It was the first time Natasha had ever felt regret for being considerate of other people. She was a good girl, and had been raised to respect others needs and wants. Her father, a captain in the army, was very determined in the structure of her upbringing. She always was allocated a time to be home, and if it was after dark, she was required to be escorted home. When she began dating Jeremy for the first time, there was very strict "ground rules". Due to Jeremy's fear of whatever may happen to him if he broke the rules, he would always home early, the only exception being the parties they attended. Tonight was one of those parties. But not only that, but Natasha's dad was away at war at the moment. Usually when this happened Natasha's mother would step in and seize control of the rules. She was so much more lenient, easily swayed and loose on the rules and curfew. This was of course the case this time.

Tonight was Mitchell Davis' 18th! Mitchell Davis wasn't just anyone, but he was the coolest guy in school and Natasha just so happened to get an invite. The "getting ready" process took days, she had to wax, pluck, dye, tan, shave, cleanse, moisturise, exfoliate, wash, paint and apply. In spite of that, there was no hassle involved in any of this. Natasha adored getting "dolled-up" for a night out; it was one of the best parts. Not as good as viewing the final touches and the look of awe upon her friends' faces!

The night was a thrill! Party-goers spinning and weaving across the dance floor, being wallflowers as they gain the appearance that they are glued to the walls (perhaps with the nail or eyelash glue!), chugging beverages which had been previously chilled but were edging their way back to room temperature (which happened to be hot because of the mass of body heat and teenage hormones lacing a thick layer to the atmosphere), conversing with this week's "latest" on status updates and people heading upstairs for a bit of… well… you know… The whole scene was intoxicating to Natasha's mind, as it throbbed with delight her heart swirled with happiness.

Once Jeremy had managed to obtain the point of puking, Natasha decided to call it a night. The night ended all too quickly and she towed Jeremy out into the bitter cold air which would have usually bitten Natasha's face harshly if it weren't layered with foundation, creams and her lotions and potions. Her head glided back to her as its allotted time for floating had come to an end, as her body drooped; her spirit remained behind taking in the final moments of the thriving party and deafening but uplifting poundings of the music. As always the cold music seemed to sober Jeremy up somewhat, he was soon no longer using her as a crutch. They arrived to his house where they often go to clean up a bit before returning to Natasha's home. Whilst Natasha was using the bathroom facilities, Jeremy retired to his bedroom.

Once down with her requirements, she went to check on Jeremy. Her facial expression softened as her heart melted, there lying atop the bed covers, curled up resting peacefully was Jeremy. "He looks so serene," she thought, "Perhaps; I should allow him to rest? Just let myself out and walk home on my own," she contemplated, "Sure, it is only a short walk away." She decided. So, she retrieved her coat which was hanging in the cupboard under the stairs, this room always "creeped her out" because no matter how many times it was used and cleaned, the cobwebs seemed to return. This meant only one thing, "Spiders." Natasha uttered as her body revolted and shivered simultaneously at the word. She snatched her garment from it's hook and slammed the door quietly. She sauntered softly through the door like a ghost floating through the room. She escaped quickly through the gate before Jeremy awoke and made an attempt to return her safely home.

The first hint was the sound. The sound of footsteps approaching. She stopped in her tracks and glance around furtively. She witnessed nothing in the darkness and called herself foolish for imagining things. She heard a rustling noise and the hairs and Goosebumps rose on her previously supple skin. She checked behind herself again. Yet again, there was nothing. She silently cussed herself and her overactive imagination. The next occurrence she tried to ignore, as she could taste the fear in her throat. She listened to breathing, heavy breathing, which she realised quite quickly that it was clearly not her own. She increased her walking pace as her minds creativity made her fearful. The alarming noise made her freeze, the footsteps which she'd previously "imagined" now seemed to be coming towards her. But she couldn't see anything. "Leave me alone." She cried out in desperation at her bran.

The last thing she expected from her outburst was a reply. The words perked her ears as the sound came out quietly, but clearly. The voice was raspy, husky but it made her teeth grind. The reply was quite simply, "Foolish girl, did Daddy never teach you to never walk home alone after dark?" The voice mocked. That is when something reaching out of the blinding darkness and her knees buckled in fear. Thoughts attacked her mind violently, but the last two were one; "Why hadn't I woken Jeremy or just stayed the night?" and the second; "Dad will never forgive me for this…" As the dark night swallowed her in its jaws of fear and pain.