Who am I? Why am I here? The age
old questions of life, right? Well for
me, they seem to be a reoccurring
theme which I will tell you as I share my story with you.
You ever feel like you can never
catch a break? Perhaps that karma
has it out for you or that maybe
you're meant for something greater.
Well I'm seriously hoping it's the
latter.
So much has happened that has made me question everything, everything but one thing…bonds. There are many legends and prophecies about various types of bonds. I had once thought that I may have been linked to one, but as my life unfolded I learned so much more.
This is my story…
How about I start from the
beginning, a few years ago I was
what you'd call a mostly normal
graduate student just trying to finish
my internship so I could finally
graduate with my master's degree in
journalism. I had a few setbacks, so
I'm a bit older than the average
graduate student.
I love writing it's my passion in life
or at least was until my life took a
strange turn. Turning 25, made me
question a few things. But I will get
into that in a bit.
I work for an online magazine
writing about all sorts of things from
strange disappearances to the
possibility of the existence of aliens.
I enjoy the strange and unusual,
because I myself have become the
strange and unusual.
The magazine is called Stranger
Things for a reason. It definitely
fosters my creativity and does allow
for me to do a bit of research and
investigative work which I enjoy the
most because I love learning and
exploring. Why this became my perfect career.
I have long dirty blonde hair and bright sage green eyes. I have pale skin with a few tattoos and piercings. I don't post photos of myself in the magazine unless I'm wearing a disguise. I
prefer to keep myself hidden as best
I can. I even use a pseudonym. It's
Midnight Rose because I'm a night
owl always have been. Plus there's
beauty in the night. I chose a rose
because it's beautiful yet has a
certain harshness represented by its
thorns. Plus roses are pretty resilient
just like me.
I live in an apartment building with
my good friend Katie Smith. Katie has dark brown hair and bright blue eyes. She's so bubbly that it's infectious. We met freshman year and have
been best friends since. She's my
only family really. I was an orphan
and know nothing about my family.
All I know is that they're all dead. I
grew up in the system. I was smart
and hardworking so I was able to
put me through college.
Katie is finishing up her Masters in
Education while substitute teaching
at the local high school. Even
though she's a few years younger
then me, we get along wonderfully.
Katie comes in holding a box," Hey girl, you got a package."
My eyebrows shoot up, "Really?"
She throws it at me and I begin to examine it. "Funny, it has no return address. I wonder who sent it?"
Katie suggests that I open it to see if there's a note inside. It's a plausible idea so I quickly open it.
I pull out a golden ornate mask. "Wow, it's beautiful."
"Hey Eva look, there is a note!" Katie cheered.
I take it and read it aloud. You are cordially invited to
"Experience The Night" a
Masquerade Gala at St.
John's Cathedral this Friday
night from dusk till dawn.
"Sounds interesting. You should go for work," Katie said.
"Katie, I'm not going alone. You're coming with me." I am not going to let her not go.
She sighs, "But they only invited you."
I respond, "The fine print says may bring
a 'guest'."
So we went shopping. We found our dresses and her a mask. We both chose red dresses. Mine is a mermaid-cut floor-length dress with golden beading and appliques. Hers is a red floor-length A-line dress that fades to black towards the bottom.
I always feel out of place when I dress formally. It feels like I'm playing dress-up. Before I knew it, it was the night of the gala.
"Damn you look hot! If I were
into girls we wouldn't be
leaving right now," Katie exclaimed as she saw me leave my room.
I can't help but laugh, "Haha, you look sexy yourself."
Katie is a bit boy crazy still. She
chases after romance but it never
pans out for her. Me I'm the
opposite. I don't look for love, I'm
more career-driven. I figure love will
find me at some point. I'm only
turning 26 later this year, so I've got
plenty of time.
I date occasionally, don't get me
wrong but there's yet to be anyone
that I'd trust with my life. Until that
day comes, I'm fine being a happily
single loner.
Katie and I hop into my car ready to see what adventures tonight brings. I drive us there. I opted for no purse
as my dress had pockets.
I snap a few pictures of us outside
and of the church. When we get
inside we are blown away. I take
many pictures of the elegantly
decorated interior.
There were tables for dining and a
dance floor. There was also a more
intimate area with small raised
cocktail tables. Guests were
standing around them
I assumed that's where we go until
the hosts have us move to the
dining area. l'd been to a few fancy
parties so I understood basic
etiquette.
"This is just wow," she said.
"I know right? Just stay cool
and follow my lead," I replied in an effort to show the confidence that I'm lacking.
Katie scans the room, "But check out these guests,
they're basically all hot!"
"Katie, they're just people like us," I retorted but I am not so sure that they're all like us. I just have this odd feeling.
"Eva, very sexy beautiful
people. No wonder they invited you.
You fit right in."
I roll my eyes, "Whatever." She can be so over-the-top.
"Come on! No you're one of the hottest
people here. Definitely the
sexiest woman by far!" she says as we move through the throngs of people.
As I squeezed her hand, "You say that because you're my best friend."
"That's bullshit and you know
it!" she says as she grabs herself a glass of champagne. I just roll my eyes because there's no use arguing with her when she gets like this.
I grabbed a glass of red wine and took a sip, "Oh this wine is to die for!"
As she took my glass from my hand, "So if it is so good you'd die for it, then let me have a sip."
I giggle,"I would not actually die for it,
but it's very good.
It's beautifully balanced with
flavors of peach and
mirabelle plum with soft oak
notes and a long finish. Quite
good. I'd say it's definitely
European maybe from Austria
or Hungary."
"Eva, you know that I don't like red wines, but this one I do like," she said as she took another sip before handing me back my glass.
A smooth deep voice spoke from just behind me, "You're quite right, miss. You
could be a sommelier."
I instinctively turn to the voice. My eyes lock with his. Wow! The man before me dressed in a fine black suit has a head full of silky hair that's blacker than a starless night. Its dark tendrils frame his chiseled pale face with plump pink lips. His eyes are bluer than any ocean that I have seen. He's a God among men. He's way out of my league. Hell, he's not even the same sport!
He says, "Pardon my manners. I'm
Vincent Black."
Katie and I introduced ourselves to Vincent. She asked if he was the host. He said that he wasn't but was acquainted with him. I can't help but think that Vincent knows more than he's saying.
I decide to ask what's on my mind, "Do you know who invited me
here? Some of the people
I've seen around the city, but
I wouldn't consider them and
myself in the same league
much less sharing the same
room."
He seems perplexed by my statement, "You seem very much at home
here, though. Perhaps you
sell yourself short."
Katie laughs before she glares me, "I tell her that…daily."
There's something different about
this guy. Yes he's handsome beyond
measure but his eyes. They're
deeper than the sea and they hold a
secret. This man has walls much like
I do. I wonder why?
His voice is smooth like silk yet soft
like velvet. Katie seems memorized as if she's in a trance.
"Hey, Katie!" I snap my fingers until she looks at me. "I think the champagne is
going to your head."
Vincent looks into my eyes like he's
trying to tell me something. I return
the look with one of my
"what the
f*ck do you think you're doing"
looks and he takes a step back. This guy isn't human, he can't be.
He raises his eyebrow at me, "Interesting, very interesting."
I lean over and whisper, "I don't appreciate what you
tried on my friend or me. I
suggest you not try again and
explain yourself." I'm just guessing that he tried to read our minds.
He whispers into my ear and it causes goosebumps to appear, "Eva I'm afraid you wouldn't
believe me, if I tried."
I want to know. I'm not afraid, but maybe I should be, "Then show me, after all
seeing is believing."
His lips graze the shell of my ear, "Not here."
Then the hosts come in. A man and
a woman wearing black masks with
red jewels dressed in all black
command the attention of all.
Shivers go down my spine. There is
something powerful about them but
something dark too. Maybe the
darkness is only attached to one of
them, but I hope I don't have to find
out which one.
I have always been a good judge of
people, well mostly. I did misjudge a
guy once. But it seems like my
senses have peaked since I turned
25 and I have acquired a few other
talents too.
I jump back. Vincent seems worried, "Do you know them?"
I say, "No and I'm not sure that I want to. They feel strange. Do you know them?"
Vincent answers, "Yes. Why did you withdraw and change your tone?"
"Just a feeling it could be
nothing," I say dismissively. I don't know Vincent so I'm not sure how much I can or should say.
Katie chimes in, "Eva, you know to always trust your gut. So what's it saying?"
I just blurt out, "Well it's saying to stay clear of one or both of them."
Vincent touches my arm, "We must talk in private later."
I turn to him, "I just met you and you think I'd go somewhere alone with
you?"
He gives me a playful smirk, "Judge for yourself Miss Sims,
I mean you no harm and I'm
pretty sure you can realize
that."
We go to be seated and there's an
attractive gentleman at our table. He's in a dark blue suit. He has long light brown hair that's pulled back into a ponytail. A tight well-groomed beard frames his ruggedly handsome face. His eyes are a steely blue-green.
He stands and introduces himself, "I'm Sam Fall."
We all introduce ourselves. Then Vincent says something that takes me by surprise, "No pack with
you? It's rare to see you
attending without the others."
Pack? What pack? Is Sam not human either? I sense a tension between them too and I don't like it.
I have to ask, "Do you two know each other?"
Vincent says, "Somewhat, but not closely."
Sam adds, "I more know of him than
know him. We only briefly
encounter each other at
mixed functions like this one."
Mixed functions, just what does he mean by that? I feel myself losing my filter and with it my decorum, "Well, let's keep the
testosterone levels down shall
we and be civil too please."
"Eva!" Katie smacks my hand.
We all share a laugh at my expense, but I don't care. I feel oddly at home right now.
I look around and then at Katie, "What this has to be the
oddest night of my life by far.
What's next talking animals
and dancing fairies?"
Katie cocks her head, "What are you talking about?"
I decide not to elaborate, "Just nothing, I'm just getting
ideas for my next article is all."
Writing about the paranormal has
made me hyperaware. I am
convinced that humans aren't the
superior species that they think that
they are. I think many myths and
legends existed and perhaps some
still do. I might be sitting at the table with two such legends right now.
Katie giggles, "What's it going to be this
time? A serial killer slaughter
ball or a romantic vampire
masquerade?"
I smirk. She doesn't know how close
she is. We are certainly in mixed
company. As we are some of the
only humans here. I am certain that I'm right the more I look around and the more my feeling from earlier intensifies.
Vincent asks, "Exactly what do you do Eva?" He is really studying me now. Has he read some of my articles?
Before I can answer him, the couple from before comes over. The man addresses me, "Miss Midnight Rose, I'm glad
you could make it."
He makes me nervous but not in a fearful way, "Umm yeah. Who are you and
how'd you know it's me?"
"I'm Eric Wood and this is my wife Vicky.
I have eyes everywhere Eva. I
know you are Midnight Rose
and I am glad you came."
I am almost positive that Eric is a vampire and his wife seems familiar too. I really don't like her for some reason, "Then why am I here? I'm not
one of you or them. I'm in the
minority here."
He speaks very calmly and extremely dignified, "I need your impartiality and
your journalistic ability. You
know of my world, and it needs your help."
I keep looking at him. He's pale with perfect pale skin. His eyes are a tantalizing teal. He's timelessly handsome.
I cock my head, "For what?"
Vicky decides to speak and I wish that she hadn't, "Ugh, why her? She's clearly a moron. I don't get why you
bother with food."
She's the epitome of a haughty pretentious bitch. I want to slap her but I feel Vincent place his hand on mine and I feel Sam's warm hand on my knee.
"We don't need her, Eric!" Vicky yelled.
Oh no she didn't! I glare at her and then envision me strangling her.
She grabs her throat and starts to
drop to her knees as her face starts to change colors. I wonder if I can turn her into a rainbow?
Sam squeezes my knee, "Holy sh*t, but you don't smell
like them. You aren't one of
them or a witch because I
would know."
Eric looks me in the eye, "Eva, please stop."
I'm mad, "Why should I? You obviously won't
put her in her place so I will.
She's part of your problem!"
I let up, but only a bit. I recognized
her now. I know exactly why I was
creeped out earlier and it wasn't
because of the guy it was because
of her. I know her from a few weeks ago.
Eric is shocked, "What?"
I'm just going to spit it out, She's sloppy and careless. I
recognize her now. Last week
she attempted to hurt a
young man. I stopped her but
never got a look at her face. I
just feel it's her, plus her
voice is familiar."
Vicky tries to defend herself, "But I didn't.."
Sam doesn't let her finish, "Wait! My nephew!"
I ask, "Is his name Steven?"
He says yes as he glares at Vicky while she still tries to plead her innocence.
I have nothing to lose so I fully speak my mind, "Then why do I keep seeing
pictures of the event when I
look into your mind?
You don't hide well. You have
no mental walls. Perhaps out
of weakness or just plain
arrogance. You think because
you married power that
you're powerful."
Eric asks. "Do you know who I am?"
I reply, "No but I'm guessing since
you organized this and
tracked me down, then you
must be powerful and not just
because of your infinite
resources." I turn to Vicky, "Why'd you need Steven?"
Vicky says, "To stop you and those like
you. You're going to ruin
everything she has planned."
I'm so pissed off and confused. This woman and some of her cronies attacked a high school kid.
I glare at Vicky, "What the hell are you talking about?"
Vicky replied, "The ritual." Then she just bursts into ashes. Katie screamed, but I calmed her down as the guys just watched me.
Eric asks, "Have you always had this gift?"
"I've always been able to read
people and sometimes see
things. More has happened
since earlier this past year," I say.
Sam pats my knee, "Well my family owes you for
saving Steven."
I can't have Sam thinking that he owes me, "No one owes me anything, l'd
gladly do it again. I was just in
the right place at the right
time."
Matter of factly Sam says, "That's why we owe you."
Eric suggests, " Let me introduce Katie to some great people and then
we will talk further."
I glare at Eric, "Fine but if…"
He smirks, "Nothing will. Everything is
fine."
He has that same voice. What are
these guys? Vicky called me food.
Are they vampires? No, but maybe.
Hell, what am I? I just strangled a
woman with my mind. What made
her explode though? Was it me?