Shh, It's A Secret

Blood, Thirst, and Rock & Roll

In all the eyes of the world, I've never seen any as bright as yours. And when I catch that very first glance I will know…

            "Cody, your set list is ready."

             I glanced up from my yellow notepad, stunned to find the stagehand Andrew staring down at me, microphone clutched tightly in his palm. The black and white-taped device a steep contrast to the pinkish colour of his skin. It wasn't a surprise, though. His palms always became a deep rosy pink whenever he handed me the mic on this tour, like he was holding on to it for dear life. And technically, he was but I wouldn't tell him that, he will figure out on his own. Maybe today, maybe tomorrow... it all depended on when I needed to feed. Which was soon.

            “Thanks.” I muttered as I set down my pen and paper, the tart scent of Andrew’s blood becoming stronger as I reached out and gingerly took the mic. “And Zach, Dan, Maxx, and Austin?”

            “Already going on stage.”

            “Opening with?” I asked.

            “ ’@Reply,’” he replied with a smile.

            I nodded and reached into my pocket, fingers coiled tightly around what I needed to make it through the next two-and-a-half hours. My last vile of precious blood. I looked at Andrew eagerly. “Andrew?”

            “Yeah, Cody?” his brows furrowed. “Are you okay? You look a little sick.”

            “I’m fine.” I put my hand slowly on his thin, bony shoulder trying to act casual and calm, even though my insides were screaming for my quick fix. I focused deeply on his eyes. All my strength building like a wall in my brain, forcing my will onto his puny mortal mind. “Andrew,” I began slowly. “Right now, you will go on as you should. But when you are done, you will wait for me in my dressing room after the show. Don’t tell anyone where you’re going and if they ask say you’re going to… get some air. Got it?”

            Dreamy-eyed and dazed, Andrew nodded obediently. His mouth hung open and his showed nothing, no emotion but loyalty. I was pleased with my work. “Yes Cody. I will go get some air.” He murmured silently before he walked away. His boyish figure disappearing into the dim lighted hallway leading to our dressing rooms. Compulsion was my greatest gift.

            I smiled and pulled out the long, thin crimson tube. The sweet fragrance emanating off the glass so appetizing, I had to keep from biting the glass itself into shards. I took a quick glance into the mirror that rested across from where I stood. Andrew was right, I looked like crap. My usually bright white skin was tinted grey and dark circles laid just beneath the bottom of my eyes, like a human who hadn’t slept in years. My dark brown hair still stayed in place, though. And my small black lip ring didn’t seem in disarray. This one tube would really do everything justice. And it would hide the very thing that seemed so clear at just one glance.

            I quickly uncorked the tube, inhaled the mouthwatering fragrance, tipped my head back, and chugged down its contents in one quick gulp. The thick syrupy blood coursed down my throat and warmth spread throughout my body as the lifeless image in the mirror became a tad more lively. Silencing the recent aches and soothing the fire-like tingle I’ve felt for too long. It was time for the show to begin.

            I hurriedly shoved the tiny elongated vile back down into my pocket, anxious for my after show refill when our sound technician I didn’t remember the name of rushed into the Green Room and beckoned me to follow. He was a man in his mid-twenties and had long dark hair fell in his face. His blood was no different from Andrew’s.