THE CALL BEFORE THE STORM: By Liza Larregui
Friday, April 23rd, 2010Tales of a Reluctant Fangpire—Part 5
On the way to meet with the council for my judging, my mother called.
“What’s going on? Why haven’t I heard from you recently? Is everything okay?” She rattled off in one breath.
Everything is great. I’ve just been busy with work.” I lied. I had quit my job at the mortgage company the day after I was turned and since she never called there, I figured I was safe.
“You’re lying.” Crap, I thought. “I called there this morning and they said you resigned two weeks ago. What the hell is going on, Lee? Tell me, are you in trouble?”
How exactly does one explain to their mother that they were dead, but not really? How does one explain that their daily requirements of blood had caused them to kill more humans than some of the most notorious serial killers in history? One didn’t. Lori never prepared me how to respond to such questions. Maybe she wasn’t a very good trainer after all.
“Mom, hang on, I have another call.” I lied again. I pressed the mute button on my cell phone and turned to Lori. “What exactly am I supposed to tell my mother? And why didn’t we ever go over this stuff?”
“Oh, my fault! I grew up as a fangpire so I never dealt with these issues. Maybe someone at the council can help you?” Lori kept her eyes on the road as she continued. “Why don’t you tell her that the mortgage company actually let you go because of downsizing? I think that’s brilliant. Isn’t that brilliant?”
“Brilliant.” I said sarcastically. “She’s going to be so annoying. I just know it.” Clicking the mute button again, I returned to my mother.
“Sorry, Mom. That was my friend –”
“I don’t care who it was. I haven’t heard from you in weeks. I find out you quit your job from some lady in your office and then when I call to find out if my baby is okay, you put me on hold? Don’t you dare do that again.” She scolded as I sank in my seat. I was twenty-three years old and my mother still had the power to make me feel like a toddler.
“Will you let me explain?”
“This better be good.” She said. Even over the phone, I could feel her death stare cut right through me.
“The mortgage company let me go. The woman you spoke to must not have known who I was because there was another girl who quit the same day. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you but I didn’t want you to worry.”
“Oh, so you go MIA for two weeks. Good job, Lee. That won’t make your mother worry.” Sarcasm ran in our family.
“I’m great, though. Lori and I are taking a trip. A girls trip. She needed a vacation and I had some time on my hands so we are road-tripping it. Not sure where yet but I assure you that I am safe and happy. I promise to keep you updated. Okay?”
“Fine. Whatever you want. Tell Lori I said hello. I better get a phone call from you at least once or twice a week. I know you’re not a baby anymore but you’re all I have. I love you.”
“I love you too, Mom.”
After I disconnected the call with my mother, I turned my phone completely off and threw it in my overnight bag. I didn’t want to deal with anyone else who also might be concerned.
“Thanks.” I said to Lori, who was now dancing in her seat to the pop song on the radio.
“No problem, honey. Thanks for what, though?”
“For putting me through this. I never asked to be a fangpire. I never asked for any of this. I hate it. I hate drinking blood. I hate lying to my mother. You wanna know what else I hate? I hate the word FANGPIRE!”
“Oh, Lee. Please don’t say that in front of the council. They despise the word vampire. Between me and you, it’s fine. But please, whatever you do, use the word fangpire when you are there.” She warned as she drove onto the side of the road and parked. Turning to face me, she began to apologize. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to put you through this. The council wanted to kill me and I had no choice. I promise you though, that I will help you every step of the way. It’s hard at first, I’m sure. You will get used to it.” She assured me.
“Is there a fangpire therapist I can go to, to work out my issues?” I asked, somewhat jokingly.
“I’m sure we can find one.” She said with a half smile.
“I’m starving. Maybe that’s why I’m cranky. Do you think we have time to stop for a bite to eat?” It had been four hours since I had fed last. I was getting used to a feeding every two hours, at most.
“Look over there.” Lori pointed to a secluded park surrounded by trees. On one of the benches sat a couple holding hands and kissing. “I’ll take the guy.” She whispered as she flew out of the car. Lunch was served.
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©2010 Liza Larregui
Liza Larregui has been writing since she learned how to type at the age of five. Only recently has she sent in work for publication. She lives in NYC with her husband and her MacBook.
