OMWF
Chapter 12
The boxes arrived in the apartment before Kirk. When the doors slid open, Taylor’s nostrils flared and he leapt from the couch, pushing the guitar on his lap to the side where it landed on the cushion with a twang. “What is this stuff?” He marveled to Beatriz. “It smells like home.” He said, stepping into the elevator and pushing the first box out into the foyer. The second he picked up, placing it atop the first. The doors slid closed and the elevator began its decent where it would pick up its passenger and return.
Beatriz stepped up behind Taylor, watching over his shoulder as he ripped the lid off the box. “Careful, what if it’s fragile?” She said, smiling at his excitement.
“It’s my clothes…” he said, his voice thick. “Where did they come from?”
“I stopped in Tulsa on my way back from San Francisco.” Kirk said as the doors slid open again.
“Oh man!” Taylor cried, standing. He threw his arms around Kirk’s neck, “Why didn’t you take me?! I’ve been bored to death here for like, a month!” He exclaimed. He began to sniff the man’s shoulders as Kirk and Beatriz’ eyes met.
“It was just business stuff—probably much more boring than it was here.” Kirk answered, “Messages delivered and stuff.”
“You still smell like them.” Taylor stated, pulling back with a sad smile on his face.
Kirk laughed, “I’m tellin’ ya, you scare me.” He said, shaking his head. “That was like, two days ago.”
Taylor went back to the box, “Yeah, but I’ll bet you were wearing that shirt, weren’t you?”
Kirk looked down at the striped shirt he wore over his t-shirt, “Yep, I was.” He answered.
“How were they?” Taylor asked, looking up.
“Kirk pulled a chair over and spun it around to face him and sat, “Fine, as far as I could tell.” He answered. “Do you know some girl named Kelly?” He asked, a glint in his eye.
Taylor furrowed his brow, “Reddish brown hair, brown eyes, freckles, real pretty?” Kirk nodded. “Yeah, she went to our church.”
“Yeah? Well, your brother and her were getting jiggy when I was there.” Kirk answered salaciously.
Taylor’s eyes widened, “Ike!?” Kirk nodded. “Ha! I guess she forgave him for sticking that dead mouse in her backpack. That must be who I’m smelling on you. You didn’t bite her, did you?”
“Naaaw, she musta just left something behind when we shook hands.” Kirk said, eyeing Beatriz.
Taylor pulled the clothes up to his nose, relishing in the familiar scent and feel of them. “Thanks, man.” He said to Kirk.
“You’re welcome. Hey—“Kirk said, standing and reaching into his pocket, “here’s a letter from your folks.” He handed a thick envelope to the boy.
Taylor didn’t drop the clothes, but he stood and took it with his hand and silently turned and went down the hall to his room, the door shutting with a click behind him.
“I’ll meet you at your apartment at 3 a.m.—be there.” Beatriz sent to Kirk.
He nodded and stood, walking back to the elevator, “Tell Taylor maybe we can hang out tomorrow night…maybe catch Our Lady of Perpetual Sorrows’ swim team going home from practice.” He smiled as Beatriz shook her head.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Do you ever feel like we’re being watched?” Kelly asked. Beside her on his bed, Isaac had his eyes shut, but he wasn’t sleeping.
“All the time. There are eleven people in this house now, you know.” He said softly. He looked down at her then, “Zac and Michelle are downstairs watching some stupid movie though. The babies are asleep, thank God. We’re technically alone right now, strangely enough.” He smiled and kissed her on her lips.
“Yeah, it’s nice.” She said back. “I can’t believe you got your Mom and Dad to go to the drive-in. Heck, I didn’t even know there was one still open.” She said, fiddling with the hem of his t-shirt.
“Well, it won’t be open much longer. School starts next week.” He answered. “And really, the best thing about it is, it’s very far away.” He said, slyly. He rolled over and looked down into her eyes.
She smiled up at him, “You’re a genius.” She said, and she reached up to put her arms around his neck. “God, I can’t believe it’s almost September. I gotta go back to school on the 8th.” She said, sadly. “I’m going to miss you.”
“I know.” He said, “I’m gonna miss you, too.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Camille watched as Taylor pulled clothes out of the box on his bed. He held a pair of blue jeans up against his legs, “What about these? Have you seen these before?”
“Yeah, you wore those in Louisville; I’d remember that goofy patch on the knee anywhere.” She said, leaning back on his bed.
Taylor’s face fell, “How the heck do you remember that kind of stuff?” He asked. She shrugged, and he looked back down at the jeans, “What if I take the patch off?” He said.
“That would probably work, but then you’d have a hole in the knee.” She reasoned.
He smiled, “Who cares?” He said, tossing them toward the closet.
“I do.” Mr. Jones said from the doorway, where he stood with his arms crossed over his chest. He walked into the room and looked at the clothes scattered haphazardly on the floor and the furniture. He picked up a white, button down shirt, “This is the only thing you can keep. The rest of this not only screams out DeadHanson, but it’s just…Good Will quality.”
Camille smiled, knowing Taylor would eventually win, but knowing she’d love to watch them duke it out. “Look here, Designer Dan—not only are these clothes extremely cool, they’re all broken in perfectly, and they smell wonderful, and all your taste is in your mouth anyway.” Taylor spat, snatching the shirt away from the man.
“I’ve seen photos of you wearing some of these. Unless you are going to shave your head, get a tan and start wearing those contacts again, you absolutely cannot leave this place wearing them.” Mr. Jones retorted.
Taylor sighed, “I’m not stupid. That’s what the pile over there is. I’m gonna have those donated to like, HansonHotel or something and they can raffle ‘em off for the charities that the girls like.” His face turned into a pout, “Camille knows what to do with those.”
Mr. Jones cocked his head, “Very well. But I’ll need to see the ones you have in your “keep” pile once this is over.”
“Yes, Daddy.” Taylor groused. “You know, all those funky clothes you put in my closet, I almost never wear any of them.” He said smugly.
“I realize that. That is why you always look like a street urchin and that is why the Lady doesn’t take you out more often.” The man returned.
Camille watched Taylor’s face to see if he was affected by the remark. “She takes me out.” He said back.
Mr. Jones was pleased with the results of his jab. “Of course she does. Why, just last week she took you to that little club in the Village, didn’t she?”
“Yeah.” Taylor said, narrowing his eyes. “What’s your point?” He said, his hands going to his hips.
“Well, the point is, she went out every night, but she only chose to have you accompany her when she went to a sort of…a dive.” Mr. Jones said, looking at his fingernails.
“It wasn’t a dive!” Taylor protested. He looked back at Camille, “It wasn’t a dive.” He said. She put her hands up, knowing she’d be better off staying out of the discussion. “Well, we’ll just ask her.” Taylor said marching passed the man.
“Fine.” Mr. Jones said, following him. Camille followed as well, sitting down beside Melanie and Sonya on the couch.
“Do I embarrass you?” Taylor said, walking up to Beatriz.
She closed the book she was writing in, and turned in her chair to face him. Over his shoulder, she could see the entire clan there watching. “Of course not.” She answered.
“See?” He said, turning to Mr. Jones.
“I see nothing. Just because you do not embarrass her doesn’t mean she likes to be seen with you in public.” The man stated.
“Do you like my clothes?” Taylor asked her.
“Generally, yes. Some more than others, naturally.” She answered. “Taylor,” she said, standing, “why do you allow yourself to be baited into these silly arguments?”
“It’s not silly. He says you don’t take me places with you because of the way I dress.” He said.
Beatriz looked at him. The diet of a vampire had left his skin flawless and his hair shiny and healthy. His eyes shone a beautiful shade of blue at that moment, probably due to the green shirt he was wearing. It had a silhouette of a cat and a dog and the words, ‘animals, it’s their world too’. She smiled at him, “I don’t take you with me usually because I feel you would be bored. And you are the most beautiful boy I’ve ever seen, Taylor. You’d look lovely whether you were wearing a toga, a tuxedo, or a garbage bag.” She put her finger to her lip, “Though, I hope never to see you in a garbage bag, because you would probably be in pieces and that would simply break my heart.” She said, looking at Sonya, who nodded her agreement, while trying her best to keep a straight face.
Taylor just stood there, blinking. He looked over at Camille. She and Melanie nodded as well. “What do you mean pieces?” He said, his eyebrows coming together as he stepped back from her just a little.
Beatriz stepped over and pushed Melanie’s feet off the coffee table, “Well, even a vampire’s body must be disposed of upon their demise.” She said, looking back at him, her dark eyes glittering. “That reminds me; perhaps you’d like to accompany me tonight?” She said. “I have a meeting with some of the elders.”
“You do?” He said. “Do I have to go? They won’t be mean to me, will they?” He asked.
She stepped over closer to him and ran her thumb along his chin and looked reassuringly into his eyes, “Be sure and shave.” She said. Then she went back to her chair and picked up her pen and opened the book, “And wear whatever you’d like.” She said to Taylor, looking over at Mr. Jones and scolding him with her eyes.
He smiled, then bowed to her, “Lady, I shall be retiring for the evening, if that is alright with you.”
“Of course, Mr. Jones. I shall see you in the morning.” She said, resuming her writing.
She looked up to see Taylor rushing after the man, “Hey,” He whispered, “what should I wear to go see them? Will I have to do anything, ya think?”
Once they’d left the room, she looked at the other three on the couch, “How boring life would be without him here.” She mused. Sonya smiled, Melanie rolled her eyes and Camille nodded her head and looked at the t-shirt in her hand, its gothic lettering spelling out the words “hysteria bloody hysteria”. That was one she’d be keeping for herself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Zac laughed at the antics going on in front of him as the movie played. He looked over at Michelle to see if she was laughing as well, but her face was emotionless. “Hey, if you’re tired, we can just finish this tomorrow.” He said.
She looked at him and smiled, “Sorry. I guess I just haven’t gotten a lot of sleep this past month.” She lay her head back on the sofa cushion and sighed. “Make that this past summer. I can’t believe it’s almost over.”
Zac hit the remote, stopping the movie, “Yeah, I know.” He agreed.
“All my friends have already started back to school.” She said.
“Yeah? I guess they have.” He said. “What grade would you be in?”
“Junior.” She answered. For a moment, silence enveloped them as both of them let the information sink in. “What about you?” She asked.
“Oh, actually, I’ve had so much extra time on my hands this past year, I technically graduated.” He answered.
“Man, that’s amazing. You must be a genius or something.” She poked him with her toe.
“Ha, far from it.” He said. “I’d just rather do it and get it out of the way. Ike just sort of stayed the course—finished up right when he was supposed to.” He smiled, “I don’t know if Taylor ever would have graduated. He just put off everything ‘til Mom threatened his life.”
She watched his face as the smile faded, “Well, I bet he probably sort of thought his life was already figured out, y’know? Like, he figured he had the music and he didn’t really need algebra to write songs and stuff.”
“Well, you’d pretty much be right, then.” He said. “We all sort of thought that. Taylor just lived it.”
Again, silence descended. “Do you miss him a lot?” She asked, already knowing the answer to the question.
“Oh yeah…” he said, softly. Before either of them could say another word, the sound of a baby crying was heard. Zac looked up at the ceiling, listening. “That would be Isabella.” He said, looking over at her. As the second little voice chimed in, he shook his head, “And that would be Lijah.”
With a sigh, Michelle sat up, “God, I just feel so old sometimes.” She said.
“Stay here and I’ll bring ‘em down.” Zac said, standing. She nodded and sat back, trying desperately to keep the tears that had suddenly sprung to her eyes under control.
He came back with both babies in his arms. Isabella continued to fuss, but Elijah seemed content to just be awake and tended to. He handed the little girl to Michelle and immediately the child began to search for the breast and the milk she needed to sustain her.
Taking the little boy with him, Zac went to the kitchen and made a bottle up for him. When it was half gone, he’d trade with Michelle so both of them would have mother’s milk as well as formula. He looked at the boy’s face as the microwave let him know the twenty seconds was up. “What are you looking at Mr. Big Eyes?” He said to the child. In answer, Elijah stuffed his fist in his mouth and continued to lock eyes with his uncle. “How come you’re not a crybaby like your sister? You just plug up your mouth and wait, and she gets all demanding and stuff.” He looked into the living room, then back to the baby and whispered, “That’s a woman for ya…” He said, and he went back down and sat on the couch next to the girls.
Michelle gazed down at the child as she fed. Her hair was going to be wavy, and it was dark like hers. Just as Diana had said, Elijah had retained his blue eyes and his hair was going to be silky and blonde—at least for now. Isabella opened her own eyes and looked up at her mother for a moment. They were nearly black they were so dark. “How did they turn out so different from one another?” She asked Zac as he settled in beside her and began to feed his nephew.
“Genetics are a wonderful thing. I mean, look at all of us.” He said, wiping the smelly formula off the baby’s face as it ran from the side of his mouth. “Swallow, would ya?” He said to the boy. His blue eyes opened for a moment, then closed again.
“Well, there’s actually a very strong resemblance between you and your siblings, I think.” Michelle said. “These two are like, night and day.”
“That’s because you and Taylor were like night and day.” He thought it ironic that the dark one was so much more synonymous with day, but he couldn’t voice that observation to her. Oftentimes he found himself almost saying something about Taylor that Michelle wouldn’t have understood whatsoever. “My Mom and Dad aren’t all that different physically. Well, actually, they sort of are, aren’t they?” He sat the bottle down on the table in front of him, and lifted the little boy up onto his shoulder and began to pat his back. In no time, he was rewarded with a satisfying burp from the child.
Michelle shook her head, “You all are so good at all this stuff, I swear.” She said, chuckling.
Zac picked the bottle back up and continued to feed Elijah. “You’d be good at it too if you had six brothers and sisters. We won’t even go into all the cousins and stuff.” He said. “Besides, you’re doing pretty good yourself.” He said.
Her face fell, “I’m trying. But sometimes, Zac, I just…I don’t know. I feel like I don’t have any idea what I’m doing, and I just want to go home and go to school and stress over math and see my friends and stuff.”
“Well, it won’t be long and we can all go out more. I guess you feel pretty cooped up here. That’s sort of a luxury for us, but for you, it’s probably a pain in the ass.”
Michelle pulled the child away from her breast, wincing. “Boy can she get a grip on there…” She said, handing her over to Zac.
Before she could fuss again, Zac popped the bottle in her mouth, smiling as she let out a little sound. “She knows the difference, doesn’t she?” He said. He then looked back at Michelle. She did look tired to him. “Have you called your folks?”
She furrowed her brow as she settled Elijah on the other side of her, “No. Why would I bother to do that?”
“Because you miss them.” He answered.
“They didn’t want me, Zac. They couldn’t handle my…imperfection. They couldn’t be there for me when I needed them, and they wouldn’t believe me when I told them what had happened.” She said bitterly.
“But they might be over it now. Sometimes, people just overreact at first.” He said.
She shook her head. “You couldn’t understand, Zac. Your family is different. My God, they just took me in like I wasn’t some stranger off the street.”
Zac wondered for a moment if they would have if Kirk hadn’t been there to assure them beyond a shadow of a doubt that the child she carried was Taylor’s. Fame had a way of making them all distrust many people they came in contact with. “Well, Kirk and Sonya may have had a little to do with that.”
“Well, my parents didn’t believe their own daughter.” She said. He couldn’t argue with that. Both of them turned their eyes to the babies. “I just…I’m just really glad that these two will always have you all.” She said softly.
Isabella drank the last of the bottle and Zac placed her on his shoulder like he had her brother. “Well, it’s a bit of a miracle to us, that we actually have a piece of Taylor still.” He smiled, “Two pieces, actually.” A loud burp from the girl let him pull her back down to look at her. As he looked at her, her little mouth curled up at the edges as well. “Look, she’s smiling!” He gushed. “Maybe she’s not gonna be as much of a bitch as I thought.” He laughed.
Michelle swatted him on the arm, “Don’t you call her that!” She said, but she was laughing, knowing that the little girl was definitely less calm than her sleeping brother. She lay Elijah down on her lap and fastened her blouse shut. Brushing his soft hair away from his forehead, she smiled down at him. Then she looked around the room, “You know, I don’t know what I thought it was going to be like here…I think I still keep expecting to see Taylor walk through the door or something…” She said wistfully.
Zac sighed, still looking into the eyes of Taylor’s daughter, “I know, me too.” He said. “But, it’s been long enough now, I guess I know it’s not gonna happen.”
“No, I guess it’s not.” Michelle said, blinking back her tears. She smiled at Zac then, “I have a feeling though, this one’s gonna look so much like him, it might seem like it.”
Zac looked over at the child. His lips were pursed and his eyes fluttered open for a moment before shutting again as he fell deeper into slumber, “Yeah, I think you’re right. He’s gonna be a looker like his father…” He mused.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Taylor looked in the mirror. He’d showered and shaved and combed his hair, not wanting to give any of the elders any reason to dislike him, whether it be a scent or any reason to think him disrespectful of them. While they’d goaded him into regrettable remarks now and then, for the first time, he’d be on their turf and he didn’t want to do or say anything that might get him into trouble with them or Beatriz. He hoped to leave there with his head still attached to his body.
“You look good enough to eat.” Camille said, stepping into the room.
“Don’t even joke about that.” He said buttoning the white shirt he wore; white seemed safe for some reason.
“Make sure you wear that pendant of Beatriz’. Don’t want them to forget that you belong to her.” She said, pushing his bangs out of his eyes.
“God bless, how did I get into this mess, anyway?” He said, tucking the shirt into dark pants.
Camille looked up at him, her blue eyes dreamy, “I don’t know. But, just be careful.” She said softly. “I’m sure Beatriz will protect you.” She said, stepping back and lying down on his bed.
“Yeah right.” He said. “How is she gonna protect me against all of them?” He asked, picking up the silver cross pendant from the table next to them.
“Because they’re stupid and have never understood that she has power that they never could.” She answered.
“Hmmm…” He said, fastening the chain around his neck. “How come I’ve never seen it?”
Camille leaned up on her elbow and ran her fingers along the bedspread, “Because you don’t need to.” She said.
He rolled his eyes, “Whatever.” He said, sitting on the bed and pulling on his shoes.
“I guess you’ve forgotten what she did to you in Alabama.” Camille said, leaning over and placing her arms around his shoulders. “She could do that to the elders, too.” She whispered.
Taylor turned his head and their eyes met, “What makes you think that?” He asked.
“I just know it.” She said, smelling his ear. “Everybody does.”
He turned and looked into her face. Her dark eyelashes and her dark blue eyes were lovely. She wore a cranberry coloured, lacy blouse that matched her lips. He pushed her hair behind her ear and looked at the diamond earring she wore. “Where’d you get that?” He asked.
“From some lady on 52nd Street. I think she was there to see “Cats”. But instead, she saw me.” She said, her eyes glinting and her mouth spreading into a grin.
“You shouldn’t steal from them.” Taylor admonished her. But the look on his face let her know he found it amusing. “You don’t have to pay rent here. Or buy food.”
“Well, I share with my friends. I gave the other one to Nikki, and she’s gonna pay her rent with it. What difference does it make, Taylor? That lady had more money than sense or she wouldn’t have been wearing great big diamonds on the streets of New York.”
He turned around to face her, “Yeah, yeah. Whatever gets you through the night.” He said, looking down at her lips. She leaned back on the bed and he leaned over her. He reached up to push her hair off her forehead. He touched her chin with the tip of his tongue and she stretched her neck out, closing her eyes. Now he ran it across her throat and down between her breasts. “You know, I think I’m gonna keep you…” He said, teasing.
She opened her eyes and looked down into his. The moon was rising and it caught in the depths of them. “I could say the same thing.” She said. “And, as much as I’m enjoying this, I don’t really want Beatriz to come in here and rip out my liver.” She said, sliding out from under him.
“Beatriz knows everything that goes on here—you’ve said it yourself.” He said, grinning.
She raised an eyebrow, “Yes, and we’ve all seen what she does when she gets pissed. Besides, you need to finish getting ready. Why don’t you get Melanie to trim your hair?” She asked, standing.
“’Cause I like it long.” He said with a sigh. Then, he too stood. “Besides, I can sort of hide behind it y’know? I can watch people and they don’t know it.”
“That’s what sunglasses are for.” Camille said walking towards the door.
“Yeah, well, I feel like a goof wearing sunglasses when it’s dark outside.” He said. As he followed her out into the hallway, he began to sing the song from a time when both of them were babies.
Camille laughed and plopped down in the chair. “You are much hotter than Corey Hart ever was.” She said.
“Who’s Corey Hart?” Melanie asked, as she walked in, stretching.
“Some guy from the eighties. Man, you slept late!” Camille said.
Melanie smiled, “I know. This guy last night just about killed me.” She exclaimed, looking at Taylor. “You would have loved it. He fought back like a champ!”
“Sounds like fun.” Taylor said, sitting on the couch next to Camille.
Camille turned to him, “You get on me about stealing from my victims, but you and Mel like to scare the bejeesus out of them. I think that’s worse than lifting an earring or two.”
Melanie waved her hand in a dismissive gesture, “Pfft, he always just wipes their mind out before he let’s ‘em go. They don’t even know it happened. Personally, I’d rather they have nightmares about it for years to come, but you know, I guess we sort of got in trouble for that the last time.” She grinned at Taylor.
“Don’t remind me, please.” He said, picking up Camille’s hand and turning the ring on her finger around.
“Hey, Mel, why don’t you give Taylor a haircut?” She said, changing the subject.
Melanie looked at the two of them, wondering what was up, “His ears are too big. It looks better long. Especially since he doesn’t have to hide so much now. How soon they forget…” She said, teasing him.
Taylor looked at Camille, “See? I told you.” He then looked at Melanie, “And they haven’t forgotten yet.” He smirked, “Have you seen my gravesite in Tulsa? It’s just covered with flowers and presents and stuff.” He said. He turned thoughtful, “I wonder what they think I’m gonna do with all that when I’m like, dead?”
“The same thing you did with it all when you were alive: nothing. Somebody will stick it in a warehouse and someday, some of it will turn up in the Hanson Museum, right next to the Garth Brooks memorial.”
“Garth Brooks isn’t dead.” Taylor said.
“No, but he will be by the time they build a Hanson Museum.” Melanie laughed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kirk stepped into his apartment, relieved to finally be home again. He quickly removed his shirt, tossing it onto the pile of dirty clothes already lying in front of the closet containing his stacked washer and dryer. He wanted to kick himself for not taking into consideration Taylor’s spectacular olfactory senses when he’d thrown the shirt on that morning, particularly since they were so like his own; it was one of the few advantages the males had over the females in the world of vampires. He then sat on his couch and reached for his guitar as he clicked the remote, turning on the television. As his eyes took in the latest episode of Dawson’s Creek, his fingers picked out notes from the instrument in his lap. He smiled, remembering playing in the Hanson’s basement studio with Taylor’s brothers. He shook his head then, setting it aside and standing and heading towards his tiny bathroom to take a shower. He thought maybe if he washed away the smell of Taylor’s family, Beatriz would be less likely to disembowel him for nearly allowing Taylor to detect the smell of not only Michelle, but Isabella and Elijah as well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Can I drive?” Taylor asked Beatriz as they walked toward the shiny black Jaguar parked in the spot closest to the elevator.
“Hmm…why not?” Beatriz said, tossing the keys to him.
He grinned, “Oh man, I haven’t driven in so long, and this car is so amazing!” He said, his eyes lighting up.
“Just be careful, after all these years, I’d hate to meet my end in a car wreck.” She said, opening the door and pulling her long legs into the car. She wore a short black skirt with a matching black blazer, but with no blouse underneath. It was all Taylor could do to keep his eyes off her and onto the controls of the car. He closed his eyes as he turned the key and the car started, it’s perfectly tuned engine a quiet hum before the stereo kicked in. He looked at her and smiled as the sounds of “Heartbreak Hotel” poured out of the speakers.
“I didn’t know you were an Elvis fan.” He teased, easing the car out of its spot.
“You never asked.” She said, licking her finger and wiping dust from the toe of the high heeled shoe she wore. “Besides, I’m certain there are a great many things you do not know about me.”
“Did you scream when you went to see him?” He asked, chuckling at the thought of it.
Beatriz’ dark eyes glittered in the artificial lighting of the garage as they made their way toward the street, “No, but he did.” She smiled, her fangs glinting in the light.
It was a sight Taylor didn’t often see and it totally took the humour out of the situation for him. “Really?” He asked, his eyes wide.
“Just drive.” She said, shaking her head and turning back toward the window. “Take a left when you get to the street.”
He did as he was told and soon, with a few more turns, he found himself navigating through the congested traffic of Times Square. “Good grief, how does anyone get anywhere in this city?” He growled.
“They walk or take the subway, don’t you know that by now?” Beatriz answered.
“Well, are we going far? I mean, we’re not gonna be late, are we?” He asked nervously.
“No, we are not going to be late, stop worrying.” She said gently. She reached over and pushed his hair behind his ear.
For a while, they drove in silence, then Taylor asked, “How many elders are there?”
Beatriz looked over at him. His face showed his worry. “In the world, or just here in the city?” She asked.
“I don’t know, both I guess.” He said, stopping again for a red light.
“In the world, there are many. Here with us, just five.” She answered.
“Five?” He said, his voice tinged with surprise.
“Yes, and you’ve met most of them so there’s no need to be concerned.” She said.
“Ha! That’s easy for you to say.” Taylor replied.
“Just mind your manners, remember you are a guest and act accordingly. Also, shield your thoughts and do not try to communicate with me. They’d sense it and it would drive them mad.” She advised him.
“He looked at her, “Am I supposed to bow or anything like that?” He asked.
“Just be respectful. Bow if you are bowed to. Just like humans, vampires come from many cultures—it’s hard to keep up with it all, so just use your instincts, which are strong for one so young.” She placed her hand on his shoulder, “Taylor, I wouldn’t bring you here if I thought any harm would come to you. But, I do want to remind them that you belong to me. And, I want you to see where and how they live, so that you understand what someday you will find yourself up against.”
“I wish you wouldn’t say I “belong” to you. It makes me feel like a cow or something.” Taylor grumbled.
“Cows are sacred in India.” She reasoned. A look from him made her laugh, “Taylor, vampires used to be split into tribes, or clans. As time and technology progressed, we were able to rely on each other and on trusted humans less. My point being, because I am old, I still go by some of the old ways. You belong to me because you are in my…family group.” She explained. “The pendant is a bit like…a coat of arms or something of that nature. It lets others of our kind know you are connected to me, just as Sonya is, and Roberto. That fact gives you some protection from those that would harm or attempt to use you. And,” she said, raising an eyebrow, “it keeps the other females away. Never underestimate them, just as in your human life, you don’t want to become a meal ticket or a trophy.”
“So, I’m not a trophy for you?” He asked.
“Of course not, you are far too young to be considered a trophy for me.” She said with a wave of her hand.
“Hmmm…I think I feel a little insulted.” He mused. Then he became serious, “How old are they?” He asked. He noticed the traffic thinning a little as he turned down the street she pointed at.
“I don’t believe anyone knows that.” She said.
“Even you?” He said, his eyes going back to her. The streetlights glinted off the gold chain around her neck and the large golden earrings in her ears. They looked to be ancient.
“Even me, Taylor. I do not know everything there is to know.” She answered.
“Well, Camille thinks you do.” He said.
“Good.” She answered.
“Are you afraid of them?” He asked.
“Of course. They are the elders after all.” She said.
“But why?” He said. “You’re more powerful than them, aren’t you?”
“In some ways, yes.” She answered softly.
“Then why don’t you just kill them and get it over with? Why all the intrigue and planning and crap?” He said, getting exasperated.
She directed him down another street and he saw rows of faceless buildings come into view. “If they were easy to kill, Taylor, they would have been dead ages ago.” She spoke as if she was afraid of being overheard. “They are powerful as all males are, only more so, and they are clever as only the old can be.” She looked down the street, “Turn at that red light and go to the end of the street. Park wherever you want to.” She said. Then she lowered her voice again, “These men seek out and eliminate any threat to them, that is how they’ve remained in control of us for so long; either by fear or force. Women in particular, they view as a threat. That is why there are so few of us who get old.” She said, looking out the window.
“Well, there’s a lot more of us than there are of them, why are they still around? Why doesn’t everyone just ignore them?” He asked, turning down the dark street.
“Our society could not survive anarchy, Taylor. Rules and laws are there for a reason. If vampires just ran the streets, following their natural inclinations and feeding like savages, we’d be found out immediately and exterminated. When this regime fails, another will take its place, without the humiliation and brutality I’d hope, but whatever it takes to control the young, is what will be done.”
Taylor pulled the car alongside the curb. For a moment he just sat there, letting her words sink in. “Where’s the building?” He asked looking out the window into what looked like a deserted warehouse. No streetlights illuminated the place and he didn’t see another soul, living or dead.
“This is the building.” She answered, opening her door. “Remember, shield your thoughts.” She sent.
He looked at her, letting her know he’d heard. “They live here?” He said, looking around at the old wood and concrete buildings.
“Don’t judge a book by its cover, my darling.” She said. As they began to walk, Taylor felt the hair stand up on the back of his neck. They stepped into the shadows between two of the buildings and he was startled to suddenly find two men standing on either side of him.
“Lady.” The first said, respectfully.
“Yes?” She answered, turning to face them and looking very regal and unafraid; something Taylor had to admire at that moment, as he was certain if he’d been able, he’d have just wet his pants.
“Was it cleared for you to bring a companion?” One asked.
“No, it wasn’t. It was a last moment decision.” She said.
He looked at her and Taylor, then spoke quietly into his collar.
“Very secret service…” Taylor whispered to Beatriz.
“Indeed.” She said.
“Alright, Lady Beatriz, Daniel has said you are responsible for the boy. Do you want to proceed?” He said, looking Taylor up and down.
“I shall take full responsibility.” She agreed.
“Very well, come along.” He said, and he led them to a non descript looking door among many other non descript looking doors, as the other man walked behind them. Once it was opened, Taylor found himself in a very hi-tech room. It had surveillance cameras on the walls and he assumed other such devices to keep the elders from being taken unawares. He turned to look behind him and found himself face to face with a very powerful looking man. It was all he could do to keep from jumping in front of Beatriz for protection. Instead, he looked away and calmed himself by reciting the child’s prayer, Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take…” It also served to help him shield his thoughts from them, a trick he’d learned from Sonya and something he knew he’d need to do that evening. At the very least, he didn’t want them to know just how frightened they made him feel.
A heavy door slid open and they were led into a hallway with walls of black marble and elevators at one end. “Two coming up.” The first man said to whoever was listening on the other end of the tiny microphone he wore. He nodded in deference to Beatriz and gestured for her to pass and she made her way to the elevator, placing her hand on Taylor’s arm and guiding him along with her.
“You know,” she said as the elevator doors shut behind them, “a Hail Mary would probably be a little more appropriate at such a time.”
“But, I’m not Catholic.” He answered, looking at the buttons on the wall.
“So sorry.” She said, as if the statement warranted her pity. “Stop worrying, if you end up in the dungeon, I shall come visit you and keep you company.”
“Oh, that’s very comforting!” He exclaimed, wiping his hands on his pants.
“I’m only kidding.” She said smiling, and she kissed him on the lips as the door opened.
“That will be the last we see of that tonight.” A voice broke the moment.
“Yes, yes.” Beatriz said stepping out. For a moment, Taylor stayed where he was, amazed by the sight before him. A large room opened in front of him, one wall equipped with every technical and electronic gadget that he could imagine. And being a red blooded American male, he could imagine quite a lot.
“Beatriz, tell your little pup to come out of his kennel, we’re not going to whip him.” The voice belonged to Daniel.
“Could you please keep the remarks to a minimum?” Beatriz asked as Taylor stepped up beside her. “We have plans this evening and to keep from being late, I asked Taylor to accompany me here. If that is a problem, I’ll come back another time.” She said.
“That won’t be necessary.” Daniel replied to her. He then looked at Taylor, “I apologize. You are a guest here and I should treat you as such.” He walked closer to them and gestured towards a chair. “Please, sit down and make yourself at home. Have you fed yet, this evening?”
“We have.” Beatriz answered for him.
Taylor looked at her, wondering why she’d lied. Now I lay me down to sleep…
“Well then, let’s get down to business.” He said, pushing a button on the wall, “Please tell the others the Lady Beatriz, and Taylor are here.” He said.
Soon they were joined by four other men. Taylor recognized Victor and Joshua, but the other two were new faces to him. He quickly stood as they approached.
“Remain seated, child.” Said a man, appearing to be middle aged. His gray eyes searched Taylor’s making him even more uncomfortable. …I pray the Lord my soul to keep… Taylor sat.
“This is Nicholai.” Daniel said.
“I’m Taylor.” He said to the man.
“Yes, I’ve heard a bit about you.” Nicholai replied. “I’m eager to see what you make of yourself.” He said. …If I should die…
“Daniel laughed, “Give him a few hundred years, and who knows?” He said. …before I wake… “This is Balthazar.” He said as a very young looking man walked up to him. …I pray the Lord…
He was much shorter than Taylor and looked to be no older than Camille. “So, this is the rock star.” He said, eyeing Taylor. …my soul to take… Taylor didn’t know how to respond to that so he looked over at Beatriz.
“He is an ex-rock star.” Beatriz said, stepping up next to Taylor and putting her hand on his shoulder. “We are all present, can we begin now?” She asked.
“Can he be trusted?” The young man asked.
“I wouldn’t have brought him here if he couldn’t.” Beatriz spoke up. “But if you’d be more comfortable, I’m sure Taylor wouldn’t mind seeing the Library or the Music Room.”
As much as the thought of seeing these people’s music room piqued Taylor’s interest, the thought of being separated from Beatriz was entirely too frightening to entertain. Oh God…Hail Mary full of…shit, what’s the next line!?
He felt Beatriz’ hand tighten on his shoulder. Daniel looked at him, his eyes showing his amusement as Taylor felt sweat break out on his forehead. “I’m sure he can be trusted because he has been told by the Lady here what will happen to him if he breaks any of our trust. Isn’t that right, Taylor?” He asked.
“Yes, sir.” Taylor said quietly.
“Very well.” Daniel said, turning back to the others. Each of the men sat except for Joshua and he picked up what looked like a gloriously complicated remote control and pointed it at something on the wall. He pressed a button and all the screens went black except for a few far down the wall; these showed views of the outside of the building.