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rainbowfic2012-05-18 10:38 pm
walkwithheroes) wrote in rainbowfic2012-05-18 10:38 pm
Entry tags:
Surely Someday: For the Restless - Part 3
Name: Nichole
Story: Surely Someday
Piece Title: For the Restless: Part Three
Colors: Faded Blue: 10. Love flew out again; Tardis Blue: 14. Now listen to me, you young idiot; you're not so much gullible as you are idealistic.
Supplies and Materials: none
Word Count: 3,931
Rating: PG
Warnings: very brief discussion of murder
Summary: Andrews and Henry have their "non-date". Maggie and Warren discuss their shared past and his 'addiction'. Simon worries.
Author's Note: Part One and Part Two
Thanks toisana for the beta!
According to the tiny metal clock that sat on the wall, it was now four-thirty in the afternoon. Normally that would not have been an issue, but it was when there was a vampire in the attic with Maggie.
Simon had thought he’d ask his questions and then Warren would go. (Or he’d force Warren out.) But, instead . . . they had ended up watching daytime television and discussing their favorite bands. It made Simon wonder if vampires had mind control powers. He was certain Warren was controlling him. Otherwise, why hadn’t he kicked him out already?
Just let her ask and he’ll be gone. Even if it has been two hours . . . Nervously, Simon cranked his neck to look up the attic stairs. He couldn’t hear anything. But then again, he hadn’t heard anything for two hours. With a deep breathe; he sat down on the last step of the staircase. He’d wait just a little longer. If only so Maggie could ask her questions. At four-fifty, regardless of what was happening he’d get Warren out.
*
The attic was filled with every treasure a five year old girl could want. The pitched walls were lined with trucks full of vintage clothing, dusty books, all sorts of toys, and photos all tucked away in tiny nooks. In the middle of the room was a small television. Across from the wooden door, there was a window, covered with thick black curtains. In fact, now that Warren thought about it, all the windows he had seen in the house were covered by thick curtains.
For the last hour and a half, he had sat on the cool wooden floor. Maggie sat next to him, carefully knitting something from yellow yarn. The yellow yarn had a blood stain on it; Simon’s blood from when they had put him on the sofa last night. She was working very quietly, her tongue slightly sticking out of the left corner of her mouth. Her brown curls were falling into her face, but she didn’t seem to notice or care. Warren wanted to reach out and push her hair back, but he stopped himself. That would be going too far.
“It’s going to be a jumper for Simon.” Maggie said suddenly. “Yellow, because he needs more brightness. Douglas’ is blue. It’ll match his eyes.” Putting her needles and yarn down, Maggie turned to look at Warren. She seemed to size him up, before stating; “I don’t think I’ll make you one. You won’t be here for Christmas.”
Warren raised a surprised eyebrow. “I won’t?”
She shook her head. “No. You’re supposed to leave before Douglas comes home. If you’re still here, Simon and I will get into trouble. My family will have a fight.” She paused for a moment, but she kept her eyes steady on his. “You said you dream about me yet, you said you don’t remember my warning you. Which one is true, Warren?”
There was a large part of him that wanted to turn away, but he couldn’t bring himself to lie; not to her; not to the one that he wanted to save him. “Both. I didn’t remember until after I died. The memory of you came back suddenly. I,” he laughed softly to himself. “I thought you were dead.”
“I don’t die or age. Nor eat or drink. Nor sleep.” For the briefest of seconds something akin to anger flickered over Maggie’s face. But, it disappeared as quickly as it had come, and she was smiling again.
“Never?”
“Ever.”
Warren laughed again. “I thought I would save you from death. But, that was never an issue.” His eyes twinkling with mischief, he asked: “Would you care to break out with me? I could take you out tonight. You and Simon. I could have you home –“
Maggie put a hand over his mouth, shushing him. “I don’t go out. Never ever. I can’t be around normal people. I . . . it hurts.”
She was an immortal, but like no immortal he knew. Staring deeply into her eyes, Warren truly saw it. Maggie had the beauty and personality of an innocent girl, but in his memory, she was a strange and beautiful woman that had tried to save him. So many years ago, she had tried to be his savior. He had wanted her to save him. He had planned on it. But, when he looked – really looked into her eyes, he saw it; she was just as lost as he was.
Maggie’s presence seemed to draw him near. He took her hand away from his lips, but kept a tight grip on it, as if it were an anchor keeping him steady. Without thinking, Warren leaned in close to Maggie. Mere inches from her face, he searched her eyes. “What are you?” he whispered, his voice unsure and searching.
The saddest of smile tugged on the edge of her lips. “I don’t know.” Maggie leaned away from him. He was too close. Too familiar. He was the one she hadn’t been able to save; the only one she had tried to save. And she had failed. He was a reminder of that. Yet, he was also strangely safe. He couldn’t hurt her. He couldn’t die; like her.
“You’re not who I remember.” Warren let go of Maggie’s hand. “I have to say I’m a bit disappointed. I think I made you up inside my head.” Maggie tilted her head to the side, an eyebrow raised in confusion. “I mean, who I wanted you to be. After I was . . . after I woke up the first time, the memory of you came flooding back. I ignored it for a while, but the older I got, the more I thought of you. Of us saving one another.”
“I never needed to be saved.” She smiled faintly. “I just needed to be found.” Maggie paused, wanting to say this in just the right way. She understood James Warren’s creepiness toward her; really she did . Maggie felt sorry for him. He had spent years building her up as someone she wasn’t. He had made her into someone to save him from himself. He wouldn’t have to take responsibility if she was saving him. Maggie had seen it before in the third man to care for her. She had failed him too. “But, James Warren, I cannot save you. You’re a vampire, I can’t fix that.”
Warren’s lips twitched into something resembling a sad smile. “You did warn me. I was a child and I thought you were insane. I thought you were a beautiful and comforting insane woman.”
“Thank you.” Maggie returned the smile. “I just have two questions for you, Mr. Warren.” Her eyes bore into his. “I would ask that you take care in answering this question. Did you, James Warren, send your friends to attack Simon? And, did you know Simon lives with me before yesterday?”
He swallowed. Slowly Warren stood from his spot on the cool attic floor. He stood above her, a towering figure; but, she was the one that held all the power. “Two weeks ago, I saw you. I looked at this house and you were inside. I knew Simon lived here. But, last night – all I could smell was a werewolf. I wanted to save whoever it was, regardless. I didn’t know it was Simon.”
Warren searched Maggie’s eyes for something – anything – that let him know she believed his words. Her eyes were the same as always, innocence hiding something much scarier than anything he could ever imagine. “I really do want to help Simon. I want to . . . oh, I’ve done a lot of bad things in the last hundred years. I’m tired of the blood and the killing. I just, I just want it to stop.”
Watching him carefully, Maggie wasn’t completely sure if this confession made Warren better or worse in her eyes. She just knew one thing: he wasn’t lying to her. He wanted to be redeemed. Living so long took its toll, she knew that. Maggie was certain all his killing didn’t help, but Warren’s redemption wouldn’t come from her or from him befriending Simon.
“Warren, do you still kill?” Her voice calm, she stood from her spot, careful not to hurt her knitting.
“No. I haven’t had blood for a year. I’m living clean.” Warren swallowed. “I’ve been living on animal hearts.”
Maggie’s nose wrinkled. “That’s disgusting.”
He laughed. “You have no idea. Could I ask something? Why are all the windows covered? If it’s for me – vampires turning to dust in the sunlight is just a myth.”
With a shake of her head Maggie answered simply. “It’s for me. If I see anyone that isn’t supernatural or special I see things. The curtains help. Every room has thick curtains; everyone but Douglas’ room.”
“Why not his window?”
“His window faces a wall.” Maggie smiled softly. “One more question? Are you safe now that you’ve gone against the vampires by helping Simon?”
Warren shrugged lightly. “No more than I’ve been for the last year. I’m a recovering addict and drunk in a world full of addicts and drunks.”
Once upon a time, Maggie had known an addict with a love of spirits. He had been her third caregiver; one of her favorites. In an odd way Warren reminded her of him. “It seems you are in need of a friend and a sponsor.”
*
The café Henry had chosen for coffee was only a few blocks from the university. It was a quiet little place, tucked between an antiques store and an ice cream shop. Henry couldn’t help but think that the three little shops would be perfect for a family outing: antiques and coffee for the adults and ice cream for the children.
She had ordered a green tea, and had found a place at one of the iron tables outside. Andrews was late, and Henry couldn’t stop herself from suspecting that he had forgotten or simply decided not to show up for their meeting. Of course maybe that wasn’t a bad thing. She still wasn’t sure why she had asked for them to meet. Yes, she had been more or less following Andrews and Simon around the university for weeks, but that was only because they were fascinatingly average (to average) and she was a psychology student.
“I’m late.” Henry glanced up to see Andrews walking toward her, a shopping bag in his hand. “I had to do a bit of shopping.” He sat down opposite her, putting the bag in his lap. “I have to go home early today.”
Unconsciously Henry sat straighter. “Because Simon’s ill?”
“Did I tell you Simon and I share a house?” Andrews tried to think back, but he couldn’t remember ever saying anything to Henry about where and with whom he lived.
She smiled softly. “I assumed. I accidently overheard your phone call this morning. With Simon eating cake and all that.”
“Oh, yes.” Briefly Andrews thought back to his afternoon phone call with Maggie. She had assured him that Simon hadn’t vomited from the cake and yet, she had sounded off and unusually nervous. He was sure something had happened. Andrews couldn’t help but wonder if they had lied about the vampire having been gone that morning. “He’s ill, but that’s not why I want to get home early.”
Taking a sip of her green tea, Henry let out a soft chuckle. Andrews really had no social skills, did he? “I’m assuming you’re not going to tell me why you want to get home early?”
For the first time in all the time that Henry had been watching Andrews, he smiled, a real and genuine smile. When she had watched him with Simon, Andrews laughed, but he never smiled at Simon the way he smiled at her. That, Henry believed was a good thing; in more ways than one. “You should never assume, Henry. However, you are correct in this case. I won’t tell you why I plan to go home early.” He waved a dismissive hand. “It’s not polite chatter for afternoon coffee, I’m sorry to say.”
“Now you’ve really got me interested. But, I understand.” Henry gestured toward a dry erase board that stood just on iron feet just outside the coffee shop’s open door where the menu was written. “I didn’t want to overstep by ordering for you. Pick anything you like, it’s on me.”
Waving a waiter over, Andrews ordered an Earl Grey. The waiter nodded, before disappearing back into the café. Andrews took a moment to clear his throat and make sure that his bag was safely under his seat.
“Thank you for the tea, Henry.”
“You’re quit welcome, Andrews.” Henry took another sip of her green tea, watching Andrews carefully. He was different outside the stuffiness of the university. In his janitorial office, Andrews had seemed focused and stern. But, outside in the brilliant sunshine, he was smiling and had a confident air about him. This was a whole new side of him, and Henry had to admit that she rather enjoyed it. “I thought you’d forget, actually. To come, I mean.”
He smiled – really smiled – at her. His blue eyes twinkled, and Henry was sure he was nearly flirting with her. Or rather, flirting as much as someone like him could. “Something you should know about me is that I always keep my promises. Besides, I never turn down free tea.”
Henry made a mental note of it. “I’ll keep that in mind,.” she told him casually. It was much too early in their budding friendship to say anything else. Henry had to stop herself from finishing with a flirty “next time”.
Because the truth was, there might not be a next time; especially when Simon came back. It would not be so easy to get to know him with Simon around. Though, Henry had to admit that she was slightly interested in Simon, too, but not in the same way she was interested in Andrews. It was more like Simon was a feral animal she wanted to watch and Andrews was a quiet man she wanted to speak with. Henry half expected Andrews to tell her: ”Please do, I love free tea.” Yet, that didn’t happen. Instead, Andrews nodded to the waiter when he brought his order. Quietly he sipped it, glancing around; looking rather bored.
Two steps forward and three steps back, Henry thought.
*
Simon wasn’t sure what he expected to find, when he went up to toss Warren out, but he certainly wasn’t expecting to open the attic door and find Maggie and Warren sitting in the middle of the attic, surrounded by books. Several of Maggie’s wooden trunks were open and there were numerous books spread out along the attic floor. He knew a few of them, old self-help books from the early 2000s. Maggie had asked Andrews to buy them for her, as she wanted to read about the weaknesses in common people. Simon wasn’t sure why Maggie had wanted to know, but then, he wasn’t sure why she did half the things she did.
Next to his thigh, Warren has a small pile of paperbacks. He was flipping through one of them, slowly nodding to himself as he read. It was a little unnerving to see a vampire reading about controlling his inner demons. Mostly because Simon wasn’t totally uncertain that vampires weren’t just demons; at least that was what popular culture had taught him.
“Now, you’ve got Stop Blaming Yourself, Controlling Your Inner Demons, Breaking the Cycle, and Actions Not Addictions.” Maggie began shuffling through a small pile of books. “I think Talking to Your Inner Child and Hobbies for the Homebody might also help you.”
Simon stepped deeper into the attic, taking it all in. He wanted to march over to them and drag Maggie downstairs. He wanted to tell her to stop being nice to Warren. And he really wanted to shake Maggie and toss Warren out the attic window. He wanted to do all those things, but in the end he did none of them. In the end, he found himself laughing.
“You’re giving self-help books to him? Maggie,” Simon gave her a pointed look. “come on. You’re smarter than this.”
Both Warren and Maggie turned their attention toward Simon. At least Warren had the foresight to look guilty; Maggie just shrugged. She stood from the floor and dusted nonexistent dust off her dress.
“Am I? He wants to go clean, any little thing helps. Right?” she glanced down to a still sitting Warren. “Or not. It’s up to him.” Simon noticed something pass between the two, yet he couldn’t figure out what he was seeing. “After today it won’t be up to us.”
Raising an eyebrow, Simon asked; “So, he’s leaving?”
Warren nodded, before standing and picking up his book pile. “I’m leaving, but, I’ll leave you my contact information. If you need me, I’ll be around. Remember, the vampires will figure out there’s a werewolf in the city. Keep your head down.”
“I always do.” Simon replied with a small nod. Without thinking – truly he just wanted to get her away from Warren –Simon reached out his hand for Maggie. Wordlessly she moved to him, and gently took his offered hand. They stood together, a united front. “Thanks. For saving me last night and answering all our questions.” He cleared his throat awkwardly. “And for not trying to kill us, thanks.”
With a cheeky grin, Warren shrugged. “I do my best. I –“ Warren was cut-off by the sound of the heavy front door opening and slamming shut. All three froze, waiting for what would come next.
“Simon? Maggie? I’m back early, I know. I just . . . where are you two?” Andrews’ voice carried up the stairs and up to the attic.
How could he be home early? It wasn’t even five o’clock.
Maggie, eyes wide as a deer’s, turned her full attention to the attic’s doorway. “Douglas. Douglas, we’ll be down in a moment!” Turning to Simon, she swallowed hard. Maggie could feel Simon’s hand sweating in hers; she was sure she would be sweating too, if she could sweat. “It’ll be all right. We’ll just explain it, we’re all adults here.”
Simon felt his body relax even as Maggie spoke. She was completely right. They were adults and it would be stupid for Andrews to try and punish them. So they had let Warren spend the day with them? That wasn’t terrible of them. Actually it was a good thing. Andrews barely knew anything about werewolves and his knowledge of Maggie was even less than his understanding of werewolves. Having a vampire explain a few things was helpful. Smart, even. Simon was about to voice these thoughts when he heard Andrews coming up the stairs. Glancing over to Warren, Simon saw the vampire looking slightly unsure; almost ashamed.
“She has a point.” Warren’s voice was barely above a whisper. “This is your home, too.”
Simon wanted to say something. Maybe even thank Warren for saying it was his home, but he didn’t. Instead the three of them waited for Andrews to come up the attic stairs. Simon and Maggie turned to face the doorway and Andrews. Andrews stopped in the doorway of the attic, his brow knitted in confusion and his lips turned into a frown.
“You said he was gone.” Andrews tone was steady, but his left fist was curled tightly at his side.
“You said I could make my own choices if I lived with you.” Maggie answered softly.
Simon swallowed hard. “You said you’d bring back pizza.” He cracked his usual smile, despite Andrews glare. “We’re all adults, Andrews. Maggie’s over three hundred for fuck’s sake. We can decide if we want to have a vampire over for a day of cake and crappy television.”
“Vampires aren’t. . .we don’t have them in this house. Maggie’s old in age, but not in mind. You two can’t just. . .have a vampire in our home, Simon.” A thousand different thoughts were running through Andrews’ mind. He was finding it harder to keep his anger in check.
The truth was he knew very little about the supernatural world. He hadn’t been the one trained to care for Maggie, so he hadn’t been the one told all the secrets. For the last twelve or so years, it had been his job to take care of Maggie; and for the last five he had taught and mentored Simon. It had taken Andrews ages to get both of them comfortable with him. But, it had taken an afternoon for them to befriend a vampire? “What if something had happened to you? Or her? Or –“
“Douglas-” Maggie cut -in, her tone firm. “Warren told Simon about werewolves and vampires prejudice against them. He’s trying to go off blood. He didn’t hurt us.” Her hand tightened in Simon’s. “It’s all right. Warren was just leaving.” She glanced behind her. “Weren’t you, Warren?”
He bobbed his head. “I was.” Proudly he lifted up one of his new self-help books. “Maggie was kind enough to give me some reading materials. Simon was polite enough to let me spend the day with him. No worries, Andrews. Vampires aren’t just black and white. We’re a bit grey in the moral area. I wouldn’t have hurt either Simon or Maggie.”
“No, I don’t suppose you would have.” Andrews felt his lips curling up into a cruel smile. “You couldn’t have. Maggie and Simon can take care of themselves, even against you.” With a shake of his head, he continued. “Thank you for saving Simon last night. I suppose that wouldn’t make you very popular with the local vampires.”
“It won’t.” Warren agreed solemnly. “But, I don’t care much for them either.”
“I suppose they’ll be looking for you tonight?” Andrews questioned slowly. He was met with nods from all three. “All of you come downstairs. I’m suddenly in the mood for some whiskey and cake.” Without another word, Andrews turned and headed back down the stairs.
Wordlessly, and still holding hands, Simon and Maggie followed. Clutching his self-help books to his chest, Warren trailed behind them.
*
Wales, 1819
March, 1819
I, Richard Whitman, have finally found them; vampires. I have found two and I have brought them to Magdalena’s rooms. This experiment was a risk, but it was one that I needed to farther understand this thing I call Magdalena.
I had one of the vampires drink blood from my arm. The pain was nearly unbearable, but it was for science. I cannot begin to explain what happened after the vampire had finished feeding. It quite literally turned to an ash statue, before quietly falling to pieces. My blood was poison. I believe this is due to my connection with Magdalena.
I then had the other vampire drink from Magdalena. This was something I shall never forget. The vampire was able to drink from her wrist, but only for a brief moment. For in that moment, the vampire pushed Magdalena away, as if her blood was disgusting trash. I thought it might become ash as its friend had, but no. No! The vampire is fine, it is more than fine. Now, three weeks later, it has not needed blood at all. Magdalena’s blood is a nectar of Gods for the vampires. I must not let this be known. I plan on killing the vampire tonight.”
Story: Surely Someday
Piece Title: For the Restless: Part Three
Colors: Faded Blue: 10. Love flew out again; Tardis Blue: 14. Now listen to me, you young idiot; you're not so much gullible as you are idealistic.
Supplies and Materials: none
Word Count: 3,931
Rating: PG
Warnings: very brief discussion of murder
Summary: Andrews and Henry have their "non-date". Maggie and Warren discuss their shared past and his 'addiction'. Simon worries.
Author's Note: Part One and Part Two
Thanks to
isana for the beta!According to the tiny metal clock that sat on the wall, it was now four-thirty in the afternoon. Normally that would not have been an issue, but it was when there was a vampire in the attic with Maggie.
Simon had thought he’d ask his questions and then Warren would go. (Or he’d force Warren out.) But, instead . . . they had ended up watching daytime television and discussing their favorite bands. It made Simon wonder if vampires had mind control powers. He was certain Warren was controlling him. Otherwise, why hadn’t he kicked him out already?
Just let her ask and he’ll be gone. Even if it has been two hours . . . Nervously, Simon cranked his neck to look up the attic stairs. He couldn’t hear anything. But then again, he hadn’t heard anything for two hours. With a deep breathe; he sat down on the last step of the staircase. He’d wait just a little longer. If only so Maggie could ask her questions. At four-fifty, regardless of what was happening he’d get Warren out.
*
The attic was filled with every treasure a five year old girl could want. The pitched walls were lined with trucks full of vintage clothing, dusty books, all sorts of toys, and photos all tucked away in tiny nooks. In the middle of the room was a small television. Across from the wooden door, there was a window, covered with thick black curtains. In fact, now that Warren thought about it, all the windows he had seen in the house were covered by thick curtains.
For the last hour and a half, he had sat on the cool wooden floor. Maggie sat next to him, carefully knitting something from yellow yarn. The yellow yarn had a blood stain on it; Simon’s blood from when they had put him on the sofa last night. She was working very quietly, her tongue slightly sticking out of the left corner of her mouth. Her brown curls were falling into her face, but she didn’t seem to notice or care. Warren wanted to reach out and push her hair back, but he stopped himself. That would be going too far.
“It’s going to be a jumper for Simon.” Maggie said suddenly. “Yellow, because he needs more brightness. Douglas’ is blue. It’ll match his eyes.” Putting her needles and yarn down, Maggie turned to look at Warren. She seemed to size him up, before stating; “I don’t think I’ll make you one. You won’t be here for Christmas.”
Warren raised a surprised eyebrow. “I won’t?”
She shook her head. “No. You’re supposed to leave before Douglas comes home. If you’re still here, Simon and I will get into trouble. My family will have a fight.” She paused for a moment, but she kept her eyes steady on his. “You said you dream about me yet, you said you don’t remember my warning you. Which one is true, Warren?”
There was a large part of him that wanted to turn away, but he couldn’t bring himself to lie; not to her; not to the one that he wanted to save him. “Both. I didn’t remember until after I died. The memory of you came back suddenly. I,” he laughed softly to himself. “I thought you were dead.”
“I don’t die or age. Nor eat or drink. Nor sleep.” For the briefest of seconds something akin to anger flickered over Maggie’s face. But, it disappeared as quickly as it had come, and she was smiling again.
“Never?”
“Ever.”
Warren laughed again. “I thought I would save you from death. But, that was never an issue.” His eyes twinkling with mischief, he asked: “Would you care to break out with me? I could take you out tonight. You and Simon. I could have you home –“
Maggie put a hand over his mouth, shushing him. “I don’t go out. Never ever. I can’t be around normal people. I . . . it hurts.”
She was an immortal, but like no immortal he knew. Staring deeply into her eyes, Warren truly saw it. Maggie had the beauty and personality of an innocent girl, but in his memory, she was a strange and beautiful woman that had tried to save him. So many years ago, she had tried to be his savior. He had wanted her to save him. He had planned on it. But, when he looked – really looked into her eyes, he saw it; she was just as lost as he was.
Maggie’s presence seemed to draw him near. He took her hand away from his lips, but kept a tight grip on it, as if it were an anchor keeping him steady. Without thinking, Warren leaned in close to Maggie. Mere inches from her face, he searched her eyes. “What are you?” he whispered, his voice unsure and searching.
The saddest of smile tugged on the edge of her lips. “I don’t know.” Maggie leaned away from him. He was too close. Too familiar. He was the one she hadn’t been able to save; the only one she had tried to save. And she had failed. He was a reminder of that. Yet, he was also strangely safe. He couldn’t hurt her. He couldn’t die; like her.
“You’re not who I remember.” Warren let go of Maggie’s hand. “I have to say I’m a bit disappointed. I think I made you up inside my head.” Maggie tilted her head to the side, an eyebrow raised in confusion. “I mean, who I wanted you to be. After I was . . . after I woke up the first time, the memory of you came flooding back. I ignored it for a while, but the older I got, the more I thought of you. Of us saving one another.”
“I never needed to be saved.” She smiled faintly. “I just needed to be found.” Maggie paused, wanting to say this in just the right way. She understood James Warren’s creepiness toward her; really she did . Maggie felt sorry for him. He had spent years building her up as someone she wasn’t. He had made her into someone to save him from himself. He wouldn’t have to take responsibility if she was saving him. Maggie had seen it before in the third man to care for her. She had failed him too. “But, James Warren, I cannot save you. You’re a vampire, I can’t fix that.”
Warren’s lips twitched into something resembling a sad smile. “You did warn me. I was a child and I thought you were insane. I thought you were a beautiful and comforting insane woman.”
“Thank you.” Maggie returned the smile. “I just have two questions for you, Mr. Warren.” Her eyes bore into his. “I would ask that you take care in answering this question. Did you, James Warren, send your friends to attack Simon? And, did you know Simon lives with me before yesterday?”
He swallowed. Slowly Warren stood from his spot on the cool attic floor. He stood above her, a towering figure; but, she was the one that held all the power. “Two weeks ago, I saw you. I looked at this house and you were inside. I knew Simon lived here. But, last night – all I could smell was a werewolf. I wanted to save whoever it was, regardless. I didn’t know it was Simon.”
Warren searched Maggie’s eyes for something – anything – that let him know she believed his words. Her eyes were the same as always, innocence hiding something much scarier than anything he could ever imagine. “I really do want to help Simon. I want to . . . oh, I’ve done a lot of bad things in the last hundred years. I’m tired of the blood and the killing. I just, I just want it to stop.”
Watching him carefully, Maggie wasn’t completely sure if this confession made Warren better or worse in her eyes. She just knew one thing: he wasn’t lying to her. He wanted to be redeemed. Living so long took its toll, she knew that. Maggie was certain all his killing didn’t help, but Warren’s redemption wouldn’t come from her or from him befriending Simon.
“Warren, do you still kill?” Her voice calm, she stood from her spot, careful not to hurt her knitting.
“No. I haven’t had blood for a year. I’m living clean.” Warren swallowed. “I’ve been living on animal hearts.”
Maggie’s nose wrinkled. “That’s disgusting.”
He laughed. “You have no idea. Could I ask something? Why are all the windows covered? If it’s for me – vampires turning to dust in the sunlight is just a myth.”
With a shake of her head Maggie answered simply. “It’s for me. If I see anyone that isn’t supernatural or special I see things. The curtains help. Every room has thick curtains; everyone but Douglas’ room.”
“Why not his window?”
“His window faces a wall.” Maggie smiled softly. “One more question? Are you safe now that you’ve gone against the vampires by helping Simon?”
Warren shrugged lightly. “No more than I’ve been for the last year. I’m a recovering addict and drunk in a world full of addicts and drunks.”
Once upon a time, Maggie had known an addict with a love of spirits. He had been her third caregiver; one of her favorites. In an odd way Warren reminded her of him. “It seems you are in need of a friend and a sponsor.”
*
The café Henry had chosen for coffee was only a few blocks from the university. It was a quiet little place, tucked between an antiques store and an ice cream shop. Henry couldn’t help but think that the three little shops would be perfect for a family outing: antiques and coffee for the adults and ice cream for the children.
She had ordered a green tea, and had found a place at one of the iron tables outside. Andrews was late, and Henry couldn’t stop herself from suspecting that he had forgotten or simply decided not to show up for their meeting. Of course maybe that wasn’t a bad thing. She still wasn’t sure why she had asked for them to meet. Yes, she had been more or less following Andrews and Simon around the university for weeks, but that was only because they were fascinatingly average (to average) and she was a psychology student.
“I’m late.” Henry glanced up to see Andrews walking toward her, a shopping bag in his hand. “I had to do a bit of shopping.” He sat down opposite her, putting the bag in his lap. “I have to go home early today.”
Unconsciously Henry sat straighter. “Because Simon’s ill?”
“Did I tell you Simon and I share a house?” Andrews tried to think back, but he couldn’t remember ever saying anything to Henry about where and with whom he lived.
She smiled softly. “I assumed. I accidently overheard your phone call this morning. With Simon eating cake and all that.”
“Oh, yes.” Briefly Andrews thought back to his afternoon phone call with Maggie. She had assured him that Simon hadn’t vomited from the cake and yet, she had sounded off and unusually nervous. He was sure something had happened. Andrews couldn’t help but wonder if they had lied about the vampire having been gone that morning. “He’s ill, but that’s not why I want to get home early.”
Taking a sip of her green tea, Henry let out a soft chuckle. Andrews really had no social skills, did he? “I’m assuming you’re not going to tell me why you want to get home early?”
For the first time in all the time that Henry had been watching Andrews, he smiled, a real and genuine smile. When she had watched him with Simon, Andrews laughed, but he never smiled at Simon the way he smiled at her. That, Henry believed was a good thing; in more ways than one. “You should never assume, Henry. However, you are correct in this case. I won’t tell you why I plan to go home early.” He waved a dismissive hand. “It’s not polite chatter for afternoon coffee, I’m sorry to say.”
“Now you’ve really got me interested. But, I understand.” Henry gestured toward a dry erase board that stood just on iron feet just outside the coffee shop’s open door where the menu was written. “I didn’t want to overstep by ordering for you. Pick anything you like, it’s on me.”
Waving a waiter over, Andrews ordered an Earl Grey. The waiter nodded, before disappearing back into the café. Andrews took a moment to clear his throat and make sure that his bag was safely under his seat.
“Thank you for the tea, Henry.”
“You’re quit welcome, Andrews.” Henry took another sip of her green tea, watching Andrews carefully. He was different outside the stuffiness of the university. In his janitorial office, Andrews had seemed focused and stern. But, outside in the brilliant sunshine, he was smiling and had a confident air about him. This was a whole new side of him, and Henry had to admit that she rather enjoyed it. “I thought you’d forget, actually. To come, I mean.”
He smiled – really smiled – at her. His blue eyes twinkled, and Henry was sure he was nearly flirting with her. Or rather, flirting as much as someone like him could. “Something you should know about me is that I always keep my promises. Besides, I never turn down free tea.”
Henry made a mental note of it. “I’ll keep that in mind,.” she told him casually. It was much too early in their budding friendship to say anything else. Henry had to stop herself from finishing with a flirty “next time”.
Because the truth was, there might not be a next time; especially when Simon came back. It would not be so easy to get to know him with Simon around. Though, Henry had to admit that she was slightly interested in Simon, too, but not in the same way she was interested in Andrews. It was more like Simon was a feral animal she wanted to watch and Andrews was a quiet man she wanted to speak with. Henry half expected Andrews to tell her: ”Please do, I love free tea.” Yet, that didn’t happen. Instead, Andrews nodded to the waiter when he brought his order. Quietly he sipped it, glancing around; looking rather bored.
Two steps forward and three steps back, Henry thought.
*
Simon wasn’t sure what he expected to find, when he went up to toss Warren out, but he certainly wasn’t expecting to open the attic door and find Maggie and Warren sitting in the middle of the attic, surrounded by books. Several of Maggie’s wooden trunks were open and there were numerous books spread out along the attic floor. He knew a few of them, old self-help books from the early 2000s. Maggie had asked Andrews to buy them for her, as she wanted to read about the weaknesses in common people. Simon wasn’t sure why Maggie had wanted to know, but then, he wasn’t sure why she did half the things she did.
Next to his thigh, Warren has a small pile of paperbacks. He was flipping through one of them, slowly nodding to himself as he read. It was a little unnerving to see a vampire reading about controlling his inner demons. Mostly because Simon wasn’t totally uncertain that vampires weren’t just demons; at least that was what popular culture had taught him.
“Now, you’ve got Stop Blaming Yourself, Controlling Your Inner Demons, Breaking the Cycle, and Actions Not Addictions.” Maggie began shuffling through a small pile of books. “I think Talking to Your Inner Child and Hobbies for the Homebody might also help you.”
Simon stepped deeper into the attic, taking it all in. He wanted to march over to them and drag Maggie downstairs. He wanted to tell her to stop being nice to Warren. And he really wanted to shake Maggie and toss Warren out the attic window. He wanted to do all those things, but in the end he did none of them. In the end, he found himself laughing.
“You’re giving self-help books to him? Maggie,” Simon gave her a pointed look. “come on. You’re smarter than this.”
Both Warren and Maggie turned their attention toward Simon. At least Warren had the foresight to look guilty; Maggie just shrugged. She stood from the floor and dusted nonexistent dust off her dress.
“Am I? He wants to go clean, any little thing helps. Right?” she glanced down to a still sitting Warren. “Or not. It’s up to him.” Simon noticed something pass between the two, yet he couldn’t figure out what he was seeing. “After today it won’t be up to us.”
Raising an eyebrow, Simon asked; “So, he’s leaving?”
Warren nodded, before standing and picking up his book pile. “I’m leaving, but, I’ll leave you my contact information. If you need me, I’ll be around. Remember, the vampires will figure out there’s a werewolf in the city. Keep your head down.”
“I always do.” Simon replied with a small nod. Without thinking – truly he just wanted to get her away from Warren –Simon reached out his hand for Maggie. Wordlessly she moved to him, and gently took his offered hand. They stood together, a united front. “Thanks. For saving me last night and answering all our questions.” He cleared his throat awkwardly. “And for not trying to kill us, thanks.”
With a cheeky grin, Warren shrugged. “I do my best. I –“ Warren was cut-off by the sound of the heavy front door opening and slamming shut. All three froze, waiting for what would come next.
“Simon? Maggie? I’m back early, I know. I just . . . where are you two?” Andrews’ voice carried up the stairs and up to the attic.
How could he be home early? It wasn’t even five o’clock.
Maggie, eyes wide as a deer’s, turned her full attention to the attic’s doorway. “Douglas. Douglas, we’ll be down in a moment!” Turning to Simon, she swallowed hard. Maggie could feel Simon’s hand sweating in hers; she was sure she would be sweating too, if she could sweat. “It’ll be all right. We’ll just explain it, we’re all adults here.”
Simon felt his body relax even as Maggie spoke. She was completely right. They were adults and it would be stupid for Andrews to try and punish them. So they had let Warren spend the day with them? That wasn’t terrible of them. Actually it was a good thing. Andrews barely knew anything about werewolves and his knowledge of Maggie was even less than his understanding of werewolves. Having a vampire explain a few things was helpful. Smart, even. Simon was about to voice these thoughts when he heard Andrews coming up the stairs. Glancing over to Warren, Simon saw the vampire looking slightly unsure; almost ashamed.
“She has a point.” Warren’s voice was barely above a whisper. “This is your home, too.”
Simon wanted to say something. Maybe even thank Warren for saying it was his home, but he didn’t. Instead the three of them waited for Andrews to come up the attic stairs. Simon and Maggie turned to face the doorway and Andrews. Andrews stopped in the doorway of the attic, his brow knitted in confusion and his lips turned into a frown.
“You said he was gone.” Andrews tone was steady, but his left fist was curled tightly at his side.
“You said I could make my own choices if I lived with you.” Maggie answered softly.
Simon swallowed hard. “You said you’d bring back pizza.” He cracked his usual smile, despite Andrews glare. “We’re all adults, Andrews. Maggie’s over three hundred for fuck’s sake. We can decide if we want to have a vampire over for a day of cake and crappy television.”
“Vampires aren’t. . .we don’t have them in this house. Maggie’s old in age, but not in mind. You two can’t just. . .have a vampire in our home, Simon.” A thousand different thoughts were running through Andrews’ mind. He was finding it harder to keep his anger in check.
The truth was he knew very little about the supernatural world. He hadn’t been the one trained to care for Maggie, so he hadn’t been the one told all the secrets. For the last twelve or so years, it had been his job to take care of Maggie; and for the last five he had taught and mentored Simon. It had taken Andrews ages to get both of them comfortable with him. But, it had taken an afternoon for them to befriend a vampire? “What if something had happened to you? Or her? Or –“
“Douglas-” Maggie cut -in, her tone firm. “Warren told Simon about werewolves and vampires prejudice against them. He’s trying to go off blood. He didn’t hurt us.” Her hand tightened in Simon’s. “It’s all right. Warren was just leaving.” She glanced behind her. “Weren’t you, Warren?”
He bobbed his head. “I was.” Proudly he lifted up one of his new self-help books. “Maggie was kind enough to give me some reading materials. Simon was polite enough to let me spend the day with him. No worries, Andrews. Vampires aren’t just black and white. We’re a bit grey in the moral area. I wouldn’t have hurt either Simon or Maggie.”
“No, I don’t suppose you would have.” Andrews felt his lips curling up into a cruel smile. “You couldn’t have. Maggie and Simon can take care of themselves, even against you.” With a shake of his head, he continued. “Thank you for saving Simon last night. I suppose that wouldn’t make you very popular with the local vampires.”
“It won’t.” Warren agreed solemnly. “But, I don’t care much for them either.”
“I suppose they’ll be looking for you tonight?” Andrews questioned slowly. He was met with nods from all three. “All of you come downstairs. I’m suddenly in the mood for some whiskey and cake.” Without another word, Andrews turned and headed back down the stairs.
Wordlessly, and still holding hands, Simon and Maggie followed. Clutching his self-help books to his chest, Warren trailed behind them.
*
Wales, 1819
March, 1819
I, Richard Whitman, have finally found them; vampires. I have found two and I have brought them to Magdalena’s rooms. This experiment was a risk, but it was one that I needed to farther understand this thing I call Magdalena.
I had one of the vampires drink blood from my arm. The pain was nearly unbearable, but it was for science. I cannot begin to explain what happened after the vampire had finished feeding. It quite literally turned to an ash statue, before quietly falling to pieces. My blood was poison. I believe this is due to my connection with Magdalena.
I then had the other vampire drink from Magdalena. This was something I shall never forget. The vampire was able to drink from her wrist, but only for a brief moment. For in that moment, the vampire pushed Magdalena away, as if her blood was disgusting trash. I thought it might become ash as its friend had, but no. No! The vampire is fine, it is more than fine. Now, three weeks later, it has not needed blood at all. Magdalena’s blood is a nectar of Gods for the vampires. I must not let this be known. I plan on killing the vampire tonight.”