Tales Of The Horror Inducing Kind (3)
"Wow," said Adrian. "This is your car?" "Yeah," said Lucas, grinning from ear to ear. "You like it?" "'Like it?'" began Adrian. "I've always wanted to drive in one of these babies." "Well, tonight you'll get your chance," was Lucas' reply. To say that Lucas pulled out of the parking lot speedily would be an understatement. He commanded that baby blue Porsche with such speed that Adrian was concerned for his safety. He quickly buckled his safety belt, something he never did upon entering a vehicle. But--as they sped along--Adrian began to notice the rather pecuiliar way Lucas was able to handle the vehicle, even at such inflated speeds. This too--like many other things--piqued Adrian's interest. "Aren't," began Adrian, "aren't you worried you might get pulled over?" "Taking this route?" was Lucas' reply. "Trust me, the cops don't waste their time cruising down these streets." And so Adrian Belfast and Lucas Slaughter made their way to a posh recital hall at the edge of town. There was quite a good number of people there. Lucas--it turned out--was not the only person who would be performing at this recital. There were two other individuals. An acquaintance of Lucas' mentioned this to the pair as they mingled, something Lucas was so inclined to do. He was also quite instrumental in getting Adrian to open up to some of the guests. One lady, in particular (a Mrs Parker) talked endlessly with Adrian and Lucas (though predominately Lucas) over a variety of things pertaining to the arts. The time eventually came for the performances. Adrian was quite excited. He had--in his younger years--studied some piano, but he had long since given it up, on account of how difficult it was to learn the instrument with any kind of adeptness. The first two performers were quite good, Adrian decided. The first performer played a few pieces of Chopin for the audience, while the second performer played some Beethoven. Both selected Etudes. Adrian had heard the songs before, and had even attempted to play them. He clapped his hands at the conclusion of each of their respective performances. Then it was Lucas' turn. He came out from behind the stage, looking oh so confident, or at least that is what Adrian perceived. He took his seat and immediately began playing Prokofiev's Piano Sonata #1. Adrian was quite familiar with it. He had tried to master it many times. But this fact was far from his mind at the moment, for Lucas' playing was breathtaking. It was an incredible performance. Lucas showcased another amazing talent. Adrian was again torn by two emotions: one was wonder and the other was disgust. He must've been playing since he was three years old, Adrian thought. At the conclusion of the piece everyone erupted into riotous celebration. Lucas' next piece was Rachmaninoff's Prelude in C Sharp Minor. It was his concluding piece, and an apt one at that. He performed it well enough, but what really stood out for Adrian was the fact that Lucas was playing the piece exactly as Rachmaninoff himself played it, right down to pitch, tone, and anything else you wanted to throw in there. Adrian was able to decipher this because he remembered listening to Rachmaninoff's recording over and over again in his younger years. This is amazing, thought Adrian. Everyone gave Lucas a standing ovation at the conclusion of his performance. Adrian made his way to the entrance of the recital hall, awaiting Lucas' return. He then noticed he and Mrs. Parker heading toward him arm in arm. The trio continued their conversation about the arts from earlier. Finally, it was revealed--through Mrs Parker--that Lucas had been adept at playing the piano for only a good three years time. "--Three years?" broke in Adrian. Mrs Parker turned and looked toward Adrian, in a startled manner really. "Why yes, my young Adrian. But he's quite the virtuoso, isn't he?" He's been playing the piano for just three years, thought Adrian. He was aghast. Lucas was busy smiling to himself and chatting it up with Mrs Parker to pay too much attention to the expression on Adrian's face. After a time, when the crowd began to thin out, Lucas mentioned to Mrs. Parker that it was time for him to retire. "Well, we really ought to be going, Mrs. Parker," said Lucas to the old woman. "It was really nice meeting you," said Adrian. "You too, sweety," was Mrs. Parker's reply. The duo left the recital hall. There wasn't too much of anything of importance being discussed in the ride back to the university. However, Lucas did mention how grand it was to play in front of everybody and the like. Adrian mostly stared out of the window, replying with "uh huh's" to just about everything that Lucas would say. However, it just so happens that after a short while, a thought came to Adrian and he had to air to his newfound buddy and rival. "Lucas?" "Yes, Adrian?" "Umm--how long have you been writing?" "Huh? Oh, a little over three years." "Three years?" "No. A little over three years. Why do you ask?" "Uh huh," was Adrian's reply as he placed his face in his hand. The two got back to the university speedily, on account of Lucas' incredible proficiency for driving at such extreme speeds. Lucas mentioned how they had to hang out again, and said that he knew a club on the westside of town that would be perfect. "You wouldn't happen to have any plans for tomorrow, would you, my newfound buddy and pal?" said Lucas as he patted Adrian on the shoulder. "No, I'm free tomorrow too," said Adrian, trying to smile, but not quite being able to. A lie, he guessed, would probably be detected. "Good. I'll see you tomorrow, at the same time." And with that, Lucas left, throwing his keys into the air and catching them again. Adrian entered his dorm. He immediately began fumbling under his bed for his diary. He had a lot on his mind and he was determined to express it using the written word. What he wanted to say came out smooth and fast, with hardly a misstep. I met someone new today. I met a young man whose named Lucas Slaughter. He is--my rival--in every sense of the word. I must best him! It's true, I will admit that he is currently on another level than I. It's as if his progress as it relates to all things considered delicate and time consuming--in the simplest sense--is extreme. But my dear friend Lucas has plenty to fear. I will concede that his talent is extreme, but I can be just as--if not more--talented than he. This I am most sure of. I made a decision late in the evening. I'm going to take up piano again. I was formerly engaged with the instrument for many years until I decided to give it up, but Lucas' playing has reawakened that desire. I want to beat him at his own game. I will defeat him. This is the pledge I make to myself. Adrian placed his diary back under his bed, yawned, and fell asleep with the quickness. The next morning came, and--as it so turns out--Adrian didn't have any classes to go to that day. So he mostly filled out the day on the Internet reading more of Lucas' stories. He was currently engaging in a plan of attack. He'd read through a story and write down those things that stood out the most, such as characterization, plot, setting, and so forth. He'd also pull up one of his stories on the computer and compare the differences between the two styles. Presently he shook his head in despair. A head to head comparison between the two authors revealed much in the way of just how much more developed Lucas was to Adrian. Adrian also planned to ask Lucas for some pointers on how to succeed at writing. He'll be assisting me in his own demise, thought Adrian to himself as he chuckled. Night fell quickly and Adrian had to pull himself off of the computer in order to get dressed for the night's festivities. He quickly took a five minute shower and then put on his favorite sports wear, a basketball jersey and some matching shorts. He exited his dorm and made his way to the journalism class. Lucas was waiting for him. "Ah, my good buddy and pal Adrian," said Lucas as he slapped Adrian's hand for five. "You ready to party?" "You know it," was Adrian's reply. The two made their way to the baby blue Porsche and just like that they were on their way to another night of thrills. Adrian remembered from Lucas' antics yesterday that it would be best to buckle his safety belt. Lucas--he noticed--was carefree in terms of his safety. Wouldn't it be something if he flew through the windshield, he thought. I bet that would get his attention, the irresponsible son-of-a--. He caught himself. With the way Lucas was driving, it didn't take him long to make it to the club. The club, as it has been mentioned, was on the west side of town. There was quite a lot of people there. However, Lucas didn't have too much trouble finding a parking space. "Get ready to meet some of the prettiest girls you've ever seen," said Lucas. "Right," said Adrian. Perhaps now wouldn't be a good time to inform his newfound buddy and rival that he'd never been on a date before. He sighed to himself, low enough that Lucas couldn't hear it but loud enough that he could. The pair entered the club. There was a great intermingling of people inside of the club. There was some dancing, some sitting at the bar ordering drinks, and some sitting at the many tables. Lucas led the way to a section of the club that wasn't completely populated with individuals. The two took a seat. "I'll go fetch us some drinks," said Lucas. "Umm--ok," said Adrian. Now would perhaps be a good time to tell him that he'd never really been keen to drinking alcohol, but he held his tongue. Adrian took in the scenery. He noticed early on that there really was quite a lot of good looking women in the club. A good many of them, though, seemed to already be talking to men. Adrian did catch sight of a table of all females who seemed to be chatting amongst themselves and paying no attention to anyone else. I wonder if their lesbians, Adrian thought to himself. Just then Lucas came back with two beers in his hand. "Here ya go, buddy," said Lucas. "Thanks," was Adrian's reply. He sipped the drink and produced a disgusted look. Lucas, however, was too busy checking out all the women to notice. Adrian thought that this would be a good time to ask Lucas about any suggestions he might have for improving his craft. "I was thinking, Lucas, about my writing. What kind of suggestions would you have for a budding writer like myself?" "Well, what kind of stories are you interested in writing?" said Lucas as he drank some of his beer. "Like you I'm also interested in the horror genre," said Adrian. "Ah yes, the much maligned horror genre. You know, the critics don't look so favorably on us horror writers, save for the works of Stephen King and Edgar Allen Poe." "Yeah," said Adrian. "It's like that with the fantasy genre too. Tolkien doesn't get the respect that he deserves." "Well, I don't know too much about the fantasy genre," said Lucas. Finally something that he's not well-versed in, thought Adrian. What a relief. "But if you're looking for advice you've come to the right place. The first thing you've gotta keep in mind is that you have to read and read exhaustively. I was reading horror stories way before I started writing them," said Lucas. "Uh huh," said Adrian. "I read from time to time." "See, that's your problem. You read from time to time. I read everyday. Everyday I'm discovering some new magic by an author, and not just horror authors mind you." Adrian made mental notes of everything that Lucas said. If only he knew the quagmire that he was getting himself into he'd retract all of his statements, thought Adrian to himself. Inwardly he was mocking Lucas. He had even managed to put on a small smile. Finally Lucas finished giving advice and his beer as well. "So," began Lucas, "you spot anybody that you're interested in?" Adrian wasn't prepared for this. He just sat there dumbfounded for a second before Lucas pressed the matter even further. "Come on, man. There has to be somebody who's number you'd like to get." "Well," began Adrian, "those girls sitting at that table over there seem attractive enough." "Aww yeah," said Lucas. "They're hot. Let's go see if we can get those digits." The duo headed for the table populated with the women whom Adrian wondered if they were lesbians. There was three of them. All though--seemingly--were taut toward Lucas and none were interested in Adrian. At least at first. "Hiya, ladies!" said Lucas. They replied in kind. "My name's Lucas. What's yours?" "I'm Donna," said one. "My name's Crystal," said another. "And I am Edith," said the last. "You ladies having a good time?" said Lucas. "Oh yes," said Crystal. "This is one of our favorite spots around town." "Let me introduce you to my pal and buddy here. This is Adrian." Adrian waved hello to the trio. They responded in kind. "It's nice to meet you," said Adrian. "The feelings mutual," said Donna. Lucas then took over the show. He asked the ladies what school they went to and all of them said they went to Summit University, a school that was located in a suburb of the city. He then went on talking about how he was on the journalism team, and how he had a baby blue Porsche, and how he played piano, just about anything that he could think of that would attract them he spoke it. They were quite interested in what he had to say. Adrian, on the other hand, was quite disgusted, with himself and with Lucas. Just who does this guy think he is, he thought. He then rolled his eyes when Lucas mentioned that he was an aspiring writer. What a load of crap, thought Adrian. "You know, ladies," said Adrian, "I'm an aspiring writer too." "Really?" said Donna. "You two are like two peas in a pod." "Yeah," began Lucas. "Adrian's great. He's a great guy to be around with." Too bad I can't say the same for this glory hog, thought Adrian. Finally, the moment of truth came: would Lucas be able to get their numbers? "Ok ladies, I think it's about time we headed on out of here, I've got class in the morning. But I'd love to get back in contact with either of you. How about we exchange numbers?" "Well," began Edith, "I already have a boyfriend, but I'm sure Donna and Crystal wouldn't mind." And so thus it was that Donna exchanged numbers with Lucas and Adrian exchanged numbers with Crystal. "I'll definitely give you a call," said Lucas. Donna smiled. The two waved good-bye and left the club. "Well," said Lucas, "that went rather well wouldn't you say?" "Yup," said Adrian. "See? There wasn't anything to be afraid of. You were a little timid, weren't you?" said Lucas.
Copyright © 2004 Michael Harris |