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Chapter Five
Kirk pulled up to the gate at the driveway that led to the Hanson’s house. “Wow, they really do live out in the middle of nowhere, don’t they?” Michelle said. “Yeah.” He looked at her, “Hope I can remember the code to get in this thing. I only stayed here for a little while.” He said, thinking. He got out and she watched him stare at the little keypad for a minute before finally punching in some numbers. He smiled and gave her the thumbs up as the gate creaked open. ~~~~~ |
Diana sat in the living room, her hands folded in front of her. She’d received an email from Sonya telling her something that she wasn’t sure she could allow herself to believe. One of the hardest things about Taylor’s departure from them had been the knowledge that he’d never get married and have children. So, her news that she was sending this girl, claiming to be pregnant with his child was just a little too much to take in. It wasn’t the first time they’d been faced with such a thing and of course, it hadn’t been true before so she had no doubt it could be just as false this time. In fact, the chances that it was someone trying to take advantage of them and Taylor’s “death” were far greater. Still, for some reason, she trusted Sonya, and she’d assured her the girl carried Taylor’s child. Taking a deep breath, she looked up at the clock on the mantle. The gate out front had been opened moments earlier and she was certain it would be Kirk, coming there as Sonya had said he would. She’d sent everyone else out to the movies, feeling it would be better to meet her alone, rather than surrounded by her clan. Overwhelming was an understatement when it came to her family, and she knew it.
~~~~~
“Sonya!” Taylor cried upon seeing her step off the elevator. “Where have you been?” Already he was rushing to her side before she could even set her backpack down.
“Thank heavens.” Beatriz said, from the couch. “He’s been pouting for two days.”
Sonya smiled at Taylor as he threw his arms around her, “I just needed a little break from all of this.” She said, glancing over at Beatriz.
“I smell Kirk.” Taylor said, pulling back. “Did you have sex with him?” He said, his hands on his hips.
Beatriz rolled her eyes and Sonya laughed, “What? Why would I have sex with Kirk?” She asked.
Taylor looked petulant suddenly. “I don’t know. I guess you wouldn’t. Since you won’t have it with me.” He said back.
Beatriz threw down her magazine, “What did you do before you discovered sex, Taylor?”
He turned to her, the same look on his face, “I played music for big groups of people and they loved me and they talked to me and they wanted to be with me. And I went out in the sunshine with my brothers and sisters and did stupid stuff like throwing a Frisbee. Or I ate pizza and hung out with my friends. And I didn’t get yelled at all the time. Besides, it only works half the time anyway.”
“Do you see what you’ve left me with?” Beatriz said, looking at Sonya. But the look she got back let her know that she wasn’t interested in being silly at the moment. “What’s going on?” She asked her silently.
“I see that.” Sonya said, putting her arm around Taylor’s waist. “Have you been a pain in the ass while I’ve been gone? It’s only been two days, you know.” She said to him. “I need to talk with you. It’s very important.” She said to Beatriz.
“Now?” Beatriz sent back. Sonya shook her head.
“Stop talking about me behind my back.” Taylor said.
“I believe we are standing right in front of you, my darling boy.” Beatriz said, standing.
Taylor wrinkled up his face, “You know what I mean. You know, one of these days, I’m gonna get it all figured out, and you’re gonna be sorry. You won’t be able to have all your little secrets anymore.”
Mr. Jones stepped into the room, “Oh, what a horrid day that will be.” He said, walking passed Taylor toward the kitchen, “Then you’ll find out what we all really think about you.”
Taylor smiled, letting go of Sonya and flopping down onto the couch, “Oh, I already know what you think of me. You like me, you really really like me!” He said.
Mr. Jones turned to him as he was about to go through the door into the kitchen, “Yes, but did you know that I think your hair is an abomination and you dress like a bum on the street?”
Taylor snorted, “Only because you tell me that fifty times a day.”
Beatriz shook her head again, “How old are you Taylor?”
He smiled, enjoying the fact that he had their attention, “Well, I just turned eighteen this passed March.”
“Wrong.” She said, stepping over to stand in front of him. “You are seventeen and you will be seventeen forever. But, feel free to get older mentally. Really, you may enjoy it. I know I would.” She said, pinching his cheek.
“Sonya,” Taylor said, as she sat down on the couch and took his feet in her lap, “they’ve all been really mean to me while you’ve been gone.” Now he was serious as she raised her eyebrows. “They have. Those two old jerks Daniel and whats-his-face came in here and threatened me and stuff, for no reason, and then, Roberto—sorry, Robert,” he stressed the name, “gave me shit too.”
Her eyes shot to Beatriz, “Is that so? How exactly did that come about?” She asked.
Beatriz stepped away from them and towards Montezuma’s cage, fingering his feathered head as he closed his eyes, “Actually, Taylor is being truthful.” She said, turning back to them. “To a point.” Sonya looked at Taylor and he looked away. “It seems he and Melanie went out and managed to allow someone to give his description to the authorities. And while ordinarily, that would not be something worthy of a visit from the elders, they took the time to come down from their perch and make certain he was punished.”
“Hmmm…” Sonya looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking, “Why would they do that?” She asked Beatriz, knowing she didn’t know anymore about their actions than she herself did.
Beatriz turned back to the bird, “Probably just being cautious and suspicious and controlling. It’s what they do best.” She said, stepping back away. She sat on the couch opposite the one Sonya and Taylor were on, “Taylor, why don’t you and Kirk go out tonight. That will be a change for you. It’ll do you some good to go out with one of the guys.” She smiled at him.
“Well, Kirk is not in the city right now, Lady. I’ve sent him on an errand for me.” Sonya said. Now Beatriz was becoming concerned. It was seldom that Sonya would do something like that without first running it passed her.
Taylor raised himself up, stretching, “Poop. I guess I’ll just have to go out by myself then. Unless you want to come with me?” He asked Sonya, his blue eyes glinting and a smile spreading across his face.
“As tempting as you are, I’ve already had my fill this evening.” She answered.
Petulant boy returned, “Fine.” He said, taking a big step over the coffee table. “I’ll just go by myself.” He grabbed a baseball cap off the vase by the elevator, “My life is so boring.” He said, stepping into the elevator, “And you all are too.” He said, just as the doors slid closed.
For a moment, they just looked at each other. “So,” Beatriz began finally, “what exactly has been so pressing that you’ve stayed away from your only son?” She asked.
Sonya sat up straight, “Perhaps Mr. Jones should be a part of this discussion, Lady.”
“Jonas!” Beatriz called.
Presently, his head popped out of the kitchen, a tall glass of iced tea in one hand and a half eaten sandwich in the other. “Yes?”
“Sonya needs to speak to us. I know technically, you are off duty, but if you don’t mind…”
He walked into the room, sat his food down on the table and sat next to her, “Of course.” He said.
Sonya took a deep breath, then cleared her throat, “I don’t know how this has happened, but let me assure you, it has.” She began. Both of them had her full attention as Sonya was not someone to make a big deal out of anything trivial. “It seems that Taylor has impregnated a human girl.”
While both their faces had been totally serious, now both of them shook their heads and made faces letting her know they thought she was an idiot.
“That’s not possible.” Mr. Jones said, picking up his drink.
“I know that.” Sonya spat. “I’m not stupid!”
“What makes you think so?” Beatriz asked.
“That girl that Kirk brought here, Michelle? Do you remember her?” Sonya asked them.
“Vaguely.” Beatriz replied as Mr. Jones nodded his head.
“According to her, and Kirk backs her up—“ She said, “rather than drinking from her, like we all assumed, he had sex with her. Both, their first time.”
Mr. Jones furrowed his brow, taking it all in. “You expect me to believe that a seventeen year old, hormones raging, rock star was a virgin?”
“That’s what Taylor told her, and she believed him. I don’t know that that is the point though. The thing is, Kirk and I both felt like…we could feel the part of that child that is made up of Taylor. He’s there. The child is his.” She said.
Beatriz looked at her. Whether it was true or not, Sonya believed it. And that alone was something. “You’re sure.” She said, seriously.
Sonya returned her look, “I am.” She then sat up and shook her head, “And that’s not the half of it…” She said.
~~~~~
Kirk pulled around in front of the house. Nestled amongst the trees, it had seemingly jumped out suddenly from the darkness to Michelle. There on the porch stood a woman. A woman she’d seen before, but only in passing. Diana had entered and exited the hotel many times, but she and Michelle had never spoken. Turning off the engine, Kirk pulled his keys out and looked at Michelle, “Well, this is it. Good luck.” He said, opening his door.
“Thanks.” She said, picking up her bag and brushing the crumbs off her shirt. She wore a blouse she’d bought with the money Kirk had given her the day before, glad to have something new, and most importantly, clean, to put on. Now though, she felt very frumpy and wished she’d brushed her hair while they drove down the long driveway. She hurriedly looked in the mirror and ran her finger over her teeth, hoping she didn’t have Fritos stuck between them. She turned her head when Kirk pulled her door open for her. He held his hand out for her and she took it. It took some work, but he helped her pull herself from the car. She was certain she’d grown bigger in the two days they’d been on the road. Her eyes met Diana’s and she wasn’t sure what she saw there.
Diana watched as Kirk helped her from the car. She was taken aback when she saw how big she was. The girl looked to be ready to deliver any day now. The motherly part of her wanted to rush to her and help her along, but the part of her who’d lost her son and who would never trust outsiders again caused her to stay put where she was. When at last she was standing in front of her, her dark hair and eyes illuminated by the porch light, she realized she’d seen her before. “You’re one of the New York girls.” Diana said.
Kirk was a bit surprised by the greeting. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected, but this coldness was definitely not it. Still, he understood Diana’s feelings. She’d been through a year that no mother should ever have to go through. “Um, Diana, this is Michelle.” He said.
Diana held her hand out and Michelle shook it gently. “Hi, Mrs. Hanson.” She said softly. “Yeah,” she admitted, “I guess I’m one of those girls.”
For a moment, Diana just looked at her, trying to remember what she knew of her. She definitely hadn’t been one of the scheming, over the top fans. But she’d been outside the hotel often enough that she knew her face. “Come on inside, you look like you need to get off your feet.” She said, pulling open the door.
As she walked into the living room behind Taylor’s mother, Michelle couldn’t help but look at pictures on the walls of all the Hanson children. The pictures of the famous ones were no larger than those of the other children. When she looked at a picture of a very young Taylor, a smile graced her lips, but not for long. She turned to face Diana again, “I’m really sorry about Taylor.” She said, her voice cracking.
That hardened part of Diana wanted to say, “I’m sure you are.” But the knowing part of her could see that the girl meant it. “Thank you.” She replied, gesturing for them to sit on the couch. “It’s been a bad time for us. I’m sure you can understand that.” She said, sitting in a soft chair and pulling her feet up.
Michelle smiled a bitter smile, “Oh, I can understand, yes.” She said, trying to get comfortable as Kirk did his best to help her.
“How far along are you?” Diana asked.
Michelle sighed, “I have about a month to go.” She said.
Diana raised an eyebrow, “Really.” She said. “I would have thought you were full term.” She said, the doubt still trying to make itself be paid attention to.
“Well, I haven’t been to the doctor or anything, but I know exactly—“She stopped for a moment, her cheeks turning pink, “I know when it happened.” She said softly.
Diana just looked at her for a moment, her eyes boring into Michelle’s. Then she turned to Kirk. “Kirk. It’s been a while. Can I get you something to drink?” She asked using a tone that he knew left him no choice in the matter.
“Um, yeah.” He said standing, then he turned to Michelle, “Do you want anything?” He asked.
“Water would be good.” She said, uncomfortably.
“Alright, will do.” He said, following Diana into the kitchen.
As soon as they stepped into the kitchen, Kirk was faced with blue eyes, eerily like Taylor’s. “What’s all this about?” Diana hissed. “That girl’s about to pop!”
Kirk held his hands up, wishing right then that he had the power of the females to magically calm her. “Listen, I know it sounds crazy—“
“You’d better believe it does! I can see she’s in trouble of some sort, and I can’t imagine what this is all really about—“
Kirk interrupted her, “This is really about Taylor! We don’t know how it happened! Sonya doesn’t know how it happened, but it did!” He took a breath, relieved that she at least seemed to be listening. “The day me and Mel grabbed him, well, I sort of messed him up a little, okay? And he couldn’t go out and feed. So, Beatriz told me to bring somebody up to him, and I went to the hotel and I found her. Long story, alright? But the point is, he didn’t drink from her, but he did do something else!” Diana crossed her arms over her chest, but continued to listen. “Maybe it was like, his last shot at humanity—literally. But I’m tellin’ you Diana, that’s your grandchild in there. Sonya felt it, even I did. If you want me to take her back to New York, I will, but I think you’ll regret it. She’s been living in the park. Her folks threw her out. She didn’t find us, I found her.”
“And how did you find her?” Diana asked.
“Vampires can just sort of feel each other. When there’s one around, you know it. And I just had a feeling, but it wasn’t a vampire, it was her. And Taylor was the vampire I was feeling.” Kirk answered.
“Are you telling me she’s carrying a vampire baby!?” Diana spat.
“No! I don’t know! This has never happened before!” Kirk said, placing his hands on the counter. “I’m just telling you that she’s carrying Taylor’s baby, that’s all.” He leaned in and whispered, “And she doesn’t know anything about vampires and stuff, so let’s leave it that way, okay?”
Diana sighed and looked up at him with tears in her eyes, “This is insane, you know that?” Kirk raised his eyebrows letting her know that indeed, he did know. “Well, I’m taking her to the doctor tomorrow. She just looks farther along than she should be if her story, and yours is true.”
Kirk looked a little uncomfortable, “I guess that’s okay. Hopefully, there isn’t anything weird they’d pick up on. I mean, our blood is different than yours, you know what I mean?”
She shook her head, “Well, I’ll just tell them something. She’s visiting or something—we’ll make sure they don’t do anything involving blood or urine or anything, alright?”
“That’s cool. And Diana…” He said. “Taylor doesn’t know anything about this, and he can’t, alright? He’d want to be here, and…he just can’t.”
She looked at him for a moment, fighting back tears she desperately didn’t want to fall, “I know.” She said, finally. She then opened a cabinet and got out a glass, filling it with water for Michelle, and she went back out to the living room to face the girl.
~~~~~
New York City had been hot that day, and Taylor could smell sweat on most of the people walking passed him. He smiled, remembering the feel of sweat running down his sides as he’d performed, soaking his shirt by the third song of the evening. Now, he’d only sweat if he really and truly overexerted himself. Which didn’t happen all that often. His run-in with the elders and Robert had caused him to fall into quite a funk. Instead of prompting him to be more diligent in his lessons with Beatriz, it had made him feel like life for the undead was just as unfair as it was for humans, so why bother? He continued to walk, admiring the way the women moved and the way that men hailed taxis with a harsh whistle. He passed flower stands and the smell there was almost overwhelming, reminding him of every funeral he’d ever attended. Gazing at a purple rose, he wondered what his own funeral had been like. Smiling, he entertained the notion that it would have been great fun to have gone and seen it, but then he remembered that his siblings and his friends, even his father didn’t know that he wasn’t really dead and the smile disappeared. He shook his head, thinking he was on the edge of sadness and it was a place he really didn’t want to go. The last seven months, he’d kept himself fairly entertained with the girls—Camille always willing to do whatever he wanted her to, and Melanie always good for an argument or a good natured wrestling match. Well, usually it was good natured, but sometimes she’d play very rough and he’d end up hurt and pissed off. Which made her extremely happy. And of course, Beatriz. Beatriz was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, let alone touched in the ways she’d let him. Yet, she still almost felt…unattainable. She was regal and clever and powerful and all the vampires respected her; even the elders. He looked up at his reflection in the window, wondering what she saw in him, if anything. He was afraid he was falling in love with someone who would never return the feeling.
~~~~~
Michelle took the glass from Diana, her hands shaking. She couldn’t hear what was being said in the kitchen, but a time or two she heard a tone that was a bit disturbing. “Thank you.” She said, gulping down the cool water.
“You’re welcome” Diana said.
“Um, I’m gonna go grab a bite to eat, alright?” Kirk said, pointing to the door with his thumb.
“I’ll come with you.” Michelle said, setting the glass down on the coffee table.
He held his hands up, “No, you stay here. I’ll come back in a while and see how things are going, alright?”
Diana stood, “She’ll be fine here. You go on and we’ll see you whenever. No rush.” She said, knowing where he was going. “We’ll put her in Taylor’s old room, and you can take the basement, just like before.”
“Okay. Michelle, I’ll see you tomorrow. Is there anything you need me to bring you while I’m out?”
Michelle’s face lit up, “How about a Snickers?”
“Certainly not!” Diana exclaimed. “We have apples and bananas and if you have to have something sweet, we’ve got yogurt with some kind of crunchy stuff in it that Jessica likes.”
Kirk smiled. He knew it was just a matter of time now before Diana would be attached to the girl. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow.” Kirk said softly, backing out the door as Diana moved to sit on the couch with Michelle.
“So—“Diana started. “How did you and Taylor meet?” She asked her, pulling her feet up on the couch, and leaning back against the cushions.
~~~~~
Taylor found himself standing in front of the coffee shop where Jill worked, having a mental battle with himself. He knew he shouldn’t be there. He’d drunk from her twice now. That was once too many, according to the others. He shook his head, considering walking back the way he’d come. But then, he saw her. Her red hair shone under the lights of the room and the smell of coffee wafted out the door as a patron left. He knew she probably wouldn’t remember him, her memory of him having been wiped clean by Sonya or someone else. There were moments from that evening that he couldn’t quite remember; probably a good thing, he thought. He watched her tuck her hair behind her ear, uncovering the numerous silver loops and studs in it. Then, she walked away, disappearing from his view, to put together her table’s order. Slowly, he felt himself moving forward, stepping through the door and being hit with the heavenly scent of brewing coffee. He sat at a table in the section he’d seen her in. Around him, humans chatted and sipped their coffee and took bites of cinnamon flavored breads or bagels with various toppings. He missed food. He missed food more than sunshine, even. “What’ll you have this evening?” Jill interrupted his thoughts.
“Oh, um…” he looked down at his menu, “how about, something with chocolate in it?” He said, looking up into her eyes.
She smiled, “Like, mocha?” She answered.
“Yeah, that’d be good.” He returned her smile. He was careful not to use his powers on her, though it had become second nature to him, and it was actually hard to keep it at bay.
“Want anything to go with it? Cook just made up some honey buns that are to die for.” She said, trying to tempt him.
“Oh man, ya know what? Stick one on there, why not?” He said, folding the menu up and tucking it back behind the sugar and the salt and pepper.
“Alright,” she said, “I’ll be back before ya know it.” Then she was gone again. He watched her, remembering the two times he’d been with her. Her blouse still had coffee stains on it, whether old or new, he wasn’t sure. She did seem happier this time than in the past. He wondered if Sonya had messed up her mind, or if she was just in a good mood tonight. It would be a shame if her charming darkness had been obliterated altogether. The world would be a boring place if everyone had a sunny disposition. Jill’s darkness had been quite a draw to him. As she walked past him, he noticed her hair was now a sort of plum color, rather than the blood red that it used to be. But, he also noticed that her nipples were still pierced—easily detected through her white shirt by his vampire eyes. A good sign, he decided. Maybe she was just in a good mood. Now he watched her set a plate with a roll and a cup on a tray and make her way over to him. “Here ya go, still warm.” She said, setting the plate down in front of him. Then she set the mug down and handed him a spoon.
“Thanks.” He smiled, sticking his finger in the sticky icing on top of the bun and licking it.
For a moment, she stood there watching him, “Well, let me know if you need anything. My name’s Jill.” She said, leaning down just far enough for him to see down her blouse.
He smiled, “When do ya get off, Jill?” He asked. “I’m heading down to the Waverly to catch the midnight movie, and I’d hate to have to go alone.” He said, his eyes sparkling and a dimple magically appearing in his cheek to go with the one in his chin.
“Hmmm,” she teased, “ordinarily, I don’t go anywhere or do anything with the clientele, but tonight, I’m feelin’ a little crazy.” She leaned in close enough for him to smell her black cherry chapstick, “I get off at eleven. You just hit the jackpot.” She purred, stuck the pen behind her ear, and walked away from him, her hips moving in a delicious rhythm as she did. Taylor smiled, and leaned back in the seat, sticking his finger in his mouth, allowing himself just one more taste of the sugary coating on the bun. Life could be unfair, he thought, but sometimes, it could be pretty sweet too.