As promised, Theo spent the proceeding weeks meeting with Colette to discuss vampire lore. He limited their visits to once or twice a week so as not to disrupt her work at the library or her retirement planning.
A smile touched Colette's lips as she realized she looked forward to the private moments she shared with Theo. She had never thought about the extent of humanity's ignorance regarding vampire lore. There was both excitement and awe that came with vampirism.
Theo warned her that their discussions were to be kept secret, but she was dying to know more. She was so caught up in fantasizing about vampires that she doodled them in her notebook throughout class. For some reason, she found their monstrous, predatory history exciting. To her, they weren't murderers, but paranormal beings from another dimension.
The debunked lore prompted a comparison of mythology and historical contexts. Apparently Dracula was never real. People nicknamed some of the oldest vampires "Dracula," but the descriptions depict different recorded historical moments. Records as early as the 1800s, for example, portray Theo's mother as an antihero or vigilante. The accounts depict the gruesome manner in which she exploited her victims, while also highlighting the lives she saved. Colette wondered if she'd ever be able to contain her excitement around Renata after learning this fun fact.
As vampires started migrating from Europe to eastern continents, there appeared more folklores describing 'vampire-like-creatures.' One of Theo's favorites are the myths regarding Aswang, from the Philippines. These myths describe vampires who appear as beautiful women during the day, and turn into blood-drinking monsters by night. Surprisingly, these myths also mention Renata. A historical context illustrates a beautiful, red-haired woman. An exact match for Renata.
Theo continued to describe the earliest known contexts involving vampirism. Most people know Romania for its vampire legends, probably because it's the birthplace of vampires. Though it's still uncertain how or why vampires originated, Romanian stories describe supernatural beings who could shape-shift, control minds, and even go invisible.
The idea of a vampire controlling her mind caused Colette to shudder, a cold wave washing over her as she pictured it. The vampire mind-control aspect felt strangely familiar, yet she couldn't pinpoint it. Theo wanted to comfort her, saying most vampires rarely used their powers, but admitted some ignored the hunting pact.
To ease her nerves, Theo figured he'd teach her how to subdue a vampire. Most mainstream vampire myths included the use of wooden stakes, nailing coffins shut, and garlic. Not only would employing these methods be extremely inconvenient, they would undoubtedly prove unsuccessful. Jokingly, Theo implied that if anything, most vampires would be happy to meet their demise smothered in garlic.
One of the few successful methods for defeating a vampire was through starvation. Though it would take a long time, it was one of the few effective options. But hunger also triggers a physiological response in vampires: enhanced strength, insensitivity to pain, and a state of emotional psychosis. Unless absolutely necessary, it was best to not engage.
Colette started considering the differences between Theo and most vampires. Despite his initial intimidating demeanor, she came to see his gentler, more caring side. Recalling the day she shared her blood, she remembered the primal hunger in Theo's eyes, yet the tenderness in his touch reassured her. Her curiosity, coupled with his unexpected honesty, revealed a side of him that surprised her.
Colette would steal quick peeks at Theo, only to find him mirroring her actions with shy, lingering gazes. Colette found that tender, vulnerable side of him to be endearing. She noticed his hair was getting longer; sometimes he'd absentmindedly finger his soft, crimson locks.
*****
With Theo, the days flew by in a blur of shared laughter, inside jokes, and effortless conversation. It was already Friday, November 15th, one week before the planned pasta carbonara day. Following their new routine, Theo hung out by the school entrance for Colette.
Though the clock read only 5:30 PM, a heavy, pre-winter darkness had fallen, a stark contrast to the longer days of summer. The air was a frigid 39 degrees, and she could see her breath as she walked. Feeling the nip of the early winter air, Colette layered up, pulling on thick tights under her school uniform and adding a bulky winter jacket for warmth. Theo, on the other hand, hadn't changed a thing; his appearance was the same, his clothes unchanged.
"Hey, Theo, aren't you cold dressed like that?" Colette asked curiously.
"Dressed like what? You act like I'm wearing nothing but a paper bag," he chuckled.
"Well, it's freezing outside already…do vampires not get cold?" She questioned as she cupped her hands to warm them.
Theo put his hand on his chin pensively, "Our homeostasis works a little differently."
Despite his answer, a rosy hue flushed his cheeks and ears, like a faint winter chill. Thinking of the coming winter, Colette decided to knit him a hat to protect his sensitive ears. Even if he didn't feel the cold, his ears, red and numb, were a clear sign of the wind's icy sting.
With a sigh, Colette continued to rub her hands, the frigid air defeating her feeble attempts at warmth. Theo noticed her fingers turning red and impulsively grasped her hands. He gently cupped her hands in his, bringing them to his mouth to warm them with his breath. A visible vapor, hot and steamy, wafted into the space, causing her previously cold cheeks to flush with warmth.
Somehow, the butterflies in her stomach caused her to blurt out a question she had about vampires, "Theo…what's thirst like for a vampire?"
Lifting his gaze from her hands, Theo met her eyes. "Well…I suppose to a human it would be a weird feeling. It's different from the grumbling stomach you get when hungry. Vampires experience a burning feeling in their throats.
Her curiosity got the best of her and she asked him directly, "Do you have a preference for blood?"
Theo raised his eyebrow at her question and smirked as he continued to rub her hands between his. "Yeah…yours."
Anticipating his feigned ignorance, she swiftly rolled up her sleeve, revealing her wrist. "Take some then," she declared with persistent eyes.
"Are you crazy?" He teased as he pulled her sleeve back down.
"No, I'm not. For the record, I trust you a lot… And if you wanted my blood, I would just share it with you. You just have to ask…"
"Colette… I do want more of your blood. I'm just mad at myself because I thought I was stronger. Turns out I'm just another blood-sucking vampire." He sighed, "And don't just offer your blood up so easily like that…Next time I'll take you up on that offer."
"Is that a challenge?" she countered with a grin.
Theo smirked and continued down the path, "Let's get you home."
Before they moved on she questioned, "H-hey Theo, before we go… what are you doing tomorrow?"
Theo seemed surprised by the request. "I'll be free tomorrow."
"Meet me at my house tomorrow…there is something I want to try."