An Ordinary Day

Today was just another ordinary day. Ordinary people rushing about their ordinary lives, completely and utterly unaware of a decidedly UNordinary presence among them. I almost felt the urge to giggle at their poor, secluded little lives. Almost, except for the fact that I hated this city. My sheer disdain for this wretched place shadowed over my every thought, darkening any bit of happiness that might have been found.

The veranda overhang was framed by huge magnolia trees with a pungent fragrance of blossoms being ushered down the street by the evening breeze. The sun, painting the sky vibrant shades of orange and purple as it hung low over the horizon, its rays too tired from the sweltering day to reach beyond the shade of the veranda. There is where I sat, enveloped in shadows, both literally and figuratively.

A cup of coffee warmed my chilled hands. The ordinary people ever increasing on the street in complete oblivion at just how ordinary they were. Do I sound droll? I apologize. But have I mentioned how much I hate New Orleans? Its a hatred that runs deeper than the fiery suns of the seventh level of hell... if there was such a place. Yet here I sit... again. Alone. Again. Waiting, watching, and wondering... Again.

That's where I was, sat, brooding, pouting even, plummeting ever deeper into the misery this place always brings, when I was shaken from my morose solitude by the clearing of a voice. I must have appeared as pure as evil to this newcomer since he involuntarily stepped backwards when I cast my eyes upon him.

“Ex... excuse me, cher', but I was told to meet you here, for um... a message.” The young man stammered, a reaction for which I am all too familiar. He continued, “My Sire...”

“Your SIRE?” I arched my eyebrow. This was no immortal, he was just an ordinary human reeking of fear, yet bathed in the sweet aroma of life and blood.

“Well, sort of... um... not exactly, not yet is what I mean to say.” I couldn't stop the disheartening sigh that escaped my lips. The hopeful. If only they knew the truth. Understood the complete finality of their wishful choice. Perhaps I could spared him of this fate? I was hungry after all. But to do so would be to abandon the only helpful lead I've had in decades. This so called SIRE was a contact I could ill afford to loose. I sighed again. No, sadly I must leave this one alone.

“I understand. Please, what message does your... SIRE have for me?” I had to force my eyes to soften. Bella he had called me. It was my heritage. My gift. My curse. My reason for returning to this dreadful town. Bella, be beautiful, I told myself. I could see the young man relax, his eyes dilate. He took a small reassuring step forward while breathing in my scent as it mingled with the blossoms.

He smiled. I smiled. It worked like a charm every time.

“My Sire,” he spoke with more ease, “bade me to give you a message. 'He was here.' “

That was it?! I waited in this rotten town for that? Anger flashed in my eyes before I could control it, startling the young man back to the reality of his precarious situation. He nearly stumbled over an iron chair as he back stepped. But he didn't run. I'll give him that much, he didn't run.

I clenched my teeth and attempted a smile. I'm sure by his widened eyes the effect was not as I had intended. “Yes, but WHEN was he here?” I managed to whisper, seething with frustration. Its any wonder I didn't scream it loud enough for the entire quarter to hear.

“H...h... he.... he didn't specifically say.”

“He didn't?” Now this was interesting. What was that in this messenger's voice? A tone that piqued my curiosity. I sat back in my chair, all anger draining from my body. Calmness enveloping me. Charm oozing from me with each breath. I crossed by my legs slowly and nearly purred, “What specifically did he not say?” I let my tongue wet my bottom lip before pulling my lip playfully between my teeth. It worked. I knew it would. His pupils dilated more and his breath quickened. “He said something, yes? Perhaps something you overheard? Or maybe you can read between his unspoken lines? Surely, for him to even consider being your Sire you must possess great skill at watching, at learning, at blending in.”

My voice radiated out softly enveloping this young man in soothing warmth. I could see and feel the red flush against his neck and cheeks. I could hear his heart beat flutter. His pupils nearly obscuring any color to his eyes. They were blue before. I have a thing for blue eyes. He licked his lips involuntarily mimicking my early action. I saw his pulse quicken along his neck.... a long graceful neck met by sturdy shoulders. He was beautiful when he wasn't reeking of fear. “Tell me dear, it will be our little secret. But I promise in return I will sign praise to your Sire of your excellent skills and loyalty.”

He nearly floated to my side, sitting, then leaning in closer. His breath was sweet like the shot of tequila he must have had before approaching me. “Well, he didn't say exactly, but I got the impression he was holding something back, out of fear maybe? I'm unsure. Fear? Isn't that strange for him? I've never seen him fear anything. I thought it strange that is why I noticed it. Then, as I was leaving he whispered something. I am not sure what. I've never heard him speak in this language before. In fact, I don't think I've ever heard anyone speak in this language. Surprised, I glanced back towards him, but he just smiled, slowing shaking his head. That's when he, well that's when he said, “Just tell her 'he was here', she need not know more.”

I smiled then, a genuine smile. I slid my hand down his arm feeling the tiny hairs there raise from my cool touch. I clasped his tanned hand softly between my own two paler ones while leaning forward to look directly into his eyes. With a playful smile I whispered, “Thank you for this message. Come, let me by you a drink. Perhaps another shot of sweet, calming tequila? Let me show you my gratitude.” He nodded, a small boyish smile filling his lips, and rose to follow my lead.

This day didn't end quite as ordinary as it started. I need not know more, I thought again to myself. If that was all I needed to know, then I now know more than this SIRE realized. I suppose I don't need to keep that contact after all.