“Ladies first,” he said.
I took it, sloshing the blood causing it to run down the side of the cup and over my fingers. I licked my lips and reluctantly took a sip. The taste was wonderful. I gulped down the viscous fluid, trying not to leave a single drop. The pain was gone the moment the blood hit my stomach. I handed Marcos the cup and greedily licked my fingers clean, as I thanked them in-between the very un-lady like spectacle. When everyone had, had their share, we were off again.
“We will reach the ocean sometime tonight,” Rebecca said. “Then the real journey will begin.”
“I don’t understand, what do you mean?” I said, confused. “Where are we going from there?”
“Cuba. We have many friends there, and that is a place I assure you, that Martin will never come looking.”
“Cuba?” I asked, unable to disguise my shock. “You mean get on a boat and cross the ocean?”
“That is exactly what I mean,” Rebecca smiled. “All of the preparations have been made. We will set sail first thing tomorrow night.”
The more I learned, the more frightened I became. I had never been more than fifty miles from home in my whole life. “Well, why do we have to leave the states?” I pleaded. “Can’t we just go to New York, or Chicago, or somewhere? Maybe he won’t find me in a big city.”
“On the contraire, Martin knows how you think, Renee,” she told me. “That would be the first place he looked, knowing you would think just as you did. It is better that we get you as far away from him as possible.”
“Does it have to be Cuba? It just sounds a little scary to me, that’s all.”
“You mustn’t worry yourself,” Rebecca once again gave me that reassuring smile. “You are not the first that we have saved from the likes of Martin. Our kind, are all over the world, and Cuba is the closest safe haven that we have to this part of the states. You will love the people there, they will teach you all that you wish to know,” she said lovingly.
I still wasn’t completely convinced, but I also knew I had little in the way of choices. No one spoke as we drove and it gave me plenty of time to think on the only other choice that I could have made, and finding the one who made me into the blood breeder that I became, was out of the question. I hadn’t stopped to think much that maybe the ones that were helping me, could also be lying so that they could do what Martin had warned me about. When it did enter my mind, Rebecca’s words always felt sincere especially when I thought on what she told me when I took my brother’s life. We had traveled no more than an hour when I was overcome by a scent that I didn’t recognize. It was a good scent, something fresh, strong, and very different.
“What is that smell?” I asked. “I can’t make it out, but it’s extremely refreshing.”
“That would be the ocean, girl,” Ronny said, as if in disbelief. “Have you not seen it?”
“No, I haven’t. Pa was going to take us if we yielded a good crop next year,” I said, and the moment the words exited my mouth, I wished they hadn’t. I was once again flooded with memories of my family back on the farm.
*****
“Next year, Ma, we should have enough for that vacation you been wantin`,” my father said, patting her hand.
“I can’t wait to see them youngens faces, when they lay eyes on that beautiful ocean. I only saw it once, but Pa, it was beautiful,” my mother reminisced.
“I know, honey. We just have to pray for a good crop next year, and then you’ll get your wish,” he promised.
“I knew ‘fore I married you, Sam Crocker, you were the best.” She reached over and kissed his cheek.
“Yeah, yeah, that’s me alright. One of a kind,” and together they laughed.
*****
As the bittersweet memory cleared my mind, like magic, there it was. Even at night I could see the dark blue, nearly black water, and the white caps that formed as it rolled over the shore.
“It’s breathtaking,” I said in awe. “It’s just like my mother… used to talk about.”
“Yes it is. And the trip is one you will never forget,” Omar said, as they all began to laugh. I didn’t see what was so funny, but they all seemed to share in the humor.
A few minutes later, we pulled up in front of a fine home, right on the cliffs of the beach. It was an amazing, three stories, with a wrap-around porch. Though it was dark, it was obvious that the pristine white paint had not been applied by an amateur, and the pillars that were next to the front door seemed to be chiseled out of pure marble.
“This is where we will be staying,” Rebecca informed me. “Do you like it?”
“I ain’t never seen anything like it before in all my days,” I said, astonished. It took a second before I noticed movement inside.
“It looks like people live here. You ain’t gonna hurt them just so we can use their house, are you?” I inquired with immediate concern.
“No, of course not,” she said. “Our friends in Cuba own it. The only ones about are the housekeepers, but they are expecting us.”
I smiled for the first time in days. I had heard stories about homes like this, and now I was going to stay in one. After the car was parked, everyone made their way out, that’s when Rebecca turned to me.
“Why don’t you take a walk along the beach, Renee?” she suggested. “You have plenty of time.”
“Are you sure it’s safe?” I asked. “I mean, what if he’s been on our trail? What if…”
“He has no idea where we are,” Rebecca interrupted. “Enjoy your freedom. No harm will come to you. Would you prefer one of us to come with you?”
“Thank you, but I think I need a little time alone to clear my mind,” I said, already making my way towards the steps that led down to the shore.
When I was pretty sure no one was watching, I kicked off my shoes to feel the sand with my toes. The tide came in and washed up over my feet with a cold delight that I wasn’t expecting. The sensation was too refreshing to resist. I looked around to be sure I was alone, then stripped off everything but my undergarments, and waded in to the dark inviting water. I dove under, but came up as quick as I could. Not only did my eyes burn, but the wound on my shoulder was on fire. I licked my lips, and thought to myself, “Of course! Salt water, just like Ma said.” I disregarded the pain, and dove back under.
If only they were here with me. Most of my family was avid swimmers, and this would have been heaven compared to the little tanks we had to swim in back home. Especially for little Johnny, who was even more of a water-bug than the rest of us. The thought of Johnny drained what little pleasure I had right out of me. He would never enjoy the ocean, or anything else for that matter, I made sure of that. I slowly made my way back to my belongings and sat down in the sand. The tears came freely, and I let them.
A little while later, I heard someone coming my way. I looked up, and recognized the person as Marcos. “Are you okay, Lady Renee?” he asked. “I heard you crying as I got closer.” I wiped my face, and started putting my clothes back on.
“Yes, yes, I’m fine,” I said quickly, not wanting to go into why I was crying with this man I hardly knew. “Do you mind turning around so I can finish getting dressed?”
“Of course,” he said, already turning his back to me. “Forgive my manners.”
It only took a few minutes, before I announced I was finished.
“Lady Rebecca wanted me to inform you that it is time to return,” he said, once again facing me.
“Thanks,” was all that I said, as we headed back to the beach house.
As I entered the house, the others were standing, looking straight at me as if waiting for me. I looked around to notice that even the two males that must have been the ones that were moving about when we drove up, were both holding house hold items, looking back at me.
“How was your walk? I see you went for a swim,” Rebecca asked walking up to meet me, looking down at my drenched hair. “Tell us what you think of the ocean.”
“I have to say it was di
fferent from swimming in Pecan Creek back home, but I liked it very much.”
“Come, I will show you where you will rest,” she said seeming pleased with my answer. “I have already set up a wash basin for you.”
“You’re too kind,” I said sincerely. “I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me.”
“Please, there is no need for thanks. I’ve told you, we have dedicated our lives to helping our kind, and you are one of us now,” she replied taking me by the hand. “Come, let us girls get cleaned up, I desperately need to change the wrapping on your shoulder.”
I nodded, following her as she walked through the huge house. At first, I expected her to go upstairs, but she bypassed the stairs altogether, instead entering the kitchen. Directly to the left was a door that no doubt led downstairs. Here we go again, I thought to myself. More dirt floors, spider webs, and God only knows’ what else.
Much to my surprise, from the top of the stairs to the end of the large basement that I could see, was absolutely spotless. There were several rooms lining the walls on each side of the long hall, Rebecca stopped as we came to the second door on the right.
“This will be your room for the day,” she said, opening the door.
I gasped as I took in the sight, because it was right out of something that I had once seen in a catalog. The large bed against the far wall was adorned with beautiful lavender linens, and with so many pillows you couldn’t see the headboard. The rug appeared to be oriental, and had fringe on every edge. The dressing table looked brand-new, someone had obviously put a lot of time into ornately carving tiny leaves and flowers all the way around the mirror. In the corner sat a red velvet chaise lounge next to a small antique table, with a lantern on top that seemed to be made of china. Several paintings hung on the walls, most were ocean scenes, and one was of a palace that I couldn’t name.
“I think you will be comfortable here after what you have had to stay in,” Rebecca said.
“This is the most beautiful room that I have ever seen,” I said.
“Wait until we arrive at the mansion in Cuba, this place pales in comparison. Feel free to make yourself at home.” she said as she walked into the room, heading towards the dresser. “There is night wear in the armoire, as well as a few dresses to choose from to wear on our journey.”
“I don’t know what to say, Rebecca.”
“Here, let me help you undress,” she said walking over to where I stood by the bed. “I need to check your wounds before bed.”
I had never taken off of my clothes in front of anyone other than my mother and little Edna. It felt a little strange, but I felt I could trust this woman, because she had already done so much for me. I began taking off my tattered dress, and after momentarily pausing, removed the slip as well. I stood there half-naked as she watched.
“Come and sit so that I can clean the wound on your shoulder,” she said, tapping the chair at the dressing table. I went over and sat down, catching a glance of myself in the mirror.
“I’m a mess. I look older somehow, and I don’t think I’ll ever get these tangles out.” I said picking up a wad of my hair.
“Not to worry, I’ll help you. First just let me have a look at this.” She began removing the stained, dirty rags from my shoulder, and I could see in the mirror that it was almost scabbed over.
“Will I ever get used to things like this?” I asked. “It’s been, what, four nights, and it’s all but healed? I haven’t even noticed the broken bone in my arm for the last two days.”
“It is one of the many perks of being our kind,” she told me as she dipped the clean white cloth in the basin full of water. “We heal much faster than we did in our other lives.” She finished helping me clean myself, and then started brushing out my hair.
“You are a very beautiful woman, Renee. I can see why Martin chose you.”
“Rebecca? How do you know Martin, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“No, not at all,” she shook her head. “He made me as well, many years ago. We became lovers for a short time, but I wasn’t good enough for our Martin. So, I escaped his clutches. He also made me do things you cannot imagine, but I had no rescuer as you have, my dear. You are very lucky we came to you when we did, before he could harm you the way men do women.”
I found her words hard to believe at first like I had every time that we had, had the chance to speak. Up until Martin made me take my brother’s life, he had been so respectful and benignant that I would have never in a million years thought him to be the evil man that Rebecca and I now talked about. But now I knew he was a deplorable man, and after this little conversation I also felt like what she was saying had to be somewhat true. Maybe deep down I wished that things could have been as Martin had said, but everything about my new world was nothing but fallacy up to this point. How could it be that I hated him so much, and in the same breath, I catch myself wondering what he is doing? Was he searching for me? Was the kiss that he gave me real, or was I just another toy like Rebecca?
When she was done with my hair, I was once again starting to look like myself.
“I’ll leave you to your rest now. Tomorrow night we will travel to a place where you will be safe from him forever,” she said, in a voice that was almost motherly.
“I owe you so much and have nothing to give you to show my gratitude,” I stood and went to her.
“Your freedom and happiness are all the gratitude I need.” And with that she left.
I closed the door behind her, and went to the wash basin. I cleaned the rest of my body the best I could, and then pulled on the gown that had been laid out for me. I felt like a lady of society. Of course I knew better, but this room let me pretend I was in another world, one without all the formidable things that had happened in the past few weeks. As I pulled back the covers, I found yet another luxury: silk sheets. I slid into the bed, and as I did, my breath caught in my throat. The sheets were cold to the touch, clutching at my body as I slid deeper into the bed. It took only a minute before I was comfortable, and before I knew it, all thought and discomfort had left my body and I soon drifted into nothingness, well before the dawn had a chance to pull me under its powerful grip.
Chapter 8
The next evening, I awoke more refreshed than I had in days, and although I was still a little apprehensive, I was almost looking forward to the voyage that would bring me to an unconventional, yet unique beginning hopefully free of the hell that existing by night had proven so far. I changed into one of the dresses provided, brushed through my hair, and headed upstairs. Everyone was moving about in an organized chaos, much different from when I stepped in the room last night. No one even glanced my way, that’s when I noticed some men there that I had never seen, and they were speaking a language that I didn’t understand. I found Rebecca at the dining room table with an older, rough-looking man. She saw me approaching and smiled.
“Good evening, Renee. How was your rest?” she asked.
“The best I’ve had in a long time, thank you.” I replied.
“I would like you to meet the captain that will be seeing us safely to Cuba,” she said motioning toward the man seated next to her. I walked over to shake his hand and introduce myself, but before I could say a word he was on his feet.
“So this is the fair Renee. We have spoken much of you. My name is Capitan Delarosa, but you may call me Capie,” he said with a slight bow.
I knew as soon as I walked in that the Capitan wasn’t even close to being like us. Nor were the other men scurrying around the house, for that matter. Rebecca must have seen the recognition on my face, because she quickly said, “Our friends in Cuba have hired Capie. He knows everything about us. You can trust him with your life.”
“I didn’t mean to look rude. Please forgive me, Mr. Delarosa,” I said before he stopped me.
“No, no, meja, you must call me Capie. I feel for what has been done to you, and I promise no harm will come to you on this journey. I have taken many
of your kind across, so I understand your concerns,” he said, bringing a small smile to my face. “See, old Capie can still make a woman smile,” he added, giving me a wink. “If you will excuse me, ladies, I have a boat to prepare. We will see you aboard in a little while.” He clicked his heels, spun around, and marched out of the room with such flair, that Rebecca and I looked at each other and burst out laughing.
“That is the first time that I have seen you laugh,” Rebecca observed. “You are a strong woman; I believe you will do well in Cuba.”
“I hope so. If this is what my future is, then I best get used to it. Was it hard for you? I mean, did it take long to accept what you are?” I asked.
“My story is a long one, and there are many tales to tell.” she paused, and then looked up at me. “It is hard for everyone in the beginning. After so much time, you forget what you once were, and you live anew.”
My heart went out to her. She gave the impression she was invincible, but right now she seemed sad and vulnerable. I walked over and gave her a big Texas hug. “I have already learned so much from you. I hope we can become real friends.”
“I would like that as well. Okay, enough before I cry,” she laughed. “We must be on our way. Don’t want to keep old Capie waiting.” For the first time since all this started, I felt like I had a friend, a true friend.
We left on foot, carrying bags and several boxes of what I assumed were supplies, along with three goats. We walked along the beach about twenty minutes until we came to a bend, which led to a large dock. Parked at the dock was a rusty old steamboat, and I thought to myself, Well, I guess that’ll be home for the next week or so. One by one, we passed along our belongings to one of Capie’s crew, who seemed to be more than a little afraid of us, wide-eyed, sweating on the forehead, all with the shaky hand kind of fear was definitely apparent.
After everything was loaded, including us, Capie called out, “Let’s get this ole bitch out to sea boys.” He looked over at Rebecca and myself, and with a small bow of the head, quietly added, “Pardon my words, ladies.” We just smiled, because I think both of us had probably said worse things than what we had just heard. Still, it was nice to see a fellow be a gentleman for a change.
Living in Darkness (Bloodbreeders) Page 7
