Chapter 4
"So…" Elijah started feeling awkward. "Your name is Dahlia, correct?"
"Yes sir", she replied.
"You can call me Elijah. Are you… alright?"
Are you alright? What kind of stupid question was that? Elijah wanted to kick himself.
"Yes sir, I'm fine", Dahlia said quietly.
"Ok. Listen Dahlia, I know this whole situation is just absurd but I am not going to hurt you."
"Yes sir."
"Could you please stop saying that?"
She didn't say anything.
"No, I didn't mean that you can't speak, I just… well, never mind."
This was going well. His people skills seemed to be a little rusty. But then again it had been a while since Elijah had been alone with a human. Especially when that human knew what he was. But what was she?
"Do you know why that other vampire wanted to buy you?" Elijah asked.
Dahlia flinched.
"No sir."
"Are you sure? Didn't he say something? Or your father?"
"No sir. I assumed he was… hungry."
"And you thought he would pay 100 000 dollars for a meal?"
Elijah regretted his words immediately. Dahlia looked even more hurt than before.
"No of course not. I'm sorry sir."
"No, I'm sorry, that came out wrong."
This was harder than Elijah had remembered. Humans and their feelings. He just had to try to be more understanding. Maybe her basic needs were good place to start.
"Are you hungry? Or do you require some sleep?" he asked.
She seemed surprised.
"I… I could eat something if that's not too much trouble sir."
Finally some progress.
"No trouble at all, we'll stop as soon as there's a suitable place."
"Thank you sir."
"Just call me Elijah, ok?"
"Ok, if that's what you want."
This was good. Then Elijah thought of something. She might seem like an obedient little human but she had tried to kill herself just a couple of hours ago. Usually a human who did that feel that she had nothing to lose. Elijah didn't want her to try to pull some foolish stunt.
"What do you know about vampires?" he suddenly asked.
"Basic stuff I guess", she replied confused.
"Then you must know that I'm much stronger and faster than you, right?"
"Yes…"
"What I'm trying to say that I want you to behave nicely when we stop. I would be very upset if I have to chase you. Do we understand each other?"
"Yes sir", Dahlia said quietly.
"Good. That seems like a nice place."
Elijah stopped the car in front of a diner. Sign said it was open. Well, it was morning already. Elijah opened the car door for Dahlia. They walked in the diner together. There were few people eating their breakfast. They all looked at the couple who had just walked in. Elijah chose a corner table.
"What can I get you folks?" waitress asked smiling.
She was in her mid forties; she had curly blond hair and hazel eyes. Her nametag said Sally.
"Just coffee for me please", Elijah said and looked at Dahlia.
She hesitated.
"Take what ever you want", Elijah said.
"I…"
Sally looked at her kindly. Then she noticed her bruises. Look that she gave to Elijah wasn't so kind.
"Would you like some toast and eggs sweetie?" she asked. "And maybe some pancakes?"
"Yes please", Dahlia said looking grateful.
"What would you like to drink?"
"Orange juice please."
"I'll be right back", Sally said warmly.
"Poor girl…" Elijah heard Sally mumbling to the chef.
He looked at Elijah condemningly. Great. Now he was an abusive boyfriend. Humans… They never bothered to get their facts straight. But then again, better this than the truth. Dahlia didn't seem to notice the whole situation. She was just staring the table. She looked tired.
"Can you sleep in the car?" Elijah asked.
Dahlia raised her head.
"Sorry?"
"Do you want me to get us a hotel room or can you sleep in the car?"
"No!" Dahlia said quickly. "I mean yes, I can sleep in the car."
Why did she look so scared? She must have misunderstood him somehow.
"Here you are", Sally said bringing them a cup of coffee and class of orange juice.
"Thank you", Elijah said ignoring her disapproval look.
She looked like she wanted to say something but managed to control herself. Elijah has had enough.
"When your food comes just eat quickly so we can get out of here", he said annoyed.
Dahlia looked at him confused.
"Yes sir."
Elijah reminded himself to be nice. This wasn't her fault. Humans, you can't live with them, you can't kill them. At least not all of them.
