Campfire Scary Tale

Grabbed by a Monster From Under the Bed

Feeling frantic — with heart beating fast — I dangled an arm over and waved my hand around the hopefully empty space beneath my bed

“Auntie Em, tell us a scary story from when you were young.”

“Oh, it’s a very long time since then. But…” I paused for effect. “Perhaps you’d like to hear a true tale — about the night I discovered what was actually lurking beneath my bed?”

I was deafened by the shrill of kids voices screeching, “yes.” So I threw another log on the camp fire, told them to put their hand held gadgets away, and began.

“Many moons ago — way before mobile phones had been launched on an unsuspecting world— when I was just eighteen…”

“Come on Emily. Don’t exaggerate. You can’t be much older than your late 20s now,” Maggie, the children's mum, stated. We’d become friends since her family moved in next door about three years ago.

“Skilled makeup.” I replied. “Now, set the wee ones a good example and stop interrupting.”

Obediently, Maggie disappeared inside to find out what was taking my husband so long with the hot chocolate and marshmallows.

And so, as three small, wide-eyed faces stared up at me, I let my story unfold.

I was courting, that means dating. My parents liked James, however my cat — Jinx — must have been jealous, as she gave him a wide berth.

James and I had just left a Halloween party where every one had dressed in witchy type costumes and scary tales had been shared. Consequently, I was jittery.

Back in those days I lived here in this house with my parents. However, they’d gone away for a short break, and I’d promised there would be no parties or friends staying over. So naturally I refused James’ offer to keep me company, kissed him goodbye and popped in the corner shop to buy some cat food.

I arrived home and opened the front door, nerves still on edge, when I nearly jumped out of my skin as an ornament smashed onto the wooden floorboards. Jinx, having chosen the most direct route from the sofa to my ankles, had toppled a piece of china, before rubbing up against my legs, tail upright, purring affectionately.

I dished up some salmon and tuna cat mush and turned on the lamps, with scary tales providing the backdrop for my thoughts. But I couldn’t put off going to bed for much longer, so once Jinx had eaten, and I’d swept away the broken vase, I bundled her into my arms as normal and climbed the stairs. It was always reassuring to hear her sleeping if I awoke in the night.

I plonked her on the blankets —this was many years ago, so duvets hadn’t yet been invented. However, instead of settling down as normal, she mewed loudly and hot-tailed it out of the room. So much for solidarity.

Switching off the light, in an attempt to be brave, I scooted down under the covers. A story from earlier prodded my insecurities: the one about a monster living under a kid’s bed. Whenever his parents agreed to look, it always hid.

Huh. Nonsense. There was nothing under mine. Was there? Of course not!

Yet, the more I tried to convince myself, the less I believed.

I tossed and turned, knowing I’d have to check. But I didn’t have a bedside lamp and the light switch was way over the other side of the room.

Then, I heard a noise — a loud sigh.

Feeling frantic — with pulse beating fast — I dangled an arm over and waved my hand around the hopefully empty space beneath the bed. Fumbling right and left and…

ARRRGH… NO!

I screamed, my heart beat deafening me. Would you believe something had stroked my skin?

Breathing fast and shallow, I tried to calm myself. Rationalising. Jinx must have come back into my room. Yes, of course — I hadn’t remembered to close the door when she left. I inhaled slowly and quietly called her name.

“Jinxxxxx?”

Nothing.

There was only one thing for it.

I… had… to look.

With heart in mouth, I got out of bed.

As soon as I put my feet on the floor, my ankles were steadfastly seized.

I was captive and screamed out in vain.

Yet not being one to go down without a fight, I kicked and stamped and finally dived at the switch to illuminate the room, not knowing what I would see.

All of a sudden, a familiar voice said,

“Jesus Emily, you can’t half kick.” James crawled out from underneath the bed.

Oh my goodness! I was so happy to see him, but angry too.

Crying, I beat his chest. He held me in his arms and apologised. Then he caressed my head as he ran his fingers through my hair, explaining it was just a silly prank, and he’d always protect me from the monsters.

I breathed a sigh of relief as he nestled into my neck.

It was almost gentle… The bite, I mean. His fangs elongated and carefully pierced the skin before he tenderly sucked my blood for the very first time.

“And that’s why — I look so young. It all happened sixty years ago this very month.”

At that moment, Maggie and my husband appeared with the hot chocolate.

“I really shouldn’t leave you alone with my kids. Filling their heads full of spooky nonsense. Young people believe anything you know.”

The children sat open-mouthed, contemplating, and then we all laughed as one of them piped up, “So Uncle Jimmy, are you a vampire too?”

'Monster Under The Bed' - original Fiction by May More...

Written for the Tantalizing Tales October prompt — campfire scary stories…

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