Dracula
Did you arrive safely, my sunflower? xxx
Ericka
Yes.
Dracula
I miss you, honey. Make sure you take care of yourself, I love you more than anything in the universe xxx
Ericka
Okay.
Wearing an agonising frown, Drac plopped his phone beside his couple's coffin and sighed. It must've been the thousandth time he read over their short conversation. They hadn't texted since that day, and ever since, Drac had no meaning of life.
Something twinkled in the corner of his eye. Drac swore that his heart plummeted into the abyss of his stomach.
Abandoned in the darkened corner of the room lay Ericka's engagement ring. The spider's gloomy face glanced at Drac, missing its owner just as much as he missed his darling fiancée. Everything now suddenly seemed real. One of the aspects of Ericka that he'd always cherish was the ring – a reminder of their infinite love.
He motions for the spider to crawl onto his pinky finger. Anyone would scold Drac for acting so depressed after two solid days without Ericka. Frank struggled to keep a steady conversation with him yesterday, his replies emerging as low grumbles or sighs.
For the remainder of the night, Drac enclosed himself in the coffin. Not even the comfort of his bed soothes him – the wide space, meant for two people, seemed near threatening. Like he'd been doomed to live alone. Yet, his broody attitude prevented him from actually doing something about it. Instead, he slumped against the mattress – face smushed against the pillow – lip wobbling as he swiped through his phone's camera. Endless wonderful memories of him and Ericka, reserved in an album he dedicated to her. Photos and videos of them dancing, professional couples' pictures at special occasions, and cheeky selfies that they slipped in between fun moments.
What he doesn't realise is that his daughter listened to his sobbing within the hallway.
With a frown, Mavis listens to her father's sniffles. Although breaking the rule of privacy, she couldn't help but enter his room.
"Dad?" Mavis approached the closed coffin. She can't help but smile at its heart-shape – a perfect object that emphasised their affection for each other.
"Uh–yes, my little bed bug?" Drac replied, his voice cracked.
Sitting beside the coffin, Mavis asked, "Are you okay?"
"I–of course! Why...why wouldn't I be?"
Mavis tilted her head. "Well, I haven't seen Ericka since the day that...you guys had a disagreement."
A pause. From that moment, Mavis understand the problem. What concerned her was the absence of her father's fiancée.
"Ah...yes, well...there's no problem now," Drac chuckled nervously, "goodnight Mavis!"
"It's three in the morning, Dad."
"...I knew that."
Mavis sighed. "Dad, where's Ericka?"
Another pause. Mavis took the risk and opened the coffin door, gasping as she spotted her father.
Although a vampire's skin seemed pale enough, somehow all of the evidence of life had been drained from Drac's complexion. His eyes shone scarlet, and his cheeks were drowned in countless tears. When had he slept last? Taken his healthy dose of blood-beaters?
"Oh, Dad..." Mavis sighed, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Drac buried his head within his daughter's shoulder. "I'm fine, my little tarantula. Daddy is just a bit...shocked, that is all."
He grasped her hands. Mavis noticed Ericka's engagement ring upon his pinky finger, filling her gut with dread.
"Did she...leave?"
Drac pursed his lips. "I...not permanently, I don't think. She went to cater for a cruise with Van Helsing, said she needed some time to think."
"Think about what?" Mavis cocked her brow.
Drac shrugged, "About...if she wants to stay with me, I don't know."
His lip quivered once again. Mavis stopped a tear from running along his cheek. Even without his beautiful Zing, Drac could still confide in his darling daughter.
"But, you guys had never argued before," Mavis said, "why should this make her want to leave? You guys are soulmates!"
"Because I'm a terrible fiancé!" Drac cried, his magic launching a candle across the room. Luckily, it wasn't alight. "Ericka felt uncomfortable about the portrait, and all I did was let my past break her heart. I knew that she supports my marriage with Martha, but I failed to be there for her when she felt unloved. I'm...her first love, Mavis. She's been betrayed by others, and I followed the same path as them."
Mavis grasped his shoulders in a firm grip. "You are nothing like them! Ericka has told me that she's so lucky to have you! Just because you made one mistake, doesn't mean she hates you."
Drac bowed his head. He wished he could believe his intelligent daughter, but his drama-king personality formed the barrier from him doing so.
"Have you tried texting Ericka? Calling her?" Mavis questioned.
"I..." Drac thought about his recent text conversation with Ericka. Nothing but simple responses from his fiancée, which staked his heart every time he sent kisses and received nothing. "I haven't, but it is pointless."
Mavis shook her head. "You have to talk to her! Even if she ignores you, just send her messages reminding her about how much you love her."
Drac paced the room, twirling his phone within his fingers. "I don't know, blood-drop. What if I come across as clingy? Annoying?"
"Dad, you forget that Ericka is absolutely crazy for you," Mavis chuckled, "you guys don't stop kissing in public, for goodness sake."
She reaches for his wrist, the one that contains the phone, and motions it towards his face. Drac glances between the device and his daughter before a small smile crept across his cheeks. How could his daughter be so soothing? So, he retrieves his message history with Ericka, and texts something simple:
Dracula
Hey honey-bat, how are you today? xxx
Ten seconds pass.
"Mavis, she's not replying!" Drac cried, burying his face within his hands. "She hates me, oh lord, what have I done? She's trying to forget that I exist!"
Mavis rolled her eyes. "Dad, it's literally been thirty seconds. She's not gonna reply that quickly."
"But, she always replies to me straight away!"
"Yes, but she's directing a cruise at the moment!" Mavis claimed, "She's busy catering for the people, and her phone is probably in her cabin. Please, just calm down."
Drac frowned at his phone. "But, I miss her so much..."
"I know, but be patient," Mavis smiled, "I'm sure she'll respond. How about you get dressed and come have lunch with us?"
Mavis embraced her father for a final time. Remembering to eat lunch with Dennis, she left her father to sulk on his phone. She didn't feel like she lifted his spirits, but Drac would soon realise what that small text would impact.
After closing her cabin door, Ericka slumped onto her bed with a desirable sigh. It must've been hours since she last sat down and rested, especially after sustaining her heavy mind and heart around the ship all day. Regardless of the numerous inquiries that she attended to, she couldn't help but rewind her argument with Drac whenever she was alone. Sometimes, she regretted ever bring up the conversation. Or thinking about it.
No. Something had to be said. How could she wallow in her uncomfortableness if she'd have to stare at that portrait for the rest of her life? Unfortunately, Drac wasn't as eager to leave the past behind just yet, and with good reason. She'd hate to force him, but it couldn't last forever.
Even her great-grandfather agreed. However, he wouldn't stop pestering her about ending the engagement. Anything to prevent his great-granddaughter from marrying his arch-nemesis.
Ericka poured herself a drink - some strong alcohol should soothe her throbbing mind. She took a sip, almost spitting it straight out upon checking her phone.
Drac had left her a text message.
Her heart rose, relieved that the silence between them had finally been broken. Secretly, she wanted to text him before, but she couldn't figure out the perfect starter.
So, with the pain continuing to harm her, Ericka replied:
Ericka
Hey, just only got your message. Just been really busy today with the couple's wedding.
Not even five seconds passed. Those grey dots bounced across the screen.
Dracula
MY LOVE HAS TEXTED ME! OH, I'M SO HAPPY!
Ericka wasn't sure if Drac had meant to send her the message, but nevertheless, she giggled at his goofiness.
Dracula
I'm so sorry, my darling. The phone heard me speak and copied it onto here, I'm so so so so so so sorry xxx
Curling up beneath her blankets, Ericka smiled as she texted him back.
Ericka
No worries. How was your day?
Dracula
It's been average, my sunflower. I've just gotten into bed. I miss you with every second that passes xxx
His words sent a pang through her heart. Something pricked at the corner of her eye, almost drawing tears. Goddamnit, she didn't want to admit it...but she missed him so much.
Ericka
I miss you too x
Dracula
How are you feeling today? xx
Ericka
A little better. Still thinking about the other day, though x
Dracula
I would give you all the hugs and kisses in the world xxx
Ericka grinned, her cheeks were almost aching. She could imagine his loving hugs along with that goofy smile of his.
Ericka
I'd love that x
Dracula
Are you coming home? xxx
Ericka
Of course, I'd never leave you. Just needed some time to wind down x
Dracula
It must be late! You should get your sleep, I don't want to keep you awake xxx
Ericka
Yeah, I gotta get up early x
Dracula
I'll text you tomorrow. I love you so much xxx
Ericka
I love you too xxx
Ericka sighed as she settled her phone atop the bedside table. Her arm cradled a pillow, almost certain that she cuddled her fiancé. Just five more days and she can launch herself within his arms.