by P. L. Kurup
“What on earth happened to you?” Amelia asked.
“I... I was attacked and I... ran for my life. But in doing so I fell down a hill and injured my arm,” Clara said, lifting her damaged arm. “I think it may be broken so may I come in?”
“Of course you can come in,” Amelia replied.
“Thank you, my dear. You are so kind.”
Clara limped inside the manor and Amelia closed the door after her.
xxx
Lying at Samuel’s feet were the carcasses of several wild animals. All of a sudden his senses buzzed to Clara’s meeting with Amelia, and he entertained the prospect of Amelia’s imminent death. Turning to the manor he whispered, “Dear God, Amelia. What have you done?”
Chapter 18
Samuel glanced at his shirt and saw it was soaked in blood. There was nothing he could do as a change of clothes was miles away. He sprinted to the manor and his attention switched from his inappropriate clothes to reaching Amelia before she was killed. The trip involved negotiating felled tree stumps and concealed rocks, but the only thing on his mind was Amelia’s welfare. Throughout his trek he attempted to see if she was still alive. His fractured state meant his powers betrayed him by showing nothing of her. He gritted his teeth irritated by the weakening of his faculties.
He arrived at the spot where he started the hunt and made his way to a tiny cave hidden by slivers of ivy. The cavern was pitch dark, yet he navigated it without injuring himself. Eventually, he came to an underwater pond. Samuel removed the bloodstained shirt and the remainder of his clothes to reveal a toned body that looked as youthful as the day he was turned. He dove into the pond and sunk beneath the crystal clear water.
While there, he washed the blood from his hands, face, chest and neck leaving no trace of the crimson liquid. He remained submerged for seconds before resurfacing and darting to the pond’s edge. His hands picked up a new set of clothes from behind a rock and he put them on in haste. The minute he was dressed, he retraced his way back to the exit and emerged into the woods.
His hair dripped wet as he raced to the top of the mound alongside the manor. Leaping into the courtyard, he stared at the ground, and noticed bare footprints exactly as he’d envisioned an hour ago. They were petite in shape and gave no clue as to the violent nature of its owner. Nevertheless, everything else remained the same. His and Amelia’s cars were parked in the same place, the depth of the snow stayed a hefty three feet. He thrust open the front door and felt Clara’s presence straight away. He couldn’t sense Amelia and his expression plunged at what may have happened to her.
“I never should have left you,” he murmured.
Cackles rang out from the kitchen and Samuel raced down the lengthy corridor and arrived at the kitchen to find Amelia bandaging Clara’s arm. He stared at Amelia as if she was a ghost.
“Hi Samuel, Clara fell down the hill and broke her arm,” Amelia explained. “She’s lucky she didn’t break anything else.”
Samuel tore up to Clara and dragged her away while baring his fangs. “What are you doing here?” he demanded.
“Samuel, stop it. She’s hurt her arm,” Amelia yelled.
“Amelia, leave us,” he ordered.
“In case you were wandering this is no longer the eighteenth century,” Amelia replied.
“I said, leave the kitchen right now,” Samuel yelled.
Amelia left the kitchen muttering a curse and soon he heard her bedroom door slam.
“Chasing after the same person for three centuries is pathetic,” Clara baited. “There are three and a half billion females you could go after. I think it’s time you went after another woman.”
“I want you to leave this minute,” Samuel said.
“I came to help you.”
“I don’t want your help.”
“If you don’t let me help you something terrible will happen. I’m your one chance to avert disaster,” Clara said.
He released her and retracted his fangs.
“You once had feelings for me,” Clara uttered. “I can’t believe you can despise me so much.”
She moved to touch his face and he lurched back.
“You killed that little girl in the woods. I saw you do it.”
“That girl would’ve died from a brain tumour in six months. I gave her a quicker demise. The only reason I’m here is to help you, Samuel. Don’t push me away. Besides, you must have some feelings for me?”
“Yes I do. I have a feeling of disgust on seeing you again.”
“I love it when you tease.”
They turned to the door and Amelia walked in carrying a bundle of her clothes.
“I thought you could wear these,” she said. Clara walked up and took the clothes from her. “You can get changed in my room. It’s at the top of the stairs.”
“Thank you, Amelia. You’re very kind.”
Clara left the kitchen and Amelia turned to Samuel glaring at her.
“Didn’t I tell you not to invite anyone in?” he asked.
“I’m training to be a doctor so it’s against my principles not to help someone who is injured. I don’t know why you’re being so awkward.”
“Not everything is as it seems.”
“I think you have to trust people more.”
“And you have to stop thinking the world is full of people you can trust.”
xxx
Clara wandered into Amelia’s room and dumped the bundle of clothes that Amelia presented her on the bed. Suddenly, her nostrils flared to the exquisite scent of human blood and she dashed into the bathroom and lifted up Amelia’s blue toothbrush. Lurking on one of its bristles was a spot of blood too faint for the human eye. She yanked the spine from its base and placed it in her mouth. Her eyes closed tasting the ecstatic speck, which although miniscule, retained its flavour. She wanted more not having fed since the previous day. Marching to the door and hurling it open, her eyes widened at the sight of Samuel holding a mug full of blood. It undoubtedly belonged to an animal and that repulsed her.
“I only drink human blood,” she stated.
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” he said. “This will sustain you until you leave. So drink.”
He brought the mug to her lips and Clara scrutinised it. The crimson liquid emitted a disgusting stench and lacked the syrupy consistency of mortal blood. Still, she was starving and since the brew would quench her thirst for several hours, she snatched the mug from him and swallowed the contents in three large gulps. When it was over she grimaced at its bitter taste.
“That was disgusting,” she proclaimed.
“But you don’t feel hungry anymore,” he commented.
“I told you I’m not here to harm her. I’m here to help you.”
She stepped forward bringing her blood-soaked lips closer to his when he thrust her back.
“Your room is next to mine on the top floor. So after you.”
Clara edged passed him and went upstairs to her room while Samuel followed. When she reached her room Clara snuck inside, then gently closed the door. Leaning against the door, she dug her fingernails into the wood imagining sinking her teeth into Amelia’s soft, pale flesh.
xxx
Not long after, Amelia sat at the kitchen table feeling famished. She was so hungry that a blade of grass appeared tempting. She glanced to the cupboards and the fridge pining for nourishment.
“I don’t have any food at this time,” Samuel said. “Though I expect a delivery tomorrow.”
She saw him standing near the door and as usual she didn’t hear him come in.
“You could go to the supermarket like anyone else. I think every aristocrat should mingle with the commoners from time to time,” she jested.
“What makes you think I’m an aristocrat?” he asked shifting.
“You have an air of superiority about you. As if you’re used to being waited on.”
“I’m not an aristo....”
Samuel dashed to the table and sat beside her. It was
an act that made her a frown not knowing him all that well. Barely a moment later Clara walked into the room.
“You two look very sweet together,” she commented.
“Is your arm hurting you?” Amelia asked her.
“It’s a lot better than an hour ago. I expect I’ll be on the mend this time tomorrow,” Clara replied.
“You shouldn’t walk alone in the fields like that. You could’ve died,” said Amelia.
“Well I know that now.” Clara chuckled.
“Seeing as you’re better I’d like you to leave,” Samuel interjected.
“You’ve lost your compassionate side since I saw you last,” remarked Clara.
“Do you two know each other?” questioned a puzzled Amelia.
“We met in China while I worked for a children’s charity,” Clara explained. “1824 wasn’t it?”
“It was three years ago in Beijing,” he uttered quickly.
Amelia’s eyes shifted between Samuel and Clara suspecting something was amiss.
“I’m really not well enough to leave yet,” Clara expressed tearfully. “I need to be around some kind people such as yourselves for a few more days.”
“I’m sure Samuel will allow you to stay as long as you want,” replied a naïve Amelia. “Excuse me but I’m gasping for a bath.”
She left the table and Clara fixed on Samuel taunting him further.
“Tell me the real reason you’re here,” he demanded.
“I came to save your life.”
“You’re lying.”
“In less than a month you will be dead and before you perish you will see three signs.”
“Like what?”
“A red dish smashing to the ground, a grandfather clock chiming three pm, and the meeting of a waitress named Jenny.” He stared blankly. “But if you cease contact with Amelia you will live forever.”
He chortled, but Clara remained serious.
“What about you? When’s your death?” he queried.
“Sadly, seer vampires cannot see their own demise. Believe it or not I care for you. And that’s the only reason I’m here.”
xxx
After she got dressed from her bath, Amelia heard a rap at the door. Opening it, she saw Samuel and it brought a smile to her lips.
“I was just thinking about you,” she revealed.
His face was stern and she sensed something was wrong.
“What’s the matter?” she asked.
“I came to tell you that if you ever feel threatened all you have to do is think of me and I will come to you.”
“You mean like telepathy?”
“A little like that.”
“Is that woman your girlfriend?” Amelia mumbled.
“She is a woman I knew briefly and haven’t thought of in years.”
“She seemed unhappy. It’s not because of her injury either. It’s the kind of unhappiness that’s lasted for years.”
“How can you tell?”
“I read people well.”
They looked into each other’s eyes and he kissed her on the lips. He drew back after a lingering caress that left her speechless.
“Good night, Amelia.”
He scarpered away and she closed the door wishing that he’d stayed.
Chapter 19
Samuel returned to Amelia’s door in the early hours and sat outside her room. The darkened corridor was claustrophobic and smelt of damp wood, the air cold enough to make breath curl from one’s mouth. He was unaffected by these distractions and took comfort from the sound of her breathing.
The night passed by at a sluggish pace and, although exhausted, he resisted falling asleep. It was a difficult task as immortals require rest more deeply than any other creature. His tired mind raced with images of his first meeting with Clara. He recalled how she lured him to her bed, made him fall in love with her, and then betrayed him by slaying innocents. Imagining the countless souls she destroyed over the decades made him sink his head in his hands. I should have killed you when I had the chance.
xxx
As the first rays of dawn shone through the window, he continued to stare at Amelia’s door. He hadn’t slept the whole night and his shimmering eyes dropped from tiredness. Then, a jolt of fear travelled through him for he couldn’t hear her breathing.
“Amelia, can you hear me? Open the door,” he said, standing up and pounding on the door.
Hearing no reply, he charged at the door just as Amelia opened it and he crashed into her throwing her to the ground. They looked at each other for a while before she laughed.
“If you wanted to see me all you had to do was ask,” she joked.
“I came to ask what you wanted for breakfast this morning,” he replied, scrambling to his feet and helping her up.
“I’m a student so stale bread will do. You don’t have to be so protective of me. I’m more than capable of looking after myself.”
“You think I’m protective of you?” he asked intrigued.
“How else would you have found me after the attack? It’s obvious you came to walk me home after work.”
“You’re right, I did. I even saw the attackers flee,” he added.
“Also, I want you to be nice to Clara. She wouldn’t have come here if she didn’t need your help.”
His expression grew sombre and she felt the atmosphere grow tense.
“I want you to keep your distance from Clara. In fact, I don’t want you to be alone with her.”
Before she questioned why, a muttering of voices emerged from downstairs and he left without answering her.
Samuel reached the foyer and saw the front door was shut, the visitor no longer around. His heart filled with trepidation as he strode into the kitchen. There, he saw Clara cooking a variety of breakfast dishes from pancakes to bacon rashers. The smell of brewed coffee permeated the air with a delicious aroma and he noticed the table was set for three.
“What did you do to the delivery boy?” enquired Samuel.
“Calm down, I didn’t do anything to him.” She placed the dishes one after the other on the table and looked at him. “You needn’t have lost any sleep. I’m not going to harm her.”
They looked to the door and Amelia came in and sat at the table. Her eyes bulged on seeing the tons of food in front of her. All of them her favourite. Samuel took the seat next to her forcing Clara to sit opposite them. The vampires refrained from eating while Amelia ate her fill.
“Aren’t you hungry?” she asked Clara with her mouth full.
Clara placed a bacon rasher into her mouth chewed and swallowed. She showed no adverse effects from eating the food.
“What about you?” Amelia asked Samuel.
“I’m not hungry.”
Clara ate spoonfuls of cereal with no problems and washed it down with coffee. He didn’t take his eyes off her once, and as usual, he refrained from eating. Amelia took a bite of her toast and closed her eyes savouring the taste.
“This is the best toast I’ve ever had. Try some.” Amelia put a slice to his lips.
He shoved her hand away and repeated, “I’m not hungry.”
Clara stoked the fire by saying, “Samuel and I were lovers. Of course we had differences in opinion and that’s what led to our eventual separation.”
“I see,” Amelia mumbled.
“Although, I feel I was more compatible with you than your wife was. I always thought she was a dull thing lacking in charm and grace.”
“That’s enough!” Samuel screeched.
“I’m a bit stuffy so I’m going for a walk in the grounds,” Amelia told them.
“I’ll join you,” Clara said.
“No, I’d rather be alone,” she replied.
Amelia left the room and he glared at Clara.
“I was just having fun,” Clara confessed. “Anyway, if I so much as grazed her you’ll destroy me. And I want to live forever.”
xxx
Amelia walked through the grounds weary of the soap opera
unfolding indoors. She was about to head to the pond when she heard snow crunch underfoot. Turning round, she saw that it was Samuel.
“Let’s walk nearer to the house,” he said. “Water makes me nervous.”
Amelia raised a brow at his statement. She approached him and together they trekked through the frost-covered garden.
“I’m sorry if you felt uncomfortable,” he said. “I’d like you to know our relationship was very brief. In fact I wouldn’t even call it a relationship.”
“Whatever happened between you two is none of my business. I never assumed for a second that you were a virgin.” Samuel grinned at her comment. “I also think she enjoys torturing you.”
“Then you know her very well.”
They travelled all around the garden with Amelia jabbering away as if they were lifelong chums. A cold wind blew icy chills through her body and she shivered unable to cope. Samuel coaxed her back into the foyer where Clara gave her a friendly peck on her forward then retreated upstairs.
“She has a good heart,” stated Amelia. “You should be nicer to her.”
“I want you to keep your balcony and bedroom doors closed,” he replied.
Amelia nodded and marched upstairs.
Chapter 20
Samuel retreated to his room and sat in his chair. He shook his head block his weariness. Unfortunately, the burden of sleep proved too heavy and, a second from midnight he succumbed to it. The house was quiet and uneventful, and two floors down from him, Amelia also slept soundly. Throughout the night the house remained peaceful.
As dawn broke, a serene light shone into the house and bathed everything with a warming glow. However, the tranquil ambience was disturbed by the creaking of a door at the top of the house. Clara stepped out of her room, barefoot as usual, and went downstairs. She crept past Samuel’s room and smiled knowing he wouldn’t disturb her. She continued downstairs and the closer she got to Amelia’s room, the more her posture slouched. Her once vibrant expression turned glum and she looked as if she may burst into tears at any second. She stopped at Amelia’s door and knocked three times.