Fated To A Vampire

Chapter 11: Memories.

After around thirty minutes of me pacing, the massive room went by. This massive space also held a balcony to the outside, where I came to find out I was truly in a tower. I stood on the balcony outside in the moonlight, the moon glowing off the lake behind this massive castle. This felt as though I was part of some sick Rapunzel theme. It only added deadly vampires and a real-life castle with no long hair to help me escape. I was no stranger to the darker side of life. Staring at the lake, the light waves lightly lapped its edges. The blackened pool that shimmered with the stars and moon above. The snow had passed, and it had to be well past midnight, but between the glistening lake, and earthy-smelling trees, I could not get myself to leave this spot. It would make a gorgeous painting. Frowning, I felt saddened. I love art, and I have quite the talent for it. Honestly, besides my occasional petty thefts and crimes, it was the only other thing that freed me.

~Flashback~

I was sixteen, the group of people I was with were sketchy, to say the least. We roamed the buzzing streets, the lights above us guiding our way. Two girls my age, one being Meg, my lifelong friend that I had dragged with, walked behind another group of girls that laughed as their boyfriends bragged about our latest hit. All together we had gathered about twenty of us. We had just robbed a gas and sip store and gotten away with the full thing. Only a few went in, but by the time we were out, we had stripped off our masks and disappeared into the crowd of kids running every direction. The two older boys chuckled widely, their match of shoving going too far when the skinnier one falls. The argument goes from who is better to a full wrestling match. I smiled as I watched them start wrestling, both bags being dropped.

"Watch the booze guys!!" One girl who was blonde and tanned whined.

"OH my GAWWD! Stop it Tanner!!" The brunette next to her yelled at them. The two boys were too busy with their small pissing match though. Several people laughed and encouraged the two of them. I had only just met this group three weeks ago, while I was working on my mural that spanned the wall of a old building.

Meg leaned in and poked my arm, "I don't like this, Athena." She whispered.

"Girl it's chill, just relax." I looked at her, then back to the two boys. Tanner is holding him in a headlock on the ground. "See." I laughed and started walking forward to our destination. We headed to the bridge where it crossed over a massive river. Most teens hung out and would party there. The two boys took off running, their feet beating past me, now having a race since they had determined their strength towards each other. We all laughed, some whooping loudly. Rolling my eyes, I adjusted my backpack straps, the alcohol and spray paint hidden inside clanking lightly together. We had thrown our masks and fake guns into a small stream a few miles from the store. We all took specific routes to meet back up. The big city didn't stand a chance. Looking behind me, I realize Meg had decided to turn around. Checking my phone, I found a short text from her.

mom wantz me home, gotta split. luv ya! b safe

xoxo

Shoving it in my pocket, I followed the group. It was well past midnight by the time we reached our spot. The drinks had started to flow and weed was rolled and lit. Laughter rang into the night as the girls tried to impress the boys, but I just turned and looked at my canvas. The large concrete structure held the bridge above as cars zoomed loudly by, not one thinking to look down.

After an hour, several breaks, and lots of spray paint, a giant phoenix with red, yellow, and orange fire flared its wings before me. Stepping back, I looked at the massive piece of work that spanned over ten feet. A slim arm came around my shoulder. Looking over at the blonde, I lifted a brow and looked back at my mural.

"That's the best one yet, blaze." Smiling at the stupid nickname the group used for me, I shook my head up and down.

~Flashback ends~

"Hey." The familiar voice stirred me from my thoughts. Looking over, I realized our rooms were connected by this smaller balcony.

"Hi." I whispered back, looking back at the glistening lake that was before me.

"It's beautiful, huh?"

"Almost breathtaking." I smiled towards the beautiful lake, the moon glistening through the small waves.

"What were you thinking about?" He asked as his steps grew closer.

"Painting." I smiled and faced him. His hair had been fixed, the short black strands hanging slightly in his face. His gray eyes shined like the moon.

"You like to paint?" He sounded stunned by it.

"I do," chuckling a little, "Although it was considered vandalism if you ask a cop." I smiled at him. He smiled boldly back at me, his perfect white teeth glistening.

"OH," he laughed, before continuing. "Well, if I bought you supplies would you use it?" His feet inched closer to me, leaving only about two feet of distance.

"I might." I looked back at the glistening lake.

"Okay," his short laughter made me smile. "Are you hungry at all? The twins brought your food to my room for you."

"What is it?" I asked, curious what a vampire would even cook.

"I believe it's just a burger and fries, but they did put the condiments and vegetables on the side for you." He spoke as he made his way to his door. Following him, I walked into his room. The dark black marble floor and stone appearance gave a strong but sophisticated feel. The touches of red popped throughout the room that was very similar to mine. Pausing, he looked behind him and his steel eyes were softer. As if coming into his lair, he had shedded some kind of mask. He gently took my hand and led me to the couch that was tucked into a corner. Sitting, I sat in an awkward silence as he sat next to me. Grabbing the metal dome lid, he lifted it. The steam billowed from underneath it. My stomach growled at the enticing smell.

"You can go ahead, it is all for you." He said softly as he leaned back into the arms of the black leather couch. Looking at the plate before me, I glanced at him as he just leaned back with his eyes shut. Looking back at the plate, I piled on the onion, tomato, lettuce, and pickle. Dumping some ketchup and mustard on top, I squeezed the top bun in place. Looking back at him, he didn't move.

"Thank you, James." I said softly, his eyes flickered open to look at me. Turning back to my food, I dug into it. Hunger had been plaguing me without notice, apparently.