The Donor Handbook

Introducing Guests: How to make their debut successful in your world

Introducing Guests: How to make their debut successful in your world.

I hid in my room until my couch came. After I grabbed my cell phone so I could call Dawn. I needed backup. I didn’t want to go shopping with Sterling alone. People might get the wrong idea about us, and I didn’t want to be alone with him anymore than I had to. He just made me so flustered. I was a professional, and I had worked hard to maintain my professional persona. Sterling was the first person I had met that could make my business mask slip.

 I didn’t know what it was about Sterling that unnerved me so. Besides the obvious. I mean,  he did practically reek of trouble.  Even if everyone hadn’t told me he had a penchant for trouble I would have guessed him a bad-boy type. Not to mention his mysterious gun wound didn’t help with my impression of him. He had known me for less than twenty four hours and seemed to know how to really push my buttons. The thing was that I dealt with bad-boys all the time. All the little flirty bartenders across Dead-Town totally played up that bad-boy persona. I flirted back, and enjoyed playful banter with them. So why Sterling unnerved so damn much was a mystery for me.

Dawn had drilled me about Sterling before she would agree to go. She was shocked when I told her that Roger had let Sterling feed from me, and even more shocked that he was to be living with me until further notice. When I mentioned some of Sterling’s more annoying attributes she started laughing.

“He sounds fun.” She laughed loudly on the phone, making me pull it away from my ear. “Maybe he’ll get you to lighten up a little.”

“Everyone keeps telling me that.” I groaned, while checking the time. I was wondering where my new couch was. It was supposed to be here fifteen minutes ago.

“What new couch?” Dawn suddenly asked, and I took a moment wondering if she suddenly could read minds. When I finally realized I had said my sentiments about the couch out-loud, Dawn sighed out a, “Hello?”

“Sterling spilled blood on my couch; I’m getting a new one delivered.” I lied sounding a little miffed. I hated lying to Dawn.

“No wonder you two are getting along so well. In the course of twenty-four hours he’s brought nothing but change and surprises. Two things you love dearly.” She laughed out with sarcasm.

“It’s not just that.” I said getting defensive. “He’s a complete cad. He makes fun of me, calls me names….”

“Does he steal your milk money too?” Dawn quipped with a serious tone now in her voice. “Stop complaining, and just try to get along with him. Roger is compensating you for the inconvenience, which he doesn’t have to.  Technically this is all in your job description. So he’s a cad, ignore him. You’d meet cads in the human world and have to deal with them professionally. Just be the best little donor you can be, and demand a vacation when it’s all over.”   

“Yes Mom.” I said in a huff, and then thought about what Dawn was telling me. “I guess I’m whining huh?”

“Yes you are.” Dawn agreed a little too enthusiastically, “Now stop hiding in your bedroom feeling sorry for yourself and get out there and play good hostess. Text me when you leave and I’ll meet you at the West Gate Mall in Macy’s.”

Dawn hung up on me, and I was left alone with my thoughts again. I was being a coward. Dealing with Sterling was going to be a challenge, but I wouldn’t back down on it.  I was just going about it the wrong way. Sterling had told me to be myself. So I would, with only minor alterations to maintain a respectful composure.  I had to re-strategize, and now. So with new found determination I exited the haven that was my room, and strolled towards the living room.