DOUBTING THOMAS: By Liza Larregui
Saturday, May 8th, 2010Tales of the Reluctant Fangpire—Part 7
The doorbell rang just as I was applying the finishing touches on my face. It had been days since I saw Lori and was wishful that it was she who was at my door. With the special cream still on my fingertips, I ran down my stairs, quicker than normal, and opened my front door.
“Lee, it’s been forever.” he said.
She looks so pale, he thought.
Though I tried to avoid humans since my gift was bestowed upon me, I did gain some experience in determining what was thought and what was actually said out loud. However, sometimes it was hard not to respond to thoughts.
“Thomas!” Standing on the tip of my toes, I leaned in to hug his much taller body.
Wow, she’s lost so much weight, too. I hope she’s okay.
“Please, come in. I was just getting ready to visit my mother but you are a welcomed delay,”I said, smiling.
“Lee, where have you been? It’s like you’re a ghost. No one has seen you lately.” Thomas inquired as he bent his body to sit on my couch. His blonde hair revealed dark brown roots and he was almost as pale as me. Maybe he had turned into a fangpire, I thought. I sat myself next to him. Our legs touched and electricity ran through my body for the first time in a long time.
“I lost my job and I’ve just been trying to stay under the radar. What’s new with you?”
With our history, I was afraid I’d reveal too much if we talked about me so I instantly changed the subject. “I heard you broke up with your girlfriend. I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Well, that’s kind of why I’m here.” I noticed his leg began to twitch and his face started to sweat.
How do I tell her?
“Tell me what?” Oops! “I mean, why are you here? Not that I don’t want you here because I do but is there something you need to tell me?” Real swift, I thought. I had to learn better control.
“I still love you.” Thomas looked away as his hands started to sweat.
Though normally I would be most agreeable to Thomas admitting his love for me, being a fangpire definitely changed things. I still had feelings for him, but love? Can fangpires even feel love? Where was Lori when I needed her?
“Thomas, I–”
“Don’t say a word.” He put his warm fingers on my cold lips and kissed my forehead. I was pale, cold and thin. Thomas wasn’t the brightest bulb in the box but I was beginning to worry he’d catch on.
She’s so cold.
He leaned in and wrapped his arms around me squeezing tightly. With Thomas rubbing his hands over my arms to warm me up, I read his thoughts.
I miss this so much. I will wait for her to be ready for me. I need her in my life. I love her. Lee, I love you so much. If you only knew how much. Please, tell me you love me. Please!
I resisted answering his pleas as I removed myself from his arms. Thomas’ eyes saddened as I moved away from him.
“You don’t love me back, do you?”
“Thomas, it’s not that simple. I wish I could explain what’s going on, but I can’t.”
“I knew I shouldn’t have left you for her. I’m sorry I did. I’m also sorry I came here today. I shouldn’t have put this on you. I’ll go.” As he pushed himself up from my couch, I noticed Lori in the kitchen motioning for me to join her.
“Thomas, don’t go. I just need a minute. I’ll be right back. Don’t go, please?”
With a slight smile, he nodded and sunk back into his seat. I briskly walked into my kitchen, sliding the door shut for privacy.
Lori was sitting on the counter, filing her nails that never grew, and didn’t budge when I entered.
“Lori, what the hell is going on? What are you doing here? Why did you leave the other day? What am I supposed to do with Thomas now?” Feeling overwhelmed, I pulled a chair from the table and sat. My head was spinning. I realized I hadn’t eaten in some time and my fangs were starting to protrude.
“Relax. Calm down. Take a breath.” Lori chuckled as she realized that I couldn’t breathe anymore than the chair I was sitting on. “Do you love him?”
“I don’t know. He left me over a year ago and I’ve moved on. I still have feelings for him but… WAIT! Can I even BE with a human?”
“Yes, silly. My grandmother was human, remember? Anyway, do you love him? Do you want to be with him?” I rubbed my head as if it ached. Old habits die hard.
“I think so. I don’t know. Maybe. Yes, I think I do still love him.”
“Then tell him, but don’t tell him about us. If he finds out, we’ll have to turn him, or worse.” Lori appeared genuinely concerned for my happiness, though she still had many questions to answer. “He’ll figure it out when you walk back in there. Your fangs are fully extended. You need to eat. Here, honey.” Lori threw me over a water bottle filled with blood. “I picked it up on the way over. I knew you would need it.” She said as she winked.
Opening the cap faster than I ever had before, I guzzled it down, satisfying my intense craving. As I wiped the drops of blood off my lips that had escaped my mouth, Thomas walked in.
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©2010 Liza Larregui
