The Cat Vampire

Eyes of Celadon

My mother’s face went pale. She suddenly bolted from her chair and practically snatched me away from Idrissa.

We moved far enough away so they couldn't overhear us.

"I must be dreaming! What are you doing here, Adama?"

"The same thing as you... By the way, he’s not bad. You have good taste."

"That’s not the point." She rubbed her face, overwhelmed, taking a moment to breathe before continuing.

"How long have you known this boy?"

"Since yesterday. He sent me an invite on the dating app and I accepted."

"You mean you're on dating apps? Aren't you too young for that? And how could you accept a date with a guy you only know through a profile that’s probably full of fake information?"

Mom was being hypocritical, I thought. She had met Sidi on the exact same kind of network.

"Relax. The fact that he’s your man’s nephew should reassure you. Look at him: do you really think someone with an angel face like that could be dangerous?"

Mom took a brief moment to consider Idrissa.

"I don’t even know what to think about him... or this whole situation."

"Then don't think. Just enjoy the evening."

"I—"

"Good evening again! May I borrow this charming young lady?" Idrissa said. I hadn't even heard him coming.

"Um... We’ll talk about this later, Adama. And you, young man, you’d better be on your best behavior with her."

With a smirk on his face, Idrissa simply winked at Mom and pulled me into his arms. His uncle took charge of my mother and led her back to their table. As for me, Idrissa led me upstairs. We found ourselves at the very top of the restaurant, under the open sky.

A table was already set, with a red silk runner, a large candelabra in the center, and candles lining the path, creating a sober and intimate glow. My gaze lingered instead on the food served in sumptuous dishes. The aroma of roasted meat was already teasing my nostrils.

"After you," Idrissa said, gesturing for me to go first. I did, but before I could pull out a chair, he rushed to do it for me, still wearing that huge smile. I felt like I was in a movie. He was the archetype of the Prince Charming we all secretly dream of. I couldn't take my eyes off him, watching every one of his movements, full of masculine grace.

He sat down without a sound and immediately handed me a spoon and a knife. I took them and lifted the transparent lid of my dish. A classic menu: chicken in sauce with fries and cucumber slices as decoration. As for the cucumbers, there was no way they were going down my throat. I’ve never liked them, I don't know why.

"Enjoy your meal. I hope you like it," Idrissa said, diving straight into his chicken.

He managed to swallow a large piece, but with class.

"Thanks. Can we stop being so formal? Can we use 'tu'?"

If we were trying for a relationship, why be so stiff? It made no sense to me.

"Whatever you want, beautiful. Let’s start with introductions: I’m Idrissa Diallo, I’m 20—"

"Computer science student, I already know that. And you probably know the basics about me: my name, what I do—a high school sophomore—and my hobbies, like drawing. All that stuff is already on our profiles, so why go over it again?"

He stopped eating and studied me with an amused look.

"You're right. I'm an idiot..."

"That’s not what I meant..." I tried to justify.

"No, don't worry, it's the truth. The fact is, I’ve never actually done this before... you know, invited a girl on a date."

It was obvious; he was suddenly quite nervous.

"Hey, it’s really not a big deal. This is my first time on a date with a boy, too. I don't think we have to follow romantic clichés. Let’s just be ourselves, and this night will be much more memorable than a thousand classic ones." I stood up with my plate, and he did the same without question.

We stood at the railing, resting our plates on the handrail. The panoramic view of Dakar from above, with all its contrasting lights, was a feast for my eyes.

"Let’s talk about what we don't know about each other," I declared.

"What would you like to know about me?" Idrissa asked.

"Despite all this grand attention of privatizing the restaurant, why is there nothing to drink?"

I admit I was trying to tease him more than ask a serious question.

"It’s all about intention. If you look this time expecting to see a drink, you will see it."

Turning back to the table, I saw a bottle there. I was speechless. How did he do that? I could have sworn it wasn't there a moment ago... He smiled and guided my gaze a little further. A waiter was walking away. I suddenly felt very stupid. In my head, I was imagining the most impossible scenario.

"You didn't actually think I made it appear with a magic trick, did you?"

"Oh, definitely not! Who do you think I am?" He gave me a brief look, then headed to the table.

Slowly, he grabbed the bottle and filled two glasses before handing me one.

"I’m okay," I politely refused.

"Don't do that to me, Adama. You barely touched your food. At least have a drink."

I hesitated for a second and took the glass. The fact that it was Coke was supposed to make me feel safe, but it was the opposite.

My paranoia remained. I moved it away from my lips, but as I went to set it on the railing, it slipped from my hands and shattered into the void below. Panicked, I squeezed my eyes shut.

"I'm so sorry. I don't know what’s wrong with me."

"Calm down. It’s nothing, as long as you didn't hit some poor passerby who didn't ask for it." He laughed, while I gave a forced laugh along with him.

"Your clumsiness is adorable. Time hasn't changed a thing about you," Idrissa stated, sipping his juice.

Why did I feel like he was speaking from experience?

"Wait... have we met before?"

"Maybe..." he replied enigmatically.

"A hint, please..." I asked, almost pleading.

"Alright. 'Idi Toubab'—does that ring a bell?" I tried to remember, but nothing came back.

It sounded like the kind of nickname you'd give a friend.

"Are you sure that memory belongs to us?"

"Certain. But your question quota is up. Now it's my turn."

"You're not going to tell me more, are you?"

"I’ll leave you to do your own investigation, beautiful. So, do you live with your parents?"

"Just my mother."

"I'm sorry..." Idrissa whispered, rubbing my back in support.

"He’s not dead. They’re just divorced," I clarified.

"Ah, I see. How do you feel about the situation?"

"Not too bad." "It sounds like you don't care..."

"Are you judging me for that?"

"Of course not, because we’re the same. We don't need to add our parents' problems to our own existential stress."

We exchanged a knowing look. No one had ever understood me as well as he did. Noticing some sauce at the corner of his lip, I instinctively leaned in and wiped it away with my own hand. During that split second, I noticed a detail I had missed.

His eyes were a shade of celadon green. Like a bolt of lightning, I was shaken by a dizzying flash of blurred memories. It was a trait I had probably seen in someone from my past. Him? As I pulled away, undecided and disturbed, Idrissa pulled me toward him, his lips seeking mine.

We were inches away from kissing, but a familiar voice stopped us.

"Time to go, Cinderella." Mom emerged from the semi-darkness and didn't hesitate to snatch me away from Idrissa. She shot him a murderous look as she passed.

"I’ll walk you out," Idrissa offered, ignoring Mom’s silent threat.

"No thanks. It’s not proper for a prince to leave his palace," Mom snapped, turning on her heel with me.

She didn't even give me time to say goodbye. I let her drag me downstairs. Anyway, when she’s in "protective lioness" mode, my feelings don't carry any weight. Sidi, calling out to my mother, snapped me out of my thoughts.

"It’s only 11:00 PM, stay a bit longer. Sweetheart, talk to your mother." I was about to speak, but Mom was faster.

"We really have to go. Our apartment is left unattended, and you know how it is in the city."

"I understand. Until next time, then." I was disgusted that she got what she had prevented me from having: a kiss. I decided to wait outside, letting them embrace as if nothing else mattered.

As I waited in front of the window, I suddenly felt like I was being watched. Looking up, I realized I was: Idrissa, perched on the terrace, was staring at me intensely.

His green eyes glowed in the shadows, as if they had sucked up all the city's light. It became the thing that fascinated me most about him: that almond reflection that seemed borrowed from the shades of nature. I waved to him just as Mom showed up.

"Who are you waving at?"

"No one. Shall we go?" I stole one last glance at the terrace: he was gone.

Though the evening had been somewhat strange, it was a beautiful discovery. Idrissa is one of those boys who manages to hook you from the very first date...

Returning home was a plunge back into monotony and solitude. For a few hours, I had managed to believe my life had changed, but it hadn't.

"Do you want to watch a movie before bed?"

"What about your famous 'we'll talk about it once we're home'? Forgotten?" I retorted.

Mom sighed. I exasperated her with my sarcasm.

"It’s getting late. I don't want to deal with that now. Trust me, it’s definitely not forgotten. Tomorrow, you owe me an explanation."

"I think I’m going to bed, hoping you wake up with amnesia tomorrow."

"Very funny, but that’s not happening." Sometimes, I think my mother and I act like little girls. We throw barbs at each other like a duel. Despite everything, I love the relationship we share. It’s one of the most precious things in my life. I smiled at her before heading up the stairs.

In my room, I swapped my clothes for pajamas and stood lost in thought by my window. It was a magnificent blue night. The silence in the neighborhood was soothing. I couldn't stop thinking about Idrissa. He had found a voice in my consciousness; it was crazy.

After a few minutes of contemplation, I was about to close my curtains when I heard a meow. Then, a black cat with beautiful green eyes climbed onto my windowsill and scratched at it. I got scared when a bright spark emanated from its pupils, and my first reflex was to tap on the glass to drive it away.

"Get lost, you weird cat!" It fell and scurried away instantly. Relieved, I dove into bed and grabbed my phone to reply to Débo’s message.

"Hey, I hope you forgive the late reply. Honestly, everything happened so fast I didn't have time to tell you. Just got back from our date. It was super nice! We’ll have time to talk about it properly on Monday, or tomorrow if you want. I’ve got plenty of other juicy things to tell you."



I finished the message with three heart stickers and hit "send." I think I have enough to fuel a royal sleep tonight. I pulled up my blanket and finally turned off my nightlight...