Chapter Four: Memories

These characters are not mine but the bad writing and poor storytelling are.

The house was by far the largest that Oskar had ever been in. The rooms seemed so immense, as if they were made for giants or great multitudes of people, but the size of the house offered him no escape from the loneliness that stalked him like a shadow. He had liked to think of it as a castle where he and Eli ruled over the forest but without her presence it had become his own personal dungeon. Only Eli had the key to his bonds. She was sealed away in a trunk deep inside a dark cave and he had no idea how long she would be there.

Eight nights had passed since he had kept his word and placed Eli in the cave that he trusted to keep her safe. During that time he had roamed the forest and explored its dense terrain. He even practiced taking flight in one of the few clearings near the house and found that without the pressure of an observer, albeit a loving one, he was much more relaxed and made fewer mistakes. The brief moments that he soared took his mind off the empty hours that waited patiently for him each night. He was careful not to stray too far though so that he could keep a faithfull vigil over the cave, but tonight he would have to put more distance between himself and Eli than he ever wanted to.

Oskar could feel his lips pulled snugly against his gums and knew from licking them that they were cracked and flakey. His face felt tight. The skin on his palms was wrapped tightly around the bones as if there was no room for flesh and his nails protruded well beyond the tips of his shriveled fingers. With no mirror in the house he could only imagine how ghastly he appeared. The wrenching motions of hunger twisted and churned in his gut. His muscles ached and it seemed as though every nerve in his body pulsated with sharp bursts of pain. He had waited too long to feed so tonight he would have to go into the city. As was his routine each evening he would visit Eli in the cave before he went.

Oskar made his way through the deep, winding cave to the trunk that held his greatest treasure. He sat down next to the trunk and stared at it with longing eyes for a moment, then as his custom had become he spoke to Eli, knowing that she probably couldn't hear him but his words were more for him than her.

"Hey Eli. Hope you're alright in there."

Oskar had been tempted on more than one occasion to lift the lid of the trunk and peek at Eli but had finally decided soundly to respect her privacy. He wouldn't want anyone peeking at him when his time came.

"It's a nice night tonight Eli. The rain is gone and the stars are out."

Oskar placed a hand on the lid and gently ran his fingers back and forth as if he were caressing the trunk.

"I have to go to the city tonight. I have to feed so I can't stay long."

Oskar leaned in towards the trunk, placed his ear on the lid next to his hand and listened hopefully. There was no sound except the angry grumblings of his hunger. He raised his head and rested his chin on the trunk while his hand continued it's caress.

"I miss you Eli. Please come back soon."

After a few minutes he stood up and turned around slowly with his shoulders sagging and his head bowed. He took a step ,then paused. He twisted his body around so that he could see the trunk out of the corner of his eye.

"I love you Eli."

Oskar walked slowly out of the cave and back into the night. He was in no hurry to do what his hunger demanded this night. With the speed of his vampire form he could easily cover the distance to the city in minutes but instead he chose to stroll through the forest that had become familiar and safe.

The night was still and calm. There was no wind to rustle the trees and the dampness from the previous night's rain softened the sound of Oskars footsteps. He took the usual path through the forest that he and Eli used for their trips to the city. It was thick and isolated from the roadways leading to and from the city. A slow path but a sure one. Along this path was a small pond that they frequented whenever bathing was needed, especially after the particularly messy nights of feeding, or whenever swimming and water splash battles were deemed appropriate entertainment for the night. When Oskar arrived at the pond his attention was caught by the perfect reflection of the night sky upon the stillness of the mirror-like water. On the surface of the water a beautifully full and bright moon rested with all the glory of the heavenly body itself. Oskar looked skyward to authenticate the reflection's claim and when he saw the large moon with a softly glowing halo residing proudly among the stars it reminded him of that night...

Oskar was still having trouble adjusting to Eli's daytime sleeping hours so as he sometimes did he awoke a couple of hours before sundown. The janitors closet in the old abandoned and rundown warehouse was safe from the menace of sunlight. Perfect for a vampire but not for Oskar who had to quitely feel his way to the door. He opened the door as smoothly as he could and only enough to squeeze through to the large open spaces of the building which at one time were occupied by mountains of crates and boxes filled with goods awaiting purchase. Oskar closed the door as smoothly as he had opened it. There were few windows in the massive building but the age induced holes in the roof filtered enough sunlight here and there to guide Oskar to the exit of his choosing. He rubbed his eyes and found his way outside. A quick glance around assured him that no immediate threats were lurking. He took a deep breath and let the spring air fill his lungs.

Oskar's heart was heavy and his mood was dismal. His thoughts were cluttered and the usual hopeful expectation of a fun night with Eli was far from him. He couldn't understand why he had awakened in such a frame of mind. After all he was happier than he ever thought possible since meeting Eli and leaving Blackeberg with her. She was more than he ever hoped for so what reason did he have for feeling so down? He couldn't help feeling a little guilty for his mood and he didn't want to feel that way around her. With time to kill before sundown he decided to go for a walk with the hope of clearing his mind and escaping his mood. The sky was blue, the sun was bright and warm, a good day for a walk.

Oskar remembered that a few blocks from the old warehouse there was a small cafe so he decided to head there for an afternoon snack. Maybe some pie would be the remedy for his gloomy state. He checked his pockets as he walked along to make sure he still had some of the money Eli had given him after her last feeding. There was plenty left for a piece of pie and a glass of milk. As he walked on he tried to focus on the treat to come instead of the mood that would not abandon him.

He came to the entrance of the cafe where a small chalkboard was propped up against a window with the daily specials listed under the heading of Thursday. He stared at the board for a moment and was a little stunned to realize that he wasn't entirely sure what day of the week it was. He couldn't say for sure that the board was proclaiming the truth. He marveled at how easy losing track of days and dates had become. Before Eli school and bullies had always reminded him of exactly what day it was. The weekends were his only refuge from such but the dread of Monday mornings made him ever aware of their fleeting hours. Eli had delivered him from those tormenting days as well as the constraints of a normal life. She had given him a sense of freedom that most people would never know.

A little bell hanging by a ribbon from the door handle announced Oskar's entrance into the cafe with a mild clang. The waitress and a couple of the customers looked towards the door to see who else would be joining them. Oskar felt their stares and put his head down as he walked over to a small table in a secluded corner. Once the small group of patrons resumed their dining and conversations Oskar relaxed a little and took a look around. After a few minutes the short, heavyset waitress came over to him and placed a menu on the table. She looked at Oskar with nosy curiousity.

"You from around here kid?" she asked.

"...um...No. I came with my mom to visit my uncle who lives near here." he replied.

Being a fugitive had taught Oskar to always be prepared with explanations and stories, just in case. Before she could inquire further Oskar asked:
"What kind of pie do you have?"

The waitress hesitated and then said,"We've got apple crumb today."

"That sounds good. I'll have a slice with a glass of milk please." he said with a faint smile.

"Sure thing," she said as she retrieved the menu and went to the kitchen.

Success he thought. He knew she was more concerned with orders and serving than some thirteen year old kid sitting alone, eating pie. He relaxed a little more. The waitress brought him a small saucer with a generous helping of apple crumb pie and a cold glass of milk. When she left to tend to the other customers he unwrapped the fork from the napkin on the table and scooped up a large bite of pie. It was delicious.

He wished Eli could enjoy such a simple pleasure. Everything with Eli was so much more fun and exciting. Every day, or night, was worth waking up to since she had given him a new found enthusiasm for life with her love and acceptance. The trivial things in life even took on a renewed significance, like playing tic-tac-toe. Oskar couldn't believe that as long as Eli had lived she never learned how to play such a simple game. He was more than eager to teach her and was amazed at how quickly she became unbeatable. To see the joy on her face when they played and she won was well worth the bruises to his pride. Thoughts of Eli gave him moments of relief from his nagging mood but they, nor the pie, could lift his heart.

He took another bite and reached for the glass of milk.

As he washed the second bite of pie down with the cold milk Oskar looked around at the different people in the cafe. There was one man sitting by himself, two other men, busy with conversation, sitting across from one another and an elderly couple sitting quitely by one of the windows. He sat the glass on the table and was going for his third bite when he suddenly realized the source of his gloom. He looked again at the people around him. Each one was clearly a different age. The man sitting alone appeared to be in his thirties and the elderly couple were decades beyond him with the two other men being somewhere inbetween. Even the waitress was much older than Oskar. When Oskar met Eli he was twelve and now he was thirteen. Eventually he would be the man sitting alone and in time the elderly man but Eli would always be...Eli.

Oskar reached into his pocket and pulled out more than enough cash to pay for the pie and milk. He placed the bills on the table and left the cafe in haste. His thoughts made him anxious and he wanted to be near Eli. He walked at a fast pace until he came to the warehouse. When he went inside he took a direct path to the closet and stood outside the door for a few moments. He wanted to go inside with Eli. He wanted to believe that as long as they stayed in that room nothing would ever change. He would never age, sunlight would never find her, they could live in the moment forever as they are. Oskar had never given much speculation to the years to come and how they would affect his life with Eli but now such thoughts overwhelmed and shook him. The sun was retreating from the approaching night but it wasn't gone yet. Oskar went to the outdoor loading docks at the rear of the building to wait for the evening and give his concerns the consideration they needed.

Eli found Oskar sitting at one of the loading docks with his legs dangling over the edge. The last remnants of daylight had been consumed by the night only moments before. She always was an early riser. Oskar seemed very composed as he gazed out across the horizon. Eli went over to him and sat down beside him. He did not take his eyes off the distance. She looked at him and then towards the direction of his stare in order to see what had his attention.

"What are you looking at Oskar?" she asked with genuine interest.

With his eyes still fixed forward he replied,"I just saw my last sunset."

Eli cocked her head to one side and seemed quite puzzled.

"What do you mean?"

Oskar turned his head to look Eli in the eyes. He could tell from her expression that she was perplexed. He swallowed and felt his heart speed up a bit.

"Eli...I want to be like you."

Eli's eyes widened and she jumped up and walked away from Oskar who was already in pursuit. He knew that convincing her would be no easy task.

She stopped and stood with her back to Oskar who was standing a few steps from her, waiting eagerly for her response. She recovered from the impact of Oskar's declaration and gathered her thoughts, then turned to face him.

"You said you didn't want to be like me, remember."

"I know Eli but that was before, when I wasn't sure...when I didn't know..."

"Oskar you know now more than ever what it's like to be like me. What I have to do..," she tilted her head down for a moment and then looked back at Oskar,"...what I hate to do, to live."

"I would never want that for you."

"Eli, all I want is you. I don't care about the rest."

"Oskar. What if you can't do it? I couldn't bear it. I'll never find someone like you again."

Oskar moved in a little closer to Eli but still kept an unimposing distance.

"Eli," he said softly, "Please listen."

She gave him her full attention.

"I'm getting older Eli. I don't know what that means for me. I don't know what the future will bring. I don't know what that means for us and I hate the way it makes me feel."

Eli's emotions were swirling within and her face could not deny it. Her eyes glistened from the tears that formed along her eye lids.

"All I know is now Eli. Now I have you and I don't ever want that to change. I want to be with you always...like this."

"You know I want the same thing Oskar, more than anything but...," she stopped to wipe away the tears that were now streaming down her cheeks.

Oskar moved in and placed his hands on her shoulders. He looked intently into here eyes and spoke in a sincere tone.

"Eli. I love you. Please let me be with you...always."

Eli succumbed to Oskar's grasp and fell against him with her arms wrapped tightly around him.

"E...El...Eli," Oskar wheezed. "You're... squeezing...too...tight..."

Eli released her grip and Oskar breathed in deeply. She looked up at him with tears and a smile. She kissed him and when he closed his eyes he saw the two of them walking hand in hand among the stars. When the kiss ended Oskar opened his eyes, looked at Eli and smiled. Her smile suddenly faded and her face now displayed concern. She stepped back from Oskar.

"I've never intentionally infected anyone before. I mean, it has happened by accident but..."

"It's ok Eli. I'll be alright.," he said assuringly. "Don't worry."

Eli's voice became very earnest.

"Oskar, you have to be sure. There's no coming back after it happens. We can wait. It doesn't have to be tonight."

"No Eli. It does have to be tonight. The sooner the better. I don't ever want to feel like I did today again. I don't ever want to feel like I'm losing you."

Eli went to Oskar and took his hands in hers. She looked at him as intently as he had looked at her just moments earlier.

"You will never lose me Oskar."

"I'm ready Eli."

Oskar removed his right hand from Eli's grasp and took hold of his shirt collar. He stretched the collar down and exposed his throat. Eli reached up, pulled his hand away and looked at him with a frown.

"I could never do that to you" she said softly.

She led him by the hand back to the loading dock and sat down, motioning for him to do the same. He sat beside her and they each turned to face one another. She took his left hand and placed it on her chest near her heart then raised it to her mouth. Oskar's pulse was racing and she could feel it. She looked at him with pure affection, then gently pierced his wrist with her fangs. He flinched only a little from the sensation. Eli drew the blood in slowly and gently, resisting the urges of the hunger within to gulp and drain. After a few moments Oskar began to weaken from the loss of blood and when he slouched towards Eli she withdrew her bite. She caught him as he fell against her and turned him so that he would lay on his back with his head resting in her lap. He was staring into the night sky with half open eyes as he drifted away from consciousness. Eli dropped her head towards her lap and with trickles of tears mingling with the blood around her lips she looked at Oskar and said, "I love you." He smiled faintly at the sound of her voice but his eyes were focused on the large moon with a softly glowing halo that was hanging behind her head among the stars, then they closed.

...an intense surge of pain from the hunger rebuked Oskar for his moment of reflection and reminded him of the night's purpose. He left the serenity of the pond and continued his trek to the city.

The night was young and Oskar's appetite was ravenous. Eli's tutelage in the forest served Oskar well. He was able to exercise a more confident control over his form. He used his claws to quickly scale one of the many tall buildings crowded together in the busy and noisy city, using its darkened backside for stealth. With a greater view of his hunting domain locating prey was much easier. From his rooftop perch Oskar saw a vagrant slip into an alley between two buildings in the same row as the one he was surveying from. He moved from one building to the next carefully and with ease by leaping from roof to roof, landing softer than his size would seem to allow. In a matter of minutes he was standing several stories above the alley on one of the buildings that formed its sides.

Oskar peered into the darkness below and saw the man sitting down with his back against the wall well away from the lights of the city streets. Only a being with his keen senses would know that someone was there. He waited for a while to make sure no one else was aware of the man or the alley. The hunger was impatient but Oskar would not permit it to force a mistake. Once he was satisfied that the time was right he crept over the edge of the roof and started a slow descent crawling head first toward his prey. Oskar's motions were fluid and disciplined as he eased down the wall. Eli would certainly approve. Wreaking body odor and the rank smell of urine told Oskar that he was within striking distance. He was ready to pounce when a low moan from the hunger within gave him away and caused the man to look up towards the sound. A blond bundle of claws and fangs fell from the darkness and the brief cry from the man was smothered by the roaring sounds of the city.

Oskar's appetite was satisfied. He removed his shirt and used it to wipe away the blood from his mouth and hands, then covered the man's face with it as he twisted his head around until the familiar sounds of breaking bones was heard. Oskar then took the shirt and stuffed enough of it into his pocket to secure it. He stood up, raised his arms and closed his eyes. Wings emerged from his form. He knelt down and took hold of the lifeless body and then ascended to the height of the building's roof where, without looking down, he released his grip. The body fell back into the darkness of the alley and landed with a devastating impact. No one would care much about the suicide of a homeless man. Oskar continued high into the sky away from the lights of the city. He then turned toward the countryside and glided off, suppressing the guilt of the hunger's chore with memories of more carefree times with Eli .