Absent Shadows: Destiny Part 4

We arrived just before noon, and although it was overcast, it wasn't as cold as Melbourne.

It was a short taxi ride from the airport to our hotel, and we got there way too early to check into the room, so we left our bags at the reception desk and headed down to Circular Quay-to the ferry terminal.

Claire couldn't wait to get me onto the Manly Ferry. She'd talked about it the whole way up on the plane. As soon as we were on board she grabbed my hand and dragged me along the top deck as far forward as we could go. We perched ourselves there, and as the ferry pulled away from the dock I could see why she wanted this spot.

I stared in awe at the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I mean, I'd seen them on TV on New Year's Eve, and in movies, but they'd always seemed like they were a million miles away. Now here I was, and there was no doubt that I was somewhere special. And just as that thought entered my mind, the sun came out from behind the clouds, and the water turned from grey to blue, and Sydney Harbour sparkled.

'Hey,' said Claire, 'let's lean over as far as we can, then I'll pretend I'm falling and give those boys a scare.'

I wasn't sure if my tears were from the salty wind or the crazy uncontrollable laughter, but it was more fun than I'd had in ages. There we were, like Jack and Rose on the deck of the t.i.tanic. Tom and Sam wouldn't come near us, but they seemed to be having a good laugh too-I just wasn't sure if it was with us, or at us.

When the ferry landed, we disembarked and walked along a boardwalk past tourist shops, down to Manly Beach. From there, we turned right and followed a scenic walk to a small cove called Sh.e.l.ley Beach. There was a cliff at the opposite end, with what appeared to be some sort of park at the top. But on our side of the cove we spotted a cafe.

The little cove reminded me of home and for the first time since I'd arrived in Australia I felt the slightest pang of homesickness. But it was only momentary, and was completely forgotten as soon as Sam spoke.

'Feel like a swim?' he teased. Although it wasn't a bad day for the time of year, it was still winter.

'Ah, yeah, right Sam ... as if,' said Claire, smirking.

'Well, why don't you girls go get yourselves a coffee or something, and let us go for a dip on our own then.'

I was pretty sure he was kidding, but thought I'd play along. 'Ok, sure thing. Come on Claire, I could do with some coffee, and maybe even a slice of cake.'

As Claire and I walked toward the little cafe I turned, expecting Sam and Tom to be right behind us, but I could see them making their way down to the water's edge. They slipped off their clothes and even from a distance it looked like they were wearing board shorts.

'Guess he wasn't kidding,' I said as we ordered coffees and a couple of pieces of cake to share.

'Isn't this the best,' said Claire, blowing on her coffee before taking a sip. 'I mean, who'd have thought ... Like, two weeks ago you were in California. And now, here we are, with wonderful men who are infatuated with us, on a romantic weekend in Sydney.'

'I'm not so sure about the infatuation part, but yeah, it's pretty awesome. I think I need to pinch myself to make sure I'm really awake.'

The coffee was strong and hot, and the cakes were simply scrumptious. I hadn't realised I was hungry, but once I started eating I couldn't stop.

'So, aren't you glad I took you to the market that day? It's funny, I'd barely noticed Sam before-but he's nice, and he seems to really like you.'

'Yes, he is nice.' I didn't want to jinx myself by saying any more. The weekend had gotten off to such a good start-I wanted it to keep going that way.

It seemed like a lot of time had pa.s.sed when the boys eventually returned. Their hair was dripping wet, and even so, Sam looked more relaxed than I'd seen him since we'd met.

'So ... did you enjoy your swim?' Claire asked, as they took seats at the table. 'We've eaten all the cakes, sorry. You took too long.'

'The swim was excellent-you should've joined us. And no worries about the cakes, we had a big breakfast before we left this morning, so we're fine,' Tom replied, speaking for the both of them.

Sam looked at me, and smiled. Then he took my hand under the table and placed it in his lap between his hands. His were still frozen from the cold swim, but they made my whole body tingle like a million volts of electricity shooting through me. It took a huge effort to remember to breathe.

Our suite was like nothing I'd ever seen-except in a movie I suppose. The main room was as big as the living room in any house, with a sofa and two chairs facing a large flat screen television, a desk and a round dining table set for four, complete with a white tablecloth and a large bowl of fresh fruit in the middle. The windows faced Circular Quay, and I was sure I could see the same ferry we'd been on earlier heading back over to Manly. There were two doors off this main room and I guessed those would be the bedrooms. I'd dreaded this moment-when we'd decide who got what room. But Claire saved me further anxiety when she opened the door to the room on the right.

'This one will be ours,' she said as she pulled me into the room with her. Letting go of my hand, she flopped onto one of the beds, flat on her back, laughing as she said, 'I love this room!'

A few hours and several kilometres of walking later, we found a little Italian place where we ordered a couple of large pizzas and a big bowl of salad to share. Although I'd been told pizza was perfect man food, both Tom and Sam just picked at it. Claire and I, on the other hand, devoured more than our share.

After dinner, we walked over to The Rocks, an old part of the city with lots of interesting shops. We went into the open ones and looked through the windows of those that weren't. Most of the time, Tom and Claire walked ahead of us; Tom had his arm casually draped around Claire's shoulders. Every now and then he'd lean into her possessively and whisper something into her ear. I couldn't help but think what a cute couple they made, but doubted if anyone looking at me and Sam would think the same thing.

Sam didn't have his arm around my shoulders, and he didn't whisper anything into my ears, but he was definitely more relaxed. Maybe it was something about Sydney. I couldn't explain it, but it was like he was a different person. It was nearly impossible to believe this relaxed, friendly man was the same one who had stammered about not 'mixing' with people just a few days ago. Was I going nuts? Or was he? Whatever it was, I was enjoying every moment, and wishing that the short weekend didn't have to come to an end tomorrow.

By the time we got back to the hotel it was nearly eleven o'clock, but I was still way too excited to feel tired. Claire must have felt the same way, because as we walked through the door, she grabbed Tom's hand, and started to giggle.

'Tom, there's something I need you to help me with,' she said, leading him into our room. Then she gave me an apologetic smile as she closed the door behind her.

Sam shook his head, and made a noise that was close to a laugh. Then he sat down, pointing at the sofa and indicating for me to sit beside him.

I plunked down and crossed my legs, and flinched slightly as my knee touched the side of his leg. But it was okay-actually, it was more than okay. It felt wonderful and exciting and ... natural. It was like all the awkwardness between us dissolved and he was as happy in my presence as I was in his.

Then, just when I thought things couldn't get any better, Claire screamed.

* CHAPTER SIX *.

Sometimes, when something bad happens, time seems to slow to a crawl.

Like that time I was running to visit my friend who lived down the street. I was only about ten at the time, but it seemed like it was yesterday. I remember exactly how it felt as I ran down that street toward her house. And how, when I was only part way there, I stepped on an acorn and my foot rolled out from under me. As I fell, the pavement got closer and closer to my face-in horrible slow-motion. I hit the ground with my hands stretched out in front of me, sc.r.a.ping the skin off both palms. They barely bled but man they hurt like crazy.

Yes, I could replay that memory like a slow-motion movie in my head even now-years later.

But this ... well, this wasn't like that.

What happened next was like a series of still photos. Tom flew out of the bedroom in a blur, but stopped just long enough for the image of his face to be burnt into my mind. His eyes were no longer soft brown, but were instead a glowing red, and his normally tanned complexion was now pallid grey. But what really stood out was the blood that ran down from the corner of his mouth.

Then I heard Sam's voice-loud and harsh. 'Go!'

Tom was gone and I heard the door slam.

I closed my eyes for no more than a long blink-it couldn't have been more than a second-but when I opened them, Sam was in the bedroom, bending over Claire. Was he doing something to her neck? She was so still.

I ran to the doorway but stopped short of going in. I couldn't draw a breath to scream or talk. I just stood there, frozen.

And then Sam was beside me, and Claire was still on the bed. She looked ... peaceful.

When I turned to Sam I could see that he was staring at me intensely-like he was searching for something. When he spoke, his voice was deep and calm.

'She's fine. She fainted, that's all. It's just a sc.r.a.pe; she'll be fine in the morning and won't remember a thing.'

'What just happened, Sam? Did Tom hurt her? What did he do? Why did you tell him to go? Is Claire ok? Should we get her to a doctor?'

Sam sighed. 'Let's sit down in the other room. Claire's fine, she just needs to rest.'

He put his hands on my shoulders, barely touching me, and turned me toward the living room before reaching back to close Claire's door.

The next thing I knew I was seated on the sofa and Sam was kneeling on the floor in front of me. He slowly brought his hands onto my knees and stared at me, searching my eyes. The look on his face suggested he was looking for forgiveness-but from what? He hadn't done anything, had he?

'I don't know how much I can tell you, Lili. I don't know how much you'll want to hear.'

I tore my gaze away from him, looking back toward the closed door to Claire's room. I shook my head hoping to clear it.

'What do you mean "how much I'll want to hear"? I want to hear everything. What just happened?' I shouted, suddenly feeling like I was on the verge of hysteria.

Sam reached up and gently touched my face, turning it back toward him. Then he took my hands in his. His hands were ice cold. When I met his gaze, I could once again feel that sensation of being pulled into a black hole, only this time it comforted me-I could actually feel my heart rate slowing.

'Lili, I'm not sure how to begin, but please don't be scared. You're safe, and Claire will be fine.'

My fear faded, but my mind still raced, trying to make sense of everything.

'Just tell me the truth, Sam.'

'Okay,' he said, but then hesitated as if still trying to find the right words. When he finally spoke it was fast, as though he didn't want a chance to change his mind. 'Tom is a vampire. He bit Claire. He got excited, but I know he wasn't trying to hurt her. She'll be fine.'

I tried to process what he said, but my mind felt muddled. Maybe I hadn't quite heard him right. My hands were still resting in his, but they could have been someone else's hands-I felt so detached from the scene around me. Was I dreaming this? It was like my father's funeral ... all over again.

Eventually I cleared my mind enough to respond, but my words came slowly.

'I see. And is he ... under a doctor's care? Is he, I mean, should he be in a hospital or something?'

'There is no hospital, or doctor, that can help him. He is what he is,' he said, sounding defeated. 'No. I mean, he's obviously delusional ... a psychiatrist could help him ... there are medications he can take.'

'Lili, he isn't delusional. He's a vampire.'

I could feel myself frowning as I tried to get my brain to function clearly. He didn't look like he was joking around, but he couldn't be serious.

'He isn't a real vampire, Sam. Vampires don't exist. They're myths, like elves and fairies and ... and ... leprechauns. He must be sick if he thinks he's a vampire. He needs help.'

'Lili, I swear to you, he is a vampire. I know this must be hard for you to believe, but I am telling you the truth.'

His eyes were just so beautiful that I struggled to concentrate on what he was saying.

'I don't understand,' I said, shaking my head.

'Look, if I explain ... will you listen, and try to believe what I tell you?'

I took a deep breath, but I couldn't seem to force my mind to think clearly. This was too much. Maybe if he kept talking, it would eventually make sense. 'Okay,' I replied, but without conviction.

His voice softened, reminding me of my mother's storytelling voice.

'Tom and I were best friends growing up. We lived in a small village in Cornwall, at the southern tip of England. When Tom's parents died, he came to live with us. I didn't have any brothers or sisters at that stage-not until a couple of years later when my sister, Elizabeth, was born.'

He paused, and I noticed he had that pained look on his face again-the one I'd first seen at the market. But I felt amazingly calm now, listening to his soft voice.

'We were poor, so my parents decided to try to make a new start in Australia. Together with Elizabeth, they boarded a ship headed to Melbourne. Elizabeth was ten at the time. I was twenty-three.'

His voice was so mesmerising I nearly forgot about Claire in the other room.

'Tom and I stayed behind to sell what we could from the farm. We were to use the money to follow them as soon as we could. But months went by, and I never heard from my parents. They were meant to write as soon as they arrived, but a letter never came. When I finally contacted the shipping master's office, they said the ship had been wrecked in Port Phillip Bay. For some reason, my family wasn't listed among the pa.s.sengers, so I'd never been notified. I knew they must have died because they would have contacted me otherwise. So Tom and I sc.r.a.ped together what money we could, and took the next ship.'

I shook my head, as if doing so might help clear the fog that was slowing me down. 'Ship? You keep saying ship, but you mean plane, right?'

'No, it was a ship.'

He squeezed my hands between his, and brought them to his lips-gently kissing each one in turn. Even in my confused state, it sent a rush of electric shock through my body.

'When Tom and I arrived in Melbourne we went to the place they called Burial Hill. I thought my family might have been buried there, and I wanted to be close to them. Tom and I had very little money left, so we camped right there.'

He was quiet for a moment, continuing to stare deeply into my eyes. I was completely mesmerised. When he spoke again, it was so soft I could barely hear.

'That was the night we both became vampires.'

I was certain I hadn't heard right. 'Both?' I whispered, leaning back and pulling my hands away from him. The logical side of my brain was telling me that this was just some elaborate hoax, yet I was suddenly uncomfortably aware of the hairs on the back of my neck. Was I afraid of Sam?

'Yes ... both of us,' he said, reaching out and gently taking my hands in his again. I didn't pull away, although something told me I should.

'The vampire that found us that night was called Erranase. He approached, and asked if he could share our campfire to warm his tired bones. He seemed like a kind sort of man, so we allowed him to sit with us. As we talked, both Tom and I fell into some sort of trance. That's when he bit us, and drank our blood. Then he made us drink his. It just seemed so normal that we didn't resist.'

'You drank his blood? Do you mean to tell me ... I mean ... I saw blood on Tom's face ... he was trying to drink Claire's blood, wasn't he?' The words seemed to be coming from someone else, as the voice that spoke surely couldn't have been my own.

'Claire's fine, really, don't worry about her. Please ... let me continue,' he said as he stroked my hands and gazed more deeply into my eyes. I could feel my resistance fading once again.

'Erranase told us why he'd created us, and we weren't afraid ... or angry. He'd been one of a group of four vampires that had travelled all through Europe and Asia for hundreds of years. They'd developed great power in East Prussia. But Erranase had grown tired of the power and control that Zunios, their leader, had over them so he boarded a ship bound for what is now Western Australia, eventually making his way to Melbourne.'

Again I shook my head, but it refused to clear. I simply listened to Sam's mesmerising voice, wondering if he'd slipped me drugs somehow. It was the only way I could justify how calm I felt.

'Erranase feared it would only be a matter of time until the other three would come looking for him, so he wanted to create a small group of his own-for protection. Tom was exactly what he was looking for-strong and feisty. Me, well, I was there, and I was obviously Tom's friend, so he decided I would do too.'

Sam looked down for a moment, but just before he did I saw that the defeat I'd heard in his voice was now written all over his face. He seemed so sad that I found myself feeling sorry for this young man, who through no fault of his own had become a vampire. Or at least, thought he had. Was he the one that was delusional? My heart started to race, but when Sam looked up into my eyes again I felt the calm return. When he began speaking I was once again focused on his story.

'Erranase stayed with us, teaching us his ways. He wasn't a bad vampire, as far as vampires go. He mostly preyed on evil people; thieves and thugs.'

A noise in the hall outside caught my attention. I looked away from Sam, and as I did I could feel my heart rate begin to quicken. This time I refused to look at him.

'Okay, okay. Wait just a minute. Sam ... if what you're saying is true, then Claire is going to become a vampire, right?' The realisation of what had happened tonight began to race through my mind.