Medford, Texas – The Hall 2nd Floor Room B
8:15 AM - Thursday - September 18th 2059
Hope stood there enjoying the quiet of the morning. Life was still, and for once she could just live in that peace. Her decision reached, her life altered, now came perhaps the most difficult part. What in hell do I do now? It's not like I can go back home, not that I want to. But what do I do with this life mother gave me? Seven days ago, Hope had been a 26-year-old with a different life. That was then, now her body was so altered that it defied understanding. She had lived the 26 years as Hope and another 12 as Johanne. All of that was the result of meeting her new family. A family unlike any other she had ever met before. Through them, Hope had become a vampire. Even now she smiled at thinking it, staring at her eyes again. This is me, it's not some crazy dream. I am always going to be like this now. Glowing eyes, the link, all of it. I cant believe how much I love this.
Hope shook her head at it all and removed the comfortable nightgown she had on. Yet another sign of her confused state. It was something Johanne enjoyed wearing and Hope had adopted it. Women her age didn't wear such things. My age, what in hell is my age now anyway? Am I still 26 or am I 17? Hell, I feel like I am far older than either of those. She felt along her body trying to get used to the feeling. In a way it was nice being this trim. But she missed her curves, and not being treated like a child. I wonder if I can ask Amy to hurry things along a bit, maybe enhance myself just a bit more? Hope smiled at the thought, she wouldn't, she would let time move her and not try to alter herself too much. She wanted to see how her body would react to all the changes before she did something drastic.
On the bed was the things she would wear today. Nothing pretty, just comfortable things. She wasn't entirely sure how long she would stay like this. They had explained that she wasn't done changing yet. In time her body would settle into a new adult version of herself. I can't believe I actually miss my old body? But this hair, I am going to have to ask Elsa how she deals with it. Her hair normally one of her least liked features, was now acceptable. It had nearly doubled in length. Something nearly all women experienced in reversion. It wasn't quite as perfect as Elsa's but it was lush. The eyes however was a constant source of study and admiration. It was a weakness of her species. They all liked to see them, and especially eyes of their own clan.
At seeing her with the eyes, her dear friend Elsa had squealed with delight. Oh Elsa, how many centuries are we going to be friends for I wonder, Ten, Twenty? She had always been close to Elsa but now, the two of them were more. Now they were sisters, and not just because they belonged to the same clan. Art had adopted her formally. Art, oh you precious thing. I can see why mother loves you so much. You look all tough on the outside but inside you are a sweety. Now bore the last name Locke, and not the one given to her by her father. When they had offered to adopt her it was special yes, but also uncomfortable. Not because dishonoring her mother and father was a concern. Both of them in their own ways had disowned her long ago. What did vex her, was that she was a grown woman. Who gets adopted at 26? Well… I guess I do.
Hope had in the end realized something that gave her pause, and quieted her concerns. If Gerold had lived, she would have borne his name. God I would have, I miss that shy thing. You never got to see me, the one you wanted to create. I am so sorry Gerold. I love this special world of yours. We would have been happy I know it! It was for that reason she had agreed to Art's request. Being a daughter of Nancy was something she had wanted. And it wasn't just a name, her adopted mother had taken to her role with gusto.
Hope laughed a small bit still looking at her eyes in the mirror. This place was intoxicating, coming home as a vampire it was clear this was indeed her home. She only had to look at the eyes of its people to know that. Hope smiled even more remembering the unbelievable sights of coming home. Home, I never really did understand what that meant before. This town isn't just a place it's a calling. I am already a part of this place, God am I Like its growing into me, or am I the one growing into it? Either way I am called to be here. This is where I belong, now and forever. The call, that strange force that bound them to this place. It was part of her, and she knew from watching Elsa how she would fare.
Hope knew she needed this moment alone. Every single day it had been something new. Endless medical tests from the Emeralds, discussions about her powers. And the talk about getting a thrall. On that she had wanted to do what Hanna did with Jay, and find someone who was willing to become one. Hope didn't like taking one without asking. But everyone was unanimous on that being a bad idea. Hope had been living in Medford a week, still coming to terms with all that had occurred. The easy decision if you could call it that, was accepting Nancy's offer of help. Standing in that room looking in the mirror seeing the two of them with the glowing eyes. Hope laughed at the memory. It was creepy, out of some cheesy sci-fi movie. But it was very real. The memory gave her comfort like a warm hug. Before too much longer she would be called to be just like her sister Elsa. To find a thrall, a mate, a home, and build a family. Create more of her kind, raise them and care for them. The drive was mild now, it caused her to giggle a bit and dream a few minutes longer of her holding a little one. I will have my own Adelard and Charlotte. And I will raise them to be like me, Aqua. God that feels so right, I want so much to see my people grow. I wonder if mother will have more soon, that would be so wild having Elsa's, mothers, and mine grow up together.
Before she became a vampire, the idea that to become a mother was the pinnacle of her existence… well it would be comical. But it was, she knew that now and truly. Her world view that she shared with human women, was no longer valid to her. An Aqua woman could no more deny her purpose than the night could fight the coming of day. She could for a time push it aside but only for a time. I don't want too, God Gerold why did you have to leave me now? I am ready to nest, it would have been perfect, Why couldn't you just tell me sooner? From the memories she had as Johanne to watching Elsa, she yearned to have that for herself. But now her mate was gone, taken from her just as she became ready to be one. That memory caused the smile to fade from the mirror. Turning from the mirror she sighed and tried to put him away again. It had been months and she still felt his loss as keenly as she did before. She wondered how long it would last. She only had to look at mother to know that in ways it never would really go away. The best medicine for loss was to find purpose in today. That meant getting dressed, taking care of herself, and finding joy where she could. That wasn't hard, there was much for her to do and much for her to enjoy.
Today was just for her. Time to spend alone and contemplate what came next for Hope. But contemplation was something with an edge for Hope. Putting away her sadness she focused on looking her best, even if she had nowhere to go. Hope turned back to the mirror again, she wasn't anywhere near as self-loathing as before. She wasn't Elsa, but unlike before it didn't matter as much. What she viewed didn't displease her. I wonder when that happened? I suppose a thousand years ago maybe? With her mother's critical eye she saw something different now. Her body hadn't changed that much, it was what had changed inside that made the difference. Nancy had seen to that, and she liked herself far more because of it. Her hair didn't have to lay perfectly…every time. Her breasts didn't have to be this size or that shape. What mattered far more, so much more, was what she did with this life. Yes and I am going to find joy in this beautiful thing. Thank you mother… and Gerold for giving me this. She laughed in a solemn way and smiled for the mirror. This Hope…. This one pleased her far more.
Now as to her clothing, that she could do far better. This time the laugh wasn't so sad but one of hopeful anticipation. Hope couldn't wait to see what went with her glowing firefly aqua eyes, now that she had them. What she had to wear, well it simply wouldn't do. This thing she had on, it was damn near all she owned. Elsa and her had gone out shopping her first day back. It was silly to go buy a whole new wardrobe; she wasn't done changing. Not to mention when she came here she had nothing. Mother had given her a bit of money to get through the next few days, thankfully. I am going to repay you mother; I love how giving you can be but I feel … well wrong for taking it. Still, she was starting to worry about taking care of herself long term. But only just, the honeymoon with her eyes was still new. Hope giggled again, taking in the light from her own eyes and feasting on it like a meal. Looking at herself again she evaluated what she saw. Hope laughed and took comfort in how changed she really was. I suppose mom was right, I really did need a little fire to burn me. I hope from here on I can age the old-fashioned way.
There was a knock at the door and Hope frowned at the intrusion. She didn't have to work on her smile though, as she turned to see who her latest guest was. Seeing Nancy smiling on the other side of the door she tried out for the first time calling her mother out loud. It came out sounding forced, even if it wasn't. For Hope the word mother itself was a minor bugaboo. A "mother" represented someone who loved you but only so much. And they could never be counted on to stay, not ever. Nancy as always, picked up on her discomfort.
"How about you call me Nancy, I would let you call me Johanne but that would be confusing wouldn't it?"
That made Hope laugh, it would be confusing since Hope had announced her own name change. No, I suppose it wouldn't would it mother? Still, I hope you don't mind. Like Nancy, Hope had to make a difficult choice. She had walked away from everything in Omaha. She couldn't go on with her old name, it would raise questions. So, she had taken a new one, just like Nancy had done when she left Hull. What Hope chose, much to the smiles of Nancy was Johanne. Comfortable now she didn't hold back on the hug. As young vampire's they could embrace differently. The feeling of equals, well partially equals anyway, was divine. Johanne was one of them. It would take time to get the town to stop calling her Hope. And a part of her didn't want that. But when she accepted Nancy's help she had done far more than that. She had taken up a new identity, as her daughter and as one of her people. It was time to take up that life and embrace it. Something Johanne…. was very happy to do, even if she wouldn't be known as Hope again. I can't say I am unhappy to see her, but I thought this was a me only day. Johanne led her mother to the table so both could sit and talk.
"We have things to discuss dear. I know you wanted today to be just a "you" day. And it still is, but there is someplace I would like you be. I want you to start training, on how to use your abilities and what is expected of you in society."
Johanne thought she was already doing that with all the talks and work they had been doing. Nancy was clear that they had been, but this was different. Once a year the town gathered the newest vampires in classwork training. It was a way for the youngest to mingle with others of their kind, and for the first time. So, like Vampire grade school but for adults, cool.
"Fine with me, I get to look are more vampire eyes all day!"
Her response made her mother smile and pat her hands. But Johanne knew it was time to discuss something more sensitive. Something she felt uncomfortable with since mother had shared so many intimate things.
"Nancy…I still struggle sometimes with… well with your memories. I know you said they would fade but they haven't. Some days I dream about Adelard, or I hear some melody that sounds like something your Gerold would hum. I feel.. well I feel awkward sometimes."
Nancy smiled for her and was quiet for a bit as she chewed on what Johanne had been reluctant to say. Taking her mother's name wasn't helping her adjust, even if she desperately loved having it. Johanne also wondered if her mother was uncomfortable with her. Did she like having this crazy woman morphing into her? I don't know if I would. Nancy didn't need the link to see that concern readily enough.
"No child, I love that you have that in you. I have had many daughters in my life, but none like you. I think its special dear. Eventually it will fade, you will have your own babies and then… well we will see."
The sigh and look down however told Johanne that it wasn't all roses and rainbows. Johanne gave her a look showing she was worried for her. Mother just gave her another one of her soft looks.
"Sweety it's just that I hate that you have to give up yet another thing because of me. You have lost so much as it is… it doesn't seem right. I love your name; I wish you didn't have to give it up. And I wish well… I wish my son was here to see what a wonderful Aqua you became."
The trust that had been broken before was mostly mended now. Johanne still worried, she worried she was losing her mind. Worried that she was getting carried away. But she didn't care, Johanne loved being Aqua, and she loved Nancy. God I do, Gerold you were a fool to think I wouldn't love this. You should have taken me here years ago. Another hug, another sweet moment passed and Nancy shared something else she had planned.
"I want you to come with me to have breakfast. I always have breakfast with my family on Thursdays. That is to say my family from Caen. I really want you to come, but I know you still struggle to forgive Isabe."
The smile on Johanne's face faded at the mention of Isabe. Oh, that one. Why couldn't it be one of her parents or friends? I mean she loved Isabe but she fricking slept with mother's husband! While those wrongs hadn't been committed against Hope, it still felt like they had been. I have got to stop calling myself Hope if I ever plan to stay sane. Johanne stumbled around the topic and why she felt uncomfortable.
"I know, when Isabe and Gerold returned to my life I felt like you do now. But the difference is Hope that I have watched generation after generation slip into the either. The number of times I wanted to reach in and get one of them back…"
Hearing her name spoken again out loud caused her to frown.
"Sorry, dear…. Johanne"
It would take some time for Nancy to adjust. Still the fleeting joviality of the moment was lost in the remembrance of those gone. Johanne knew whom both would like to bring back. Her Gerold and Nancy's Adelard. It didn't matter that Adelard wasn't her real child. Johanne had every memory, every hug, every moment of joy that child locked up inside her. Adelard was as real as any person she knew. And then of course was her lost love. To get him back, she knew what she would so if he did. Johanne started to say what she was feeling but the look on Nancy's face told her it wasn't necessary… she knew.
"You see that is why I forgave her. Isabe is my sister and is dear to us Johanne. If you let yourself she will be for you too. Like it or not you are a child of Caen now. That time, that place it lives in you. On Thursday's we gather to remember and to keep a piece of that alive. I would very much like you to share that with me."
Johanne asked her if it bothered her taking her old name. Worried that perhaps her adopted mother wasn't as keen on the idea as she had hoped when she shared it.
"Oh, its ok, I think its sweet you honored me like that. I just Hope I can honor you the same."
Both giggled and both smiled broadly. Nancy smiled a contented look that said much to Johanne. The two had bonded in a way few could possibly understand. They were close, having lived the same life in a way. Nancy had thought those years would inform her, not radically shift her. But they had, clearly they had done so. As a result, the two had come to understand their relationship would always be special. Then Johanne asked the question that had been on her mind for months.
"Your Gerold, we haven't talked about him. Honestly Nancy I don't even really know how to ask you. But, what….what really happened? You thought he died in the 11th century, but he clearly didn't. Where was he all that time?"
On the mention of the 11th century Gerold, her mother pulled back in herself. Johanne knew immutably that was because this feeling, this man, was core to Nancy. Even after a thousand years the mention of his name drew strong emotion. When she looked up it was with resolve. Something that Nancy did very well.
"He was with Isabe, they were man and wife nearly the whole time. As you know, he escaped the battlefield. His thrall was mistaken for him, that was why the King thought him dead. He fled to France for a short time, and then returned for me in Hull. But by then I had moved on. He found Adelard's gave, and my own. So, he assumed I was gone."
Hope listened as she was told of how Gerold had returned into Nancy's life several decades ago. But with her sister as his wife. It was in yet another Medford disaster that her Gerold had finally perished. A part of Johanne felt uncomfortable about the topic. On some level she had her own feelings for this man. She must know that I saw and felt everything they shared. How on earth does she deal with that? I don't think I could be that way.
"I get it you forgave her because it allowed you to get her back, and a part of your mother too."
At mentioning her she saw Nancy's eyes water and she looked away. Nancy was very close to her mother and that moment in Hull had separated them forever. Johanne didn't blame her for forgiving Isabe, a part of Johanne wanted to as well. But for Johanne it hadn't been ten centuries, it had only been months. But going to a breakfast wouldn't hurt and she knew already she would forgive Isabe too. If Nancy could, then she would.