Shades Of Red

Chapter Fourteen

Vlad shivered as another gust of cold wind found him behind the sewing factory. Wrapping his thin, hole covered blanket over his small shoulders. He was alone, cold, dying, hungry, and sick. He was an outcast from his own family at five, living on the shit covered streets for ten years. His hair grew past both of his eyes, his ribs shown through his pale, lifeless skin, making him more of a freak. Wiping his nose on the disgusting blanket, Vlad knew he wasn't going to live for the rest of the week. If he was even lucky to get money from some less heartless bitch, he couldn't go anywhere, he was banned from every shop for stealing food. He saved his coins only coming up to $5.10. That could get him something for a week, but he couldn't walk due his legs freezing to the cobblestone sidewalk. Heavy boots echoed through the alley as Vlad looked to his right. A tall, thin man was walking this way. His jeweled cane made a small click as it was tapped to the ground. The man himself was really handsome, thick brown hair that was tied back, his bright magenta eyes glowed beautifully. He looked like royalty, but why was he down here? Passing Vlad, the man looked down at him, stopping. Vlad's dull golden eyes met the man's shining magenta. Vlad held out a shaking hand, wanting help. Without warning, the man's warm hand caught Vlad's wrist, bring him down close to his face. Vlad could smell his cologne, making him blush.

"Poor, poor, young child. Why are you out here?" he asked. That voice was strangely comforting. "I-i-i was.. K-kicked out of m-my h-h-home." Vlad's soft voice was broken. "For how long? You look freezing." he asked again. ".. t-ten.. Ye..ars." Vlad felt like passing out. "Come home with me.. I'll be your family now." Vlad was picked up by the man, giving Vlad the well needed warmth he wanted for years. Walking the rest of the way, he entered the busy streets, making everyone watch him save the boy from behind the sewing factory. Coming up to a large brick house, the man opened his door with one hand, entering quickly, he slammed the door, not wanting to let in snow. A woman stood up and looked at the man.

"Who's that dear?" the woman asked, concerned. "A child, half frozen. I wanted to help him." the man walked over to his wife, holding Vlad close. She gasped, placing a hand over her mouth. "Oh my, set him the fire, warm him up. I'll get him hot water and-" the man smiled and placed two hands on her shoulders. "Love, please, you do too much already. Comfort the boy. I know how much you wanted a child." lifting two fingers under her chin, the man kissed her cheek. She smiled as well, and nodded. Walking in two different directions, the woman walked up to Vlad, who was happily sleeping by the warm fire. A wave of sadness overwashed her as she noticed the exposed ribs, pale skin and his small, permanent bruises. Running a hand over Vlad's ice cold skin, she started to feel love for this child. Coming back with a bowl of hot water, a cup of hot tea and a rag. The man placed the bowl and cup on a table near Vlad.

"Hey, kid. Can you wake up?" the man asked, slightly shaking Vlad. Vlad opened his eyes and looked at the man and woman in corner of his eye. "Come on, let's sit up- there we go." the man wanted to be careful with Vlad. taking the tea cup, the man had gripped Vlad's hand to hold it. It warm cup exploded into Vlad's hand. The man slowly had Vlad lift the cup to his blue, chapped lips. Sipping the hot liquid, Vlad was getting warm. "There, do you feel any better?" the man asked, taking the cup away. Vlad nodded and looked to the woman. She was breathtakingly beautiful, her ginger hair fell short, her sparkling green eyes mainly complimented her face. Vlad looked into her eyes, wanting a reason why he was saved out of nowhere.

"Do you have a name?" the woman asked, her voice was soft and sweet, reminding Vlad about a warm summer's day. "Vladimir.." Vlad said, looking away from her. "What a wonderful name, it's beautiful." Vlad couldn't help but blush as her comment. "Well, Vladimir, i'm Geven, and this is my wife, Berlynn. We've been wanting a child for a long time. Maybe you'll be happy and join us. Filling the hole we both have." Vlad couldn't believe it. They wanted Vlad to join them. Vlad was feeling happy for the first time in years. All he ever wished for was a family, a real family. Smiling, Vlad nodded eagerly. Berlynn teared up as she finally had a child.