(Freya Milano)

Ashfield, September 1735

Most areas in Britain land had been in bad condition ever since after a series of disease then followed by wars including civil wars.  The aristocrats took over the land with rules that favored the rich and made the poor become poorer.  I stayed in the quiet small town, Ashfield.  I had always wanted to visit England but the wars and disease had been a horrible mess.  I didn’t get humans.  They killed each other for power and wealth.  That was a big turn off for me.  Why would I even come to a place where they were willing to kill each other? Draining their blood would have done them a favor.  England was my last stop in Europe before I planned to roam in another continent.

That night I was wandering to find some fresh blood.  I preferred the blue blood.  I was blue blood myself but these people were so sick.  My family never acted like ones among the others.  My parents even dedicated their lives to bring justice and restore peace all around Europe. 

I walked through the one only elite area in the center rof the town, looking for reckless prey.  I saw a middle 30s man wearing black long coat and cavalier hat.  I could see from a distance his cufflink was gold and he was smoking cigarette.  I walked to his direction when he was walking on the pavement.

He’s surprised when I was standing on his way.  He almost bumped on me. “My apology, I didn’t see you.  What can I help you, my lady?”

“I got lost.  I wasn’t from here.” I had no patience to beat around the bush.  I took his cigarette, smoked it then threw it away.  When I pulled him by the coat, his blue lenses dilated.  He was a little good looking yet basic with the neat blond hair and blue eyes. 

That night nearing the autumn season, the street was pretty empty.  I caressed his face then to his neck but he didn’t suspect anything.  I was sure no one would even pass through. “Don’t scream.” I said before I sunk in my teeth on his veins in his neck.  I held him by the collar of the coat. 

Unexpectedly my eyes caught a little boy on the corner of the street.  He was stunned and terrified yet stood there with overwhelmed look.  He dropped his bag, seeing my vampire eyes and some blood that got messy on the edge of my lips.  I moaned then ended my pleasure.  I compelled the guy to forget then threw him pretty hard that he landed in the middle of the road and his hat fell off his head.  The little boy ran as fast as he could upon knowing I was chasing him.  He was quite fast and clever, running in random direction.  However, I caught him when we got to different road. 

“Hey there little boy.  Enough with the playing.” I appeared in front of him when he thought he was hiding in perfect spot, on top of a tree.  That kid was brave.  I jumped and grabbed him with me.

He closed his eyes so tight and muttered. “I won’t look at your eyes.  I won’t look at your eyes.  Please I beg you don’t hurt me.”

“Open your eyes.” I held him with one hand by the collar.  His clothes looked so old and messy. “I won’t hurt a little boy.  Look at me.  Hey!” he’s so stubborn.  He kept his eyes closed completely. “Okay, keep your eyes closed like that however long you want.  But you come with me.” I dragged him so he had no choice but to walk.  However, he really was persistent not to open his eyes.

“Why don’t you shout for help if you think you know what I am?” I asked as we walked through one road to another to where I stayed, a cottage, the furthest away from the center of the town.

“I am a poor lad.  If I shout vampire, they’d catch me instead of you, ma’am.  No one would believe a word I say.” He said with eyes closed. 

“What’s your name?” I asked but he shook his head.

“I don’t cooperate with vampire.  If you please just let me go, I am no helpful to you, ma’am.”

I hit the back of his head lightly. “Stop calling me ma’am.  Okay listen.  I promise I won’t hurt you.  Now can you open your eyes?”

“I don’t take risk of being compelled.” He said innocently.  I was in awe.  This little boy was more than he seemed.  I always had a soft spot for little kids and this boy looked so young with his black rather long hair and eyes that reminded me of my Asian friend, Mina.  He didn’t appear to be an English lad. 

When finally, we got to my place, I brought him in. “Look, you can stay with me here, food, a place to sleep and more.  I think I could use some company.”

He eventually opened his eyes slowly. “You won’t compel me?” he had his hand near his eyes and avoided eyes contact with me.

“If you want to be my friend.” I bent a little and waved my hand in front of his face.  He got excited and clapped my hand. 

“My name is Will Jones.  I have been an orphan since I was seven.  I would do anything I can to repay what you are willing to do for me, ma’am.  My mom taught me a lot about supernatural world.  I always thought those were just myths.  Never thought I’d actually meet one.” He didn’t even look scared.  He was either hopeless because life had been hard for him or he was fearless. 

I hit his head lightly. “Don’t call me ma’am.  I’m Freya, remember that.”

He just grinned and nodded.  From that time, Will lived with me during my stay in England.  I helped him get the education he deserved.  That boy was bright.  He had Asian descendant from his mother.  He got so attached to me that he went wherever I went, like a little brother who grew up and old while I stayed young. 
-----

I make time today to visit Will and Melissa since my brother has been so fussy about it.  Besides, I feel like I want to see him.  He’s always followed me anywhere though I’ve always tried to ignore him.  He was once my favorite company.  He was resourceful and his psychic power was a plus. 

I finally arrive at where they live as told by Alexander.  The house is standing alone like abandoned house.  I waste no other second and get out of the car.  They should be home.  I told Melissa I’d come.  I saw a fist sized stone and take it.  My hand plays with the stone before I throw it right on the dusty window.  It crashes the window and leaves a hole on it.  In a second, the door is opened.

“Good to see you, Will.” I tilt my head and smirk.  He cleans up well yet his appearance is simple as always, jersey shirt and pants and some sport club jacket.  He’s 20 when he turned a vampire. “Why don’t you come out here and hug your sister?” I take a few steps forwards. 

He comes to me and smiles slightly.  The smile can be seen on his eyes alone.  But that smiling eyes turn to a concern. “You are sick, dear sister.”

When he gets so close to me, I grab him by the arm and push him with speed to the door.  Melissa who suddenly appears near the door, gets hit and too late to avoid us. “I’m sick of you following me.  Didn’t I break the sire so you could live your life the way you deserved it, instead of risking everything for me?” I look straight into his brown eyes. “Why? Why are you still here?”

Melissa interrupts us. “Let him go, Freya.  Please let him talk.” I just glare which is enough to shut her up. 

“I owe you my life and everything I have ever needed and wanted in life.” His free hand grabs my lower arm then he closes his eyes as if trying to feel something in me. “Something is changing in your blood.” 

I’m stunned for a while.  His psychic power is still strong like it has always been if not stronger.  He feels it.  I let go off my hand and drop him. “So I wasn’t being paranoid.”

“We need to analyze this further.” He says, begging. “I care about you, sister.”

I look into his eyes.  I can see that he’s still the same little boy who grew up and accompanied me in some of my journey.  The way he looks at me is so endearing.  I think I should give him another chance.

“Why can everyone just let me go?” I curse my breath. “Don’t mess it up.” I hit his head.  He rakes his with fingers and grins. 
*****

Whenever there's flashback, it's my favorite! How do you think about that flashback between Will and Freya? 😭❤ Hope you feel the sister and brother vibe.

😜
Anjaa