Shakespearean Story

Chapter 22

   (Hey guys! Happy belated New Year! Sorry for the missed upload. This is gonna get kinda touchy. I hope you guys will enjoy this)!

   Louis and Claudia had been gone for awhile. Louis was finally telling her the truth. Lestat and I had finished getting rid of the body in Claudia's bed. I was standing with him on the balcony.

   "I'm sure she'll forgive you, love. She can't be angry forever." I assured him. He was angry. Angry and upset. I knew he loved Claudia, he just never showed it as often. He felt betrayed when she cut his face. I laid my head on his shoulder as I rubbed his hand. We stood there in a comfortable silence.

   After a moment, we heard the door. I knew they were back. "I'll talk to her." I said. Lestat nodded and gave me a small smile. I smiled back before leaving the balcony.

   Claudia was alone. Louis wasn't with her. "Where's Louis?" I asked. "I don't know nor do I care." Claudia grumbled. I sighed. She's definitely angry at him. "Do you want to talk in my room?" I asked. She looked hesitant so I told her Lestat was out on the balcony. She nodded and we walked over there.

   I sat on the bed and she sat beside me. I hugged her close and ran my fingers through her hair. "I hate them both." She whispered. "Don't say that." I said, shaking my head. "Why? Why did they do that?" Claudia cried out.

   "Louis felt so guilty when he turned you. He hadn't eaten well throughout the four years before we met you. He only fed on the blood of animals, but that wasn't enough. He met you on a rainy day, sneaking into your cabin after hearing you crying. He hugged you, and couldn't resist himself. Lestat didn't want you to die, but he also wanted Louis to stay. That's why he turned you." I explained in a soft voice.

   "Why didn't you stop them?" Claudia asked. "I didn't want you to die. I only fed on evil people. Never children. I felt horrible that Louis did that to you. I thought this was the best thing to do." I answered. "You didn't help them?" She asked again.

   "No, chérie. I never helped them. I just took care of you so you wouldn't die. When Lestat decided to be your adoptive father with Louis, he made me your adoptive mother. He knew I loved children. I've always wanted to be a mother. But since becoming a vampire, I couldn't. Not naturally at least." I explained. It was silent as Claudia took everything in.

   "Why didn't you turn me?" She asked. "I never wanted to have fledglings. I didn't want to put anyone through that." I replied. Claudia nodded in understanding. "Did he lie about what happened to my mother?" Claudia asked. "No. Your mother died from the plague. You were so young then." I answered. I continued to comb my fingers through her hair and rubbed her shoulders.

   "I tried my hardest to become a mother figure for you. I knew I wouldn't be able to replace your own mother. But I tried." I voiced. "You did try. And you did become a mother figure to me." Claudia muttered, looking up at me. I smiled.

   "Don't be mad at them, Claudia. Louis couldn't help himself. He was starving. I don't think feeding on a child was necessary, but he had to do it to end that hunger. Lestat, he was only trying to save you. Save you and Louis. Louis would be helpless on his own. And he didn't want you to die. Don't be angry at them." I went on after a moment.

   Claudia sat there in thought and nodded. "Thank you, Charlotte." She said. "You're welcome, chérie. I'm here anytime you need me." I said as she stood up. She went to her room after a moment. I began to hope that I resolved her anger towards Lestat and Louis. I hope she understands why they did what they did.

   (Touchy wasn't it? I hope you guys enjoyed this! See you on Friday)!