Chapter 3: Echoes of the Past
The sun was setting over San Antonio as Jasper and Billy left the rodeo grounds, their bodies still thrumming with the excitement of the day's events. The streets were alive with the sounds of celebration, music spilling out of every saloon and dance hall. "What do you say we find ourselves a new watering hole?" Billy suggested, his eyes bright with mischief. "I reckon we've earned ourselves a drink or two after today's adventures." Jasper nodded, feeling surprisingly at ease despite the crowds. "Lead the way, partner. Just try not to get us into any more trouble, alright?" Billy laughed, clapping Jasper on the back. "Me? Trouble? I'm as innocent as a newborn lamb, I'll have you know." They made their way down the street, finally settling on a saloon they hadn't visited before. The Lone Star Lounge was a step up from their usual haunts, with polished wooden floors and a gleaming bar that ran the length of one wall. As they stepped inside, Jasper's keen eyes immediately spotted two young women seated at a corner table. One was a petite blonde with a mischievous smile, while the other... Jasper felt a jolt of recognition as he looked at the dark-haired woman. She had large, doe-like eyes set in a heart-shaped face, her skin a beautiful honey tone. For a moment, he could have sworn he knew her, but the memory slipped away like smoke through his fingers. Billy, oblivious to Jasper's internal struggle, was already making his way towards the women. "Evening, ladies," he said, tipping his hat with a charming smile. "My friend and I were wondering if you might like some company?" The blonde giggled, her eyes sparkling as she looked Billy up and down. "Well, aren't you just the sweetest thing? I'm Alisa, and this here's my friend Queen." Queen. The name sent another ripple of familiarity through Jasper, but he couldn't place it. He found himself drawn to her, settling into the chair beside her as Billy took a seat next to Alisa. "I'm Jasper," he said, his voice soft. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Queen." She smiled at him, her expression friendly but showing no sign of recognition. "Nice to meet you too, Jasper. You boys enjoying the celebrations?" Jasper nodded, trying to shake off the persistent feeling that he should know her from somewhere. "We are. Just came from the rodeo, actually. How about you ladies? Been in San Antonio long?" Queen shook her head, her dark curls bouncing with the movement. "Only about a month. I tend to move around a lot, never staying in one place too long. How about you?" As they talked, Jasper found himself completely captivated by Queen, despite her apparent lack of familiarity with him. There was something about her that seemed to calm the constant thirst that plagued him, making him feel more human than he had in years. The hours flew by in a whirl of conversation, laughter, and dancing. Jasper was surprised to find that he was actually enjoying himself, the weight of his past temporarily lifted from his shoulders.
It wasn't until the bartender called out for last orders that Jasper realized how late it had gotten. He glanced at Billy, who was deep in conversation with Alisa, their heads close together as they whispered and laughed. "I suppose we should be heading back," Jasper said reluctantly, not really wanting the night to end. Queen's eyes sparkled in the dim light of the saloon. "Before you go, why don't we make plans for tomorrow? There's a lovely spot by the river, perfect for a picnic. We could meet around 10 if you'd like?" Jasper found himself nodding eagerly, a smile spreading across his face. "That sounds wonderful. We'll bring the fishing gear if you ladies can handle the food?" "It's a date," Queen said, her smile making Jasper's heart ache in a way he hadn't felt in years. As they said their goodbyes, Jasper couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Queen than met the eye. But for once, the mystery didn't fill him with dread. Instead, he found himself looking forward to unraveling it. The next morning dawned bright and clear, perfect weather for a picnic. Jasper and Billy were up early, both of them surprisingly chipper despite the late night. "I don't know about you," Billy said as they made their way to the general store, "but I've got a good feeling about today." Jasper nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's been a while since I've looked forward to something like this," he admitted. They picked up some basic fishing supplies – a couple of poles, some line, and a tin of worms – before heading to the meeting spot. The girls were already there, Queen waving as they approached. "Mornin', gentlemen," Alisa called out, her blonde hair gleaming in the sunlight. "Ready for a day of relaxation?" Billy grinned, tipping his hat to her. "Ready and willing, ma'am. Lead the way to this perfect picnic spot of yours." They walked for about fifteen minutes, following a winding path that led them away from the bustle of the town and towards the peaceful banks of the river. Queen and Alisa had chosen a beautiful spot, a grassy clearing shaded by towering oak trees. As they spread out the quilts and unpacked the picnic baskets, Jasper found his eyes continually drawn to Queen. She moved with a grace that seemed almost otherworldly, and every now and then, he could have sworn he caught a glimpse of something... more in her eyes. Something ancient and knowing. The day passed in a haze of laughter and easy conversation. They ate, fished (with varying degrees of success – Billy managed to hook his own hat at one point, much to everyone's amusement), and even engaged in a playful water fight when the afternoon heat became too much. Throughout it all, Jasper watched Queen, trying to place where he might have known her from. But every time he thought he was close to figuring it out, the memory slipped away like water through his fingers. As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting long shadows across the river, Queen pulled Jasper aside. "I have to head back to town soon," she said, her voice soft. "I work at the Lone Star Lounge in the evenings. But... I'd really like to see you again, Jasper. Would you come by later?" Jasper felt a thrill run through him at her words. "Of course," he said, surprising himself with how eager he sounded. "I'd like that very much." Queen smiled, the expression lighting up her entire face. "Good. I'll see you then." As they parted ways, Billy nudged Jasper with his elbow, a knowing grin on his face. "Looks like someone's smitten," he teased. "Can't say I blame you, though. Queen's quite the lady." Jasper just shook his head, but he couldn't keep the smile off his face. For the first time in a long time, he felt... hopeful. Later that evening, Jasper and Billy made their way back to the Lone Star Lounge. The saloon was bustling, filled with the sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and the shuffling of cards. They spotted Queen and Alisa working behind the bar, both women offering them warm smiles as they entered. Billy made a beeline for a poker game that was just starting up in the back, while Jasper found himself drawn to the bar. "Evening, Jasper," Queen said as he approached, her voice sending a shiver down his spine. "Glad you could make it." They talked whenever Queen had a free moment, the hours slipping by almost unnoticed. Jasper was so engrossed in their conversation that he barely registered the passage of time until Queen was hanging up her apron, signaling the end of her shift. "Would you..." Queen hesitated for a moment, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face. "Would you like to come back to my place? I... I don't usually do this, but there's something about you, Jasper. I feel like I've known you forever." Jasper felt a mix of excitement and trepidation at her words. Part of him – the part that was always on guard, always wary of getting too close to humans – urged caution. But a larger part, the part that had been awakened by Queen's presence, couldn't resist. "I'd love to," he said softly. Queen's apartment was small but cozy, filled with an eclectic mix of furnishings that spoke of a life well-traveled. As she led him to her bedroom, Jasper felt a strange sense of déjà vu, as if he'd walked this path before. Queen opened the windows, letting in the cool night air, before lighting a couple of candles. The warm glow cast flickering shadows across the room, giving everything a dreamlike quality. What followed was a night unlike any Jasper had experienced since becoming a vampire. Queen's touch was gentle yet confident, her kisses igniting a fire in him that he thought had long since burned out. For those precious hours, Jasper forgot about the constant thirst, forgot about the weight of his past. In Queen's arms, he felt... human.
As the first light of dawn began to creep through the windows, Queen stirred in Jasper's arms. She turned to face him, her expression suddenly serious. "Jasper," she said softly, "there's something I need to tell you." Jasper felt a flicker of apprehension at her tone. "What is it?" Queen took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving his. "I know what you are, Jasper. And it doesn't matter to me. But... you have to go back." Jasper felt as if he'd been doused in ice water. "Go back? What do you mean?" "To Maria," Queen said, her voice filled with a sadness that seemed to go bone-deep. "Your job there isn't finished yet." Jasper sat up, his mind reeling. How could she know about Maria? About what he was? "I don't understand," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "How do you know all this?" Queen reached out, cupping his face in her hands. "I can't tell you everything, Jasper. I wish I could. But you have to trust me. I know it's hard, I know you don't want to go back. But it won't be forever. You'll understand in the future, I promise." Jasper shook his head, trying to make sense of it all. "I can't go back," he said, his voice hoarse. "You don't know what it's like there, what I've done..." "I know more than you think," Queen said softly. "And I know that you're stronger than you believe. You have a role to play, Jasper. It's important." Jasper felt lost, adrift in a sea of confusion and conflicting emotions. Queen must have sensed his turmoil because she leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead.
"Just remember one thing for me," she whispered. "The third time is the charm. You'll understand when the time comes."
As Jasper slowly dressed, his mind was a whirlwind of questions and doubts. He turned to Queen one last time before leaving. "Will I see you again?" he asked, hating how vulnerable he sounded. Queen gave him a small, sad smile. "I'm not sure," she said honestly. "But know that I'll be watching over you, Jasper. Always." As Jasper stepped out into the early morning light, he felt as if he was waking from a dream. The events of the night seemed almost unreal, yet the weight of Queen's words sat heavy on his shoulders. He made his way back to the hotel, his steps slow and measured. Billy was still out, probably still at the poker tables or with Alisa. Jasper was grateful for the solitude as he tried to process everything that had happened. Queen knew what he was. She knew about Maria, about the life he'd left behind. And she said he had to go back. The very thought made Jasper's stomach churn, but there was something about Queen, something that made him want to trust her despite every instinct screaming at him not to. As he sat on the edge of his bed, Jasper found himself at a crossroads. Should he heed Queen's words and return to the nightmare he'd escaped? Or should he continue on this new path with Billy, chasing the freedom he'd only just begun to taste? The sun climbed higher in the sky as Jasper wrestled with his decision. Whatever choice he made, he knew that his life would never be the same. The carefree days of rodeos and horse races seemed a lifetime away now. As he heard Billy's footsteps approaching the room, Jasper took a deep breath. He didn't know what the future held, but he knew one thing for certain – the adventure was far from over. In fact, it felt like it was only just beginning.