RED

Prologue

© APOORVA 2014

All rights including those in copyright in the content of this story are owned by Apoorva. It's Illegal to steal and/or copy.

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December 15, 1995

I saw it begin in front of my eyes. I heard it, felt it- and almost tasted it. I witnessed more lucidly than anyone.

The cold winter wind coursed through the woman's lungs as she huffed, trying not to scream. Her body twitched every now and then on the hospital bed; her tiny heart pumping blood vigorously. She grimaced in agony; tears spilling from the corner of her eyes, trailing down her jaw line as the nurse tried to soothe her, caressing the tangled black hair that  framed her round moon like face. Her dry lips parted slightly as she groaned softly- wishing, wanting, praying for the torturous ache to fade.

I watched her in amazement from a distance, camouflaged in the darkness with my thirst under-control. There were numerous women in the hospital going through labor at this late hour, but it was this particular one that possessed me, spellbound, I continued watching her, eager to see  the child she was about to deliver. I waited patiently for a few more moments. As well as the raucous noises from the hospital, I could hear the giggles and screams of the new-borns back on our land and the Elders packing so we could leave this territory. I should be going back too, to help the Elders or scold the new-borns...but I stay, unable to leave. 

An earsplitting scream brought me back from my reverie. I glanced at the hospital room, a man blocked my view as he joyously gestured two little girls to come in. This infuriated me; I had been standing in the dark since the woman was admitted and I do not even get to look at the child! I gnashed my teeth in frustration, feeling decidedly cheated.

"Let me see," the little girl lisped

"That's your brother, you have to hold him very carefully honey," the man explained

"I will," she answered as the other girl stared at the newborn

Then I saw him; the child, the reason I had been meaninglessly standing here. It was not meaningless anymore; in fact this made as much sense to me as my food. Something inside me was clawing to get out of my skin, to reach the child and...taste him? I clenched and unclenched my fist, resisting this desperate urge.

The Elders would be patrolling one last time before leaving and I had to go back. I should go back...but, I did not want to. I wanted to stay here, I craved to take the child, I needed to taste him.

No, the little voice inside me screamed

The screeching of a car's tires on the road startled me. Jumping back a little my eyes fixed in the head lights. How did I get here? I wondered as I shifted back.

"Get out of my way," the driver screamed screamed

I sprinted away as fast as I could, never looking back, never succumbing to my impulse to go back.

I can't hurt him, I told myself, I am not going to hurt him.