Chapter 3: DEAD DADDY
Godric and I were moving at an insane speed. It wasn't really like running; we didn't take long steps, or push on our muscles to go faster. We were just walking very, very fast, taking normal sized strides, but taking them at a rate of about seventy per second. I counted.
Dirt flew from beneath our feet and landed on the multitude of tree trunks we were passing. My eyes took in everything, from the impossibly bright monochrome of green making up the vegetation, to the star lit navy blue sky.
The sky ! It was the most incredible thing I'd ever seen. It looked like one of those pictures taken by professional telescopes, full of bright, white dots crowding each other. I could see the milky way, painting the sky with pink, purple and turquoise tendrils of light. It was breathtaking. Losing the sight of the sun was a small price pay if that was what had been granted in exchange.
In front of me, Godric started to slow down and regain human speed. I did the same. He walked to a giant, thick and wild-looking bush, and parted it with his white hand, before entering it. Hesitantly, I repeated his actions, and let the plant swallow me. I followed the sounds of my maker's steps, and, before long, I was freed from the branches.
I found myself on a very neat lawn. On my right, a paved lane lead to a luxurious looking white mansion. It was two stories tall, with a balcony supported by eight massive looking pillars. If I had to guess, I'd say that this used to be a plantation home.
« Where are we ? » I asked.
« This is one of Eric's homes. He has agreed to let us stay here from now on. »
Eric ? My hyperactive, but confused brain, took a few moments to make the connection between the blond viking vampire that had brought Simon and what Godric had revealed to me before his arrival.
« Your first child, right ? My brother ? »
« Yes, but come. We will talk further once we are inside. »
He followed the path leading to the porch and took a key from his pocket. I passed between two of the Grecian looking pillars and stood before a set of beautiful double vaulted french doors while Godric unlocked them.
We crossed the empty, marble hallway, passing through a set of stairs, and stopped in front of carved wooden door on our right.
« This is one of the bathrooms » Godric informed me. « You should take a shower before our talk. You are still covered in dirt and blood, and so am I. I will bring you some clothes for you to change into. Once you're done, join me in the family room. It is the last door on your left down the hall. »
And then he left, so fast that my new vampire senses could barely make out any movement. One moment he was there, and the next, he wasn't. I stood still for a few moments, before opening the bathroom door. He was right, after all. I was incredibly dirty and a hot shower would be more than welcome.
The bathroom was lovely, spacious, with a modern look to it. What caught my attention, though, was the big and luxurious corner bath on my right that seemed to be calling for me. Alas, I had no time for a bath, and so settled for the shower that stood on the left corner of the room. I sighed in disappointment.
I took off my dirty blue summer dress, my sandals and my undergarments, letting them fall in a messy heap on the white tiled floor of the bathroom. Then, I opened the glass door of the shower stall and turned the water on.
The feeling of the steaming hot stream hitting my hair and shoulders was wonderful ! I felt every drop roll down my skin, washing away the mix of dirt, broken leaves and blood that clung to my body. I turned to the soap and shampoo wall dispensers and started to clean myself, my hands caressing my body intimately and making me think back to the « Simon incident ».
I remembered the taste of his blood on my tongue, the way it had immediately soothed my burning throat, the music his heart played in his chest, the scent of his skin, the warmth that emanated from him... I started feeling aroused again. Unconsciously, my hands lowered themselves. But before I could even brush my folds, a knock sounded on the door. I jumped.
« Yes ? » I asked, turning the water off.
« I brought clothes », answered Godric's voice.
Unnerved and more than a little self-conscious, I grabbed a brown, fluffy towel and wrapped around myself. I walked to the door, and opened it slightly. I pushed my head through the opening, and saw Godric holding a few grey garments. He had obviously taken a shower as well, as evidenced by his clean skin and damp hair. I opened the door enough to grab the lump of clothes and muttered :
« Thank you »
« You are welcome. » He answered before leaving me alone once more, heading for what he had told me to be the family room.
I closed the door and dried myself. Godric had brought me some of his own clothes. There was a comfortable looking pair of dark grey linen pants and a light, beige cotton sweater. No undergarments, for obvious reasons. As I didn't want to put the dirty ones back on, I sighed and resigned myself to go commando for the night. I really didn't have much of a choice.
The clothes were too big for me, but the pants were held with a cordon and I rolled the legs up to avoid walking on them. The sweater was soft against my skin and reached my thighs. The V-neck made me slightly uncomfortable because, when I moved, it revealed part of my breasts. I tucked the sweater in my pants to stop it from gaping too much and rolled the sleeves.
I searched the drawers under the sink and triumphantly grabbed a hairbrush and a tie. I untangled my wet hair, braided it and tied it before looking at myself in the mirror, now that the mist from my shower had faded.
I took an unnecessary breath at my appearance. I was shiny. My hair was a few shades lighter, I thought, although I couldn't really see its real colour since it was wet. But the brown had taken a definite red tint to it. My eyes were a bright green, where they had previously been hazel. The curve of my nose was softer, more regular, and my lips were naturally red and plump. My skin had smoothed out, becoming soft and pale. A slight glow came from it. I looked beautiful.
Don't get me wrong, I'd always been told I was attractive, pretty, before. But now, at the risk of sounding vain, I was beautiful. In an unnatural kind of way. I looked too perfect. All those little short-comings I'd gotten used to, the few spots every teenager got, the slight deviation of my nose (I'd broken it when I was 6), the too-short and flat eyelashes...All those things that me human, they were gone. Dead. Just like I was.
It really dawned on me then, the enormity of my situation. This was real. I couldn't go back to my life and pretend nothing had happened. I couldn't go to college in september like I should have, because the classes were during the day. I couldn't have the kids I'd always dreamed of having. I couldn't grow old. I would live for centuries and see my father, my brother, putain even my currently two and a half years old niece, grow old and die. I probably couldn't even go back to live with my family.
I felt a weight settle on my chest and my eyes burnt with the desire to cry. It really wasn't Godric's fault anymore than it was mine. It would have been so much easier if I could have blamed him for this. But I couldn't. He'd been forced to turn me. He probably wasn't any more happy with the situation than was. I wiped my eyes, and headed out of the room.
Godric was sitting on a large black leather sofa, looking lost in his thoughts, and as always, rather sad and tired. An empty bottle of True Blood sat on a rectangular glass coffee table in font of him. His bowed head snapped up when I came in and a small smile appeared on his lips as he took in my appearance.
« Beautiful », he said with approval.
« Thank you ».
« Come here, sit beside me and we will talk. »
I walked over to him and lowered myself on the couch, turning my head to the left to face him. His captivating blue eyes looked at me softly and he took hold of my right hand.
« As you already know, » he started, «my name is Godric, and I am your maker. That means a number of things. First and most importantly, it means that you, my child, are my responsibility. It is my duty, as your maker, to take care of you, to provide for you, and to protect you, much like a human father for his offspring. Do you remember what you felt for me when you rose ? »
« You felt safe » I said. « Like the most trustworthy person in the world. You still do, actually »
« As I told you when you rose, that is due to the maker/child bond. »
« A bond ? » I inquired, confused.
« Yes. An emotional one. I feel everything you feel, and once you learn to focus better, you will be able to do the same. »
« You feel everything I feel ? » I asked, my eyes widening at the thought of what he'd interrupted when I was in the shower.
He nodded his assent, and I was very glad that I couldn't blush anymore.
« You are embarrassed » he stated. « You have no need to be. The lust you feel is normal. Eric felt the same when he rose, and so did I. I will no judge you on it. »
« Still ! » I protested. « Isn't like an invasion of privacy ? »
He was silent for a few moments, lost in his thoughts.
« You must understand that the relationship a maker shares with his progeny is like no other. There is no privacy, because there is no need for it. We live for centuries, in some cases, millenia. That is a long time, and it can be terribly lonely. But with the bond, with the shared emotions, we are never truly alone. In that way, it is vitally important and has stopped many of us from going mad. A maker and a child are meant to be so intimately close, and the love that can result from such a relationship knows no bond. That is what Eric and I share : unconditional love. I know the circumstances that lead to your turning were less than ideal, and I do not wish to overwhelm you, but it is my hope that some day, you and I will share the same. »
Strange emotions filled me. I didn't know Godric. He was a complete stranger. But I was grateful, so very grateful that he didn't hate me. That was a fear I hadn't even realized I had. That, although I didn't blame him for turning me, he might blame me. I knew that I could have had a lot worse as a maker. I'd gotten oddly lucky, considering the situation. He seemed like a truly good man. Vampire. Whatever.
Relief and affection. That's what I felt. I could definitely grow to love him. A red tear escaped my eye and fell on our joined hand.
« Du sang », I muttered.
« Yes, we cry blood »
He let go of my hand, and cupped my cheek, wiping the blood away with his thumb before licking it away.
« I am glad », he said, «that you feel the way you do. I never wanted to turn someone by force. »
« It wasn't your fault »
« But it was. If not for my actions in Berlin all those years ago, I wouldn't have had to be punished, and you would still be human. »
I didn't answer him immediately. He was right, and yet, he wasn't.
« You're not the one who kidnapped me », I said finally. « Besides, does it matter whose fault it is ? It doesn't change anything. »
« You're right, of course. »
We both fell silent.
« There is more you need to know » Godric finally stated. « The bond we share also means that I can command you to do anything and you will not be able to disobey me, as I did tonight when you fed. »
Now, that made me mad.
« You mean I'm your slave ?! »
« No ! You are not ! I have never condoned slavery. Know that I will only use my ability when absolutely necessary. Commanding you tonight saved this man's life. You would have inevitably killed him, otherwise. Is that what you wished ? »
« No, no, of course not, but... »
I trailed off. Even if he used it only when necessary, the fact that he could command me to do whatever he wanted made me uneasy. No one liked being powerless, and that was exactly what being his child made me.
« I will not harm you. » He told me.
And strangely, I knew he was telling the truth. I trusted him not to abuse his power. We were family now. In a way, he was my new « daddy ». That thought made me focus on my human family. I really wanted to see them again, to keep in contact even if I couldn't live with them anymore.
« Godric ».
« Yes ? »
« Will I be able to see my family again ? I mean, with the Revelation and all, everyone knows we exist, so it shouldn't be a problem, right ? »
He sighed and closed his eyes a few moments.
« It is not that simple. »
« Why ? »
« Because of how you were turned. Will your family not want to know the reasons that pushed me to do this to you ? »
« I... Yeah, they will. »
« And we cannot mention the trial. The existence of our judiciary system was kept from the public eye for good reason. The court's simple disregard for human life would be enough to cause an uproar. Your parents can never know how you became a vampire. »
«My father », I corrected. « My mother's dead. But, we could lie to him, my father, I mean. »
« And what would you tell him ? That I assaulted you in an alley, drained you, and decided, without having ever met you, to turn you ? »
« No, I'll tell a version of the truth », I said. « I just don't know what, yet ».
« Astrid, you must understand that, even if you do find a satisfactory explanation, there is no guarantee that your father will want to keep in contact with you. Humans are still wary of us » He stated softly.
« My dad's not like that ! » I protested, but deep down, I wasn't so sure.
My father wasn't a bad guy, but he could be rather close minded, at times, with a grudge against illegal immigrants, India and China for « stealing our jobs ». He wasn't racist per se, he had no problem with skin colour or religion, or even homosexuality, but as soon as you threatened his comfortable way of life or break the law -no matter why or how stupid the law was-, he grew hostile.
I knew he loved me and he was really a great dad. He wasn't too strict, but not too lax either, and did raise me alone for ten years. He did a good job of it too, as I wasn't an easy child. He was attentive and always made time for my brother and I. But I really had no idea what thought about vampires. We'd never talked about it. I did not know how he would react.
I knew my brother wouldn't have a problem with it, though. He had never shown any of the close-mindedness my father sometimes exhibited. Adrien was often times infuriating, teasing me mercilessly and the both of us did fight like siblings, but he always sided with me when it mattered. As for Fatima, his two and a half years old daughter, she wouldn't even notice anything had changed.
« I'm sure my brother will be okay with it, even if for some reason, my father isn't. »
« Very well » Godric conceded, « if you find a good explanation concerning your change, I will let you contact them ».
Joy flooded me. Impulsively, I threw my arms around his shoulders and clung to him, burying my nose in his neck. He really did smell good.
« Merci » I told him. «Vraiment, Merci».
He hugged me back and pressed a kiss on the top of my head.
« You are welcome, ma fille. »
« That's becoming a habit », a new voice cut in.
I turned around, and saw Eric standing there, eyeing us amusedly.
« Hello again, little sister »
« Hi ? »
« Astrid » Godric said, looking half amused, half exasperated. « This is Eric Northman, Sheriff of area Five, Louisiana, and your new brother. Eric, this is Astrid Groult, my new child. Be nice. »
« I am always nice. » Eric said with a smirk.
« I don 't think I'm going to have any trouble thinking of you as my brother » I grumbled.
Eric raised an blond eyebrow in question.
« You remind me a lot of my human brother. » I explained.
« Really ? » Eric asked, sounding doubtful.
« Yeah. He's just as cocky as you are. And just as freakishly tall, and blond. »
« Interesting » Eric purred, coming to sit next to me. « But is he as sexy as I am ? »
I made a disgusted face. I really, really didn't want to think about Adrien that way.
« Eric ! I said be nice ! » Godric ordered.
Eric's smirk disappeared immediately. He bowed his head in submission and said :
« Yes, Master ».
« Master ? » I asked.
« Yes, that is what most children call their maker. » Godric said.
« But I thought you said I wouldn't be your slave ! »
« And you won't. It is not a title I will force you to call me by, although it would be wise to do so in the presence of other vampires. It symbolizes what I am to you : my role as a teacher, and my authority as a father. It is a title you should only use when you see me as such, with respect, and affection. »
« I...Ok », I said, not really seeing his view, but not seeing the point of arguing further.
« Hey... What's a Sheriff ? » I asked.
« Eric ? Why don't you explain ? » Godric suggested.
« Mmm, very well. A Sheriff, my dear sister, is like a governor. He is appointed by his monarch to look after a particular area of the kingdom and ensure that the vampires present there uphold our laws and are loyal subjects of the kingdom. »
« Monarch? » I said incredulously.
« Yes, each state, or country, is ruled over by a vampire king, or queen »
« So it's like a feudal system ? »
« Precisely, we are, after all, very old, and democracy is a very recent development. You shouldn't be surprised. »
He was right of course.
« So, whose the monarch here ? And where are we, by the way ? »
« We are in Louisiana » Godric informed me. «Halfway between Shreveport and the Arkansas border »
« Oh, Louisiana. That explains the plantation house. So, you're the Sheriff here ? » I asked, turning back to Eric.
« Yes I am » he said. « And you'll need to come to my office tomorrow to properly register in my area. I'm looking forward to i... »
He was cut off by his phone ringing.
« Yes ? »
A female voice answered him in what I guessed to be some germanic language. Godric looked concerned for a moment, and when Eric turned his phone off, he told him :
« Go, min son, you have more important matters to attend to. »
« Yes Master, little sister. » He winked at me cheekily, and left faster than I could see.
« What's going on ? » I asked.
« Nothing to do with you » Godric assured me. « We still have some time before dawn. Do you want to come up with an explanation for your family ? »
« Yes »
« Would you be willing to tell them that I turned you to save your life? It is the truth, in a way. »
« That's brilliant ! » I exclaimed.
« I knew a vampire, in Dallas, who turned his child after a car accident. I thought we could use their story to satisfy your family's curiosity. »
« Of course ! I could have been hit by car, and you were there, and to save me, you decided to turn me. That would work. »
« Yes, it would. »
« Can I call my father, now ? He's bound to be worried. »
« It's three in morning, you can call him tomorrow »
« It's 9 am, in Paris. He'll be up, and probably at work », I replied.
« You grew up in Paris ? » He asked.
« No, actually, we lived in Normandy until my mother's death, when I was nine. But my dad, well, he couldn't live in that house anymore, so when he got a job in Paris, we moved out. We got an appartement in Draveil, a town in the Parisian area. »
« That explains your name » Godric said.
« What ? »
« You're Norman. And your name is Scandinavian, not french. »
« Yeah, my father's always been fascinated with our so called « viking ancestors" . He'd love Eric, I think. But, anyway, can I call ? »
« Very well, you may make the call. »
And he took his cell from his pocket and handed it to me.
« Allo ? » my father's voice sounded.
« Papa ? C'est Astrid »
« Are you alright ? » he asked in french. « I haven't heard from you in three days. »
« I'm fine . Look, there's a reason why didn't call. I was kind of unavailable. »
« What happened ? Are you hurt ? » He sounded concerned.
« No, I told I'm fine. But, well, I sort of had an accident and, well... I don't really know how to say this so, I'll just say it : Papa, I'm a vampire. »
Silence.
« Is that a joke ? »
« No, it's the truth. That's why I couldn't call, I was turning. »
« But ! How the hell did that happen ?! Who did this to you ? »
« His name is Godric. And if he hadn't done what he did, I'd be dead by now. I was hit by a car. He saved me. »
« You told me you were fine ! »
« I am », I assured him.
« No, you're not fine ! You're dead ! »
I heard a choked sound, and the line went dead. He'd hung up on me. And I started to cry.
Strong arms embraced me and held me silently. Godric. After some time, he lifted me in his arms and carried me away. Something soft hit my back, and I realized I was on a bed, in a windowless room. Godric lowered himself beside me, and hugged me again. I put my head on his chest, drinking in the comfort he freely offered me. I do not know how much time passed before he spoke again, but he told me :
« Call him again tomorrow night. Give him time to take in the situation, he might change his mind »
He was right. My father must have been terribly shocked and I owed it to him not to give up on our family.
« Ok », I said, before yawning, feeling suddenly very drowsy.
« Dawn is coming. Do you want me to leave ? » Godric asked.
« No, please, stay » I mumbled, before dying for my first day as a vampire.
Translation :
putain: literally "whore", but in the context: fuck/hell
du sang: blood
merci :thanks
Vraiment, merci: really, thank you
ma fille :my daughter
Allô : What you say when answering a phone
Papa :dad
C'est Astrid :Astrid speaking