Evilution

by Lisa Moore

  Chapter 15

  I Learn About Lily

  The next several weeks would fly by. Time for a vampire takes on a totally different meaning the older you get, but for now I am sailing through it riding the crest of time Lily and I spend together, like a surfer riding the perfect wave. Mid terms have come and gone and the students are preparing for finals and holiday break. Lily and I spent most of our time away from campus together at her home. I drive Lily to campus in the morning; we each go about our day, meeting for lunch or coffee when we are able. At the end of the day I drive us back to her house where we often spend the evening learning more about each other.

  This evening Lily was telling me about her family. As I have said previously, Lily is truly an intriguing woman. She was born April 16, 1977, in Oceanside, New York, the older of two children, to John and Isabella Bean. Her younger brother Angelo was born three years later. As Lily speaks of her early childhood and her family, I get a sense of a happy middle class family living in suburbia. That is until she told me the story that marks the end of her childhood. Lily’s father was a Vice Detective in New York City, his territory included Chinatown. As we sat before her fire enjoying the closeness we now shared, she told me the story of how her father died.

  “It was a family ritual of sorts; we used to go in for dinner at least once a month. Every time we walked down those familiar wear worn stairs, met by the exotic smells that would envelope you as you opened the heavy glass door, I would start to salivate like Pavlov’s dog. When we walked into Hop Lee the owner, Jimmy, would personally come out and greet our family. Jimmy was a young Chinese man, too thin for a man who owned his own restaurant. He was a chain smoker, with crooked, stained teeth, that always had a toothpick hanging from one corner of his smiling face. He would say a few quick words to the staff and a table would be set for us.

  Our family was always sat at a large center table. We would be one of the few, or more often only, non Asian family in the restaurant. Our table was also the only one that ever had a tablecloth on it. I remember that we never ordered from a menu, in fact Jimmy used to order everything for us. I learned to eat snails and frog legs and they soon became my favorite foods of all time. Jimmy used to like me; I think he was amazed at my willingness to try anything and the gusto to which I could bring to eating. When he would tell us about the food he ordered, he would always add “and of course some snails for you, little lady”. Jimmy would often come by our table to share a drink with my dad at the end of our meal. I didn’t understand then why we got such preferential treatment when we went to Hop Lee for dinner. I remember feeling like my dad must be important, he certainly was shown a lot of respect from Jimmy and the staff, but it wasn’t until I was older that I would understand. My father was a Vice detective, Jimmy was heroine thin and my father worked to keep Chinatown clean and safe. Jimmy, even though he was an addict, appreciated my dad for his role in the community.

  My Dad started as a beat detective in Chinatown and used to eat at Hop Lee for lunch or dinner when he worked. He and Jimmy knew each other for a long time and had developed a sort of friendship. I was twelve years old; we were on one of our regular trips to Hop Lee. After dinner we would often walk down Canal Street where the street vendors would sell their wares. We would digest as we walked passed stalls with brightly colored silk dresses, jade jewelry, and tubs of little pet turtles. Everything was as it should be, me and my dad walking hand in hand, my mother and brother a short distance behind us. My brother always had to stop and check out the turtles and each time pleaded with my parents to buy one.”

  Lily pauses in her story and wipes away the tears that have started to stream down her cheeks. She takes a deep breath and pushes on with her recollection. I can see this is hard for her, but I also see that she needs to share this with me. This would be a defining moment in her life and it is part of what makes her who she is today.

  “So, as my mother and brother are looking at turtles my father and I continue walking ahead. There is a point where the vendor stalls end and the restaurant workers receive their deliveries. As we came up to this area two men were hunched over the back of an open van. I could just make out the shape of a long black object sticking part way out of a box as we walked closer. My father must have seen it too, because his demeanor changed instantly, his hand that had previously held mine in a light clasp, clamped down like a vice. What happened next seemed to occur in slow motion though in reality lasted only seconds. It seemed the two men were drug dealers. They had been arguing so intently that when we approached they seemed startled. One of the men reached into the truck and pulled out the long black object. My father seeing this shoved me back hard and I skid backward into the side of the last vendors stall. The sound of the gun fire was like really loud fireworks. The man with the machine gun had fired on the man who had been arguing with him. My father, who always carried a gun, even off duty, had pulled his hand gun as he threw me towards safety. My father fired one shot, hitting the man with the machine gun right between his eyes. As I watched the thin line of blood spill from that third eye I was hit with the metallic smell of fresh blood and gun powder mingled with the aromas of china town, I rolled to my side and puked. There was a lot of screaming and people shouting in Chinese. I guess I was in shock, because for several long minutes I was paralyzed. As I looked around at the scene before me, the blue acrid smoke from the gun swirling upward, my head ringing from the gun shots, I saw my dad slump down with his back against the van. A red stain started to spread from his stomach and down the front of his pants. Even as I watched this happen my mind would not connect the dots. I remember wondering what kind of drink must have spilled on his clothes, and the look on his face, like he knew mom was going to be mad. My mother’s screams echoed in my head and yet I still could not move.

  I remember Jimmy coming running out and him carrying my brother and I back into the restaurant. I remember thinking he was strong for such a skinny guy to be running with me and my brother in his arms. It is weird what the mind focuses on during times of trauma. My father died three days later from gun shot wounds to the stomach. His funeral was attended by all of the city brass, as was expected when an officer died, but in addition to all of the police and service members, about half the population of Chinatown turned out to mourn my fathers passing. It took a lot of years in therapy for me to be able to come to grips with what I had witnessed. I haven’t said that story out loud in a long time. I don’t know why I even brought it up, other than I feel like you should know about my family. It certainly isn’t the cheeriest of family tales.”

  I pulled Lily toward me and held her tight as she cried softly against my chest. “I can only imagine what it must have been like for you to have to live through such an ordeal. I know even retelling me the story was extremely painful for you. I have always felt that we are not defined by the events of our lives but by how we respond to them. For you and your family to overcome such trauma and successfully rebuild your lives shows incredible strength of character. Lily, that experience is part of what has made you into the strong, beautiful, woman that sits in my arms. Through the terrible pain and loss you were not only able to survive but thrive. It is a testament to the human spirit, that even living through such a dark and turbulent experience a young soul can heal. I think your father would be proud of the woman you are. I know I have never met another as extraordinary as you.”

  Lily was drained after the emotional outpouring that went with revealing the story of her father. We lay together on the couch, Lily tightly tucked in by my embrace. We didn’t talk, and we didn’t have to. As I held Lily against me, stroking her hair, I thought of her pain at the loss of her father and the frailty of man. I am nearly immortal and in love with a fragile, mortal human. The pain of loss is something I have not had to deal with for a long time. I have suffered my share of loss, but the years ease the pain, and I have had many years to accept it. But now I suddenly feel very human, for the f
ear I have of losing Lily, of something terrible happening to her, is palpable. I made a silent vow to be this fragile creature’s protector. I know I would walk through the very fires of hell if it meant saving her from harm. I also know that I cannot protect her from everything, and that is the thought that circles through my head as I watch Lily finally give in to sleep.

  Her sleep is deep but troubled, from her sleep talking and anguished pleas for help, I surmise she is reliving the tale of her father’s death in her dream. After a while she finally quiets and her slumber is uninterrupted. I lay there all night holding Lily in my arms, and all night I dwelled on the seed of dread that had been planted in my gut. The dread of knowing that one day, Lily would die and I would be alone again.

  Chapter 16

  We Take a Little Trip

  I got up early and left Lily sleeping peacefully on the couch. In the kitchen I quietly prepared a breakfast for her. I fed Pumpkin and let her out, she has finally settled down around me and I would even say she likes me. Feeding her helps, she loves food, very much like her mistress. One thing I have learned about Lily is that food is not just about the sustenance for her. She seems to enjoy food on an almost spiritual level. Certainly her mood can be altered by food as well as alter her food choices. About the only constant I have noticed, is that chocolate seems to work at improving almost every scenario. This morning I make her a batch of chocolate chip pancakes, with a cheese omelet and fruit plate. The smell of the coffee finally stirs her. It is Friday. One more week of classes and one week of finals and then the College is on winter break.

  “Good morning, how do you feel?” I ask as she walks over and takes the steaming mug of coffee I offer. She inhales the steam deeply, kisses my chest, which is even with her lips, and replies “I kind of feel like I have a hangover, an emotional hangover. I also feel a little lighter, like a deep dark secret from my past has been revealed and you didn’t run away or turn to dust.” “One thing you have yet to learn about me Lily is that I don’t scare easily.” I chuckled as I said this but not just for levity but because I am usually the one doing the scaring.

  “Wow! Chocolate, cheese and fruit, the perfect comfort food breakfast! Thank you Max and not just for the breakfast, your support last night means so much to me.” “I will be here for you for eternity if you will let me.” I responded. “Now eat, you have to go to campus and I need to go home to check on a few things.” Lily, finished eating and took a quick shower, it took a great deal of effort not to join her in the shower but I knew the responsible thing to do was let her be on time for class. Besides I had plans for this weekend. “Do you have anything pressing this weekend?” I asked her through the thrum of the shower. As the water turned off she poked her head out from behind the curtain, “Actually, no. I have my lecture plans and review for the last week ready and my final is finished and printed. Did you have something in mind?” “I would love to take you camping, there is a spectacular spot near Racquet Lake, and they have these Yurts that are beautiful. I promise it will be an adventure you will love” I said enthusiastically. “I always wanted to try out a Yurt and the thought of escaping for a weekend sounds like just what the doctor ordered.” “Excellent, throw a few things in a bag before we leave, I will take you to campus, swing by my farm and pick you up at 3:00. We will be in front of a cozy fire by 6:00.” “You’re not going to class?” She asked. I smiled a sly grin as I replied “I’m good friends with the professor, I think I can persuade her to give me a recap of the lecture, and I’m sure I can get the notes from someone.” She seemed to be weighing the fact of me skipping class with the prospect of our weekend getaway. “Hmm” was her only response.

  I felt much better on the drive up to campus, buoyed by the weekend getaway plan that was slowly evolving in my head. I wanted this weekend to be one of those events in your life that you talk about when you’re old, memorable and defining. I dropped off Lily and instead of her customary quick peck good bye she kissed me, a sweet passionate kiss. “I’ll see you at three.” She said and she was jogging happily off to class. I had a lot to do to get ready for this weekend. First I called the campsite that rents out the yurts. The man told me he had no available yurts left. I decided an in person request was in order and drove to my farm. After parking I took off through the woods at the back of my property. From there, there is nearly unbroken forest between my home and the campsite.

  I walked into the campground office to find the clerk to inquire about the rental. A man of about 40 came out from a back area. He looked like the stereotype of a park ranger. Ruddy, weather worn and sturdy, he came to the desk and introduced himself as Jack Miller, Park Ranger and general manager of everything, since he was the only full time employee during the winter months. I introduced myself and inquired about the yurt rental. He told me he had one left but it was reserved for a couple arriving tomorrow. He informed me he had a cabin available if I wanted. As I have mentioned earlier the power of persuasion is a gift I have, but infrequently use, this weekend however I want to be perfect. Within minutes Ranger Miller was apologizing for the mix up, he indeed had one yurt left, that couple arriving tomorrow were actually signed up for the cabin. I thanked him for “double checking” and gave him a generous tip. He tried to decline the money but a further nudge of his mind had him compliant.

  I found the spot, it was indeed perfect; completely surrounded by woods on all sides save for the front, which faced a panoramic view of Racquet Lake in all its magnificent winter glory. I took a look at the accommodations and made a mental list of the provisions we would need. A quick dash out into the woods and I had enough firewood split and ready for three weeks worth of fires. After a quick chat with Ranger Miller, I head back to the farm. I feed on the remaining blood supply I have left from Delhi, shower, throw my things in a bag and head out to the grocery store. I get all the provisions I think we will need, stop by the liquor store for some wine and head over to Lily’s. I pick up Pumpkin, some dog food, treats, and her bed and pack up my truck for the trip. Pumpkin decides to stretch out across the back seat and fall asleep.

  I pull up to campus at five of three. I see Lily walking toward me. She is not alone. Her friend Paul is there. I can hear their conversation and a small guttural growl escapes my lips. Pumpkin picks up her head for a second but then goes back to sleep. I hear Paul questioning the idea of Lily and me going away for the weekend. It seems he has yet to accept that we are together. Lily turns from Paul and in an exasperated tone tells him she has to go. He calls to her back “Remember Jelly Bean I am just a phone call away if you need me.” She does not turn around so Paul misses the look of annoyance on her face. As she sees me, her visage is morphed into a radiant smile and a look of love and longing. I come around to open the door for her and before she slips in I embrace her. I kiss her with a passion that has her slightly breathless as we release. She looks up at me with scolding eyes. I tell her “I know it is totally immature but something about that guy rubs me the wrong way. His persistent attempts at insinuating himself between us makes me feel very territorial.” “Look, I’ll talk to him again when we get back, he is a good person at heart and he thinks he is trying to protect me. Let’s not worry about him. Let’s just get away from here.”

  As I open the door for Lily to get in the car I see Paul staring at us with a look of contempt on his face. This is more than my predatory nature can take and the look I return to him hits its mark hard. The contemptuous look was quickly replaced by one of unease. I have an ability to portray in a look all the power and ferocity contained by my humanity, a glimpse of the feral beast I can be if challenged. My image morphs so quickly from calm to ferocious and back to calm that Paul isn’t even sure what he saw. He only knows he is left with a feeling of unease and will think twice about interfering in my relationship with Lily. As I pull away from campus I can’t help but smile as I glimpse Paul’s retreating frame sulking away.

  The drive to our camp site is leisure
ly. We enjoy the beauty of winter in the Adirondack region, even its starkness, in such contrast to the same area in spring or summer, is beautiful. The woods and mountains are blanketed in white, remnants of an earlier snow fall. As we drive into the campgrounds dusk dissolves all the hard edges, and its blue hue further distorts the view out over the lake. The effect creates a hazy dreamlike image of the surroundings. We walk up the two steps to our yurt. The key is under the doormat as I had suggested to Ranger Miller earlier. When Lily opened the door she inhaled sharply in surprise. I had suggested a few romantic touches to the Ranger as well, and it seemed he followed through to the letter.

  Chapter 17

  A Surprise for Lily

  The interior of the yurt was a glow in a soft white light provided by dozens of tea-lite candles that seemed to dot every surface. A fire burning steadily in the fireplace at the yurt’s center added to the effect. In addition to the candles, there were dozens of vases all filled with different varieties of lilies placed about the room. When we walked into the bedroom space I could see Ranger Miller had outdone himself. The bed had been turned down and at its center was a beautifully wrapped box, presumably chocolates, and lying across one pillow was a single white lily. The effect this all had on Lily was priceless. She quite literally flitted around the room looking at all of the flowers; as she came full circle, she threw her arms around my neck and said she forgave me for skipping class. “How did you do all this? It is so beautiful.” She said doing a little twirl to take it all in. “I am a man of many talents, and you are by far, the most beautiful element in this picturesque setting.”