fangs (a trans vampire story)

Chapter six

That night he woke up feeling somewhat motivated for the first time in a while. All he had to do was appease his mother for a little while, and then he could finally leave the confines of being closeted. He got dressed in something he could bare, a black skirt and black button up with a red corset, and went downstairs to greet his family.

He knew it would be tense down there, with what had happened at the ceremony, but it was much worse than he had anticipated. He could hear their whispers from outside the dining hall as he stalked the hauntingly dark entryway.

"She's distraught over it, you know how young ladies feel about their reputations." He heard his mother say. Being called a "young lady" made him want to vomit. His motivation was certainly shortlived. "Hello." He greeted them, cutting off the rest of their conversation.

All their heads turned in his direction, their eyes falling on him and making him want to shrink away. He became painfully aware of how his shirt was clinging to his chest, and he had to tug on  it before joining his family at the exceedingly long dining table.

The room was dimly lit with orange light, casting an ethereal glow over his family members faces. "How are you feeling dear?" His mother inquired. He forced himself to brighten up, remembering what Nicholas had told him. "I'm doing quite well mother." He told her. "I'm feeling very optimistic for our second attempt at the ceremony."

This seemed to please his mother, who flashed her fangs in approval. "Wonderful dear." His father remained silent, his gaze fixated across the table at one of the goblets. He was more of a quiet man, speaking up only in fits of anger.

His brothers remained silent as well, but he noticed them continually eyeing him, as if he were a broken clock and they were trying to analyze just what about him was damaged. After the tense meal had concluded, his mother suggested that the two of them take a walk in the gardens together. Usually he would have declined, but since he was trying to regain her trust he obliged.

The night was crisp and windy, and the dark night clouds threatened rain. The moon shone down upon them like a crooked grin, lighting up their path. The gardens were beautiful in a gloomy sort of way. The paths were lined with red and black roses, overgrown ivy, and dark green foliage.

He followed his mother to the hedge maze, specifically designed for no mortal to be able to escape. He'd heard tales of lost travelers being drove to insanity trying to escape. It was for him, however, very tranquil. "You know, I feel like the bond between mother and daughter is the most special of all." His mother said, breaking the silence. "Having a girl after all those boys was just such a miracle to me." She smiled at him, and he forced one back, trying to remember that he would be free of this very soon.

"I'm just so happy you've come to your senses and realized your a girl. I mean how preposterous to think you could be anything else. You just radiate feminine beauty." He knew this was his mother's idea of a compliment, but each word felt like she was digging a dagger deeper into his skull.

"I love you mother." He said after a moment, hoping that would derail her speech. "I love you too, Jessica." His chest became tighter, and he felt a tear slip down his cheek. "Pardon me a moment." He said, "I do believe I've forgotten to blow out the candle in my room." He hurried away, furiously wiping away his tears.

He prayed this would be the last time he ever had to cry over being seen as a girl.