Wedding Poem

After several years of co-inhabiting, my boyfriend and I decided to bite the bullet and marry, legally. We had a Garden Wedding in our backyard. In another Post, I'll show photos taken that day. The day was ideal until my old friend, Mother Nature, decided to remind me that she was still the boss of weather. She did allow for the ceremony and most of the reception to be rain-free. In any event, the event was sweet with many of our guests who braved the shower and enjoyed the food and drink. 

The poem below is the toast I wrote to my husband. Cheers!!!!!

Vintage Love

by B.D. Adams

There once was a woman from Ohio,

   who decided to go on the road.

Needed a change of scenery,

    for any change she was so ready.

She needed a change in her being,

   A new island for her waning energy.

So, the woman from Ohio soared freely

   to New Hampshire, quite happy.

Trees of beauty, trees that would sway

   with blue skies, mountains and lakes.

Of artists and writers – on a very realistic stage.

    Ahhh … the place for patient old age!

Then with no intention, she met at a life’s

   corner, a fellow who was as blithe.

Her time became entwined with his;

   both sought their idea of bliss,

They laughed, dined and learned that time

   can go forward to joyful days, as in rhyme.

On this warm, balmy day, the couple had eyes

    of passion, with some joyful tears to arise.

Today they went to their islands of change,

    with hearts of truth, in the neared era of age.

To follow their oath, with the song of a dove,

   To live happily in vintage love!

First, there were none,

Then there were two,

Now there is one ---

Both me and you. 

Published Books

B.D. Adams the Author

by

B.D. Adams

©2916

To my Blog Readers:

            “The Spider Sat Beside Her” – suspense/thriller

            “The Moon Cries Blue Tears --

      Four Short Stories & A Novella” – thriller/eerie

   Many may already know this, but for those who don’t know, I am now a published author with two books in print!

   Both books are fiction, however, the first one is somewhat autobiographic. I am a stroke survivor of 18 years. The heroine is the same as me … a stroke survivor. The second book is a small collection of my short stories and a novella of strange and eerie material.

   The following are the descriptions for my two books. 

B.D. Adams – “The Spider Sat Beside Her” – A Novel

     -- Description --

   Liz Jacoby is a petite, single, 48 year old woman, who was a photographer and longtime resident of Columbus, OH. It is July. She is in the hospital’s rehab center to overcome a hemorrhagic stroke. She has to use a wheelchair, but her recovery has been rather routine, as well as tedious. Nothing an active, talented photographer would want any time.

  Pete Young, a short, wiry, 45 year old man is the patient across the hall with an “accidental” gunshot wound and a mild concussion. In reality, he had been hired to kill a political city candidate and was shot by that target. This was his first messed up hit. A known thief, not a known hit man.

   Liz overhears the argument Pete and Luke, his boss, have about why he was shot. Liz is convinced Pete is a hitman. Pete is certain that she heard their argument, so he begins to weave his web-of-doubt to play-up her stroke’s mental deficiency to the hospital’s staff.

   The last thing on Liz’s mind is to deal with a hit man in the hospital. Her biggest question was who could she tell about Pete; who would believe her?

   However, along with her medical concerns, her current life gives her a new boyfriend, Scott Warner, a Physical Therapy Intern. He began late to begin his Physical Therapy career; a little younger than Liz, but not that much.

   Liz confides in Scott and knows he believes her because he tells his police detective friend of her dilemma with Pete. Liz is disabled, but she becomes a tenacious, gritty patient to deal with Pete’s mental torments. No matter, Liz is a survivor!

   With emotional twists, a murder and a bit of romance, The Spider Sat Beside Her is riveting!

B.D. Adams – “The Moon Cries Blue Tears –

                   Four Short Stories and A Novella”

                                -- Description --

   Short Stories and Novellas entice readers to go from one story to the next. To enjoy. To savor. That is every author’s hope. The hope for the conventional fiction writer.

   However, for the unconventional, the author entreats the reader to read each story wide eyed with a fast beating heart – to be scared to death. Almost.

The Short Stories

   “The Bum’s Rush” is a different handling of a werewolf story – not a man, but a savvy woman. “The Devil’s Axe” is about a young man who makes his unintentional bargain with the devil. “Checkmate” is how a young man meets a woman of indescribable beauty who only wants him for her breakfast. “The White Haired Man” appears to a construction supervisor in a forested area that causes the supervisor to question his sanity.

The Novella

“The Moon Cries Blue Tears”

   This story involves Spencer Jamison, a vampire who has been a vampire since 1655, from England. The story is

present day, but with historic treatments of Spencer’s life.

   To begin the story, Spencer is in North Carolina. It is almost the dark hour. His desire this evening is to meet a mortal woman who could become his companion, his lover. And with his luck, Spencer meets Cynthia. They are at an open-air amphitheater to enjoy a string quartet of classic music.

   All seems to be in Spencer’s favor, until during the concert, he gets a cell phone buzz from someone he hadn’t heard from since his making!

   Angus, his creator in 1655, contacts Spencer to warn him. He warns of a rogue vampire that wants to kill Spencer for ancient vampire reasons.

   This book is about a werewolf, the devil, a ghost and vampires – Oh my. Enjoy, unless you’re too scared.

   If so intrigued by these descriptions, please buy my Paperback Books or Kindle Books at Amazon –

            “The Spider Sat Beside Her”   ---   and

            “The Moon Cries Blue Tears”

  

Both by B.D. Adams. Enjoy reading!!!!

----- FYI ----

There is another author who has the Pen Name of B.D. Adams on Amazon. That title is “Three Days.” Definitely not one of my books or my genre. 

Forest Neighbors

Forest Neighbors

by

B.D. Adams ©2015

T

hunder cracked so heavily that the waters of the small pond rippled fiercely! Then, there was another blinding flash, followed by an even louder kettle rumble. And the wind sliced over the water that made it cooler than desired.

     How long will this last, the old frog wondered. He took shelter between a couple of large lining rocks in the pond. Nighttime storms were never welcomed. Better for bugs, though, after the storm ended.

            His young metamorphosed frogs (males and females), without tails, experienced their first summer thunderstorm. His new mate was as skittish as the young frogs, so she huddled near to him. The older female just took the storm in stride. She merely dozed, as the storm raged.

            Thank goodness, it was a short lived noisemaker – all there was now was the rain. How nice.

            George, the name the humans gave the old frog, began his “all clear” croaking cadence. His voice was deep and resonated off the rocks that lined around the small pond. The little chirpy tree frogs began their nighttime song. All was at it should be. The rain had subsided. 

            Gracie, the name they gave the older female frog, woke more to the calmer night. She croaked right along with George. The younger female, who hadn’t been named yet, just moved from George’s side. She glided to a lily pad to sit to snatch bug snacks. The young frogs gobbled what tidbits they could get in the water. They were still learning what to eat.

            The human’s burrow, a massive structure by the pond, was quiet and dark. They must be sleeping, as humans do.

            The humans, a male and a female, had built the pond many seasons ago. When George first learned of the water, he set up his burrow to attract a mate. Gracie came to him very quickly. He liked these humans. The other humans would chase him, which made him hide deeper into the near swamp. He didn’t like the swamp. Too many furred creatures that were as bad as the chasing humans.

            There was a furred creature with these humans, but it wasn’t allowed to roam the pond’s area. They would bring the creature – a dog, it was called – while they sat by the pond. The dog was very interested in the frogs, especially George. However, it never got into the pond’s water.

            Now, he merely lived in the pond with his current family.

            With the calls from other big frogs, the night air was filled with the nocturnal serenade. Crickets would harmonize. Very soothing, even for frogs.

            The storm had ended, but George sensed a different concern. A danger for the pond. He had sensed this danger before.

            He swam to the other side of the pond, and then hopped onto a tall rock to see what he could see. He tucked his long hind legs underneath him to look near the trees away from the pond. Gracie had the same sensation, but stayed in the pond and summoned the young female to come to her, along with the other young frogs.

            Then, with his excellent ability to see at night, George saw it – he saw the snake as it silently slithered closer to him. Snakes had been close before. However, because the pond is in an open area, they usually stayed more in the tree line; in the shadows, out of sight.

            This was a large snake, not a small grass snake. A larger Garter Snake. It would eat as many frogs as it could handle!

            George hopped back into the pond and saw where Gracie had hid the others. He climbed  on another large rock. He wanted to lure the snake away. He was ready to hop as far away as he could to direct this predator from his family. The new batch of tadpoles were in danger, as well. All the other nocturnal amphibians were quiet, didn’t want to draw attention.

            The snake must be super hungry, to come into the open.

He felt the snake would follow him. He knew he would satisfy this snake’s hunger.

            The snake went into the pond’s water, went toward George. It noticed the cowering frogs between rocks. Easily gobbled a few tadpoles.

George made like he was injured (a ploy performed by many animals) to lure the snake away. He extended one hind leg and let out with a loud “Bbbrrrruuukkk!!” With that sound, the snake turned back to the bigger frog and quickly slithered through the water to him. It saw George’s “injured” leg.

When the snake attempted to catapult itself up onto the rock, George made a giant leap off the rock, into the opened grass area. The snake followed!

He wanted to keep out of the snakes reach, but needed to get it farther from the pond; his family.

They chased all over the wet open area! To the right – to the left – forward – back! The snake made a wide circle to get behind the frog; to corral the big frog back where there was additional appetizing food. The frog was fast, but the snake was faster. It made a lunge to George, but the frog pushed off with his powerful hind legs!

With this push, though, even frogs can have a sprain. George had been less active in the pond. He felt the sharp pain of a sprain. He wanted to move through this pain. He tried to jump away, but it hurt way too much. Now, his limp was real – not faked. The snake sensed this.

George gingerly moved away as best as he could. The snake enjoyed this. It knew the frog was injured and he would eat it very soon.

If a snake could smile, that was what it wore on its face.

The old frog crawled slowly. He sensed the closeness of the snake, not much he could do. His frog mind began to think of the times in this welcoming pond, of his little family, all the tadpoles he’d never see grow into frogs, if the snake had its way. George let out a sorrowful croak. Gracie heard and answered him with her sad lament.

The snake was within a few feet. Closer. Closer.

Then, there was a screeching sound from above! A flap of wide-spread wings swooped to the ground behind George! As quickly as this happened, George lost the sense of the nasty snake. It was gone.

He looked up and saw that a large owl had gathered the snake in its powerful talons. The owl had the snake’s head crushed in one of its talons, killed. She would feast on the snake with her owlets.

George breathed with such relief! He knew this owl. She lived in her nest in the near trees, but she had been hunting in a different forest. He had helped her escape a fox, about a year ago, when the air was just turning cool for the new season.

The fox had attacked her when she had downed a squirming squirrel. It injured a foot and the tip of one wing. She was unable to quickly fly off! George did the only thing he could to help her. When the fox was about to pounce, to kill her, George jumped at the fox, which startled it! The owl was able to fly up to her nest.

With the owl’s interception, George was able to limp back to his family. All the frogs greeted him as happily as frogs could be. George and Gracie and all the others, old enough to join in, resumed their joyful nighttime songs.

From then on, it was known that good neighbors were better to have, even in the animal kingdom.

CROAK -- CROAK 

Cupid's Magic

Cupid’s Magic

 by

B.D. Adams ©2015

G

liding along the deliciously warm afternoon, Cupid just flitted from one love-struck fellow to another. Ah, Spring!! Love was in the air!!

          Even minor gods need to rest, so he laid on a cloud on his stomach to just watch beneath where he was. His bow and arrows were in easy reach, if needed. The cloud was as lazy as he. It stayed dormant; hovered over a small, elongated pond of ducks. He had been in the area before, years ago. Humans merely strolled along the pond or sat on the benches to enjoy the weather. Children played giddily all around. Ah, Spring. Cupid smiled.

            After a few moments, though, Cupid’s attention was drawn to an older man and woman. They were obviously not together. How sad for them, he thought.

The man was light haired and hazel-eyed. He was trim for his age, but had a slight bend at his shoulders. His dress was casually nice – khaki trousers, olive green polo shirt and brown sandals, for the warm day. He sat on a bench by the pond and read a book that seemed to occupy his mind, as the ducks made themselves known with their periodic quacks.

The woman sat on a blanket in the grass near the pond, but was several yards from the man – partially hidden by bushes. She had a paper bag that held pieces of bread to feed the ducks. Her blue eyes were clear and her hair had more white than the man’s hair. Her dress was a denim jumper that was comfortably loose at her middle, but she was not heavy at all. Her wide-brimmed straw sat beside her on the blanket. This seemed to be what she enjoyed – no care while she tossed bread pieces to the grateful ducks.

Cupid sensed that these two should meet. Younger people were easy to place with his arrows, however, the older ones … well, sometimes they could be a challenge. He took up his tools and stealthily flew to the old oak tree between them. One of the large branches was weathered and twisted, which made a seat for him to sit.

Now, the man closed the book and just crossed his legs and looked to the pond.

           The woman wadded the paper bag because it was empty. She sat with her legs out-stretched and just looked into the pond, as well.

Ah, perfect, Cupid thought. He had a good target of the man. There were no other people in their immediate area. This should be easy, so he mused.

The woman stood to fold the blanket. She was in no hurry.

Cupid loaded the bow, aimed and fired. The man bent to grab a grasshopper off his sandal just as the arrow sailed behind him! All Cupid could do was roll his eyes as he thought to himself, best laid plans … or something like that.

The woman had the blanket over her arm and had put her hat on. Casually, she went to the near trash can to throw away the wadded paper bag. She tossed the paper --something she had done many times – however, she missed. The bag bounced a few feet from the can. She seemed embarrassed as she went to retrieve it.

Cupid readied another arrow to shoot the man. And, as luck would have it, he leaned forward and took a step toward the pond as the second arrow missed its target again. This can’t be happening, Cupid seemed flustered. He was not good with failure -- he would not fail!

The man took up his book and leisurely headed to the parking lot.

            The woman had the paper and placed it inside the can. She began in a direction away from the man.

Cupid felt desperate! With his magic, he made a strong breeze that caused her hat to fly toward the parking lot. She saw the man and called to him, “Excuse me … sir?” He turned to her. “Please get my hat!”

He saw it as it cart-wheeled toward him. She didn’t have to ask a second time. He quickly grabbed it without marring the straw and took it back to her.

Cupid decided to sit in the tree to just watch.

“Thank you. I really appreciate your help,” she said with a smile.

“You were lucky that I was here. It’s a nice hat.” The man began to be a little nervous. He had seen her in the past – wanted to talk to her.

“Thanks. It’s old, but it’s my favorite. My name is Dora,” Dora said with a pleasant smile. She offered her hand. She had seen him at other times and had wanted to meet him – talk with him. They made a new bond with their handshake.

“Dora … a lovely name. I’m Dan,” Dan grinned broadly. “Are you busy … do you need to go somewhere now?” Dan was a little worried that he was moving too fast.

“No. I have no plans.”

“Would you have coffee with me so we could … talk? I would like to talk with you. There’s a nice café in the hotel right over there. I promise, all I would like is some conversation and maybe a few smiles.”

Dora smiled her warm approval.

 

           Dora and Dan began a wonderful relationship that would last for many years. As we all know, there are no Cupids to use magic. But then, things have a way of happening when not expected.

 Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

Dream Memories

A Dream Memory

by

B.D. Adams ©2014

 

            Like most children, I was an inquisitive child. One of my inquiries was about dreams. According to one of my parents (forget which one), a dream’s length is 52 seconds. Of course, being a young child, I believed them.
           A dream can be short or several minutes to hours, according to Google, depending on the kind of dream or the person. Therefore, there is no rhyme nor reason for the length.
           I dreamed profusely! I always felt complete when I dreamed. The mark of an artist’s mind, so to speak.
            When I was in the hospital with the stroke, I didn’t dream. Not at all! I brought this up to my doctor (physical medicine doctor, not a neurologist), who only suggested that I just didn’t remember my dreams. I wanted to differ with her, but … hey … I was the patient with a stroked brain.
           I really believed the medications prescribed to me caused the lack of dreams or their remembrance. And, after I was out of the hospital, I began to dream again and remember my dreams, until I would start a new medication.
           Oh, well … c’est la vie.
           Do I remember all my dreams? No, not all of them. However, I always knew when I had dreamed.
           One set of dreams/nightmares I have dealt with was not being able to lock a door or to turn on a light. There is someone after me, but I am unable to see the person or protect myself. It’s been a while since I’ve had that memory and it was before the stroke.
            I had had dreams that I could fly, until I was in my 40s. In those dreams, I would awake so rested, so happy. The only dilemma I’d have was that I couldn’t fly above the high-tension/ electric wires!
            In one of those dreams, I was finally able to fly above the wires! At one point, I was afraid I’d go into outer-space, which I didn’t. This one flying dream was an extremely weird dream in my early 20s. And, I had it only once.
           In the dream, I was able to go above the electric wires, I just flew over farmlands and rivers and forests. Of course, it was nighttime, but I could see. The moon might have been full. It was so cool.
            I had no idea how far I had gone, but I hovered over a big building, possibly a barn, where I heard several voices, loud voices. I landed, perched near an opened window at the roof. I went more inside to better see and hear. There were only men, young and old, seated and stood on the building’s floor. There were a few young men seated on a balcony near where I was. They had a few rifles.
            I didn’t realize I was not invisible. One of the young men looked around and saw me. He said loudly about an intruder, a woman! Many of the older men scampered up the ladder to attack me. They yelled that I shouldn’t be there!
            I was able to make it out of the window, where I had entered.
            Several men went outside and saw that I was flying above them. One man fired at me with his rifle.
           “Demon! Demon!” a few yelled.
           I immediately, flew quickly away!

            I really don’t know if I had an “out-of-body” experience, but it sure seemed real that night.

A weird dream memory.

 

Cynthia & Spencer - Finale

Cynthia & Spencer

The Word Love

by

B.D. Adams ©2014

Angus hid in the shadows ... cloaked against a stalking vampire, a rogue! He hid in this doorway in the rugged, not classy, part of Le Rive Gauche, the left bank of the river La Seine in Paris!

He had been trailed closely by this vampire. At one point, he was almost discovered! He became so still, didn’t even breathe. Listened and sensed! After a few anxious minutes, he was sure that predator had moved on. The vampire had combed for Angus for two nights with great heed!

But more than anything, he knew the vampire sought Cynthia, her unique blood. This was the rogue that fought Spencer that one night in North Carolina. So surprised that he hadn’t perished in the morning sun where Spencer had bested him! The rogue embellished the tale to another that with his almost dead body, he had crawled to a large, hollow tree trunk in the meadow. The morning sun scarred his face and arms. He was now a hideous sight!

Even the Observers were convinced that the vampire was ended. Obviously, he was a fierce entity!

Angus hadn’t approached the couple about this new quandary. In Paris, he had seen them on Montmartre near the church, Sacré-Coeur (Sacred-Heart) ... just observed. They were there to see all the sights of Paris. Cynthia hadn’t been there before. Spencer had been there many times, so he joyfully escorted her. This pleased Angus. Within a few days, they had gone back home to Abbeville, France. With this new dilemma, it would be better to forewarn them in Abbeville. That was a protected area for vampires, for ones who just wanted to remain in existence with others like themselves.

            Spencer had hidden them very well, only a tenacious hunter could sense them! This degree of hiding was necessary for as long as Cynthia was with him. For Spencer, that would be for eternity!

The disfigured vampire was too late with his search in Paris, but hadn’t given up the pursuit! He so wanted Cynthia to be his mate. Her blood would heal his horrible defacement and make him stronger, a stronger vampire! He had heard the rumors that Cynthia was in France with another vampire named Spencer. He had learned that Spencer was a strong vampire, stronger than he! A young lad, not a vampire ... a wanna-be ... said he had heard they were in Abbeville. Angus found the squealer and made short work of him!

Why hadn’t that predator vaporized in that meadow, so many months ago? Angus needed to quickly inform Cynthia and Spencer!

====

            They would sleep all daylight hours with their arms entwined around each other, her

head on his chest. No sunlight entered this bedroom.

Spencer bolted awake this one evening!! His fangs grew so quickly!  He was aware of some peril! This was very upsetting because he knew it had to do with Cynthia, his love.

            The main item in his awakened mind was that Angus summoned ... fairly close. He hadn’t heard from him since they came to France. This could only be for danger!

            Spencer allowed Cynthia to remain asleep. He pulled on his sweatpants and quietly went to peek out the living room windows down to the street. The sun was way to the west, not on this side of the building. Spencer glimpsed someone in the shadows across the street. He determined it was Angus.

            He was dressed with long, khaki pants and a dark hoodie to protect his face from the waning sunlight. He slightly pulled back the hood, so Spencer would see his face.

            Spencer motioned for him to go into the street door of his building. He mentally made it unlocked.

            “What are you doing?” Cynthia asked. She had gone to him in her bare feet and with just her robe wrapped around her. She had run a brush through her long hair.

            Spencer couldn’t answer her because there was a soft knock at the apartment door. He slightly tightened the belt on her robe, and then went to open the apartment door to Angus.

The old vampire was taken aback when he saw Cynthia, as she tightened the robe’s belt a bit more.

            “Lass ... you are beautiful,” Angus said with his evident stare and small smile. His face showed better understanding of the issues with this woman, human or vampire.

            “This is Angus,” Spencer introduced. His glance to Angus said, cut it out. Angus took the warning. “I’ve mentioned him before.” He went to stand with her, hold her close.

            “Very nice to meet you, Angus,” she smiled softly. “I hope nothing is wrong.” She wanted to ask more questions, but decided she should be prudent.

            Angus smiled his craggy smile, but didn’t seem all that comfortable to include this damsel with his information. “We should make a stroll by the river, Spencer. It is nigh twilight.”

            “Anything you have to say can be said in front of Cynthia,” he said definitely.

            “I need to dress. Do your talking while I get dressed,” she suggested which made Angus glad. Cynthia casually headed to the bedroom and closed the door.

            One of Spencer’s thin sweaters rested on the sofa. He pulled it on to be a little more “dressed” himself. He sat on the sofa, slipped on his house shoes and poured a glass of blood from the carafe for Angus, which was taken and gulped down. He was a bit weak. Another glass was poured.

            Angus sat on one of the wing-backed chairs that Cynthia had purchased recently. It was with overstuffed softness, but one that would appeal to a man. Spencer handed him a napkin to wipe his scraggly chin.

            Angus felt the need to expound, as he said, “I only saw her for a moment in that hospital, but now ... that I really see her ... be diligent, Lad,” Angus heeded. “She has turned, but she is still vulnerable. Which makes thee vulnerable, as well!”

            “What is your meaning?” Spencer drank some breakfast from the carafe, as well. He needed to replenish his veins because he knew Cynthia would be ravenous. She hadn’t fed for ten hours.

            “Lad, we are not the beings of novels or movies. We do not become bats or any other animal. They try to portray us in unreal manners, not as we be,” Angus said. “My meaning is for thine and Cynthia’s wellbeing.”

            Spencer just nodded to say he understood and sipped from his glass. He needed to feed soon, as well.

            Angus knew the blood was from Spencer and Cynthia, so he commented, “I taste your blood, but hers is so intoxicating ... I fancy more .... “ He seemed to swoon and showed a bit of his fangs, which angered Spencer.

He zipped to Angus, grabbed him with both hands, his fangs bared, as to dare Angus to feed on Cynthia! He spoke in a deep, foreboding tone, “Touch her, you old bloodsucker, it’ll be the last thing you’ll do!!” Spencer realized that he made his long blood fangs longer than they had ever been. He was ready to sink into him!

            Angus gave him his smile because he knew Spencer would lose that fight. “Lad ... remember who you be threatenin’.” He stood easily with his hand at Spencer’s throat as he lifted him off his feet. He lightly returned Spencer to his feet, and then released his throat.

            Spencer calmed at Angus’s reaction, reduced his fangs and sat back on the sofa. They were both properly notified. Angus sat again on the chair, as if nothing had transpired.

            “Are you guys finished? May I come back now?” Cynthia asked with her soft smile. Her hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail for the hot weather. Her attire was summer Capri pants in olive green, an over-sized knitted shirt in peach and white sandals. She stayed away for as long as she could stand it because she was nosy, but very hungry. She was starving!

            She sat beside Spencer, as he poured her a glass from the large carafe. She gulped and waited for the men to speak.

            Angus took the stage and began the scenario of what he had experienced in Paris! A rude, uncouth vampire kept hunting for him and them. He had stalked Cynthia for about a year in Charlotte, before she and Spencer had met. They needed to be wary!

            “I sensed this vampire, but not completely. It did worry me,” Spencer said as he kissed her head.

            “My God!” Cynthia quietly uttered. She sat more forward on the sofa, as she confirmed, “I know who you’re talking about. Was he a ... a vampire?” she said dumbfounded. “I wanted to get a Restraining Order against him, but nobody knew where he lived or worked!” She pondered a moment to remember his name and then said, “Mark ... Markham ... something like that!”

            “Marcus. He’s from Italia, Italy,” Angus verified.

            “Ah, yes. I remember now. We went out a few times and he always wanted more from me! He was attractive enough, but I did not like him at all!” Then, Cynthia had a memory and said to Spencer, “Do you recall at the concert that I said I had been under the weather?”

            Spencer nodded that he did.

            “He had surprised me where I worked one evening, doing overtime. He jumped into the elevator, I fought him, but he managed to bite me, bite my neck!  When the doors opened to let people in, he ran off! I had fallen to the floor, others helped me. I had gone to the emergency clinic and received a tetanus shot and some kind of antibiotic pills.” The blood carafe was empty, so she went to the kitchen. While there, Cynthia continued her memory, “The doctor told me the wounds weren’t deep. With the antibiotic, they would heal nicely. But, I got very sick, almost like mononucleosis. The sickness had to be because he had bitten me!” She sat by Spencer again. She had brought in a pitcher and larger glasses, this time, and poured a glass for each of the men, as well for herself. She knew Angus liked her blood. “Please ... have some more,” she offered and smiled to Angus. With her knowing, she gently placed her hand on Spencer’s cheek to assure that she loved him, and only him.

            “The doctor decided to give a medicine like for Rabies, even though it was a human bite. When I finally felt better, I went with my brother and sister-in-law to the outdoor concert at Mars Hill University. Spencer and I met ... the rest is history.”

            “Do you recollect much of the traffic accident?” Angus asked politely.

            “No. Not until Spencer awoke me in the hospital.”

            Angus began his story about Spencer’s battle for her against an aggressive vampire. He used his Scottish drawl to emphasize the intenseness of all that happened.

            “The rogue had planned to kill Spencer and cause the horrible accident, so to have thee close to death for him to transform thee to a vampire, his concubine. He didn’t kill Spencer, but  the accident had been set, no matter. Because ye were so nigh death, Spencer had to use the vampire magic so ye wouldn’t die!

“The Observers wouldn’t allow Spencer to scrutinize your danger. You were important to both vampires, but if he didn’t kill the rogue, you would have been doomed. However, they knew I would have stepped in to not let that happen!” Angus paused to watch Cynthia’s expression.

            “Once the rogue was defeated, the Observers allowed us to make haste to your aid, Lass,” Angus sighed. “Might I have a taste more of the pitcher?” he asked of Cynthia, as he held up his glass.

            “Observers? What are those?” Cynthia queried. She poured more for Angus.

            “Ah, Lass. Ever clan hast constables. They be ours,” he smiled sheepishly as he drank.

Even though he was a vampire, Cynthia could sense his definite personality.

Suddenly, with a major alert, Angus and Spencer sat very straight and detected something very close, a new threat!! Cynthia didn’t recognize the danger right away, but it was like an electric shock when it hit her brain! She froze beside Spencer!

“Did you feel that?” Spencer asked her.

“What is that? What does it mean?” she wanted to know from both men.

            ‘Prepare to meet thine demise! The woman is mine ... has always been!’

            The voice was in their heads, definite and foreboding. Cynthia had blood tinged tears, as she heard this voice. Spencer dabbed her eyes with another napkin.

            ‘Thee hast no place here,’ Angus argued. He spoke like the rogue ... to the minds.

            ‘My place is with my woman!!’ Marcus denounced. ‘I demand my vengeance!’

            Angus bade the vampire to be quiet and he will have his duel. Both realized the rogue had departed to the battle ground. They could not sense him anymore.

“Is this natural? To hear thoughts? Is he in the apartment?” Cynthia asked as she looked around in fear. She was afraid of this vampire, feared his wrath!

            “My love,” Spencer wrapped his arms around her in the hopes to calm her. “He will not get at you here! He cannot get inside here. He is issuing a duel. Angus and I will answer his challenge.” Spencer kissed her lips tenderly. Then, he took the cloth napkin to dry her tears. “You shall remain safe in our abode, sweet Cynthia.” He gave her an assuring kiss.

            Angus wagged his index finger and corrected, “Nay ... the Lass must abide with us. It’s the law.”

            “Are you crazy?!” Spencer nearly yelled. “What law dictates this?!”

            “The ancient vampire law. Fight it not, Lad. The Observers have the power.” All Angus could do was to shake his head. “However, my student, fear not. I have sleeves packed with tricks!”

            Spencer and Angus knew the night would be only seven hours long. A summer night! They mentally spoke of strategy, of a better plan. Cynthia was overwrought, so they masked their thoughts from her. And, they came up with a brilliant plan!

            “I must meet with the Observers. I will summon you both when that is done. Do a feed to prepare for this night,” Angus informed. Almost in a flash, he was out of the apartment.

            Cynthia still had tears, but not as red as before. She was weak, so Spencer dressed in jeans and sneakers and a T-shirt and left the apartment to load up on animal blood. No one paid him any mind as he quickly strolled through town, a small town. He had a container with him to fill just with the animal’s blood. This blood would be different for Cynthia.

He found a wild boar near town! When she tastes the animal blood, he would ask her how she liked it. She had issues with killing, especially bums, as she called them. He wasn’t keen on killing either, but he will have no qualms with killing Marcus! Within a few minutes, he was well sated with his feed, the container was full, so he went back to his love!

            She was on the sofa with her knees bent to her chin and held her glass which was nearly empty. The pitcher was empty. She trembled because she needed to feed and was afraid of this mêlée she must attend!

            He smiled to her as he entered. She could hardly contain her anticipation of her meal! He took her glass and squirted a bit of the blood into it from the container. She downed it like drinking a shot of whiskey! He poured some more into the glass, she drank it and then she licked her lips.

            “What is this,” she asked. Her pallor was slightly healthier now.

            “Wild boar. Do you like it?” Spencer watched her eyes.

            “It’s the best substitution yet,” she confessed, but added, “But I still want our closeness.”

            Spencer was very glad to hear this. There was no hesitation. He just laid her head on his chest, allowed her to bite a vein to drink her fill. She would need this tonight!

            Unfortunately, Spencer heard Angus’s summon. She heard him, also. It was time.

            More active, she dashed to the bedroom to don jeans, a thin sweater and sneakers. He changed to a leather long-sleeved jacket, which was curious to Cynthia. When they left the building, Angus awaited them.

            There were no conversations, just erudition of what could ensue. The three of them squeezed into Spencer’s MG and drove to a much smaller town 16 kilometers south of Abbeville: Hallencourt, a commune in the Somme District of Abbeville. It was a factory town where the residents worked their shifts, ate their meals and slept ... not much attention other than their personal needs. There were many meadows and shallow Glens, which is where Spencer drove.

            “Is everything ready?” was the only question Spencer had for Angus.

            “Aye, Lad ... two buckets,” he testified.

            Cynthia could not pick up their meaning. She just looked to Spencer with intense question marks!

            It was a beautiful, moonlit night. A few wispy clouds diffused the moon’s brightness.

            Angus stood with Cynthia inside the Glen. He knew she shivered due to the fear of what could happen to Spencer and her. It was a warm night, not a night to cause a chill.

            Once Spencer ventured more into the middle, Marcus moved to him like a shot, but was detained by the Observers. The ghost figures stood/floated between Spencer and Marcus. Many meters between the men! Marcus was as tall as Spencer.

Cynthia looked to Angus and he thought to her, ‘Aye, Lass. Them be the Observers. This will be a fair duel, I make my swear!’ She nodded, but still felt unsure. Angus smiled and winked to her. The wink said to her that he must have something up his sleeve. All she saw in the Glen, other than grass and bushes, were a few bales of hey. No weapons were seen.

             ‘Ye can hear me, Cynthia. I know ye can. Ye should have let me turn you so this vampire will not perish because of your vanity!’ Marcus blamed.

When he spoke to her in the early days, he spoke not as he did now, nothing antiquated like Angus. Now, she was repulsed by this creature. He was not as she remembered. His hands were almost just bone as a skeleton, his face was very scarred and hideous! She was sickened by his looks! Marcus’s clothing was dark, rugged. He was gruesome! Cynthia began to weep again.

            “Nay, Cynthia. Heed not those words. Trust thine Spencer,” Angus assured quietly.

            The Observers moved away and Marcus made an ear-piercing screech that hurt Cynthia’s ears and head! It made her fall to the ground. She couldn’t stand or move or speak!

            ‘Ye lost her when ye did not know how to love her. I love her, body and soul! Ye have no soul!’ Spencer taunted. ‘Ye only want her as a concubine, not as someone to love. Ye only covet!’

            Spencer used his speed to attack Marcus from behind. As soon as he clasped his arms around Marcus, he sank his very sharp fangs in the jugular! However, Marcus had learned how

to break that grip. He did and backed quickly away from Spencer.

            Spencer looked to Cynthia and knew what that rogue had done to her with his screech, which angered him more. However, discretion was more important now! He attacked Marcus, tightened his hands around his neck. Marcus did the same to Spencer!

            Marcus saw that Spencer looked more to Cynthia. In a flash, he pounced on him to bite his neck! Spencer was able to elude a deep bite, as he broke his grip and zipped to one of the bales of hey and encouraged Marcus to attack. Instead, Marcus zipped to Cynthia on the ground. She had been rendered helpless, no movement.

With his subtle might, Angus pushed him away with great strength, to a farther distance! Angus shook his finger at him like he was naughty.

            Spencer was so relieved that Angus was his ally. He picked up a rock and hurled it at Marcus, hitting him hard in his chest.

            Finally, the rogue made his attack! He cried out in anger and frustration!

            Spencer went behind the one bale, opened it and took out a bucket of turpentine. He threw the liquid squarely from head to feet on the rogue! That’s why he chose the jacket to wear! He didn’t want to be splashed!

            “Aaaaarrrrrrr!!” Marcus screamed in pain. Turpentine was a natural repellent for vampires. Not religious crosses, not strings of garlic, not stakes through the heart.

            Spencer looked to Angus, who indicated the other bale with the other bucket. He opened it up and threw that bucket on him, as well!

The vampire writhed on the ground and called, “Cynthia ... Cynthia! Why hast thou forsaken our love?!” His voice was spoken this time.

Cynthia was finally able to sit up on the ground and yelled, “We never loved, you asshole ... you only wanted to control!” Her arms had regained some ability. “I will love Spencer for eternity!!”

That said, Angus helped her to stand, and then to approach Spencer, who took a box of matches from the jacket pocket. He waited for them to get to him. He lit the match and threw it onto the vampire. The fire shot up many feet, engulfing the rogue vampire!

Angus moved silently away and Spencer put his arms around Cynthia and they kissed.

The fire diminished. Spencer wanted to make doubly sure this rogue was dead, so he took a nearby stick to determine there was really nothing of Marcus. There was nothing but ash! Cynthia made a relieved sigh.

It was close to morning. Spencer and Cynthia got in his car to get back to Abbeville, to sleep. They would need a long rest.

=====

Angus informs:

The duel was known as a death duel, only one would survive. Unknown to Marcus, however, if he managed to kill Spencer, he would not be the winner! Cynthia would not be his prize. The Observers gave Angus their permission to destroy that vampire! They knew that his reason was not to create a relationship of love with her. Even though vampires could be unsightly creatures, many were just creatures of continued life. With the new attitude, the other older rogues would be abolished!

They be not Bella or Edward. They be Cynthia and Spencer. Twilight is their time and love is more than a word.

The song Clair De Lune teases through the still moonlit countryside.

The End