The Vampire Cure

Safe

The three of them were taken deep inside of the town by a guard. There were several houses occupied by residents and others that were empty, ready to have new people reside in them. It was as if they continued to build the town larger for incoming survivors. The roofs of the homes as well as the cobblestone pathway was covered in snow.

Guard: "We are approaching, please be ready to give a warm welcome." He said.

They continued walking down the path until coming to a shut off fountain in the square. It was iced up, chips of ice forming on it. There stood two more guards with their leader in the middle. The man was aged, looked to be in his fifties with ashen short hair. He wore blue jeans and a heavy long winter coat that brushed against the snow. His eyes were sort of an brown ember, staring at the group who approached.

"Hello and welcome. My name is Grant and I am the leader of this town. Please feel free to pick one of these houses to stay in and get comfortable. We haven't seen many survivors come through here in a while. It is nice to also see a newborn after all this time."

Jake held onto Julia's hand as they approached Grant. He observed his surroundings, already feeling comfortable that they were safe here. For now.

"My name is Jake. My wife, Julia. We are just passing through looking for a safe place just for tonight to stay and then we will be on our way." Jake said.

Grant tilted his head slightly to the side rather suprised but nodded in agreement.

"Alright then, well, your family is welcome to this house as long as you'd like. If you need anything just ask. I will be sure to have someone bring you some food and refreshments. If you need to come find me I will be at the bridge. It was nice meeting you and your family Jake."

Grant smiled happy to have met them and signaled for his security to follow him to the bridge.

Guard: "Alright well then get settled in and I will be back with some food and water."

The guard leaves them as Jake pushes the door open to enter one of the vacant homes. It was suprisingly clean inside as the couple explored. Julia couldn't wait to sit down with her baby after finding the living room. Her legs were aching even more from the hike to find shelter and her stomach slightly was in pain.

The baby began to slightly cry in her arms. They didnt have any diapers or formula for the baby. Julia had to improvise, undressing her shirt so the baby could suck on her breast. She was definitely hungry as she felt tugging on her nipple.

Julia craddled the baby, happy to see she was drinking her breast milk. This was a bond that she hadn't felt before. She rocked her and a name came to mind for her.

"Angelica..."

Jake made his way back downstairs with pillows and blankets. He saw the two of them together and a happy sigh came from him. The view, seeing her rock their newborn baby with such love moved him.

"Julia, I found some pillows and blankets. I think it best we sleep down here. I think it will be safer. Let me cover you up. I will get the fireplace going."

Jake wrapped his wife and child up in the warm cozy blanket as snug as possible.

"Jake, I came up with a beautiful name to call our daughter. I really like Angelica. What do you think?"

He bent over to give them both a kiss on the cheek and smiled.

"Angelica? I like that name, our little angel."

"Now when people ask we have a name for our daughter."

They laughed as he began to get the fireplace started. A knock came to the door after and he answered it. It was the guard who came back with food but also diapers for the baby.

"Yes! Thank you very much we definitely need those. Let Grant know I will want to talk with him shortly, tonight."

The guard nodded and left having dropped off the provisions requested by Grant. Jake returned to the living room, setting down the items given.

"Here we are, finally a good meal to dig into. Do you want chicken sandwich or turkey sandwich? I call the sweet tea."

Julia's stomach growled, vibrating against Angelica.

"I will take the chicken sandwich and the apple juice."

Jake handed her the food items that were set right on the couch beside her.

"When she finishes, let me know so you can eat. I will eat later."

Now the three of them were safe tonight. There was no on the run or the worry of finding a safe place to stay. However, Jake did need to talk to Grant privately tonight. In order to keep his family safe, he had the right to know.