The life of a vampires obsession

Charlotte Haroldson laughed and watched as the boy ran off down the main path of the graveyard. She had hidden behind a large rectangular tombstone and jumped out on him when he walked past with his dog. Charlotte often did this and the towns people where convinced that a ghost lurked around the big old graveyard on the edge of town. Charlotte secretly laughed to herself whenever the tough guys at her school were bragging about walking around and around the graveyard. Charlotte usually recognized them from when she herself had scared them away. Although she had never gotten the courage to stand up against them, she knew that she could make a fool out of half the kids at school by saying that she was the one who scared them away. Charlotte was a loner, and nobody ever payed attention to the small, brown haired girl who kept to the walls all through break times. Charlotte had a scared mouse attitude that everyone saw, to hide the real Charlotte Haroldson. But really, Charlotte was strong and dangerous, but also calm and level headed. She just didn't know how to make friends or even have a conversation with anyone. The real Charlotte only came out at night when she was in the graveyard and someone, usually teenagers looking for somewhere to smoke and drink away from the public eye, came into the graveyards small iron gate and cautiously glancing around. Then Charlotte would get closer, keeping in the shadows of the gravestones. She would then put her hands to her mouth and let an owls hoot escape from her lips. She'd always been able to imitate animal sounds, especially birds. Charlotte hooted for 15 minutes, and by the time that time the intruder is usually pretty jumpy. Then Charlotte runs from one gravestone to another, slowly so the intruder can see something but can not make out who. Or what it is. Then she starts screeching in an almost demonic way. The intruder usually freaks out at this point and runs away like all the hounds of hell are after him. Charlotte would then burst out laughing and wander over to the far end of the graveyard where she could just make out in the darkness, the softly curling or sometimes ferocious waves breaking onto the vast rocky shore, beyond the small railway station and steep banks of which she stood on. The boy she had just scared away had been there twice before but still hadn't got the message to stay out. Charlotte came from a children's home for 14 to 16 years olds, she had only lived there for a year and she hated it. But she liked the town or rather the graveyard and the shore. The children's home had four other boys in it, so Charlotte was the central element for them to sexually harass and make crude comments about. She just ignored them and lived her own life. Most nights Charlotte packed her duffel bag with a blanket, some food and a small torch, then she climbed out of her window, slid down the drain pipe and ran for the graveyard. Sometimes the staff tried to follow her because they knew she was out most nights. But on those nights, Charlotte led them somewhere else, gave them the slip and headed back to the graveyard. Charlotte was fully aware of the trouble a 15 year old girl could get into, but she broke into the graveyards storage shed and barricade the door. She felt safe enough and the graveyard was getting to feel more and more like home to her. Charlotte ran down the bank and over the railway line. She knew it was dangerous but she thought what kind of train would run along such a small track at midnight? Charlotte ran down to the waters edge, clambering over the small boulders that lined the shore. She sat down on a flat topped boulder and lay on her side watching the waves gently pushing closer to her. Charlotte watched the sea until it was almost right up to her, and then she made her way back to the storage shed. She curled up into a ball with her thick blanket wrapped around her and fell asleep peacefully.
As the early morning sun rose above the horizon, Charlotte stirred and rubbed sleep from her eyes. She removed the objects blocking the door to the storage shed and stepped out, her duffel bag hung over her shoulder. She bolted the shed door behind her and ran over to the iron gate, where she looked around to make sure no-one was anywhere around. Then she ran as fast as she could and entered the children's home, where she ran to her room and stayed there until tea-time. Charlotte entered the dining room and sat down at the long wooden table as far away from the boys as possible because, besides the comments, they had disgusting eating habits and usually managed to put her off her food quite easily.
“well well, if it isn't Charlie.” Mark said giving her a too warm smile.
“Go to hell Mark.” Charlotte replied hotly.
“Where do you go on these little night time adventures?” Neil asked.
“Mind your own business.” Charlotte replied. The cook brought in the food and Charlotte ate as fast as possible. Then she took off back o her room and read until night fell completely. Then she headed out of the window and back to the graveyard. She spent another couple of hours watching the waves, she knew it wouldn't be long before she would have to watch from the other side of the railway because it was almost the time when it was high tide at night. Still a few nights left before she would loose the shore. When the water started to slowly caress the boulder she was lying on, Charlotte sighed and stood up. She made her way slowly back to the graveyard and walked around it to make sure no-one was trespassing. She sat down on a bench and looked around at the dark restful graveyard with a smile. She wished night would never end. She was about to get up and head to the shed when she felt something touch her shoulder. She yelped and jumped up, she was half afraid to turn but she forced herself to whirl around and found herself standing face to face with a boy of about 18, a very handsome boy. His blonde, almost white hair shone in moonlight. He had an angelically boyish face with full lips and his eyes were piercing and looked like a deep violet colour in the darkness. His body, a few inches taller than hers, looked muscular under his tight sweater. There was something dangerous about him. Charlotte could sense it, but she was staring into his eyes and couldn't drag herself away. Then abruptly the spell broke, Charlotte took a few steps backwards and prepared to run.
“Wait!” He said urgently, reaching out with one hand. “I'm not going to hurt you.” he held up both hands in surrender and smiled. The smile took charlottes breath away, it filled his entire face and made his eyes twinkle. She mentally shook herself and eyed him suspiciously.
“What do you want?” she asked. Her voice broke and she mentally kicked herself for showing weakness. She pushed her chest out, making herself as tall and menacing as possible, for a mouse. He laughed.
“I just want to talk to you.” he said softly, nothing in his manner suggested he meant her any harm and she relaxed a little.
“Huh?” she asked. He sat down on the bench and patted the space beside him. Charlotte remained standing. Just in case.
“My name is Liam.” He said.
“Charlotte.” she introduced herself out of politeness more than anything else. Something in his eyes told her that he already knew her name. He already knew a lot more about her than she would have liked. He maybe even knew more about her than she did herself. The thought was unsettling.
“Pretty name.” He said absently. Charlotte sat down on the opposite end of the bench and turned to face him. She studied his face and waited for him to say something. He stayed silent.
What do you want to talk to me about?” Charlotte encouraged. “and how do you know me? Because I can see that you do.” Liam looked a little taken aback but he nodded to himself.
“You are a very important person, and a lot of people know who you are. Not just me.” His voice had taken on a dark quality when he said the last bit.
“What?” Charlotte asked. “I don't understand.” she frowned. She was important? Not likely. It was very clear to her that this boy had obviously gotten the wrong person.
It's kind of difficult to explain.” he said slowly. “tell me, are you superstitious at all?”
I'm a scully to the bone.” Charlotte answered immediately. If she was superstitious there is no way she would be able to sleep in a graveyard. But Liam didn't know she did that. Or did he?
“Oh fantastic!” he said. A hint of sarcasm in his voice, though it was not unfriendly. “come with me? I want to show you rather than tell you. Maybe it will help you to believe.” He stood and headed for the iron gate. Charlotte frowned, but curiosity got the better of her and she followed him. A voice in her head yelling at her to run away, run away fast. She was walking into trouble and there would be no escape. Charlotte ignored the voice and caught up to him. She had a feeling that he wouldn't hurt her. She didn't know where that feeling came from, but it was there. Liam lead her down a country path and onto a car park. He started towards a red Volkswagen.
“Do you trust me?” he asked. His eyes twinkling as he got into the drivers seat. Charlotte hesitated for a fraction of a second, then she was in the passenger seat. Her hands clasped together on her knees. What was she doing? This was the most stupid thing she had ever done in her life. Liam brought the car to life and sped off down the dark streets. Charlotte kept quiet and watched the streets fly by. Her heart racing, she felt a little sick. How long were they traveling? She didn't know. Time was endless as her mind kept yelling at her to find a way out of this. Abruptly the car stopped and Charlotte jerked forward in her seat. Thank goodness for seat belts. Liam took his seatbelt off and climbed out of the car. He headed to the street ahead that was literally a dump. The buildings looked like they hadn't been used in centuries. What on earth was going on here? Charlotte got out of the car and followed him. He stopped outside a tall building that looked like it may fall down at any second. On the door there was a symbol of some sort. She couldn't think of what the symbol was, it was just a random picture but she stepped forward and traced it lightly with her fingertips. She felt something very familiar pull at her from the symbol. She stepped back and looked up at Liam
“Do I w=know that?” He was watching her face intently. Expecting.. something. “What is it?”
“Don't you remember?” He asked. He shook his head. “never mind. Come on.” He opened the door which moved quite smoothly considering the state it was obviously in. Charlotte took a deep breath and stepped through the door slowly. She looked around and gasped. The inside of the building was nothing like the outside of it. It was like a cafe if she had to think of a quick description. There were tables and chairs scattered around and a pool table in the corner. The walls a deep burgundy. There two girls and two boys that she could see besides herself and Liam. They were gathered around the pool table and they had looked up as she entered. They were staring at her. One of the girls smiled widely and stepped cautiously forward. “Hi Char.” she said in a voice like liquid crystal. Her hair was a short stylish brown bob and her face was pixie-like with small features. She was an attractive girl. In fact they were all attractive in some way. They all had the same underlying tone of strength and danger. Charlottes insides flipped. The pixie walked closer, still smiling.
“How do you know my name?” Charlotte asked. The girl chuckled a low tinkling laugh.
“Everyone here knows your name.” She said. I looked around at the others and they nodded almost in unison. The other three looked guarded, like they didn't want to make any sudden movements. I looked up at Liam and he was smiling. He pointed to the pixie.
“That's Collette.” he said. He gestured to the three around the pool table and said. “That's Elizabeth, Richard and Sean.” The others raised there hand as he spoke their names. Elizabeth was almost as tall as Liam. Her golden hair shining in the light cast from the lamp over the table. Her face classically beautiful. A figure that anyone would die for. And she knew she was beautiful. Everything about the way she held herself said that. Richard had long, very long black hair. His face rugged and handsome, with just the right amount of facial hair. His arms huge with muscle. Sean was smaller than the others. Almost as small as Charlotte herself. He had a very childlike face and a friendly gleam in his eyes. Although the essence of danger was everywhere, there was nothing dangerous about these people. Or not toward her at least. Collette skipped forward and grabbed my hand. Charlotte gasped as soon as Collette's skin touched hers. It was icy cold. Collette skipped backward with a smile.
“Sorry. I forgot I'm cold to you.” She said. “Welcome home.” Richard wooped his agreement.
“Wait!” Charlotte almost yelled. “Is someone going to tell me what the hell is going on here?” Liam took her hand, his fingers as icy as Collette's had been, and led her to a deep red sofa that lined the back wall. Charlotte sat gratefully. She suspected she may actually keel over if she didn't find out what was happening soon. Liam sat next to her and turned to face her. The others went back to their game, although Charlotte could tell they were listening to everything that was being said.
“it will take a while to explain.” Liam said slowly.
“ explain what? I don't understand it. I feel like I know you all but I've never met you before tonight.” Charlotte realized as she said it that this was true. That feeling of complete familiarity with each and every one of them was overwhelming. But she didn't understand the feeling before she voiced it. Liam nodded and smiled his big smile again.
“That makes sense.” He said. “There is a world that you do not know about. It exists beside your own world, but it is more hidden. This world is made up of vampires, witches and even werewolves.”
“What are you on?” Charlotte asked in disgust. It was one thing to lead her away from the graveyard and bring her here to this place where, OK she felt comfortable, but it was still a long way from home. But it was another thing entirely to try and make her believe in things from scary stories. How gullible did she look?
“Just hear me out will you?” Liam asked. “We are real, and we are everywhere.”
Oh right, so what are you?” Charlotte snorted. “A werewolf? A witch? A vampire?” her throat closed up around the word vampire and Liam nodded once. “You guys are crazy.”
“Wait. Yes we are vampires. But we won't hurt you. We only want peace.” Liam said.
“Oh and what am I then?” Charlotte asked through peals of laughter as she made her way to the door. Liam was beside her in a second. “How did you get over here so fast?” she asked, then shook her head and exited onto the street. She pulled her coat tight against the cold night breeze that had sprung up and headed down the road as fast as her legs could manage. She had no idea where she was but she kept walking. If she saw a street sign somewhere, she'd know where she was. She had been walking for five minutes when Liam's car slowed to a crawl next to her.
“Go away you psycho.” Charlotte said. Liam laughed.
“Get in. let me take you home if nothing else.” He said. Charlotte looked around, she had no idea where she was. It was more than a little scary to think about who she would come across on the dark streets while she hunted for some clue as to where she was going. She sighed, and walked around to the passenger seat. She climbed into the car and Liam picked up the speed. Charlotte watched the needle flicker up on the speedometer. 120 mph. Woah!
“Slow down!” she yelled. Liam laughed and said the speed hadn't bothered her on the way here. Charlotte gulped and looked out of the window again to pass the time.
Liam pulled up outside the children's home and Charlotte got out. How had he known where she lived? How had he known she would want to stay here tonight instead of the graveyard? She unlocked the door and stepped inside, shutting it behind her and never looking back. She felt a little guilty for not thanking him for the ride but she had just needed to get as far away from him as possible. The night staff looked up from a game of cards as Charlotte made her way to her room. They didn't ask where she'd been. What was the point? She wouldn't tell them. And she wouldn't stay inside at night either. They had all but given up with her. She came and went as she pleased and that was the way it was. Charlotte shut her bedroom door behind her. She started her shower off and stood looking into the mirror for a long time. her hair hanging over her shoulders in chocolate waves, her eyes a deep blue looked tired. Her pale skin looked paler against the blinding bathroom light. She pulled the cord and the room was plunged into darkness. The dark, her friend. Her eyes slowly adjusted to the shapes in the bathroom and the steam from the shower quickly steamed up the mirror. She removed her clothes and stepped under the jet of warm water. She let it run over her icy cold body and shivered at the memory of Liam and Collete's skin temperature. She slowly washed and shampooed her hair. The water was comforting in the cold dark room. She promised herself she would never again get into a car with a stranger and shuddered at the thought of what could have happened tonight. She had heard stories of girls her own age raped and murdered in the streets. She shuddered again and stepped out of the shower. Wrapping a towel around her body and another one around her hair, she sat on her bed. She picked up the book she had been reading and got lost in the words.

Charlotte awoke with a start, her book slipping from her cold fingers and falling shut onto the floor. She sat up and wrapped her quilt around her. The towel had come loose through the night and her body was prickled with goose bumps. She wandered over to her dresser, quilt still wrapped tightly around her naked skin. She looked at the mess of her hair and set to work with a brush, detangling it gently. When she was happy with it, and considerably warmer, she got dressed in a t-shirt and a pair of ragged looking jeans. She went downstairs for some breakfast and sat at the table quietly while the boys laughed and joked around her. No-one spoke directly to her and she was happy with that. She escaped back to her room the moment she was finished and waited patiently for night to fall. Part of her worried that Liam might be there again, but a small part of her, a part that she kept buried deep down, hoped he would be there. She went downstairs only for tea-time and when she got back to her room she smiled. It was almost dark. As soon as night fell she would be out of here. She found her page in the book that she was reading last night and lay back on her bed holding the book up so she could see the writing.
The minute she started to struggle to read, she packed her duffel bag and set off for the graveyard. She was a little more cautious than usual, looking around for Liam as she entered. She put her bag in the storage shed and walked around looking for any intruders, whether it be him or not. She headed down to the shore as usual and sat on her favorite boulder. She was a little earlier than usual so the water was further out. Charlotte took her shoes and socks off and headed down to the waters edge, letting the cold water lap her toes gently. She looked out at the expanse of sea and smiled. It always made her wonder what was out there. I\It couldn't just be a big mass of nothing. Surely under the surface of the water, it was teeming with life. The thought scared her a little as she waded in deeper. Fear of the unknown. There were no sharks or dangerous fish in these waters she knew, but still, there was that adrenalin rush as she imagined what could be out there. She was waist high into the water. She took a deep breath and dove into the icy black wetness. It closed over her head and she fought the urge to gasp. She swam out, and didn't stop until her arms were aching with the effort. She tread water and looked back. She could still make out the shoreline. She had thought that she'd gone further than that. She could feel the pull of the current trying to drag her out to sea and she felt a little scared. She wasn't too far out, but this is the furthest she'd ever been from shore. She lay on her back and started kicking towards shore, giving her arms a rest. She was trying not to imagine what could be under her as she swam back, that kind of thinking would lead to panic. And panic would lead to danger. She turned around in the water and started pumping her arms to get her back to shore. She breathed a sigh of relief when her toes touched the seabed. She walked slowly out of the water and back to her boulder. The water freezing on her skin. Why on earth had she swam in this weather. It wasn't very cold but certainly wasn't swimming weather. She picked her shoes and socks up and headed back to the graveyard. Once inside the storage shed, Charlotte quickly undressed and dried herself off with the corner of her blanket. She pulled out her spare clothes and put them on. They felt warm, even though they had been sitting in a shed for a couple of hours. She wrapped the blanket around herself and curled up in the corner. The heat slowly returned to her and she fell into a peaceful sleep. He hadn't turned up tonight. That small part of her felt disappointed but outwardly she was relieved.

Monday morning arrived. The dreaded day. The day when Charlotte had to start another school week. She pulled her uniform on and headed out for the bus, grabbing a slice of toast on her way out. The air was icy this morning and Charlotte made sure she wore her big jacket. The jacket that could survive cold temperatures and had a hood just in case the sky, which threatened rain, released its load. The bus crawled to a stop and Charlotte climbed on, sitting at the front as usual. The atmosphere around her was subdued. It always was on a Monday. All the kids run down from a weekend full of activity and excitement. The kind of excitement their parents knew nothing about, Charlotte was sure. The bus pulled into the school car park and 50 moans of complaint rose from the bus. Charlotte let the bustle past before she stood up and got off the bus. She headed into the school building with a feeling of dread in the pit of her stomach. No-one liked school, well OK some people liked school, but she certainly wasn't one of them.
Charlotte made her way to her first class. English. She sat as the teacher pulled his papers out of his briefcase and started writing on the huge blackboard. Paper balls started flying around the room, a few aimed at Mr Connors himself, but he ignored them as usual and continued writing. The door opened and a girl walked through it. Mr Connors looked up and smiled. Charlotte looked too and gasped. In walked Collette, looking like a super model. Dressed in the most fashionable clothes anyone in this school had ever seen. She looked toward Charlotte and smiled. Charlotte ducked her head and stared at her desk. There was only one empty seat in the classroom and that was right next to Charlotte Mr Connors introduced her to the class and she sat beside me with all the grace of a swan. Charlotte looked around the room to see that every eye was on Collette. She was by far the most attractive girl in the entire school. Charlotte knew that every boy in the school would want her and every girl would want to be her. The fact that Collette sat next to Charlotte was unnecessary attention toward her that she didn't need. Collette leaned over the desk and whispered to Charlotte
“Hi. Sorry if we scared you the other night.” her voice was as pretty as it had been that first night Charlotte had met her. Charlotte looked into her deep violet eyes and couldn't help the smile that formed. Collette was such a friendly person, it was impossible not to be automatically drawn to her.
“you didn't” Charlotte whispered. “If you and your friends want to play make believe that's fine. Just don't drag me into it.” Collette nodded thoughtfully. Then stuck out her hand in obvious friendship. Charlotte took it, bracing herself for the cold this time. Charlotte looked around the class to find that she was the center of attention. She could almost hear her classmates thoughts. 'why did the new girl sit with her?' 'what's so special about that loner, why is the new girl making friends with her' Charlotte didn't think it occurred to any of them that the seat next to her was the only one available. She blushed against the confused stares and put her head down. The boy sitting on the other side leaned over and introduced himself to Collette Adam Messenger, class stud. Collette received a few glares from the popular girls in the class but she flashed her smile at them and they quickly smiled back. It was an obvious thing that Collette would soon be the most popular girl in the school and they didn't want to cross her for fear of losing their own popularity. The class itself passed in a blur.
Lunch time arrived and Charlotte stood to go to the canteen, and Collette followed. Behind them a procession of popular kids started gathering. Adam walked beside Collette regaling her with his heroic hunting tales. Collette listened with a polite patience but Charlotte could tell by the slight twitch in Collettes perfect face that she was a little bored. Collette linked her arm through Charlottes and forced her to skip along as they entered the canteen. All eyes turned. Charlottes face was burning with embarrassment. Collette didn't seem surprised, or disturbed by the attention. She smiled warmly at everyone who took the time to smile at her. She was invited to join almost every table in the crowded canteen but she politely refused and dragged Charlotte to a table in the back of the canteen that had only one other person sitting there. Charlotte was surprised to see Sean. He was getting the same attention and interested looks as Collette Charlotte felt out of place sitting between them. The conversation resolved around classes and other school related issues that would be expected from new students. Rebecca Taylor, the most popular girl in Charlottes class, and in the school as a whole, wandered over to the table deliberately. She put her hand on the back of charlottes chair and smiled at her. Charlotte opened her mouth in surprise.
“Hey Charlie, can I sit with you today? I feel like we haven't spoken for like ever.” Rebecca smiled her sweetest smile and aimed it at Sean. Oh! She liked him. Of course she did. He was the most stunning boy in the entire canteen. Rebecca feigned friendship with Charlotte although they had never spoken before today. Rebecca treat Charlotte with the same disregard as the rest of the student body did. Charlotte stuttered. “Umm, sure. I guess. If it's OK with these guys.” She said to Rebecca. Rebecca smiled sweetly at Collette and put her most dazzling smile on for Sean. He smiled back, but there was underlying impatience in his smile. “sure you can.” he said. Rebecca sat down with a grin of success. She scooted her chair as close as she could to Sean and Charlotte watched as he almost physically leaned away from her. Then the conversation became based around upcoming parties and celebrations. Charlotte received her first formal invitation to a party that was coming up on Friday She accepted gracefully and Collette and Sean also accepted, asking if they could bring friends. Rebecca nodded with enthusiasm, the more the merrier attitude around her. The question on charlottes mind, that she didn't get to voice until the end of the day, was where was Liam and the others? Collette smiled.
“they all look too old, I mean, they are too old to f=go to school.” she said. Sean chuckled a little and muttered something about a few centuries too old. Charlotte ignored this, it was part of their game and she didn't want any part of that. Collette invited Charlotte back to their house, which was the building she had been in that first night they had met. Charlotte politely refused and promised to see them tomorrow at school. The last thing she needed was to be dragged further into their make believe world. Her own was messed up enough. Collette didn't seem to take offense and Charlotte was glad. She liked Collette, despite her better judgment And Sean seemed OK too.
Night was already falling by the time Charlotte got home and she quickly showered and ate, before sneaking off to the graveyard again. The sea was slowly coming closer and closer to high tide as she got there and she felt sad that she wouldn't be able to sit and watch it from her boulder for a while. It was still quite early when she curled up in the storage shed and fell asleep, her mind full of thoughts about her sudden, and unwelcome, popularity at school. People were calling her by name, those that had the courage to approach her where Collette and Sean were. The week flew in more quickly than usual and Charlotte found she liked Collette and Sean more and more the better she got to know them. Aside from the silly 'their game' related things like, never eating anything at lunchtime. And the odd comment that Sean came out with like the centuries old remark on that Monday Soon enough, Friday loomed up. Charlotte got through the school day in a blur of people talking to her about what she was wearing for the party and just general chit chat. She didn't care much for the new popularity but she still had her privacy at night. But not this night. This night she would be attending her first party, probably with alcohol and drugs. She was apprehensive as she decided on an outfit to wear, a low cut blue top that matched her eyes and sleeves that ended in points at the tip of her index finger. And black dress pants with sparkles of glitter forming little stars all over them. She wore her high heeled boots for the first time and pulled her hair back from her face into a high bun, letting a few tendrils of curly chocolate brown dangle over her shoulders. She pulled out her jewelry box and grabbed the gold locket, that was the only thing her mother had left her before giving her up to the authorities. Charlotte didn't remember her mother at all. She had been placed into the system as a baby. This was all she had left of who she was. The locket had never opened for her, even though there was an obvious hinge on it. On closer inspection Charlotte discovered that the pattern imprinted on the locket was the exact same as the design on the door of Liam's house. Weird. She let it pass.
Collette arrived in her car, as planned, to pick Charlotte up for the party. The boys in the children's home almost fell over themselves to get closer to her as she waited for me. Charlotte made her way carefully down the stairs, her heels threatening to trip her at any minute. The boys looked startled by her appearance. Charlotte was good looking, they knew that. They all had secret crushes on her but never got anywhere with her because, they presumed, she was too shy. It had nothing to do with the fact that they were disgusting jerks with her. But tonight, as she walked down the stairs, all of them thought she looked stunning. Collette voiced this opinion and Charlotte blushed severely, which only added to her beauty. They exited the home, the boys welcoming Collette back at any time. Collette politely waved before she put the car into gear and they were on their way to the party. Collete reinforced her comment on charlottes look as they drove to Rebecca's house. Charlotte blushed again but thanked Collette and returned the compliment. Collette really did look stunning, even more so than the average school day. Her hair styled heavily with hairspray from what Charlotte could smell and clothing that looked like it belonged on a millionaire's daughter, rather than an average school girl. But Collette was no ordinary school girl. Her sudden popularity had proven that. The car pulled to a stop outside Rebecca's house and they both climbed out of the car. Outside the house, waiting for them was Sean, Elizabeth, Richard and Liam. Charlotte ducked her head against Liam's stare as she walked up the steps to the huge house. Rebecca's father was a doctor and the family was quite well endowed. Everyone in town knew that. And another common fact was that Rebecca's parties were the place to be. Charlotte had never dreamed of being invited to one. And yet, here she was.
Rebecca opened the door and invited them all inside. She introduced herself to Elizabeth, Richard and Liam She darted her eyes between the boys, obviously torn as to which one was the most worthy of her attentions. She eyed Elizabeth up too, wondering if she staked a claim to any of these boys. She was obviously the biggest competition for Rebecca, and the mouths that dropped when Elizabeth entered the main room just confirmed that fact. Charlotte was surprised at the amount of people that gave, even her, a second or third glance. Rather than mingling, as is the common practice at a house party, they all stood in one corner of the room and looked around. Dragging Charlotte with them and surrounding her almost protectively. The conversation was low over the blaring music and Charlotte struggled to hear. Collette was swaying her hips to the music and every male eye in the room was on her, even some female ones were. No-one really made an effort to break into the conversation. Not because they didn't want to. It was apparent that everyone was far too nervous to approach the group. Rebecca, however flitted over to them at regular intervals. Offering drinks and snacks which were politely refused by all but Charlotte. Charlotte sighed, just how deep did 'their game' go? The atmosphere changed so abruptly that Charlotte didn't really have time to notice, or take it in. Liam was the first to change. He stood straight up, looking toward the door. The others quickly followed his gaze and Charlotte could swear she heard Elizabeth hiss. Charlotte gazed around Liam, who was standing directly in front of her, at the door. What was the commotion about? She saw A boy of about 18 or 19 standing in the door, looking at her group with outward animosity. Charlotte thought she recognized the boy, but she couldn't think where from. Rebecca skipped over to him and planted a kiss on his cheek. Oh! Charlotte now realized he was the boy who picked Rebecca up from school. Her college boyfriend it was rumored. Rebecca examined his face and looked towards Charlottes group. She was clearly as confused as Charlotte. The boy hesitated briefly, then he turned and stalked out of the house. Rebecca followed calling his name. Owen.
Charlotte glanced at Liam and the others faces, which had visibly relaxed. That was strange, what on earth was all that about? Collette whispered something into Liam's ear and he nodded. He took charlottes hand, his fingers as icy cold as usual, and almost dragged her out of the back door. Once in the back garden he released her and ran his hand through his hair in frustration.
“I didn't realize how closely linked you were to them.” he hissed. His obvious anger was unsettling to Charlotte and she instinctively reached for her locket. His eyes followed her hands and he gasped.
“You wear that?” He asked. Charlotte nodded. Of course she wore it. It was her only heirloom. What did it have to do with him?
“You shouldn't. It's like wearing a sign saying I'm right here! Come and get me!” He almost shouted. He was immediately sorry as soon as he saw the startled look on Charlottes face. “Sorry for shouting. It's just, that locket is more known than you are. If they saw it..” he shuddered. Charlotte looked down at her locket and then looked back up to his face. It was strained with anxiety.
“What's wrong?” She asked. “My mother left this to me. Of course I'm going to wear it.” He grimaced and lifted the locket from her chest. He examined it closely and flipped his thumb over the pattern. It popped open. Charlottes eyes widened in surprise. He walked a short way down the garden as she opened it fully and gazed at the picture. It was him. And her. Her arms wrapped around his chest. They looked like a perfect couple. But, that's impossible. How? Charlotte hurried to his side and looked up at his face. He looked down at her and smiled.
“How?” he asked her, knowing that was what she wanted to know. Charlotte nodded quickly. He took her face between his cold hands and stared into her eyes.
“You have no idea how frustrating it is for me. You not knowing. I wish you could remember. Or that you would at least let me explain to you... but no matter, you won't believe a word I say. Look more closely at the picture. It's painted. Not photographed. It was drawn in the late seventeenth century by a man named Arnold Spencer.” Charlotte looked closely at the picture. It was true. She ran her finger over the uneven surface of it. Then she slammed the locket shut.
“So its not us?” she asked. Obviously it wasn't she was only fifteen. Almost sixteen. He smiled and let his hands fall from her face.
“It's me. And it's you. Sort of. You a few lifetimes ago.” he said this with such sincerity that Charlotte actually believed him for a fraction of a second, then,
“Don't be absurd Liam. What? I'm reincarnated now? You're a vampire? This just gets more and more outrageous!” she screamed at him. Turning her back, she headed back to the party. He caught her arm and spun her to face him. She lost her balance on the heels and almost fell over. He caught her and stood her back on her feet.
“OK I'll stop saying things like that.” he said. “ but can I just tell you how utterly beautiful you look tonight. More so than normal, and you stop my heart at the best of times.” Charlotte gasped and looked up into his eyes. His deep violet eyes.
“are you and the others related?” she asked. “ you have the same colour eyes as them.” He chuckled and nodded his head.
“in a way, I guess we are.” He said. Charlotte sighed. She turned and headed back into the house. The others were still in the corner. The atmosphere seemed to have returned to normal now that Owen was gone. Rebecca was crying on her friend Amanda's shoulder as she explained that he had dumped her. Charlotte shook her head in exasperation. Rebecca hadn't been too bothered about Owen when she was throwing herself shamelessly at Sean all week. She walked over to Collette and asked her to drive her home. Collette nodded immediately and they exited the party. Charlotte apologized for dragging Collette out so early. Collette laughed and remarked that Charlotte had saved her from greedy boys eyes. Just as they were about to get into the car, Liam ran down the steps from Rebecca's house followed closely by the others.
“Do you mind?” he asked Collette She shook her head and threw him the car keys. She hugged Charlotte tightly and promised to see her at school on Monday Charlotte climbed unhappily into the car with Liam and he set off at a reasonable speed.
“where to? Home? Or the graveyard?” he asked with a smile. Charlotte looked at him with a look of surprise. It was the graveyard she wanted. Or moreso, the sea. He grinned and aimed the car toward the graveyard.
When the car stopped he climbed out of it and ran around the car, opening the door and holding out his hand for Charlotte. She took his hand and pulled herself out of the car. He walked with her to the graveyards iron gate. He stopped there and smiled.
“you want to be alone?” he asked. Charlotte deliberated. Then she shook her head. He grinned his most dazzling smile and followed her through the graveyard to the shore. She sat on her boulder and he sat beside her. They watched the water edging closer in silence. Charlotte watched his profile out of the corner of her eye, he seemed content to just sit here and watch the water with her. Strange, she thought he'd have been bored. He had a peaceful look on his face and his hair shone in the moonlight again.
“So.” She said softly. “What was all that about at the party?” He turned to face her and looked unhappy.
“He wasn't a friend. He would have hurt you if he knew who you were.” he said. Charlotte registered this.
“and.” she said. “ supposing I believe you for just a minute. Why would he want to hurt me?” Liam sighed inwardly and put his hand on her shoulder.
“Because you are very important to the world. To my world. And he is my sworn enemy. He has hunted you down every time. Him and others like him. If he killed you, you couldn't come back to me. And if he hurts me in such a way, it will cause an automatic war between our people. I am somewhat a prince in the vampire world.” he cringed at the word and smiled at Charlotte. “But you don't believe in any of that.” he chuckled.
“I believe what I see. Not what my imagination may see.” Charlotte argued.
“So if I proved to you I'm a vampire...” he asked in a choked voice.
“Umm yeah.” Charlotte humored him. “I would believe you.” He seemed to be arguing with himself internally and Charlotte watched him curiously. He turned to face her full on and sighed.
“OK” he said. He pulled his lips back from his teeth and Charlotte watched in, part horror, part fascination, as his incisors extended to almost two inches in length. His eyes burned a bright orange. He shook his head and his face returned to normal. Charlotte stood to quickly and stumbled backwards over the boulder. She lay there, staring up at him with wide frightened eyes. He looked horrified.
“you're really real!” Charlotte gasped. Her body had started shivering in terror. She wanted to run, but her legs had forgotten how to move. He leaned over the boulder and held his hand out. Charlotte cringed away from him. He seemed physically hurt by this and for some unknown reason she suddenly felt ashamed. Had she not asked him to show her? Had she not pushed for an explanation? Had he hurt her before tonight? no. She reached out and took his hand. He pulled her swiftly to her feet, so she was standing directly in front of him. The cold coming from his chest pulsing through her warm body. He looked down at her with an apologetic look on his face. She tipped her head back, looking into his eyes, which had returned to their normal violet colour. She lifted herself up onto tip toes and kissed his lips. He leaned back in astonishment. Charlotte didn't understand her actions either. She quickly pulled away from him and sat back onto the boulder.
“You aren't going to run?” he asked, his voice lined with confusion. Charlotte shook her head, looking out at the water. No she wouldn't run from him. He had shown her nothing that was in any way too much for her to handle. She was a little confused by her own thoughts. Surely he was dangerous. Her mind flipped through every single vampire movie she had ever seen. Every single vampire book she had ever written. He was the thing that haunted dreams. He was a monster. But he wasn't a monster at all. Or was he?
“How many people have you killed?” she asked. Her voice breaking at the word killed. He flinched. He shook his head.
“That isn't something I want to answer right now. I have my terrible past, just like everyone else. But for the last 3 hundred years... never have I harmed a human being.” Charlotte took this in with a quick nod. So he had killed. He had been a killer.
“what changed?” She asked looking up at him.
“You came into my life.” he said quietly.
“how is that possible?” Charlotte asked in confusion. “I'm only fifteen!”
“Yes.” he said. He sat down next to Charlotte and looked out into the water, which was getting a bit too close for comfort. He didn't seem to mind. His eyes were clouded over like he was lost in a memory. “the first time I saw you, you were 23 years old. You were outside the house in a blue gown flowing down to the floor. You were the most perfect creature I had ever seen. I was going to kill you then.” he stopped and looked at Charlotte fearfully. She watched his face with a wide eyed expression. But her look was not one of fear so he continued. “I stopped just before I bit you. I just couldn't hurt you. I loved you from that very second. my.. father for all intents and purposes was not happy about my change of diet, but he didn't dispute me. I was important to him. I still am. I just couldn't harm another human after meeting you. My entire life changed. We would meet in secret in this little gazebo, close to the ocean. You loved me too. But you couldn't have possibly loved me as much as I loved you. The love filled me, every particle of my being was centered around you. I didn't want to lose you. I didn't want to make you an immortal like me. So we consulted a witch, against my fathers orders to leave the natural order of things alone. The witch gave you a potion to drink that would bring you back to me. When you died, your spirit would be transferred to another body. A baby. Usually I let you grow a bit older before I confront you with the truth. This time it's different. They want you. They want to kill you. I can't let them do that. I just can't allow them to take you from me.” he put his hands on her shoulders, looking into her eyes with a furious look. “I lost you a few years after we met. You died from a rare heart disease. 21 years later, I found you again. In another form, but it was still you. We were happy. We have been happy in every lifetime. Sometimes I lose you after only a few years. Sometimes I have you for decades.” he dropped his arms from her shoulders and looked out at the ocean again. “This time is different. You look exactly the same as you did when we first met. I don't know what that means. And I don't expect you to fully understand yet. I'll let you sleep on it. But please allow me one luxury. Don't wear that locket in public. That locket that has followed you through the centuries. Allowing me to find you. Hide it away. It's a beacon for danger and I just couldn't stand it if they... it's bad enough that you look the same. Let me take you home?” he asked. Charlotte nodded, her hand closing protectively over the locket. They headed back to the car as the waves slowly caressed the boulder. Charlotte needed to be indoors tonight. There was a fear inside her. She had a hard time believing all that Liam had said, but why would he lie?
The car pulled up outside the children's home and Charlotte gazed at Liam's face, reluctant to leave. Liam smiled encouragingly, promising he would be around tomorrow. She had had enough excitement for one night. For one lifetime. Charlotte climbed out of the car and watched as he sped away. She entered the children's home and went directly to her room. Pulling her hair out of its clip she set the shower off and quickly climbed into it. The water soothing her as she let her mind wander over everything Liam had said. She dried herself off and changed into a nightgown. Falling into bed she quickly drifted into an exhausted sleep. Her mind whirling with the information she had taken in.