The Vampire's Trophy

Thirsty Troy

Little Troy was standing up holding onto the edge of his cot for support. There was a lot of hustle bustle around the house. Orders were flying faster and louder than an auction house. Drapes were being changed. The floor polished one last time. The silver ware had been placed artistically on tables. Glassware would be brought in after the commotion settled down.

The kitchen and the small porch right outside was full of cooks creating wafts of a variety of foods that were on the menu. Little Troy's cot had been lifted and shifted a number of times until Grace had realized that the original spot was the best. The little boy was awake and rather enjoying the whole show.
He was the last one to get ready, though it was his special day.

Grace dressed him up in a white cotton shirt and shorts.
No no. He won't appear bright enough in the pictures.

Blue, too common.
Pink. Too girly.
Red, too much.
Lavender. Hmm lavender just right.

So he was dressed in lavender and a pair of indigo shorts. Now she was pleased. It was summer and almost evening, still quite hot. She set him in the crib just as the first glasses of lemonade and coconut water was being served. She was sipping coconut water when she saw Troy take his first steps in the crib.

Greg picked him up called the photographer and his first steps were shot. Troy walked straight to the cool drinks trolley much to everyone's amusement. He was one thirsty little kid.

Now too, it was thirst only this time for blood, human blood.

Grace picked up the phone to call her Dad before she called Greg. She had seen Czarina sitting close to her window and decided to not call home, but pretend to talk to her mother.

She called Greg on a phone number he promised never to change, just in case. And this was just the case.

Greg answered the phone.

Hi ma, sob. Nothing is right here.

Why what happened. Why are you calling me as ma? What's wrong?

I can't tell you, if I did you won't believe it. Ma I...

Someone is around, isn't it. Don't cry. Tell me where you are and I'll come.

More sobbing.

What is it love, Grace please tell me what the problem is. I'm getting anxious now.

Hmm. She rubbed her nose. Cleared her throat, yet left the tears running. She knew she couldn't stop them.

Ma. It's Troy.

What happened to him.

Right now I'm off the coast of Spain. Near Gibraltar. He met a Vampire.

What?
Don't tell me he has been bitten.

Yes, see I told you. You don't believe me. I don't know what to do. I left my husband so something of this sort doesn't happen. My worst nightmare has come true. Ma please don't tell Dad. He might not take it well.

Sobbing.

Oh no. What do I ...

I Don't know where Greg is. Can you find him for me. Please. She wants him.

Why?

Please do hurry ma. The bloody sucker who changed him is right outside. She says she won't let Troy be a vampire if she meets Greg.

Ok. I think I know what to do. Tell her your mom is coming and you couldn't find me. I love you.

And he hung up. Grace too put the phone back in it's cradle.

Czarina tried to cheer her up.
Good girl. Come on. Stop crying now.

Mom is coming here. I don't know where to find Greg. We didn't part on friendly terms. He said he couldn't take up the responsibility any more. Gosh I hate him!

Now, do you know how it feels like to not be able to save your child. Greg has killed all my babies but  I, I shall let you save your son. I'm a mother too and I know you will do anything to keep him alive.

Thanks. Please I'll do anything to stop him from becoming a vampire.

Aha! You have to freeze him for a year.

What?

Do as I say.

How do I freeze my child? He is still alive.

How you do is your problem. Just keep him frozen for a year. No peeking, no peeping, no food no water. And definitely no BLOOD.

The last few words were whispered in her ear. She left with a shrill laugh and flew into the sky right after.