Ugly Faces

About the Author

Born and raised in southern California, Brian Lupo is the author of Goat’s Head , a terrifying tale about a sixteen-year-old boy afflicted with anxiety panic disorder who encounters The Ones Who Dwell in the Dark. He is also a writer and director of independent horror films, M.O.N ., The Sickness of Lucius Frost , 13 Days of the Beast , and The Harvest , along with several short films. He is best known for weird, psychological horror stories. He shares his California home with his wife and three dogs.

Visit him on his website at www.pulpvein.com

ONE

The bell of the university rang amid a lecherous memory of ugly faces in squalid attire groping Lexi's third-grade breasts. The twenty-two-year-old tightened the hold on her black peacoat while her friend Rachael flaunted a large, sparkling engagement ring at her.

Isn't it fantastic?

Lexi's blue sapphire eyes stared at Rachael's phony innocence with covert distress. She could see all that concerned her was the diamond showpiece and Chad, her handsome, dark-haired fiancé, who embraced her.

Yeah, it's gorgeous, but does this mean you're not coming with me to my parents' house?

That's what I wanted to talk to you about. Chad's parents have flown out to help us coordinate the wedding—

So, you're not coming with me then? The disappointment in Lexi's voice was not restrained.

Rachael's blonde heart-shaped head drew up to Chad. It was his cue to chime in.

Look, it's my fault. I'll pay for you to fly home. No reason for you to have to drive there by yourself.

The transparent pre-rehearsed performance was an insult to Lexi's intelligence, but worse was her sense of betrayal. You told him?

Chad responded first, No, and Rachael's lips compressed for a moment at his mistake.

No, Lexi, I didn't tell him anything. I merely said you don't like to drive through open spaces. That's it.

Lexi was trembling, her tear ducts on the verge of letting loose. She glanced up at Chad, and his dark eyes fled from hers. With overt insincerity, Lexi said, Well, congratulations, you guys. I wish you the best of luck, and turned to walk away.

Wait.

Lexi slowed her pace, and Rachael slipped from Chad to cut her off.

What? I have to get ready to go.

Rachael reached her hands out for Lexi to take. Lexi stole a jealous peek at the ring and remained in her self-embrace.

I want to know if you'll be my maid of honor?

Lexi looked straight into Rachael's amber-colored eyes, hanging on to her composure by a thread. You tell me three hours before we're supposed to leave for my parents’— Lexi shook her head, a tear streaming down her right cheek. I knew you'd cancel. I knew it. She shrugged, looking off in the distance.

How was I supposed to anticipate a proposal?

I would have flown home if I knew you weren't coming.

You can fly—

No, I can't. I already have a rental.

So, return it. No big deal.

Lexi could no longer hold back the tears. You don't understand. I have to take the drive. My condition will regress otherwise. She wiped her eyes on her coat's sleeves. This is completely unfair of you.

Me? Rachael crossed her arms as she leaned back.

Yes, you.

Unbelievable. Okay, listen. Rachael took a breather. Tell you what. I will drive with you back to school when we resume in the spring; that way you can face your fear and not regress. How's that sound?

That's not how it works.

You're impossible to please, Lexi. We offered you a flight, you don't want it. I offered to drive you back, you can't wait. What do you want from me?

For you to fulfill the promise you made to me to drive to my parents' house. Not that you value promises.

What the hell's that supposed to mean?

You told him.

Rachael sighed, looking up and putting her hands on her curved hips. Lexi, Chad doesn’t care. He’s not judging you.

It makes no difference. It's embarrassing, and it's not your business to tell anyone. You didn't tell him about... A fear crept into Lexi's delicate features.

I would never.

You told him the other.

"That's different and you know it. I would never tell him about that."

Lexi looked off with a sniff and broke into tears.

Oh, hunny, let's get you a flight.

Rachael gave her friend a hug and swatted at Chad to be patient when he gestured at his watch.

I can't, Lexi moaned.

Why not?

I just can't. I have my reasons.

Rachael looked back at the large circular clock on the library building. It read 9:06 A.M.

I've got it. Why don't we find someone else for you to go with?

Like who?

How about Trevor?

Lexi wiped her tears. No. He'll turn it into something more than it is.

So? He's cute—

And because he's cute, he gets a pass at taking advantage of the situation? Out of the question.

Well... what about Grace?

Lexi's frown lines eased. I can try her, I guess.

Yeah, she'll go with you.

On three hours’ notice, not likely.

Why not? Tell her I'll give her two hundred bucks if she does.

Lexi retrieved her cell phone from her purse. You don't have to do that. This is my problem. She stepped away from Rachael, turning her back with a distinct exhale.

I would have spent it on a plane ticket anyway, Lex.

Lexi rolled her eyes and waved a hand back for quiet. She overheard Chad sigh and clenched her teeth. Hey, Grace, it's Lexi. If you get this message before twelve, give me a call. Thanks, love. Talk soon, bye.

Let me see who I can find, Rachael said, getting on her phone.

Fuck, I'll call Trevor. I don't give a shit anymore. This is totally fucked up of you.

I might be able to find somebody if you'll give me a minute.

Lexi shook her head at Rachael's attitude and paced to privacy.

Hi, Trevor, I have a huge favor to ask of you. Lexi caught her pitiful reflection in a student dorm window and was propelled to get away from herself. She walked in between the dorm room buildings and stopped. Would you be willing to drive with me to my parents' house today? You can stay over for the weekend. She felt like she was prostituting herself.

Yeah, sure, he answered, loud and eager. What time were you looking at leaving?

In⸺

Lexi tried to speak, but the words would not come out. She was having trouble catching her breath. Her mind was demonstrating the many ways he could have her, without her consent. On the road, at her parents' place at night. Anywhere he could get away with it. She would be an easy target for a man of his athletic ability.

Lexi... Lexi... are you there?... Hello, Lexi?

With gritted teeth and features straining red to burst, Lexi hung up on Trevor and stalked off to be alone in her dorm room to think.

Where are you going? Rachael asked.

I'll figure it out myself.

We can find someone... Lexi!

It's not your problem. Is it?

Uh. Rachael threw her arms up. Whatever, I'm done.

Of course you are.

Oh, grow up, Lexi. You're such a child.

TWO

Lexi's trembling hands mapped the route, time, and conditions to her parents' house in San Francisco. Rather than the usual six-and-a-half-hour drive, the app was projecting eight hours and ten minutes. A drifting stare seized her as mental images of the vast open space of Interstate 5 left her gasping for breath in the middle of nowhere. In reaction, a bestial yell uncharacteristic of her petite frame cried out as she threw her phone at her bed. She leaned against her closet door and banged the back of her skull. I can't believe you did this to me . Of all people, you . You were never my friend. Were you?

Her ringtone, Punishment Fits the Crime by the Ramones, eased the wrenching spasms in Lexi's stomach.

Please be Grace. Lexi crawled across the floor and onto her bed, giving the caller ID a blurry glance. Getting the hair out of her eyes, she exclaimed, "Yes. It was an undertaking to answer the phone as if everything was peachy. Hi, Grace. Thanks for calling me back. Lexi spoke with near empty lungs. The feeling of passing out was ever present. I was wondering if you'd be willing to drive with me to my