Blood Droplets: A Vampire Tale

Prologue: The Locket 1

I could hear nothing but the single droplet of water, it echoed across the perpetual darkness that enveloped me. A silver mist floated over the the damp ground; I must have be outside. A small pang of fear jolted within me. It's as if I were blind, desperately feeling my way through the black oblivion for something, anything of substance. My legs felt heavy but I moved them none the less. I kept thinking to myself 'I have to get out of here!'. As I stumbled forward, I accidentally kicked something. Looking down, I realized it was a shoe. After a moment passed, I became aware that the shoe was connected to a person, a man. 2

My gaze traveled upward until my eyes become level with his. I gasped . . . his eyes were the most beautiful mixture of deep violet with light purple along the edges. I was too busy staring into those pools of purple to realize that he had taken a few steps closer, I inhaled slightly at the startlingly close distance he was to my face. He held out his hand. Within the folds of his pale, slender fingers, there was a glint of gold. As I leaned forward, I realized it was the long, delicate gold chain of a necklace. I looked up at him questioningly only to receive a small knowing smile, almost like he was mocking me. I began to glare at him. That small smile that just moments before graced his flawless face turned into a menacing grin. He held his hand out further toward me. I peered into his outstretched palm, it was a sliver filigree locket which was attached to the the long golden chain I had glanced, well squinted at, just a moment ago...3

Chapter 1: Binders and Notes4

I awoke abruptly. 'That same dream!' I thought with agitation. I had been having this particular dream for a while now, about 2 months. And each time I get alittle further into the dream. This was the first time I had seen the locket. It was very intriguing, the locket, I mean. I recognized it, yet, I know I have never seen it before. It was like a distant memory from long ago... but that isn't possible. I'm only seventeen,after-all.5

As my thoughts lingered on my now all-too-familiar dream/
nightmare, I began my morning routine. Which consisted of : two donuts, a shower, putting on some warm clothes, (It's winter) and feeding my cat, Dinah. It felt like I was on autopilot, doing everything without thought or consciousness.6

I descended the staircase to my foyer where I briefly glanced into a rather large beveled mirror by the door. Starring back from it's beveled surface was a very pale girl with shoulder length walnut colored hair, and odd mismatched eyes. People have always commented on my eyes. Sometimes it's good other times... not so much. But, at least some people thought having one blue eye and the other grey was cool. Overall, I think I have a unique kind of beauty. Not to say that I think I'm beautiful or anything. But, cute? Yes. I took the last few strides toward the door while also swiping my backpack off the small oak table that rested below the mirror. 7

The freezing wind hit me immediately upon opening the door. Thankfully, my car windshield wasn't too frozen. I scrapped the thin layer of ice from my car window, quickly got in the car, and sped off towards my college campus. I took a special exam in order to get into college early.8

Today I had History and Creative Writing. As I walked in my history class, I glanced at the board and saw we were beginning our study of the Victorian Era today. I smiled inwardly. The Victorian Era had always peaked my interest, even more so after the book report I did on Lord Macaulay in the 7th grade. Unfortunately, our professor, Mr.Dahford, decided since the Victorian Era was the topic of discussion he would "entertain" us with an ancient version of the movie Marie Antoinette. I have never liked that movie, I find Marie Antoinette's character infuriating and annoying. After the movie, Mr. Dahford asked us to read a book, of our choice, that depicted everyday life in Victorian times. And afterwards, to do a report on the book and explain the differences of behavior of the people back then from us now. Because of my obsession for that era, I knew the homework assignment would be a cake walk for me.9

My next and last class for the day, Creative Writing, was dull and uneventful. We reviewed common misspellings, grammatical errors, antonyms...pretty easy stuff. Afterwards, we read a portion of The Odyssey aloud. Although I love reading, I hate reading out-loud. 10

You see, I am a very shy person. And because of my shyness, I try to rush though the sentences in order to take the attention off of myself as quickly as I can. So when my turn arrived, I stuttered and stumble over practically every word. It makes me feel like such an idiot.11

I slowly trudged to my car and began the short ride home, but abruptly realized I had forgotten my orange binder I kept my list of assignments and stories in. I made a u-turn and headed back in the direction of the college. As I reached to turn off the ignition and shut my car door, an overwhelming feeling of being watched washed over me. Little red flags were going off in my head crying out, 'Danger! Danger!'.But I dismissed the feeling and flags and proceeded to walk to the English building, which was quite a distance from where my car was. Walking the last few steps to the door, I prayed the janitor hadn't come by and lock the doors yet. 12

Thankfully, it opened easily as I slipped into the classroom. I went down the row until I found my seat, I glance in and around the desk but my binder wasn't there. I sighed in frustration. 'Someone must have taken it.' I said to myself. Irritated and disappointed, I quickly strode back to my car.The door creaked loudly as I shut it and began to crank up the heat. My eyes traveled upward to realized there was something glowing from my windshield. It was my binder; tucked neatly underneath one of my windshield wiper blades. Rolling the window down, I plucked the orange binder from it's spot. Bewilderment was the only word that fit how I felt at that moment. I looked around the parking lot of the campus but there wasn't anyone around. That is so strange. I couldn't have been gone for more than fifteen minutes in total. I decided it was best not to think about it. I got my binder that's all that counted.13

That night, shortly after finishing my homework, I curiously flipped through the binder. Estelle Rosalyn Sterling was doodled boldly across the inside front page, in Sharpie no less. I'm kind of obsessed with Sharpie's. Anyways, while getting toward the back of the binder I notice there was a letter hidden beneath the back fold on a piece of antique-looking paper. The letter, in graceful scroll-like script, read: 14

Dearest Estelle , 15

I feel I must speak with you soon. I know of your dreams, and I seek your assistance on the delicate matter at hand. I will brief you of this matter if you agree to meet me at the address that appears at the bottom of this letter. I beseech you, your help would be of great value to me. Also, I have missed you, Estelle.16

P.S. Take care with whom you associate with, there may be others that wish to lull you into a false sense of security. So, until our meeting, please heed my advice. 17

Truly Yours,18

Silas Fletcher19

Harknolle College Courtyard
The benches near the Library building.
6:00 p.m. on November 12th. 20

Chapter 2: Fang and Falling21

Thoughts about the letter seem to keep me up that night. It unnerved me to know some stranger knew my name, my car, and my dreams. " November 12th is this Saturday" I thought to myself. 'Should I go or not.' I tried to block out all the letter-related thoughts and closed my eyes with hope that sleep would soon come.22

The next morning, I began my usual routine until I realized it was Friday. Which meant I didn't have any classes today. I flopped myself lazily on the large plush sofa and began to read my favorite manga. It was 1:52 p.m. by the time I finish reading the entire manga series. I got up and made my way to the the mailbox, which was located right outside my front door. I didn't get very much. I never did. Just a few bills and the Harknolle College newsletter. 23

"Hmm..That's odd", hidden behind the the newsletter was an envelope, with my name and address, in the same beautiful handwriting as the letter I found in my binder. Flipping it to the other side, the letters 'S. F.' appeared in small print on the left corner of the envelope. I carefully opened it as if it contained a bomb or an evil relative.24

"Estelle, remember to bring the locket. Signed, Silas Fletcher." I muttered.25

'Locket? What locket?' I thought about it for a moment. My mind slowly wandered back to the previous letter 'I know of your dreams...' 'Does he mean the locket in my dream? But how could he know... but then again, he knew about the dream, which is something I haven't told anyone about. And as for the locket, I've only ever seen it in my dreams; So obviously I don't have it with me. I'm still not completely certain the locket even exists. But Silas seems to believe it does. 26

After hours of deliberating, incessant pacing, and a horrible batch of burnt Mac'n'Cheese, I decided to meet with this mysterious Silas Fletcher. I knew if I didn't I would always wonder, I'm kind of nosy like that.27

Saturday morning I awoke with this edgy feeling in the pit of my stomach, and I knew the cause: Silas. I am meeting him today. 'Why am I so nervous, though?' I looked briefly at the small antique clock that stood on the kitchen counter. It was only 12 p.m. I still have five more hours to go. Time seemed to pass incredibly slow. I tried to busy myself in any way I could: cleaning, reading, watching those mind melt soap opera's that some of my classmates seem to find soo enthralling. Note the sarcasm near the end. Eventually, my clock read 5:52 p.m. Both out of anticipation and curiosity, I drove to the designated meeting place early. In all honesty, I kinda hoped to see him drive up. In my mind that would somehow make him seem more tangible. I was startled to see a figure approaching the benches. The only clear feature that could be seem from a distance was the silhouette of a long dark, possibly black, hooded coat. My heart started to beat furiously against my ribs. 'What if this is him?! What should I do?!'28

I tried my best to gracefully glide toward the benches but ended up tripping over my own feet, just as I had reached the bench, that the dark figure was occupying. I was falling, falling...then...not falling. I open my eyes, which, until that moment , hadn't realized were closed, to see a pair of eyes in the most perfect shade of violet, looking down at me. I couldn't help but stare into them. I didn't even realize that the masculine hands that saved my becoming 'one' with ground, were now righting me into the standing position. The entire time the violet eyes never my own. A low chuckle escaped the strangers lips breaking my concentration on their eyes. I looked him over, yes, it was definitely a he. He was around 6'1', with raven black hair tied back with a small ruby ribbon. He was slightly tan. Slightly, being the operative word. Medium build...with a slight bit of muscle definition.29

"Excuse me, Estelle, but could you stop gawking at me for the time being."30

I glared slightly at him until I realized he called me by my name. My eyes widened.31

"Who are you?"32

"I am Silas, my dear. Were you expecting someone else?"33

His tone was unmistakably arrogant. A smirk started to grow on his angelic face. I would have loved nothing more that to smack it right off. The nerve of this guy!34

"What do you want from me?" I demanded.35

He didn't answer. Instead, he did something that startled me so badly I almost forgot how to speak.36

He hugged me...in an almost protective, yet, gentle manner. We stayed like that for probably a good twenty minutes. I could feel my face becoming extremely hot. He pulled back but kept me at arms length. He smiled shyly down at me. "I've missed you.." he said softly, "You don't know what I've done in your absence." "I don't understand." I looked up at Silas quizzically. Sorrow filled his violet eyes. Though I couldn't understand why. "Some day...you might." He said in a barely audible tone. Mood swing much!! 37

"What do you want from me?" I asked again, this time calmly.38

"The locket, for starters." He stated simply.39

"You mean the one from my dream? How is it you know about that anyways?"40

I asked hurriedly.41

"Yes, the one from you dream. And how I know about it is unimportant."42

He was starting to get cryptic. I hate that. It was in that moment I realized he wasn't going to answer many, if any, of my questions. I could feel myself getting frustration. Which, for some reason, caused the smirk on his face from before to re-appear.43

I usually have quite a bit of patience but not for this. Not from some cocky, cryptic guy, who, in my opinion, should be admitted to the psych' ward. 44

"You know what? If your not going to bother being honest with with me, then I'm not going to bother to listen." I spat. 45

And with that said, I turned on my heels and began to power walk to my car. I abruptly stopped when I heard someone walk up to me from behind. Not bothering to turn around, I glanced over my shoulder. It was Silas. Figures. His hands were in the pockets of his coat and he shoulders slightly slumped forward, which gave him the appearance of a little boy caught stealing a cookie.46

"I apologize, Estelle. I do not...interact with huma-...people as often as I once use to. However, my rudeness was inexcusable." He said slowly. I finally turned to face him. His eyes were shielded by his apparent fascination with a small nick in the cement path we stood on. 47

"I don't have the locket. I have only seen it in my dreams." I murmured.2748

I don't know why I still stood there. Or why I felt compelled to further speak to him by answering his previous question. He looked up slowly. His expression shifted from confusion to curiosity.49

"Then.. why did come to meet me?" His voice a few pitches higher than before. 50

"Curiosity. Plain and simple." I said, " Although, I did know the locket was a deal-breaker." I added teasingly. Ugh! Was I flirting!?! What is wrong with me!?!51

He smirked in response. However, his face soon broke into a scowl. He was looking at something behind me. I followed the direction of his gaze, but saw nothing but a few empty cars in the parking lot."What are yo-" He cut me off, "Shh, we are not alone. I was hoping to have more time to speak with you. But, it would seem I have to leave for now." His voice was low and he was staring at me like he was trying his best to memorize my face. If he wasn't freaking me out before he certainly was now. He took my hands firmly into his while still staring at me intensely and said, "Please, be careful, Estelle. If you can, don't leave your home for the next couple of days. I shall come for you soon." And with that he was gone. 52

I shook my head in frustration at his sudden departure. What did he mean 'come for me soon'?! Was he planning on kidnapping me? I knew he was crazy. And to top it all off, he's paranoid that he's being followed!?!! 53

That night, I had another dream but it was different from the others. It was at a new location but that same man appeared just as silently as he had in the last. 54

In the dream, I was inside an old Victorian manor with stone walls and high vaulted ceilings, which were adorned with beautiful cherub murals. The walls were bare with the exception of the occasional golden seated chair that sat closely to the wall. It was all so breathtaking! My eyes scanned over the what looked to be a set of huge double doors of an entrance. I was only a few feet from it when I noticed it was covered in an odd language. My fingers traced over the iridescent letters. I drew my hand back to examine the weird dust from the letters. I ended up sneezing, and the dust flew in all directions. And for some reason the air seemed to be filled with the scent of gardenia's.55

I noticed the floral smell grew stronger as I walked further down the hall and away from the entrance. The beautiful smell guided me down a set of long glorious stairs. I made my way down the white marble stairs. As I neared the end of the staircase, I felt my entire body shutter. The man, the same one from my previous dreams, was leaning against a nearby door frame, facing me with an amused look on his arrogant face. Somehow, he look sort of familiar now. I scan him over trying to figure it out, when I reach his eyes I knew why he looked familiar. He was Silas Fletcher. I was so shocked all I could do was stare at him. Silas took this opportunity to advance forward until he was only a few feet from me. He didn't look amused anymore, though. No, now he was looking at me in an expression that can only be described as caring. He gently moved a wisp of my hair and tucked it behind my ear. That one sweet gesture made me tingle all over, and all I could think were reasons to make him do that again. I looked up at him with eyes full of wonder; he smiled, genuinely. I smiled in return, but I still was at a loss for words. 56

"Come back to me." , he whispered softly.57

I looked up at him confused; he smiled again but his eyes seemed to be tinged with sadness, and fangs sliding out onto his lower lip. And that was it, the end of my dream. I woke up at nearly 2 p.m. with my throat scratchy and dry. I made my way to my little kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water, chugging the cold water until it was empty. After that I wandered back to my room. When my feet touch the walnut floor of my bedroom I felt uneasy, and I began to scan the room. I felt like someone was looking at me, someone or some'thing'. I flipped the light switch but nothing was there, everything was where it was suppose to be. So I passed out, and this time I dreamed of nothing.58