other student shoved him. With a loud crash his body slammed into a desk. “Come on dude just give me my notebook back.” He pleaded. The bullies simply laughed, and other students sat around watching in silence some even hiding laughs. “Gotta love no bullying zones.” Miles thought to himself.

“You always writing some weird shit. The hell you tryna be.” The biggest bully was a large boy named Tate. He was very wide and almost 6 feet. He had enjoyed his side career of making Miles academic life hell.

“Dude it doesn’t matter just give it back man.” Those words came out of month Miles instantly regretted. A smile formed at the corner of Tate’s mouth.

“Okay.” His arm cocked back. There was snapping noise as the spiral notebook breezed thru the air. The corner catching Miles in his right eye

“FUCKING DAMMIT!” Miles yelled as his hand covered his right eye. The pack of goons simply laughed their words drowned out as his attention focused directly on Tate. Heat raising in his chest and his other hand forming into a fist. Burning rage building in his chest reaching a fever pitch. What happen next was moment in time he could never forget. His fist swung wildly and connected to one of his bully’s jaw. The noise was like thunder as blood squirted out of his mouth. He did not remember if it was the site of blood or his hatred of the constant abuse, but his body suddenly went numb as fury burned thru his very being. He launched forward his body clashing with Tate’s as the two began trading blows.

“Fuckin bitch ass pussy.” He barked as he swung wildly into any open spot he could find. Another prick was struggling to pull him back. But for a moment they locked eyes. Miles could feel an immensely powerful punch connect to his stomach. The impact making his feet slightly lift off the ground. His head cocked back and then forward.

First a few drops of blood hit the floor followed by a small puddle.

Tate clutched his broken nose. The other goons tried there best to put down this new threat. Every student clearing the battle ground or standing on desk to watch.

The fight grew increasingly wild. Entire book bags thrown, chairs flying thru the air, desk being knocked over.

After the storm of a fight Miles found himself being dragged down the hallway by a security officer. Students stood against the walls or walked by throwing looks of shock as they passed him. He could hear their whispers

“Dude he went nuts.”

“Five on one that’s some top dog shit.”

“Yo Tate’s face was gushing blood like crazy. I heard Juju got it on tape.”

Yeah Miles had did it. The adrenaline wearing off slowly he felt a since of pride and anxiety wash over him. But one thought did stay strong in his mind.

They fucked around and found out.

The sit outside the principal’s office may have lasted a few minutes but they seemed to stretch on for hours. Eventually the door cracked open followed by a broad voice.

“Come in.” It said harshly.

As he entered the small dark room, he did his best to calm his thoughts and prepare to defend himself. A brown desk sat in the middle of the room. One end sat Ms.Hogharth. A tall older woman with pale skin and brunette hair that was wrapped perfectly in a bun. Her grey eyes locked and her boney hand gesture to the chair on the opposite side of her desk. Miles slowly took a seat.

“I have 3 Students in the nurses office and one on the way to the hospital. I have parents ready to press assault charges. A couple of hundred dollars in school property. All over a notebook.” She growled.

“I swear ma’am I didn’t do anything wrong.” Before Miles could explain he was cut short with a hand wave.

“Over a notebook. 2 weeks suspension. Your parents have been notified.” Ms.Hogharth said trying to hide the fury in her voice.

“But I didn’t do anything honest-” There was a large slam as her hand came down on her desk. “I have to deal with so much. Keep it up and you will be expelled if it’s the last thing I do. Your grades are dropping, and you won’t see graduation if you miss anymore days.” She was struggling to hold back the anger. It reached the point where her face was turning crimson and her hands shook.

There was no justice.

There were no heroes to save him.

This was not one of his stories.

This was life and it came with pain.

Miles was hurt those words bringing him down like rocks in an ocean. Drowning his spirit. He couldn’t fight it anymore. The cold hard truth put pressure on his chest. He realized that no one would believe him. No one would help him or prove his innocence. He would never forget.

How could he? The lies, the rumors and how they called him insane for the “Scribbles” in his notebook. They did not know that these “scribbles” would land him on New York best seller list 5 years in a row.

Now even he thought he was a drop out he would constantly receive emails and phone calls asking for him to be a guest speaker at the school. The same school that ostracize him. The same school that tried to press him into a confirmative box. The answer was the same. No.

The bus sharply pulled into the yellow lit terminal. Outside his window he could spot the badly hidden paparazzi standing around checking the other buses that where pulling in. They were smart more spread out. They were looking for a scoop. “Vultures. Jeez not even a few hours eh.” He mumbled to himself.

He quickly scrambled into action rummaging thru his backpack. Finding his reading glasses, he quickly thru them on and pushed his jet-black hair under his winter hat. A plan was rapidly evolving in his mind, but he would have to play his next move smart. All it took is one of those camera toting vultures to see him and his whole trip would be ruined. As he disembarked, his eyes darted around looking for the next step. In his peripheral vision he saw a family disembarking from another bus not too far from the gate. Near them two luggage zwas piled nice and high. An idea sparked in his head a devious one, but he had to act now. He could ask for forgiveness later. One of the vultures where slowly edging towards him he slowly made his way toward the family in a good pace. Keeping a few steps ahead of the vultures but not grabbing the others attention. He slightly looked back to see that the vultures were readying his camera. He had to do something now.

He pretended to trip bumping into the father of the family bringing down the stack of luggage like dominoes. Everyone’s attention turned on the accident. The staff and a few good people began to help us much as they could get things up. In the movement Miles manage to slip away disappearing into the terminal. `

Miles quickly put distance between him and the camera wielding vultures. As he walked, he stopped by bench to catch the most hilarious view. A large bearded man with a great round belly holding a sign that read “Welcome home cousin”. Drool was starting to form its own way thru his dark brown beard. On his large hands 3 of the fingers where painted and assortment of colors. This was Miles favorite family member his cousin Randy. As if on que the man jumps to his feet.

“I wasn’t sleep sir!” He quickly yelped. Miles shook his head must have been having a dream of his old boot camp days. Randy’s eyes darted all over the terminal before looking down to see his younger cousin. His lips spread ear to ear in a huge smile. Before Miles could even react his could feel his feet dangling in the air and his body being restricted by his large arms.

“Okay Randy your kind of crushing my spine.” Miles said while struggling to breath. When his feet touch the floor, Randy grabbed his bags. “Cousin you don’t have to do that.” Miles said. Randy let off a small chuckle. “What and let you do it with those string bean arm?” Randy said letting off a small giggle. “Well my vacation does not spell work for you. “Miles said while trying to reach for his bag. “And having a million dollars doesn’t mean you eat one lettuce from Italy and call it a salad.” Randy said with a laugh. Miles head sunk as he thought about those annoying meals and how much the home cook food really tasted.

“Careful Miles your starting to drool.” Randy said. Miles quickly use the sleeve of his jacket to whip away the drool. “Will Aunt Maria be home to cook?” Miles stomach quickly rumbled. “Well yes to the both of you.” Randy said with a laugh. “What’s going on up there?” He said nodding to a large crowd. They could hear security and something else.

They gently made their way into the crowd to see.

Blood hit the white floor tiles.

Surrounded by people

One man

Blood dripping down his temple as he held a baton.

“Sir you need to calm down.” Barked security officer.

“I’m not going back. I’m not go be a lab rat again! I’d Rather die.” He screamed.

The man carried a crazed look in his eyes. He was pale and thin. His lips chapped and caked with a bit of blood. A bruise under his right eye. More security began to surround him all yelling and barking. The man began coughing the hacks wheezes where quickly followed by thick mix of red and black sludge. One of the security officers saw this opportunity. As the large Officer charged forward the man spun around and there was a fierce crack in the air. More blood the hit floor along with officer. The body of the fallen security officer didn’t move. The hit must have killed the man. This caused one bystander to scream. Chaos broke loose as the security charged him and even a few civilian men tried to help. Despite the assistance the crazed lunatic punched pulled and shoved his way into the crowd. In a matter of moments, he was in front of Miles.

Miles could never forget the face. Pale white skin messy matted brown hair cold brown eyes grossly yellow liquid running down his face. Miles instant reaction was to back away but before he could the man grabbed his jacket collar.

“YOUR THE WRITER! THEY’LL BURN US ALL. DONT LET THEM! TELL EVERY-”

The man’s body twisted to see Randy’s fist crash into his face with tremendous force.

“DO NOT TOUCH MY COUSIN.” He barked. Best part of Randy was the sheer defense of his family. But it was about to be tested.

The man slowly rose to his feet the wildness and insanity rising in his eyes. He launched forward off his toes swinging wildly to take down the massive mountain of man. Randy duck and gave a fierce punch to his face. Maybe it was the adrenaline or something else, but the man swung back. They two began trade a fury of blows. Both screaming and grunting trying the best to get the upper hand. It came to halt when Randy grabbed the man by his jacket his cocked back like the hammer of a gun and came crashing forward. Colliding with the maniacs face completely knocking him out. The chaos finally stopped. The guards swarmed the man pinning down any movable part of his body.

“THEY’LL BURN US ALL!! THEY DONT CARE ABOUT US!! YOU HAVE TO LISTEN. THE ARROW WILL KILL!” These words spewed from a mad man’s mouth sent chills down Jamie’s spin. What was Arrow. His mind snapped back as Randy shook his shoulder nudging toward some photographers that where scouting around. “Time to go!”

The two quickly grabbed their things and made for the exit. As soon as they reach, the parking lot they threw their things in the back of Randy’s brown minivan. The van quickly whipped out the car and disappeared into the quickly falling snow.

After about 10 minutes there was a numbing silence that Miles could not stand. “That guy-” Randy cut off with a raise of his hand. “Just some tweaker. Probably running from people, he owes money.” Randy said flatly. “He said something about Arrow. What is that? And burn us all. What has happened since I left.”. Randy coughed to clear his throat leaning forward to try to see threw the rapidly falling snow which was only getting thicker. “Look so apparently last spring some kids came back from spring break and brought this new drug with them called Arrow. Stuffs like coke but way worse. It apparently triggers a mini stroke and sends the moron into some delusional fever state.” Each word was gripped with a small amount of rage. “How many people it got so far?” Miles asked but he felt regret in asking it. Randy knuckles clutched the steering wheel turning pale.

“About 57 so far. But don’t worry about it. These fucking idiots want to do it to themselves let them have it.” Randy spat in annoyance. Miles was ready to contest his view when he realized the fury quietly sitting on his face. A few moments passed before Randy grunted. “Shit?!”

Miles sat up quickly.” You good cousin.” Randy slowly started to chuckle.

“My ass forgot to put gas in the van.” He was barely controlling his laugh. “Ya know I’m still wondering how your ass got into the military.” Miles said smirkingly. He patted his large belly and gave it a small shake.

“See this! I’m a natural soldier. Look at this beautiful perfect picture of health.” Miles laugh giving his belly a poke. “Yeah totally a walking tank.” A moment of silence floated by then Miles spoke again. “Thanks Randy.” He held up his knuckle. “No problem I always got you cousin.” There knuckles connected.

The Minivan quietly pulled into the parking lot of the dimly lit gas station. The slightly curved red brick building had a few missing lights in the front making things a bit dark. Two cars sat in front of the store lightly covered in snow.

“So, I’ll get the gas. Need anything?” The two began to get out the van.

“I need a beer or something. That food I had on the way here tasted like absolute shit.” Miles chuckled as the approached the store.

“Your fault my mans. You could’ve flown first class.” Randy teased. “Yeah right next to all the pompous assholes so I could hear “Do you know who I am” A million times.”

The electronic bell rung as the door swung open. To the right an employee in a dark blue polo shirt quickly came rushing out. He stood in front them in held a deep breath before speaking.

“Hey guys I’m sorry bathrooms down. Yall need anything.” He thru on a smile. As his lips twisted and his eyes enlarged the cousins begun to feel uneasy.

“I’m going to look around.” Miles said as he slowly backed away turning towards the frozen drink aisle. “Yeah I’ll need 20 on the minivan.” Randy began reaching for change as the young employee ran behind the counter. As the purchase was finished Randy lean back. “CUZO IM FILLING UP THEN WE GONE.” There were a few moments of silence before Miles yelled back. “YEAH ILL BE Quick.”

The electronic bell rung as the door opened and shut again.

Miles slowly walked down the row of cold beverages. He stopped seeing his favorite. A slender glassed soda with a black a purple label that read “Hiss”. This was a classic drink that was made purely in his home state. He opened the fridge and grab the bottle before a loud thump made him jump. He spun on his heels, eyes wildly searching for the source. He jumped when there was a large crash. He turned to see something moving in the darkness behind the row of drinks. No two shapes. He shouldn’t but he could see two shapes shaking around in the darkness.

“Hey!” The voice made Miles almost jump from his skin. He turned around to see a larger man standing in front of him.

“Uhm HI.” He held up his drink. “Just grabbing this been out of town for a while. Can only get these here.” He shifted nervously. The man wore a dark blue polo the collar disheveled. A large cut ran sat on his lower lip. His shoulders broad easily he towered over him putting him in his shadow.

“Yeah. We are closing soon. So, I’m going to need you to check out.” His voice was firm and deep.

“Yeah I’ll just pay for it- “There was a large thud as behind the cold beverages the shelves shook.

“Don’t worry about it on the house. I’m just going to need you to leave right now sir. Take the drink.” The man voice booming. Miles took the bottle of Hiss and quickly headed for the door. As the familiar ringing of the door started, he stopped and looked around the see the younger employee hop over the counter with something small and metal in his hand.

“You gotta go man we are locking up.” As soon as the door closed the employee quickly locked it behind him. Miles look back to see the employee slowly moving back towards the beverage aisle unfolding the small pocketknife in his hand. “Hey man I think I want to steal a snack hold on.” Randy said trudging across the parking lot. “Nah man. We should go. There locking up.” He said quickly approaching him. “Come on isn’t this one usually 24 hours.” He scoffed. Miles quickly went to the minivan. “We should just go now.” He thru his hands in the air and opened the driver side. “Alright let’s go then man.”

The with the turn of the key the where out of the gas station and back on the road.

Driving down the quietly haunted road the snow fall began to increase ever so slightly.

“You good man?” Randy asked. Miles nodded and turned his attention to the skylight

The brave

The sky ahead was a slight bright orange and that’s when their eyes captured a scene of carnage. The

minivan slowed as they saw a home burning to the ground.

The van pulled to a stopped. The two cousins looked at each other no words exchanged. They knew what to do. The van doors flung open and Miles dashed to look for a side or back exist and Randy ran thru the front door and into the raging blaze. Miles lungs where slightly burning as he reached the back yard of the home. Smoke was filling the air.

Why was there no emergency crew along the way or even in the distance? The night was cold, and he could only hear the howling wind and crackling of burning wood. He took a deep breath and screamed. “IS ANYONE INSIDE?!”

There was a moment of silence before he heard a terrifying screech. “FUCK!”

He quickly ran inside holding his jacket sleeve over his mouth and nose. He pressed thru the halls filled with thick smoke yelling. “IS ANYONE HERE YOU NEED TO GET OUT NOW!!” He paused as he heard large groan of the house slowly reaching its demise. As he took another step he immediately forced to jump back as large burning beam came crashing down in front of him. His heart pounding the smoke getting only thicker. There were no survivors he had to make his exit now. Just then the defying roar of the slowly collapsing house flooded his ears.

“Miles get out get out now!” Randy roared his large voice piercing thru all of the destruction. Miles slowly made his way against the warm wall forging his way thru the clouds he stumbled and fell into what seemed to be a living room. He could see the front door. That’s when he saw a small form laying on the floor. A body in a ragged t-shirt with long dark hair. He quickly ran to her putting his fingers on her neck attempting to catch a pulse. He began to lift her when her head slowly rose. Yellow liquid running down her eyes. She let out a howl as her hand gripped his neck and began to choke him. He quickly slapped her and kicked her away from his. Trying to gasp for air he managed to grunt “Ma’am what the hell?! We got to get out of here.” He looked to see the woman’s body shaking twisting and sounds of snapping as she slowly rose. He saw a large hole on her belly with blood rolling down her leg. Then the cold realization set in this woman was not human. She slowly shifted toward him with ankle bone protruding out of her skin. He had to get out the house was would come down any minute. The woman lurched forward swinging her hands with violence and fury. Miles did the best he could shoving her arms away and dodging as best he could. She thru her viciously head butting him her arm managed to slip thru his defense. Her dirty nails clawed into his shoulder. Miles let out a small painful howl.

“YOU PSYCHO!” Miles swung back his fist violently connecting to her face and stomach before kicking her as hard as he could. Her ragged body fumbled back; she could barely stand that’s when Miles realized how beaten battered and distorted this woman was. Bruises covered her face large black blotches sprinkled along her arms. There was a moment followed by a loud snap. This wasn’t from the house. This was specifically from the pressure going on her fragile leg making it snap like a twig. The woman let out another blood curdling howl. Her body twisted and distorted as she dragged her body towards him. There was an ear-splitting crack as a large beam from the ceiling and crashed down kicking up soot ash and more smoke. The fire quickly catching on her body. More screams followed bringing Miles body to a stop. He watched in horror as the woman squirmed with the beam pierced thru her body. Her flesh melting like wax. He screams only getting louder and the fire charred her. The house was collapsing around him. He could feel the hair getting thicker with smoke beams falling and crashing. But his eyes remained locked and focus on the slowly burning body.

He was snapped back to reality as Randy thru him over his shoulder and dashed for the front door.

His mind slowly drifting in and out of conscious. He felt exhausted and numb. His eye lids growing heavy.

Each time he closed his eyes the world changed.

From the burning house being consumed with flames and thick smoke.

Then snow-covered earth slightly glowing orange from the reflecting distant flames.

The interior light glowing in the back of the minivan.

“Don’t worry just hold tight Miles! You came back for your vacation not a funeral You hear me?! HOLD FUCKING TIGHT.”
['L.A. Trells']
['Science Fiction', 'Violence', 'Action', 'Thriller']