It was a week before Thanksgiving and Ariana had been sitting in her office. Only one person needed to cover the horrors that were the mall on the day after America celebrated. Really, what more could you write other than what was on sale and the madness that was the mall. The prior years, it was drawn by lottery since no one volunteered. This year, she would do something different. So, Ariana sent an email out to all the people who were generally in the name drawing. It was the giving season after all.

Attention Employees: I will be covering the Black Friday Midnight Mall opening for the Sacramento Bee. Happy Holidays to all and good luck.

The next evening there were little boxes of fine chocolates, coffees and other little thank you treats in her office. She remembered how decadent the taste and flavors were. Ariana would have to make a note next year, no gifts please, donate it to charity.

The evening of Thanksgiving


Ariana went to one of the parks in Florin for a run early that evening. There were not that many, only the die hard joggers who refused to put on holiday calories. The Lordess eyed one that was particularly good looking and managed to run neck and neck with him. After a conversation with Jacob, who only did the black Friday shopping for the thrill, she was beginning to realize how ridiculous it was. Luckily, he mentioned he would be going to the other side of town for his extravaganza, so he made an excellent bite before it began.

Arriving at the mall around 10pm, the Lordess was thankful Felix dropped her off. Not that she minded walking, however, the traffic was beyond abnormal. When she was younger, Ariana’s parents refused to participate in the chaos. Considering they were a little more than well off, there was no need to bargain shop. Arrangements had been made for her to walk through a few places before the stores opened. She made sure she was prepared, incase she happened to walk by any reporters.

And then Ariana attempted to walk to the head of the line and to the security to get in…

Angry people at the head of the line started shouting at her, despite the press pass hanging from her neck. The Lordess did not dare open her mouth to say anything, as she was not sure if she was more worried her fangs would show or she would yell quiet and silence a few people. She got in through the security and did her jaunt through the mall. Perhaps Conner was in his right mind when he avoided crowded places.

When the clock struck midnight and the doors opened, Ariana was not prepared for the running, pushing, screaming, shoving and total madness that ensued. If she had not drank earlier in the evening, she may not have been able to entirely control herself. She often did well in crowds; however, most often she was in a press area or somewhere to the side where a mess like this did not phase her. Yet still, should could not help but pick out a few kine who would have made a delightful second course, if the mall was not jammed packed.

As Ariana walked toward he center of the mall, she heard a choir coming from the direction. They were signing Carol of the Bells, which was quite fitting with its restless crescendo within the piece. She had stopped to enjoy the music right in front of the risers of signers. When a woman literally ran into her.

“Hey watch where you’re going!” She exhaulted with hands full of packages.

Ariana’s face was perplexed, since she thought she was out of the way. “Oh, I apologize. I was certain I was not in the path.” Her tone was just a little patronizing.

“Listen here Red, by the looks of it you haven’t found what you’re looking for. You’re taking up space. I suggest you head out of here before you get trampled.” The woman said nearly yelling at Ariana.

While the crabby woman spoke, Ariana made sure her fangs were retracted before she smiled in an overzealous fashion. “And Happy Holidays to you, miss.” She replied with her voice full of sarcasm. Two which the woman huffed and walked away.

Happy Thanksgiving, you turkey. Ariana thought as the rude woman walked away. Two hours was enough for the story, and for her patience.