By Merrill Glass

Remember the time you lent me your car

and I dented it?

I thought you'd kill me...

But you didn't.

Remember the time I forgot to tell you the dance was

formal, and you came in jeans?

I thought you'd hate me...

But you didn't.

Remember the times I'd flirt with

other boys just to make you jealous, and

you were?

I thought you'd drop me...

But you didn't.

There were plenty of things you did to put

up with me,

to keep me happy, to love me, and there

are

so many things I wanted to tell

you, when you returned from

Vietnam...

But you didn't.

     Stillness.  Cold surrounded my body.  I was tired from the long hike, I told myself.  My breathing turned into short, panicked bursts.  I no longer heard the birds singing or the rustling of trees.

He appeared in front of me.  Lavender scented air enveloped my entire being.  His chiseled jaw line edged smooth, pale skin.  Mesmerizing slate eyes and silky black hair complimented a tailored gray suit.  He was gorgeous.

"Hello," he smiled.  "I am Derek."  Unable to break my gaze from his eyes I half whispered, "I am Lily."

With one swift movement his arm was around my waist pulling me to him.  A jolt of electricity sped through me as our bodies pressed together.  He kept smiling and staring into my eyes.  I wanted him to kiss me.

As if reading my thoughts he brought his lips to mine, I closed my eyes.  Pointed sharp teeth pierced into my neck with a fierceness of hunger.  I gasped but no sound emerged.  He drank, draining me.  My mind silently screaming...Vampire!!!