John Sazaklis - Campfire Vampire

The sun set on Skull Valley Campground. The forest turned dark and cold quickly.

Athena and her best friend, Gia, their tent.

Their moms lit a roaring fire.

Lets roast marshmallows! Athena suggested.

Gia excitedly agreed.

Just then, something moaned in the nearby woods.

WoOooOOOoo

Athena got scared. What was that? she asked.

Probably just the wind, her mother replied.

Maybe a ghost! said Gia, joking. Like in those spooky stories at the library.

The voice came again. I want some more... it moaned.

Athena jumped. Its coming from behind that bush! she said, pointing.

Her friend frowned. Dont be silly, Gia said.

Gia walked over to the bush and peeked inside.

Just as I thought, she said. Theres nothing in here.

FWIP FWIP FWIP

Suddenly a giant bat flew out and into her hair!

Ah! Gia screamed and ran.

I told you there was something in the woods! Athena cried.

The bat flapped wildly in Gias curly hair.

I want some more... it hissed through sharp . I want some more...

It wants to bite me! Gia screamed.

Athena bravely took off her coat. She threw it over the .

Gotcha! she shouted.

Athena scooped up the bat in her coat.

I want some more... it screeched.

I didnt know bats could talk, Athena said.

Thats because its not just a bat, Gia said. Its a vampire!

Dont be silly, Athena said. Theres no such thing as vampires.

Suddenly a man in a black appeared behind them.

AAAAAAHHHH! screamed Gia. It is a vampire!

You have something I want, the man said. Give it to me, please.

The vampire reached for the girls with long white fingers.

I told you! He wants to bite us! Gia shouted. Run!

Gia and Athena ran as fast as they could back to the campfire.

Mom! Mom! Athena yelled. Theres a vampire trying to get us!

They were too late.

Another vampire! screamed Gia.

A pale longhaired woman was with their mothers. Her eyes and teeth glowed bright in the moonlight.

Please give me what you have, she said.

Suddenly the man appeared behind them.

There you are, little ones, he said with a creepy smile.

His teeth looked like fangs.

We are surrounded! yelled Gia.

Athena was brave once more.

Ill save us! she yelled.

She threw the bundled-up bat straight at the stranger. WHUMP!

Bulls-eye! cheered Gia.

The man tumbled and bumped into the woman.

When Athenas coat fell away, the bat was gone. In its place was a little girl!

Mommy! Daddy! she cried.

Athenas mother helped the people up.

This is Mr. and Mrs. Dracoulias, she said. They were looking for their daughter, Lillian.

Thank you for finding her, said Mrs. Dracoulias.

She must have turned into a bat and flew off, Gia whispered to Athena.

Lillian looked up at them with sad eyes. I smelled something yummy and just wanted some more, she said.

Her parents were confused. Some more of what? they asked.

I know! Athena cried. She wants !

Theres plenty for all of us, said Gia.

The families sat together and made smores.

Mmm, said Lillian, eating the treat. May I have some more ?

The girls laughed.

Soon it was time for Athena and Gia to go to bed.

Lillian had to leave, too.

Nice meeting you, said Athena.

She and Gia waved goodbye to their new friend.

I cant believe we met real vampires! Gia said.

What are you talking about? asked her mom. Theres no such thing as vampires.