Charlotte Marries a Vampire

by Cheryl Hammer

  Before he could continue the repartee, her pager vibrated. She flipped it towards her and inspected its contents.

  “Sorry, ER calling. I have to go.”

  “Too bad,” Stefan said. “I bartend at Victor’s Grill & Pub. Come by some night and help me there.”

  She waved goodbye with an expression that promised she would.

  Certain he was alone, Stefan pierced the plastic bag of blood with the pointed end of the straw. He leaned against the wall relaxed and bored as he siphoned its contents. By now, he hoped that the hospital drama with Charles was over. He thought Charlotte had entirely overreacted. It wasn’t like her dad died Stefan thought and rolled his eyes. The hollow air sound from suctioning the empty bag signaled that it was time to return.

  * ~ *

  Outside her father’s room, Charlotte checked the hallway clock once more. Stefan hadn’t returned and she considered it insensitive that he had vanished. What if her dad had had a heart attack or worse?

  She stormed towards the elevator bank, then scoured the inside of the TV lounge again. Frustrated, she spun sharply on her heels and walked back near her dad’s room. Stefan’s disappearance didn’t exactly portray him as the compassionate husband.

  Had she made a grave mistake?

  Charlotte was accustomed to succeeding. Overachiever. Type A. The thought of making such a critical error in marriage was unthinkable. Unlike her father and mother, she would succeed. It was a promise that she had made to herself the day her mother left.

  Stefan stifled a yawn as the elevator doors opened. Fortunately, Charlotte’s back faced him although he was instantly drawn to the systematic tapping of her foot. Sweet Charlotte may not be so sweet, he thought. How would he explain his absence? His mind crunched with possibilities as he walked towards her, especially since she now faced him straight on with lips drawn tight as a zipper.

  Yep, Stefan thought, he needed a good excuse as he averted her gaze. Fortunately, his eyes found favor with the sign on the wall, which indicated the direction of the chapel.

  “Where have you been?” Charlotte asked with the sharpness of a steak knife.

  Stefan clasped both her hands into his and drew her close to him. His lips skimmed the hollow of her cheek near her ear.

  “In the chapel praying for your dad,” he said reverently as if Charles’ life hinged upon it.

  Charlotte breathed a sigh of relief as if he was her Prince Charming after all.

  Meanwhile, Stefan gently pulled her away from the chapel sign that pointed opposite the direction from which he came.

  * ~ *

  At the pub, Victor filled in for Stefan and struggled to keep up with the steady demand of designer-coded drinks. Each time Mickey called in her order, he growled.

  “What happened to straight orders like beer, wine, gin and tonic, scotch and water?”

  “Welcome to the hundred ways of making potatoes glamorous,” Mickey said as she loaded the Cosmopolitans on her tray.

  She stopped to pick up the ringing phone while Victor continued to mix the remainder of the order.

  “It’s Stefan,” Mickey yelled over the clinking glassware as she held out the phone to Victor.

  “Where are you?” Victor yelled back.

  “Did you hear that?” Mickey asked Stefan as she cradled the receiver with her shoulder against her ear. She listened intently, and then shook her head in disbelief.

  “He got married. Says he knows he should have called in earlier,” she relayed to Victor.

  Stefan was usually reliable but every now and then, he’d pull a no-show with some off-the-wall excuse that later became part of the work humor. It had been Stefan’s modus operandi but tonight Victor was finding little to laugh about.

  “Yeah, yeah,” Victor said. “Tell him that’s his worst excuse yet.”

  Mickey finished the call and prepped her tray for another round.

  “What did he say?” Victor asked.

  “He’ll be here in about an hour with the proof.”

  “This I gotta see,” Victor scoffed.

  He wondered whether Stefan had married the former girlfriend whom he mentioned from sixty years ago. Ever since the night that he’d commented on the Johnsons, he had been acting strange. Nah, Victor thought. It couldn’t be true because that didn’t happen in their circle. No immortal wanted to commit to until death do us part because in their world that took on a completely new meaning.

  * ~ *

  The evening’s full moon provided a faint light for Charlotte to find the keyhole of her flower shop's door. Once inside, the darkness didn’t deter her from easily gravitating to the light. She flipped the switch and turned just in time to see Stefan behind her remarkably duck the wrought iron sign that hung inside. A historical relic from the 1800s, its edges guaranteed the threat of gangrene or worse.

  “Oh, Stefan, I need to warn you about that old thing. You’re tall enough for it to do some serious damage.”

  Stefan eyed the sign indifferently before smiling. “Next time I’ll pay more attention.” He reached down to give her a tender kiss.

  “Ready to meet the crew?” he asked her.

  Charlotte found herself feeling apprehensive. Meeting her dad and June had been a bust. She wondered if meeting the people at work, the only family Stefan had, would be equally disastrous.

  “You think they’ll like me?” Her voice was timid.

  “Love you,” he said.

  Half an hour later, Charlotte thought it may be true. Victor was a brusque, yet delightful man and Mickey was funny in her own caustic way.

  Although they seemed happy for them, they were truly shocked when Stefan announced their marriage. The only difference was no follow-up trips to the emergency room.

  Charlotte relaxed. They had made it through seventy-two hours. She couldn't wait for a future filled with bliss.

  * ~ *

  Chapter Eleven: The Honeymoon 40 Days Later

  June entered Flowers by Charlotte before noon with plans to transport the sanctuary piece over to the church during her lunch hour. As she waited for Charlotte to complete an order for an in-store customer, June noticed that Charlotte’s customary brisk actions were lethargic – the radiance of the new bride gone. June felt a pang inside for her. This wasn’t the Charlotte she knew. She and Charles had given the newlyweds their space only seeing them on occasion since the ER visit. Now June wondered if that had been a mistake.

  “Charlotte, this is a lovely arrangement for the Sunday service,” June commented as Charlotte brought out the statuesque floral container.

  “Thanks. I had a larger shipment of roses this week.”

  “Working too hard?” June prodded subtly.

  Charlotte shook her head indecisively and lowered her head. “I’ve been a little tired lately.”

  “And moody, too,” a loud voice boomed.

  Hidden behind another tall arrangement as she rushed out the door, Tammy peeked around the orchids and waved at June. “She hasn’t been her sweet self lately.”

  The comment triggered a mock smile from Charlotte. “Thanks Tammy.”

  “You’re welcome. I’m off to make a delivery. See you shortly.” Tammy was already out the door by the time she finished the last sentence.

  June touched Charlotte’s forearm. “Being a newlywed can be hard work.” Her comment unleashed Charlotte’s restraint of emotions.

  With no one inside the store, Charlotte’s shoulders slumped. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m exhausted. I work all day, go home, clean, shower, dress and cook dinner, which Stefan doesn’t seem to appreciate.”

  Charlotte had a flashback to the previous night as it had been the one exception. She had studied the Rachael Ray DVD collection for days before preparing Stefan the Apricot-Balsamic-Glazed Chicken. He had laboriously cut the pieces like an eighth-grader dissecting a frog in Science lab before asking her to get the ground pepper in the kitchen. When she returned to the table, she was thrilled to see Stefan
had eaten most of the meal until she found evidence in the trash the next morning to suggest otherwise.

  “I only see Stefan for less than two hours a day and all he wants to do is watch TV and, well, you know. Sometimes I wonder if he even knows I’m here. I mean where’s the excitement in all of this? Meanwhile there are a hundred things to do around the house.” Charlotte’s venting continued to escalate.

  June didn’t like what she heard. “I’m concerned about the fatigue. You may want to schedule an appointment with your doctor.” It was the most practical thing she could think of for the moment since it was clear the honeymoon was over.

  Charlotte agreed. “If only I had Stefan’s problem. Then I could sleep for twelve hours straight.”

  * ~ *

  Later that evening, Stefan trudged in earlier than usual to work. Victor noticed a change in Stefan straight away. His natural buoyancy had switched to sheer apathy.

  “What? Honeymoon over?”

  Victor was kidding but Stefan pretended not to hear as he picked up one of the empty pitchers to fill. As he hit the button on the tap, the water and his words spouted out.

  “Man, she’s like a different person. The first month was great. I woke up to a clean house and a beautiful woman wearing sexy lingerie. Not a lot of talking but a lot of lovin.” Stefan released the tap. “Now she’s waiting at the door of my sleeping chamber with a list of things that she needs me to do the minute I get out. She can’t talk fast enough.”

  “What kind of things?” Victor asked.

  “Caulking for the windows, a hinge for the door, ground covering for the yard. The list goes on and on and on,” Stefan said.

  “What about the sexy lingerie?”

  “Ha! Men’s pajama bottoms and a t-shirt!” Contemplating further, Stefan held out his hands as if he was holding a basketball. “And her face. It’s been looking puffy like a marshmallow.”

  “One of the joys of home ownership,” Victor said.

  “A puffy-faced wife?” Stefan was confused.

  “No, honey-dos. When you own a home there’s always a lot for the honey to do.”

  “But I don’t own–” Stefan stopped talking as Victor had resumed taking inventory at the bar.

  He recalled one of his business books, How to Raise Capital, and remembered the section on home equity loans. Though not advised, it was an alternative means to receiving a significant amount of cash up front. He could start his own business now. He had always dreamed of an upscale club. From what he had observed, Charlotte wasn’t a spendthrift so there was probably sufficient equity available in the house.

  He could work nights at Victor’s, then go work on his club the remainder of the evening while Charlotte slept. He couldn’t wait to share the news with her. He was sure that she’d think it was a brilliant idea.

  * ~ *

  Charlotte glanced at the clock. Stefan would be arriving home before one.

  The extra candles that she’d set out in the front room created a soft aura of love. Her heart beat fast. The news she had to share with Stefan was unexpected. Had June not commented on her fatigue earlier that day, she may not have suspected the reason until weeks later. She was ecstatic and knew Stefan would be, too.

  Catching her appearance in the mirror, she checked her makeup, then her clothing. She had selected a more appealing outfit since she realized that she’d grown a little lax with hanging out around the house in her uniform pajama bottoms and army fatigue print t-shirt. She wrote it off to being tired and admittedly some frustration with Stefan’s sense of time or lack of.

  Charlotte’s Arts and Crafts style home – popular in the Dilworth area – was built in the early 1900s. When she purchased it, her dad had warned her to stay on top of its upkeep. He’d advised that there were a multitude of small things that could become big cost repairs if she didn’t pay attention and after the marriage, she had desperately wanted Stefan’s help. Instead, he acted as if they had all the time in the world.

  She hated being a nag but inwardly she knew her outward appearance was a result of the feelings she had towards him. Nonverbal communication: Fix up the house and I’ll fix up for you. A tinge of guilt riddled her with the realization.

  As of tonight, she would refrain from such passive behavior, as there was a new sense of urgency. Their clocks, internal and external, would be forever changed she thought as she lovingly glanced at the two small gifts she’d purchased for the announcement.

  Charlotte gasped as Stefan hugged her from behind and waved flowers in front of her.

  “Stefan, I didn’t hear you!” She turned to study his inviting face.

  Stefan was pleasantly surprised as Charlotte kissed him with newfound energy. His heart fluttered. His old Charlotte was back. She wore a beige silky outfit that fit close to her body and the candlelight that flooded the room illuminated her face.

  “I know you’re surrounded by flowers all day,” he said apologetically.

  “Oh, honey, when they’re from you, it’s different.” Her voice almost purred.

  “I have something to tell you,” they said in unison, amused with their joint timing.

  “You first.” Stefan could tell she was almost bursting with joy that oddly he didn’t find contagious. He wasn’t sure why but he got this peculiar feeling in the pit of his stomach – very unusual for his immortal state.

  The happier she beamed, the worse he felt although he tried to keep up a good appearance. Whatever she was excited about, he was sure it couldn’t spoil his news.

  “Stefan, this is life changing,” she started out saying.

  Life changing? She didn’t begin to know the meaning thought Stefan. Mild nausea pelted his midsection. He was never ill and wondered what all of this meant.

  From behind her back, Charlotte held out her hand and waved a pregnancy strip device, highlighting the tiny blue dot. “We’re pregnant!”

  Stefan didn’t know what a pregnancy strip was or what the color meant but she didn’t have to add the we’re pregnant words because his gut instinct was already astir that the circumstances were out of whack.

  “Aren’t you happy?” She reveled in the moment.

  “I don’t know what to say.” He stammered to make a sentence. It was the best he could do not to excuse himself and go throw up. “I’m overwhelmed with emotion.”

  She hugged him tightly. “Me, too. Let me show you the baby booties I bought. One pink. One blue.”

  * ~ *

  Later, secluded in his chamber bed, Stefan moaned in misery. What an evening. When they had converted the hallway closet to accommodate Stefan’s special sleeping chambers, they hadn’t included extra insulation since the house was relatively quiet with Charlotte gone most of the day. Now he wished they had spent more for the added padding. He wanted to scream. How could she, he thought. Had she never heard of birth control? He never asked because as far as he knew, every woman he’d ever been with had. Charlotte, however, had abstained from sex until she married because she wanted to wait for her husband. He had loved that he was the only one but now that held little consolation for him.

  “A baby,” he sighed. “Good thing I sleep during the day. Wait a minute. How will I sleep with a crying baby?” Stefan continued to commiserate.

  He had entertained fathering children – perhaps in another century. Marriage was a huge step for him as it was and now a baby! He would have preferred to wait a decade or two.

  He wondered if Charlotte would be wearing those fat clothes for pregnant women when he awoke and was relieved that he had another errand to the hardware store. Random thoughts of frustration circled his mind as he tucked his favorite throw underneath his arm. “What was it that she wanted me to get at the store tonight?” he asked.

  * ~ *

  Later in the day, Charlotte drove to her father’s home prepared to deliver unanticipated news – again. This time she went alone. Since the wedding, her dad and Stefan hadn’t exactly bonded. Mostly because Stefan’s off hours were ever
yone else’s sleeping hours but also because she knew that her dad didn’t approve even though he attempted to be open minded.

  June brought out a pitcher of sweet tea to the screened porch where the afternoon sun toasted the wooden plank floors and a sparse breeze threaded through the large oak tree that dominated the Stephens’ backyard.

  Charles sold medical supplies from his home office so his work hours were flexible and the late afternoon break welcomed.

  Charlotte, on the other hand, had left Tammy speechless with her news and in charge of the shop while she went to tell her dad. She now felt like she’d made a trip to the principal’s office as she waited for him outside on the less than comfortable wicker chair.

  “How’s my baby girl?” Charles asked as he bent down to kiss her.

  Speaking of babies, Dad, you’re going to be a grandfather! It sounded clever but also reminiscent of the husband news.

  “I’m fine, Daddy.” So much for clever.

  “Charlotte, you look much better than when I saw you yesterday. Get some good rest?” June asked.

  Ah, hah, Charlotte thought. June had provided a much better transition.

  “Actually, I did get better rest knowing what’s been wrong.” She proceeded cautiously with her choice of words.

  Charles gave her a deep frown. “Wrong? What’s wrong Charlotte?”

  “Well, nothing now, Daddy,” she answered. “Or before. I mean there’s nothing wrong with having a baby right?” She supplemented the newsflash with a timid smile.

  Charles and June remained deadpan. The seconds seemed to tick like minutes.

  “Well?” Charlotte asked.

  Naturally June was first to respond. She reached over to give Charlotte an affectionate hug.

  “You’ll be a wonderful mother,” June said.

  “What do you think Daddy? You think Stefan will be a good dad?”

  “I’m still trying to figure out if he’s going to be a good husband,” Charles grumbled to himself.

  When Charles glanced in her direction, he saw Charlotte’s plea for approval. His heart felt like it was balancing dumbbell weights. What positive thing could he possibly say? Then it came to him.