I opened my eyes to find myself in a strange bed (with a killer headache). I was starving. And the bed wasn’t so much a bed as it was a bag. A body bag? Whatever it was, I couldn’t see a damn thing. It was like a wraparound black out curtain. It also was not the easiest to open from the inside. That is fine though because I felt like I had full strength. Or was this more than my normal strength? I tore the bag open in one quick deafening ripppppp. The room around me was not familiar at all. It had blinding bright lights, stainless steel surfaces throughout, and several strange looking instruments. Was I in a morgue? This must be a morgue. Or Funeral Home? Obviously, not a hospital room with intentions of improving my health. The goal here seemed to be aimed more towards cutting me open. Ouch.
I had to get out of this room. Place. Wherever “here” was. The room looked cold and bleak, but I felt nothing. I could smell the room though. It was like someone had poured a multitude of different cleaning supplies together, it reeked of strong chemicals. Which chemicals, I was not sure of. A quick escape was needed. I was getting the creeps just being here. There were a few different doors, but none of them had signs or windows. There was a fire escape map on the wall with a mini guide the quickest exit routes. Luckily, it looked like I was close to a way out. I opened door number one and it was just a closet with more supplies. Opening door number two revealed my way to freedom.
I didn’t see anyone in the hall. It was still taking a while for my eyes to adjust to these glaring lights, almost like I was hungover. I wonder if Mr. Bitey, the car creep, had drugged me. Did I overdose? Surely, they made a mistake. Clearly, I’m not dead. Maybe the man drugged me, and it made my heartrate so sluggish that they couldn’t find my pulse. That had to be it. Still, I’d prefer not to be seen. I’d probably terrify someone if they recognized me, and I was afraid they would try to keep me in here. Question me. Run tests. No thank you. I had to go check on my dog and let him outside, he was probably struggling not to pee in the house right now. Or peeing all over the house as payback for taking so long.
I tried to remember which direction the exit was on that fire escape map and stumbled along in that direction. I felt drunk, but alert at the same time. It was like adjusting to being awake. I could walk, I just was currently not the most graceful in doing so. I saw the exit sign and made my way out. Freedom! It was dark outside, and I just realized that I have no idea where my car is. Did that man steal it? Is it still at that weird gas station? What do they do when you leave your car somewhere? If it isn’t stolen, I suppose it must be in an impound lot. My phone is gone as well.
I began to walk a bit. I wasn’t sure where I was going, but I had hopes that eventually I’d recognize a familiar street sign and find my way home. One block in. Two blocks in. Three blocks in… this looked like downtown maybe? It is familiar, I just don’t recognize these streets. Four blocks in and I’m homebound. I do know this street – “Main St”. This was in my hometown. I guess this was the closest area to take “dead” people to from the gas station. I had a 50/50 shot and I chose to go left. East, West, who knows. Left. I live west of the downtown area and close to Main Street so this SHOULD be right. My sense of direction usually got me where I needed to be (even when I don’t know how to get there). I walked for what felt like forever. Finally, I arrived at my cross street. I wasn’t tired somehow. My legs weren’t even sore at all from the walk, but I needed food. ASAP. I was so hungry I could eat my dog. I’m kidding. We don’t do that here.
I saw my house in the distance and suddenly I felt a sense of relief wash over me. That feeling that somehow everything would be okay. I was home. My baby would greet me with kisses, and I would feel better. Okay… my fur baby. And of course, MONDAYS. I had no keys. Where are my keys? Whoever grabbed my phone must have taken those too. Or maybe they were still sitting in my car, wherever that may be. I didn’t have a spare anywhere, but I climbed over the fence and tried to push up a window. Surprisingly, the windows were super easy to open. They’re supposed to be locked. I guess my window locks suck. Kind of scary that someone could just pop a window open like that. But I was in! I’m home. Home at last.
My poor dog, Cooper, was treating me like I was an intruder. He was barking his head off. It’s not every day that you see your owner climb in through the window though, so I suppose it is to be expected. I bribed him with his favorite treats and gave him ear rubs until he calmed down. I let him out and gave him his nightly meal. I guess I should contact someone and let them know I’m okay. I’m not sure who they would have contacted when they found me or if they even knew who I was, but still might be best to check in.
Who to contact? I couldn’t even think of who to reach out to first. That’s the ironic thing about my name. Rachel. Apparently, I was born in the prime of the show “Friends” and I was gifted with the name of a main character. Rachel Ross. I know. The reason behind my name is ironic – only because I had none. Well, ONE. I have acquaintances, but I’m not close with most people. The people I am close with, I can count on one hand. One finger, really. Besides my best friend Madison (I call her Mads because she hates it) and my brother Riley, no one ever actually texts or calls me. My mom and dad passed when I was younger. I bump into acquaintances from time to time. Usually at random events and get togethers that Madison drags me out to. Otherwise, I sit at home on my couch with my nose in a book or my eyes glued to the tv. Sometimes I take random cooking classes and thing or go to the gym. Rarely, did I ever live the bar and night life that the other 25 years old’s my age lead. I’d rather be stuck at home any night than be pushing my way through the sweaty, drunken masses.
I guess I should reach out to my brother & Mads. I didn’t have a house phone, who did these days, but I think I could still call from my computer somehow. If not, I could at least send a message. I opened my computer and sent an email “text” to their phones. Mads first.
“Hey Mads,
I’m not sure if you got any weird calls tonight, but if so, all is well! At home now. I’ve lost my car and phone, so message me here if you need me.”
And then my brother. Mr. Riley Ross. He was lucky enough to get the normal name.
“Hey Riley,
Did you get any weird calls tonight? If so, all is well! I don’t have my phone so message here if you need me.”
That should be fine for now. I tried. They usually check their texts fairly quickly.
Wait. Wait! I’d completely forgotten that I was supposed to be somewhere tonight. I had made plans. More so, I was coerced into plans. Mads had tried to set me up with one of her boyfriend’s friends and I was supposed to be meeting him tonight. He is going to think I stood him up. Mads is going to be so pissed! She’s been trying to talk me into this for weeks. I better say something.
Wait again. I can’t. I don’t know how to reach him. Go figure. I’d better send another message to Mads. She is probably blowing up my phone right now, wherever it is.
“Don’t be mad! I got tied up tonight. I didn’t mean to, but I didn’t make it to the date tonight. I hope Owen wasn’t too upset! I’ll explain everything later. It’s been quite a night! Please just let him know about my phone and that I will make it up to him soon.”
Okay. There. That should be enough hopefully. Now I’m going to relax and nurse this faux hangover thing I’ve got going. I’ll snuggle up to Cooper on the couch and watch ridiculous rom coms. Well. I wanted to cuddle with Cooper, but he isn’t having it. He’s acting strange. He’s sniffing me and keeping his distance. I wonder if he isn’t feeling well. Maybe he is still a bit unnerved by my window entrance earlier. Never mind on the snuggles then, it is just me and the rom coms. Good enough.
I felt myself falling asleep on the couch about 20 minutes into the stupid movie that I had found. It wasn’t even that boring of a movie. It was a straight to streaming “movie”, but that seems to be the norm now. It was cute, I guess I was just tired. I didn’t even bother to force myself up and into the bedroom. I drifted off to the sound of Cooper snoring.
I woke up startled by a loud banging sound. I hate that feeling. It’s like you’re pulled back to wakefulness while the air is being jerked out of your lungs in shock. It’s the opposite of that terrifying fake falling feeling you get when trying to go to sleep. What was that noise? Was there construction? At 5 am?? Surely, there are laws against that. I opened my eyes and sat up. The bang sounded again, and I realized the sound was someone knocking, loudly, on my front door. Who is banging on my door at 5am? I grumpily dragged myself up to door to peer out the peephole and see who it was. Maybe it’s an emergency. It had better be an emergency. Mads. Mads, that who is awake at five in the morning banging on my door. Who does she think she is?? She knows I need to be at work in a couple of hours! I never get up this e
So, I’m a vampire. What does that even mean? Obviously, I need blood. That seems to be a consistent theme for vampires. But all other vampire ‘rules” seem to vary based on which author is telling the story. I need to remember everything I’ve ever read or seen about vampires. Stakes through the heart or beheading can kill – fairly certain. That seems to be pretty consistent between tales. Could I go out in the sun? I’m not sure. It was night when I was out last. The sun would be rising soon, and I could test that theory out. Would I die if I don’t drink blood? And how long could I go without? I guess I will have to test that out as well. What else was there…? Oh! Crosses. Godly things. And sometimes they can’t enter houses without an invitation. That’s all I rem
The Texas sun was blazing as we stepped out. I couldn’t feel cold, but I could feel the warmth. I looked down at my skin to see if I was on fire. No, not yet. I took another step out of the door. I was fully immersed in the sun now. I felt fine. As fine as dead can feel. I can leave the house in the daylight. Score one for Rachel. Take that Mr. Bitey. Wait, if I can go out, I’m sure he can also be out in the sun. Still. Score one for Rachel. It was only a little after six am. No stores would be open yet. It was still reassuring to know that I wasn’t destined to live in the dark for the rest of my (undead) life. Cooper happily ran away from me in the backyard, he was prancing around in his usual outside happy dance. I grabbed a ball to play fetch with him. I reached my arm back, threw the ball, and watched as it (ac
Home at last. I was in such a rush to leave, that I’d left my bike at the impound lot. Oh well. I hadn’t used it in eight years. Perhaps someone that can’t afford to get their car out will find use in it. I parked my car in my driveway, rushed inside, and headed straight for my bedroom. Time to pick out new clothes and shower. I should probably trash the clothes I’m wearing. Burn them. There is no way these stains are ever coming out of these clothes. I laid out a new outfit, cast aside the old, and hopped into the shower. Even my arms and legs looked deathly pallid. It was the first time I had seen them since I’d died. I searched for wounds, but I could not find any marks on me. I’d at least expect to see teeth marks on my neck, but there was nothing. I suppose
I’ve got my answer. It didn’t even take me a full day to find it. Score three for Rachel. Eric must have sensed my excitement because his expression grew wearier. I broke the silence “Thank you for letting me know and for the warning. Is there anything else that you know about him that you could tell me? I’m sure any details would help.” Eric looked at me more closely this time. He looked a bit lost this time in his gaze. “You know, you’re really pretty,” he said. He’s got the same creepy stare starting as the man from the impound lot and gas station had. Is this some weird vampire juju? Did it make people notice me? “Thank you Eric, but I really need to –” I started. Bef
We stood outside the local Red Cross donor center. Eric had the bright idea to grab us some scrubs that we could change into prior to showing up here. I guess he had done his homework on which scrub colors they were. It looks like they had already closed for business, but I saw a car or two in the parking lot still. We didn’t have any way to get in, so I suppose we were going to have to wing it and wish for the best. Someone forgot the lock the side entrance, so we slowly turned the knob and walked in. “Fake it ‘til you make it. If anyone sees us, just walk like you own the place. I’ll handle the talking.” Eric said. We walked down the long hall and saw a computer light on in the front of the b
Mads appeared at my front door shortly after. I was still on edge from that last phone call. I invited her in and started to explain everything. “—So the blood bags work! I only have a few, but I guess we will see how long it takes me to go through them. I didn’t want to drain their whole supply, I’m not the only one that needs it. Oh and I got this strange phone call! It really freaked me out. Someone else knows I’m a vampire.” Madison’s eyes got big after the last sentence. “How? Do you think it was the man that turned you?” “I’m not sure. I don’t think so. It sounds more like he was w
Eric called me around ten the next morning. I must have dozed off while reading the journal. We made plans to meet up later that day. I wanted to try to find out more about Anton’s family and see if they were still living. If anyone in his bloodline is living, I wonder if he kept in touch. I opened my laptop and started searching for “Anton Barton 1800’s”. The first few results looked like they were from an old newspaper. All dated before his death. Okay, next check is “Mary Barton 1800’s Dallas, TX”. “Mary Barton passed peacefully January 15th, 1884, survived by her children Daniel Barton and Elizabeth Barton.” There we go! I kept looking for the mini Bartons. No other results for the kids. Strange. Well, I tried. I tried to find more about Anton Bar