Under the Cloak of Night

It was only five days ago when Robert saw the love of his life glancing at him with her sideways grin and sparkle in her eyes, her finger-tips touching playfully with his as they boarded the plane. They were always flirting. Dancing where no one else danced, stealing kisses in crowds, making eyes across rooms. It was only last Thursday when they landed in New York City from London. Their first trip abroad for them both. It felt like a year to Robert instead of five days ago. The sun was bright, and the brisk air swept up Rebecca's skirt as they walked through canyons of buildings among the rush of people and traffic. They were on their way to the Met when Rebecca looked the wrong way while crossing the street and was swept up in the air by a yellow cab. Gone as quick as that. Robert stood in the shadows. A hollow shell of himself without his love. The city his new enemy in his now fractured world. The night became a protective cloak from the reality of daylight. Lost, he wanted to live in the dark forever, with the silence and sirens wailing far away in the city. Down the hall, doors clicked shut, television lights flickered behind closed curtains, voices, and laughter spilled from neon-lit bars. Robert's eyes were dry, he felt cold. He wanted only to see Rebecca one more time, to hear her laugh, look into her green eyes, and touch her lips. He knew he would do anything to have her back. Cold air lightly brushed across his bangs and forehead. Something moved! Startled, Robert turned to look. From the blackest corner of the room, a pale man emerged and stared down at Robert. His eyes glowed and seemed demonic, yet his voice was alluring and familiar. "Robert, do you know who I am?" Robert's mouth tasted of ash, and his tongue felt sticky and thick. His eyes widened as he forced himself to look at the being before him and strained the words from his throat, "Great Grandfather?" The green-eyed man bowed his head towards Robert, "I am he." As fast as a bee to a fresh blossom, his great grandfather's teeth sunk into his neck. Robert felt the elder's strength and youth return as he watched his face become smooth and warm with color. He appeared to be about thirty years old. Almost Roberts age. Both were astounded by their shared resemblance. He, too, felt more alive than he had ever felt before, but one thing and one thing only was on his mind. Rebecca. "Great Grandfather, can she be brought back to life?" Robert was pleading. Great-Grandfather answered slowly, "As you may suspect, her personality will not resemble the woman you remember. It would be cruel to you and her to bring her back to life." " PLEASE, Grandfather, bring her back!" Robert's intensity shook the vampire in a way he had not expected, he gave in reluctantly. "Yes, I will bring her back to you." It took three nights of incantations and another night of waiting to revive her. First, her color returned to her cheeks, then her nails grew, her toes wriggled, and her breath could be heard. Rebecca's green eyes fluttered open as she sat up unsteadily, her auburn hair was lustrous and wavy. Robert was overjoyed and blinded by the sight of her. She was as he remembered her! Almost. Her eyes lacked their usual brightness, and her expression was blank. Rebecca stretched her arms out to him, and he flung himself towards her. Great Grandfather started to yell, "No! Not yet, Robert! Please." It was too late. Rebecca grabbed the top of his head with one hand and twisted. Robert dropped to the floor dead. Rebecca glanced at the old vampire now young and gave him a flirty wink. Her sideways smile and twinkle in her eyes were back after all.

~kao