Rush Of Blood

Three Strikes

     Within months, it was already nearing the holiday break, and everything was perfect. Damien and I found out about Seth, and a few cycles later, he had it under control. Regardless of the note, no one new had shown up in my life, so after a month, my worry was over. Until now of course. My first christmas away from home.

     “Are you absolutely sure it’s okay? I can stay home if you want me to.” I asked as my mother pushed me out the door, handing me my suitcase. “No! For the last time sweetie, you can go! It sounds like a lot of fun! Now go have fun! And Damien,” She turned to Damien, who was standing at the door chuckling at my reaction. “even if she screams and cries, she doesn’t come back until new years eve okay?” She smiled at me, hugging me tightly. “Relax honey...you’ll be fine.” She kissed my forehead and before I knew it, Damien had my suitcase in the trunk and we were on the road. Damien held my hand as he drove, smiling over at me occasionally. “Maybe it’s the winter all around us or maybe you’ve just gotten even more beautiful...” He leaned over, stealing a swift kiss before locking his eyes back on the road. I smiled widely, this was gonna be an epic holiday.

     After about an hour, we pulled onto a narrow road that curved to the mountain’s sides. We arrived at a two story cabin, where two cars were already parked. “Ready?” Damien asked, stepping out of the car and swiftly moving around to open my door. “Yep...this is gonna be great!” I said, smiling widely. Something felt extremely uneasy about this trip, but I couldn’t let that show. I stepped out, and was refused the ability to carry my own luggage. He carried the two bags, walking over to the front door and opening it. 

     Inside, well that nearly took my breath away. The cabin was so perfectly filled with holiday decorations that I felt like a child again. To the right was a wide staircase, fit for about two people to walk side by side, that was decorated with swirls of garland and twisted with lights. To the left was an opening that led to the living room, where a warm fireplace was lit and five friends were sprawled out on the couches in layered clothing. Damien’s dropping of the suitcases startled them, and all eyes were locked on the two standing at the archway, Damien and I. “Hey guys.” I said, smiling widely. “Awesome! You’re just in time! Michael was about to tell us what Seth did one Christmas!” “No he wasn’t!” “Aw come on it wasn’t that bad!” I couldn’t help but laugh at the warmth this scene made, and smiling widely I made my way over to a third couch and sat beside Damien. 

     Night came and I had helped Emily with cooking dinner while Krista and Michael wrestled. After a nice dinner, Michael and Krista had gone to bed in one of the upstairs bedrooms, Emily fell asleep on the couch and Seth carried her to another bedroom where they crashed for the night, Bella took her rest in the room downstairs, and it was just Damien and I. “This is gonna be a great holiday break...” I said, leaning into him. “Yep...and I get to spend it with you...” He kissed my nose, smiling. “So..how old are you?” I asked, bringing a slight shock to his eyes, and I sat up quickly, “I mean like you don’t look old at all! I...I was just wondering...” He chuckled, “I’m turning 239 this year. Frozen at 18.” “So...you really don’t die...” I said, my eyes wandering. “No...and a hundred years in and you want to die...But that’s when I ran into Erik...we practically ruled hell together...it was horrible...so many innocent people...” His head dropped in disappointment and I lifted it with my index finger. His eyes were hazy, and my heart broke. “Don’t cry...” I whispered, wiping his tears softly with my thumbs. “I was such a monster...” “But you’re not now...what matters is that you changed...and...I...” He kissed me softly, interrupting the three words I was about to say. “Not yet...” He whispered on my lips, kissing me gently. I smiled a little, kissing back. Letting go of our kiss, I yawned, and he chuckled. “Bed time?” He asked, slowly standing. “I don’t wanna sleep yet though...” I said, but he already had me to my feet. “Come on.” He lifted me in his arms and carried me to our room. We laid in bed, my head in his chest. “So...do you remember who turned you?” I asked, looking up at him. “Yes...his name was Walter.” Walter? W? “He’s an original, one of the first vampires. He said I was important...I still don’t know what I’m important for...” “Me.” “What?” “Well, you’re important to me.” I said, crawling up a little to kiss him softly. “You too...” He said, smiling. After a little more chatting, we fell asleep, me first I’m sure. The only thing that ran through my mind was that Walter guy...could he be the mystery note person?