Whatd you say? Alice demanded. When Dana refused to answer, she said, Fine, pick your own damn drink. I just figured that was what you would want.

Dana sighed. Thats fine, Carmen. And thanks.

Everyone else had the same, except Kit, who had water, Shane and Mark, who each nursed a Jack Daniels, and Marina, who had red wine

The group sat, sipping their drinks and talking quietly among themselves, waiting for their host, or at least another guest, to appear, while the huge fire Mark had built crackled and roared behind them. Finally the silence got to Alice. Okay, this is starting to bug me, she burst out suddenly.

What is? Helena asked, sipping at her wine, slightly amused at the young blondes brashness.

Well, theres nobody else here. I mean, not just your mom, but there are no other guests, either. Where are they? Alice pointed out.

Yeah, surely your mother invited other guests, right? Kit pointed out, tapping her fingernails against her water glass.

Helena glanced around, and then smirked slightly. Well, we dont see anyone else, do we? It would appear we are it.

Not much of a party, Alice muttered, glancing at Dana.

Well, that doesnt mean we cant have fun, Mark spoke up brightly, his tone obviously over cheerful, even to himself, which caused him to wince.

Well, maybe we should- Marina began, but then trailed off, a strange look on her face. She suddenly grabbed her throat and began to cough.

Jenny leapt up, feeling a sudden panic. Marina? What is it?

Marina didnt reply; she simply let out a gasp as her watery eyes widened and she fell sideways out of her seat and onto the floor, motionless. Jenny screamed.

*****! Shane shouted, jumping from her seat and running to Marinas side. Jenny was on her knees above Marina, staring down at her with a bewildered expression and repeating her name over and over again. Shane began slapping Marinas cheeks slightly. Wake up, Marina!

Bette began fanning at Marinas face. What the ***** just happened? she demanded as the rest of the group crowded around.

Shes not waking up. Should we throw water on her face or something? Kit asked worriedly, brandishing her half-empty water glass.

Shane leaned back on her heels. It wont do any good. Shes dead, she said, not believing the words even as she spoke them.