Author notes: This is just something that has been fermenting in my brain for awhile. There is a possibility that I will continue this, depending on how much loving it gets. Let me know what you think!

A New Beginning

After leaving Maria I had no real place to go, no real purpose. I found myself wandering the countryside at a slow pace. I fed where I wanted, when I wanted. I was free to do what ever I pleased, but it was not a life I was happy with. I hated feeling the pain and suffering as I drank, but I couldn't last long without feeding.

The more time I spent alone the more I longed to be around people. I started visiting cities during the evenings, and before long I had found myself in Philadelphia.

It was a stormy evening, and most people had taken shelter for the night.

The wind was whipping around me, but I could not be bothered by it. The rain would not let up, and my hair was plastered to my face. I pushed it out of my eyes as I continued down the abandoned street. As I passed a dark storefront I caught sight of myself in the glass. My eyes were pitch black. I needed to feed, and soon.

As I made my way down the street I noticed that people were giving me strange stares. Of course I must look weird to them. I was walking down the middle of a street in a heavy rainstorm with no trouble at all. I needed to get out of the rain. I made my way to the first establishment I could find. The flashing 'Open' sign drew me in at once.

I stood under the doorway for a moment to sort myself out. I pushed my hair of my face, I placed my hat on my head, and straightened out my clothing. I looked up at the entranceway. It was a small rundown diner.

I pushed open the door, and a small bell dinged, indicating my arrival. The smell of the humans in the restaurant filled my senses, but there was something else among them. It was the distinct smell of someone like myself. A vampire. I tensed, hoping that this creature would not put up a fight. I closed my eyes for a moment and took in the atmosphere. I had no reason to worry, but as I stepped closer I felt something that I had never experienced before. I noticed that it was radiating off of the other vampire in the room. It was a warm felling, and I felt as if I couldn't get enough of it.

I had no idea what this emotion was, but it called to me, bringing me closer to a young woman at the end of the old counter. I could smell the blood all around me, and I was so thirsty, but this emotion was so much stronger then the need to feed. I had never felt anything stronger that bloodlust before.

I slipped onto the stool next to her and she looked up from her cold cup of coffee. I noticed her drink was untouched. She had short black hair that stuck out in every direction and her eyes were a golden hue. She flashed me a smile before speaking in the

most beautiful voice I had ever heard.

"You've kept me waiting a long time."

I ducked my head, and like the perfect gentleman my mother had raised me to be I replied, "I'm sorry ma'am."

After a moment she reached into her purse and pulled out a few singles, placing them on the counter before hopping down from her stool. She was much shorter than myself. She had a childlike aura, but she was very graceful in her movements.

She held out her hand and I took it without further hesitation. I removed myself from my seat and stood beside her. She laced her fingers between mine, and for the first time in over a century I felt hope.