It was Saturday night when it happened. Normally I would be at home, playing video games or watching TV. But tonight was different.

My best friend had dragged me to a party he was invited to, but this wasn’t a normal party. It was a birthday party for the richest and hottest girl in school, Christina. The party was incredible, it seemed like every person there was a supermodel. I had never felt so out of place in my life.

Groups of kids were talking and having fun, even my friend Bryan seemed like he was having a good time. I decided that if I had nothing else to do, I might as well help myself to all of the luxurious food.

As I was sampling the fudge brownies, I saw her. She was tall with blond hair and exuded an unnatural type of beauty. She was quite clearly middle aged and seemed to be admiring the people in the room.

Her eyes scanned the room until she saw me. Our gazes locked and for some reason, I felt as if she was looking at me as if I was nothing more than an item. The woman turned away, but I was left with a feeling of uncertainty.

Before I could delve too deep into my thoughts, Bryan ran into me. Bryan had been my best bud since the first grade. I always wondered why a guy like him stayed friends with someone like me.

Bryan was popular, athletic, and good looking. I on the other hand only really had Bryan as a friend and preferred to stay in the house instead of playing sports. The only thing that I really had going for me was my grades, which girls didn’t find all that attractive, unfortunately.

“How ya liking the party?” He asked me. “Oh, it’s great,” I replied in the most sarcastic tone I could muster. “Oh come on, you’re such a downer. Maybe the singer Christina hired will cheer you up a little.” I could smell the scent of alcohol on his breath. “Y’know, you shouldn’t be drinking with exams coming up so soon.” A look of exasperation appeared on his face as he replied somewhat angrily, “Of course, only you would…”

Bryan was interrupted by the sound of a woman speaking over the microphone. We both turned to look up at the stage. A look of surprise crossed my face, as the woman up on the stage was the same who had stared at me with those disturbing eyes not long ago.

“I would like to welcome all of you guests to the party.” The woman had the voice of an angel, beautiful, but at the same time, it had something else in it. There was a hint of arrogance in her voice as if she was speaking to nothing more than ants. Everything about her gave me a strange feeling.

“For the opening song, I have for you one of my absolute favorites. Although this melody has no words, I can assure you that it tells its own story.” And with that, the woman began to hum.

Even I had to admit that it was a beautiful piece of music. Bryan turned to me, “Is this not the best song you’ve ever heard Wade?” He asked with awe in his voice. I nodded and turned back to the stage, once again focusing my attention on the woman.

The entire crowd listened in silence until the song had finally ended. With it, the crowd burst into applause and commotion. As the woman spoke into the microphone, everyone fell silent. “I hope that everyone enjoyed my opening act.”

The crowd gave its unanimous approval through shouting and cheering, but I was an exception. It was strange, thinking back I just couldn’t tell what had made us all enjoy the song so much. It was just an average melody, nothing to it. I just could wrap my head around it.

The woman smiled and continued, “As an opening act would suggest, I would like to welcome you…” She paused, the smile on her face contorting strangely, “Welcome you to your nightmare.” And with that, darkness engulfed us all