I Met a Vampire Down in Santa Carla

Chapter One

I pulled up the driveway, dread seeping its way into my pores. I managed to get here in just one day only stopping for gas and food. I sit trying to gather the courage to face them again, especially after seeing them last. When I spoke to my mother on the phone asking if she could please help me and was immediately allowed, it took me by surprise. My stepdad and I never really saw eye to eye on just about everything. From religion to people who were different from us. My mom wasn't that way, though. She just happened to be trapped in marriage, something I never realized until being in the same boat. Stuck with a man who claims to love you, only to show the opposite. I finally get the gull to walk up to the door, knocking three times. 

When the door opened, I could barely recognize the woman in front of me. The once youthful face is now wrinkled with stress and a sad fake smile. Her hair was put up in a tight bun, and her clothes resembled those of an old woman. Even though she was only in her early fifties. "Aurora, my love, come in, you're just in time for supper." She stands aside, letting me in. I see Steve sitting on his throne watching a football game. The brown leather recliner lay out as he looked up, wearing what can only be Sunday best, even if it was Monday. 'Never know when we will meet god, so we always need to look our best' is what he always told me. He stands up a groan, leaving him. He looked the same. From the tall, lean figure that seemed to loom over you like a predator looking down on its prey. His hair was greying and kept in a slick back appearance with those dull, dark eyes piercing through my soul, judging me. 

"Aroura," He nods. I couldn't do it. My eyes hit the floor as a mix of fear and shame came over me. The last thing I told him was that I would never come back to this hellhole and that I would never need his help. Now I hate that I was wrong. This was the part I knew I would hate the most. The look in those cold, dead eyes saying I told you so. "Is Dinner ready?" he asks my mom, leading us to the dining room where a nice roast was all prepared for us. We sit down back in our spots. It was like I never left. He held his hand out to me so we could pray over our food. I was not religious; I was the opposite. I hated it. I know not everyone is that way, but with what I had to go through because of god, because I was 'sinful', I couldn't help but despise it. The thought of religion sent chills up my spine, and yet I joined hands and pretended to pray along with them. 

As we say our amen and start eating, he pipes up, "So how was John?" He asks. The tone in his voice screamed that he was eating this up. 

"Steve," Mom tries, but he holds his hand up. 

"You know this is my house, Aruroa, so I have rules," he starts 

"Rory," I mutter, "I go by Rory." I look up nervously. "That's what my friends call me." Having never told them before, I just couldn't take not at least trying to be myself. 

"Okay then, Rory. I have rules; now I know you are a woman, all grown up. All I ask is that you cover your tattoos inside the house and especially outside. I am a well-known member of society, as you may know." That was true; he was friends with a bunch of politically rich people. "I don't want you to be an embarrassment, you understand. Modesty is what I expect; this means no crop tops, shorts, or skirts. If you do wear them, they must be at least knee length, and no tight-fitting clothing it's unbecoming. Lastly, I want you to contribute to help with chores and such." He smiles. I look over to Mom as she smiles. 

"It will be nice. A good change of pace to have help right," She asks 

"Mom, what about you? You work right?" 

"Oh no," she shakes her head, "I gave it up a few years ago." I was stunned. She was an amazing Veterinarian and loved what she did. 

"Well, that's good." I smile, "But I think I will try to get a job if that's alright."