Dark World

by Concerita Tortorici

  Joshua was pleased with the host's decision to place them in one of the corner tables. Though they were a bit secluded from the other customers, he felt it was better this way. They would be able to hold a conversation without having to speak loudly to one another.

  As their waiter left to fetch them their drinks, Joshua couldn't help but admire Ruby. Her eyes glistened the moment they had arrived and hadn't stopped when they sat down. Her smile was wide with excitement and disbelief that she was actually there. As Joshua watched her, he couldn't help but feel there was something else on her mind. Although, there would be plenty of time to discuss that after they've each had a couple of drinks.

  The first drink they sat in silence, unsure where to start. Joshua sipped his drink quietly, waiting for the right time to speak. Looking up over his glass, he could see Ruby staring blankly into her cocktail. She felt more distant than earlier, like her mind had gone elsewhere. Yet, he couldn't look away. The concentration on her face as she glared at the ice cube in her glass made his fictional heart race.

  «Why did you invite me out for drinks?» Ruby asked.

  «There was something...» Joshua paused for a moment to think about why he really asked her out. «I wanted to apologize for ruining your workout. And interrupting you before.»

  «Before?» Ruby questioned before realizing what he had met. «There was nothing to be sorry about. You really weren't interrupting me. I was taking a break.»

  «You always look that mad when you take a break?» he asked.

  Ruby's face fell red with embarrassment. She hadn't realized she had looked that angry before.

  «I'm just dealing with a lot,» she stated.

  Placing his cup on the table, Joshua felt the air around them shift. The waiter returned to collect their empty glasses and fetched them some more. Joshua kept his gaze on her, as her mood shifted to a more serious expression, he felt the need to press her for more.

  «You can tell me,» he said softly, «your secrets will be safe with me.»

  He wasn't sure why he wanted to push her to tell him. In fact, it really wasn't any business of his what she was going through. But, in a sense, it was. He could feel her crying out from the dark. Wanting answers to some questions that had been on her mind. Still, he couldn't have her find out just yet. Shaking his head, he tried to put his agenda on hold for the time being.

  «It's not really a secret,» Ruby began, «well, maybe it is. I don't know. Weird shit has been happening lately. And then my stupid older brother shows up out the blue warning me to keep my guard up. Honestly, he can just but the fuck out. He has no right telling me what I can and cannot... Oh crap... Sorry.»

  «Don't be,» Joshua said, «it seems you hold some deep hatred for your brother.»

  «I do.» Ruby said, «he wasn't really the best brother in the world.»

  Her words trailed off, and she stared deeply into her glass once more.

  «We can change the subject if you'd like,» Joshua replied.

  «It's fine,» Ruby began, «its nothing but sibling rivalry. I lived in his shadows for years after our parents died. I left when I was old enough to be on my own. What really pisses me off, is that he was never really there for me. Like a brother should have been.»

  Joshua felt her sadness and anger through her words. A brother should be there for his sister. He should be willing to move mountains and break down walls for their sisters. For a moment, Joshua felt frustrated with her brother. Although Ruby could take care of herself, deep down, Joshua knew she could have used him. In fact, hidden deep within her words, she was crying out for him. The brother who cherished her. Maybe not a brother. But someone whom she could trust to lift her up when she was down and unsure of the world around her. It may be a challenge, keeping his nature hidden from her, but, for her, he was willing to take that chance.

  Pushing his chair away from the table, Joshua approached her. Ruby was still in a heavy trance staring deep in her half-full glass before he made his presence known. Keeling down, Joshua placed his hand gently on her thigh.

  «I can't change your past,» he began, «I can't undo what your brother had put you through. But I can promise you. I'll never hurt you. Nor will ever feel alone again.»

  Sure part of that promise may have a gray area to it, but for the time being, Joshua needed to keep her in the dark until he could confirm something.

  «And what will you get in return?» Ruby asked, «there's always a catch to those promises.»

  Joshua had to give her a little credit. She was smart. She knew he wanted something, but he couldn't say yet.

  «Nothing,» he replied, «I will always be here for you. So please, tell me everything.»

  «If I tell you,» she started, «you'll probably think I'm crazy.»

  «Try me,» Joshua dared.

  There was nothing she could say that would make him think she was anything but normal. Taking his seat, he waved the waiter down to order another round. Their night was now only beginning. He sat and listened to her speak about her past. The past her relatives had fabricated how her scar was the result of a tragic accident, leaving her and her brother in the care of their aunt. She grew up homeschooled and was kept hidden in the shadows of her brother. This much he already knew.

  «I may have repeated myself,» Ruby said as she realized what she had told him.

  «That's okay,» Joshua said and smiled, «please, continue!»

  Ruby took a deep breath before she spoke once more.

  «I was alone at first,» she began, «until I stumbled into The Midnight Diner and met Nikky. She was the first person who actually welcomed me to this crazy city. Hell, she even managed to get me a job at the bar.»

  Joshua smiled as Ruby looked happy, speaking about her friends. It was, however, short lived. Her eyes grew dark, and her head lowered. She was remembering something that pained her. He felt her heart race as her eyes began to dart from side to side. She was contemplating telling him something.

  «You don't have to say anymore if you're uncomfortable,» Joshua reassured.

  «I... I just don't really know how to put it into words,» Ruby whispered.

  «That's fine,» Joshua replied, «I know it's hard trusting someone you just met. And you don't have to tell me everything in one day.»

  «I don't really know why?» Ruby replied, «but it feels easy to talk to you. Is that weird?»

  «No. Not at all,» Joshua said.

  «Then enough of the seriousness,» Ruby declared, «let's have some fun.»

  As the night sky hung over the city, alone vampire walked the streets in search for his next meal. The two from the night before hadn't lasted long since he was unfortunately interrupted. Not that it mattered much to him, he would find his next meal soon. Either that, or it would come to him. And sure enough, as he rounded the corner, he found one.

  A young man, in his late teens, was wandering the streets with his headphones in, music blaring, and a bottle of vodka hidden in a brown paper bag in his hand. He smiled as he let the music and the alcohol take him to a world, unlike the real world around him. It made him unaware of the dangers that were around him. That was coming for him.

  The vampire smiled and walked in front of him, causing the boy to stop and take his headphones out of his ears to apologize.

  «No problem,» the vampire said, «I'm wondering if you can help me find something?»

  «Sure,» the boy said. «What are you looking for?»

  «Well,» he began, «I'm looking for a place to have a good meal. Would you mind showing me somewhere with a good view?»

  The boy nodded and led him back down the road and toward a pier that connected Manhattan with Brooklyn. The Boy told him it was one of the nicest spots in the city, next to Central Park. The vampire smiled and thanked him.

  «Oh! How rude of me, I should introduce myself,» he said, «I'm Lucian. And you?»

  «Logan,» the boy said, «it's nice to meet you.»

  «The pleasure is all mine,» Lucian said, «
and thanks again for showing me this wonderful spot where I may enjoy my meal.»

  Logan looked a bit confused with Lucian's words. He had shown him where to go for a nice meal, but Lucian carried no food with him. Was he looking for a place to eat then? Not that there were any places open now. Shaking his head, He said his goodbyes to Lucian and headed back. However, before he even made it a few feet away from Lucian, Logan felt a strong tug on his shoulder. He was pulled back into the arms of Lucian.

  Lucian could see Logan's heart race with fear. Blood filled with fear was considered a delicacy to him. Something in the chemicals seemed to make the blood tastes sweeter. However, most Vampires didn't see it. Lucian had considered himself a far superior species to the others of his kind.

  «There it is,» Lucian squealed, «the finest meal in the finest spot in New York. My thanks once more, Logan, for providing me with such a wonderful meal.»

  Before Logan could open his mouth to protest, Lucian opened his mouth wide and drained him of every ounce of blood he had. Tossing the lifeless body to the ground, Lucian let out a howl. His body raged with energy. Logan's blood was even better than he imagined. Even with the after taste of vodka. He didn't care, though. As long as it kept him going for a few days, he was fine.

  After a few moments, Lucian felt his excitement vanish. It was always like this, with each victim he had. With every drop of fear in their blood, the feeling of ecstasy would only last a few minutes. He longed for the blood that would keep him feeling like that for hours. Like that little girl 21 years ago. Her family had fear littered all over them. But that child, he had a small taste of her blood when he had caught her off guard during their brawl. There was something different about her blood. The rage that the girl felt mixed in with fear was something fantastic. He longed for more. For years he had tried to recreate the taste, but nothing worked.

  «I'll find you,» Lucian declared, «I will get my revenge for you ruining my fun that night. And I will taste that sweet, sweet blood of yours. I'll hear you screaming for me to stop, I'll even leave you with an inch of your life left to watch you suffer.»

  Tilting his head back, he let out a laugh so loud that it carried over to Brooklyn and other parts of Manhattan.

  8

  «Then we'll hang out until then»

  After they finished their drinks at the lounge, Ruby suggested they go somewhere fun. After their serious talk, she felt the need to unwind and let loose. She knew of this nightclub not far from where they were called «The Shadows». It was probably one of the better ones in the city, although there were countless ones scattered throughout. Ruby had remembered Nikky had mentioned it being one of the hottest places for people their age.

  Ruby expected Joshua to disapprove and want to go elsewhere. She was surprised to hear him agree to it and followed behind her as they left. The nightclub was only a few blocks away, so she suggested they just walk, to sober up a little before getting more drinks there.

  The crisp evening air was warm compared to where they had been sitting earlier. As a gentle breeze raced over them, Ruby could feel her heart racing. She had never been to this club without Nikky. And yet she was on her way there, with someone she had only just met. She had never felt more nervous than was at this very second.

  Joshua walked beside her, inches away from her. His stride matching hers to make sure she could keep. Ruby could feel a slight chill coming from him. At first, she thought it was just the wind blowing between them. Occasionally, she would brush her arm against his, not intentional, and would quickly bring her arm back from the shock of how cold he was.

  With only a block left to go, Ruby and Joshua waited at an intersection. Her rapid heartbeat filled her ears, drowning out any sound that surrounded her. She felt suffocated as her anxiety began to rise and in the back of her mind, she swore she had heard someone say something. Closing her eyes, she tried to calm herself.

  «Ruby?»

  Joshua's voice came through the suffocating loudness of her heart, bringing her back to the world. Letting out a few breaths, she smiled and tried to play it cool. Her acting might not have been that great, but it seemed to work as Joshua pointed to the glowing pedestrian sign signaling them it was safe to cross. As they crossed, Ruby prayed that nothing would go wrong and how much she wanted to let loose.

  The exterior of The Shadows Nightclub was nothing more than an old building with a few other stores attached to it. However, those other stores were nothing more than cosmetics done by the owner to mask the interior of the club. Near the entrance was a line that stretched for about thirty people. They wore expensive suits and elegant dresses, signaling their wealth. Some looked down at their phones as they waited, others talked to one another about some current event. Ruby, hoped that they would be able to get in as the other option was all the way downtown.

  Patience wasn't one of Ruby's strong points. She was the complete opposite, actually. She hated waiting, especially when she was with someone. Still, she tried her best to wait patiently. That was until she saw one of the bouncers checking the IDs of those who stood in line. Ruby smiled widely at the girl who walked slowly toward them.

  The girl was young but a little older than Ruby. Her long pastel purple hair was done up in a ponytail that hung just above her lower back. Her black and white suit was clean and kept free of any dirt. There was only one person who had that color of hair in that line of work: Zoey Miller, one of Nikky's good friends. Much like Nikky, Zoey was spunky and honest. Zoey wasn't afraid to tell the truth, no matter how harsh it would be.

  Zoey smiled as she checked everyone's IDs while ignoring the snide remarks about her being a female bouncer. It wasn't common to see a small woman working as a bouncer, but Ruby knew that a small girl was trouble if you pissed her off. In fact, it was Nikky that told her about that bouncer, Zoey's, fight with one of the customers.

  «Well, well,» Zoey said, «it's been a while, Blackwell. How the hell are you?»

  «I'm doing well,» Ruby replied, «how 'bout you, Zee?»

  «Can't complain,» Zee replied, «where's Nik? Is she on her way?»

  «No,» Ruby replied and leaned closer toward her, «I'm actually on a kind of date right now.»

  Causally, Ruby motioned her eyes toward Joshua, so Zoey might consider letting them in before everyone else. Zoey eyed Joshua and gave an approving wink. Ruby's heart skipped when she turned to him, hoping he hadn't seen Zoey wink at him. His gaze, however, was fixed on the evening sky, and he looked as though he was deep in thought. Ruby studied his features for a moment. The way the light hit his pale skin seemed to accent his perfectly sculpted face. Her heart fluttered as she reached out to him to pull him from his thought.

  «All right,» Zoey said, «you two can go in.»

  «Thanks,» Ruby said as the groans from the other people echoed around them.

  The club was dark and illuminated by large purple lights. Even the walls by the booths were lit up by small lights, making it look as though the wall contained stars. Around them, the bass thumped loudly, and people swayed to the beat on the dance floor. Ruby led Joshua down the way past a few booths with a couple of people talking and enjoying each other's company. Across the room, Ruby found an empty booth for the two of them to sit.

  Ruby had originally planned on just drinking and having a good time, but the moment she walked in and saw the people dancing, she began to doubt her intentions. She hadn't considered if Joshua would ask her to dance or if he even wanted to. She grew more nervous than she was before they arrived. Sitting down, she waited for a waiter to come and ordered one of her usual drinks - the hurricane.

  Another few rounds of drinks and Ruby began to feel a bit more relaxed. She watched as Joshua casually sipped on his drink, his eyes darted from the table to the people dancing a few feet from them. Ruby's heart jumped, was he signaling for them to go out and dance? Her mind spiraled, she hadn't danced since she was young. She wasn't sure if she remembered how. Nervously, she took a long swig of her drink
. There was no way she was going to be sober enough to remember making a fool of herself in front of him.

  The bass thumped loudly around them, enclosing any other sound. Ruby couldn't help but slowly sway back and forth as she sat. It was one of those songs that no matter how many times you heard it, no matter how many times you tried to stay still, your body wouldn't listen. Closing her eyes, Ruby let the music take her. The sense of not worrying about the world around her and only caring about the moment happening in that instant felt refreshing.

  Looking across the table at Joshua, Ruby felt an intense heat fill her cheeks. Had he seen her swaying? Seeing his smile made the world around her go still. The music became a silent hum in the background as her eyes met his. She found herself trapped in the mystery that was Joshua. His physique wasn't like anyone she had seen before. He was perfectly balanced, both in muscle and weight. Not that she ever paid much attention to that.

  At first glance, Joshua looked as though he could rip apart anyone that got in his way. Ruby even thought that at first. However, their conversation at the lounge wasn't at all what she was expecting. He was a gentle soul, who held an incomprehensible past. She wasn't sure what possessed her to go out with him in the first place. Something had tugged at her until she allowed herself the pleasure of letting a stranger in.

  As the world fell back in focus and the music blared in her ears, Ruby had only blinked, and he was gone. Had she stared at him too long? Had she freaked him out? Suddenly, she felt sick. He probably thought she was freak and took off while she was in dreamland. Letting out a breath, Ruby lowered her gaze to the dark tabletop.

  «Ruby? Is everything all right?» Joshua asked.

  Looking to her right, she saw Joshua standing with a couple of drinks in his hands. Ruby smiled to herself, thinking how stupid she felt thinking he had just left without saying anything. Taking one of the drinks, Ruby took a long sip. The alcohol hit her quickly, leaving behind a tingling sensation behind. Her body felt light, and her mind felt even lighter. The slight buzz wasn't enough. She wanted more. She needed more if she were to get on the dance floor with him.