Santa Carla Chronicles 2

The Nightmare Rides On

I watch the breaking news on the television sets that line the walls of Max's store. Among dozens of people who have stopped to see the terror that has taken place earlier today. Couples grasp each other, mothers cling to children. Men cry silently around me.

Events like this don't affect vampires the same as it does humans. We see so many things, feel so many feelings... it becomes another layer in that which defines our lives. People die. Wars start. Wars end. Generations come and go.

And we remain. I remain.

Star is crying, hugging Laddie closely. Laddie has no comprehension really. His innocence is still there, can be built up again to the comfort level. He watches the images in confusion that which will result in nightmares, I'm sure. Star looks at me, her brown eyes full of tears. I slip my arm around her shoulder and squeeze her tightly.

I wish I could have Laddie's innocence again.

Marko and Paul are silent, no joking, no familiar teasing tonight. They stand on one side of me. Marko chewing his gloved thumb, Paul with his arms wrapped around his body tightly. Their eyes are glued to the images of the 767 crashing into the South Tower, to the giant ball of fire that resulted. You see the plane, you see it crash. You blink and it's all over. All you see is fiery rain and debris.

It makes me uncomfortable. The images and their silence.

Dwayne, the most quiet of our family, whispers prayers for people under his breathe. Only the other Boys and I hear him, his voice so very very low.

Who knew he still believed in a higher power. Makes me question my own beliefs for a split second.

I turn from the repeating images of the crumbling twin towers, going down like children's dominoes, in one of the most famous cities in America, no longer able to watch.

I lead the Boys, Star, and Laddie from the store. It will be a quiet night in the cave.

I will always lead. I will always go on. Come hell, high water, or whatever this world might bring.

But in my heart, I remember what it is like to cry. Tonight, I will say my prayers for the first time in a long time.