Destiny has left its mark (Vampire Romance) +

5 ~ In the end

Posters of Elijah and Beverly seemed to appear everywhere overnight, as if they had been hastily arranged by an eager team of promoters. The buzz around them was palpable, with Elijah's fanbase swelling by the day. There was always someone nearby, snapping pictures for the newspapers and reporting on every detail of their blossoming romance, including Beverly's extravagant plans for a grand wedding that everyone was eagerly anticipating."Why are you here?" Ellie asks me, her voice rising above the chatter of a large crowd of fans eagerly waiting for the arrival of Elijah and Beverly at the theatre. She stands among them, clearly excited.

"I'm definitely not here for them," I reply, pulling out my phone to check for messages. "Did you manage to get that contractor I asked about?" I really need someone to come and fix one of the windows in my apartment that's broken.

She quickly sends me a contact from her phone. "He's someone you can trust, but you'll have to wait a day or two before he can come by."

How can I possibly sleep soundly with a broken window? The thought of it makes me uneasy.The crowd erupts into cheers and screams as Elijah steps out of a sleek car, moving gracefully to open the door for Beverly, who looks stunning in a long, sparkling red gown that catches the light beautifully.  "Thanks," I mutter under my breath as I turn to leave, ignoring Ellie's voice calling me back, urging me to stay.

As I walk down the street, I can't help but glance back over my shoulder. Paparazzi are everywhere, snapping photos and shouting questions, while one of them is conducting a quick interview with Elijah. I can already imagine the segment making it on the news tonight. I haven't seen Neo in a while and wonder what he's been busy with lately. Abraham visited me briefly at work and seemed genuinely relieved when I mentioned the Governor's return, indicating that Elijah hadn't come along. I can't shake the strange feeling that he might be connected to the Governor's early arrival. Ellie's obsession with Elijah gives me more time to think about my own future and where I might want to go if I manage to survive this.

I have to survive. It's crucial that I find a way to make something good happen in my life that can help make my next life more bearable. I really shouldn't have dreamt about my past life; it only complicates things. For some reason, I find myself walking into a nearby nightclub, drawn in by the music and lights, and I order a beer from the bar. I drink it as if there's a drought, as if this is my last chance to quench my thirst. One bottle quickly turns into two, and before I know it, I've downed six bottles and am lost in the rhythm of the dancefloor. Suddenly, someone grabs my arm and starts swaying me around.

"I knew I should watch you," the person says, and I look up to see it's Abe.

"Abe?" I can only call him that when I'm drunk and feeling carefree.

Without warning, he scoops me up and carries me out of the club, much to my surprise.

"Wait. I don't want to go home now," I protest, trying to wriggle free from his grip.

"You've had enough to drink for one night," he replies firmly, clearly concerned for my well-being.

"What about dancing?" I ask, trying to reason with him.

He sets me down on my feet so he can open the passenger door for me. Just as I turn away from him, I suddenly feel nauseous and vomit right there on the pavement.

"You really shouldn't be going out alone like this," he says, his tone a mix of concern and frustration. He offers me a bottle of water, which I gratefully accept. "Get in," he instructs, and I climb into the car. He shuts the door behind me before getting in himself. "I'll take you home," he assures me, starting the engine.

I rest my head against the cool glass of the window, my eyes shut as I try to block out the world. "Why don't you have your regular parties anymore?" I ask, breaking the silence.