Parise - Are you from around here?

By Micky Parise:

Jason smiled within himself. He wasn’t sure if it was the blood that was flowing from Chloe or what she was thinking inside her that made him hopeful. A year was way too long. Now was the time to find out if Chloe was the woman for him.

He smiled at her and saw a glimmer of hope in her eyes when she looked back at him.

“Hi,” said Chloe a little too quickly. A little blush flustered her cheeks. Jason replied “Hi, I’m Jason, pleased to meet you” and offered his free hand. She reached over and shook his hand still blushing. She hoped he didn’t notice her cheeks. Then the silence between them was getting nerve wracking to Chloe and she blurted a little too quickly again, “I’m Chloe, are you from around here?” She could’ve just died right then and there. She thought to herself; quit acting like a teenager in love. Jason looked in her eyes again and then at the blood dripping from her arm and said “Actually no, I’ve been in the city for just about a year and find it very interesting”. Chloe thought, WOW, could he be talking about me? Interesting! Me! Then Chloe’s little voice said again, quit acting like a teenager in love, your 28, act like it. Another awkward silence followed.

Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.

“So Chloe, are you from around here”, asked Jason. “Yes, lived here my whole life, my family and friends all live here.’ said Chloe. Jason smiled back at Chloe. “How about you, do you work around here?” asked Chloe. “No, actually I’m between jobs and trying to find a place to settle down, but it never works out”, responded Jason. How interesting thought Chloe. “Why is that”, replied Chloe. “Well my job is rather difficult to explain, I can explain over dinner tonight, if you would like to join me?” Chloe’s cheeks burned a bright red and quickly replied “YES!” Jason smiled and said “I’ll pick you up at 8.” Chloe was ecstatic.

Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.

Chloe was pacing back and forth in her apartment and looking out her window every 5 seconds waiting for Jason. He finally came to the door at exactly 8 p.m. He knocked and she answered, they stood looking at each other for a moment and Jason finally asked if he was invited in. She came out of her daze and said of course! He walked into the apartment and closed the door. Chloe turned her back on Jason and went to get her purse and jacket. Jason followed right behind her. Chloe turned around and was just starting to scream when Jason bit her on the neck. Chloe fainted. After a long year of loneliness, Jason finally found his happiness. Jason was a vampire. No more loneliness.

Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip