Tears of Tomorrow

Chapter 1: Numb

"Becky?!" My elder screamed as I threw the door open.

"Yes, Sarah?" I said politely, making my way toward her.

"I would like you to do some cleaning around here, if that isn't too much to ask."

"Listen, I have a lot of homework I need to get done. Can't it wait till later?" I asked, dropping my heavy bag on the ground.

She didn't look amused. I could tell she hadn't fed in over a week-her eyes were a bright red.

"I'm going out and I expect this house to be clean when I return," she demanded, crossing her arms.

"Whatever, I'll get it done," I rolled my eyes. She walked over to me slowly, grabbing my neck and lifting me off of the ground. I was used to this, or else I would have screamed.

"You will do as I say, is that clear?" She commanded again, squeezing her small hand tighter.

"Yes," I choked out.

"Good." She dropped me to the floor and I grabbed my throat, massaging it. I already had bruises, so this didn't really feel like much to me.

She called for the others and they left, leaving me alone in the large house.

Vampires are much different than the old stories in this day and age. They could walk in the sunlight without being burned, they could drink Holy Water if they had to, and they certainly didn't mind garlic one bit. Believe me, I've tried it all.

It's hard knowing the creatures you've known for so long will be killing you within the next month. Yes, when I turn eighteen, I will be fed to my family. I am not vampire, but I have rules to remain a virgin, considering my blood will fuel them for over one-hundred years.

I know, it sounds crazy-and it is, but it's my life and I have to accept it. I will never embrace the fact, but I cannot do anything about the life that has been given to me.

My mother and father were both killed shortly after I was born, as a way to make sure they wouldn't try to save me.

The vampires have raised me up until now, but I wouldn't dare make friends with any of them.

One of the men who lives here always eyes me, but I won't ever look back. He is much too beautiful for my eyes to witness without falling madly in love with him.

He has spoken to me but once, and within that one sentence, my heart must have stopped five times. But knowing that his sweet face will be among the ones gnawing away at my flesh kills me even faster than his velvet voice ever could.

See, I was born for a purpose, as many people are-but my purpose is one of a greater magnitude. I was born to be killed. I was born to be eaten and I was born to quench the thirst of ten vampires for many years to come.

Sure, I'll never really experience the things normal teenagers would, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy my so-called "life" while I'm still here.

I've never told anyone my purpose, nor do I ever plan to tell them. People only complicate things worse-if that's possible for me now.

I cleaned the large house the best I could; dusting, sweeping, and mopping everything in sight until I felt like the job was done to the best of my abilities. I dare not anger my masters, although I cannot help but be bitter most of the time.

If I hate them, it will make my death easier on me and easier on them.

It turned about nine o'clock and I decided I should probably start on my homework.

I walked up the stairs and opened the door to my room, closing it behind me with a loud creak.

They treated me like Cinderella here, although I knew I would never have my happy ending. My room was quite large; the walls were covered in a deep violet colored wallpaper with golden flowers painted in intricate patterns covering the surface. My bed was my favorite part of all. It consisted of a large wooden frame that held little vines etched into its exterior.

My bedding was the same purple color as the walls, but it was made of velvet, as were my pillows. I would spend most of my time sitting on my bed, sprawling out and twisting around on my comforter, taking in the pleasures of the fabric.

I laid my books onto my bed and hopped up onto it. I opened my English book, turning to the page that I needed to study, but I was rudely interrupted by a loud pound on my door.

"What is it?!" I yelled angrily.

"Open this door!" Sarah screamed back. I rolled my eyes and hopped back down, staggering towards the door.

I opened it to her face, looking much more pleasant than it had when she left earlier today. Her blonde hair looked more vibrant and it held her curls much easier than when she was thirsty. Her eyes turned back to their normal hazel and her face held a slight redder tone to it.

"What do you want?" I asked, stamping my foot.

"I just wanted to thank you for cleaning the house. You did a wonderful job," she whispered, bowing in front of me.

This confused me. I was very rarely thanked for the things I accomplished around the house-but I guess I would take it.

"You're welcome. Now, can I finish my homework?" I said sourly.

"Of course. If you're hungry, I can make you something."

"Really? Well, that would be great. Thanks."

"Okay, I'll get right on that, then," she said, walking away.

I closed my door again and fell back onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. What had made her act so weird? She was usually coarse and hard with me, but today, she was insanely sweet and caring. I was much too confused to even think about the homework that was due tomorrow.

Yes, they still sent me to school, seeing as they wanted me to try and have the most "normal" type of life I could muster up. I hated school, but I guess it was sort of kind of them to send me there, hoping I would make some friends or learn anything.

I flipped back around to my book but I could only stare at it, feeling my mind fill with questions.

I looked around my dark room but I just couldn't seem to find the answers I needed within my mind.

"Becky, your food is ready," Sarah said through my door. Wow, that was quick-or maybe I was just thinking for a really long time.

I walked back over to the door and opened it, but she wasn't holding my food. I rolled my eyes and pushed her out of the way, skipping down the stairs and into the dining room where my food waited for me.

I took my seat and dug in to the chicken, potatoes, and corn. Sarah was a wonderful cook considering the fact that she was a vampire.

"Are you enjoying your meal?" She asked, taking a seat across the table from me. I gave her a weird look and nodded.

"I'm glad, because I want you to be completely healthy before the end of the month." I knew what that meant. My birthday was approaching more quickly than ever before and I almost couldn't wait for it. I wanted to get this life over with and move onto bigger and better things-heaven mostly.

"Why do I have to be healthy?"

"Your blood will taste much better if you are healthy, of course."

"I see. You know, I'm sort of excited to get this over with," I answered, shoving another fork-full of food into my mouth.

She looked at me like I was crazy, but I think she understood. As much as I hate to say or think it-Sarah would have been one of my friends if she wasn't going to be one of the people killing me.

"I am truly sorry for the fate we have provided you with, but you must see it from our eyes. You are a meal far too good to ever pass up."

"I understand. I just hope I end up in Heaven when I die."

"Of course you will, my friend. You are a wonderful, delightful person. I'm sure God would love to have your presence near him."

"Thanks. Anyway, I have to go finish my homework. I haven't even started yet," I said as I picked up my plate and walked to the kitchen. She kept following me, which was weird, but I decided not to pay attention.

I washed my dish and walked back upstairs, closing my door on her face as she stared at me.

I finally finished my homework and crawled under my blankets, closing my eyes.

I was in the middle of a dream, but just when I was about to walk towards the gates to heaven, my door creaked and woke me up.

"Who is it?" I asked through a yawn.

"It's John. I was wondering if I could have a word with you," he said softly. I closed my eyes at the sound of his voice and I could literally feel my heart stop.

"Okay, what do you want?" I tried to ask annoyed, but my voice turned sweet.

He sat on my bed next to me and took my hands. I pulled them away, but he grabbed them again, fogging my head with his touch.

"You must leave here."

"What are you talking about? I can't ever leave, you know that."

"I will help you, but you must leave," he repeated. Okay, sure, he was gorgeous, but I wasn't about to leave the only life I'd ever known. Anyway, I'd be killed no matter what I did. It didn't matter anymore.

"I can't leave. They'll kill me no matter what I do. Anyway, why do you want to help me? You hardly even know me."

"But I know of your soul. Your soul is pure and you do not deserve the fate you have been given. Let me help you. Please."

"Listen, John. I can't leave. I have less than a month left and I'm getting this over with. I can't make friends now; it's too late for this."

"It's never too late for love. Please, let me help you."

"Okay, you're handsome and all, but I'm not in love with you, nor will I ever be. And I'm not leaving; that's final. Now, please, let me get some sleep," I glanced at the clock, "I have to leave for school in four hours."

"Fine. I will speak with you tomorrow when you're not so tired. Until then," he stood up and walked out the door, creaking softly.

I went back to sleep and forgot all about what had happened, although the only reason I forgot was because I made myself forget.

What the hell would John want with me, anyway?