Chapter 1: Crimson Elephant

I can honestly say I've never been to a 'White Elephant'. I've heard they're fun, though.

"One time I got a fancy dress!"

"I got a bracelet!"

"I got a book."

"I got a rock."

Well, most people tell me they're fun. I started to become curious. So, when I was invited to one by my strange, but good friend, I accepted immediately. It was fun at first, but it quickly became dark. Too dark, too quickly.

    I knocked on the door softly, holding the gift I had bought. When I received no response, I knocked harder. Still, no one answered. I sighed, opening the door myself. Upon entering, I realized why no one had answered the door. Everyone was gathered in a circle, talking. All conversation stopped as the door closed. Everyone remained in place, staring at me. I couldn't help but stare back. Everyone looked gorgeous, which intimidated me slightly. The staring continued for several minutes until my friend broke the silence.

"You made it!"She squealed, moving in for a hug, "Girls, this is my dear friend."

She winked at them, making me look at her curiously. I wondered why she hadn't told them my name but instead winked. I looked down at the gift, finally.

"O-oh, here, "I handed her it gently.

She beamed at me before turning to place it on the table. Her long blond hair swayed as she walked. She was beautiful, breathtaking even. If only she could be mine-I mean, I didn't say that. She looked at me concernedly, noticing my blank gaze. She called my name in her angelic voice, making me give in to my urge to kiss her.

"Are you alright?"She asked.

"Y-yeah, sorry. I zoned out."

She laughed, "As always," she walked over to me, leaning in towards my ear now, "Sometimes, I wonder what goes through that beautiful mind of yours."

Suddenly, she moved away from me, clapping her hands happily.

"What a tease."

"Shall we begin?"She asked, grinning.

If I wasn't in love with that twisted smile of hers, I would've shivered. The group nodded as I stared at her in awe.

"Wonderful," She giggled, sending shivers up my spine.

She instructed us to close our eyes while holding out our hands. We did as we were told, well I did.

"You can open your eyes now," She instructed happily.

She smiled at me, her eyes holding an unknown emotion. It seemed to me that she was excited, but about what?

"You may open your gifts!"

I watched as everyone opened theirs before looking down at my own. The wrapping was cute, well to me. It was crimson, the deepest shade of red. It reminded me of blood, in some dark part of my mind. It felt precious to me, for some reason. I was afraid to open it. I thought I'd ruin its value if I did, and that scared me.

"Aren't you going to open it?"She looked at me excitedly.

I held it for a few more moments before undoing the bow. That's when all hell broke loose. Screams broke out through the room. All the boxes were filled with organs. Did that mean mine was, as well? I didn't want to open it now, I just wanted to get out of there, quickly.

"Well?"She asked, still staring at me.

I shook my head, it was all a daydream? How long did I zone out? Was my mind really that...dark?

"Sorry, I keep zoning out."

She giggled, once again sending shivers up my spine.

"Open it."

I woke up to find that I was laying on my bed, under the covers. It was all a dream? It just seemed too surreal. Today was the "White Elephant" my friend was having, right? When was it again?

I looked at my phone, "Shit, I'm late."

I quickly got ready, grabbing the gift, before leaving. Everything happened just as my dream had. No one answered the door, her friends stared at me. Even her words were the same. This time, she asked me to follow her to her room. She said she had a special gift for me. When I opened my mouth to question her, she hushed me by pressing her finger to my lips. Once we got to her room, she closed the door. She sat on her bed, talking as I listened intently. Then, she suddenly pulled me close with one of her hands. I wondered where her other hand was until she looked at me.

"This is my special gift to you, I love you."

She handed me something squishy as she fell to the ground with a smile on her beautiful face. I realized what it was, her heart. She gave me her heart. I fell to my knees, holding her heart in my hand gently as I laid my head on her now hollow chest.

"I...I love you...too."

I kissed her cold lips before crying onto her chest. Needless to say, I never went to another "White Elephant" again.