Sanctuary's Fiend

by Andrew Lynch

  He laughed. “I’ve got food to talk about now, so no problem. What do you feel like having?”

  As we stopped in front of the refrigerator, I waved my hand casually as if I didn’t care. But I did. I was incredibly hungry, and a very picky eater, too. “Oh, whatever you’ve got.”

  He held his hands out as if to stop me. “Hold your horses, partner–”

  “We also don’t call each other partner.”

  “Oh… right, well, hold your horses, gal. You can’t just give me free rein over your food like that. It’s dangerous. I may take advantage of it.”

  “Honestly, I’m so hungry right now, you can definitely take advantage of me.”

  Wait, what did I just say?

  “Right.” His voice broke as he said it.

  He cleared his throat. “Right.” Deeper now. “How about a sandwich?”

  I walked round the center counter, leaning into the corner opposite him. “What have you got?”

  He opened the refrigerator, his back to me, and started poking around. “Have you heard of marmite?”

  “No. What is it?”

  He began explaining what sounded like a failed science project as he continued poking around in the refrigerator.

  As I looked at his back I could feel myself getting more hungry. Hell, at this point, I’d eat the failed science project if it would fill me up.

  He may not have been wearing the skin-tight t-shirt that Johnny had, but looking at his back, I found myself yearning to touch him. It wasn’t an obvious thing he had. I couldn’t really put my finger on it. I just liked him. I could talk to him. Even when I was feeling really embarrassed. Somehow the words just came out, and the next thing I knew I was laughing.

  But wow, was I feeling light headed now! “Blood sugar getting low over here. Anything will do.”

  He stopped rummaging and pulled something out. Then he turned to the center counter, facing me now, and started assembling a sandwich.

  Okay, this was a much better view. He didn’t have the hard, sinewy muscles of Johnny. He wasn’t quite as fit, but still strong. For a moment I pictured myself in his arms. Mmm.

  “Pardon?” he asked.

  Oh jeez. Had I just moaned out loud? “Nothing. Just a bit dizzy.”

  He kept assembling a concoction involving bread and black filling. Talking all the time, something about still waiting for the rest of their belongings to arrive from England, and how much better the weather was in Sanctuary – but I couldn’t seem to concentrate. Every now and again he’d stop and chuckle to himself. What a goof.

  Just him and me, enjoying ourselves in his kitchen. Him enjoying making a sandwich - very slowly. Me… almost fainting in the corner.

  “Mind if I get some water?”

  “Sure, the tap’s just there.” He pointed to the basin. I wasn’t that light headed!

  “There’s another lesson. It’s a faucet.” I poured myself a glass and drank. I downed the entire glass in a single gulp. Suddenly my hunger was almost gone. Instead, I was so thirsty. I poured myself a second glass. Then a third.

  “Uhh, are you okay, Reliquiae?”

  “Yeah, fine.” I was not fine. “Just a bit thirsty. How’s that sandwich coming? And it’s just Rel.”

  “Almost there.”

  I determined to not drink any more water. A fourth glass would be weird. I turned back to him, still leaning against the counter.

  Oh, he looked great. And now, he was all mine for the night. No stupid cheerleaders to draw his eye. He looked so tasty.

  Wait, tasty? That was a weird thing to call him. The dizziness must have gone to my head. I think that’s where dizziness started, anyway.

  Oh, why hadn’t I had anything to eat back at my house. This was just embarrassing. If I actually passed out, I bet I’d be the laughing stock of the school by next week.

  My head started to pound. My mouth was dry. Seriously, had I been sucking on a sponge before I got here? I realized that my head was pounding but… my heart was pounding out of sync.

  My eyes snapped up, and locked on Rick’s neck. As if I was wearing binoculars my vision zoomed tightly to focus on just that sweet neck of his. So thick and strong. I found my dizziness gone. I walked slowly around the center counter towards him. The whole time I could hear my head pounding. No, his heart beating.

  I was right next to him, and he hadn’t even looked up. He’d barely even moved. In fact, he was moving in slow motion. That was very weird.

  I leaned into him from behind. I breathed his scent. He’d hidden it under some cologne, but I could smell him. A strong, musky oak, with a hint of sweetness at the end. He was just tall enough that I couldn’t reach his neck from behind. I reached up slowly to touch it. Just to feel it. I wanted to feel him pulse beneath my fingers. That was all. Just to feel him.

  And then time began again.

  He spun around. “Woah! Sorry, I didn’t even see you there. Here. Marmite sandwich!” He literally jammed the bread into my mouth, which was already hanging open.

  I bit down without even thinking about it, and… I gagged.

  “Yes. It does that if you’re not expecting it. Just give it a chance.” I was about to slap him, because whatever that was, it was an assault on me in some way. But he added. “For me?”

  Damn it. He gave me those puppy-dog eyes as well. He was excited and wanted me to like it. I put it back to my mouth. I sniffed it. It didn’t smell bad. I took another bite.

  “This tastes like salt and ground up mushrooms mixed with dirt.”

  “That’s about right, sure. It’s great stuff.”

  I put the sandwich back on the plate. “At least I know I don’t like whatever that is.”

  “Sorry. I’ll make you something else.”

  I no longer felt dizzy, and my feeling of hunger was barely noticeable. What on earth had happened there? Was that… Did I just… I buried my head in my hands.

  “Are you okay, Rel?”

  “Yeah. I’m fine. Just the light headedness going, is all.” I looked up and forced a smile. What was wrong with me? Was this vampire stuff? My parents would know. Yes, get through tonight, and ask my parents. “Let’s study.”

  “Okay, sure.”

  We walked back to the living room and I sat down on the couch.

  I pulled a book out of my backpack. I might be a wreck now, but I hadn’t been before, and I had prepared.

  “So, what are you going to teach me?” he asked, sitting down next to me. I was still feeling a bit weird, but even so I could tell he sat closer to me than he needed to. Or was this just normal in England? I looked at him, but he was looking straight ahead. I put the book on the table but all I could feel was his thigh against my own.

  “I got into the American football team. Did you hear?”

  That broke the spell I’d been under. I giggled. Again. “It’s just football here.”

  “Right. Sorry. A bit redundant, I suppose.”

  “But yeah, I heard. Are you enjoying it?”

  “I haven’t been to any practices yet, so I can’t say. I like sport, but I don’t know if this is for me. America does sports very differently to England. Much more… organized.”

  “Oh. Well, I’m sure you’ll be happy about being surrounded by cheerleaders?” I asked, my stomach clenching at the thought.

  “Umm, yes. Yes, they’re an interesting bunch. It was… I forgot her name…”

  “Sasha?”

  “Yes, Sasha. She stalked up to me in the middle of lunch with an entourage, and was the one who informed me I was on the team.”

  Oh that… acting like she didn’t want him on the team in our meeting. Did she want him for herself? Oh great, the most beautiful and popular girl in school had her eye on my crush. But I had to play it cool.

  “Oh? She’s nice, isn’t she?”

  “Oh yes! Very nice. Right after she told me I’d made the team, she told me that she would take me out and show me the best local burger bar.”

  Oh.
My. God.

  “That sounds… nice,” I squeaked.

  “Yes, definitely. I still haven’t been to one in the month since we arrived.”

  If he was going on a date with Sasha, why was he flirting with me? Why was he sitting so close? No. He hadn’t been flirting. Stupid, stupid, thinking he was coming on to me. This was just a study session to him. He didn’t even see me as a girl. How could he, compared to Sasha.

  “It sounds like she’ll be teaching you all you need to know about America.” I muttered under my breath, “‘And girls.”

  “Pardon?”

  Oh God, he’d heard. “And pearls,” I said. “Sanctuary used to have a big oyster trade.”

  “I never knew that.” No, because I lied. “I hope she teaches me all about that then. But to be fair, you’ve done a great job so far, Rel. It’s all of these small, subtle things. And at least I can stop saying howdy now.” He grinned at me.

  I wanted to chuckle, but I couldn’t find it in me. The thought of him and Sasha on a date stayed firm in my mind. And if not Sasha, then any other cheerleader. I couldn’t bring myself to say anything without betraying myself, so I patted him on the leg instead.

  Oh my God I touched his leg. I hadn’t even meant to. I’d have done it with a close friend, maybe. In the instant before he could react, I imagined him jumping up, shouting at me to get out.

  He looked at me and smiled. I didn’t know you could smile Britishly.

  “You have really dark eyes, you know?” he said.

  “You have really smooth pants.” Jeez, what did I just say?

  “Thank you. Umm, my father picked them out for me.”

  “Your dad dresses you?” Rel, stop talking!

  His face flushed. “No, I didn’t mean that. Just… okay, what I was about to say doesn’t sound any better. But, he just knows clothes. An age thing, I guess.”

  I kept my arms tucked into my lap now. No more mistakes, Rel! “If you ever need help, I could dress you.” Oh come on…

  His face flushed even further and he looked away from me to the ground. He cleared his throat before speaking. “I actually didn’t even want to join the football team, you know? I was just trying to fit in. I like sport, and that seems to be what everyone does.”

  Through my immense embarrassment, I managed to motion him to continue. As he spoke, I found I couldn’t pay attention. I was looking at his cheek. He was facing straight forward, still looking at the ground. He was telling me something I felt he hadn’t told anyone else, yet all I could focus on was his cheek. And his thigh touching mine. It was happening again. Time was slowing down, and I couldn’t look away from the blood that had rushed into his cheeks. It was so obvious. So unrestrained. So tempting. Even if I hadn’t been able to hear his heart pumping blood, I’d have felt it through his thigh. Our bodies were in sync.

  I wanted him.

  I leaned into his shoulder. I got closer to the thumping beat I wanted to taste. My eyes were still locked on his rosy red cheeks. His blood red cheeks.

  Then I smelled him. I smelled his neck. I saw his pale neck vibrate with every pump of his heart. I grabbed his shoulders and pulled him back so I could taste him. He was still unmoving, his mouth open in the middle of talking.

  I didn’t know why, but some instinct told me to lick his jugular. Some weird instinct. I knew what to do. I knew what needed to happen. As I did, I felt my tongue rub against my own teeth. I had fangs. His fragile little neck beat against my tongue.

  Fangs? Vampire instincts? Someone bigger than me being so easy to move? Time wasn’t slow. I was fast. What was I doing?!

  Time sped up again.

  Rick was thrown back into the couch. An action that had been so slow and easy for me.

  “Woah! What was that? Did you push me…?” He looked shocked.

  I stood up and ran for the door.

  “Rel? Where are you go–”

  I was out of the house. Tears streaked down my cheeks.

  I ran.

  Chapter 6

  Mr. Anderton

  ‘Got it!’ I shouted to Richard.

  When I turned around he was right behind me.

  ‘Got what?’

  I showed him the picture I’d located in one of the moving boxes.

  ‘Who’s that?’

  ‘I’m not sure. Just some old lady. But she looks vaguely regal.’

  ‘Fine. All right. Anyway, which one should I wear?’ he asked, holding out two different ties.

  ‘Honestly? No tie.’

  ‘But… I want to make a good impression.’

  The eternal question a father faces. Should I tease him about his obvious crush or not.

  ‘Trust me, Richard. No tie.’ No teasing today. I let him off easy. He was already dressed up more than usual. He must be nervous.

  He ran back up the stairs. I hung the picture on the wall to make sure Reliquiae saw it. Some would call this childish or a waste of time. I’d agree, but that wouldn’t stop me. I’m late-thirties, not dead.

  Still, couldn’t have a dirty house with a guest coming round. Even if she was a sixteen year old girl. Did they care about cleanliness? I had no idea. I took the rubbish out of the bin and headed for the door.

  Richard was standing in the reception hall looking gormless. Poor chap. ‘Go and sit down. You don’t want to seem too eager.’

  He made a face at me but walked into the living room anyway.

  I opened the door and…

  ‘Oh!’ I shouted, putting a hand to my chest. She had scared me half to death. Why was she just standing on the porch? ‘My, Reliquiae, you gave me a shock.’

  I felt uneasy. It had been a very long time since someone had snuck up on me. How peculiar. Still, it was a reminder to try and keep myself sharp. Stop slacking. ‘Did we not hear you knock?’

  I looked around outside. Maybe she hadn’t snuck up on me and it was just my gut feeling telling me something wasn’t right.

  ‘No, sir. I...uhh, I just arrived.’

  Curious. Was she nervous? And Richard was too. I see.

  ‘Well, do go in. I was just marking your test, in fact. Richard’s in the living room. Not to worry, I’ll be out of your hair all night. A teacher’s work is never done!’

  ‘He prefers Rick.’

  ‘Pardon?’ He’d never asked me to call him Rick.

  ‘Nothing.’

  ‘Right. Well, enjoy.’

  I walked round to the bins and got rid of the rubbish bag. Yes, this would be a good thing for Richard. He’d need to learn to fit in here. I’d already told him that the American football team was a good idea. Americans loved their sports, after all. Show some team pride and he’d fit right in, I was sure. Then Reliquiae had offered to tutor him. I would have just turned her away, Richard doesn’t need help academically. But I had remembered that Richard had mentioned her more than anyone else. It could have just been coincidence, but I gave it a shot. If how awkward and nervous they were both acting was any indication, maybe I should change career and become a matchmaker.

  As I strolled back to the house, I could hear Richard groaning. Ahh, that was the ultimate approval any father looks for when he makes a joke. The flag and picture must have hit their mark.

  I chuckled to myself as I entered the front hall. ‘I’m sorry, Reliquiae, I simply couldn’t help myself.’

  ‘Okaaay. I’m really lost though.’

  I stopped my laughing and looked at Richard. He was trying to tell me off for embarrassing him. I supposed I shouldn’t take the joke any further. Time to confess.

  ‘Yes, sorry. I suppose the joke doesn’t translate well. I put up a picture of the Queen and our flag. Just teasing a bit. No offence was intended.’

  ‘Oh. I just assumed that was normal.’

  I shuffled awkwardly. Rick cleared his throat. Well, this had turned from an amusing and ironic joke into an awkward ignorance of state customs.

  ‘I’m afraid not. The British are rather more conservative about showing our…
umm, national pride.’

  ‘I see,’ she said. ‘I guess the tea selection is a joke too?’

  Tea selection? Had I put that out. I turned to the kitchen. Sure enough the tea rack was there. She had very sharp eyes. But tea was never a joke.

  ‘Not at all. That’s just our tea selection.’ Rick cleared his throat again, giving me a meaningful look. ‘Anyway, I’m off to mark more papers. Enjoy yourselves.’

  I walked upstairs. I took down the picture of the old lady, and pulled the Union Jack down.

  I entered my study, folded up the flag, and placed it on my desk. With nowhere better to put it, I put the old lady’s photo next to the flag. A bit odd having a random person staring back at you as you marked papers. It was a nice frame though, very sturdy, and sharp. I’d use it for something else.

  But right now, I had a cup of tea that was still steaming, waiting to help me get through grading these papers.

  Why on earth had I chosen to be a teacher again? So much homework. I could have been a plumber, or a carpenter. Lord knew I wasn’t teaching for the pay! Still, a teaching job gave you a sort of acceptance in the town, and an instant source of gossiping colleagues and kids to… interrogate about events.

  I sat down and stirred my tea, breathing in the steam. My guilty pleasure. This was my reserve stock I’d brought over from England. I didn’t tell Richard I had this. He wouldn’t approve at all. But this was the good stuff. And I took it with plenty of milk and sugar. To the point where it was barely tea at all. Oh yes, Richard would definitely not approve.

  Still, I was an adult. His adult, even. What he didn’t know, couldn’t hurt him. If only I’d been a bit wiser when he was younger, and known that then.

  Oh well. You can’t change the past. And it was all down to me now. I’d keep him safe. He could be a normal teenager here. Join sports teams. Date girls - or boys. No need to be reminded of the past for him. For me though...

  I rubbed my forehead. ‘Getting sentimental in your old age,’ I muttered to myself.

  I took a sip of the tea. Oh, I was a bad person. It just tasted like syrupy hot milk. This wasn’t even tea!

  ‘No. This is your fault, old friend,’ I said, looking at the tea. It was reminding me of the past. Maybe I’d have to kick the habit. Still, it wasn’t my worst one. Not by far.