Stephen took the job at the auto store while Melody started to create remedies to sell door-to-door when she wasn't at work. Within a year, the demand for her creations exceeded her ability to keep up. She used the money she saved up to put a down payment on a shop near Stephen's place of work, and opened up Charming Pharmaceuticals. The business generated great word of mouth and the business was an instant success, allowing them to afford to buy a house in the suburbs.

In the spring of 1924, Melody gave birth to a baby girl they named Delilah. By the end of the decade, two tragedies hit their household: the country's economy went into a great depression, and Stephen's health deteriorated due to his injuries, eventually causing his death. Times were rough, raising a daughter by herself and trying to keep her business afloat, but Melody was able to make it through with the help of neighborhood friends.

The neighbors directly next door were always there to lend a helping hand, and Delilah became attached at the hip with their son, Eric. From sleepovers as little kids, to competing in sports together, one could never be found without the other. It wasn't long until the attachment became infatuation.

Melody was busy restocking the shelves when she heard the front door open. She turned to see Eric entering and looking around. "Hello Eric. If you're looking for Delilah, she's in the back taking inventory."

"Hello Ms. Denson. I'm just stopping by to pick up Delilah. We planned to get a bite to eat before we catch the movie."

Delilah poked her head around the corner and waved, "Hi Eric, I'll be done in a minute. Just going through the last box."

Melody returned to her counter and addressed Eric to have a seat. "So, what movie do you plan on seeing?"

"It's the new comedy, Road to Singapore. Delilah has been talking about it non-stop, so I thought we would check it out."

Melody crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, "Okay, what about after?"

Eric shifted in his seat with unease, "Um, I don't know. I didn't think that far ahead. Could I ask where this is coming from? I thought we got past the protective interview when her and I became serious last year."

"I've been watching you two for some time, and you two have gotten very close. Then there is the fact you're both getting closer to the age of adulthood, and for the past week you look like you've had something important to say. Is there something I should know about?" Eric began to perfuse, but was saved by Delilah.

"Mom! I thought we were over this."

Melody raised her hands in surrender, "Fine, you go have fun you two. I'll just stay here, alone, worrying about the future of my only child."

"I'm so glad we could come to an understanding." Delilah grabbed Eric by the collar and dragged him out of the store.

Eric stumbled behind her and waved to Melody, "Goodbye Ms. Denson."

Melody waved back with a smile and continued to wave when she saw Eric's mother, Katie, walk in. "Afternoon Katie, you just missed your son."

"No, I caught the two love birds," Katie chuckled. "I don't know what you instilled in that girl of yours, but I can definitely tell she will be wearing the pants in their future."

"Years of knowledge and experience. So what brings you in today? I'm still waiting on the final ingredient for your migraine medication. The conflict over in Europe has slowed the import of a lot of my orders."

"That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about, but I may not have to anymore. Did Eric tell you everything?

"He told me that they're going out to dinner and then catching a movie. He was going to mention something else before Del yanked him out of the store. Wait, how does that have anything to do with my shipments?"

"Because Eric is joining the Navy. He found out yesterday and will be shipping out next week for basic."

"Oh, well good for him. Though I will say, I'm guessing that Del doesn't know."

"I'm assuming he's going to break the news to her tonight."

Melody let out a sigh, "I guess I should get some ice cream on my way home. Tonight is going to be a long night."

Later that night, Melody placed two bowls and spoons on the table, and went out on the porch to have a smoke. She knew it wasn't the healthiest vice she could have, but she picked it up during her time in France and have been on and off every couple of decades. Halfway through her cigarette, she could see Eric and Delilah walking down the street, though neither one of them were talking. "Called it." Eric went to kiss her good night, but Delilah shoved him away and made for the front door. Eric looked at Melody, and she waved him off, letting him know she'll take care of it. Delilah reached for the door when Melody addressed her, "That wasn't very nice of you. What could he have done to deserve the cold shoulder?"

Delilah huffed and looked away from Melody. "He completely deserves it. Did you know he decided to join the military without consulting me?"

Melody took a long drag of her cigarette, "And explain to me why he needs your consultation to make this kind of decision?" Melody watched as Delilah fumbled over her thoughts before finally resting her head on the door in defeat. Melody chuckled as she snuffed out her smoke. "Come on in honey. There's ice cream in the freezer. You can tell me all about it, and then when everything is over you can go next door and apologize."

After finishing the entire carton of ice cream, Delilah went next door to apologize to Eric. They spent an hour on the porch rocking bench, sitting lovingly next to each other. Katie went over to Melody's and sat on the porch with her.

"What I wouldn't give to be young again. Reminds me of when me and Jack started dating years ago. I don't think you ever told me how you and Stephen met."

Melody laughed to herself. "I was a bit more forward. He had me out of my clothes long before we started dating." Melody looked at Katie's shocked face, and she roared with laughter, even getting the attention of their kids. "It's a long story, but it was less lewd than you think."

"Ever thought about putting yourself out there again?"

Melody looked at the ground and kicked a small pebble. "I'd be lying if the thought never crossed my mind, and it's not like I haven't had the offers; but I've been more focused on running the business and ensuring I spend as much time as I can with Del, I just put it off."

"She's a grown woman, and you raised her well. I think it's time you moved on and looked out for yourself."

Melody gave Katie a questioning look, "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying to set me up."

"Well, there's this gym teacher at the school I work at-."

"No. Nope. Not happening," Melody walked back into her house with Katie still trying to sell her on the gym teacher.

Delilah returned with Eric in tow, and both approached Melody as if they were getting ready for their first day of school. "Mom, Eric has something to tell you."

Melody turned her gaze from Delilah to Eric, "This should be interesting."

Eric approached the kitchen table and stood as straight at possible to hide his nervous shaking. "As you know, your daughter and I love each other very much. We have since we were in our early teens. So now I'm here to ask for your permission to marry Delilah."

Melody took a sip of her tea and gave him a smile. "No."

Eric's mouth dropped and Delilah leaped forward in rage. "What do you mean, no?! We love each other very much. You've even been perfectly fine with our relationship. Why now do you want to get in the way of this?"

"Are you done?" Melody set her cup down and leaned forward. "Let's start with the fact that neither one of you are adults. Then there is tonight where you two have an argument over a simple conversation. Lastly, Eric is about to spend a lot of time away from you, so your love will have to be super strong to stay together with thousands of miles apart." Delilah and Eric looked at each other with pensive gazes. "That's what I thought. How about I give you two an alternative. While I'm not up for you two getting married, might I suggest an engagement until this war blows over? Then I'm all for it; heck, I'll even pay for the wedding."

Delilah rounded the table and gave Melody a tight hug, "Thank you, thank you, thank you. Have I ever told you you're the best mother in the whole world?"

Melody hugged her back with a smile on her face, "Tell me something I don't know."

They gathered on the platform of the train station to see Eric off before he left. Eric and Delilah held each other close where not even a pry bar could tear them apart. Melody kept her distance and hung out with Eric's mother. "You think they'll allow her to go with him? I don't think Admiral Nimitz himself can tear them apart. It's just a shame your husband couldn't be here."

"He said the same thing to Eric earlier this morning. Unfortunately, things have been picking up at the War Department, so he's been swamped with work."

Eric and Delilah shared one last kiss before he picked up his sack and boarded the train. Delilah hung her head low and walked over to the parents. "The train hasn't even left and I already miss him."

"Awe, true puppy love." Melody pulled Delilah into her arms and held her. "Don't worry. He'll be back before you know it."

Katie reached over and held Delilah's hand for comfort, "I hear after the first week, recruits get to send out letters. I'm sure when he is able to, your mailbox will be flooded with them."

Sure enough, by the end of the month Delilah came running in the house squealing with joy and closing herself in her room. Melody followed her in and saw Delilah rolling around on her bed hugging pieces of paper. "What on Earth has gotten into you?"

Delilah kissed the papers and held them up in the air. "I finally got a letter from Eric. He says when he's done with basic they're shipping him off to Hawaii and hopes to see me when he gets leave next year."

-o-O-o-

Winter came and the temperature dropped, leaving clear skies and green lawns behind and creating a world of nothing but white. Recent snow storms shut down the schools, causing Delilah to work more at the shop with Melody. The snow also slowed traffic down at the store, so Melody would continue to make medicines while Delilah would go out to deliver the orders. Melody was restocking the shelves while listening to the radio when a news bulletin cut off the music.

This just in. Current reports state that Pearl Harbor has been attacked by

enemy forces. In the early hours of the morning, Japanese aircraft

fired torpedoes and bombed airbases and hospitals. Casualty numbers

are still coming in, but it's estimated to be in the thousands.

Most of the ships have been damaged or sunk. Enemies have been driven

out and everyone has been pulling together to help. More news as

it comes in.

The glass container in Melody's hand slipped out and shattered onto the ground. She stared at the radio for what felt like an eternity, trying to process the horrifying news. She panicked, looking around for Delilah, but remembered she had left to make a delivery. She then thought about Katie and rushed down the ladder, almost slipping on the glass. Melody wrote a note for Delilah to return home, locked up the shop, and drove as fast as she could back to her house.

She slammed on her breaks, almost missing both house, sliding on the snow, and rushed to Katie's house. Melody pounded franticly at the door, "Katie, open the door. I need to talk to you." Melody banged on the door a couple of more times before trying the door handle. The door was unlocked and swung open for her. She looked inside and saw no lights on in the house, even though dusk was approaching. "Katie? Are you in here?"

"Over here," a small stammering voice could be heard by the couch.

Melody looked over towards the voice and saw Katie sitting still on the couch in the living room. Melody slowly approached the couch and saw Katie staring at the radio, now playing music, with a pale face and glossed over eyes. "Katie?"

"My boy is gone. My baby boy is gone." Katie shoved her face in her hands and began to sob.

Melody rushed over and held Katie close. "Don't say that. You don't know that. For all we know, he made it out and is going around helping anyone he can." Melody heard a car pull up and close its door. "It's probably the mailman. You stay here and I'll deal with it." Katie nodded and Melody lifted herself off the couch. She made it to the door and the pit in her stomach grew exponentially. "Jack, what are you doing here? I thought you'd be busy with what's going on."

A commotion came from behind Melody and Katie pushed past her. "Jack, what's going on. Tell me Eric is alright. Please tell me you've heard about him."

Jack's face contorted with grief. "I have, Katie. His CO, Captain Winslet, contacted me. I'm so sorry, Eric is dead." Katie fell to the ground and cried at the top of her lungs, Jack rushing over to comfort her.

Melody stood in shock, not knowing what to do. "I'm sorry. I have no words." Melody heard the sound of something hitting the ground and saw Delilah dismounting her bike and running to them. She only made it halfway when she understood what was going on, and ran into the house.

Jack looked up and Melody, "Go, I got this. She needs you."

Melody nodded and ran into the house, "Delilah? Honey? Where did you go?" She ran up the stairs and could hear crying in Delilah's room. Melody tried the door, but found it locked. "Del, open the door. I want to talk to you."

"Go away. It's obvious what's wrong. Eric is gone and I have no reason to live anymore."

"Don't talk like that." Melody caught out of the corner of her eye that her bedroom door was open. She never left it open unless she was inside it. She realized the drawer to her nightstand was pulled open at the same time she heard metal sliding against metal, and her heart sank. "Stephen's old service pistol." Melody banged on the door louder, "Delilah, don't you dare!" She backed up and gave the door a swift kick, causing it to fly open. She looked in and saw Delilah with her eyes closed and the barrel firmly against her chin. Melody rushed in and grabbed the gun, yanking it away from her.

"Mom, stop it! This is my choice!"

"I forbid it! Give me the gun now!" They tugged back and forth, cursing at each other. Melody gave one more hard yank before her vision was filled with a bright flash, followed by darkness.

-o-O-o-

Melody woke up lying on Delilah's floor, the sun already below the horizon. She slowly sat up and grabbed her head. "I'm definitely going to need something stronger than Tylenol for this headache." She pulled her hand away and could see a dark liquid on her hand. She flicked on the bedroom light and looked in the mirror, seeing blood smeared across the top of her head. She found a cloth on Delilah's dresser and wiped off as much as she could. She turned to the door and took a step back in surprise. The once white wall now looked like a scene out of a slasher movie. "I'm going to be up all night cleaning this." She took a step and kicked something hard, looking down and finding the gun sitting next to a spent shell. Melody reached down for the gun and placed it behind her under her shirt. "Delilah, I think we need to have a long talk," Melody yelled out. Melody stumbled out of the room and slowly made her way down the stairs. She looked at the front window and could see flashing red lights outside. "Crap." She walked out the front door and saw Delilah standing with the neighbors while talking to an officer.

"So tell me again what happened." The cop stared down at Delilah with a pad and pen.

Delilah stammered in between sniffles. "I took my mother's gun from her nightstand with the intention of killing myself. She tried to stop me and the gun went off. I didn't mean to kill her."

"What seems to be the problem officer?" Melody approached the group, still holding her head. Delilah and the neighbors turned and stumbled back in terror.

The cop dropped his pad and pen with a wide eyed gaze. "How are you alive? I checked you myself; you were dead as a doornail."

Melody waved off the officer, "No, it just grazed me. It looked a lot worse than it was. I'm perfectly fine." The cop looked back and forth between everyone before turning around to leave, mumbling 'I'm too old for this'. Melody nodded towards Katie and Jack, "Thank you for looking after Delilah for me, but I think it's time for me and her to have a little chat. Besides, you have more than enough to deal with right now." They pulled themselves off the snow, looked at each other, and scurried back to their home. Melody looked down at Delilah and glared at her, "As for you missy, get to the porch. I'll be back." Melody walked back into the house and went to her room to retrieve an old scrap book. She returned to find Delilah shivering with fear at a chair near the outside table. Melody dropped the album on the table and took a seat. She pulled a cigarette out and lit it before reaching back and placing the gun on the album cover. "I'm going to ignore your transgression for now and start with this. How did you know that was in my drawer?"

Delilah looked from the gun to Melody and sank further into her chair, "I've been sneaking in to take some of your cigarettes."

Melody looked at her pack with a single cigarette left in it and sighed, "Explains why I've been going through them so fast recently." Melody looked up and tossed the pack over to Delilah and slid the lighter over. "Because of what happened, and what you're about to learn, I'll let it slide this once. You're going to need it to calm your nerves." Delilah hesitated at first before grabbing the cigarette and lighting it. "So, what do you think happened; because we both know that wasn't a graze like I told the cop?"

"I'm not sure what to think of right now. I still believe this is a nightmare and when I wake up I'll find out the entire day didn't exist."

Melody chuckled as she puffed out a plume of smoke. "If you are my child, it is not going to be that simple. This is not a nightmare, and in fact I did die; but the past 800 years have taught me that it's not a permanent thing for me." Delilah stopped mid-puff and stared at Melody with confusion. "And I'm not crazy either. Just turn to the first page in the album." Melody removed the gun and slid the book towards Delilah.

Delilah opened the book and looked at a pencil rubbing on the front page. "In loving memory of Melody Charm. A beloved cousin, daughter, and friend. Born April 7th 1012, Died July 15th 1027. But what does that have to do with you?"

Melody leaned back and smiled, "Because that's my grave stone. Well, one of many; but that would be my first one."

"Mom, do I need to get you some help? One of my girlfriend's father is the best psychologist in town."

"Tried that once in the 1300s, and then again in the 1700s thinking things had changed. Asylums are not all they're cracked up to be. But no, like I said, I'm not crazy. As the story goes, my mother, your grandmother, was a piece of crap. Her and her sisters eventually became enemies due to who they were and were run out of town. With them gone, the town folks chased down me and my cousins. I had them follow me to a religious temple where they burned the place down around me."

"So you're saying you've been an immortal since birth?"

"Hardly. I made a deal with a goddess, though nowadays I see it as a curse, that I was allowed to continue to live in hopes of getting revenge on my mother. I was also given a dagger to do it, but I haven't seen that since the 15th century." Melody flipped the pages until she found a picture of a painting with her and Vlad in it, "Look familiar?"

Delilah looked down and her mouth fell open. She pointed at the picture and then back at Melody, "She looks just like you."

"That would be because she is me. I was once married to the one and only Dracula. Even had a kid that got taken away from me by the very goddess that I made the deal with. Always know what you're getting into when you sign a contract." She flipped to the next page with a painting of two women: one with silver hair and one with orange. "And these are your first-cousins Storm and Thunder. Some of the toughest pirates I know. After I spent some time in China, after 'divorcing' my wife, you heard me right," Melody saw Delilah real back in shock, "I joined up with their rag-tag group and plundered the seven seas for a decade. Remember the old gun on the fireplace?" Delilah nodded her head. "That was one I took off a British sailor that tried boarding the ship. I'm just amazed I was still able to get it back after sitting in the shipping office for 200 years." Melody turned to the last page she had filled, "And this is the most recent time frame, and one I regret."

Delilah sat up straight, "I know this picture. I've seen it in my history books. This is one of the suspects to the Jack the Ripper case. They couldn't definitively prove it was her, but the murders stopped after she was locked up, so they used that as evidence to convict and hang her."

Melody's heart sank and she took a deep breath, "She's also my sister. And she wasn't Jack the Ripper."

"You know who it was?"

"Not her." Melody snuffed out her cigarette. "Which leads me to the now. Granted, I may look old, but that's with many years of makeup practice. Without it, I'd look young enough to be your sister. So that brings me to the hardest part about all of this. You can't tell anyone about this."

"But mom, do you know how amazing this is?! It's a medical marvel. The secrets to youth and health are locked inside your genes."

"And that is how it will stay. Trust me; I've tried all you can think of in the past, from using my blood as a cure to sharing my secrets. Very few know about this, and even less of them were accepting of it. I never wanted to burden you with this knowledge, but there is no going back now. Now promise me, this is where it stays." Delilah sighed and reluctantly nodded. "Good. For tonight you can sleep in my room while I clean up…me. And another thing, stay out of my stuff."

-o-O-o-

Summer hit and Melody was sitting in the crowd watching her little girl graduate her final year of high school. The entire ceremony she struggled not to cry, happy to see how much Delilah had grown. When the ceremony ended, they met up in front of the auditorium and Melody gave Delilah a massive hug. "I am so proud of you. You have grown into an amazing woman and you have a bright future ahead of you."

"I actually want to talk to you about my future." They pulled apart and Melody gave Delilah a confused look. "I was talking to someone a week ago and the discussion has been on my mind for a while." Delilah lifted her gown and reached into a pocket in her skirt. She pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it to Melody.

Melody unfolded it and looked it over. It was a recruiting flyer for the US Army Women's Auxiliary Corps. "You want to join the military? Have you not been watching the same news as I have?" Melody leaned in closer so she could whisper, "It hasn't been tested, but I don't think my immortality can be genetically transferred."

"Mom, they don't give us a rifle and throw us in a foxhole on the front lines. The women do a lot of support work like secretarial, supply, and medical work away from the fight. I've always wanted to do something to help out the cause."

"But I thought we discussed about you going to college right out of high school."

"That was the plan, until I talked with the recruiter. After some time in service, they will pay for education afterwards. They even said some of the work I'd do could count towards educational credit."

"As much as I'd want you to stay out of this mess, I can see there is no way I can stop you. So if you are going to go through with this, you have to promise me one thing." Delilah rocked to the balls of her feet with baited anticipation. "You need to promise me you'll come back home safe and share a cup of tea with me." Delilah leaped into the air and hugged Melody with all of her strength.

"I promise."