Vampire Sunrise

Lilith

I went back to Jackson Square and found Christina attracting a crowd. I sat at my favorite wrought iron bench with the red sun-blocking material above it. Charley's restaurant was still serving lunch, and the smells were incredible. I still wasn't interested in human food, but it was pleasant all the same.

Life in New Orleans was so serene on the outside. It had a slick, candy-coated shell, but once you bite in, blood poured out.

To the locals, New Orleans was about culture and history and how the two forged this historic city with its iron fences, gardens, and structures. It was all about the eclectic shops oozing with old-world craftsmanship, wonderful native foods, personal expression, and the performing artists that energized the air to the vacationers.

How could anyone believe a vampire virus even existed and was running rampant in this place? Underneath a shroud of invisibility, werewolves were making pacts with vampires. Witch covens were in a war with vampires searching for ways to protect their families. Humans were being brought in by vampires to be blood workers and sometimes blood slaves. It was overwhelming to think about what was going on—even Sir. Chester had something to hide.

I got up from my bench and walked to Chester after his set ended. "Alice, seeing you gives me the same pleasure as unwrapping a present on Christmas day; how are you on this ever-brightened afternoon?"

"Chester, please forgive me; I don't have any coins to show how much I appreciate you two. I feel less than human," I said.

Chester grinned and went into a deep bow and said, "I am afraid your coins are not welcome here, my lady. Please forgive me, but your company is all that I will accept." We both laughed at our shenanigans; then, I sat down next to him with my legs crossed as he started playing again. After about twenty minutes, he took a break.

"Chester, what happens when a human is attacked or drained by a vampire but doesn't die?"

"Tulane Hospital is the most equipped facility to handle such a case. It does not happen often, but when it does, Tulane takes those who have the misfortune of crossing over into our world.

"Most vampire bites heal quickly and don't cause the victim to bleed out as vampire saliva seems to stop the bleeding. But, if a vampire drinks too much or is rough and mauls the recipient, that's another story."

"Thanks, Chester; I may take a trip to Tulane this afternoon and see firsthand."

"Very well, young Alice, until we meet once again." He gave me a parting bow.

Within a blink of time, I had moved the eighteen blocks to the emergency entrance of Tulane Hospital.

I continued until passing through the emergency room doors. I knew it would be rare to find a vampire attack during the day but wanted to look around, nonetheless.

Normal emergency room activities were happening, and thankfully no critical accidents had arrived so far. I made my way to the stairwell and started up.

The third-floor door sign read, "Healthcare Services, Newborn and Delivery." I opened the door slowly, making sure to keep my head down, and avoided eye contact. I turned the corner, and another sign read, "Nursery."

I continued as the solid wall on my right changed to become floor-to-ceiling glass. Several nurses were manning the nursery. The glass wall section was about twenty feet long, and I saw several rows of plastic incubators and cribs occupied by infants.

I thought about having a child once but knew I'd have difficulty finding anyone I loved and trusted enough to share it with, so it had been a long time since children crossed my mind. But without a doubt, the young ones were the most special of us all.