Monday, August 14, 2006

Chapter 30: The Fury, Testing the waters

Louis. He’s panicked here, so he speaks harshly to the driver. He feels that he has neglected Stat. I forgot Ginger is given blood so she and Brat p. don’t have mutual telepathy anymore. Tell me if any errors are discovered ok? Thx.

*************



I didn’t visit my friends for a whole week. I was too exhausted to stay up late studying for the finals! Mom told me Louis and Stat left me messages sometimes. On Friday, the end of the nightmare, a call got through.

His bubbly voice: “Hello! You’ve finished right? Wanna see you.”

I fretted. “Hey. I’m ready.”

“Not over the phone. Haven’t got anything tonight. I have been thinking, you’re a good idealist, Krystal,” he said, breathing excitedly.


“Idealist? What’s that?”


“You’ve a lot of potential and capacity to learn and accept new people. I’m sure you’ll succeed in life. Have you eaten? Hope you didn’t get sick.”

“Lestat, I- “ I wanted to confess and felt so guilty. How would he react?

Open, receptive. “Yes? We’re close. Don’t worry.”

But I’m gonna break your big and generous heart. “Nothing. I wanna see you too. Miss youuuu, Brattie.”

I Locked my confusion and bad thoughts. Forced myself to be cheerful and enthusiastic.


He said we’d meet tomorrow. “I feel someone disturbing my telepathy. Ah, and something’s burning. Gotta go now. See you! Love!”
He’s got such a beautiful soul. Can’t bear to betray him. Why am I thinking like this now? His previous relationships have failed, because he’d invested so much but they became hollow. I didn’t want to behave like those traitors. I had so wanted to bash them up for hurting his feelings!
I fastened on his gifts- the earrings of fans and the Swiss bracelet. The amber stones glittering. Don’t think! I think too much, nothing’s wrong. I’m just being paranoid.
________________________________________



I came slightly late at seven thirty. My friend was seated in a dim corner of the restaurant and looking puzzled at his menu. He was only late once, the other time when we walked all over and he told me how timid and unconfident he felt. Perhaps Lestat hadn’t been well too.


I started out apologizing and my guilt flowed out too. “Sorrree. I.. couldn’t um… my shoe was stuck.”

The blond smiled not seeming to notice, not a glance at my shoe or me. He pulled the chair for me and said, “No problem. Come, help me to order. What is this Neapolitan sauce? Is it sweet?”

“Yea. It’s tomato ketchup.”

“K. want to order that? As usual I’ll pay, give you a good treat after your stress. You haven’t eaten well, Bianca. What else?”

“Um. Really? Ok, I want the salad and fat vermicelli, please. One coke. You?” I glanced at my companion. He pursed his lips.

Cannot drink. Don’t like. Want blood.

The waiter stared at him. He was thinking: why ain’t he eating? Anorexic?
“Plain shake for my mate,” I ordered on his behalf. Lestat looked thoroughly nauseated. I said I would help to consume it mentally. To reassure the mortal, I said we would ask for more food afterwards.

Halfway, when I was chewing vermicelli, I decided I wanted to talk about it. The change in his mood dwindled. I should have kept it to myself! With all my prowess of predictions, I had failed to see the pre-effects of whatever I thought.

“I… um… why are they killing people?” supplemented with images from the news, gruesome death of broken necks and blood everywhere. “Your kind…. Clumsy and problematic emotional. When will they learn?” I was blurting it out.


His pupils glowed. “Bianca. I am not like them! I am a principled person, didn’t we discuss this before? Why do you question me? Am I trying to injure anybody?” he spoke, voice rising to hysterics.

I withdrew the images. Too late. Lestat was breathing hard and was really stricken and raging, wounded internally from my mental attack. “I didn’t mean that you-“


Then what the hell do you mean? Oh, that night, you found me, no, US Coldblooded. Don’t think I didn’t hear that! Bianca, we don’t hide things like that. Why hurt me like this? Why now?- he interrupted me with a rapid gush.-- The waiter was looking on, holding his empty tray. Lestat glared at me pointedly.


I felt timid and ashamed too, so I tried to make it okay: I was just. It’s all wrong. I’ve been thinking about these, I like you. That’s why I’m coming clean with it now. An underestimation of my own abilities...He let out a bitter laugh. Dangerous fangs slightly exposed. He went on sharply, “Hm. Coming clean? You are insulting my race. If you liked me…you wouldn’t! I cannot believe we’re speaking to each other!”


People were staring. I looked down at my shoes. Mentally his thoughts were amok: Bianca, pain, this pain hurts. You- you never accepted me! What a big mistake I have made! This phobia, this instinct is dividing us! I am a creature of the night. I thought we could understand each other! I am wrong, so Wrong! Everything’s wrong. Despising my kind, when I can’t help myself. Can’t help myself this way!


He ran out. The waiter was gaping. I told him we would come back. I paid for the salad and vermicelli and Changed as soon as I hit the floor outside. I couldn’t find him. A whiff of his odor and then he was gone in a flash. As I flew , I was calling out his name frantically.

"God, Lestat! I didn’t mean it. I wanna take them back but I can’t! I am sorry! Please don’t run off! Where are you? We need to talk!" ---- I screamed, sending this as powerfully as I could manage.

I landed back at his house.
“Louis. Oh god, Lestat's not home?" I ran in yelling.

"No. Why?" Louis held my shoulders. He was puzzled.

"It’s all my fault. Oh Louis. I talked about the murders. He thought I was blaming all of you. No no….” I sobbed, hugging him. Louis stroked my hair and told me it was alright.

“When he calms down, he’ll return. He’s a master at finding his way. Lestat heard what you said. I was hoping you’d not bring it up,“ Louis remarked in a steady voice that belied his panic. The handsome face was tight with anxiety.
Quinn didn’t blame me either. “Boss’s quite short these nights. He needs some alone time.”

Crumpled and wet tissues on the table. I hoped he would respond, but no answer. C’mon, please please let him answer me.He feels giddy if he exerts too much strength. How’ll I not blame myself?


You think all the people who are people, are the people who look and think like you.
But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you learn things you never knew. – Colors of the Wind. MAJOR BLOWUP. Great job m’dm! Why had I said such hurtful things? It was our night. Lestat had heard but chose to ignore my disgust, my discrimination.

'You’re open and accepting. And it’s two and a half years. Our precious bond.' Since I was younger than he was, Lestat had opened his heart to me, risking every second of Reading my thoughts and being accommodating. He had given me too much credit for my gentleness. I had just opened fire with a sniper continuously into his chest.
He’s sensitive! Why didn’t I remember that in time?

“Louis. He’s not answering me. Will he be rash?” I worried. I checked the phone. It was connected.

Then a voice that didn’t sound like Brat said he was in a fix. I’m very weak… come here. Just transfused…. He showed me blurry vision of a place, a clearing.
Becoming tunneled. Harsh respiration.

Where? Where? Wait! I cried out. Foggy image of a park, forest….few trees. Don’t panic. I’m gonna pass out. Blackout.

Stat! stat! come back! Wake up! “Guys. He’s passed out!” I gasped.
Louis went pale.
________________________________________


We rushed to the cab stand, intercepting an old couple. “Emergency. Sorry!” Quinn shouted, planting thoughts of hospital in their minds. The old folks were puzzled and reeling. Quinn got in the front, me and Louis in the back. Pointe’s mind was racing, wishing he had said this or that to Lestat, been more appreciative of his love. He was in full fledged panic mode, so he wasn’t thinking logically.

We went to all the possible places with trees and clearing. We didn’t get any more transmissions. It was touch and go. I forced myself to stay calm, not to picture bad things happening to my best friend. That I was gonna see him again! Louis was snappy with the taxi driver, since we didn’t console him.

“Cut the light! ” Louis ordered the driver when it was still red. He was shaking and reverberated icy chills. I looked to Quinn.

“Sonnie. I ain’t breaking the traffic rules,” the husky voice answered.

“Louis. We’ll pay you more. I’m so sorry for this,” Blackwood Jr said hastily, Sending calmness. I told Louis Brat’d be fine. And not to worry.

Finally we got to the Eastern forest. It’s got lots of trees and there’s a hidden military academy there. Two figures on the ground. Lestat was on his back, knocked out. His chest was moving feebly.
Quinn and Louis went to Prince. The other person was a girl, white faced, blood on her lips. She was stiff and struggled to breathe. I knelt beside her.

“No… dying. Don’t touch,” Brat whispered and leaned against Quinn’s shoulder. He tried to sit straighter, but failed. I peeked at her, stroking sensei’s damp cheek.

“You need to drink, NOW, ” Louis nagged. “Why? You know your body’s in poor health and yet---“

“Stop whining. I’ll be fine when I’ve rested enough. Don’t move me.” It was humorous that Puppy was firm and not whimpering from the jadedness. The self-made gash on his wrist was healing nicely, closing up totally. Lestat looked at us individually. He did not talk to me.
The girl had brown hair and very red lips now. She was growing bigger, fatter around the chest. Huh? Not shriveled but becoming more fit. White skin like milk. All scars, blemishes and marks are gone. It is the magic of vampirism.
WOW!

“Hey gal. not too near. Come back,” Quinn and Louis said anxiously.

She blinked ethereal blue purple eyes and looked at herself. “Hi,” I greeted her.

The blond brushed off his dirty clothes and looked directly at her.

Her name was Ginger. She’d almost drowned. Stat explained to us with illustrations- Since she was desolate and didn’t want the pain of gasping, I gave her our Gift. Her lungs are scarred from cancer. To her he spoke aloud, since they are master and fledgeling- “You have immortality. No one save the sun can kill you. Now, Ginger. Go and feed. I showed you how. Come find me when you need help.”
I have my friends. They can put me up, Ginger said mentally and aloud too. But in her voice was some gratitude.
Yes, Louis said. Go quickly. Before sunrise, you need to sleep in a safe place.

The new fledgling took off running. Lestat was trying to sit up now by himself.

“Sure you can manage?” they asked.

“I’m okay. Don’t fuss.” He stood up. Slowly gaining his bearings. I told him I was sorry. He held up one hand. “Now cherie. I’m still tired and disoriented. Let’s go home first.”

He sauntered in front, resisting our efforts in telling him to slow down. “Lestat!”

I called out. Oh brother!

The three of them went off to hunt. In searching for sensei, they hadn’t had their meal yet. And Lestat needed to coz he was exhausted and weak.

***************



The guys handed me the keys and made me go home first. I tried to be patient while waiting and busied myself with arranging the flowers. Then I gave up making the poppy stand tall and let it flop over. The hour passed quickly. I felt drowsy watching the hour hand move over to 11.

Tick tock tick. The door opened. “Hey we’re back!” Blackwood guy greeted me. I jolted awake and yawned.

The other two seemed to be arguing. Lestat for once wasn’t yelling to Louis’s prodding. “Why did you? Must I remind you that you’re not up to this sort of thing? Vulnerable…. Weakened, die…. How old are you?”

Lestat scowled handsomely and locked up the door.
“Look, I called before I fainted. It was deserted, nothing would have happened,” Brat grumbled, hanging his coat. He kicked off his shoes. I made space for him. He glanced at me absently.

I cocked my head. Inside his head- Louieeee. Shut up now. I’m so beat. Wanttosleep!!!!

“But still-“ Relentlessly, Pointe du lac wasn’t going to let him get away with silence. Of course B. Prince wasn’t silent at all.
Quinn shrugged. His dark curls were damp and tumbled wildly over his eyes. Azure eyes. I felt smitten by them. “Hey you love each other. boss. He’s sorry enough.”

“No I’m not. I’m older, I can do whatever I want.”
Louis gave up. He disappeared, perhaps to write his diary. But unlike the open prince, he forbade us to read his entries. Sad! We could learn more.

I said I’d go to bed. Made to leave.
“Where? Don’t. Stay here,” Stat pleaded. He wasn’t angry anymore.“ Bianca.” He patted his lap. I hesitated.

We’ve fed well. Go. My boss is quiet now.

Haha, Q. I know. Thanks. You talked to him?--- I returned.

A bit. He was being scolded down by his bf. Shh, don’t tell Pointe I said that. In moral absolution! Aaah! Ok, go. “

"Lestat I didn’t mean you. I know you’re principled. I guess I should’ve explained properly. And I’ve not been polite. Were you mad because I didn’t treat you with respect?” I tucked myself under his chin. He clasped both hands together over me and sighed gently.

“Ooooh. No. I don’t care about rules. People have all been rude to me. I just… I just saw red. I thought you were gonna abandon me and tell me what Louis always goes into: that we’re evil and we shouldn’t do this, do that. “ he said (gesturing less coz I was near him) , “I felt limited. Of course, I know it’s my choice. That is the problem! I get so hotheaded I can’t think clearly.”

After a pause while I collected my thoughts, the blond held me close. I felt a little scared.

He explained more patiently than he ever had in his whole existence-
“Cherie, I am what I am. All of us, even mortals. Since you are my student and I am your sort-of guardian… can we have a mutual agreement? Please do not think that I’d harm you or your family, or friends. Our kind aren’t supposed to go around breaking necks, legs or arms. Marius’s coven has set this new rule. Those may not have been Blooddrinkers. Could’ve been weres, stronger.”

I shook my head, moved so that I faced him directly. I kissed his lips, cool and soft for a hardbodied man. Lestat was surprised. He went pale.

“Hey I think I’ll go off now. Need rest,” I replied and hopped off.
“Don’t, stay a while more,” he whispered, holding my hand. Very soft grip. “I hate loneliness. Do you not recall? I’ve a phobia of that.”
I glanced at him in surprise too, “Forgiven me so fast? I’ve been so naughty.”
His warm smile made mortals’ smile pale in comparison, just melt the flowers of their frost. I knew that it was alright again. Lestat de Lioncourt isn’t petty, he may act all huffy, high and mighty but give him a short night, he’ll come to you begging for treats. I overdid that, with the image of a golden doggie chasing his biscuit. Stat chased me upstairs.
“BIANCA! You’re incorrigible!” he hollered.

I screamed happily, knocked on Quinn’s door. “HELP ME! He’ll tickle me! Help!” The door opened suspending and slow.
“Are you kids or what?” the occupant sighed. Lestat made a monster growl. I took refuge behind Quinn. “C’mon B Boss. (short for beloved Boss) don’t make me resort to something serious here.”

----------



This was several years ago and now I’m around 24. I would say that being with me has changed Lestat’s attitude towards cultivating patience. He’s greater at handling kids and adolescents. Better than his past past. Ok, Back to my teen story.



If I got Cs and Fs for my stuff, I could always ask Brattie to sign for me. My parents and Louis’d throw a combined fit. I can’t go nowhere, no comp, nothing! I was supposed to reflect on what wrong I’d committed in my room.

Although I’m naughty and argue with ‘stat more, he’s affectionate and can’t bear to scold me. Always shields me from lectures and harsh punishments. I wasn’t supposed to eat, but since it was a holiday, Lestat snuck me foodie.
Meetings with teachers were conveniently held in the evenings at 6. So Lestat had ample time to bathe before turning up. It was fun. He didn’t mind being alone, often urging me to go talk to my friends. He chatted up people easily. The amateur concerts were dull. So with his power, he asked to go in first. I followed Stat to the classroom.


Halfway through, the conversation become somewhat begging my friend to see his point….
‘But Monsieur, she’s skipped classes for maths. It is a core subject.’ My math teacher Jameson was worked up during a Parent-teacher meeting. ‘It’s ok. She finds it boring. Couldn’t you make maths more interesting?’ Brat replied nonchalantly. He smiled in a fierce way. At parent teacher meetings, he’ll generally act polite and reserved.
(He got the hots for my drama teacher Sarah Song though. love asian chics).

I thought I was off the hook and skipped lightfootedly down the hallway.
“Sweetie, you didn’t go for class? Why?”

I couldn’t look him in the eye. Brat said, “Understand I didn’t like him that I defended you. At least show your face. All right?”

“No.” I muttered. The vampire told me not to be bad, and how much luck I was being schooled. In his time, he was denied studies. He confided, I never forgave my dad for forcing me out. I only said I did. (strangely he trembled) I want you to be smarter than us. Make me proud.

When was that? --- I was curious. You seldom mention him. You’re merciful.

Looong time ago. I find it hard to accept. But I know he’s safe in Heaven, darling.

************

Messaging again

Quinn who went back to Europe for his next term, said he’d spew blood. I was happy I got a D instead of an E for maths.
Elfin: why? It’s improvement!
Quinn604: AAAAH! No. I spent lotsa time tutoring u! try harder!!
Elfin: So tired. Cannot make it. Good enough.
Quinn604: I won’t speak to u again! Angry face.
Elfin: Hey hey! WAHHH!!

Of course he was kidding. Lestat forced me to wear a skirt for my punishment of hurting his feelings. I thought it was no big. Then how hot I got! So many layers and navy blue. Grotesque.

“I spent LOTS of time picking it out. Wanna be sure it fits. Go in. Cannot escape. Hahahaha,” Lestat laughed. When I put it on I couldn’t walk.

“Now we go for dinner with this. I’m ready. We didn’t finish that day.”
We agreed not the same restaurant. After eating, in which my teacher managed to swallow some pieces of vegetables and slurped some soup, he wanted to take pictures.

I had snapped some of him with my camera phone. “Marcus lent me his camera. Hi, would you be so kind as to take a photo for us?” First try of the de Lioncourt charm and it worked. A young couple agreed to. Took us in front of the Monument to Athena.

He held me close and I smiled. very modellike eh?
Lestat loved this night. I hoped it made up for the spoiled one.

“I’m not a doll,” I murmured.

“Not like Claudia. I know. You look nice, womanly in this getup. Hehehe,” he answered. He chose not to be mad over my remark. I dragged him to a department store.
“Let’s get you some real modern things!” But he didn’t like the shirts, they were tight. Made his lovely form much more unnatural. He could only button halfway. Salesgirls salivated.
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