Dracula

Chapter I, pg. 1

I

It was the 1st of May, 1876, Jonathan and I had just left Munich and were now on our way to Vienna by train, expecting to arrive early the next morning. I looked over at Jonathan to see him scribbling away in his journal, documenting what has happened since we left England. We were on a business trip heading to Transylvania to finalize a property transaction with a man named Count Dracula. The Count wanted to buy some property in Whitby, England for reasons unknown. I was Jonathan's business partner, he asked me to accompany him on his journey which I gladly accepted. I had hardly traveled out of London and thought this would be a great opportunity to explore, and get closer to Jonathan. I do admit, I fancy him quite a bit. It had been a long day of traveling and I found myself falling asleep.

I had woken just as we were passing through Budapest. Jonathan was still awake, looking out the window and admiring the beautiful buildings. I opened the bag that was next to me, rummaging through it until I found my sketchbook and a slate pencil. I flipped open my sketchbook and began to draw to pass time. I had a specialty in drawing animals and people. I decided to draw a spider as best I could from memory.

"What are you drawing?" Jonathan had turned his attention to me.

"A spider," I said, not taking my eyes off of my work.

"You'll have to show me when you're done," Jonathan smiled. I shook my head, yes, blushing as I continued drawing. I shaved some lead off of my pencil with my thumbnail, using it to shade the body of the spider, then adding little hairs. I carefully drew the legs, making sure they looked good. I added the last details and then cleared my throat, getting Jonathan's attention. I flipped over my sketchbook, showing him my drawing.

"That's amazing. You must let me keep that," Jonathan inquired. I smiled, ripping out the page and giving it to him. He grabbed it gently, our fingertips touching, then retracted his hand with the paper in it. He took a closer look at it, admiring every detail then folding it up and sliding it into a pocket on his coat. I sat there drawing until my eyelids felt heavy and my wrist was tired.