6. Selene
Chapter 6
Selene
I t is mid-morning when Annie’s alarm jolts me from my restless pacing. She’s up, getting dressed, and ready to face the day. I follow her into the kitchen, my stomach growling with hunger. A very different kind of hunger.
The clock says it’s barely ten a.m.
“Hey, Selene, how are you feeling?” Annie asks, pouring coffee into mugs.
“Okay, I guess. Just thinking of resting a bit before heading to school this afternoon,” I reply, trying to sound normal.
Annie gives me a concerned look. “Make sure to call out today if you’re not feeling up to it, okay? I don’t want you pushing yourself too hard.”
I nod. “Sure, Annie. I’ll let you know.”
As soon as Annie’s Honda pulls out of the driveway, I head straight to the shower. The water cascades over me, a feeble attempt to wash away the night’s struggles. I towel off, slipping into leggings, a hoodie, and running shoes.
Running is the plan – a desperate attempt to quell the gnawing hunger.
The park seems like a distant oasis. I need to feed, and hopefully, the park has a small squirrel or something to satisfy this relentless craving. As I step outside, the scent of humans hits me like a tidal wave.
The pulse of their hearts drums in my ears, each beat a temptation. I shake my head, trying to focus on one foot in front of the other.
I sprint towards the park, the rhythmic pounding of my feet drowning out the cacophony of human scents.
I reach the edge of the park, panting. The hunger intensifies, a desperate need that refuses to be ignored.
My eyes scan the surroundings, searching for any sign of prey. And there, a small hare, oblivious to the danger lurking. My instincts kick in, predatory and urgent. I crouch low, ready to pounce.
“Sorry, little one,” I mutter under my breath as I launch myself forward. The hare darts away, a burst of speed, but I’m faster. My hands close around it, and I feel exhilaration and guilt. The creature struggles, its heart pounding in fear.
“I have to do this,” I remind myself as I bite into its neck. The taste is iron-rich, the warmth of fresh blood filling my mouth. The hunger ebbs, replaced by a momentary satisfaction. I consume just enough, not wanting to take more than necessary.
I release the hare, watching it scamper away. Guilt claws at me, but survival outweighs morality in this twisted existence. I wipe my mouth, breathing heavily.
“Sorry, little friend,” I whisper to the disappearing hare. “But I needed it.”
The park is still, the early morning sunlight filtering through the trees. My mind clears, the fog of hunger lifting. I need to find a balance, a way to coexist with the humans around me without succumbing to the darkness within.
I start jogging, the rhythmic motion calming my restless thoughts. The park is a quiet sanctuary away from the chaotic city. I pass people walking their dogs, families enjoying the playground, and joggers with earphones plugged in.
As I run, I overhear snippets of conversations. “Did you catch the game last night?” “I need to grab groceries on the way home.” The mundane chatter of human life. It’s both comforting and haunting. I’m reminded of the life I once had and the simplicity of it.
The sun climbs higher in the sky, casting long shadows on the pavement. My legs carry me deeper into the park, away from the hum of human activity. I find a secluded spot, a quiet clearing surrounded by trees.
Leaning against a tree, I catch my breath. The world continues its relentless pace around me, but for a moment, I feel detached from it all. The hunger is still there, but it’s under control – for now.
I pull out my phone to check the time. It’s still early, and I have a few hours before I need to head to school. The park offers a temporary escape, a respite from my internal struggles.
A rustle in the bushes catches my attention. I tense, ready for whatever might emerge. A small squirrel scurries into view, eyeing me cautiously. I smile, realizing it’s not the prey I initially thought.
“Hey there, little guy. Just passing through,” I say, my voice soft. The squirrel chatters in response, seemingly unbothered by my presence, and I watch it disappear into the foliage.
The hunger stirs again, a dull ache in the background. I know I can’t sustain myself on small animals forever. The real challenge lies in resisting the pull towards human blood. I need a plan, a way to coexist without causing harm.
I push away from the tree, determined to face the day. The park, with its peaceful corners and unsuspecting inhabitants, serves as a temporary refuge.
But as the sun climbs higher, I know I can’t linger forever.
I’m making my way back from the park, the hunger still gnawing at me, when I spot a woman running in my direction. She stumbles and falls, scraping her knees on the pavement. The scent of her blood hits me, and I feel like a predator on the prowl.
“Ouch! Would you mind giving me a hand?” she calls out in obvious pain.
I freeze, torn between the instinct to help and the fear of what I might do. “I... I can’t,” I mutter, clenching my fists. The thirst is almost feral now.
She winces, trying to stand. “Please, do you have a first aid kit?”
“I can’t,” I repeat, my voice strained. I turn away, the internal struggle tearing at me.
Confusion colors her voice. “Or maybe some water and a band-aid?”
“I am sorry. I am so sorry…” I say as I run in the opposite direction. I don’t stop until the scent of blood is no longer tormenting me.
A plan forms in my mind. I can’t be around people in this state, especially not when the hunger is raging. I pull out my phone and dial the school admin.
“Hello?” a voice answers on the other end.
“Hey, it’s Selene. I’m so sorry, but I won’t be able to make it to work today. I got robbed yesterday, and I need to get a police report.” I explain, keeping my tone steady.
“Oh no, Selene! Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, just shaken. I may need a few days off, though.”
“Take your time, Selene. Summer school only has one more week, so take care of whatever you need to and stay safe. We’ll handle things here.”
“Okay, thank you so much! I’ll sort things out and see you in a few weeks when school starts.”
I hang up, relief flooding through me. Now, I can get back to my apartment and figure out how to manage this insatiable hunger without putting anyone at risk.
As I approach the building, an idea comes to me. Annie’s nurse uniforms might just save me from becoming a danger to those around me. I can find a blood bag like I did last night – a way to satisfy the craving without hurting anyone. No one needs to know.
I unlock the door and step inside the apartment. Annie’s presence is absent, and I take a moment to gather myself. The nurse uniforms are neatly hung in the closet, and I grab one and slip it on.
I know I can’t keep relying on animal blood. The hunger will always return, stronger each time. I need a solution that doesn’t involve harming anyone. Trying to ignore the guilt, I grab one of my bigger handbags and head out, my mind set on finding a blood bag.
The city bustles around me, oblivious to my internal struggle. I need to keep a low profile, and I need to do this on the other side of town, away from Annie’s hospital.
The city is a maze of people, and I weave through the crowds, avoiding eye contact. My heightened senses pick up the scent of blood and antiseptic. The hospital is nearby. I turn the corner at the next block, and there it is. I quicken my pace.
As I step inside, I pretend that I belong there, walking to the elevator and heading up to the next floor. I need to get to the Emergency Department. I know that will be my best bet for finding a bag of blood, maybe even unused, in the chaos and disruption of a patient emergency. I follow the corridor to an elevator closer to the Emergency Room and then head back down to the first floor.
There it is—the situation I was hoping for. My heart races as I approach, feigning casual interest. Someone, an intern or maybe a nurse, approaches an ER room carrying three bags of blood. She hands one to the nurse, who immediately begins attaching it to the IV, and sets the other two on the tray right next to it. The doctors and nurses who are desperately trying to help the patient don’t notice me as anything other than another nurse there to help.
I stand there watching for a moment and then discreetly grab one of the bags, shoving it in my handbag. One of the nurses looks at me, “What are you doing?”
Startled and afraid I’ve just been caught, I say, “Me?”
“Yes, you! Can’t you see we need the—" and she proceeds to order me to fetch some other medical paraphernalia.
Relieved, I say, “Yes, ma’am!” And scurry away, thanking the gods that she didn’t notice I had a handbag on my shoulder.
I immediately head for the exit and out the door. Guilt gnaws at me, but I remind myself it’s a necessary evil. I can’t let the hunger control me.
As I scurry away from the hospital, the weight of the blood in my handbag feels both comforting and ominous. That was far too close for comfort. How did I get to this point? Back to craving blood like some kind of monster.
When I arrive at the apartment, I lock the door behind me and head to the kitchen. I take out the blood bag, staring at it for a moment. The internal struggle continues – the desire for the taste of fresh blood conflicts with the need to resist.
I find a glass and pour the contents of the blood bag into it. The deep red liquid swirls, mesmerizing and repulsive at the same time. I lift the glass to my lips, hesitating for a moment before taking a sip.
The metallic taste fills my mouth, and I feel a sense of relief. It’s not the same as feeding directly, but it’s a compromise – a way to survive without causing harm. I finish the glass, the hunger temporarily sated.
As I sit in the dimly lit apartment, I can’t escape the reality of what I’ve become. A vampire with a thirst that never truly goes away. The city outside buzzes with life, but in my world, it’s a constant battle for control.
The phone buzzes on the table, breaking my contemplation. It’s Annie’s number. I answer, trying to sound normal.
“Hey, Selene! Just checking in. How are you feeling?”
“Uh, yeah, better. Just needed some time to recuperate, you know?” I reply, hoping she doesn’t sense the tension in my voice.
Annie’s concern is evident. “Take all the time you need, Selene. If you need anything, just let me know.”
“Thanks, Annie. I appreciate it.”
We exchange a few more pleasantries before hanging up. I feel grateful. Annie has been nothing but supportive, and I’m deceiving her for the sake of my own survival.
The day stretches on, and I find myself lost in thought. The blood bag is a temporary solution, but how long before I need to drink again? I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to get away with snatching another blood bag from the ER. I have to come up with a plan.
The need for human blood lingers and won’t be satisfied by mere substitutes.
The evening descends, casting long shadows across the city. The hunger within me grows relentless and insatiable. The blood bag from earlier provided a temporary reprieve, but now I crave more – a steady supply to keep the thirst at bay.
I rummage through my apartment, locating an old backpack amidst scattered papers and books. I toss them aside, focusing on the task ahead. The backpack, empty and eager, becomes my vessel for salvation.
The Jeep’s engine roars to life as I navigate the city streets, the hum of the city offering a deceptive sense of normalcy. I’ve driven a bit further this time. There’s no shortage of hospitals in such a large metropolitan area, and soon, the hospital looms ahead, a beacon of hope in my quest for sustenance. The largest supply of blood bags resides within those sterile walls, and I’m determined to secure it.
I park the Jeep in the shadows, blending into the urban backdrop. Sneaking around is second nature for our kind, and my movements are silent and purposeful. The night staff hustles, their attention diverted by the constant ebb and flow of hospital life.
I slip through corridors.
The scent of antiseptic lingers in the air, a stark contrast to the metallic aroma that pervades my senses. The hunger intensifies with each step, urging me forward.
I navigate the labyrinthine corridors of the hospital with stealth and purpose, every sense attuned to the task at hand. Each passing nurse or doctor becomes a potential threat, their curious glances a reminder of the perilous nature of my mission.
At a nurse’s station, I spot a white coat draped over the back of a chair, a badge dangling from its pocket. My heart quickens as I calculate the risks. I need that badge to gain access to the storage area, but to take it without being detected will require finesse and speed.
Waiting for a moment when the station is momentarily deserted, I move with calculated precision. With a flicker of movement, I snatch the badge, my fingers brushing against the fabric of the coat. The adrenaline surges through me as I retreat into the shadows, heart pounding in my chest.
As I examine the badge in the dim light, I find it bears the name of a nurse who is likely on duty elsewhere in the hospital. With any luck, my theft will go unnoticed until it’s too late. But I know I can’t linger. Time is of the essence.
Steeling myself, I press on toward the storage area, the stolen badge clutched tightly in my hand. Each step forward brings me closer to my goal but also heightens the tension coiling within me. I must succeed. Lives depend on it.
Reaching the storage area becomes a challenge, guarded by electronic locks and monitored by vigilant security cameras.
With the stolen badge granting me temporary authority, I bypass the security measures and slip into the storage area. Cabinets and refrigerators line the sterile space, their contents a tantalizing treasure trove for my desperate need.
With practiced ease, I pry open a cabinet, revealing an array of blood bags neatly arranged inside. “Thank the gods for hospital efficiency,” I mutter to myself, relief and anticipation coursing through me.
As I fill my backpack with as many blood bags as it can hold, the red liquid sloshing within, I can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt mingling with the exhilaration. But in this moment, survival outweighs morality. I am a creature caught between worlds, and this blood is my lifeline. With a final glance around, I vanish into the shadows, leaving no trace of my presence behind.
The night staff remains oblivious to my presence, engrossed in their duties. I navigate the hallways, my senses on high alert.
The exit door opens, and the cool night air greets me. I exhale a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. The backpack, heavy with its precious cargo, is slung over my shoulder as I slip into the Jeep.
The engine roars to life, and I speed away from the hospital, the stolen blood bags nestled safely in my bag. The city lights blur as I drive back to my apartment, the anticipation building with each passing moment.
I arrive home, almost jittery with excitement. The blood bags are my secret stash, a means to satisfy my hunger without harming anyone.
I step out of my Jeep, the night air heavy with the scent of the city. A sudden chill runs down my spine, and an unsettling feeling gnaws at the edges of my consciousness. I glance around, scanning the dimly lit street, trying to shake off the unease.
And then, I feel it – the hair-raising tingle at the back of my neck; someone’s gaze on me. Panic clenches my chest. Could someone have seen me at the hospital? With the stolen blood bags clutched in my bag, I glance around. Suddenly I am hyperaware of the sound of the wind and the creak of something nearby. My heart is thundering.
I pause, trying to convince myself that I’m just being paranoid, but I remain unsure whether I should continue walking or run.
Before I can react, a hand wraps around my arm, pulling me into the shadows. I gasp, my heart pounding as I find myself face to face with a vampire – a striking woman with raven-black hair cascading down her shoulders. Her eyes gleam with an intensity that sends shivers down my spine. She’s nothing like the vampires I’ve encountered before – no feral aggression, just a controlled aura that demands attention.
“Selene,” she purrs, a smirk playing on her lips. “Long time, no see.”
I struggle to free my arm from her grip. “Who are you? How do you know my name?”
She chuckles, releasing me. “Call me Katya. And we have a lot to talk about, Selene.”
My mind races. Could this be someone from my family? Have they finally found me? The questions bubble up, but Katya holds up a hand, cutting through my thoughts.
“Easy, Selene. I’m not here to hurt you. We need to talk and in a place somewhere safer than this.”
I narrow my eyes, still on edge. “Talk about what? Who sent you?”
Katya’s gaze softens, and there is a glimmer of empathy in her eyes. “I’m not sent by anyone. I’m here because we share a connection, Selene—a connection that goes beyond family.”
I scoff. “Family? You have no idea about my family.”
Katya leans against the alley wall, her posture relaxed. “Maybe not the details, but I know what it’s like to feel lost, to be torn between worlds. I’ve been watching you, Selene.”
I bristle at the notion of being watched. “Watching me? Why?”
Katya sighs, her demeanor shifting from enigmatic to genuine. “Because I see a part of myself in you. A part that struggles with the same hunger and the same choices. I’m here to help you navigate this new life.”
I eye her cautiously. “Help me? Why should I trust you?”
“Because, Selene, I know what it’s like to be alone in this. And trust me, you don’t want to face it without guidance.”
I shake my head, skeptical. “Guidance? From a stranger who just magically appeared in my life?”
Katya smirks. “Fair point. How about this – we meet in the park tonight at 8 p.m. No tricks, just a conversation. If you decide it’s not for you, you can walk away.”
I study her face, searching for any signs of deceit. “Why should I trust you?”
“Because, deep down, you’re curious. Curious about what we are planning and what the future holds. We all know about each other. We look out for each other. I can offer you answers, Selene.”
Who is this ‘we’ she keeps mentioning? And what do they know?
Does she perhaps know about the blood?
I hesitate, weighing the risks and potential benefits.
“Don’t you want to know how the vampires plan to take back this town?”
That finally cements every “Fine. Park, 8 p.m. But no tricks. If I sense that anything is off, I’m out.”
Katya nods, her expression sincere. “Agreed. See you tonight, Selene.”
And with that, she fades into the shadows, leaving me standing alone in the alley.