Nightmare Ride chapter 13

Andy ran as fast as he could, not daring to look back, not daring to stop and tried desperately to shut the sound of Ashley calling his name and telling him to come back. Andy couldn't and Andy wouldn't stop.

He had attacked CC. Not a simple punch or a playful slap. Andy had latched his hands on his throat and throttled him. CC could have died and Andy, who could still feel the tension in his hands, was almost a murderer.

"Andy! Andy, please stop!" Ashley cried, thundering after him down the tarmac, his eyes wet from crying and his heart racing. "Andy baby, stop!"

Ignoring the cries from his boyfriend, Andy sped down the high street towards the park, people jumping out of his way as he almost ran into them and shouted remarks at him as he went. Andy knew where he was going and he never thought it would come to this.

The lake in the park was coming into view and Andy tried to go faster, urging his legs to go even faster. The water was dark and looked so welcoming to Andy. Only a few more seconds and it would be over.

Ashley saw what was coming and he dived forward to grab Andy, his fingers outstretched and he let out a cry. His fingers closed around open air. Ashley fell to the ground, tears spilling out of his eyes. He yelled Andy's name as his lover edged closer and closer to the water.

And then Andy let out a scream of fear.

He had seen something dark and sludge-like ooze out of the lake, its huge mass blotting out the moon which was gliding in the sky. It let out a low gurgle of anger and its horrible body fell on top of Andy.

"Ashley, help me!" he cried as he was swallowed by the substance. He couldn't breathe, his skin crawled with distaste and he wanted to cry Ashley's name again.

Then, the monster had gone. Andy was laying on the cold, wet ground, out of breath, his throat stinging but he was alive. And next to him, holding his hand and pulling him into a warm embrace, was Ashley.

"What the hell were you thinking?" Ashley said through shivers from his tears.

Andy didn't know what to say. He just held onto Ashley and didn't want to let go. He felt safe here in his strong arms and he nuzzled into his chest.

"Never ever," Ashley said, looking into Andy's eyes "EVER do that again baby"

Andy nodded, gazing into his brown eyes which had become too serious. His blue eyes sparkled in the moonlight and he gently kissed Ashley on the lips, savouring the sweet taste.
In the distance, Andy could hear running footsteps which could only be the other band members. Yes, Andy could make out 3 pairs of feet but one was slightly slower than the others. That would be CC, Andy thought and his guilty crept back to him.

"Andy, Ashley," Jake said, skidding to a halt next to them and began breathing heavily. "What the fuck just happened?"

Andy and Ashley looked at each other, both sets of eyes reading their minds. Andy nodded and Ashley said "Sorting out stuff"

CC and Jinxx came up behind Jake and Andy, who saw the huge mark he had left on his drummer, gave CC the biggest hug he could muster. CC toppled backwards and returned the hug, feeling a little overwhelmed.

"Oh my god, CC I am so sorry for what I did. Please forgive me" Andy muttered.
CC pulled Andy off him slowly and gave him a sharp nod "Of course I forgive you Andy. You're my friend and friends forgive each other, right?"

Andy nodded and looked at Ashley with his bright eyes and said "Right CC. Let's go back"

Ashley beckoned Jake and Jinxx to follow but before they could move off, Andy stumbled backwards. His hair covered his face and he let out a low groan of either pain or content, the band couldn't tell. Then, Andy spoke but his voice was deeper and much gruffer than before.

"You did well" he said.

Ashley's jaw dropped to form and "o" shape and his eyes widened in fear. Andy was still looking at the floor, his hands plastered to his side and now he was chuckling quietly.
"Wh…what?" Ashley asked, shuffling closer to him "Andy, are you okay?"

Andy chuckled even harder and that was when he looked up and Ashley gasped.

Andy's facial features were not his own. He had a huge grin on his face, his eyes were wider and had a strange glow about them and his hair was getting lighter and lighter.
"You saved this body for me. I thank you" Andy said "You make it an easier job"

"Who are you!?" Ashley cried as the other band members came to his side to see what was going on.

Suddenly, a bright light shone out of Andy's mouth. A scream followed and Andy dropped to the floor. But someone was standing in his place, a tall, dark figure with grey hair and white glowing eyes. He gave a huge laugh as he shouted

"I am the nightmare!"