Thursday, June 08, 2006

Chapter 24

He asked me to put some remarks and criticize the structure. His handwriting is artisitically cursive, the L and S especially.Mine are in bold.

September 13, 2004

I’m enjoying teaching very much. It’s like when I was a child and in the monastery. I have begun covering our history. Bianca is a very eager and captivating student. She’s so fun to be with. Of course I don’t go according to the book. We have a good laugh mostly! I shouldn’t be so tense all the time. Hahaha.

Entertainment is in my genes. Do I sound arrogant if I say I live for the limelight? I want to act in a movie of my own story one day. There will be a Broadway show about me!! Cool!

Louis took me out today. Watched this group called N’Sync. The new singers? I liked it. Tickets courtesy of our neighbors, just moved in. Sometimes I see them and say hi. They like to have night outings. Wonder if they’ve any kids? I like kids, makes me feel like my time again. Anyway I was talking about the concert right? Have to focus more, Lestat!
I think they sang pretty well. I felt touched, as my junior hates crowded and noisy areas, but he was willing to accompany me. My stomach hurt a bit, but it was tolerable.
Finished at 12 midnight(Bianca: Hey teacher, I’m so happy learning stuff from you. Keep it up. Really? Go introduce yourself to them. Yes needs more focus. One paragraph for one subject.)

September 15, 2004


I slept a lot today because I feel inactive. However I was still able to conduct a lesson on tips to avoid being a victim to our Kind. I really don’t want innocent humans to fall under the spell of a rogue vampire, since times have changed, so have the sort of Dark Folk. No honour or remorse. I am so ashamed of them. Surely this is not forbidden. I wanna help humans, and Marius said this was supposed to be our duty. I understand because I used to behave impulsively, and I did things I should not have.

He’s got certain rules we need to follow. I have no choice but to listen to those orders. Ok, but not rigid. I’m flexible, I find it so tough to be rigid! It’s much easier to flow with the times, haha, but not technology. The children were just updating me about the latest mobile phone device. I feel so confused. Changes, changes, aaah. I need their help so I won’t get an obsolete model. It’s not cool to walk outside with an obsolete phone.


(Bianca: Nope I do not think telling us more info on your race will be considered forbidden. We’ll talk on your behalf if Marius is angry. Quinn agrees. Yes we won’t go near you if you do that.)

I have given my word to my boss, that certain things must stay unrevealed. And since this has an audience, I shall not mention any here.

My restored room! Louie and my friends made it beautiful, the carpets were changed, the books in order! I can’t believe it’s my room! I’m not a neat person at all. It’s like an exploitation huh? Sorry guys, I gotta improve on that. But be patient, as you’re constantly reminding me. ( Smile)

I scanned through the rest. My favourite is this one. It went into depth what he didn’t wish to confide much:


Sep 27, 2004
11.20pm

Dear Diary,

I’m overly enthusiastic! David Talbot, my dear friend, wrote me a letter. His friend may be able to find Mama! Mrs Bratford is everything my mum wasn’t to me. She cooks and makes me clothes, often brings us cakes and cookies to try. Um, they’re just heavenly! Less delicious than how a mortal would smell it, but it’s good nevertheless. Bianca, would you mind loaning her to me, or sharing? Thank you.

I feel lonely… comes with being such an old immortal. I have this terrible phobia that Gabrielle has died, sometimes. I know she can’t, since she’s like myself, but what if she was discovered and placed in the sun?

Only in here do I call her Mama, she will never acknowledge that. It wounds me deeply, but she does not know. She will always be mother to me and to my family. Although we haven’t met for so long, I hope I can see her again. It was originally my intention to find her, by scanning other minds. It would be so low a chance. But my own searches have been a failure. I’m tired finding her on my own. Physically and mentally wornout. David is ready to reassure me that his friend is wonderful at tracking missing people. Ah, but what about someone who wishes not to be found? Will he succeed? How will I react when mama comes home? Can I hug and kiss her? Do I dare to?

The main problem of this poor communication is due to us being broken up by this invisible wall. Donating our blood too many times will stop the mutual telepathy. How I would give Anything to read her mind again! But since I was alone, I was the only one able to save her! She was going to die. I sound so upset right?

Writing it is easier than talking, I don’t feel teary when I put this matter down in black and white. Everytime somebody so much as mentions her name, the full color of my memories rush in and it hurts like crazy! It makes me feel defensive. It makes my head spin. We suffer the side effects too, when we are incensed.

(Bianca: Lestat, this has better structure than the previous. Has the strong emotions of a preternatural. You’re welcome to share my mum! Yay mum. So I hurt you deeply when I said her name. I am sorry. If I had known… I’m sure Gabrielle will want to come see you. Maybe she does not know you are here. Or she’s busy, she won’t die! Gabrielle is very strong like you right? Don’t worry. I’m happy Mr Talbot is gonna help out.)

Now I glanced over to Princie who was engrossed in reading the piano book, poring over each tiniest detail. I slipped off the bed silently, holding the book.

“Where’re you going?” he asked. I analyzed the tone, not whiny or hurt, really friendly. Good.

“Joining Louis.” I didn’t want Lestat to know I was reading about the Sep 27 entry. I headed for the study room two doors down. Greeted the mild guy, who smiled and winked. Several books lay open on the table, mostly fantasy. Awesome thing! Fantasy’s my favorite topic to discuss.

Reading me Louis informed, “There’s one Greek mythology. Want to see it?”

I agreed happily. Louis cocked his head. “Hey, you’re reading ‘stat’s diary?”


“Yea, he asked me to. I feel rude reading into some of it. He’ll be hurt if I refuse, so I don’t know.” I sat down and closed the journal. It was on the second book, a hardcover. My teacher hadn’t decorated it yet. The first one had borders of hearts and triangles.


Louis was silent. He touched the Book of Athena. We pored over it. Then he said softly, “It’s the best way for him to express himself. And he wants to be understood… in all the years I’ve known him, he always does mad things to make himself outstanding to us. Now he’s reduced his mayhem but still, my lover craves for major attention.”



I laughed. Mayhem, yea, he is a mayhem boy. Louis read to me in an enchanting and riveting voice. I let myself be lulled into the story of how Athena was born.



Slight knock. We looked up, Lestat had silently snuck in. If he hadn’t made a sound, I wouldn’t have realized. Yea animal sixth sense should be able to, he must have done some Concealing. “How’re you guys doing? I felt alone (wistful tone, then curiously) what’re you reading?” His deodorant was not the strong kind. He flipped over the cover and said ‘hmm’.


“Have I improved? My writing? Ah, some comments. Cool.”


I looked at the centre button of his coat, which was unusual because of the whirly circles on it. It was difficult to speak without giving away the immense pity for his estranged mother. Lestat detests condescending emotions as these.


“Yes. You’re doing better. I feel bad that I know so much of your private life. Here, take it back.”


He talked in their native tongue to Louis and said, “Bianca. I don’t mind.”
Darn, my cheeks felt so hot and burning. I swallowed. He backed away to give me air. My vision tunneled. Colors all blending together, woman! Why didn’t anyone See her? Golden tumbling hair almost like Aphrodite herself! Or was she an angel?


“It’s alright, my child. It’s okay. I won’t touch you, sit down. Do I distress you?” the blond’s voice was gentle and uninhibiting. I touched my head. Both my companions were working their calming Power into my mind to reduce my stress. I tried to block it out, but failed to.


“Krys, he’s not standing so near now. It’s alright.” Their Power worked. I was soon breathing normally. ‘Why had that happened? Was it Gabrielle, had she come? I scanned for her outside, the park and the forest. Yes, a presence, but it was much too faint.’ Louis’s hand felt my forehead. “Quite warm. You’re sick?”


No. I glanced at the musician, now standing right at the corner of the library. Krys, I’m sorry. I just wanted your comments. I’m new to this. Look, you don’t hafta read all the intimate parts. Um, can I come closer now? A playing orange message flaring are you alright, SOS?


Yea. I’m not sick. I just…. I stoically insisted. Why did they hafta harp on that? Concern etched on their faces, piqued and worried for their animal friend. Though we heal quickly, we’re susceptible to mortal colds too. I also debated whether to tell Lestat that someone had just come, someone whose scent and appearance he had failed to detect. He took me in his arms and helped me to my room. I hugged my Pony doll and watched the shadows play upon their faces and the folds of my blanket.

But she was not hostile.


“Do you want me to call a doctor?” Lestat went on. He sat beside me and Louis was at the foot of my bed. His anxious Sendings that he’d rush downstairs and phone Juno.

“No. I’m fine. I felt something. A person, but she is gone now.” My mouth went dry, would Brat realize it might be his mother? Lestat frowned and took my hand. His skin was warmer tonight, the coat he wore. Lestat was seldom in a thin shirt these days. Maybe a friend of yours?----- he mused dismissively. I caught other thoughts of bills not settled, and pieces of news he’d come across.

Louis reiterated it was not to worry. My health was the priority.


“No no, I don’t want medicine.” How to convince my protective foster parents? They still wanted to summon a physician. I opened the drawer and took out a stack of cards. “Let’s do a trick.”

“Sweetheart, are you sure?” I nodded vigorously and put on my determined face. Brat Prince leaned back.

“Louis pick a card and sign your name.” The shy vampire signed, initials L and P. I mixed it back in the stack. Then I felt inside his shirt. But no, not the signed one. This one was blank. Hmm, where was it?

“Prince, is it in your sleeve?” I made him ticklish when I felt up there. Nothing. Lestat looked under the table.

“Maybe it flew underneath… nah. Untrained magick eh?” he pronounced it with the k like the real fantasy stuff. Cool! I laughed. I brushed Louis’s collar and tada! It was there!
Lestat wanted to try his turn. He counter-disappeared the card, a Red King behind his book. “Naughty boy.”

“To make the tension break from the taut violin string.” He was sulky when we held our stomachs and guffawed. “What is so funny?”
One card ended up on the chandelier!




The following week, I came down with a fever. Over exertion and being caught in the rain. Those black times you know. I had forgotten my umbrella. They’d been like mothers, come every night with flowers and discs. Mostly I was sleepy. I don’t remember if my bro or mom came to see me. Louis cooked hot soups according to mum’s recipe books and Lestat spoonfed me. I could barely eat the first two days, then when I developed a cough, I didn’t have to lie down so much.

I was alright now, Friday night. “Test. Oh no, are you okay?” ‘stat gasped, hugging me.

“What kind?” I murmured.


“Play a piece. Never mind, you need to rest,” he replied briskly. His simple unconditional anxiety warmed my heart. I didn’t want to openly declare my affection. At least I ought to say something though…


“Thank you. Yesterday I told Louis. But you were out. I… liked all the special pampering I got. ”


“Bianca, it’s no problem. I’m your friend. Are you up to it? Let’s do a duet.” I agreed. With his guidance I could manage it. Then Lestat said he’d designed a sort of Q and A about what he had done so far. It was fun and really easy. One question was--- where was I born? A) India B) China C) France D) Hungary “Haha, you ought to know right?” Lestat said.

“Yep, China.”

“I dunno what to do with you,” he muttered. Some of it quizzed about the differences between humans, vampires and shapers. I got 18/20.


“Yay! what’s my reward?” He whispered in my ear. “Hmm, can I share it with Oh Beautiful One over there?”

“Yes. Come on, my child, sing for us.”

Louis gaped. “Omg, but Lestat I cannot possibly conceive ever…” Louis reluctantly crossed the room and sighed. At first he refused to sing, until the next paragraph. I could tell the musician was impressed, heard his catch of breath. Well, Louis had remarked dryly that his maker criticized his writing, but definitely Not the voice part.

Oh how I loved them! Being a friend to them means so much, and I’m just a small small portion of the family. It seemed to be a threesome trend, Lestat-Louis-Claudia, Lestat-Quinn-Mona. This was the fourth lifetime.
***********


One night when Lestat was moving some new books to their shelf, I hugged him. He was a bit miffed like guys are when they’re trying to do important things and we obstruct the way. Cherie, I’m busy. What is it? He appeared the all-in-one hero figure Quinn spoke of, very macho. Vampires are androgynous, feminine mostly, but I can assure you the barbarian moments come in! I ignored the tone and sat down, opening a magazine.


“Isn’t it obvious?” I whispered. Lestat paused on the next stack of books and blinked. I leaned against the other guy and twirled my fingers in his brown locks. The dye was washed off so the black was coming in, next time would be time to go to the salon. Louis seemed dismayed.


No reaction. Brat continued with his business and ran his fingers along the spines. Usually he does not bother to check if they are all in order, but tonight he did. I frowned.
Don’t force him to say something, Bianca. He’s not likely to, Louis reminded me gently. Now’s not the time. My annoyance mounted.


I know. But at least show some emotion. After their new homes were established, the master stood back, folded his arms to survey them. He vanished. I shook my head.

Later when I was on the computer, clearing of throat. “May I come in? Please?”

I waved absently and kicked a chair roughly to my side. “Hey man. Whatzup dude?”
Still in the instant messaging mode as I was on MSN:

Quinn: so u finished your maths? How was it?

Elfinprincess (me): bad bad! I’m gonna fail.

Quinn: WHAT? (shocked face) Surely not?

Suddenly a paper was stuck on the screen, a smiley cute face. Huh? Friendship is a garden that never stops blooming. I love you too! Don’t be mad ok? I laughed and turned to Brat. He smiled. “If I didn’t do that, you wouldn’t care I was here eh?”

“Pooh, you ignored me.” I took it off and slid it below the keyboard.

“Quinn. Can I chat with him for a while?” he piped up.

“It’s my time. Later.” I sensed the acute hurt in his heart. I gave in.

hi it’s boss here! How r u?

Quinn: Boss? Ahem. I must look neat. Yes sir!

Laugh. I’m not that strict. Don’t worry abt that. I miss you. When u coming to island? I wanna see u. Please say you’ll come.

Quinn: I think I will, sat night? how’s that sound? That’s all I read until and I was grumpy that my net time was shortened by five minutes. Princie touched my head. “Don’t be selfish. I like to talk to him too. Ok, too frank. I mean, I miss him. When you talk online, will you tell me?”

I thought, Um alright. Why don’t you log on to the PC when I’m not here? I taught you how.

I don’t know how to set it up. Hey don’t look like that. I still don’t know. It’s so hard. Before I went to sleep, my teacher said, “Do not run in the rain again. You are not immune.”

I didn’t answer. “Yada.” When prodded in the tummy. I rolled over and covered my face with the pillow. He was about to nag me not to suffocate myself, then cut it off.



My brother came back from camp, tanned and handsome. He came over for a brief moment and I introduced him to my new online pal. The Changing fascinated Lestat very much, he’d seen his photo but it was not the same. Louis also had to do a quiz about how he felt. Short answers. Louis asked why he should do this. All Lestat did was give him the ultimatum glare. Ahem! And he hurriedly did. Marking was fast.

“I failed? Why?” counselor gasped, incredulous, horrified. Funny, coz he sounded like he’d been betrayed!


“You didn’t express all your potential, and flair. No passion.” Louis muttered something obscene. The Teacher turned his blond head slightly at this. “Oi. I wanted to make you happy. Bianca says I get hurt easily, right? I heard that.”


“No no, you are Very thick skulled,” I said. Louis chuckled- such a tease! My teacher shook his head, folding up his sleeves. It was hotter now. Incorrrrigible. The stressful times should be taken into account. My motive in telling our story is to show the human side of my preter friends. Sometimes Brat prince reverted back to his business too. I know this, he often has to entertain those guests? They’re insurance and finance agents. Lestat has to make effort to know them personally, not just order them to wire money via phone. It’s not enough. Documents, letters come with this. He hates paperwork!


“Need my help?” This time Lestat looked up and was relieved I’d asked. Pale and disheveled, he’d been starved. Must have returned late yesterday. I felt sorry for him.

“Yes. Could you put these papers into the files? I labeled them accordingly. Thank you. I’m so weak.” He flashed me a grateful grin and grabbed his coat. Not a problem for me, I was so free this time! Bank headings for each file.

The phone rang. I couldn’t find it at first, so I followed the sound. It was underneath a monstrous heap of papers that Lestat had not cleared yet. “Hello?”I said.

The voice was clipped and accented. “Is that Monsieur Lioncourt? No you are a girl.”

“I can take a message.” I was miffed---- Chauvinist or what? The man identified himself as Paris agent Nathan and grumbled that he could never speak with monsieur personally. With some difficulty listening to the man, I took down the message.


Half an hour later, the wind blew in. Lestat’s cheeks were flushed and his lips were reddened. The luster was back in his hair and skin. He looked kind of tired though. I hugged him.

“What’s wrong? Is it your illness relapsing?” I asked.
Lestat removed his coat, revealing a deep purple tunic lined with gold. He had changed his earrings and was wearing my watch, the birthday gift, on his left wrist.

“I’m fine. Thanks. All done?”

I nodded. “There’s a note for you. Paris agent.” Lestat scanned it and called him up immediately. I felt his frustration, but all in his foreign tongue. I tried to be patient, he’d tell me.
Once hung up, Lestat poured it all out, “Someone impersonated as I! I told my agent to investigate. Darmmit. A hacker, he said. How dare they! Mortals trying to cheat me….”

I let him rant until he was flat. Then he recovered his manners and apologized, “Oh, I am so sorry I didn’t attend to you. I am such a Bad host. Have you eaten?”


“Yes. I do not mind, we’re close friends. Hey let’s do something fun today.” Lestat smiled, opening a drawer. I cleared the table. He had made worksheets for me, I had to take note of the blank answers. Handwritten. “You can photocopy some of them, that’s the purpose of the machine, teacher.”

He said he did not knew how to operate it. He spoke of how vampires mingle into human towns and environment in order to survive. “For example, I cannot ask someone of my race to handle my money, we’re just not knowledgeable enough in that field. Mortals, I have to admit, are economical and can calculate financial matters well.”

He nodded. I wanted to know if a preternatural would be infected by their sick or injured victims. “Let’s say this victim is dying of cholera. Does it mean you will be affected, I mean, you’re not at your strongest now.”

“Bianca, it’s all absorbed. In my case, I will feel uncomfortable, so the doctors have advised against this. If I don’t want to be ill, I gotta listen to them.”

Next one was connected to hygiene. “When you bite your hand to give blood, isn’t it dirty? Your mouth contacts with the saliva, and if you’ve fed on someone else, eugh. I think it’s horrible. Could you just stay with one?”

Lestat shot me this weird-out look. He pulled down his sleeve and made as if to do that. “If that happened, we’d look like rotting corpses. We transcend that. See, the germs won’t remain. They are automatically killed.” He added that they brush their teeth.

“Lestat. Your fangs come out when you are Made right? Does it feel painful?”

He considered this, cocking his head. “Um, yes. Like when a tooth is falling out. My fangs became sharper and elongated. But not in those horror movies, where they come out of the mouth.”
Posted by Ireth Seregon :: 2:14 PM :: 0 Comments:

Post / Read Comments

---------------------------------------