Vampire lore - Carmilla/First Kill

Chapter 19

Danny's eyes remained sharp and observant as she watched the group's animated conversation. Despite Juliette's efforts to engage, her unease was palpable. Danny sensed that Juliette needed a break from the intensity of the discussion. With a plan in mind, she decided to act.

As Kirsch elaborated on his plan for the day, his voice filled with enthusiasm, Danny leaned towards Juliette, speaking softly but clearly.

— Hey, Juliette, could we step away for a moment? I'd like to have a quick chat with you, just the two of us.

Juliette looked up from her plate, her eyes betraying a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

— Sure, Danny. Is something wrong?

Danny gave a reassuring smile and gently nodded.

— Not at all. I just think we need a quiet space for a moment. Follow me.

They discreetly slipped away from the bustling dining area, where Kirsch's animated storytelling was captivating the rest of the group. Danny led Juliette through a door into a serene study, lined with old books and relics from bygone eras. She gestured for Juliette to take a seat in an inviting vintage armchair while Danny settled herself on the edge of an old wooden desk.

— I wanted to have this conversation away from everyone else - Danny began, her tone calm and sincere. - It seems like you've been carrying a heavy load lately. How are you holding up?

Juliette, still fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve, looked down, her gaze clouded with worry.

— It's been really tough. With everything going on with my family, and Cal... It feels like it's all closing in on me.

Danny's expression softened with empathy.

— I can only imagine how overwhelming that must be. It's a lot to handle, especially on your own. There's something important I need to address with you.

Juliette looked up, her interest piqued.

— What's that?

— I owe you an apology - Danny said, her voice steady.

— Apologize? For what?

— For how I acted when you first arrived - Danny explained, her eyes reflecting genuine remorse. - I let my own issues get in the way of treating you with the respect you deserved.

Juliette's eyes widened slightly, and she looked thoughtfully at Danny.

— I don't even remember much of that night, honestly. With everything going on, it feels like it was ages ago.

— Even so, I need to acknowledge it - Danny insisted. - I've had my share of struggles with my own past and my turning, and that doesn't excuse how I treated you. I'm sorry for any hurt I may have caused.

Juliette studied Danny's face, sensing the depth of her regret.

— If you ever want to talk about your struggles, I'm here for you - Juliette offered, her tone gentle.

— Thank you, kid - Danny said, offering a small, appreciative smile. - Maybe one day I'll take you up on that.

— And I forgive you - Juliette replied sincerely. - I've had my share of moments where I was less than kind too.

— I wanted to chalk it up to being a vampire thing - Danny said, chuckling softly - But honestly, I've always had a bit of a temper, just ask Carmilla.

Juliette laughed lightly, the tension in the room easing.

— Yeah, I get that. We've all had our rough patches.

Danny smiled, feeling more comfortable as the conversation shifted to a lighter note.

— You know, Juliette, you've shown a remarkable amount of strength. More than many people your age - Danny said, her tone becoming earnest.

Juliette's brows furrowed in confusion.

— What do you mean?

— Sometimes, when we're under so much pressure, we focus so much on helping others and reacting to situations that we forget to take care of ourselves - Danny explained. - I'm concerned that you might be overlooking your own needs.

Juliette paused, clearly reflecting on Danny's words.

— I hadn't really thought about it that way. I've been so focused on trying to fix things and help everyone else that I haven't considered what I need for myself.

Danny leaned forward slightly, her gaze sincere.

— It's essential to find a balance. You can't give your best if you're running on empty. Take some time for yourself. Reflect on what strengthens you and what makes you feel whole. It might make facing everything else a bit easier.

Juliette nodded slowly, absorbing Danny's advice.

— I'll definitely try to think about that. Thanks, Danny. I really needed to hear this.

Danny smiled warmly.

— And remember, we're all here for you. Without the support of people like them - she said, pointing towards the door where their friends were - I wouldn't have made it through some tough times. Don't hesitate to lean on us when you need to.

Juliette offered a grateful smile as Danny stood, signaling the end of their conversation.

— Let's head back. I'm sure they're already working on unraveling Elinor's latest schemes.

As they returned to the group, Juliette seemed lighter, the weight of her thoughts momentarily lifted. Danny sensed the subtle shift in Juliette's demeanor, recognizing it as a small but significant step in helping her find her balance amidst the chaos.