by Dima Zales
Strolling down the path, her gaze wandered to the gardens around her. The plants here were really well looked after and placed out in intricate patterns. She marvelled at a display of small grey ground cover grasses that had been grown and trimmed into a simple, yet effective, mandala.
“What do you think, miss?” she heard at her shoulder.
Turning, she found a young human man with short messy red tinted brown hair, and chestnut eyes smiling at her. From his dirt encrusted overalls and wheelbarrow full of cuttings, he must be the gardener. “Wonderful,” she said. “Did you do this?”
“Yeah,” he said, blushing. “At first the boss didn't like me spending so much time on them, but I used to do it on my days off. When we won first in the annual county comps, he didn't mind so much.”
“Well,” Aya said, turning back to the garden, ignoring the gardener’s blush, ”the whole garden is wonderful.”
“Thanks,” he laughed nervously. “Oh, I'm Alex, by the way.”
“Aya.” She shook his outstretched hand, hoping he wasn't trying to come onto her.
“Very pleased to meet you,” he smiled shyly. “So, do you work around here or are you a visitor?”
“Oh.” She raised her eyebrows, not sure what to say. “I've got a little bit of work in the area for a while.”
“Oh, right. What doing? If you don't mind me asking, that is.”
Aya winked. “If I told you, I'd have to kill you.”
Alex hesitated for a moment and laughed nervously. “Fair enough.”
“How long have you worked here?” she asked, quickly changing the subject.
“About three years. I was an apprentice builder, but gardening seemed more my thing.”
“Sure is.”
“And you? You seem into nature, do you garden at all?”
She laughed, hardly. ”No, I'm more of an appreciator. My family was … ” She stopped herself short and frowned. Geesus, this Alex guy had an uncanny way of making her at ease. She had to be careful what details she revealed.
“Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to press on a nerve or anything.”
She turned and smiled reassuringly at him. “It's okay. I was just reminded of something that happened long ago.”
He sensed that she was uncomfortable and to change the subject said, “If you keep going down that way, there is a forested section, with some nice ferns and Spanish Moss in the trees.” He pointed ahead, then gestured to the right. “That way is a cottage garden, English style, though it's out of season for most of the flowers.”
“Thanks, Alex,” Aya said beginning to move off. “It was really nice meeting you.”
Grabbing the handles of his wheelbarrow, he smiled and nodded, continuing back the way she had come.
Zac watched the woman, Aya, from across the square. Gabby and Liz flanked him, following his gaze, both equally deep in thought. She had, without a doubt, caught his interest. Especially after last night. She sat with her back to them on a park bench, reading a newspaper, seemingly oblivious to the world around her. He seriously doubted that.
When he had left the bar last night he'd sensed her presence on the street as clear as day until he reached that alleyway. It was as if she'd disappeared into thin air and that had never happened to him before. He was positive that she wasn't human, but exactly what she was? That was still a mystery.
“Maybe you should give it a day or two. Especially after what happened last night,” urged Liz. They were arguing about who should approach her.
“Pfft. I'm one hundred and seventy years old, and I'm already dead,” he scoffed. It would be stupid to not to admit to himself that he was rattled by the gruesome end to their dog problem, but admitting that to someone else? That, he'd never do. A frenzy like that, it wasn't unheard of and the circumstances were right, but he didn't remember a thing. That was the only thing that unsettled him about it.
“C'mon Zac, if she's the one, then she's at least six hundred years old, right? That would make her stronger than you by far.” Gabby wasn't entirely convinced.
“Yeah, but I'm charming.” He grinned.
Liz sighed. “If you have to, then just be careful, okay?”
“Yeah,” Gabby said looking towards the gardens, “there's something strange about her I can't quite put my finger on.”
“You got that right, Tabitha.” He used one of his favorite nicknames for her. “Have you ever heard of a vampire with white eyes?”
Gabby frowned at his comment. “No. What makes you say that?”
He shrugged. “Last night, when the wolves came in, I swore her eyes changed.”
Gabby looked at Liz, who mirrored her confused expression. “I've never heard of it. But, it's a clue at least.”
“Hmm,” Zac murmured, lost in thought. “Stay here, I'm going to see what I can get out of her.”
“Whatever, Zac. I've got to go back to work.” Gabby started to walk away, clearly over it.
Liz smiled knowingly at her as she turned to follow Zac, determined to keep him in line, “We don't know who she is Zac.”
He turned and placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her from following him. “Trust me Liz.”
“Be careful,” she said, firmly.
Zac smiled wryly, he'd do whatever he wanted. He always did. Catching sight of Aya speaking with the human gardener Alex, he moved closer so he could listen to what they were saying, determined to expose her.
Aya continued around the path in the direction Alex had pointed out to the forest. This area of the gardens was beginning to remind her of her home. No, the place she was born long ago, it stopped being her home once it had been defiled. She could almost imagine her brother climbing amongst the branches, teasing her from above, the warm yellow light filtering through the canopy dazzling her, making it harder to spot him. She closed her eyes and sighed. That place was long dead.
Lost in her memory, she hadn't noticed Zac approach from the opposite direction. She stared at him, her expression as unreadable as she could make it. He sauntered down the path, his blood buzzing like an annoying bee circling a flower. Grinning he said, “Hello, Miss Aya.”
“Zac.” She nodded curtly, hoping that he would go away. Her thoughts were still scattered.
“Beautiful day for a walk in the gardens,” he said with a wink. The fact that he had appeared down this path made her understand that he had been spying on her conversation with Alex and she was relieved she hadn't said too much.
“Do you enjoy following young women to dark corners, Mr. Degaud?” she said exasperated, all tact flying out the window. She wondered how many women he'd stalked in dark alleyways, how many he'd killed in his desire for blood. All vampires did it, it was folly to deny it.
Zac narrowed his eyes and she knew she had struck a nerve. “My brother works here,” he shrugged, disregarding her cold question.
A vampire gardener. She snorted at the ironic notion. In the distance she could see the young woman he was talking with earlier, the one he had called Liz. She was trying her hardest to look elsewhere, to remain casual, but her body was tense and angled towards them. “Your girlfriend is staring at us,” she nodded in Liz's direction. “What's her deal?”
“No, she's not my girlfriend,” he said looking away. “That's my brothers girl.”
“Looks like it bothers you.” She stared into his eyes, making him visibly uncomfortable.
“We're not talking about me,” he said curtly.
“And what are we talking about?”
“I'm much more interested in you.”
“What's new soon becomes old, you know. Give up while you're ahead,” she said, sighing with annoyance.
“I'd much rather chase pretty girls around for the rest of my days than give up. With all the women in the world, there's a new one for every day,” he laughed. “I'll start with you.”
“Very smooth, Mr. Degaud.” A player in every sense of the word.
“Just keeping the old world charm alive.”
“So, what do you want?” She raised her eyebrows, cutting to the chase. “Do you want me to join your super secret cult or was there something specific you wanted?”
He laughed again, running his hand through his messy hair. “It's hardly a secret I want something.”
She looked at him, waiting for him to say something else, feeling the uncertainty radiating from him and that annoying hum. Looking across the park, she saw Alex look up from his work. As their eyes meet, he mouthed, “Hi.” She smiled at the casual gesture.
“You're blowing me off for Alex?” Zac feigned disgusted surprise. “I'm much more handsome than he is.”
Aya looked at Liz this time, who was still pretending not to notice them. She looked bothered, worrying the hem of her t-shirt with long pale fingers. “Are you always this shallow?” she laughed at him.
“Ouch,” Zac said, mockingly. “Are you always this brutal?”
“Only to the ones who deserve it.” Aya raised her eyebrows when Zac didn't move. “That's your cue to move along, Romeo.”
“Fine, fine.” He raised his hands and gazed at her pointedly. “I know when I'm defeated. I'll see you around.”
He backed away a few steps and turned and walked towards Liz, looking back at her with a lopsided grin.
Catching movement out the corner of her eye, she turned as Alex jumped over a low box hedge at the side of the path. “Was he bothering you?”
“Yes, he is bothersome.” Aya sighed. Zac was someone who was used to getting his own way and doing whatever it took to get it. She knew his type all too well. He reeked of recklessness and that could mean trouble for her if she wasn't careful.
“He's the brother of a guy who works here.” Alex cocked his head towards the direction Zac had disappeared, confirming what the vampire had said earlier. “Don't worry too much about him. It's mostly bravado,” he stated. “If you want me to have a word with him … ”
Aya smiled warmly. “It's okay, Alex. I can handle his kind, but thank you.”
He blushed and picked up the hedge clippers from the turf. “Well, I better get back to it.” As an afterthought he said, “Hey, if you're staying a while you should come to Max's tonight. The bar across the way there. I usually meet Sam and some other friends there after work for a few drinks and a bit of pool. I dunno, could be something to do.”
Aya smiled. It was a long time since anyone had invited her anywhere without an ulterior motive. She sensed she had to be careful she didn't lead Alex on. He seemed like one of the few genuine humans out there. Clueless, but genuine.
“Okay,” she conceded, after a moments thought to the contrary. “Perhaps.”
8
Aya was a little apprehensive about going to the bar that evening. Having spent the afternoon at the bookshop and the library, she was more than ready for a few drinks, but less inspired about the questions she would be asked by Alex and this Sam guy. They would want to know about her, where she was from, what she was doing here. There was no hiding her accent, she was undoubtedly British. She could speak many languages, but the accent was something she kept hold of unconsciously. After her research session at the library, she found England wasn’t the world power it once was. America and the sleeping giant of the east, China, were at the fore front. Politics were more cut throat, weapons and war more destructive. This time was more complicated than she thought possible.
The bar was busy, full of people winding down on a Friday afternoon, desperate to forget their working week. She pushed through the doorway and immediately felt the presence of two vampires over by the far right wall. Glancing in their direction her eyes found Alex sitting with them, laughing at some joke someone had just told. Walking towards them, she smiled as Alex raised his hand to wave her over.
“Hey,” he said, getting up. “Glad you could make it. This is Sam and his girlfriend, Liz. This is Aya.” He gestured to the two she knew to be the vampires from the previous night. Clearly, he didn't have a clue.
“Oh,” she said, extending her hand. “Pleased to meet you. Sam, you work with Alex, right?”
He smiled warmly, shaking her hand. “I see he's been telling you a few things. Hopefully nice.”
“Not much.” Aya smiled, turning to Liz and shaking her hand, keeping her expression even. She was the annoying vampire from earlier that morning. Overprotective and unsure of herself, unwilling when it came to confrontation.
“I was just telling them that Zac was harassing you in the gardens today,” Alex said apologetically.
She shrugged. “You call that harassing? Really, it was nothing I couldn't deal with.”
Sam let out a laugh, “From what he said it sounded like you mortally wounded him. I've known him my entire life and whatever you've done, keep doing it. He needs to be taken down a peg or two.” He winked wickedly at her.
“Ahh,” Aya said. “So you're the brother.” Okay, she thought, so this is getting complicated. At least she might be able to find out a few things about them and what they wanted. It wasn't like they were going to come out and say they were vampires. She knew they suspected something wasn't right about her, but they would be hard pressed in revealing anything unless she chose to.
“Unfortunately, yes.” Sam smiled warmly and winked again. “Luckily, I'm the nice one. Zac likes to play the bad boy, but underneath it all, he's a decent guy. Just doesn't like showing it.”
“Oh, I see. Like a defense mechanism, right?” Aya said a little sarcastically. She could hear Zac coming up behind her, betrayed by his blood.
“To protect myself from the big bad world,” Zac said darkly from behind.
“I could use a defense mechanism myself right about now.” Aya rolled her eyes and turned to face him.
Zac frowned and ran his hand through his hair. “Look, Aya. We've got off on the wrong foot. I'd like to start again.”
Sam snorted behind her, making Zac glare even harder. Aya grinned lopsidedly, “I'll think about it, but you'll have your work cut out.” The others laughed again. She could tell that he was having a hard time admitting that he was being an idiot. This was probably the best she was ever going to get in the way of an apology.
“Well, let me start by getting you a drink. Scotch?”
“Very observant of you Mr. Degaud.” She smiled as he walked away.
“So,” Liz began. “How long are you staying for, Aya? Alex mentioned you were only here temporarily.”
“I'm not sure yet. It depends on my work.” It wasn't a lie.
“What do you do?” asked Sam, casually.
“If she told you, she'd have to kill you,” smiled Alex, remembering their conversation that morning.
Aya noticed the fleeting looks of panic on Sam and Liz's faces before they laughed, “Good one.”
“What do you do for fun, Aya?” Liz asked.
What did she do in her spare time? She thought back to the 1860s. She'd come to Ashburton to find and punish a naughty witch. What she did for fun was play with people’s emotions and drink their blood. She could hardly tell them that. “I travel a lot, so I like to learn about the places I visit.”
“A history buff, huh? You'd get along with Alex's sister. Too bad she's in England studying right now,” said Liz. “Where is she again?”
“Oxford,” said Alex with a sad note in his voice. He must miss her. “Where is your family from, Aya?”
“A small village in the Lake District,” she said, which was mostly the truth. “Grasmere. It's quite a way from Oxford, in the Northwest.”
There was an annoying buzzing sound that grew louder and crescendoed as Zac placed a glass of scotch in front of her. She gave him a half smile in thanks and took a large mouthful. Sam raised his eyebrow slightly at her thirst for alcohol, but she chose to ignore him.
“Why'd you come to the States, then?” Alex asked.
“A job offer.” Aya shrugged. “It was too good to refuse, if you know what I mean.”
“What about your family?”
Her eyes narrowed slightly. “I don't speak with them.” That was true. The table became silent at this, Aya taking advantage of the break in the questioning to down the rest of her drink to help curb her annoyance.
“So, you two are gardeners,” she changed the subject, when it became apparent that no one knew what to say next. “What do you two do?” She looked at Liz and Zac.
“Well,” Liz began. “I work over at the coffee house for the moment. I'm thinking about college in the spring or next fall. And what do you do Zac?” The last part came out with a note of sarcasm.
“I do a lot of stuff,” he said.
“He does nothing but be a nuisance all day,” Sam explained.
“I don't need to work. So, I don't see the point.”
“Isn't it boring?” Aya asked.
“Nope. Not when there's so many people who rise to the occasion,” he said, prodding for a reaction.
“I've never risen once.”
“Not yet.” His eyes narrowed.
Aya turned to Sam, ignoring Zac's last statement. “So, where do you live, exactly?”
“We own the old manor and plantation grounds on the east side of town,” he replied.
“Ahh, the Degaud Manor. Obviously.”
“Do you know it?” Alex asked.
Aya contemplated what she had read in the library's archives. The human population of the town seemed to only know the diluted story. The Degaud Massacre was a dark piece of town history that was only told in an offhand way, it wasn't something that was dwelt upon. It was said that back in the weeks after the Civil War had ended, a servant had become insane. They had slaughtered everyone who lived in the house and plantation, mutilating their bodies beyond recognition. The few slaves that had escaped claimed it was the work of voodoo spirits and wouldn't set foot near the land again and soon after, they disappeared too. It had been abandoned since, only caretakers going to check the property every so often. Most people kept away, spooked by the many ghost stories that had been made up about the place.