A Vampire Cursed - Episode 16

Eilidh's apartment above the Quill & Query was full, she'd never seen so many vampires in one room. She'd only invited about half of the people who had turned up but she didn't mind. She knew they wouldn't stay long. Vampires tend to get nervous when they're stuck in a tight space with each other for too long.

She waded through the crowd to her balcony and looked out at The Lights. It was a beautiful view, from here she could see all the way to edge of The Village. She loved her little corner of the world. She hoped that Reagan had found somewhere to love before her life was ended. Everybody deserved to find somewhere they belonged.

"What are you doing out here, Eilidh? You have guests," Flip's voice interrupted her musing.

"I'm just having a moment to myself, Flip, it's been a long night. I'm tired. And besides, I know about half of the people that are in there and the other half I don't really want to talk to."

"You seemed happy enough with Billy MacDonald's company earlier. You were flirting like a schoolgirl. Batting your eyelashes and twirling your hair."

"I was not!" Eilidh was horrified. "Billy MacDonald is an old friend, nothing more. And he's a complete nightmare. Ask Dottie Hitchcock, she's been fighting him off for years. And, it's my daughter's funeral! Remember?"

"Of course I remember! You're the one who's been forgetting things lately." Flip regretted saying it the second the words left her mouth. Eilidh looked shaken. Almost human in her hurt at Flip's words.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. Look. I don't want to argue with you tonight. Come inside, have some blood. Do some schmoozing. They'll all start to leave soon and you can have the place back to yourself."

Eilidh followed Flip back into the apartment, trying not to let her words get to her. But she was right, Eilidh had been forgetful lately. But, so what? Everybody had their moments, didn't they? She turned and smiled at Cassandra Turner who was wearing the most ridiculout fascinator she'd ever seen

Vampires and the Vapors is free to read but please consider a paid subscription if you're able. You'll get weekly episodes of my serialized novel, A Vampire Cursed, with themes of living well with mental illness. You'll also be supporting future stories and projects.