Life after Death


One.

The scent of iron in the air was potent, but Jack tried his best to ignore it as he looked out into the darkness. The moon hung in the sky, casting a glow upon the trees and browning grass. Jack arranged some folding chairs in a circle and sighed. He couldn't believe that Brody was lost to them. He should be here tonight.

A few senior staff members ushered in the fold out table, bypassing the pieces of plaster that rained upon them every once in a while. Kim entered the room, a transparent pitcher in hand. Red liquid sloshed within the glass, and he reeled in his own forgotten hunger. The refreshments were for the members of the support group, old and hopefully some new. The prospect of new members helped soothe the ache Brody's absence left behind.

"We can only do our best, Jack," Kim remarked, a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Brody had always been a little uncomfortable in his new vampire life."

"I know," Jack shared, watching Kim pour out individual Dixie cups of red liquid. "Sometimes you just know the ones that won't come back. I had so much hope for him."

"Come on," Kim said, gesturing toward the front entrance. "I think I hear our first guests of the night."

Jack gave her a nod, eyes still focused on the little cups lined upon the table. He turned his eyes away and continued to follow behind her. There was no reason to wait around. They had to greet all the members as they entered. He followed her out of the large conference room they used as their meeting room.

"No frowning," she pointed, poking at his cheek. "We have to let them know life doesn't end when one becomes a vampire. We can't do that with you frowning all over the place."

He rolled his eyes, pushing her prodding finger away. "No worries. You know, I've been told I have a great smile, remember? You should. It is one of the things you like about dating me."

"Watch out Jack, your arrogance is showing," She commented and then opened the double doors.

A few familiar young faces walked in, loud and chattering amongst themselves. A few new faces trudged in behind them, eyes on the floor or the large welcome banner. He invited them to have a seat in the available chairs in the lobby. A few of the new faces picked a pamphlet from the hanging bin on the wall.

"It is still a little early. We can hold them in the lobby before we head back to the room," Kim suggested.

"Of course, you act as if I don't know the procedure," he said.

She nudged his shoulder before turning toward the small group of teens in the lobby area. Jack watched her flit from one young teen to the next. He shoved his hands into his jeans pocket, smiling. Kim was a natural. At first, Jack was hesitant about the idea of a support group. Kim was beyond determined, so Jack decided to join her. Her passion was one of the many things he loved about her.

"Well everyone, we are going to start moving toward the back," Jack announced.

The teens gave a collective nod before they followed Kim through the opened lobby door. Jack followed behind the group, shutting the door behind them. Whispers broke out amongst the large group. Jack shook his head at the chatter. Despite the change, teens would always be teens. He entered the conference room. A large welcome banner hung over a refreshment table pushed against the back wall. Many of the regular attenders headed toward the table.

"Good evening, guys. My name is Jack Brewer," he shared.

"I'm Kim Crawford."

"Welcome to Life after Death, a vampire support group," Jack shared. "You are here and that is the most important step in the right direction. We are proud of all of you. For all our regulars, keep up the good fight."

"Just because you turned, doesn't mean your life is over," Kim promised. "That is why we are here. We are here to help with the transition. Any questions?"

No one spoke. Jack smiled. He expected the silence. He pushed two folding chairs toward the circle of chairs. He glanced at all the faces. They had a good group. He could tell.

-1-1-1-1-1-

The petit redhead covered her mouth with her right hand. The dimmed lighting cast a faint glow on the teen's pale face as she wiped away stray tears. Jack's mouth dried. Kim wrapped an arm around the girl's shoulders, whispering words of encouragement over her head. Often their support group resulted in tears. Tears were welcome. The change to the vampire lifestyle was exhausting, physically and emotionally.

"Well Susan," Kim stated. "You aren't alone here."

A tall, slender blonde nodded her head, a strained smile on her lips. "She is right, Susan. I lost my entire family that night. Sometimes I wished I went with them, but I don't think that anymore. Why was I the only one turned? I don't know. But I know I'm going to use this new life wisely. I've learned so much in support that can help me."

Jack smiled.

"Jack? Kim?"

Jack turned to the female voice and frowned. A blonde stood at the door, gripping the door frame. She averted her eyes from side to side as she waited on their attention. Jack and Kim got to their feet. Both walked to her and entered the hallway. Jack told the others to talk amongst themselves. Becky arose from her seat and sat beside a still saddened Susan.

"Is everything okay, Taylor?" Kim asked.

Taylor looked toward the closed door leading to the lobby. "There is a guy out there. He isn't leaving the lobby."

Jack's back stiffened. "Is he looking for trouble?"

Taylor shook her head. Jack was unconvinced by the stranger's intentions. He directed his attention to the closed lobby door. There were many possible uninvited guests that could inhabit the lobby. The group was hidden from the public, because their support group was frowned upon in their society. Unexpected visitors were on their watch list.

"He is my age, Jack," Taylor shared as they walked the long hall. "I asked if he was here for support, just like I was trained. I never revealed this was a vampire support group. They should know what it is on arrival. If they don't know, then they are an intruder. But, Jack, he said he wasn't a vampire, but he is. I can tell. I just wasn't sure if he was one of the rogues."

Jack clenched his fists. He understood Taylor's concern. He looked to Kim who seemed just as serious. He was familiar with the vampires that loitered outside their building. Not all vampires cared for the idea of a support group and wanted others like themselves to live out their beastly nature.

"Thanks Taylor," Jack stated, hand on her shoulder. "You did well. Kim and I will take it from here. Does Rudy know?"

She shook her head. "I didn't want to cause any chaos. Only names that came to mind at the time were you and Kim. I would have gone to Rudy. I should have told him."

He nodded. "Just let Rudy know what is wrong. Don't worry. Kim and I have lived long enough to fend for ourselves."

Kim gave her a wink. "I'm a black belt in karate."

Taylor smiled and then entered into the third door on their right. Jack glanced at Kim. Just beyond the door was either a friend or foe. He clenched and unclenched his fists, preparing himself for a fight. He had no fears. Jack made eye contact with Kim one last time before she opened the door. A teen occupied the lobby, a support group pamphlet in hand. He didn't seem like a threat. He guessed Taylor assessed the situation correctly. Her number one objective was always to assess the situation to the best of her ability before buzzing anyone into the lobby.

"Welcome," Jack greeted.

The shorter teen stilled at the sound of his voice. He jerked his head over his shoulder, eyes focused on Jack. Large knots rested within a sea of disorganized curls upon the stranger's head. The male wore a long-sleeved white shirt with red stains of varying sizes. He sighed. The teen wasn't hostile. It was obvious by the constant movement of the teen's hands. The boy was confused and maybe frightened.

"Do you need some help?" Jack questioned.

"I'm not a vampire," the male said. "I'm not."

Jack knew the situation was delicate. The best for the job was Kim. She approached the teen while Jack oversaw her actions. The teen's eyes averted from side to side as he took several steps back. Jack bit his lip.

"Now, we aren't here to hurt you. We provide help for individuals like you and me here," she said. "Now, what is your name?"

The teen fidgeted in place as Kim stopped inches away from him.

"Jerry, Jerry Martinez."

"Hey Jerry," Jack greeted, hoping to dispel the tension in the air.

"I'm not a vampire. I can't be," Jerry said.

Kim looked over her shoulder at him. Jack gave her a nod to continue. It was rare they met such a nervous new member. She sighed and proceeded to calm the anxiety ridden guest.

"Jerry, I'm just going to ask you a few questions, okay?" she asked.

Kim moved a few more inches toward Jerry. Jack watched. The shock of the change resulted in a high level of panic. A newly turned vampire was hostile. They were known to lash out at anyone who seemed to be a threat. One had to be sure they approached a new vampire with extreme caution.

"When were you turned?" Kim asked.

Jerry licked his lips and then opened his mouth to answer. "I think a couple days, two days ago."

"Okay, wow that is very recent. How did you find us, Jerry?"

"Someone I know told me."

Jack stiffened. Every once in a while, humans were turned in pairs. Jack frowned, waiting for the explanation. If there was another new vampire out there, he needed to get out there and find them. A new vampire was a dangerous vampire.

"Someone you know? Are they a vampire?" Kim asked. "Do they need help?"

"No, he is human. He is human."

Jack frowned, confused. Their support group was hidden. Their name provided an excellent cover up. It didn't occur to Jack that humans may know about them. He guessed word traveled fast.

"Okay, have you eaten?" she asked. "Have you had anything to drink since you turned?"

Jerry gulped, eyes wide. "Like, you mean, like blood? You mean human blood?"

"Of course, blood," Jack stated. "We are vampires, unless you've decided you want something else. We support you either way. We have some animal blood drinkers here."

Jerry shook his head, tangled curls bouncing and flying about his head.

"Okay, alright, that is fine," Kim said, voice soft. "We won't force you to do anything. Here we give everything in reasonable doses, but you'll have to have something tonight. You are frazzled and the blood lust is why. You'll calm down after a sip, I promise."

Jerry looked past her and at him as if asking for verification. Jack nodded, but Jerry seemed uncertain.

"Jerry, this is a place of no judgement," a voice called out.

Jack turned toward their group founder, smiling. Standing shorter than him by a few feet was Rudy. On his right side, Taylor watched, eyes wide. Rudy walked toward Jack and stopped at his side. He looked to him and smiled.

"Good job, Jack," he commented.

Jack shook his head. "Kim is doing all the work."

"But you are giving her excellent back up by remaining calm and collected," he said and then looked to the teen. "Jerry Martinez, it is up to you if you want to stay. Like Kim stated, we won't force you to do anything."

Jerry remained frozen. Kim reached out for him and he took a hold of her hand. They began to walk and he lost balance for a second, but Kim grabbed his waist, hoisting him up with her strength. Jack walked to Jerry's others side, helping Kim with her task. Both teens smiled.

"Well, you both seemed to have handled the situation just as I know you would," he said. "I was right to let you have your youth support group. You know just how to keep everything under control. Now, if you excuse me. I have to get back to my group. I think I'm going to make a break through with Steve tonight. You alright, Taylor?"

Taylor awoke from her trance and nodded. "I was shocked that is all. I'm heading back to the office, and watching the door for any other newcomers."

Rudy nodded and went through the opened door. Taylor headed back to her office where a huge television screen hung above head. Jack turned his attention back to the teen nestled between them. They walked together down the hall. Once they arrived back at the room, the noise vanished. Jerry stiffened in their arms, but Jack gave him a squeeze of assurance.

"Everyone, meet Jerry Martinez," Jack introduced, leading the teen to his chair.

"He was turned two days ago," Kim shared, making sure Jerry was comfortable in his chair before she took a seat nearby.

"But, Jack where are you going to sit?" a girl with electric blue hair asked.

"Hey, no worries," Jack remarked. "I'll stand. We are here to support you all and if that means me standing, I'll stand. Now why don't we reintroduce ourselves for our new friend?"

A few female regulars spoke up first, ready to introduce themselves. Jack grinned.

-1-1-1-1-1-

"And just remember all the extra linen is in the storage room four doors on the right," Kim instructed.

Jack leant against the door frame, lips in a thin line. He watched Kim pick up the litter from the group session. She went about her merry way, straightening chairs and collecting loose food wrappers. Jack picked a stray cup from the corner, eyes still on her.

"What is wrong Jack?" Kim asked.

"I can't look at my girlfriend?"

"You can, but I know you are thinking about something."

"What are we going to do if more teens come by Kim? I have no opposition to housing them here," Jack shared. "There are adults who already live here. We may just run out of room."

Rudy was the founder of the support group and the primary provider of financial support. Their budget was limited to the essentials. Despite the hardships, they did the best they could. He knew they would find a way to keep up. Unfortunately, he did have his own doubts.

"We still have one more large conference room we aren't using," she commented. "No one has complained about sleeping on the floor just yet."

Jack chortled. "I'm sure Nick complains every night. Believe me, I should know I live here too."

Kim nodded. "You are right. Nick does a lot of that"

Jack and Kim lived in the building along with the other staff. There was a room dedicated to staff lodging but Jack and Kim decided living amongst their own, made more sense. Two large rooms designated for males and female teens resided toward the back of the building near their meeting room. The adult rooms were toward the front, men and women were separated. Married couples were the only exception.

"Tonight was a success," Jack stated tossing the Dixie cups in the trash. "Even Jerry, I never thought I would see such a thing in my life. Rudy told us we may see that, especially with teenagers."

"You think he is coming back?" Kim questioned.

Jack paused, the memory of Brody angry and bitter, in his mind. "I hope he does, if not, I'm certain we made a lasting impression on him."

Jack was tired. Although they were night creatures, vampires enjoyed a good night of sleep just like anyone else. It'll take centuries more before he ever slept during the day and walked at night. He took a hold of Kim's hand, placing a kiss upon the skin between her furrowed eyebrows.

"He didn't drink a single drop tonight, Jack," Kim said.

Jack sighed.

"Jack, are we in over our heads?" she stated, wrapping her arms around the back of his neck. "I mean we are responsible for all these newly turned children. They have so many questions and we have so little answers."

"Remember what you told me fifteen years ago, when this was just an idea?" he asked. "You told me life doesn't end when you are turned and you wanted everyone to know that. You wanted to show new vampires that they can still live, even while their undead."

"I remember when Rudy just took in adults," she commented. "And then we brought up the idea of starting our own support for vampire teens and children. He was skeptical, because teens and children were fragile and mostly still going through change. He said it would be hard."

"But you wouldn't let your idea die and I wouldn't let it die either," he stated. "I decided to jump on board and here we are now. We are housing forty vampire teens in a dingy old office building, with barely any working outlets and crumbling ceilings."

"Rudy said a few of the newly turned adults used to work in construction," she remarked. "They could fix up the building. We may even get another building from scratch. Think about it, a bigger facility. Can you imagine? Imagine everyone we could help."

Jack smiled, letting go of her hand. He bid her a good night as he entered the large conference room. He maneuvered past slumbering males on his way toward his spot in the room. His thoughts drifted to Jerry's scared eyes and then Brody's angry face before he slipped into sleep.

-1-1-1-1-1-

Hey everyone! I'm back with another story. I actually had another story I planned to post, but this idea came up and I gave it all my attention.

Vampires are my favorite kind of supernatural creatures. I noticed there weren't many vampire stories on here and this idea wouldn't leave me alone. I enjoyed typing out this chapter for you all. Feel free to leave comments! I'm curious to see what you all thought of vampire Kim, Jack, and Jerry!

Thanks to everyone who read this first chapter. I appreciate it!

The next update will be coming out soon.

Until Next Chapter,

Bye!