Ravenous

Prayers were all that came to mind as I stood outside waiting for him. The wait was brief, but agonizing. As the evening had begun to grow dark, Allan appeared. His car stopped right in front of the library. All the time before he arrived, I wondered if my feet—which felt like lead— would be able to move at all. But as soon as I saw him, my feet felt as light as feathers as I ran down the stairs to meet him.

He opened the door for me courteously. Then, he offered his hand to help in, "Is something the matter?" His soft insightful voice caught me by surprise.

I flinched. I took his hand and shook my head, "No, I had... a strange day today." It wasn't a lie, but at the same time I wanted to deny everything else that I had learned before.

To my surprise, he squeezed my hand. "It must be strange. I've been less than a man these past few days. But, I promise that from now on, I won't lose sight of what is truly important. After all, you're my everything, Lea." He grinned and the gesture was sincere in the glow of his honey colored iris.

His hand parted from mine leaving the sensation tingling in my skin. I began to forget. I began to deny. What I had seen had not been written in stone. It was speculations. Circumstances that had stained my angel's life with misery. I would not be blinded, perhaps because his light had already corrupted my sight. I would remain next to him, basking in that light.

Allan had strengthened my resolve to believe in him with simple hand to hand contact. Still, as the car raced past every other car in the highway, I wondered if my family would fall in his spell just as easily. It was just my experience, but it was a known fact that I was particularly susceptible to this Edwardian charm.

As usual, we arrived at my mother's home in half the time it should have taken. When I stepped outside, the slant of the street took me by surprise. I faltered a bit. But if I may say so, I had the right to blame my mistake upon the bright moon. It was a light as clear as day. The light had a bluish tone to it. It covered my skin making it look blue as well. I realized then, as we stood at the door, that the light of the moon shinning off of Allan's pale skin had taken a new life. It was how I pictured Edward looked to Bella in the sun, as if he had been covered in a sequence of mirrors that reflected light. Radiating, mesmerizing, and he must have seen it in my dumbfounded look.

He gently lifted his hand and his finger tips lightly under my chin pushed my mouth to a close. "Thanks," I mumbled before I turned red and speechless. I felt so awkward and insignificant next to him.

Allan noticed my feelings, and the sly smile across his lips left me motionless, like a dear before the headlights. With his hands around my face, he made look up. Drawn into his eyes, into his light, I waited. He leaned down slowly. This was the first time he had ever attempted to kiss me. Finally, his lips tenderly pressed against mine. Firm, and soft with a fading warmth.

And then, the door finally opened. He let go of me. The light from inside the house broke the moonlight's spell. He took my hand and led me in.

We followed my sister, or so I think. I was in a daze. My first kiss. Right in front of my mother's full house, my face was on fire. I was certain that everyone could hear my thumping heart. I kept my eyes on the floor until I heard my mother's flimsy voice, "Welcome! You must be Allan. Thank you for coming."

"It's not a problem. Thank you very much for the invitation. It smells delicious." Allan's voice was courteous and perfect, like Bella would describe it, velvet indeed.

I noticed my mother blushed, and smiled as she offered a handshake, "I have to confess that I didn't cook. I ordered from Lea's favorite Thai restaurant. I always burn the food when I'm this nervous."

Allan cocked his head and mused, "Nervous?"

My mother led us to the kitchen, "It's something mothers go through when they meet the future husband of their daughter."

"Well," Allan grinned looking at me from the corner of his eye, "If it makes you feel more at ease, I can assure you that I don't bite. At least I haven't lately." He winked at me.

"Uh, eh, M-Merion! Hey! How did it go?" I called to my sister interrupting her private conversation with her bear-like husband.

My sister Merion was taller and more built than me, besides being four years older. We never had any interests in common. She hated books and loved movies –opposite of me. Today, she was wearing a dark gray skirt and white short-sleeved shirt. She looked as if she had been in an office, which was rare. She often chose to dress as casually as possible when at home. Then again, her job as a hotel critic had demands of its own. My sister, unlike me, had short (shoulder-length) hair. Her expression always appeared serious. At times it frightened me to talk to her, because she would either burst out laughing or scold me like there's no tomorrow. Frightening as she is, she was always protective of me. And if she knew about the situation with Allan, it was just a matter or time before she yells at me like the world is coming to an end—and it just might if she did. But for now, she was being pleasant.

Her husband, too, was an opposite of my taste in men. He was tall –just a few inches than Allan- and he was very muscular. His neck in particular was as wide as his head. His hair was dark brown and short. His facial features were a bit rough, but flawless nonetheless. His name is Vincent. A delicate name, I figured, for such a rough man.

We all sat at the table and began to eat. It all seemed so solemn. I mean, Vincent was using forks and everything during dinner –I always expected him to grab his food with his bare hands for some reason. I know my mother didn't spend a fortune, but I was really glad she had chosen my favorite food. It was all because the oil from the pad-tai noodles stained Allan's lips with a slight gloss. So beautiful and brief that it made me hate napkins. The food was good, but as I chewed each mouthful at turtle speed, I realized something. I was starved. But food wasn't what could sate such hunger. I wanted more of the forbidden fruit. Even if images of that story I had learned about made me cringe, I still wanted his lips. For all I knew and cared, he could devour me. And I'd be happy just to savor his lips and feel them against mine once again, longer and more passionately. I knew he could, but would he?

My endless speculations were interrupted by my sister's voice.

"So, how are the arrangements in that tiny gnome house of yours?" My sister's mocking words always made me blush.

I filled my cheeks with a puff of air. What I was about to say would be just as crude. But the night was saved.

"Our charming cottage, you mean?" Allan's eyes glimmered in my sister's direction. She turned away, but he continued, "It's more than perfect for the two of us. After all, we prefer that intimate closeness."

"Yeah, we'd get one like that, but I don't think we would fit in." Vincent laughed at his own idiotic comment.

Without noticing, I muttered, "The surprise is knowing that you can think." I sounded more resentful than intended, but I had to stand up for my man, right?

I didn't get the reaction I'd expected. Vincent began laughing. He laughed until tears came out. It made me edgy, until he slammed his fist on the table, "She's just as though as you said Merion. Really, I thought she was mute until now."

I heard Allan chuckle, and before I knew it, he was on Vincent's side, "Yes, she can be quite a mystery sometimes..." his voice trailed off as they laughed some more.

How can I explain...?

To see Allan laugh made my heart flutter. To see him laugh at me, however, made me extremely self-conscious. Was I that gullible? But worst of all... was he laughing at me for something else? Perhaps, what he had said before my sister opened the door was nothing but shameless mockery.

Still, I wanted to be fair. Maybe he was feeling at ease. He didn't have this type of connection with Aiden. Therefore, I should be happy. Happy that the person I love had made a friend. Someone to support him, and someone to help me defend him. But, I was getting too far ahead of myself. There is nothing to protect him against... is there?

Despite my sister's wary demeanor, we had a fairly good time. It all had me feel like I was six again among a large merry family. All that we were missing was the title of an over commercialized holiday. Or so I thought, until my mom stopped giggling and raised her cup of wine for a toast, "Cheers, for the engagement of the new couple!"

"Cheers!" Vincent's deep voice deafened me.

Confusion struck. The room began to spin around me. My feet felt like they were parting with gravity. Breathing was out of possibility. My mind was about to go blank, when he kneeled before me. Certainly, it couldn't be, could it?

I could tell then that my sister was holding in her wicked laughter. She had known all along. And now, the clueless me standing there in the center of everything was nothing but a joke.

"Lea," his voice was soft, like a caress. "Will you marry me?"

"I..." I was speechless. Like he really needed me to say it. My voice collapsed and tears began to flow down my cheeks. Since when had I longed for him this much?

I didn't know the answer to that. I recalled my words to the 'Dragon Lady' that day, I want him! I was so happy it was true. So happy, that I was mute. And when I saw his lost expression at my silence I lounged at him with a hug. Only when he embraced my waist tightly could I speak, "Yes! Of course I will!"

I heard Vincent's voice say, "She's like one of those squeezable dolls that can talk." He chuckled in unison with my sister.

I lost my inhibitions then. I held his angelic face in my hands and kissed him. Perhaps it's too much to say I heard the chime of bells in that stint; but as far I see it, it's ok to lose touch with reality sometimes.

The kiss ended too soon to my dismay. It was no longer enough. But, we had time, and mom was crying. Silently at first, but I could see her streaming tears. She had been sobbing quietly, hiding in my sister's arm. I rushed to hug and console her, "I love you mom! Don't worry, I won't stop visiting you. Not now, not ever..."

My promises were cut off when I noticed Allan caught my hand and placed the ring on my hand. He wrapped his arm around my neck and pulled me closer to his body. "Please forgive her if she fails to do good on that promise." I could hear the grin in Allan's voice.

Mom didn't see a threat in his remark. She seemed rather pleased as she pleaded, "If such is the case, take good care of her then."

"Always," he replied embracing me tighter.

It was suddenly over. The night, the reunion, the surprise engagement party.

Allan held my hand as he drove. By now, I knew to keep quiet. Resting gently on his shoulder, I really took the time to appreciate the ring he had given me. It wasn't the conventional diamond. It was seven blue stones incrusted on platinum.

"Opal," he said as if he read the questions in my mind. "They're not as expensive as diamonds. However, the folklore of the land where they're found calls them 'Tears of The Gods'. It is said that in their sorrow, the gods bless whoever has their tears."

"I already am blessed." I smiled to him wishing I could give him something of equal value.

"It's just a story. You needn't worry about getting me something like it. But my wish for you to achieve happiness remains the same."

I grimaced, "You can't read minds, can you?"

He chuckled, "If I did, we probably would have more fun than we have so far." From the mischievous tone of his voice I knew he was talking about that.

I didn't want to answer to his silly taunting. So, I nuzzled closer to his neck. I could feel his warm breath on my hair and his heartbeat beneath the palm of my hand.

The night, this night, had been predestined to be perfect—or so I'd thought.

I don't recall falling asleep, but I must have done so somewhere along the way. I felt like slapping myself for letting my guard down so easily. At first, I thought the darkness was that of a room, but I could see the glint of starlight that had followed us from my house. How long had I been asleep? My body felt strange...

I looked around, and there he was. He was sitting next to me as he had been before I fell asleep. Well, almost as before. His arm no longer embraced my shoulders tenderly. There was something eerily tense about his extremely straightened back; his hands gripped the wheel with enough force to make a dent on it. His eyes were firmly focused the front like a tiger about to pounce on his prey.

I didn't know what to say. So, I tried to touch his shoulder. But when I did, he dodged to the side. I noticed my hand was stained with blood. I cringed back. When I tried to open my mouth, he held up his hand, "Don't move. Whatever happens, stay here!"

I was vexed. He sounded fierce. I was injured. He was angry. What caused it?

It occurred to me to look up then, and then I understood.

Two figures emerged from the deep dark forest. I had to squint, but what I saw had to be wrong. I wiped my glasses on a piece of cloth, and then squinted again. The moonlight was playing games with my mind; that had to be it.

The light of the two beings standing before Allan was similar to that of Allan's. What was more, as my eyes adjusted to the moonlight, I recognized them. It was the brothers from the 'Placement' office. It was hard to recognize them without their scrubs. They were dressed very casual in ripped jeans and leather jackets or vests. It was hard to see many details.

"Long time no see, brother!" the loud voice was none other than Michael's.

Like an idiot, disobeyed Allan's warning. I jumped out of the car and barely managed to stay on my feet by hanging on to the car door. When I looked up, I gasped.

Michael was standing before me, too close for comfort. Strangely, his skin glowed beautifully like Allan's. Something about his crazed red eyes made my heart begin pounding. All I could think about was running away, but my knees trembled too much. "I, I..." I stammered. Trying to keep my cool, not wanting him to think I was drunk, I thought faster than usual. "Oh, you guys came to help?"

"Not really. It's more like we came to see you, sis." He touched my cheek with his frozen stone hand. Nothing about him resembled the kind gentleman I had met before.

I shrunk away. In the time that I blinked, Allan appeared before me. "Back off!" He growled. The sound thundered in my ears making me relieve all the nature shows I had seen in which lions fought for territory.

"I'm sorry," I pleaded.

"Don't be stingy," Michael whined. "I just want a little taste of sis. You should at least do that if you want your older brothers to approve."

"I don't need your approval," Allan hissed. Then, he took a step back keeping me hidden behind his back.

"Now, now," The other brother, the one who seemed to dislike me the most stepped next to Michael. "There's no need to fight. Sis might scream if you get too close like that, Mike. You're always so impatient. If you act like that we'll get in trouble. This time follow my lead. You'll know you're good if you can manage to..."

"If you think that you'll go unharmed if even get near her, I'll gladly rip you to pieces again!"

"How so?" Michael asked playfully.

When I peered over Allan's shoulder, I saw him tossing something in the air. It shined while in midair. "Hey! That's mine!" I reached out. My left hand was bleeding from my finger from which the ring had been yanked off forcefully.

Allan growled when Michael moved.

"Relax, we won't be as tough with her as we were with Doria." Michael licked his lips when he said the name.

Allan's arm tensed. But he said nothing.

"Who's Doria?" I whispered.

"Oh, you mean, you're engaged and he hasn't told you?" Michael asked. "Hey, Derek... I gave her a hint, but she still needs to know. Should we tell?"

"Since Allan won't share, we might as well," said Derek. Both of them seemed to be enjoying a private joke. A joke that enraged Allan.

"Listen, when I tell you to do so, run." He whispered to me.

"Ha!" Derek let out a laugh.

Michael shrugged his shoulders. "She can try, but it won't do any good. Just like it happened with Doria."

It had to be some kind of joke. Something I was missing out on, and it was pissing me off. "Who the hell is Doria!" I barked.

"You're though sis." Michael said. "If you make it, maybe we can have fun for many days!"

"Run Lea!" Allan yelled.

It was in less than a fraction of a second. Allan kicked Michael in the stomach with such force that it sent him flying deep into the forest. I could hear his body. It sounded as though a wrecking ball was trampling the forest.

On the floor, Allan pinned Derek crushing his chest with his knee.

Even in the circumstances, Derek managed to speak, "Doria was his first! The first and only girl that... took him home. The one before you. The one he and us devoured and tore to shreds!"

I, unbelievably enough, began laughing. My knees finally gave up. Hot, bitter tears were streaming from my eyes as I asked, "What?"

Allan stood up. "He lies!" He advanced toward me.

I cowered away.

"You... didn't read carefully enough!" Michael appeared from the forest covered in leaves and coughing.

"Vampires!" I spewed sardonically.

"The will of an obsessed woman can be astonishing," Derek mused.

"Yes, sis. You were only... a once in a lifetime treat." Michael uttered the words that had been brewing in the back on my mind.

Derek then darkly stated, "That's why there are no guarantees."

And there, in the same night of the happiest day of my life, I stood shivering; trapped among lies, truths, and an unfathomable darkness.

*Author notes:

Apologies for taking too long in posting this. I understand if I lost people's interest. But then again, I only had very few readers to begin with XD, but I do love the few of you *3*

I had a very insightful conversation a few days ago that inspired me to continue. Anyways, the next chapter is:

Promises