Vampire Of The New World

"So, who was he?" said Lisa as she looked at her cousin's reflection on the mirror.

"Who?" asked Celie innocently. She opened a drawer and brought out a tray of lipstick.

"You know who," said Lisa as she finished brushing Celie's hair. "The guy with the amazing eyes."

"Why are you so interested in him?" replied Celie as she looked undecidedly over the lipstick tray.

"Oleander," said Lisa.

"Oleander, it is," said Celie, picking up one lipstick of a pinkish tint.

"I just want to know. What if you end up missing one night and your dad asks me who you were with?"

"Don't worry, Lisa. I know how to take care of myself." Celie applied the lipstick and removed the excess with tissue. "Besides, my dad's security is always there to protect me."

"That's my point. You always run away from your security."

"I'm all set," said Celie. "How about you?"

"I'm ready as well. You know me. I'm fine with just shirt and jeans. We are not going to a photo shoot, are we?"

"Lisa, the media will be there. There will be photographers. Dad is sending his official photographer as well. They'll need something to post on their webpage and the newsletters." Celie stood up and motioned to Lisa to sit on her chair.

"Yes, I've seen Cardena's webpage and your face is everywhere," Lisa said as she sat down.

"Not everywhere. My dad's face figures more prominently. There's also mom." Celie picked up the hairbrush and started brushing Lisa's hair.

"Okay. Your dad's the most narcissistic, you second, your mom a distant third." Lisa laughed. "I can only guess how it would be like if it were election year." Lisa looked at Celie's reflection and watched for her reaction.

"Next year's election year, Lisa love. It's not too early to start campaigning." Celie said coolly as she tied Lisa's hair in the same manner as hers.

"Is that what we are doing today? Campaigning?" asked Lisa, grimacing slightly as Celie pulled her hair. She looked up at Celie.

"Lisa, sometimes you really know how to hurt my feelings. You know I visit the home for the elderly every year. Even when Dad was still a councilman." Celie untied Lisa's hair and then pulled it again into a messy bun before tying it in place..

"Alright. Sorry, if I hurt your feelings." Lisa turned to her reflection. "That's a perfect messy bun. You know my style."

"Well, if you really are sorry, you'd also change your clothes. I'll help you pick from my closet. Afterwards, it's make-up time!" Celie held a round mirror behind Lisa and had her look at her backside.

Lisa was about to protest, but decided otherwise.

Celie and Lisa sat inside the van as they were being driven to the home for the elderly. They had been quiet for about five minutes when Celie suddenly erupted, "Okay, you win. I'll tell you all about him."

Lisa was surprised, it looked like her silence was more persuasive than her words where Celie was concerned. She laughed and faced her cousin. Celie's complexion looked different, but it must be the dark tint of the van's windows.

"I hate to admit it, but I was stood up by my date last night and I was all too bored and depressed. So, I brought out my phone and started playing around. Then, I remembered the Flames app and thought I would give it a try.

It was scary at first, but I knew I was in complete control. I could choose not to connect with any of them and they would not see me unless I select them. So, I looked at the guys' profiles one-by-one. At the same time, I was wondering whether they were in the same room with me. You know the app gives you profiles of available guys within a certain radius.

Every time I swap and see a new face, I keep wondering if it was the guy at my front or the one I bumped into while getting my drink or the guy at the other table. That sense of mystery made it all the more interesting. Still, I had to tell myself that I was not there to hook up with anyone. I was just wondering who were the guys in the area. That is, until I saw him.

He had those amazing eyes, so intense that they seemed to penetrate my very being. At the same time, there was an air of mystery about him that made me curious. So, I was sitting there for about a minute staring at the guy's face when I just decided to swipe to the right. I really needed some conversation. Perhaps, this guy could give me that. If he turned out to be different from what I expected, I could count on my dad's security to bring me home immediately.

After swiping, I looked around and saw him. He was standing under the light and her face glowed, much like those portraits where only the face is illuminated while the background remains dark. He was looking straight at me that at once I felt surprised, disoriented, and embarrassed at the same time. It was like I was in my own spotlight and everyone was looking at me and admiring me, except it was only he who was watching.

He stood up and walked slowly towards me that it seemed like an eternity. He did not look away, his eyes were on me all the time. I remained transfixed. The crowd seemed to disappear. He just went straight towards me until finally, he spoke with a deep voice.

"You're Celeste."

"Yes."

"I've been watching you in the last half hour and I thought how obtuse your companion must be to leave you alone that long."

"He is stupid."

"Not to worry. I'll keep you company as long as you like or at least until your companion arrives."

Then, he talked some more with that deep, soothing voice that I lost track of time. He asked me what I do and where I come from and he was genuinely surprised when I told him that my dad's the mayor. He just arrived a few hours ago, he said, and wanted to explore the city. He asked me if I could give him a tour. As the mayor's daughter, I ought to know more about the city than the average person.

The next thing I remember, he was holding me under the old acacia tree in front of the house. His face was very close to mine and he held me as if I just fell unconscious. Then, he kissed me. Oh, it was like an out-of-body experience. He buried his face in my neck. No one has ever kissed me like that. I simply melted in his arms. Then, with his deep voice, he bid me goodbye and he disappeared in the shadows as the cathedral bells struck the hour."