"Cal…" the old woman called out. Carmilla took a deep breath, plastered a smile on her face, and went into the bedroom where the woman sat on the bed.
"Yes?" Carmilla stiffened.
"I don't know if I can go tonight."
Carmilla's mind automatically searched through her own memory of events the woman had gone to in her life in order to figure out which it was, and what role to play. Her thoughts went to a specific gala the woman had attended at a much earlier time, and she slipped into character with ease. She was Cal, rich and somewhat arrogant in a way, but gentle and loving. She rushed over to the woman and knelt before her, taking her hands in her own.
"Why not, darling?" she asked with concern.
"Well… you know Lucille will be there. And she always has something to say. Last time, made some comment about my shape and compared me to a pudding filled sock…"
Carmilla searched her brain for the exact words that Cal would say to her.
"Well, there are two good things there. The sock, which keeps people warm, and the pudding, which is soft and sweet," she responded. The woman chuckled.
"Classic Cal. Always like you to say something goofy and out of character to try to cheer me up. It worked," the woman admitted.
"Screw Lucille," Carmilla scoffed. "Let's get you dolled up, I'll go buy you the prettiest, most expensive dress I can find, and we'll make that Lucille's jaw drop. She can't say anything at all if her mouth is stuck open, awestruck by your beauty, my dear."
"You're making me blush," the woman giggled. "Thank you, Cal."
"You're my world," Carmilla answered, and the woman signalled for a kiss. Carmilla's stomach tied itself in knots as she forced herself to lean forward and plant a kiss on the woman's cheek.
"I was hoping for a little more than that, but that will do," the woman remarked.
"Maybe later," Carmilla winked as she rose to her feet. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must be off. Gotta go see a man about a dress."
"I'll be waiting," the woman called after her.
"So will I."