Bite Shift

82

When I woke that night, I had two thoughts, almost at the same time. One was that I was thankful to have not had any "dreams" and the other was a wish that I had regained consciousness with the feel of Sorin underneath me and the sight of those grey-diamond eyes.

If I spend too many more nights with him, I may be ruined for eternity.

But God was it worth the risk.

The third thought was that of my daughters and the knowledge they would be home soon. I jumped up, retrieved blood from the little fridge and ran it to the kitchen to microwave. I needed to eat before they showed up. I didn't know how I could talk my way out of that one.

While I watched the jar twirl in the microwave, I thought back to the few minutes before sleep. I had fought the temptation to "travel" to Sorin's bedroom and see him just before he slept. It was wrong to use my power, knowingly, to spy. Plus, he would have known I was there and that was too embarrassing. If he had told me the truth, someone would soon teach me to control my far-sight or whatever it was. Maybe then, I could be stealthier about it. For now, I shouldn't be using any of my powers. I didn't know what would happen if I tried.

The beep pulled me out of my thoughts. I decided to drink it right from the mason jar. It's not like I would burn my hand.

I drank it while I got myself dressed. The new black dress was hung, lovingly, on the back of my door. The next time I wore it, I wanted it to be for him and no one else. I chose a peasant skirt in a series of blue patterns and a white t-shirt. I finished my drink before putting on the shirt. I didn't trust myself not to spill.

I was brushing my hair when the knock at the door interrupted me. I jumped, more excited than I realized I was. I ran to the door just in time to see them burst in to the living room, all talking at once. Ellie was asking about the pizza. Olivia was asking when she could play her music for me. Tom was asking about the car in the driveway.

"Whoa" I yelled, both hands up. "One at a time. Ellie, I will order the pizza in a few minutes; I just woke up. Olivia, you can play your music after dinner but brush your teeth first. Tom, it's a loaner. The van is acting up and it may be time to say goodbye."

"Can I drive it?" he asked. "Just around the block."

"Just around the block," I answered. He jumped up and down like a kid. I tossed him the key, he caught it and was out the door.

I grabbed each girl with a hand and pulled them in. I was able to wrap my arms around both of them. I didn't want to let them go again. They let me hold them for a few seconds before the squirming started. I let go.

"Go wash hands, please."

When they ran for the bathroom, it left Sarah and I alone. "I don't know what you've been through, Kate but it must have been bad. You wouldn't have been silent if it wasn't."

I nodded a little too quickly. Don't you freaking cry, Kate! "Thank you for knowing that."

"You know he won't get out of that car without a fight, right?"

"Oh," I sighed dramatically. "I know. How many times has he shown you a picture of a Corvette?"

She rolled her eyes. "Only 5 or 6 hundred times. I keep telling him to just get one already! I'd rather work some extra hours than here him cry about it one more time."

"Right!" I said.

"How much time do you have?"

"I requested two weeks off. I need time. My life is so different, now. I don't know how to do anything anymore."