The Vampire's Second Chance

Christine

“I’m just going to become a nun,” I whispered harshly. Banging my hand on my of a car, I winced at the impact. The leather wheel groaned in protest as I used to push myself out of the deep bucket seat.

The car I parked beside was a beautiful, black, freshly waxed Maserati. We did have neighbors that had such beautiful cars but why it was parked outside my house was something weird. Maybe dad bought it with all the money he hoards away from mom.

I wanted it to be over, this pain in my stomach. I wanted to just scream it all out and just be done with the pain with the yuck. He didn’t’ deserve my pain, he didn’t deserve any of it. He wasn’t worth it; no guy ever was and no other guy will ever make me feel this way.

My keys were slung recklessly in my hand, trying to find the correct key. I hadn’t been home in six months. The Christmas lights were gone, and the crisp cool weather had faded now bringing the bright sun of summer. My old plank wood swing swung in the breeze beckoning me home.

I would swing on that swing all summer. The other kids in the neighborhood had beautiful swing sets, tall, massive in size with slides, tunnels, and monkey bars. My dad either didn’t have time to build one or he didn’t want to waste the money.

I went with the former, being an airline pilot made you leave a lot. A lot of new adventures away from home. Surely that was more interesting than playing with his kid and continuing to romance his wife.

Men.

He’s probably buried deep in some slutty flight attendant.

I had just finished my senior year of college, mom couldn’t come to graduation, which was so unlike her. She was there for every single one of my tennis matches, art club meetings, and debate competitions when I grew up. When I told her the date six months ago about walking across the big stage, something she never was able to do in her life, she was more than excited. Hell, she even went and bought one of those expensive cameras that she will maybe use once or twice and put it in a box somewhere.

Then she called me the day before saying she couldn’t make it and that I should come home soon after my trip with the boyfriend. Little did she know, I was never going to take that vacation.

My teeth ground together. I shouldn’t be upset that mom couldn’t make it; she has done everything to be a part of my life, unlike dad. It’s just that, this stung a little more than I would have liked and it was all because of a douche bag I like to call my ex-boyfriend.

The keys rattled again; a familiar furry face pushed back the silky white curtain at the front window. My white cat, Christopher meowed, his paw pressing against the glass. “Here, kitty, kitty,” I stepped through the door. I rubbed my fingers together to act like I had a treat. He was no fool, he knew there was nothing and sat on his big fluffy butt until I pet him from his special perch.

“You are so spoiled,” I murmured. The house was dark for the time of day it was. Curtains were drawn, low-level lamps with red silk fabric on top of them.

Oh, god, I’m reliving my nightmare.

Balling up one fist and having the other wipe away the tears that I will not waste on a piece of trash, I heard my mom’s tender voice calling.

“Chrissy? Is that you?”

No… please no.

“Yes, it’s me. I came home early,” my voice trailed, still staring at the door. I was nose to nose with it, feeling the heat of my breath fall back on my face. There was no way I was going to turn around. If I didn’t see it, then I don’t know anything.

The mysterious car out front, the dimmed lights, and the red silk fabric on the lamps already painted the perfect picture. Mom was finally getting laid after years of being married to the sperm donor and in his house. Revenge is sweet.

But that doesn’t mean I want to be around it.

“Honey, it’s alright, turn around.” I shook my head, my blonde messy bun beginning to fall at my shoulders.

“I’m good, I’ll come back later.” Reaching for the doorknob, mom’s warm hand pulled it away and pulled me to her.

“I’m so glad you are home, this makes things so much easier, faster.” Hugging her, my eyes dart around the room, not seeing anything but darkness.

“Mom?” She hummed, still enjoying our embrace. Mom was a hugger; she lacked any sort of physical touch for so long she always hugged me for way too long. Many would find it awkward but I had grown accustomed. “Why is it all dark?”

I laughed at myself, of course I know why it was dark. She’s doing the hanky panky with Mr. Masarati out front. God, I hope he doesn’t break her heart.

“I want you to meet someone,” she whispered.

“He’s dressed right?” I slapped my hand over my mouth at the terrible back talk, but mom only giggled. She freaking giggled. Oh, she’s got it bad.

“I want you to meet, Justin.” She held out her hand into the darkness, the light streaming from the other side of the house blacked out his image until he came closer. His hand reached out to Mom’s until the light from the window where my cat sat shined on his face.

His skin was fairly pale, the deep brown hair styled perfectly as he smiled at me. He was just a head taller than my mother, which was great because she was a tall beauty that deserved to where whatever high-heels she wants.

“I’ve heard a lot about you,” Justin held out his other hand to shake mine. His hand was cold, but not clammy, a few degrees cooler than what I would have expected.

“We were just having some lemonade, come on in, Justin can help you take your bags out in a minute.” Gulping, I walked into the darkened room, only to have mom turn on the light. “Sorry, it was dark in here,” mom giggled again. Rubbing my hands together I sat in my favorite lazy recliner trying to get comfortable.

I just about walked in on them doing the hokey pokey.

“Not that I am upset about you being here so early, but why are you here? You said you were going on a trip with Wyatt after graduation.” Mom poured the lemonade into her fancy mason jar and topped it with a pretty umbrella.

Thank god, it has vodka in it.

Clearing my throat, I took a large sip.

Yes, vodka is nice.

“Oh, decided not to go. Thought I could stay here for a while.” Clearing my throat, Justin watched me intently. Now that I could get a good look at him, his dark eyes held hardly any color, except when the sunlight would directly hit them causing a red glow. It reminded me of the old school film cameras when you develop a picture and people’s eyes come out red.

I eyed him warily, as he studied me.

“Is there something wrong?” Mom leaned forward, her flowing sun dress covering her knees. Shaking my head, I took another sip.

Maybe if I got drunk enough I don’t have to have this conversation.

“How about you tell me about Justin?” I tried to change the subject. “Is that your car out front?” Justin smiled, and damn he had some long canines.

“It is, had her about six months.” Great, he talks about his car like it’s a woman. Sleazy. Mom only giggled, putting her hand on his knee.

“Ah,” I shifted uncomfortably, taking the straw, and shoving it straight towards my mouth. My eyes looked everywhere but them. This was just too weird, I mean, dad never showed any affection towards mom and maybe that was part of my problem growing up. I didn’t know how to show affection to others, which led to…

Nah, not going there.

“Listen, Chrissy,” mom set her own glass on the table. Bother her hands were now in Justin’s lap as she stared dreamily at him. Holy cow, this was some Hallmark shit. “I know I’m still technically married to your,” she cleared her throat, “father.” I shrugged my shoulders, as far as I was concerned he was just a bank that shoveled money out to pay for the house. Knowing mom didn’t have a decent degree and came from poverty dad used that to his advantage to paint the façade of a wonderful family in some upper-middle-class neighborhood. It appeased his parents, some snotty rich folk, but not to mom and me.

Threatening stares I’ve seen him give her as I sat at the top of the stairs when I was younger had my heart strings pulled tight. “I’d have the best lawyers; you’d be left with nothing. You’d be a pile of trash in the streets again.”

Mom wasn’t as strong as me, plus she was afraid she would lose me. But I was twenty-three now, she could do whatever the damn well she pleases. Then again, I’ve never lived on the streets, I wouldn’t know how tough it really is.

“Justin and I, are soulmates.” I stifled a laugh.

Shit, this was funny. Or maybe it was the alcohol? How much did she put in here?

“I’m sorry? Mom?” Mom’s eyes didn’t bear any animosity towards me, she only continued to look at Justin like he hung the stars for her every night. His eyes didn’t look any different, they were so full of love just for one woman. I swear I thought his eyes flickered red with such a deep passion it made my stomach churn.

“That’s right, we are soulmates or beloved as Justin likes to call us.” His finger brushed away a piece of her hair, it was so sweet I swear I saw some tiny sugar cubes falling on her bare shoulder. “We met at the park when I was out running.”

“You mean, you were trying to run,” he winked at her. “She got spooked when she saw a rabbit fly across her path and fell right in the ditch. Luckily I was not far behind and smelled a cut on her leg.”

“Well, that sounds romantic—” I sat up in my seat. “Wait, you ‘smelled’ her cut?” Mom stiffened, her back straightened, clearing her throat.

“Why don’t you have another sip of your drink, Chrissy?” Mom’s look went from passion and tenderness to sheer panic. “Tell her, darling, you are only prolonging the inevitable,” Justin patted her hand.

“Please don’t tell me your pregnant,” I rubbed my temples. “That would be the icing on the cake.” Mom’s face contorted to laughter, holding her hand to her chest. “Oh, dear no, not yet anyway.”

“What the—”

“Don’t you finish that sentence Christina Amora Clarkson.” I snapped my mouth shut, but I kept my eyes wide now staring at Justin. Justin put his finger to mom’s lips, turning his body so slowly as if not to frighten me.

Frighten me? Pah! I could take the guy, he had a slim athletic build. He may be looked five years older than me, which I guess I haven’t noticed before because I was too shocked by the state of the house.

And the sweet revenge affair.

“What I’m about to tell you, I don’t want you to panic. There really isn’t an easy way to tell you this,” his voice stayed completely calm as I picked up my glass, now sucking the rest of the alcohol down.  

He was going to tell me he was after my mom because he’s into cougars.

“I’m a vampire.”