Bloods Gem

by Gloria Conway

  The things my brother said, were exactly what I felt. He knew the feeling of not being given a choice and hating it. But, I also knew much of what he said was bullshit. No one believed Sabrina was his gem. He had her under his control, but there was nothing more to it than that. If his story were true I could relate to the resentment part and wanting to take my life in my own hands instead of leaving it to fate. I suppose in my mind I want to be in control of everything about me and my life. Not surrendering my life to someone else. This is difficult, because if what he said was true and she is my gem--my destiny--then I should be able to control certain desires, like the one saying to suck her dry. What if I’d… last night… I would have been dead.

  After my conversation with Adrian, I went back to my room, made myself call her, believing that hearing her voice would make it more real. If I still felt as I had on the previous night, then maybe it would feel natural. The possibility that she would be right for me. My soul mate. The thought made me laugh out loud.

  I grabbed her phone number from the trash, picked up my phone and dialed the number. The area code was different, a United States number. Ringing, my hand gripped the phone tightly.

  “Hello?” she answered. The same voice I had in my head, that sweet innocent voice, made my whole body tremble.

  I grabbed hold of my dresser feeling my legs buckling under me.

  “Hello. Am I speaking to Faith?” I asked.

  “This is her,” she replied.

  “Faith, my name is Daniel Hill. We met at the bar last night. I’m sorry about the incident, I’d had too much too drink and…”

  “Oh.” She started to giggle.

  Now I felt stupid. I punched the wall, putting a hole through it.

  “I remember you. You’re the one who passed out at my feet.”

  Putting my hand to my head and falling down on my bed, I managed the words… “Again, I'm sorry,” to be polite. We continued to talk but it was an embarrassing situation I had no control over. She told me she was visiting with friends, but she was leaving to return to the states. I asked her if we could possibly meet up before she left and she agreed.

  I had no idea how to get her to stay or tell her what she was to me. It seemed impossible, but I do have my gifts of persuasion… Or I could woo her into staying. Bring my charm with me and hope for the best, but I still had not figured out how to get close to her without acting crazy.

  Chapter Eight

  Daniel

  We were to meet at Cafe La Blue. I took a shower, gelled my hair and wore something I thought would appeal to her. I started getting nervous the closer it came time to meeting her. Donning dark glasses, I grabbed my keys. As I headed out, my sister caught me. “Where are you going? The party is going to start in a few hours.”

  “Trust me sis. I have to get something important done. I'll be on time.”

  She smirked, “Okay, I’m not responsible for you this time.”

  I kissed her on the cheek and walked out the door.

  I sat there on the patio at the cafe nervous. What to do, what to say… I wanted to keep it casual and rely on my abilities of enchanting her. It would not hurt to use my powers for this occasion. I asked the waiter for a glass of water as I reached for the bread, acting like I was doing something normal. I hated pretending to eat, no taste… I cursed the bread, as I popped a piece into my mouth. I held my stomach. That feeling again, as if someone just hit me in the gut with a metal pipe. She’s getting closer. I started panicking, what if I can’t handle the pain, or my thirst as she approached? I will… I have to. The pain worsened. When I saw her my jaw dropped.

  The pain faded as I admired her from a distance. Walking towards me, everything about her seemed perfect. From the way she walked gracefully, to her flawless dark brown hair flowing down to her waist. Though I could not see her eyes, a relief, knowing their effect.

  She wore dark glasses, as did I. Standing as she approached, I attempted to hide my awe of her beauty.

  “Faith,” I greeted her.

  “Daniel?”

  I nodded and took her hand pulling her closer, kissing both sides of her cheek. I tried not to smell her, lifted my head, feeling light-headed and opened my eyes. Moving around to her seat, I pulled out the chair for her.

  “Thank you,” she said. I put my hand on her shoulder using my ability to gain her affection. I noticed her elegant neck exposed for my viewing, making my mouth water and my pants tighter. I immediately became self-conscious and reminded myself how I wasn’t here to feed or fantasize but to win her affection.

  My hand shook on her shoulder, I quickly withdrew it, hoping she had not noticed anything. I remembered humans can’t read minds of feel our emotions so I felt a little more at ease.

  Seating myself, I smiled. it felt like a fake smile, like I was trying too hard to smile, don’t smile, stop smiling I look retarded.

  I continued to struggle with my thoughts, trying to coerce it into something else.

  Removing her glasses, she stared at me. Don’t look in her eyes. It was impossible. I stared into them, doubting she would notice through my dark glasses. We sat quietly a moment.

  “So, did you ask me here as an apology for last night?” She asked, smiling that cute smile that made me want to jump up and shout something in excitement.

  I held myself to my seat without breaking anything. I was able to speak slowly, without my voice breaking. “I just wanted to yes, apologize in person. I felt like an idiot last night for drinking so much.”

  The lie felt forced. She sat quietly gazing at me. I figured the touch was taking affect from the way she looked at me. “Well it’s fine, but there’s no need for a meeting,” she said.

  I leaned closer, still restraining myself. “So… you find me attractive?” I asked in my most seductive English accent.

  She laughed as if I had told a joke. “I’m sorry Daniel, but last night I was drunk too and shouldn’t have given you my number. I have a boyfriend back home and you're not my type.”

  I was shocked by the sharp words. She was not into me? What about the touch I gave her? My charm had not worked on this girl and I found it frustrating.

  A piece of the chair between my palms began melting, I was holding it so hard. An unwanted sensation, like a sharp object twisting sprang into my chest. Followed by a tormenting pain rising into my throat, causing my eyes to sting. Liquid came from my eyes. It was foreign to me that words from this girl could inflict such pain.

  “Are you okay?” She asked worried. You look like your going to vomit or something.”

  I laughed, concealing my emotions. I was no good at this. I can always unold her right here and now. Get this shit out of the way, I thought. At the same time I did not feel a relationship should be forced.

  “I understand,” I said, responding to her hurtful comment.

  Putting my head on the table, she scooted her chair closer. Putting her hand on my shoulder, I wish she hadn't. I wanted to grab her and take her into my arms and not let go. But my desires for her blood were just as intense as wanting to love her.

  “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings,” she said.

  I laughed under my breath.

  “What?” she asked.

  “It's nothing Faith. I was just mistaken. I thought you felt the same as I.”

  She paused, seeming confused.

  “I’m sorry I gave you the wrong impression,” she said.

  “How about a friendly walk then?” I asked hopeful.

  “Sure but I don’t have long before I have to catch my flight,” she replied.

  “I'll make sure you're on time. How about I show you around London?”

  We discussed her life back in the United States as we walked. She talked of her studies in Arkansas. Soon after our discussion of her studies she mentioned her boyfriend that she met in school. I felt that tugging sensation in my chest again, but pushed it away.

  Without revealing too much about my life, I told her surface things. Te
lling her that I grew up here in London and that I have a very large close family. I left out details, like family wealth, or that she might be my gem. I didn't think it would help my agenda. I wanted her to like me, and maybe then she would feel more comfortable with being friends.

  When I took her by the park, she jumped on the horse statue and began humming. I watched, captivated by her beauty, youth and pleasant personality.

  Helping her down from the cement block holding the statue in place, I lifted her and pulled her back down to me, stepping to the side to give myself breathing room. We stood there silent. Her heart beating rapidly, her breath deeper.

  Standing, looking at each other, I wanted to grab her and pull her closer and worried I wouldn’t be able to contain myself.

  She slightly opened her mouth and let out a sigh. Biting the side of her lip, she gazed at me. Closing the gap between us, I moved a strand of her hair straying in the wind and tucked it behind her ear. I then slid my finger down her cheek.

  “Well we better get you back!”

  She looked down at her feet disappointed.

  “Yeah let’s do that,” she replied.

  Walking back to the cafe we took our time, but remained silent. I had one last attempt before letting her go. If I kissed her and she was my gem she would respond by pledging her love to me. Knowing it seemed sappy, I was still willing to try. I’ve seen enough chick flicks, thanks to my annoying sister, to insinuate what females desire.

  My agenda was to keep her in London with me, not wanting to follow her and seem like a stalker along the way. So in order to keep her with me, I had to work up the courage to kiss her as we approached the cafe.

  “It was nice meeting you Daniel,” she said, smiling.

  “It was my pleasure Faith,” I said, bowing my head.

  As she turned to leave, I grabbed her hand. “I can’t let you go without trying something first,” I said pulling her closer.

  Gently, I placed my hands around her waist, looked into her eyes and whispered… “You're beautiful.”

  I held my breath and pressed my lips to hers. She kissed me back.

  As we continued to kiss, I felt my body beginning to levitate. We were both inches off the ground as I held her in my arms. She was too occupied to notice. I refocused my attention on the feeling that her lips were sending to every part of my body.

  A few minutes in our embrace I released her because I felt warm liquid oozing down my hand. Slowly opening my eyes, I was hoping for tears rather than blood. She looked frightened and I was reluctant to look at the damage.

  She started yelling, “You broke my hand!”

  Looking down, I realized my world was crumbling under me. I was so involved in our kiss that when I reached behind my head to take her hand in mine I broke it unintentionally. I did not know what to say or how to explain.

  I stared at her limp hand in disbelief .

  She dashed to her car, leaving me withdrawn from the situation.

  After a few minutes of standing there unsure of what to do, I pulled my phone from my pocket and dialed her number. She wouldn’t answer.

  Persistent in my efforts to get her to answer, I had many failed attempts. I left a message to convey how sorry I was. “Listen, I know I messed up. I’m not denying, I was absorbed in the moment. I swear Faith I didn’t realize the pressure I put on your hand. I’m so sorry. Please call me.”

  I was hoping the excuse was good enough for her to call me back. I didn’t have time to sit there and stare at my phone all day. People were waiting for me at the castle. For my going-away party. And it wouldn't be long before my father would send people looking for me. I had to get home fast.

  My car was an inconvenience. It would be quicker if I ran or winged home, but I wasn't willing to risk my corvette getting towed. I sprang into the car, turned the key and pressed my foot on the accelerator. Dodging in and out of traffic, I used a few tricks getting eighty percent of my fellow drivers to yield or pull over in my quest to get home. I snickered at my new police illusion and made a mental note of it for future reference.

  Before I pulled to the security gate leading to my home, I had an image of Faith at the hospital. I made a U- turn and headed in that direction. As I reached the hospital, I remembered she drove a red mustang. Scanning the parking lot, I picked hers out from the crowd. I immediately parked and ran to the emergency door.

  She sat just inside the emergency room lobby, her hand attached to an ice pack. I sat next to her, took her healthy hand in mine and placed it to my lips and kissed it. “Faith…”

  Before I could say anything more she interrupted. “I got your message, I was going to call you when I was done here,” she said.

  “Will you please forgive me, Love?” I asked hopeful.

  “You have some explaining to do first.” She glanced at me suspiciously.

  “Faith I know it’s a strange situation. I don’t know what to tell you, but that I was absorbed in the moment.”

  She looked into my eyes and nodded. I knew she was hesitant in believing me.

  “The least I can do is pay for the hospital bill. Since this was all my fault.” She agreed.

  The nurse called her in and I waited for her. It seemed as if days went by. Lost in thought, I was grateful she forgave me. Even more grateful she let me kiss her earlier. She must like me at least a little to let me kiss her the way I did. I wanted to take her home right then. Take her there and say look this is my girl she’s the one for me.

  I fought with myself. One part of me wanted to keep her, the other part knew how wrong this was, me wanting to be with someone as fragile as her. Too breakable around me, and too tempting, a lot of self control was involved.

  After a few minutes, I sensed Faith was in pain. I ran inside the room she sat in and placed my hand on her head, using my ability to help her with the pain.

  As we walked outside, I could see she was cold. Shivering, I placed my jacket around her shoulders. I inhaled the scent of her as the wind blew over. I covered my mouth and nose with my hand. My mouth started watering. I closed my eyes and clinched my fist. Angry over my lack of control, I thought about shoving a knife in my hand. A distraction from her scent.

  She turned to me, tears in her eyes, “I can’t do this. I need to go.”

  I looked into her eyes trying to understand her tears and her constant emotional rejection. I knew she felt something for me, even in this short time. However, I could tell she was trying to push me away. It was frustrating not knowing how she truly felt.

  “Why keep running?” I called out. She jerked her head up as if I’d startled her.

  Bowing her head. “I have someone at home waiting for me.”

  I felt myself tense. My hands once again balled into fists. I should just let her go. Let myself go. If I was logical, I would do just that. There’s no way to keep her safe in my hands, unless I change her.

  I thought for a minute. “Can I ask you something before you go?” She nodded.

  “You feel something for me, yes?” She hesitated but nodded. “Then why go?”

  She paused, as if trying to think of a good reason. I stopped her before she could. “Listen, let me put you up in a hotel for a few nights. At least let your hand heal. If after a few nights you still wish to leave, I’ll drive you myself. Just give me a chance.”

  She took a deep breath, scratching her head, “Um…okay.” She replied.

  I was stunned. Hopeful, but didn’t think it would be that easy.

  Chapter Nine

  Faith

  I’d never really felt like I had a place in society, or even as if I belonged. I could not relate to people eagerly moving from one day to the next. It was difficult to even get out of bed for school. I'm not a chipper person, especially in the mornings.

  Even in school I felt like an outcast--a loner. It was hard to make friends. I did not want to pretend I was something I wasn’t just to try to fit in. In the past, I tried to make friends but it always ended badly.
Either I wasn’t cool enough or I would be talked about behind my back. Once someone betrayed me, I was done. I wasn’t forgiving and didn’t want to be around people who treated me with disrespect.

  I was not the type to try drugs or alcohol to fit in either. I didn’t like to party or be around groups of people. It made me feel awkward. I am who I am like it or not. I wont change for anyone. I didn’t mind being alone much. It’s actually kind of peaceful.

  I often kept my distance from boys, with good reason. When I did date and if I felt the guy was trying to control me or push me into something, I would disappear.

  My mind was always going, it was hard to keep my head in check, with all the racing thoughts. I often have an active imagination, but can also reason. I'm the type who would think of things before they would happen and predict the outcome, or what I would do in a situation I was faced with. So if something did happen I would be prepared. Sometimes I just wish I could live in the moment, instead of always living in the future. It was a burden the way my mind worked.

  I’m not a typical eighteen year old girl. I know my weaknesses, my strengths, I'm intelligent and I don't get into any trouble. My style of clothing is goth but chic, moderately reflecting my personality.

  I knew my mind wasn’t weak and I would not let anything control me. The thought of someone trying to conform me made me angry.

  If I ever decided to get a boyfriend, I would have my own mind, so if he was to treat me bad or try to control me in anyway I would disappear. It was so easy for me to shut my feelings off, to push people away. I guess it was a natural defense. it was a way to protect myself from getting hurt, or letting someone make me feel weak.

  When I'm lost in thought, I usually don’t hear what’s around me. But it’s often written all over my face when I’m thinking too hard. Some people think I’m upset or annoyed just by reading my facial expressions. Which isn’t the truth in most cases. People read me wrong. I wouldn’t want to see my face while I’m in the zone. I think my mother wishes she could read my mind sometimes. She often watches me while I’m zoned out, wondering what’s going on in my head.