Alone.

Transcendency 101 (Part II)

Chapter: 18
Transcendency 101 (Part II)

I pulled away from him completely and reached for the picnic basket. Grabbing the second packet from inside, I plunged in the straw and handed it to him.

He raised a brow.

"Figured you might get thirsty with all the narrating." I smiled as he began sipping on the blood he got from God knows where.

Again, we sat in silence.

The trees surrounding us were keeping me from seeing the sunset. But I could tell it was getting late with the way the light dimmed, the sounds of birds dulled and those of the crickets rose, and the coolness setting in. It was comforting to say the least. More so with my dear companion who was merrily feeding on crimson blood. How cute.

I laid back down with my elbows bracing me against the soft grassy-blanket-covered-ground as I took in everything around me, closing my eyes and taking in a deep breath of fresh air. It was truly peaceful.

"Not many vampires have elemental abilities."

I turned to look at Adam who had discarded the now empty packet. I nodded my head for him to go on. And so he did.

"It's because of the circumstances under which I almost died." He paused thoughtfully as he bent his one knee and rested his chin on it. A far away look came upon his handsome features. "I was in university at the time. I met Damian there. We were both studying architecture and we simply bonded over our mutual interest in building and designing." He glanced at me, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips, "It just clicked with him then. He always had my back and since I hand no other siblings, he became one even before I turned. I started looking up to him for every important aspect of my life, whichever it was at the time; trivial things mostly, but I always considered his wise inputs before making a move."

I smiled softly. This was the first time he was opening up to me without restraint. I soaked in every moment of it, my heart swelling with every revelation. "He doesn't come off as a wise kinda guy. I thought he'd be more on the playful side."

Adam chuckled heartily, "Oh he was! A ladies man to the bone. He tried to teach me some mean pick-up lines, but it just wasn't my game, I suppose."

I laughed; his eyes twinkling all the same with unconcealed mirth. "You're doing a fine job, hon," I told him, "I don't think you need pick-up lines to up your game. Smooth talking does it for you."

Again he chuckled as he shifted his position and leaned back against a tree. His smile faded then. A solemn look coming over. I sat up facing him, my smile fading away as well.

"It was late December, 1928. Damian and I just got handed a big construction project. I was excited because it was a deal that could change the course of my career-" he smiled a sad smile, "-not that it matters anymore." He cast me a glance. He took in a deep breath and stared at the last rays of sun creeping from the thick shade of trees above us. "He told me to go ahead and have a look at the site as he had some errands to run. It was the reconstruction of an old bridge. A golden opportunity. I was extremely excited to just get started with it."

He looked at me then. And I had never seen such a reminiscent look on his face before. It was as if all the years of his life reflected in his eyes in that moment despite his youthfulness. I wanted nothing more than to pull him in my arms and take all his sad memories away. But, instead, I opted for moving a little closer to him and taking his hand in mine, interlacing our fingers in the process as I gave him an encouraging smile. "You don't have to tell me if it pains you this much. I'd much rather you give me that panty-dropping smirk of yours."