Blood Moon

He is magnificent. Messy blond hair, with small strands twisted into the beginnings of tiny dreadlocks. A setting sun frames his body, illuminating him like an angel as he stands there with a thumb out. He wears a dancing bear tie-dye shirt with dirty cargo pants, and a canvas pack covered in patches is slung over his shoulder.

“Pull over!” Violet points and leans forward, practically bouncing in her seat.

“You want to pick up a hitchhiker?” I pretend not to notice how beautiful a specimen he is, but Violet’s face crumples, and I can’t hurt her feelings.

“Oh, come on, he’s our age. It’s not like we’ve never picked up a hitchhiker before.” She pushes out her lip and gives me sweet little puppy-dog eyes. “He’s not gonna murder us. I promise!”

As if she could promise that.

“Fine, but if he hacks us into tiny pieces, I am blaming you!”

“Yay!” Violet squeals.

Vi is stunning with her large blue eyes and slender frame. I am plain. I want to tell her to let me have this one, but I know no one would ever choose me over her.

The passenger window squeaks as Vi cranks the handle to roll it down, and he approaches with a saunter. “Where are you headed?”

“Not too far.” His voice is carefree. “Further down the road. You can drop me off at the campground.”

“Which one? There are five on this highway.” My lips tighten.

“Covered Bridge.” He flashes a grin, running his tongue over white teeth. “I’m almost there, but if you can get me the last mile, I can set up camp before dark.”

Violet nudges me, and I put a finger over my lips to hush her. I already know she is going to invite him to join us.

“We’re heading that way,” Vi chirps.

Before I can protest, he’s already slipping into the back seat and the door thunks shut.

I glance over my shoulder. “Do you have reservations at the campground? It’s probably full, with the blood moon and all.”

“Naw, man. There’s this cave nearby.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I prefer to rough it.”

I nod and ease onto the road. Violet turns and grins at the guy. “I’m Violet, but you can call me Vi. Got a name?”

“Jay.” I see him in the rearview mirror, with his dazzling smile and eyes only for Vi. They are silent, staring at each other before I interrupt.

“I’m Skye.”

Violet laughs as if she just remembered I was there, then focuses her attention back on Jay.

“Where are you from?”

“Jersey,” he replies.

“Really? I love New Jersey!” Violet cries.

New Jersey is gross, and she knows it. She once called it a landfill with toll booths, but now, her eyes are wide with wonder.

I roll my eyes and continue driving, attempting to ignore them.

I want to hate him, but if I am being honest, I think he is ravishing. It doesn’t matter. He will be Vi’s.

The large wooden sign has Covered Bridge Campground painted in cream-colored letters. Jay smiles at Vi. “Hey, you guys are welcome to chill at the cave with me. I've got a few joints I can share.”

“We shouldn’t–”

Vi interrupts me. “Yes! That would be amazing!”

Just under the covered bridge is a dry gully where the snowmelt runs off in the spring. Jay and Violet talk animatedly while I bring up the rear.

He points out a giant granite rock, and we climb a hidden path that leads up the creek bed, but dusk makes the way hard to see. My flashlight illuminates the trail as it opens to a clearing, revealing a slab of rock that leans against a cliff face.

“Wow,” a breath escapes my lips. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to watch the lunar eclipse.

“Thanks for showing us this place. I love being outdoors,” Violet gushes.

Liar.

“The cave is not too big, but it will keep you dry,” Jay gestures at two small pines. “I have a hammock, so I’m just gonna set up over there, then I’ll start a fire.”

I ease the pack off my sore shoulders and spread out our sleeping bags.

The full moon is enormous, and deep red lines are visible as the sanguine shadow encroaches on the surface. I look at my skin, imagining the veins and arteries pulsing below. Most people have never seen the moon’s veins. Most people did not have eyes as good as mine.

An eerie light from the eclipse pierces the pines, casting shadows that dance on Violet and Jay’s skin, giving the illusion of blood pulsing in their bodies.

She sits beside him, making room for me on her other side. Staking her claim. He blows at the flame, lips making the perfect O as he coaxes it to catch. Before long, the fire is roaring.

Jay pulls from his joint and then passes it to Violet. She inhales deeply and raises her eyes to meet mine.

“Nah, I’m good.”

They chat softly about philosophy while I stare at the flames and take in the night. Crickets sing, and in the distance, a lone wolf calls to its pack. Squeezing my eyes shut, I resist the urge to run to it.

A wave of dizziness overtakes me, and I groan. It won’t be long now.

“Skye?” I hear through the fog in my brain. “You okay?”

“I don’t feel very well,” I whisper. “I think I need sleep.”

Our eyes meet in silent agreement. Jay is hers.

As if there had ever been any doubt.

“Okay. Feel better,” Vi breaths. “I’ll be there soon.”

We both knew she wouldn’t.

Awakening with a start, my nostrils flare as they take in the sweet metallic scent, and my stomach growls audibly. The wet crunch of sinew and bone fills the cave. Violet’s teeth gleam in the firelight. My stomach growls, the hunger clawing its way up. I rise slowly and join her.