Within the Cards

by Donna Altman

  “He never talks to anyone. There is something weird about that guy. He’s some kind of nerd. I can’t figure him out.” Michael laughed, but I knew the way he rambled on about Daught he was jealous of him. He and his friends snickered to each other.

  For some reason this was getting on my nerves and was making me angry. I don’t know why I felt the need to protect this vamp. Daught was getting under my skin, and I didn’t like it, but there was something vaguely familiar about him. This male was insulting him, and this female had the hots for him. Why was this bothering me?

  “Maybe he’s just shy.” I spoke. I directed my words to Trish, but I wanted Michael to understand I didn’t want to hear about him anymore. The group of males started to laugh. I felt the anger build inside of me. I should just kill them all. This world would be a better place if idiots like this didn’t exist.

  “Well I think he’s cute, and I’m going to talk to him tomorrow.” Trish spoke up. She looked at me again. I could tell she was trying to read my eyes, but she was a mere mortal that didn’t have a clue about immortal acts. She made me sick. I wouldn’t allow her to get near him right now. I was playing with him at the moment. Maybe when I am finished driving him further insane than he already was, I would let her near him. Of course, this would only be to see him suck the blood out of her pathetic human form.

  “Good luck. He doesn’t like your kind. You know female,” Michael spoke. His smirks were beginning to piss me off. I was over his adolescent, want-to-be tough guy routine, but what more could I expect. These human males started laughing and giving each other high fives. The next thing I knew they would be patting each other on the butt. Oh my god, I actually felt sick.

  “Eleanor would you like to come over and sit with me and the other girls from the class. These shallow minded guys are not worth talking too,” She added. She grabbed my arm, which I didn’t like, and I pulled away from her. I looked in Michael’s direction and realized he hadn’t gotten the hint that I was interested in spending time alone with him. He was too good-looking of a man to be so stupid. I thought the vamp was slow, but now I saw the true meaning of mentally challenged.

  This was not my intention of the night, but I could go and see what she knew about the vamp. I had to find out what he was up too. I had plenty of time to kill this rodent. I agreed and followed her over to the table where she and the other human females were sitting. Michael looked in my direction and waved good-bye. I could not believe the rat didn’t take the hint I was giving him. I guess next time I would have to come right out and ask him if he was ready to have sex. What else could I do, but put it in ordinary terms for him to understand? He must have been the one that was gay, or maybe he was just unpretentiously stupid. I practically threw myself at him, and he missed the entire connection. He and his jock friends seemed to talk more than they acted. Now to find out what these girls knew about this vamp.

  I sat at the table with Trish and her friends. Their names reminded me of a dreadful movie cast: Jen, Meg and Brit. Such meager names apparently their parents did not take much time to decide on what to call them. Their names were stupid momentary names that made them nothing more than prissy lilliputian girls that had no relevance. They should hope to married some rich male that would take care of them for the rest of their short existence. I did not need taken care of by a male. I walked this earth for hundreds of years without a male to take care of me. The thought of this made me laugh.

  I looked over in the direction of Michael. He and his friends looked at me with an almost audible giggle. I heard them talk about my body as if I were some piece of meat to maul over. These mere human males are ridiculous, small-minded creatures that had no backbone for a real woman. No wonder I enjoyed killing males so much. The fear in their little eyes once they realized I wasn't interested in having sex with them, but my interests were nothing more than to rip a hole in their neck and suck the fluid that made their hearts beat from their bodies. They wet their pants in fear when they saw my razor sharp fangs coming in the direction of their previously thick necks. These necks that swelled with the growth of an appendage that did me no good.

  My attention returned to the table where I sat with Trish and her friends. These females were talking simultaneously at one time. Their laughter and giggles were more than I could stand. I was almost ready to vomit. Their conversation was about some new movie that was coming out. I had no idea of what they were referring.

  “Eleanor, do you want to go see the new vampire movie with us?” Trish asked. She smiled with a perfect white grin plastered across her face. Her eyes looked at me as a puppy would look at his owner when he wanted to play.

  “What movie are you talking about?” I asked. I had no idea why they were so enthusiastic about a fictional movie.

  They looked at each other as if I had a third eye. They were in shock that I had no idea of this movie. Apparently, this movie was some tremendous thing that humans thought was the only interest in life.

  “It's only the best book series out right now.” Meg was matter-of-fact as she spoke. “And they’ve turned it into movies. The third one is out now.” She turned to look at the other three girls. They could not believe I had no idea about this movie of theirs.

  They began to tell me all about this movie. It was about a werewolf that was in love with a human female, but she was in love with the dark, mysterious vampire. I couldn’t believe the interest these humans had in this stupid movie. I mean seriously, why would any human female want to have sex with an icicle not mention want to wake up with fleas?

  “No I’m not interested in vampires or werewolves.” I replied looking away from the table where we sat. I searched the crowd to find a more interesting conversation. Maybe someone was contemplating suicide.

  The four females were silent. They sat with their mouths wide open, each one in shock looking at the other as if I ripped a hole in the neck of someone right in front of them.

  “What?” I asked as I gestured with my hands. I watched the four sets of eyes stared back at me. I began to wonder if I had my head on correctly or if I had a large clump of something in my teeth.

  “I have never talked to anyone that didn’t like these movies.” Trish exclaimed. She turned to look at the others for verification of her words.

  “Sorry, I don’t see the reality of a human falling in love with a vampire or a werewolf, or vice versa. I mean they are dark, cold creatures besides they don’t exist anyway.” I told them.

  “Well it’s just a movie. You don’t have to rationalize it.” Brit spoke. She got up flinging her hair over her shoulder and rolling her eyes. She walked to the nearby concession stand.

  “Eleanor, where do you know Daught from?” Meg asked as she rolled her eyes. She looked at Trish and smiled. This Trish was starting to irritate me. I don’t know why her interest in Daught was upsetting me. Maybe it was not her interest in him, but her voice that bothered me more than anything. I could tell the four females felt upset that I didn’t share their views of what would make an entertaining evening out. I am sure they wouldn’t think my ideal of a good time would be fun either. They shifted in their seats. I knew they weren’t going to change the subject.

  “I know him from a long time ago. He’s someone from my past.” I spoke. I didn’t lie. I have seen him somewhere in the past, but I couldn’t recall the time and place. Besides, I could tell my knowing Daught upset Trish so I let it work to my advantage.

  “So you two have a past together. Are you still involved with each other?” Brit asked as she looked at each of the others when she returned with a drink. I could see the deepness in Trish's swallow as she anticipated her fears of Daught's and my past would be true. I felt enlighten.

  “No, he is the past.” I spoke. I felt my body tense. I couldn’t stand the thought of a mere vampire touching me. I heard the thoughts of Trish during the conversation I engaged in with her friends.

  “This bitch thinks she can have every man in this school. She apparentl
y has slept with Daught at some time, and now she is trying to hit on Michael. What does she have that I don't? I am prettier than she is." Trish’s thoughts were forceful.

  I enjoyed the torment that was going through her thoughts. She was such an insecure human. I turned to look in the direction I last saw Michael, but he and his friends had left. Now I had missed my chance at getting him alone so I could show him who was going to hit whom.

  “If you're looking for Michael, I’m sure he and his friends went to the weight room. All they ever do is work out and shoot up steroids. Damn junkies, I’m shocked they didn’t ask you to go with them” Meg spoke while she laughed and moved the cups around on the table.

  “Excuse me, I don’t have to work out, and I don’t do drugs. That crap is for losers.” I replied. I felt the fumes rise from my head. My normally cold body temperature rose, as I tasted the venom that increased in my mouth. Why would she insinuate that I would be a drug addict? They were just jealous that my body was perfect. These little bitches were getting on my nerves. I don’t need anything to get high, but of course her blood with an adrenaline rush would make me feel high right now. Jen’s squeaky little voice interrupted my thoughts.

  “So would it bother you if Trish asked Daught out?” Jen asked. I rolled my eyes in the direction of Meg. She knew she had pissed me off. She looked over at some other students that were celebrating a high score on one of the machines these humans play.

  “No not at all.” I replied. The venom was still thick in my mouth. I couldn’t stop with that answer. I don’t know why I felt a repulsive feeling to keep Trish away from Daught, but I didn’t want her anywhere around him.

  “He's open to anyone, but I'm not sure you really want to be with him.” I stated looking in Trish’s direction. The four human females looked at me with question in their eyes. This was going to be fun.

  “Well he has this problem.’ I spoke and stopped. I knew I had their undivided attention.

  “What?” Trish asked.

  I looked in all directions. I then looked again on both sides of myself and pretended to see if anyone over heard me. I leaned in close to the four insecure humans. They listened to my every word, ready for any bit of gossip I could tell them. Poor Daught laid in his dorm minding his own business, but he was the topic of our conversation and my insults. I did wish he would walk in right now so I could enjoy seeing the look on his little vamp face. His face would have the expression of terror if he saw us right now.

  “Well, he has an odor problem.” I spoke. I smiled to myself and felt pride in tearing him apart.

  Trish looked at me in wonder. She looked in the direction of the other girls and then in my direction again.

  “What do you mean, like he doesn’t wear deodorant or something?” She asked. I smiled because I knew that I made her think again about trying to talk to him. Why was I doing this? I couldn’t believe I was trying to keep her away from him. After all, he would just kill her and suck her blood. This would take care of her so I could spend my time slowly killing the rat named Michael.

  “Well something like that, it’s more than a body odor or being unclean. It’s more of a scent that you can’t get rid of.” I replied. Again, I felt the pride rise in my body.

  Trish looked at the others. I saw the bewilderment in her mind. She saw him as the gorgeous male that held her interest, and now she wondered if he took a shower or just plain stunk. Trish was thinking twice about her interest in him. Now that I ruined her fantasy, I decided to make my exit.

  “Well girls it’s been nice chatting with you. I’m glad I got the chance to meet you, but I have a big day tomorrow. I must get some sleep.” I stated. I got up to leave, and as I walked away, I could hear their whispers about Daught and his odor problem. One of the girls insinuated I just didn’t want Trish around Daught. What was wrong with these girls? I was a witchyre, and he was a mere hybrid. I was better than his kind would ever hope to be. I walked out of the door of this place called ‘The Union’. I was proud of what I had accomplished even though I didn’t get to kill the rat tonight.

  What was wrong with me? They were right I didn’t want Trish near Daught. I couldn’t believe what was happening to me. I went to entice a male out so I could feed on him, and now I was leaving without a meal and delighted that I had ruined the intentions of this girl called Trish. I didn’t want her anywhere around Daught. Hmmm, she would be in class in the morning. I think I will sit next to him. That would make her jealous and drive him crazy at the same time.

  Once I was outside, I looked around to see if anyone was looking. As soon as there were no humans around I snapped my fingers, and I was back at my dorm. Yes dear Daught, I will sit next to you in the morning and drive you crazy. I hoped I could stand his smell, but after all, he did smell somewhat sweet. I had missed the chance to feed tonight, but I found out some fascinating things that involve Daught. This Trish was such a pathetic little mouse. She could never compete with me.

  Daught was driving me crazy, as well. I didn’t understand the pull he had over me. I had never felt these feelings before. I knew why I wanted to kill this worm named Michael, but I didn’t understand the feelings of rage I had for this mortal girl named Trish. I just knew I didn’t want her anywhere around Daught other than to watch him kill her. Maybe being insane was contagious. He had infected me with his mental illness. I knew I had to go see my sister Dee soon. I had to find out if he put some kind of spell on me, or if his insanity was contagious. Oh my god, I hate that sick vamp. I think.

  Chapter Ten

  SAVING ELLIE FROM HERSELF

  After finding out Ellie had gone out last night, I knew I had to watch her closer now. I had to protect her against her own urges to kill this girl named Trish. If Ellie’s memory ever did return, she wouldn’t be capable of living with herself if I allowed her to kill this girl just because she irritated her. I wouldn’t be able to stand myself if I stood by and let her do this heinous act to an innocent person.

  I had to find out where this Trish lived because I knew Ellie would entice her into a fictitious friendship. She would then kill her when she had the opportunity. I went to the registration office and walked up to the admission's desk hoping to catch no one at the long partition that separated the make shift waiting area from the office area. I hoped I could quickly scan through the files, get what I was looking for, and leave before anyone could catch me in the act of stealing this girl’s address. I looked up only to see what I hoped wouldn’t be there, the receptionist.

  Standing behind the partial makeshift wall was a bleached blonde woman in her mid-twenties with hair as high as her head was long. She had large, bright red lips. They were a perfect accent to the rest of the contrasting makeup that covered the features of her face. This face, if accented in the right way could be immensely attractive. She had no confidence in herself as she looked up at me. I could tell she was a shy person just as I tried to appear to these humans.

  This over made up woman seemed to be terribly lonely. She only wore her hair and makeup this way because some drunken man from her past told her she looked better this way. I had to turn on the charm to get what I needed, and for some reason, there was something in me that wanted to help this female.

  “Hello, ma'am, you look nice today.” I addressed this woman. I smiled with a nervous glance downward as if I were trying to let this woman know I was interested, but too shy to ask for a chance at her affections.

  “Hello, can I help you?” She asked blushing as she lowered her head.

  “Yes, ma'am. I'm looking for one of the students in my government class. She dropped her jump drive, and I wanted to return it to her.” I explained as I tried to act nervous in order to make her feel sorry for me.

  “Well, I'm not supposed to give out a student's living address.” She again looked down as she explained.

  “That’s alright, ma'am. I just wanted to return it in case she had saved something on it that she may need tonight,” again I looked down wit
h a slight smile almost flirting.

  “What's the student’s name?” She asked with a smile.

  “Trish, I think. She's in my second block government class” I replied and smiled in her direction.

  She looked around to see if any of her coworkers were around. The room was clear. She typed a few letters on the keyboard to the computer that sat in front of her.

  “You can drop it off at Delmont Hall. She lives in the dorms.” She batted her eyes and blushed again.

  “Thank you, ma'am. I do appreciate your help.” I said. I started to walk out of the office, but I turned back to her instead. I flashed a smile in her direction.

  “Have you ever been a brunette?” I asked trying to read her thoughts. I knew she would not take offense to my questions. She wanted me to notice her.

  “Yes,” she said softly as she touched a small strand of her hair that lingered over her shoulder.

  “I bet you looked really nice as a brunette.” I told her as I walked closer to the partition she rested her body against.

  “I guess.” She smiled as she twirled the strand around her finger. I knew her blood pressure rose because the crimson color of her cheeks radiated through her skin and the scent of her delicious blood pumped harder through her veins.

  “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you. I have this thing for brunettes.” I smiled almost devilishly. “I think you should try that again. Just saying.” I flashed a quick smile and winked in her direction. I turned to walk out of the room. I could tell she was smiling and watching me. I could hear her thoughts and see her expression from behind.