As the others unloaded their bags from the van and argued over who had which room, Sam and Entropy sat on the hood of the vehicle enjoying each others company. Sunrise was about twenty or so minutes away, so they just wanted to relish what little was left of the night before they had to lock themselves indoors. Entropy leaned in to Sam, her body pressing up against his as they watched the horizon. The bright lights of the city were somewhere behind them as they looked back out towards the endless fields.
Sam’s voice was weary, his body beginning to tire. “What do you think it was? It was bigger than any wolf I ever saw.”
Kicking her legs back and forth as they dangled over the bumper, Entropy took a moment to consider. “I'm not sure, but you know it won't be the only danger here, right?”
He looked down at her face, trying to understand what she meant. “There's something worse than big bad wolves?”
Entropy nodded. “It's not like Florida. There are older vampires here and they have rules. If they find out what you are…”
Sam finished her sentence. “...They’ll kill me.”
She buried her face in his arm. “I won't be able to stop them, I'm not strong enough. It was selfish of me to bring you here…”
Placing a hand under Entropy's chin, Sam gently lifted her face until their eyes met. Her pupils dilated as he stared deep into the crystal blue of her eyes, brushing a strand of bright pink hair from her face. “I wanted to come. You didn't drag me here against my will.”
Entropy bit her lip, looking away from him and back towards the prairie lands. She didn't say another word, lying her head against his chest until it was time to head inside.
The thought of meeting ancient vampires and having to hide himself from them in plain sight was a frightening prospect, but Sam wanted to be there to support Entropy and the band as he felt that he owed them. He knew that he would be on edge during their entire stay, but he was there already and was determined to enjoy himself as much as possible. It was his first time in another country and he wanted to make the most of it. All he could do in the meantime was take each night as it came, and tomorrow was bound to be full of new experiences and endless possibilities. The journey was over, but the adventure was just beginning.
**********
The immense tower stretched up into the sky, a silent sentinel grandly lit with red and white hues as it stood still against the dark backdrop of night. Bright lights atop the saucer shaped rotunda seemed to block out the stars, its awe inspiring pinnacle far out of reach of the city streets below. There were taller buildings in Calgary, but none quite so impressive, with their flat glass sides that were comparatively dull in design. The Calgary Tower was a symbol of a more prosperous time, when oil prices were high and business was booming. The city itself was far from rundown, but it was a shadow of its former glory, struggling just as much as the rest of the world following the economic crash. It was a matter of pride that the building be kept well maintained, with a great deal of care going into its preservation.
Sam had wanted to take Entropy up to the observation deck above the revolving restaurant to show her a view of the city that she deserved, but he couldn't afford the high price of entry. “I'm sorry… I thought it’d be a fun idea.” Sam spoke with a tone of sadness in his voice, upset that he couldn't pay for the tickets. He wanted to take Entropy out on a date, but his empty wallet had made things difficult.
Thankfully there wasn’t a hint of disappointment in Entropy’s voice as she took Sam's hand, gently turning him to look into her eyes. “One day we’ll be able to go anywhere and do anything we want, I promise.”
Sam managed a half smile, but he couldn't help but feel as though he had let her down. He existed to make her happy and failure to do so wasn't an option. “I should be the one making promises...”
Entropy kissed Sam lightly on the cheek, her gaze lingering for a moment before she began to wander down the street with him in tow. Gently squeezing hands, the pair slowly strolled along the sidewalk, taking in the cool, late evening breeze.
This was the Entropy that Sam wanted to know. A regular girl in normal clothing, not someone who was pretending to be someone else. Although she insisted on going by her stage name and kept her true identity hidden from him, he believed that he was getting close to the real person inside. Entropy had removed most of her makeup and tied her pink hair back to reveal the natural beauty of her face. There was no need for her to hide behind false pretenses or put on a show while she was with him. In that moment, she was just the woman that Sam had found himself falling inexplicably head over heels for.
The streets had been bustling with activity just a short while earlier, but it was as if the city had emptied out soon after rush hour. It seemed that all the people that worked within the city centre couldn't afford to live there, so as soon as work hours were over they vacated to the suburbs and left downtown Calgary eerily quiet. There were a few people hanging out around bars and pubs, but it was nothing compared to the nightlife in Miami. Sam felt a little saddened that a place with so much potential could seem so neglected, as although it was clean and well kept, the city seemed to be lacking in spirit.
In contrast to the grand metropolis whose golden years had long gone by, Sam was sporting a new look that made him feel better about himself than he had felt in a long time. Entropy had used some of her limited funds to take him around some thrift stores, his newly acquired hoodie and baggy jeans fitting nicely, unlike the hand me downs that he had been dwarfed by up until now. He even had a pair of second hand skate shoes that were in his own size, instead of the oversized boots that he had almost tripped over time and again.
A short and stylish haircut made Sam feel like a new man, with a clean shaven face that took years off instead of adding them on. The style brought with it a new found confidence and self esteem that he felt he owed to his doting benefactor. Pretty much everyone had complemented Sam on his appearance since, which was a change from how people usually viewed him. He had always been an awkward boy growing up, not feeling like he fit in his own body, but now he truly felt as though he belonged in his skin. Perhaps that's what it felt like to be a man instead of a boy, after all he was still aging. It wouldn't be long until he had surpassed Entropy in physical years and then he would be her elder in all but actual age.
It was only Jacko who had poked fun at Sam for how he looked, comparing him to a doll that Entropy could play with and dress how she wanted. His comments were unfair, but they did leave Sam wondering if there was some truth to it. He dared not question her on the subject, but that didn't mean that he couldn't enquire about the guitarists attitude towards him.
Sam cleared his throat, mentally preparing his words before he delivered them. “Why does Jacko despise me so much? Did I do something to upset him?”
Entropy looked straight ahead, as if she was avoiding looking directly at him. “No. I wouldn't worry about it too much.”
The brief answer spurred Sam onwards. “Then what's his problem?”
Her eyes stayed straight as the two of them continued to wander along the sparsely populated streets. “Jacko really isn't as bad as he seems.”
Sam frowned. “Really? Because he seems pretty terrible.”
A sigh followed. Entropy kept up the steady pace, still refusing to look over at Sam as she spoke. “He’s just overprotective. You see, we used to have a thing.”
Sam raised his eyebrows in surprise. “You were a couple?” From what he had witnessed, the two of them didn't seem like they had ever been that close. Entropy tended to ignore both the guitarist and the snide remarks that spewed from his mouth. It was difficult to imagine them being anything more than bandmates or friends, as she was kind and he was just unpleasant.
Entropy shook her head. “Not exactly, no. Whatever it was, it didn't work out.”
Sam felt his curiosity rising. The way Jacko acted towards him was starting to make sense. “So that's why he’s a jerk to me?”
She nodded ha
lf heartedly. “Yes, and no…”
There had to be more to the story, but she wasn't being overly forthcoming. He needed to know more. “So what happened then?”
The pace of the stroll slowed to a crawl, Entropy chewing her lip in thought. “There was another guy.”
That much was clear, as Sam was fairly sure he had been wearing the man's clothes. There had also been the odd comment or two alluding to the fact. “I heard Jacko mention him. Who was he?”
Stopping on the spot, Entropy let go of Sam’s hand and pulled away. It was obvious that she didn't feel comfortable with his line of questioning which caused guilt to well up inside of him, but he had gone too far now to turn back. She crossed her arms in front of her chest, her hands resting on the sleeves of her leather jacket, almost comforting herself in a self embrace. “He wasn't like you. Frank was a full on vampire, but he had... issues.”
Entropy still wouldn't make eye contact, which caused Sam to feel concern as he hadn't seen her looking so vulnerable before. This wasn't the wild entertainer that she strived to be, but rather who she truly was inside. The outer layers were slowly being peeled back to reveal the real girl beneath the mask. He pushed on, speaking as softly as he could to try and ease the process. “What kind of issues?”
Entropy appeared to shiver, which was particularly odd as like him she didn't feel the cold. “He became obsessed with me and... and it took a turn for the worst. When I tried to leave him, he kidnapped me and tried to kill us both. He said that we could 'be together forever’.” A single tear of crimson rolled down her cheek.
Sam felt awful. He didn't understand why anyone could treat someone so precious that way. How dare someone hurt her! The very thought of it infuriated him and left him fuming, but he pushed down his anger to play the part of the shoulder to cry on. “That's awful…” He stepped forward, testing the waters while Entropy stayed put, continuing to hug herself with arms wrapped tightly.
Entropy smudged the tear across her cheek with her hand. “Yeah... If Jacko hadn't tailed him and brought the others along, I would be dead too...”
Sam couldn't resist a moment longer. He closed the gap and placed his own arms around the quivering wreck, trying his best to steal her pain away. He whispered softly in her ear. “I hope you know that I'm not like that. I'd never hurt you...”
Entropy’s body went limp as she buried her face in his neck, tears of blood leaving the collar of his hood feeling damp. “I do. I wouldn't make that mistake twice. But that's why Jacko has trust issues, especially with other guys...”
Sam felt bad for smiling. He was just glad that she had finally shared something personal with him, even if it had been hard for her. They had never been so intimate as they were in that very moment. “Well that makes sense, I guess. I'll try my best to get along with him.”
Entropy’s arms snaked around Sam’s waist as she made herself at home. “Thanks, Sam.”
He rested his head against hers. “Don't mention it.”
Sam felt happy there, out in the open, locked in an embrace. It was as if he belonged in that place with Entropy and that they should never leave. He had felt that way with her before, but this time his feelings had grown in intensity. He would lay his life down for this woman if he could, he would offer it up gladly. He would die a thousand times over if it meant that she would be safe. Compared to her life, his own meant nothing.
Chapter Twelve: The performance of a lifetime.
“They call people like you the Forsaken, and other vampires in high standing and positions of power will actively hunt you down if they're able.” The words of Jonah, the rat hungry hacker, rang true. It was all Sam could think about as he meandered through crowds of well dressed people, not really knowing who was human and who was a vampire that might rip him to shreds should he give himself away. It was impossible for him to tell them apart, and for all he knew he could be completely surrounded.
Sam’s entire body was on alert, tensing up as he struggled to act normally. His increasingly delusional mind had him convinced that everyone was on to him and that he could find himself at their mercy at any moment. The bloodthirsty predators would surely kill him if they discovered what he was. A freak and an outcast of both human and vampire society alike. Intense paranoia had set in, leaving him feeling flustered and trapped, but at least he didn't perspire anymore, as that would have certainly given him away. Then again, Entropy had mentioned that he smelled a little odd. Sam began to wonder if anyone else could pick up on his strange scent too. All he could hope was that they were too preoccupied with their social games of power mongering to notice him amongst them.
'Don’t make eye contact. Don’t stare at them. Just keep moving.’ Sam’s inner monologue had kicked in again, screaming orders at him as his survival instincts played havoc with his rational mind. He had to concentrate just to prevent himself from fleeing in terror. Why didn't he just stay in the dressing room with Entropy and the others? Sure, it was a little dull waiting there as they prepared for their set and Jacko was being his usual rude self, but the risk of death was far less than it was out here.
Even in his distracted state, Sam noted that whoever had decorated the lobby had done an excellent job. Sheets of red velvet were draped over the walls, lending a certain elegance to the proceedings that was accentuated further by grandiose tapestries that bridged the gaps between wooden panels. Delicate crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their prisms refracting rainbows of light over the polished brass railings of the stairs that led to the upper levels. However, the true focal point within the lobby was the luxurious water feature, which consisted of a sculpted fountain in the shape of a maiden holding a large pitcher that poured water into a shallow pool lined with smooth pebbles.
Nervously surveying the theatre lobby as he made his way across the red carpet, Sam kept an eye out for anyone paying particularly close attention to him. Fashionably dressed people in their tailored suits and expensive dresses were grouped up in their various cliques around the room, fully engrossed in their conversations as they seemingly enjoyed each other's company. It was supposed to be the soirée of the year, with everyone who was anyone in attendance, and there was Sam, severely underdressed in his secondhand shirt and slacks. He seemed to be the only person in the room who looked out of place, and he was not having a good time at all.
The main entrance to the theatre swung wide open, causing everyone in the place to turn their heads to look in its direction. They all wanted to see who was making such a grand entrance, the groups shuffling closer together to make a large crowd as they gossiped among themselves. Sam was relieved that the focus was being placed on someone else, the feeling of being watched finally fading. He was tempted to make his escape, moving in the direction of the door that led back to the main stage, but something inside pulled against him, dragging him back towards the gathering crowd. He felt as though he was being drawn towards the entryway, his curiosity crying out to know more.
Peering through the narrow gaps that people had left between themselves while they stared on in awe, Sam could just about see what all the commotion was about. A tall woman strode past the crowd with confidence, knowing full well that she was the topic of conversation. A long, emerald dress hugged the curves of her hourglass figure, overlapped at the back by the brown curls of her hair that fell down her neck and over her shoulders like waterfalls. Her diamond necklace sparkled in the light, giving a sense of wealth and regality to her appearance. Whoever the woman was, she was certainly someone of high standing within the city and Sam presumed that meant she was also a member of the vampire elite.
As interesting as the woman in green was, her companion peaked Sam’s interest further. He only got a glance of her red dress and blonde hair before his view was obscured, but he could have sworn it was a girl that he hadn't seen for a few years now. Someone who had once meant the world to him before he pushed her away. She looked an awful lot like Alice Delaney, his best friend and the one person who knew hi
m better than anyone else, Entropy included.
Sam shook his head, trying to come to his senses. It couldn't be her, not here. Alice should have been down in Kansas or with his parents in Florida. Why would she be up in the middle of Canada, far from everything and everyone she had ever known? Then it occurred to him, why was he there? She could have her own reasons for being in Calgary, the same as him. If it was Alice, then she had to have her reasons for being there, and it was a hell of a coincidence. Or maybe fate had brought them together. Then again, it could have just been a case of mistaken identity. Maybe it wasn't Alice at all, as it could have been someone else entirely. He had only caught a glimpse of her as she walked by, not nearly long enough to confirm who it was.
Trying to move around the edge of the crowd to get a better look, Sam was quickly overrun by masses of people as they began to disperse, returning to their own smaller groups. He had forgotten all about his reasons for trying to hide amongst them, ignoring the fact that he was still in danger of being discovered. For some reason he couldn’t find the girl in the red dress, rudely pushing past anyone who got in his way as he searched the entire room for another sighting of her.
Sam clumsily tripped over someone's foot, stumbling a few steps as he tried to regain his balance. He didn't recover fast enough to stop his body from slamming into another guest's arm, knocking a full glass from their hand that was sent crashing to the floor. The liquid contents began to soak into the carpet, with countless shards catching in the fibres like clear, jagged jewels. The sound of breaking glass and the gasps that came with it caught the attention of the majority of patrons in the place, their disgust over Sam's actions apparent as they silently passed their judgement.
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