A Full Moon

-Chapter 5- Caleb: The Critics

Blood flowed through me. I could feel its movement, like a stagnant river being pushed forward. I saw a vision of so many faces and places in a rush, and I could tell they were Averie's memories. As she shared these images, it triggered an awakening of my own.Then I closed my eyes, as our minds brought us back. Like a light at the end of a tunnel, going to a different time.

-A Month Ago-

I opened my eyes, feeling the soft wind kissing my face. The afternoon breeze in Windenburg is unbeatable! My hair swayed softly with it. The urban Modern District gave the best seaside view! The calm blue sea and timber-framed triangular houses made a welcoming atmosphere. I've never seen such a beautiful place in my whole lifetime... 110 years of it.

I stood here by the beach umbrella in Bath de Rill, enjoying the sight while in the shadows. It's an open indoor space. People could still enjoy the natural sea at my front and the artificial pool at my back.

I breathed in the clean briny air. I saw yachts and boats by the marina. People in colorful swimsuits pass by. Cats and dogs walked idly by the cobblestone streets. Birds flew freely above the sea. It's urban as well as green and blue and... calm.

"Are you enjoying the view, Mr. Vatore?"

I heard a sweet voice and I couldn't help but smile in her direction. She smiled, too. Then, the crowd started to look at us. Couldn't tell if they were looking at me, or her, or us both.

"Definitely. I never get tired of this... wonderful view." I replied while focusing on her. Her blond hair in a tied up in a ponytail. My eyes rove her body, at her simple black two-piece that left little to the imagination. Then I grinned at her, with a smirk that she knew does little to hide my desires.

Averie blushed and reached out, holding me close for a quick soft kiss. I held her back gently and pulled her in. Some people in the crowd cringed, some just pretended to ignore us. I was quite well aware that some of my exes are among them.

"You don't have to invite me out here, you know. I'm not with San Myshuno Times anymore." She whispered.

"But you're still a food critic whether or not you work for someone else. Why don't you start your own lifestyle blog? You already have great content in Simstagram. You write well and your followers are already growing. Don't leave them hanging." I encouraged her and she pouted her lips. She looked around this venue. I wanted her to be here for the launch of Sea Chicken, a new seafood venture by the comedy actor and also my best friend, Johnny Zest.

This place is perfect. She didn't visit around these parts frequently, always preferring the vast desert of Oasis Springs. But I wanted to show her that Windenburg is gorgeous! I don't mind living with her here.

And this place, Bath de Rill, gave out a perfect fresh atmosphere. Not to mention the vast swimming pool, the high-end indoor bar where my sister frequently worked, and the picturesque view of the sea and the sky.

"Hmmm... alright, I'll think about it. I agree it's a nice place. But now, it's time for a swim. I don't think a little sun hurts?"

"I'm not a Grand Master Vampire for nothing." I replied. She pulled my arm and I followed, feeling the slight sting in my hand as it got hit by ultraviolet light. Nothing I couldn't handle.

The sting eventually faded away as my whole torso got exposed to the afternoon sunlight. I wore a modern luau print board shorts for this event. I hope it's "summer-y" and "beach-like" enough.

Still holding Averie's hand, she led me to the pool. The cold wet tiles splashed on my feet. And together, we dove right into the vibrant swimming water, leaving huge splashes in our wake... to the annoyance of others.

Averie laughed as we emerged from the water. The chlorinated water added up with the sun in my discomfort. It felt like burning through my skin. I shrugged it off by getting a little more dark energy flowing to my epidermis. I didn't mind wasting a few on frivolous situations if it made Averie happy. If it made any of my friends happy. And well, I enjoy swimming, too. Just not out in daylight.

Averie looked at me, happiness in her eyes. "I'm so excited to see Johnny Zest in person! I have never seen a celebrity before. He's so good at comedy, we talk a lot about his jokes in the lab. Do you remember his joke about astronauts..."

"Careful dear. Or I'll think that you came here not for the food." I told her endearingly.

"Well... that, too." And then she leaned in for a peck and hugged me.

It all happened abruptly. I looked in the shadows of the locker rooms at the front. A great distance, yes, from this Olympic size pool. But my eyes could see a pair of glowing red eyes glaring right at Averie's back. A familiar feeling went through me. I reached into my power and went into defense mode. Black smoke surrounded me in an aura and my own eyes glared back, my vampiric red ones. The enemy hiding must've sensed me, and disappeared.

"Caleb? What's wrong?" Averie asked. Turning her neck to look at the lockers. But of course, she couldn't see the enemy, no matter how she made her human eyes squint.

I stroked her back to comfort her. My dark form faded away and I was back to my human form again. "Don't worry. Just some old vampire acquaintance." She didn't need to know that it was coming for her. But if someone tried to do her harm, there'll be hell to pay.

She seemed to believe me. Relief showed in her eyes and it was her turn to look at me with those suggestive eyes as she plunged me into the water.

We stayed in the pool for hours, only leaving to get a few drinks before heading back. Then, at twilight, we heard an echo through the speakers and the enthusiastic voice of Johnny Zest filled the air.

"Welcome, folks! I hope everyone is enjoying the event. I would like to make a small public health announcement, please remember to unbuckle your belts so that it will not constrain your ability to eat. But not too lax though. We wouldn't want your pants to fall to the ground." Johnny laughed, too. His slim build emerged through the crowd. Blonde 60's hair, blue tux. Holding a mic in hand, his usual perky personality showed through. He's known as the "Joke Star of the Theater". But right now, he was getting into this new food business.

"Thank you for coming to the pre-launch of Sea Chicken. Enjoy the food, and I await your reviews. Hopefully good ones." Johnny gave out a fake shrug, putting his hand to his chest as if faking a heart attack.

The crowd laughed. We all did. That was when the smell of buttery food filled the air. Averie looked towards the bar door, where waiters slowly went out, carrying trays of seafood cuisine: lobsters, shrimp, crabs... I could smell the freshness emanating in the air.

The swimming pool didn't seem interesting anymore.

"Come, let's check out the food!", Averie invited. She held my hand and led me out of the pool. After a few minutes of washing up in the locker, we went out to the buffet tables in our luau attire. Me, now wearing a pair of black board shorts and floral print button-down shirt, buttons open, of course. I guess that's modern beach party fashion, nowadays.

But Averie, she was beautiful! Her hair loose with a pink Hibiscus flower in her left ear. She now wore a pink floral printed white maxi dress. The gossamer perfectly flowed through her slim body, highlighting her curves. She looked like a Greek goddess.

"I'm usually the one with a sense of fashion but you've beaten me this time." I said, pulling her close to me.

"I'm better at dressing up in modern fashion.", She mockingly said, knowing that I prefer vintage with all its luxury and class.

Together, we sauntered to the buffet tables. The inviting aroma of the food drew me in. I could sense the spices in my nose. I went for the lobster and Averie got the buttered mussels with melted cheese.

Our table was already reserved. The waiter was now on station and he nodded at our approach. He offered us champagne as we sat down on the chairs. I nodded my thanks and dug my fork in the lobster.

I saw Johnny heading to our table, smiling from ear to ear as he looked at us. I stood up, welcoming him in a hug.

"Johnny, mah man!"

"Caleb! I'm glad you came. And oh! You must be Averie." Johnny looked at her, flashing his celebrity smile.

Averie was clearly starstruck. Her eyes lost for words and she nodded in response. I went to her side, putting my hand at the small of her back.

Johnny must have had some experience in handling starstruck fans as he enveloped her in a welcoming hug. "So nice to finally meet you! Caleb is talking about nothing but you! I can see now why he's head over heels."

It did nothing to bring Averie back to her senses. Her eyes still locked on Johnny.

But it didn't seem to affect him. He winked at her and asked, "I hope you're enjoying the food?"

That brought Averie back to the present. She blinked, her eyes slowly focused on Johnny. Then, she starts blabbering...

"Uhm the mussels are great! It goes with the cheese so well. The flavors are so richly embedded together that they become unpredictable..."

"Hold it! Save it for the presses! I'd like to read your review the soonest! Hope to see your photos in Simstagram." He said, holding his palm up.

"Sure. I'll tag you.. I'm already one of your followers, Mr. Zest."

"Johnny. Please. And... done! Followed you back." Johnny replied as he pocketed his phone back.

Averie is left speechless. With one last megawatt smile at her, Johnny then turned to me.

"I'm sure you'll like the next part of the event, Caleb!". As he said it, the twilight sky turned to night and strobing lights pierced the air. Green and red and purple... dancing to the beat of the DJ at the side of the buffet table. The indoor bar had its doors left open. There I saw a dance floor and a disco ball with more colors in the darkness. And by the mixology bar, my sister Lilith showcased her best skills!

She felt me staring and she looked back at me, with a grin so wide at being in her element. I gave her a smirk before I turned to face Johnny.

"You've clearly outdone yourself this time, Johnny."

"Only fitting the VIP." With a pat on my back, Johnny moved on to the next table.

As soon as he left us, Averie gave out a sigh of relief. Her arms relaxed and she slumped into her chair. Celebrities have that effect on her, now I know. Maybe I could introduce her to more of my celeb friends next time. That way, she could slowly assimilate herself into my world without panicking.

I put my hand on her shoulder to steady her. "I'll go get us some drinks. Be right back." I said.

The fruit punch was at the edge of the buffet table. I grabbed two glasses and slowly dipped the ladle into the red liquid. Pineapple, orange, and other various fruits swam in it. It's got Plasma Fruit and rum, too. It smelled really good, a dance of fruit and alcohol.

Suddenly, I felt the familiar presence beside me, the one whose eyes glowered at Averie at the pool earlier. I saw her in my peripheral vision but didn't bother to look. Miss Hell is in her human form. Sunkissed skin the contrast of her dark form. Her brown hair in a neat chignon. She didn't even bother the dress code, wearing only a red shirt in a denim jacket and pants. I bet she used her powers to get in without being noticed. A smug expression on her face, a glass of Plasma Jane in hand.

"What do you want, Helen?"

She hissed at the sound of her real name. "It's Miss Hell, Caleb! Pay respects to your master!"

"Everything between us is over! You turned me into a vampire ninety years ago. Against my will, Helen! You just couldn't resist turning your favorite human student into your own vampire pet, huh!"

"That may be so... but don't tell me you're not enjoying this gift I bestowed on you."

I leered at her because there was some truth in what she said, "It has advantages, yes. But forced upon me, nonetheless."

"I had my reasons and you know that." She growled, louder than it should be. But the humans didn't appear disturbed at all. They're under her spell. A few vampires glanced our way, but they know better than to speak up against the dreaded Miss Hell.

"Because you love me? Hmph. My love for you also died along with the human Caleb, Helen. We could've been together if you hadn't rushed in your decisions." I was becoming aware that my voice is getting louder, too. I had to cut it off. "Helen, I already had this conversation a lot of times in the past decades. Leave me alone!"

With that, I stalked off the buffet table, carrying two glasses of the Fruit Punch in my hands. From a distance, I saw Lilith looking at me. Her eyes strong and firm, the look of support. I nodded at her.

It was my cue to return to our table, where Averie has obviously relaxed and was looking better. I handed her the drink and she drowned it all in one go. I smiled at her. I've found my other half, at last.

The night was in full bloom and the DJ pumped up his music. I felt the smooth vibration of the sound traveling through the whole place. The party beckoned me.

"Care to dance?", I held out my hand to Averie. Her eyes brightened as she took mine. She then stood and led me to the dance floor.