Leticia watched herself in the mirror. The wounds on her neck were dark spots, tender to touch. The city noise was a reminder she was alone. Patrick stayed with the twins in Newcrest, torn over his devotion to them and her. Eliza knocked on the door. She and Scarlett were kind, allowing Leticia to intrude. Eliza recalled Charlotte’s bite and the hesitation to believe vampires exist. It made Leticia feel safe and not need to talk or explain. Daciana drank blood from Leticia. She repeated in the mirror, the words understood. In this order, they seemed alien, unreal. Leticia covered her neck, agreeing to dine with Patrick. Her body, tired and weak, struggled to stand for long periods. He rushed into the room, helping her stand, but she flinched. Leticia paused, noting how his body hunched and furrowed brow. Patrick trembled on the verge of tears, hands still reaching towards her. Taking a deep breath, Leticia placed a hand in his, accepting the help in standing.
The Salt House, situated across from the apartment block, was a tiring and silent walk. Leticia remained with her arm looped with Patrick. The difficulty he faced splitting his time, work, the twins and Leticia, the guilt weighed him down. Leticia noted the puffy eyes, heavy dark circles beneath and a reddish tint to the whites. Patrick stifled a yawn, hoping not to appear bored as they perused the menu. He wanted to ask how she was. When would she come home to him? Patrick stopped himself, a selfish need to hold the woman he loved.
The silence hung heavier as the waiter took their order. Leticia forced a smile handing the menu to him. Her eyes moved to Patrick, knowing one of them should speak. Life would be different. Leticia was unsure how she felt living so close to a vampire. Daciana was still a child, and Leticia could imagine this change must have scared her. She touched her neck as the memory surged in her mind. They would have a long road ahead if Daciana remained in their care. Patrick swallowed, his throat dry. The lump was uncompromising and remained stuck.
Leticia said, ‘We’. She wanted to come home, to be a family, but the fear in her eyes. The thought of seeing Daciana again scared Leticia. There was little comfort in knowing Patrick had moved her into the side cottage. Nothing stopped Daciana from entering the main house and devouring each of them. Leticia turned her face away as the tears flowed, angry she felt this way. She worried they were unable to help her. Daciana had not become a vampire overnight but was born one. Bringing a second Vampire into their home unnerved her further. How did either of them know this Casimir was not a radical?
Patrick touched her hand, making her jump up. The yelp ensured the whole restaurant fell silent and stared. Leticia could feel her heart pounding in her chest with a rapid rise and fall. Patrick stood embracing her trembling body, apologising for the surprise. The restaurant fell into murmurs. Patrick noted the odd glance to acknowledge who they were talking about. Ignoring them, he focused on Leticia. She meant the world to him. A life without her would be empty. He also could not send his daughter away. Patrick would not abandon Daciana as her parents did.
He dropped to his knees, promising to do everything to protect her. Leticia had every right to give him an ultimatum. To ask him to choose between his daughters and love. Patrick had one question for Leticia, whether it be soon or in the future. ‘Will you still marry me?’
Patrick and Leticia: https://www.patreon.com/posts/60850403
By the Grace of Sim Gods 