Blood-Red Tear

by Donna Flynn

  “What did you say?” he asked me, looking none too happy.

  I was surprised that instead of being happy for me, he seemed almost upset. “Duh!” I smacked his arm playfully. “Of course, I said yes. Now I just have to get my parents to agree.” I rolled my eyes. “You know how they are about me dating.” Their rule was no dating until I was sixteen; my father wanted it to be twenty, but my mother had stepped in and made him see reason. I thought it was archaic. I mean, a lot of girls I knew were dating and had been for a long time, but I never really had someone who wanted to date me before, so it hadn’t mattered. But for Scott I was willing to go to battle. He was the first guy to ever show interest in me, and I wasn’t going to tell him I wasn’t allowed to date. That would be humiliating.

  Jess snorted. “You might be able to convince your mom, but your dad is not going to like it.”

  “Yeah, well, maybe that would be a good thing. Scott is not as great as you think he is,” Chris said beside me.

  My jaw dropped and I was immediately on the defensive. “What’s your problem? You never told me you didn’t like Scott.”

  “You never asked and to be honest, I did not think he would ask you out. You’re not his usual type.”

  “Oh, and what type is that?” I asked angrily.

  “Girls that are grateful for any crumb of affection he shows them.”

  I couldn’t have been more shocked by his words. “Thanks, Chris! That makes me feel special.”

  “Look, I don’t want to fight about this,” he said, placing his hand on my arm. “He’s a jerk, Katie. There’s just something about him I don’t like.”

  “Could it be the fact that he’s gorgeous and makes girls drool over him, maybe?” Jess said, punching him in the arm.

  “Don’t you ever wonder why girls only go out with him once, then avoid him like the plague?” he asked with a frown. “Something just seems wrong with that.”

  I was too angry to see his point and knew we had to end the conversation before one of us said something the other would not forget. “Chris, I already have an overprotective brother,” I sighed. “Just be my friend, okay?”

  “I’m sorry, you know I love you, right?” he said hugging me close. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.

  I forgave him instantly and hugged him back. He was one of my best friends and was only looking out for me, so I couldn’t hold a grudge.

  “I need to go,” Jess said, heading off for her next class.

  Chris was in the next class with me so we walked together, avoiding any conversation about Scott, and when we entered the room, walked directly to the back before the seats were filled.

  Brenda and her groupies entered the room shortly behind us and took seats in the front of the class so she could suck up to the teacher, as she usually did. I did not mind in the least, since it kept us apart, but I never understood how supposedly educated people like teachers could not see the mean side of her the rest of us saw. Don’t get me wrong, I really did not have anything personal against Brenda, but her head-cheerleader status and her expensive clothes did not sway me into thinking she was perfect, like they did others. I had been on the receiving end of her scathing remarks and knew how awful her behavior could be. Besides that, I was taught it was not what someone looked like that made them a good person, it was how they treated others, and she failed miserably in that department.

  I looked to Chris and frowned. He was a joker, which was why we sat in the back of the room, and I noted he had already started playing with the tools on our desk, which could only lead to trouble. “Stop,” I whispered, but it was too late. The teacher, Mr. Grant, a rather dour man with very little patience, had already seen him and was heading in our direction. “Great,” I muttered, knowing what was coming.

  Mr. Grant took the small scalpel Chris was playing with before stopping directly in front of me with a look of disapproval. “Ms. Sutherland, I would like it if you sat with someone closer to your level in this subject, maybe Mr. Myers?” It was not a suggestion, even if it sounded like one, so I gathered my books and went to sit with Josh, who pulled out a chair for me smiling in a friendly manner as I sat.

  Josh was an enigma: he was good looking, nice, and everyone liked him, but he never seemed to fit in with any particular group at school. I suppose it was because he seemed more mature than the rest of us, always watching but never joining in our antics. But, all in all, I could see why Jess had lost her heart to him at first glance the year before. Unfortunately, she was even shyer with guys than I was and did nothing to encourage him, despite the fact I had seen him watching her intently many times in the past. I pondered whether my new relationship as his lab partner would put me in the position to push them together, but currently there was no time for talking. We got down to working immediately, taking notes for the rest of class until the bell rang, signaling the end of the day.

  *****

  I raced down the hall to get the things I needed for homework, rushing so Paul would not be angry with me for being late, but slowed when I saw Scott was leaning against my locker waiting for me.

  “Hey, Katie, I thought maybe I could drive you home today.” He took my books and held them while I opened my locker and grabbed what I needed. My hands were shaking pathetically but somehow I managed to get everything I needed. I knew Paul would go ballistic if I told him Scott was taking me home without my parents’ approval, so I declined his offer regretfully. “I’m sorry, but my brother is waiting for me. He would be angry if I left with you.”

  “Do you always listen to what your brother tells you to do?” he asked, leaning closer.

  The right answer would have been no, but in truth I did always do what Paul told me, so I lied. “Of course not…but…uh…we have something to do this afternoon, it’s a family thing so I have to go with him.”

  “Maybe another time, then,” he said softly.

  “Sure, that sounds great,” I murmured, unwilling to tell him that I had to get permission from my parents first. He leaned over and twirled a piece of my hair in his fingers, his face only an inch or two away from mine. I just knew he was going to kiss me and I felt giddy with anticipation.

  “That would be great,” he whispered, his lips hovering over mine. The heavy sound of footsteps headed in our direction had him looking over my shoulder and he frowned, letting my hair go before stepping back suddenly. I knew without looking why he had retreated and seethed inwardly as I looked over my shoulder to see my brother striding toward us.

  “Where have you been?” Paul asked angrily, moving between us, blocking my view of Scott and scowling down at me.

  “I was coming, Paul,” I told him curtly, peeking around his arm to smile wanly at Scott.

  He did not smile back. “See you later, Katie,” he said, then casually turned and walked away.

  I turned on Paul, wanting to hit him for chasing Scott away, but we both knew I could not hurt him so it would be pointless to waste the effort. Instead I opted for a verbal attack. “That was rude! What is your problem?”

  “I don’t like the way he was looking at you,” he growled.

  “Well tough, I’m getting older and hopefully guys are going to be looking at me all the time.” I could see a storm brewing in his eyes and wondered when he was going to let me grow up, but I already knew the answer. NEVER!

  “You are too young to be worrying about guys ogling you!” he argued. I rolled my eyes, knowing it would not be the last time I heard it from him, but I was too angry to respond. Instead I stalked to the parking lot, ignoring his attempts to make me listen to him then climbed into the truck, brushing off his help. I slammed the door to aggravate him, feeling pleased when he groaned loudly in protest. He was silent the entire drive home, which was fine with me because I was mad and had nothing to say to him anyway.

  When we pulled into the driveway I got out and slammed my door again, walking quickly into the house, looking for my parents, ready to vent my rage. “Mom, Dad,” I called o
ut loudly.

  “We are in the sitting room, Katie,” Mom answered, her soft voice radiating across the foyer.

  “Mom, I have had it with Paul,” I blurted out as I entered the room and flopped down upon the couch.

  “What has he done now?” she asked with a sigh, taking a seat next to me.

  “A guy at school asked to drive me home today.” I could see my father tense and attempted to reassure him. “I wasn’t going to say yes without talking to you two first, but Paul showed up and acted like a big jerk. Now Scott will probably never ask again.”

  “I see,” my mother said, looking flustered. I knew she was not thrilled about me dating, but she was the more lenient of my parents, so her response was worrying. I had counted on her being on my side. “Do you like this boy?”

  “Yes,” I answered, gritting my teeth, embarrassed to talk about it.

  “You know how we feel about you dating,” my father said firmly.

  “Yes, I know, but I will be sixteen in two months, and you said when I was sixteen we’d discuss it.”

  “That’s right, and two months from now I will be glad to have that discussion,” he assured me.

  “That’s not fair!” I cried out. “Two months from now, he’ll probably be tired of waiting.”

  “Then he’s not worthy of you,” he replied.

  “But…” I sputtered, so mad I couldn’t find words.

  “Honey, let me talk to your father and we will call you back down in a little bit, okay?” my mother said with a wink.

  “Sure, Mom.” I left the room but stopped to listen at the door as my mother pleaded my case. I knew she had my back and would fight for me, but my father was not taking it well, so the outcome I wanted was doubtful.

  “No way, Anna,” my father said angrily. “We had an agreement. You said twenty was being ridiculous and we agreed on sixteen, even though I still feel that is too young.”

  “You are arguing over two months, Duncan. I would think you could be more flexible; after all, when we were her age, females were already married and having children of their own.”

  “Don’t remind me,” he growled.

  “What difference does a few weeks make?” she said softly. “Let her go and have fun. She’s a good girl, we can trust her.”

  “I’m not worried about her,” he argued. “It’s these young men nowadays, all they care about is…”

  “That’s quite enough,” my mother cried out before he could finish.

  “Besides, have you considered how Aidan is going to take this? He isn’t going to like the idea of her dating,” my father told her.

  “Aidan,” I whispered, my mind filling with the image of his handsome face. Aidan McKenzie, Prince of Vampires, longtime family friend and one of the most gorgeous males I had ever seen. Why would he care if I went out on a date? I mean, he had always taken an interest in my life, but I didn’t think he would care if I went out with Scott.

  “I am sure he would understand, and encourage Katie to date,” my mother said softly. “He wants her to experience life and enjoy all things any normal human teenage girl would.”

  “We need to speak with him before we decide anything,” my father told her.

  “That would be best,” she agreed.

  I leaned closer, wanting to hear the rest of their conversation, but Paul opened the front door and I took off up the stairs before he could see me, not wanting to be caught eavesdropping.

  Once in my room I tried to focus on my homework while I waited for their decision, but I couldn’t. Not when my future was being decided just a floor away. And why were my parents so worried about what Aidan thought? It wasn’t like my dating impacted his life in any way. I supposed it was because he thought I would slip up and tell someone that they were all vampires, but surely he knew me better than that. I mean, he had been around for most of my life, acting as a friend, confidante, and a shoulder to cry on when I needed one. He knew me better than even my own parents did, so he must realize I would never put him and his people in danger by exposing them on a whim.

  “Katie, please come downstairs.” My mother’s voice crackled over the intercom near my door. I scrambled off my bed, putting aside my thoughts of Aidan, and walked down the stairs, my feet heavy with dread. Once in the foyer I moved slowly towards my father’s office, worried about the decision that was about to come. Did Aidan take my side or had my father convinced him I shouldn’t be allowed to date? There was only one way to find out, so I bit my lip and stepped hesitantly inside my father’s office.

  Paul was present when I entered and tension filled the room. Anger radiated from every pore of his body, his rage hitting me like a lightning bolt, overwhelming my senses, making me pause midstride. I swallowed deeply, took a deep breath, and forced myself to move on, ignoring the anger that pounded my delicate senses and hoping no one noticed. My ability to feel the emotional climate around me was a secret I kept well guarded from my family. If they knew I could read emotions they would be even more secretive around me, and that would not be beneficial. It was helpful to know what they were feeling since they were very good at keeping their expressions neutral, no matter what the situation.

  My mother came to my side, placing her arm around my shoulders with a smile that reassured me and I felt my fears dissipate. I knew before she even spoke what they had decided and struggled not to show my joy. “Katie, we have discussed this at length and although some of us have reservations…” Paul snorted loudly, but she shot him a warning look and went on, “We have decided, since you have always been so responsible, to relent about the dating rule. If the young man asks, you may go out with him.” Paul was clearly upset, and I felt my father’s worry, but I could feel that my mother was genuinely happy for me, which warmed my heart.

  “Thanks, I promise everything will be fine.” I hugged both of my parents happily and turned to Paul to reassure him, too, but before I could utter a word he growled and walked out, the sound of him slamming the front door quickly following his departure. The roar of his truck engine filled the air, followed by the screeching of tires.

  “He’ll be alright,” my mother said, but I felt her worry and knew she wasn’t as confident as she sounded.

  “Yeah,” I said halfheartedly.

  “Honey, he’ll get over it. He just wants you to be safe,” my father explained. “We all want you to be safe.”

  “I realize that, but I need to live, Dad. I’m not a little girl anymore,” I told him sadly. “I think I’ll go back to my room,” I said, all of the joy I had felt about their decision gone. I loved my brother, and I didn’t want my budding relationship with Scott to cause problems between us, but I also didn’t want him pushing me around, telling me whom I could and couldn’t see.

  I called Jess to give her the verdict, which was met with squeals of delight and a long discussion about what I would wear when he asked me out. Chris, though, when I called him, was another story. He was adamant that dating Scott was a mistake and cautioned me to forget about him and look for someone more my type.

  Type? I thought. I didn’t have a type, did I? An image of Aidan filled my head, but I forced it away. No guy could ever hold a candle to his perfection. He was the ultimate male. Tall, smart, and strong, with shoulder-length black hair and eyes so blue it was like looking into the finest sapphire. I had been half in love with him since I realized boys were much more interesting than Barbie dolls, but I wasn’t foolish enough to believe it would ever be anything more than what it was: a foolish childhood crush.

  It was late when I hung up the phone after trying unsuccessfully to reassure Chris that everything was going to be alright. I did not want to go to bed again and suffer another of my endless nightmares, so I watched TV until I fell into an exhausted slumber. That night, though, instead of the nightmare I had come to expect, what I saw in my dream was more of a glimpse into the past. I could see my parents standing together, my father’s arm around my mother as she held a small pink bundle in her ar
ms.

  “Please let us keep her, she has no one else,” my mother pleaded to someone on a darkened dais before her.

  “You know the rules. Human children cannot be raised by vampires, they must go to one of their own,” a gravelly voice replied.

  My mother’s shoulders dropped and her face fell. She looked toward my father pleadingly, and he immediately took up her cause.

  “I think you should consider our request. There is something about this child that is different. I feel as if we were meant to find her. As if her place is amongst us,” my father told them. “Please, before you make us give her up, see for yourselves.”

  A tall, lithe woman with skin white as fresh, fallen snow, dressed in a long, flowing gown of pristine white, stood up and glided gracefully down the stairs. Her long, ice-blue hair flowed around her freely, its ends stopping just short of the floor as she floated to my mother’s side. Once there she placed a delicate hand on the bundle my mother held, moving the blanket away to reveal the baby, who smiled widely as she looked up into the female’s compelling aquamarine eyes. Gently she reached for one tiny hand and the moment their fingers connected, the woman’s face lit up with recognition. A smile bloomed across her face, and the room became silent. “She is indeed a most special treasure,” the female said, before turning away and walking to a dark figure who sat watching silently from the shadows on the dais. She leaned close, whispering to him, before taking her own seat once again.

  “Bring the child forward,” the dark figure called out, in a voice I immediately recognized as Aidan’s.

  My mother moved quickly across the room and up the stairs to stand before him. I barely recognized the gaunt, unhappy figure before her. The Aidan I saw in my dream was haggard and tired looking, his skin pale and unhealthy, his eyes black and hard, and an air of defeat hung around him. He was nothing like the smiling, easygoing male I knew. I sensed even in my dream state that he had given up.

  My mother handed him the child with shaking hands, staring at him fearfully as he cradled the child in his arms. Aidan looked down on the child, his startled breath filling the air as the baby took his finger in her hand, pulling it to her mouth and sucking it, as she stared up at him with pale green eyes I recognized immediately as my own.