The Travelers- Samuel

by Gerald Lopez

  Rory could only watch as the creature, formerly his son, fought like a maniac against Samuel. Both men charged each other like bulls. Rory looked closely at Samuel and noticed an intelligence along with the intensity behind Samuel’s green eyes. William’s eyes were vacant and hollow. Seeing that left no doubt in his mind his son, as he once knew him, no longer existed in any real sense of the word. William made a surprise move and kicked Samuel sending him flying back.

  Rory gasped as William turned his way. William then turned and looked at the children. “No!” Rory shouted.

  Celia ran toward William. Before she could reach him Samuel, who’d gotten back up, grabbed William around the waist. He pulled him near enough so he could bite his neck and tear its flesh away. William struggled but Gerard had finished off the vampire he’d been fighting and now helped Samuel. Both men bit at William’s flesh and blood spurted everywhere.

  While Rory watched and Celia stood guard, Deegan, Monty, and two other vampires entered the room. Rory didn’t recognize the two newcomers but they were all draining William of his blood.

  “He’s subdued enough to move now,” Rafael said.

  “I don’t want us to be taken by surprise,” Samuel said. “Deegan, you, Celia, and Monty stay here along with Gerard. The rest of us will take William to the bunker.”

  Samuel glanced at Rory as he and the others took William’s body out of the room.

  “Is it over?” Rory said.

  “I think so,” Gerard said, but we can’t let our guard down just yet. “Those wee babes are still sleeping. I’m getting better working my suggestions on people.”

  “You are indeed,” Celia said. “I’m glad the kids didn’t have to witness any of this.”

  “Why didn’t they just kill William right here?” Rory said. “Or is he dead? I thought I saw him stirring still.”

  “He’s not dead,” Monty said. “Samuel wants a chance to question him. You wouldn’t be thinking of doing anything heroic and trying to free your son, I hope.”

  “That creature isn’t my son anymore,” Rory said.

  “We can read thoughts a bit,” Gerard said. “Monty knew you wouldn’t try that. He just wanted to hear what you’d say.”

  “Excuse me, I feel a couple of weak stragglers left behind in the front yard,” Deegan said then left.

  “Draining William of blood weakened him enough that he could be subdued but not killed,” Gerard said. “He’s burning out fast though. There’s no way he would last another couple of weeks even if he hadn’t come here.”

  Deegan walked back into the bedroom. That’s when Rory noticed that all of them including himself were covered in blood that had splattered from the bodies.

  “Have no fear,” Deegan said. “We have special vampire cleaners we call to deal with this mess. Lord knows I’m not cleaning it up.”

  A few hours later, they were given the all clear sign. While the cleaners tended to the inside of the house, Gerard turned on the sprinklers outside. The men stripped down and used the sprinklers to clean the blood off their bodies. Samuel wasn’t among them, having chosen to stay at the bunker with William. Celia wanted more privacy so she used the hose on the side of the house to wash off. Gerard formally introduced Rory to Rafael and Roget whom he found very attractive and fit. Everyone except Deegan and Gerard left soon after that. Nothing and no one had prepared Rory for what he’d see when they walked back into Gerard’s house.

  Chapter 20

  All as it Was

  THE PASTELS OF THE furniture in the living room were as spotless as ever. No blood splatters could be seen anywhere. The room even smelled clean.

  “Amazing,” Rory said, in awe.

  “They’re good at what they do,” Deegan said. “It helps that vampires are fast. And their heightened senses can smell the tiniest blob of blood, so they can clean it up.”

  “You keeping saying ‘they’,” Rory said. “Aren’t you a vampire with heightened senses too.”

  “Yeah,” Deegan said. “But no way in hell am I a maid.” He laughed loudly. “I hate feeling like this.”

  “Like what?” Rory said while holding the twins.

  “It’s sort of like I still have a rush on from the fighting which makes me horny, but then I’m also completely exhausted which means I’m not in the mood to do anything about the horniness.”

  “I hear ya, babe,” Gerard said. “Let’s the three of us put these kids back in their beds and hit the sack.” He looked down at Aileen, who he held in the crook of his left arm. “I am getting good. This one’s such a little sweetheart it makes me feel like going out and finding a homeless needy one of my own.”

  “Not unless you want to be the one changing diapers,” Deegan said.

  “I can handle that,” Gerard said. “It might be about time for me to start a family with someone I love.”

  “Don’t think I can’t see what you’re doing there,” Deegan said. “I love you too and I’m not opposed to the idea. But, let’s talk about it in the morning.”

  “That’s not a bad idea,” Gerard said.

  The master bedroom looked as it had before the fighting… even neater and cleaner. They put the twins to bed in the crib, that had been moved in from the guest room. Several comforters were arranged on the floor for Aileen, with a pillow for her head and a sheet to cover her.

  “Is that comfortable enough for Aileen, down there?” Deegan said.

  “Oh yeah,” Gerard said. “There are three comforters folded in half under her and she’s safer there—she won’t roll off the bed or be squished by one of us.”

  “You do sound like an expert family man,” Deegan said.

  Rory smiled as he got comfortable between the two men in bed. He thought about asking a question but fell asleep instead.

  THE NEXT DAY Rory barely had time with the kids before being summoned to Samuel’s cottage. Gerard had lent him a tank top to wear, but Rory still wore his brown shorts which had been washed by the cleaning crew. Before heading to Samuel’s cottage, Rory stopped by his car, removed the flip-flops he kept in the back and switched his deck shoes for them. He then put his deck shoes in the car and looked at Gerard’s house.

  “Stay safe kids,” Rory said. He had no worry at all that they’d be well looked after.

  The day was perfect for a walk. Rory felt so at peace that he thought Gerard must’ve given him some suggestion to relax. But Gerard swore he hadn’t and Deegan had concerns Rory might be in shock. But Rory felt he’d achieved some level of acceptance about all that had happened. He knew people thought he’d gotten to that level quickly, but he had to. Right now he couldn’t afford to mourn for his son or allow himself to be bewildered or confused. Not when he’d just moved from being grandfather to father of twins and a two-year-old. They needed him with his full wits about him. As he walked through the gate leading to the cottage, Rory felt instantly at home with no cares in the world. The Brennan homestead always moved him that way when he visited the property. Maybe I am feeling a bit crazy, he thought. After slipping out of his flip-flops he picked them up and let his toes feel the lush soft grass in the front yard of the cottage. He left caution to the wind and ran to the porch of Samuel’s house.

  Samuel had to laugh at the sight of Rory running up to the house with a smile on his face. The man looked absolutely carefree and sooo handsome. Samuel hadn’t noticed that before. He even had the family’s shimmering green eyes. Not the black hair though. That didn’t bother Samuel in the slightest because he liked the man’s silver hair better. It had no hints of gray at all just a white that was more silver than platinum. The short hair accentuated his strong cheekbones and jawline. He had freckles by his nose that made Samuel want to nibble at it. Get a grip, Sam, he thought. But that proved difficult to do when he saw Rory hop up the stairs barefoot.

  “Hi!” Rory said with a smile and a wave of his hand. He even chuckled.

  Samuel felt certain areas of his body reacting to the man who had to be in his late for
ties—an age he’d always found attractive. Plus his scent intoxicated him. It wasn’t often he indulged himself, but this was one of those moments. Rory’s underwear had a masculine aroma only two days of wearing them could produce. It enticed Samuel without being repugnant.

  “Your clothes will need washing soon,” Samuel said.

  “Gerard lent me his tank top, but his undies were too small for me. I’m sorry if I stink. I know you have heightened senses and all.”

  Rory’s mention of the tank top turned Samuel’s attention to Rory’s upper body. He was slim, another family trait, as they didn’t tend to bulk up much. His arms were slightly muscled with veins that showed Rory must work out with weights. Samuel couldn’t help but lick his lips when he noticed Rory’s nipples were erect under the tank top.

  “I can never resist running barefoot through the grass when I return home after a trip away,” Samuel said.

  Amadeus, who’d been by Samuel’s side, walked up to Rory and sniffed his feet causing Rory to giggle.

  “Hello there,”Rory said then hunched down and held his hand out for Amadeus to sniff. Once he’d been approved and accepted, Rory petted him, then looked at Samuel. “What’s his name?”

  “Amadeus. He’s been with me since before the war between the states—I mean the Civil War.’

  “There really wasn’t much civil about it though, huh?” Rory said, shocking himself.

  Samuel giggled. “I’m not sure why we’re both acting like this, Rory. I’m Samuel by the way.”

  “I know,” Rory said, then stood tall and shook Samuel’s hand

  His grip is so strong and hot, Samuel thought.

  They were holding hands silently and neither man seemed anxious to let go of the other. Samuel opened his mouth to speak but said nothing. Rory did the same but with a similar result. Amadeus broke the silence with a bark. Rory laughed and tried to pull his hand away but Samuel only gripped it tighter.

  ‘Is Amadeus a vampire dog?” Rory said and chuckled.

  “That’s exactly what he is,” Samuel said. “You are so full of unbridled joy and love right now, Rory. I’m not entirely sure what to think.”

  Rory looked down bashfully. “Umm, well this is sort of embarrassing, Samuel. I’m actually more than a bit starstruck right now. Considering everything that’s happened it’s highly inappropriate for me to feel this way.”

  “And yet you do,” Samuel said feeling himself smile as broadly as he could. “This feels incredible… almost like—never mind.” He let go of Rory’s hand and was instantly sorry he had. He already missed the way it felt in his. “This is insane. Rory, I guess I’m a very distant uncle of yours.”

  “I know that,” Rory said. “I’ve known that since I first saw your picture.”

  “I am completely lost right now,” Samuel said. “That doesn’t happen to me often.” He chuckled. “For some reason I don’t think I mind being lost… with you… here… at this point in time. And I’m pretty sure you’re not acting this way because you’re in shock over everything.”

  “I’m not,” Rory said. “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life.” He swayed on his feet involuntarily.

  Samuel found it increasingly difficult to deal with the feelings that were creeping up inside him. The way Rory swayed and acted shy and bashful drove him crazy. He found it irresistibly adorable. I’m calling a fortysomething year old man adorable, Samuel thought. I want to kiss him so badly I can barely stand it. Then he realized Rory had been talking the whole time but he’d only made out one word—‘love’.

  “Yes, yes, I do too,” Samuel said as he gripped a column holding up the porch roof and leaned in close to Rory who smiled.

  “I said I’d love to see the inside of your home. I’ve been on the property before. Just to see where our family lived during, before, and after the civil War. But I never dared to sneak into the house.”

  “That’s fine. I’d be more than happy to give you a tour of my room… I mean my house. I… I always tend to think of this as my parents’ house so that’s why I said I’d show you my room.”

  “Yeah,” Rory said. “I wouldn’t mind seeing your room too.” He wiped tears from his eyes with the back of his hand. “I’m so, so sorry. You just… you really, really, and truly have no idea what meeting you means to me. No idea at all.”

  More than anything Samuel wanted to hold Rory in his arms but he knew he wouldn’t be able to resist kissing him. And one of them had to regain control of the situation.

  “Rory, you can think of me as a friend.”

  “I know that,” Rory said. “I think I’ve always thought of you as my friend.” He chuckled. “Samuel, I swear I’m not crazy. But, you’re the answer to a boy’s questions and prayers.”

  Chapter 21

  Lonely Boy

  “HOW AM I THE ANSWER to a boy’s prayer?” Samuel said. “And which boy?”

  Rory burst into tears. Samuel took the flip-flops from Rory’s hands and laid them on the porch. He took off his own slippers and left them next to the flip-flops. Then barefoot, he took Rory’s hand in his and led him to the porch swing. As they rocked, Samuel combed his hand through Rory’s soft hair.

  “I was that boy,” Rory said and started crying anew.

  “This isn’t about William, is it?” Samuel said, sensing something else inside Rory. “It’s about what you went through as a boy.”

  Rory shook his head in agreement then tried to curl up close to Samuel who held him with both arms. Samuel thought it best to let Rory cry a while then heard him take several deep breaths and compose himself.

  After he wiped his face with his hands, Rory looked up at Samuel. He stroked his handsome face then pulled himself away and sat with his back straight.

  “I haven’t had many friends in my life and even fewer lovers,” Rory said. “This isn’t self-pity I’m feeling right now. It’s absolute joy with just a tinge of leftover grief.”

  “Tell me about it,” Samuel said.

  “Can’t you pick most of this up with your vampire senses.” He chuckled.

  “It’s all overwhelming me,” Samuel said.

  “Is that bad?”

  “No, funnily enough I don’t think that it is. But, I don’t understand all of what you’re feeling.”

  “Do I have time to explain?”

  “We’ll make the time. Go ahead.”

  Rory smiled and looked down at his feet. “As a kid I was a loner. A lot of times by choice. The things I enjoyed doing were more solitary in nature. I liked to read and collect stamps. Then I started working on genealogy. My parents were never very forthcoming about things, especially my dad. He’s how you and I are related. Dad could often be distant. Even when he tried to be there for me he didn’t know how. His world involved sports and hanging out with his buds. That just wasn’t me.”

  “My brother didn’t do very well at the whole communication thing either,” Samuel said. “He got better at it right before he died.”

  “You didn’t make him a vampire?”

  “No. I offered but he refused. It’s a long story. Maybe one day we can discuss it. Right now I’m more anxious to hear about your life.”

  “As I said, I started researching my family history and one name kept appearing over and over… your name Samuel Colin Brennan. You and my son share a middle name. I asked my mom why I kept seeing the same name time and time again.”

  “And let me guess,” Samuel said. “Your mom said it had been handed down through the years. The firstborn son always carried the name Samuel Colin Brennan.” He’d said his name in a joking manner and smiled.

  “That’s exactly what my mother had said. But even then I thought it sure would be funny if all the Samuel’s were really the same guy.”

  “That’s a pretty wild thought for a kid. How old were you at the time?”

  “Ten going on eleven,” Rory said. “I started looking for photographs of you, everywhere. The Internet wasn’t an option to use back then—you can find
everything online now. I used to search thrift shops, flea markets, and antique shows. My dad went with me as a father, son outing. Those were our few fun times together.”

  “Did he know what you were looking for?”

  “He did. I searched for all the Samuels to put in my photo albums. It was difficult and a lot of hard work, but I found pictures of you—lots of them. The first one I found is still one of my favorites. It’s of you in your Civil War uniform.”

  “Wow,” Samuel said. “I know the picture you mean. They took that picture at the start of the war. I was twenty-one when the war ended and twenty-two when they turned me into a vampire.”

  “It was a good age for you to be turned,” Rory said. “My other favorite picture of you is one taken in the sixties.”

  “How did you find one from the sixties?”

  “I helped this old soldier in town clear out his garage and found a photo album of his. When I looked through it I spotted your picture. It only took me a second to recognize you and I asked the soldier about the picture. He told me it was his old friend Samuel Brennan. The two of you were naked in a park with other men who were also naked.”

  “I didn’t agree with the flower children,” Samuel said. “There are things worth fighting for in this world. But I did like their thinking on freeing the body and letting it all hang out. You didn’t steal the photo, did you?”

  “No, but I told Mr. Mack, the soldier, that you were a distant relative of mine and I sure would love to have the picture. He gladly gave it to me.”

  “Corrupting a minor… shame on him,” Samuel said and grinned. “How old were you at the time?”

  “Old enough to appreciate what I’d found,” Rory said. “I—you can tune into my thoughts, right.”

  “Yeah. Even more than I can with most people because we’re related.”

  “Then log into my thoughts and follow along,” Rory said. He thought back to the first time he’d masturbated. His parents were out and he’d locked the door to his bedroom. After getting his photo album, Rory took off all his clothes and lay in bed naked.