Talisman 01 - The Emerald Talisman

her life was like. I knew she was married and had two kids because she’d always gushed about you two. It was the weekend and your family had plans to go to the zoo. Watching how happy everyone was together stirred up something in me that I wanted so badly. It was the first time I saw you, with your bouncy curls.
    “My dad always warned me to stay away from humans, or something would happen to expose my differences. I thought I could avoid it from happening until one day when a large branch almost fell on top of her and I used my vampire powers to catch it. I thought I played it off well, but I could see it in her eyes. She knew I was different and I had to sever our friendship.
    “I didn’t even tell her, I just stopped coming. But I couldn’t stay away. When I finally did come back, she insisted that I come meet her family. I didn’t want to. I was afraid I would become attached to you guys too.” Nicholas smiled. “But your mother wasn’t one to take no for an answer, so after much urging, I finally agreed. We should never have met at the park after dusk. I knew better, but she wanted to pick me up after she got you from preschool.
    “I told my dad and he became furious. He couldn’t believe that I’d let the relationship go as long as it had. He warned me not to go, and my indecision made me late.”
    He looked away and clenched his jaw. I remembered what he said about being responsible. My heart ached alongside his, silent tears pouring down my cheeks.
    “The events that happened next have haunted me every day since. When I finally arrived, your mom had already been bitten and he was fixed on having you for his next meal. It was at that moment I discovered my passion to kill those who mercilessly fed on innocent human lives. I managed to do it quickly, and somewhat away from you, so I wouldn’t traumatize you any further.
    “But once I came to you and held your hand, you knew I wouldn’t hurt you and you stopped crying. I looked into your trusting hazel eyes with your tiny black lashes and golden, bouncy hair and vowed you’d never have to worry again. I’d be there for you forever.
    “My Dad helped me push the car into the river to make it look like an accident. And we buried her in a beautiful meadow in the mountains. You never left my side the entire time. A part of me wanted to keep you, but my dad convinced me that you needed to be with your family and you’d be too young to remember, so the secret was still safe.
    “So, I took you home. Do you remember what I told you?”
    I looked up noticing the viridian flecks glinting in his watery eyes. None of what happened was very clear. My mind circled mostly around her feelings, my mother’s face but a blur.
    “No,” I said with a stutter, somewhat ashamed.
    “I asked you not to tell anyone, before knocking on your door. You nodded your head and smiled. I stayed with you until the very last second. You were scooped up by your dad and I faded into the shadows. Every once in a while I’d show myself to you to reassure you that you were okay. But eventually, you stopped recognizing me and once you started talking again, it was as if it never happened.”
    “I stopped talking?” I asked, surprised.
    “Yes, for a while. Your dad was very concerned, so he decided to move the family to Scotts Valley. You needed a mother figure in your life in a new environment to heal. Soon after the move, you started speaking again. Everyone was terribly relieved.”
    “I don’t remember,” I said quietly, looking down at my dirtied tennies. “My dad doesn’t talk about what happened. I think he’s afraid I’ll remember and I don’t think he wants to know.”
    “Yeah,” he said with a deep breath.
    I looked back up into his shimmering eyes. We shared such pain together and it was reassuring he’d understood. But he couldn’t keep blaming himself. If he had known, then I’m sure he’d be protecting her today instead of me, or maybe the both of us.
    “It wasn’t your fault. You were just trying to do the right thing,” I said softly. “I know you loved her. You can stop blaming yourself.”
    Nicholas sat up straight and his face remained blank as he stared out into the wooded trees. I interlaced my hand in his and tried to bring him back to me.
    “It’s all part of the curse,” he said with a familiar disconnected flat tone.
    I didn’t have the energy to fight him. In time, I knew he’d forgive himself and we could heal together.
    “It