by Megan Hepler
Hannah wore a bright yellow sundress with a soft white sweater loosely over her shoulders. Sometimes Hannah just looked too innocent to Demona.
“Hi!” Hannah said.
“I’m glad I ran into you! Are you busy?” Demona asked.
“No, just on my way back from church,” Hannah said.
“Good, I desperately need your help!”
“Sure, what’s up?”
“I have a date with Felix and I have nothing to wear. I was just headed to the mall. I could really use a second opinion. It’s been forever since I went shopping.”
“This will be fun! But you have to fill me in on how you know him.”
Demona grabbed Hannah’s hand and pulled her towards the car. Awhile later they arrived at the mall and found their way into one of the several department stores. Hannah helped Demona pick out a few outfits to try on and waited outside the dressing room, while Demona tried them on. Demona was having a difficult time finding something that was good enough for her date with Felix.
“So, how do you know Felix?” Hannah asked.
“Honestly, I don’t know him well. I helped save him,” Demona said.
Hannah laughed. “You are kidding right?”
“No, seriously,” Demona said.
“Wow, sounds like a great way to start off a romance!”
Demona came out of the dressing room wearing a cute dark green sweater dress. “What do you think?” She spun to show Hannah how it looked.
“Perfect.”
Demona went back into the dressing room to change into her clothes. “Oh! Don’t tell Kaleb or Felix I said anything. I think Felix is a little sore on the subject,” Demona said.
“My lips are sealed. Now we need to find shoes.” Hannah said.
They made their way to the shoe aisle and Hannah grabbed a pair of dark brown cowboy boots. “These will look perfect with that dress!”
“Okay, I’ll try them on.”
“So, you must have really liked him.”
Demona slid her feet into the boots. “Yeah, it was strange. From the moment I saw him and every moment since he has been on my mind… You are right. These boots are cute!” It’s nice having a friend who actually asks me questions, for once.
“It sounds intense. I mean you have only known him for like two days,” Hannah said.
“I know! I can’t remember ever feeling this way. But, I’m nervous for so many reasons too. I’m really afraid to open up to him. It’s all way too scary!” Demona said.
“Well, I hope it all works out. Felix seems like a really nice guy. I know you need a good guy by your side. You have always been alone since I have known you. It’s nice to see you smile for once.”
“It’s a nice change. And he seems really nice. How’s Kaleb?”
“Actually, he called me last night after he got in from dropping us off. We talked for about two hours. He said he’d call me again tonight. Now, I just need to wait until he asks me out again.”
“I’m sure he’ll ask you when you talk tonight!” Demona went to the cash register to pay for her items.
****
Demona was so excited that she waited outside the building for Felix to show up. His car pulled into the parking lot and he exited the car. As he walked towards her Demona thought she noticed a skip in his step. He smiled at her and she could not help but return one as well.
“Hello,” Felix said.
“Hey,” Demona said.
“You look amazing.”
Demona looked at her feet. “Thanks. So do you.”
“Should we walk?”
“Sure, this way.”
Demona directed them toward the path which led away from the apartment building. They walked along the winding dirt trail. A gentle breeze tugged at Demona’s long flowing hair and the scent of spring engulfed her as they made their way through the park. The trees shone in the sunlight and blossoms popped with color against the green backdrop.
“What’s your favorite band?” Felix asked.
“So, we’re doing this?”
“Doing what?”
“The normal date chitchat.” Demona giggled. “Hmmm…I would have to say, Muse.”
“They are pretty good.”
“How about yours?”
“You are going to laugh,” Felix said, “Iron Maiden.”
“A metal head, huh?”
Felix held up the metal sign and did a fake head bang. “Yeah!”
Demona giggled. “Well, at least we both know that good music comes from England.” She watched a group of joggers ran past them in the opposite direction. “What about hobbies? We can’t forget about those.”
“I’m actually a musician,” Felix said, “I play guitar.”
“Really! That’s awesome,” Demona said.
“My sister, Rowena, she’s pretty cool. She lets me live with her while I attempt to pursue the rock star dream. I don’t know what I would do without her.”
“It sounds like you have a great relationship.”
“We do. My parents are great too. I miss them, being so far from them is hard sometimes. But Rowena is like a second Mom.”
Demona gripped her arm as she listened to Felix talk about his family. “You’re lucky.”
“Yeah, I am.
They continued walking through the park. The nicely manicured park held many variations of flowers. The spring day was revitalizing.
“I wish I knew my family,” Demona said.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think. It must be hard,” Felix said.
“I think the hardest part is not knowing anything about my parents. And I don’t have many memories of the foster homes. I guess most of it was forgetful.”
“It couldn’t have been easy going through that.”
“Yeah. Some families were okay, but we never bonded. There were some though,” Demona looked away, “they just needed a babysitter or sent me away when they had their own kids.”
Felix directed them towards a bench and they both sat. “I don’t know how anyone could send you away.”
Demona listened to him; aware of how closely they sat next to one another. Her body tingled every time Felix’s hand brushed up against hers where they rested near each other on the bench between them. She looked towards him intently, interested in every word that he spoke.
He has no idea what I am. If he ever finds out… Demona turned and admired the rays of sunlight that shone through the trees. She stared at the brilliant green grass that was blowing in the soft breeze. Then, she became painfully aware of where she was. Demona sat up rigidly. A lump rose in her throat as she remembered the pure fear of that night. Then, her eyes glazed over.
****
Darkness surrounded her and she felt a searing pain in her neck. She could feel that she was sprawled out on a hard surface. She tried to move her arms, but only her left responded. She felt damp grass on her finger tips as she swept her hand around. Her arm was cumbersome and lifted awkwardly towards her neck, towards the pain.
The pain continued to shoot through her. Her hand touched a smooth round surface which Demona came to groggily identify as a head. It moved at her touch, while another searing pain shot through her neck. She heard her attacker’ noises, it sounded as if gnawing and feasting.
“Get off!” Demona said. She used what little strength she had to try to force the head away from her neck. She hit the man and tried to pivot her body away. The pain only increased with her efforts and she weakened with every attempt.
“Help! Hel—” Demona struggled to breathe. She was mentally and physically exhausted. She tried to scream, but it hurt too much to move and she did not have the strength to struggle any longer.
She was aware that she was going to die, paralyzed by her attacker. It was too hard to move, too hard to fight any longer. She soon accepted that this was the end. That it would be easier to just let go. A sigh escaped her as she gave into the pain, a moment later her body was drained and her heart ceased to beat.
>
****
“Demona!” Felix said. He was shaking her.
Demona came back to the present to find herself seated on a bench beside Felix. She trembled and crossed her arms as if hugging herself.
“Demona, what’s wrong?” Felix asked. He looked into her eyes.
“N-nothing,” Demona said. She began to regain her composure and the shaking started to pass. She looked up at Felix.
“Don’t tell me it’s nothing, something is definitely wrong!” Felix said. His brows were creased and brooding. Somehow his concern for her only made him more attractive.
“It’s just… I just realized we’re sitting somewhere that brings back bad memories. Just forget about it, it’s nothing,” Demona said.
“No, I want to know what happened. You don’t ever have to hide things from me. I’m not going to judge you. I know we have only known each other a short time, but I care about you. I am here for you, whenever you need me.”
Demona sat there a few moments. What am I doing, I can’t get attached to him. She gazed up at him.
“I think… I just had a flashback. Sometimes, I get these flashes of what happened,” Demona said. “A couple years ago… I don’t really know what happened, but someone attacked me. They said I have amnesia from what happened and every now and then I get pieces of the past.
“And with each memory all of the feelings come back, too,” Demona said.
“Wow, I am so sorry that that happened to you. I am glad that you made it through, okay,” Felix said.
Psh, if only you knew.
“It must have been a very traumatic experience if it is making you feel this way now,” Felix said. He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to him.
“It’s not your fault. I just haven’t been back here since. For some reason I felt like it would be safe having you with me,” Demona said.
“Well, I am honored,” Felix placed his hand over his heart, “that you chose me to be your escort through this.” A smile spread across his face.
As Demona looked at Felix she could not help but smile. She was aware that his arm rested across her shoulders.
They sat in silence for what seemed like forever. Both Demona and Felix gradually leaned against one another. Demona rested her head on Felix. She listened as his heart thumped and the blood rushed through his veins.
He is alive, He is here with me. I wish things could always be this perfect.
“I want to do this again,” Felix said.
“Okay. I have work all week, but maybe next weekend.”
“That sounds great.”
After a few more moments had passed, they made their way back down the path towards Felix’s car. They stood on the sidewalk facing one another. Felix reached for Demona’s hand, and caressed it with his thumb. They stared deep into one another’s eyes. In the setting sun, Demona could not quite make out the brilliant blue eyes of his, but a smile shown on his face as he looked back at her.
“I really enjoyed the walk,” Felix said.
“Me too. Well… except for the whole flashback thing. I’m happy you were here with me,” Demona said.
“Anytime, I am happy that I could be here for you when you needed me. I’m already looking forward to our next date.” Felix smiled.
There it is again, he’s killing me with that smile. Good thing I’m already dead.
“Well I better get going.” Felix let her hand go.
“Yeah,” Demona said. “I’ll talk to you later.” She placed the hand he had held around her waist.
“You bet.” Felix turned towards his car.
Demona waited until he was ready to pull out of the parking space to wave goodbye.
Chapter 8
Missing Someone
Demona had just finished her rations when her cell phone rang. She reached for her phone quickly wondering who was calling. Felix. His name flashed across her screen as it had done every day since their walk.
“Hello,” Demona said.
“Hey. How are you?” Felix asked.
“Good, you?” It is good to hear his voice again.
“Okay,” Felix said. “Look I know that we had made arrangements to hang out this weekend, but I was wondering if it was alright if I stop over tonight?”
“Sure, I’ll be here.”
“Great, see you soon.” Felix hung up.
Demona screeched. She quickly fluffed the pillows on her sofa and threw her magazines into a pile. She then kicked her pile of shoes into her bedroom and ran inside. She began digging through her closet for something cute to throw on. After changing she quickly ran to the bathroom, combed her hair, and brushed her teeth. When she was done she stared into the mirror at herself.
What does he see in me? If he knew my secret he would not want to be with me.
Before she could figure it out a knock came from her door. Demona quietly leaped to the door. She gained her composure. She looked through the peep hole to make sure it was him, and swung the door open.
Felix stood there casually with a half smirk across his face. His blue eye sparkled at the sight of her. In his hand he held a single lush white rose. Felix handed her the rose and she invited him inside.
Demona took the rose and held it up to her nose. With her vampire senses the rose’s sweet scent was magnified. She admired the soft tone and the way the petals elegantly curved to form such a beautiful flower.
I don’t even think I own a vase. She went to a cabinet to search for one. Finding none she took a glass out of the cabinet, ran some cool water in it, and placed the rose stem inside. When she was finished she turned her attention to Felix who waited patiently.
“Before we say anything else I need to tell you something. Please, just hear me out,” Felix said. “I don’t know what it is about you, but you are always on my mind.”
“I feel the same,” Demona said.
“Wait, let me finish. I got some bad news earlier today. My mom is in the hospital and I need to go to Florida to make sure things are okay.”
Oh no! “When will you be back?”
“Indefinitely. I don’t know how long she will be in the hospital, or if she will need me after she is released. I need to be there for both of my parents, since my sister is working full time. I’m a starving musician remember? And there are no gigs for me right now. It’s better that I go and stay with them, until they can manage on their own again.”
“I understand. Your parents are lucky to have such a devoted son.” Just when things were going so well.
“I leave tomorrow morning, but I was wondering if I could spend the rest of the evening with you, before I leave?”
“Of course.”
It was a bitter sweet feeling, as they sat on her sofa. Demona surfed through the TV channels and found nothing good to watch, so she turned off the TV and put some music on her laptop. She turned to face Felix, crossing her legs in a comfortable position. Felix pivoted himself so that he sat across from her with one foot planted on the floor and the other resting on the sofa. His elbow rested on the back of the sofa and he leaned slightly towards her admiring her beauty.
“I’m glad you decided to come by tonight. I really like being with you. I feel like we’ve known each other forever,” Demona said.
“I am happy that we both feel the same. It gives me hope that I might have someone waiting for me when I come back, but I know that it’s a selfish thought. I can’t ask you to wait around when I don’t even know how long I’ll be gone. But, for now I want to cherish every second I have with you,” Felix said.
Demona looked down at her lap. Her long black hair cascaded down her back. A small strand fell from behind her ear. Before Demona could stick it back behind her ear she felt Felix’s hand brush it back for her.
His hand lingered on her cheek and she looked up into his hypnotizing eyes. They stared at each other for a while. Their faces slowly gravitated towards each other. In the same moment their eyes closed and their lips parted slightly. They
met with a jolt of passion.
Felix kissed her tenderly as his hand moved to rest just on the side of her jaw. The feeling of his lips upon hers sent tingles all over Demona’s body. Demona uncrossed her legs and positioned herself closer to Felix so she could get a better grasp on him and pulled him closer to her. She ran her fingers through his brown hair. He was intoxicating.
They continued to kiss. It was like nothing Demona had ever experienced before. It was not an overwhelming sensation, but gentle and comforting. If telos had found her in that moment, Demona was certain she would be satisfied with her life up to then. They broke apart, only to return to gazing in one another’s eyes.
Felix shook his head and let out a deep sigh. “Man, I am going to miss that while I’m gone.” He glanced at the clock. “I didn’t realize it got so late. I better go so you can get some sleep for work.”
“I guess you’re right,” Demona said. She wanted to feel his lips upon hers again. She wanted to feel the soft strands of his hair between her fingers.
They rose from the sofa and Demona walked him towards the door.
“I promise to call as soon as I get a chance. I don’t know what I'm in for when I get there, but I won’t forget to call,” Felix said.
“Take your time; take care of your family. They’re most important,” Demona said.
“Thanks. You are important too.” Felix once more smiled that smile as he turned towards Demona just within the threshold of the door and gave her one last kiss on the cheek. “I will talk to you later.”
“Okay, be careful.” Demona to let go of him.
“I will.”
After closing the door Demona’s brain went on autopilot and took her to her bed where she plopped down. She wrapped herself into her covers and tried to find sleep. It did not come. She brushed her fingers across her lips while she remembered the feeling of his lips there only moments before.