Love Bite

Chapter 4

The next morning, Jimmy sat next to a very depressed Thomas. Alfred sat at the other end and eyed Jimmy. The look was of question and anger as if Alfred was mentally trying to ask Jimmy

Why the hell are you sitting next to him after what happened?

Jimmy shrugged off the look and looked at Thomas. Alfred grabbed a slice of toast off the plate and began to spread jam on it.

"Cheer up Mr. Barrow," Alfred said, "A long face won't solve anythin'."

He took a bite as Anna spoke.

"Leave him alone," she said holding her cup, "He knew her better than anyone."

"Except you really," Thomas said, "We were the two who really knew her."

Anna smiled and took another sip of her tea.

"I say your grief speaks well for her," Jimmy finally said. Thomas looked at him and nodded, letting a light smile show.

"Thank you for saying that," he said and grabbed Jimmy's hand in thanks. Jimmy's posture tensed as he looked around but it completely went unnoticed. Thomas kept his hand upon Jimmy's as he continued to look at the end of the table. Jimmy was tempted to snatch his hand away but figured he might as well just it stay.

No one sees. Its fine, its not like I'd get my marchin' for letting a poor grieving man take comfort in me. Even if he takes it in a physical touch. I wish he didn't, but if it helps.

As everyone finished their breakfast, Thomas finally removed his hand and got up.

"I'll see you around Jimmy," he said and left the servants hall. Jimmy looked down at his hand then thought back to his dream and … what ever it was with the clocks. The more and more he thought, the more he related the events to what he used to read as a child. One of the books his father gave him, in fact the book he read the night of his interview, was about vampires.

Maybe thats why its all been so strange lately. I didn't get much sleep that night and the other night I didn't sleep much either. I just get so tired I let my imagination run away from me. Oh God, how could I be such an idiot. Poor Thomas, I've been afraid of nothing. Besides, vampires don't like sun, he goes out and smokes in the sun all the time. They can't see their reflection and no doubt he can to get such a close shave. Garlic as well, Thomas goes in an out of the kitchen and there is garlic all around in there when they cook. Then of course, the cross. Thomas has been in churches. He was present for Lady Mary's and Lady Edith's wedding so its all just rubbish.

But Jimmy could not manage to let the strange feeling slide.

What if the books are wrong about vampires. Maybe...maybe I should ask Thomas about it. NO! Can't just walk up to him and ask Hey, Mr. Barrow. I've been having some very strange dreams lately and I was wondering if you were a vampire. God, don't be such an idiot, Jimmy…..but maybe I can ask him what he thinks about vampires. Maybe show him the book and have him give his opinion. It may help to get his mind off of Lady Sybil's death.

Jimmy nodded then quickly got up from his chair and hurried to catch up and do his daily work.

A few days had gone by and the funeral over, the house was still dark and Grantham refused to speak much to Lord Grantham. She believed that his ego caused the death of their daughter. Downstairs always seems to reflect the mood of the upstairs. Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes were both not daring to share a smile for a second. Jimmy often tried to lighten the mood with bringing up things about the theater and what was showing soon, but all he would get was and "interesting" and nothing more. Jimmy didn't like being depressed or being surrounded by it. He was depressed long enough in his life with the war and the death of his own parents that he didn't feel that he should have to anymore. Even worse was that they barely had any time to rest, which meant there was no time for Jimmy to talk to Thomas. He managed to tell Thomas that he needed to talk with him, but Mr. Carson quickly pulled Jimmy away to clean the silver. "We'll talk when we are both free, Jimmy," Thomas had called out as Jimmy walked with Mr. Carson.