The Last Vampire

by Mary Danganan

  After a long while, I felt the load on my chest lifted.

  There was still hope.

  Chapter 11: Jorge Savage

  Standing on one of the highest branches of a towering, healthy tree would be a nightmare for those who fear heights. I had never done this again since I was aged five, but it felt like yesterday. Despite the thought of me being too clumsy or unskilled to pull this deed off, I was able to balance myself like an inherent or experienced vampire.

  Indeed, Peyton had caused a chain reaction in my system that hit me hard in the head. She had made me feel like a human, exploring the depths of romance and bliss. It was one of the best chapters of my life. Being with her always felt like a sweet dream where I could be what I want, and be with who I wanted to be. She made my eyes and heart open to the possibilities of this world waiting for me.

  Thousands of years might be too long for me to stay in my library all the time, locking myself around books and works of art to learn about the world. Learning the most basic things as well as the most intricate concepts of humans through reading was undoubtedly effective, but I never knew there was a better alternative for grasping the knowledge of the world.

  That would be Peyton.

  I took a deep breath and closed my eyes as I felt the cool breeze of the night. It had been only a few days, but it felt like ages. There had been a big hole gaping through my chest, and my days were lived by as if time was only ticking through the clock. I was lifeless, but it was necessary. This was what was supposed to be done.

  I kept a vigilant eye around, enjoying the stealth the thick leaves had provided as I scouted the area. The forest was quiet and serene except for the animals thriving in there. The search for hunt had been their primary goal. We were significantly similar in goal for some reason. They looked for food to eat while I sought to catch that abhorrent mercenary in the wild.

  After a few moments of watching the forest’s vicinity, I spotted some weird movements from the right side of where I stood. I sat down and kept myself hidden on the thick, robust trunk of the tree as I darted my eyes on the suspicious shadow. I could not determine his face although my visuals were extraordinarily advanced from that of humans. His features were covert with a black, fitted suit.

  Whoever he was, he must be too smart to keep his back against me. I would believe it if he was aware of my presence behind him, but that would not help me in developing leads to whoever the culprit for the crimes was.

  I was frozen like a statue, trying not to make the tiniest, most inaudible sound from the trees. If he was one of us, then he should sense whatever small acts I did. I should keep my cover hidden and unnoticed.

  As I watched his figure, I comprehended based on his gestures that he was searching for something. I kept my eyes fixated on him as he walked around the solitude of the forest, surveying the surroundings for potential threats.

  My heart beat faster as I caught sight of him pausing his stride. He moved his head slowly on both of his sides as if he was conscious of someone staring at him. I felt the blood rushing through my veins raced in terror as he slowly turned around, facing my direction as I watched him do it with a certain degree of excitement and suspense.

  He was facing me, but his hood was too low on his face to keep his cover. I tried to decipher his features, but all I could see was his silhouette through the full black suit. The only part of his body shown was his lips, which were curled upwards in an awkward and creepy manner. I felt how exposed I was for him to see, while I sat there clueless about who this opponent could be.

  That brief and heart-pounding eye contact caused me to feel like I was hypnotized in a daze. Another gush of chilly cold wind hit my skin, which seemed to get me back to my conscious self. As I reckoned my surroundings, I was stunned to realize that the mysterious man was gone with the wind. I tried to search the area for possible tracks of him, but he was already nowhere to be found.

  I felt the hard beating against my chest once again caused by mixed emotions crashing through my soul. I was frightened by the unknown, angered by the massive deaths and saddened by the fading future I had been envisioning days ago with Peyton. There was no longer a time to wander with my own desires. If I truly love Peyton, I should keep her safe no matter what cost it traded off.

  With the intense determination of a lion, I leaped from one branch to the other, coursing the air like a free bird as I moved from tree to tree. My eyes were too keen for the slightest movements around me. My entire muscles were at their climax due to the adrenaline throughout my system, as if I was going to blow due to the tension my brain and heart struggled in the hunt.

  I was about to reach the end of the forest, yet I had no trace of the cryptic figure that smiled at me. I tried to return and repeat my conquest, but it was only a waste of time and effort. He was nowhere to be found. He had fled to wherever place he hid away.

  The night was starting to grow deeper as the moon lit the small town of Kingsville. I decided to yield the search and return home, but something deep inside of me pulled me away as I took more steps back at our house. I had not talked again with my father since that horrible night, and I did not want to give it a shot tonight. I knew I was an ingrate for speaking those rude things about him, and I realized how terrible my mistake was. I would be dying to let him know how sorry I was, but I guess I was not yet ready to face him right now.

  The weight of this problem had me pressured like nuts. Although I was out of the picture and totally innocent of these crimes, I felt like the most responsible person among anyone else. I could never let anyone get hurt, especially Peyton.

  Peyton.

  My head started to get dizzy at the mere thought of Peyton. I tried my best to eradicate her from my brain, but she kept on coming back. She was like a drug I could not refuse, a guilty pleasure I could not tame. Even though I kept myself busy by either researching on this perplexing persona or spying the woods, she always managed to pop out in my mind to make me feel nostalgic.

  Perhaps a quick trip to the places we go would not hurt, right?

  I did not contradict the idea. My feet moved on its own, running at top speed only supernatural individuals could exhibit. Keeping my presence surreptitious, I looked around to find the woman that changed my life on the part of the woods where we used to stroll.

  Definitely, this made me recall memories. Her beautiful, angelic face was all I could see. I could picture us walking side by side, gleefully enjoying a funny conversation she led. The glimmer of her smile and the sparkle in her eyes were all that it took for the world around me to stop moving. She was everything that I needed. Her smile made me live.

  I let out a heavy sigh as I traversed the park where we last spent the beautiful, sunny morning together. Nothing had changed much, except for that I was there alone with nobody beside me. The darkness and coldness of the night reminded me that things had changed since that day. She was gone because I decided to leave. My heart sank deep into my chest.

  I sat on the bench we sat that day. My fingers ran through the cool, wooden surface of the seat we shared. She was no longer there. I was alone here, hoping for the impossible to return back to that day when we were so elated and contented with no things to worry about in life.

  Everything had changed.

  I stood up from the bench and walked with speedy steps. I could not take it anymore. I was dying to see her again, even if she would not know I was near her. I wanted to make sure she was fine and unharmed.

  I wanted to protect her.

  As I ventured the way towards her home, I could not hide the excitement that I felt. My hands were shaking, my heart thumping loudly, and the smile on my face was unstoppable. Seeing her after the long days I had endured felt like a homecoming trip.

  Arriving in front of her home, I looked around the house to see if she was inside. The lights were still off and there were no signs of life in the establishment. I kept my cover behind a thick, round bush that was enough to hide me from passers-by an
d town folks around.

  After a few more minutes, I caught glimpse of an unfamiliar pick up slowing down as it approached Peyton’s house. This had captivated my attention as if another secret was yet to be uncovered this night.

  My eyes were nailed to the driver’s seat, trying to comprehend the face of the person inside the vehicle. As soon as the car stopped and parked before her house, I patiently waited for the person to come out. I felt my heart skipped a beat as I saw Peyton emerging from the passenger seat, flashing a joyous smile.

  She looked happy and radiant as before. Nothing had changed about her. She was still mesmerizing and alluring with all her simple yet elegant ways. I could not help but smile as well, delighted by the sight of her despite the tough, difficult days that had passed.

  My smile faded away as a man ascended from the driver’s seat, coming out of the car and walking towards Peyton. I could still remember the man’ features and physique in just one look. He was the man Peyton was with during that night we first met at the local diner.

  Peyton had told me before that he was just a friend, and that nothing more than that would bloom from their long-term relationship. I had held on to her words, and I believed her because I felt her candor as she spoke about him. I was to turn around with a newfound happiness to inspire me to go on with life until I heard him call her name.

  “Peyton.”

  There was a tone of uncertainty and hint of worry in his voice. Intrigued by whatever words he would utter next, I returned to my post and eavesdropped to their serious conversation.

  “Yeah, James?”

  “I have to tell you something.”

  “What is it about?”

  “Peyton, I like you. I like you a lot.”

  My brows narrowed together, disgusted by the man’s statement. There was nothing to bother about, though. I continued my silent viewing, expecting that Peyton would turn him down in the nicest way she could without hurting his feelings.

  Instead of hearing the answer I hoped for, my body drained all of its blood as I watched the next thing that happened.

  Peyton stood on tiptoe as she closed her eyes and kissed the man on the cheek. After which, she smiled at him coyly.

  I stood up although my feet felt wobbly and weak. I ran as fast as I could away from them, keeping my ears and eyes shut to whatever that would happen next.

  The show was done and it was time to leave.

  Chapter 12: Peyton Hunt

  “I am happy to have you in my life, James. You are irreplaceable.” I spoke those words as I smiled with genuine jubilation and contentment. “You are my number one cheerleader.”

  His eyes were not lying. The happiness on his perfect pair of tantalizing eyes was clear over his eyeglasses. He was outstanding and adorable in his own ways, and I was truly lucky to have captured his attention all this time.

  “But James, you know that you are my best bud in the world. I won’t trade that for anything else.” I was cautious with my words, keeping them gentle and courteous for James. Although he was the type of man every woman would dream of loving and having as a life-long companion, I could not see myself being the perfect fit for him. He was always a brother to me.

  The pleasure in his eyes vanished as those words escaped my lips. I could see the sadness replacing his joy, but he quickly put on a smile on his face.

  “Wow, getting dump seems to be not bad at all.” He let out a chuckle, although I knew he was coping with the pain. I embraced him as tight as I could, mending the pain he felt in the way I knew I could.

  “I know you’ll find the perfect girl.”

  “I already did.”

  As we broke the hug, James walked towards his pick up and started the engine. I waved my hand as I watched him drove away. I led my feet towards the front door, eager to collapse on my bed after another long, tiring day.

  And yet, I hurt another beautiful soul. He was ready to stay, and yet I shut him away. Guess I was pretty bad at keeping people to stay around me.

  I had somehow anticipated that he would confess today, that he would eventually express his feelings that I had long felt. It was a little difficult for me to face the music I had longed grooved with. I had loved James with all my heart and soul, but that degree of affection would be unfair for him since it was at a family level sort of love.

  Deep inside of me hoped that it would be better if someone else confessed his love for me. My mind had been imagining his face all this time, although I tried my best to restrict thoughts of him from my head. I hoped to forget him, but my heart could not simply perform the deed. It was always about Jorge, and it would always be him.

  Now that he was gone, I wished it was easy to replace him. James could have been a great man, but I just could not deceive others to blindfold my heart with lies and distractions.

  On the brighter side, I knew I did the right thing. If I told James that I was ready to give him a chance, then I’ll end up deepening the wound I was supposed to stab on his chest. Lying to him would ruin things in a more miserable way, and I could not afford to choose the worse damage rather than the lesser inflicting one.

  I walked into my home, feeling more hopeful and optimistic about my life. I had messed up big time with a lot of things I dearly treasured. I needed to catch up from all the lapses I had developed these past days. I needed to grow up and mature into a better, stronger person.

  One of the things I needed to patch up was my career. I had successfully turned into the woman the editor-in-chief had always thought I was. I could not fail him again with another failure.

  I walked towards my room and went towards the pile of boxes placed near my work desk. I carried them carefully towards my bed, unloading all the contents on my stale white, dirty bed sheet. My eyes swarmed around all the goodies that scattered on the fabric.

  These were everything the anonymous source had sent me including the first box. It had been weeks since he last sent the box, which was the package that contained the ancient book about vampires. My investigation had ceased to progress since I was stuck with nothing but these clues I could no longer dissect and study. All of the ideas and notions had already been expended, still, there was nothing I could conclude or use as a clue.

  I looked at them again closely, studying anything weird or peculiar about the photos. There was nothing about them that seemed to be a hidden message, nor a symbol similar to each picture. I cupped my chin as I studied them again, trying to squeeze whatever brain juice remained in my head.

  After long minutes of staring at them, I got nothing but only news articles about the horrible killings and photographs of odd, bizarre victims of murder. It was a hopeless effort so I succumb to studying the old, eccentric book instead.

  It was a bold effort to study the book since it was written in characters I could not decode. Despite the side notes and comments written by Kirsten on an attached paper, I still had a hard time utilizing the book as a clue. It was like speaking underwater with the end product of choking myself to death without any triumphant results.

  I closed the book hard and collapsed on the soft, comfortable bed. Negligent of the photographs and news clippings I had laid on, I rested my eyes and closed them for some few moments. I wanted to doze off and relax, but the tension of my job had been driving me crazy. I needed to deliver something to the table. I needed to impress the editor-in-chief and work on a real, big-time scoop.

  I sat up again and let out a sigh. Some of the pictures and papers were stuck on my skin, so I pulled them carefully so as not to tear or ruin the clues I had been given. As I took one of the papers, I noticed something I had never realized before.

  I took the other newspaper clips and photos that were on the bedding. I flipped them so they were facing the surface of the bed. My eyes grew into big, awestruck pairs of balls. The delicate, yellow pages, if flipped upside down, showed another clue I had never seen before.

  The fragments of the news clippings were cut portions of a sketched drawing of
a vivid, clear figure I could still not understand. I put the pieces together like a puzzle, trying my best to fit each news clipping to create a whole new story.

  As the fragments had come together into a decent entirety, I had come up with an awkward portrait of a man drawn in precise strokes and lines as if it was a real photo. Despite these pieces of paper giving me another angle of the murder cases, a piece of the sketch was lost no matter where I searched.

  The person in it was wearing a black suit that looked pretty expensive and old-fashioned. Although there was a lost piece of the sketch, I could conclude that the portrait pertained to a man drawn by the artist in the early years of the world.

  It was another ancient photo, but it was significantly incomplete. The face of the man remained as the missing piece of the puzzle, and I wondered where that last piece could be found.

  Chapter 13: Jorge Savage

  It was a nostalgic night. The chills of my first date with Peyton topped by the threatening appearance of a suspicious source associated a combination of memories in both ends, ripping apart in a battle of tug of war in my head.

  I thought there was something to look forward despite the long, tiring night of scouting and finding the nemesis, but I guessed the other end of the rope had managed to pull the opposite end. The spark of joy from the night had lost its luster as if it was a light bulb nearing its life and purpose.

  If it was possible to tear someone else’s heart, then Peyton could have possibly done so. My chest was hurting as if a fatal predator had made its way on my body to wrap me in the most torturous way. It was a slow, laborious death, and as the seconds ticked away from the clock, I felt my heart’s pieces falling from the entire ensemble.

  I knew it was my fault, but the pain in my chest was excruciating and extremely deep. It got me on my Achilles’ heel as if my strength had depleted into zero balance. The last thing I could imagine was Peyton seeing another guy, or at least that would occur after some time, but my worst nightmare had commenced. Elevating the terror, I had to witness their sweet encounter with my very own eyes.