No Light

[valerie_vause]

Coins clinked as they were slid into the payphone by the side of the road. The phone cradled tightly against an ear as the ring echoed down the line. She wiped her eyes with the back of a hand. A frayed picture clutched in it, the corners faded and worn away from use. A single digit traced the woman’s face as the call got answered.

A cheerful, gruff voice responded. “Hello?”

“... Dad?” She sniffled. Cautious, tentative.

“Valerie?” The tone was shocked. A moment of stunned silence.

“Yeah, I really… I wanted to hear your voi-”

“What are you doing?” He cut her off, no more cheer carried down the line.

“I wanted to talk. We haven’t spoken sin-”

“And whose fault was that? Your own mother!” It was a bark of anger.

She recoiled, hot tears scalded her cheeks, voice meek as she whispered, “Daddy please… it’s the Holiday season and I, I really need y-”

“She’d still be here if it wasn’t for you. You’re own family! Now all I have is ashes.” The accusation pure venom.

“She…” The words stuck in her throat as she stared at the photograph. “She wasn’t mom anymore, you know that.”

“You did that to her! You couldn’t protect her, it’s your fault she’s gone.”

“Daddy please…” She choked on a sob. “Don’t say that, I tried! You know I tr-”

“It should have been you. That’s who they came for.” The cold tone was firm, resolute.

“I’m sorry! I miss her so much, everyday, and I miss-” The line went dead. “You.”

The call had been five hours ago after she’d left Brian’s apartment and it had gotten dark. Valerie had been walking for miles, she didn’t actually know where she was; hadn’t paid attention. It had seemed irrelevant. Twice she’d encountered vampires. One by itself that had practically landed on her before she turned it to dust. Then three later on. The fight had lasted a while, it gave her a reprieve of emotions, let her be hollow where the only pain she felt was physical. Now, she trudged through a run down area, derelict buildings loomed menacingly on either side, looking for more. The toe of her shoe hit an empty bottle and she reached over, picked it up. As if in a trance she clutched the neck and smashed it against the wall. Watched the way it split skin as she dragged it up her left arm. In the dark, blood looked like ink. If anything was near, they’d smell it, they’d come out to play.

“Come get me.” She whispered, leaving behind the smallest trail of drips as she walked. “I’m ready.”

[Thread Open To Anyone]

Dining at the Hash Brown

[imogens_fire]

It was past 1AM by the time Imogen walked to her car in the employee parking lot outside Bally's and she stifled a yawn. The last show ended at midnight, but there was still the business of getting out of costume, taking off the makeup and getting showered after that. Her red rabbit wasn't the newest or most stylish of rides, but it was paid for and had served her well since she'd gotten it as a hand me down from her parents back in high school.

Her stomach grumbled and Imogen glanced downwards. "All right, all right." She grumbled, stomping on the clutch and starting the car, "I'll get something to eat." The more practical side of her wanted to wait until she got home, but she wasn't having it. If she waited then she'd have to cook and clean up afterwards, and that would get her to bed even later than if she just stopped at the Hash Brown for some eggs and toast.

This late there wasn't much traffic even on the strip, and it didn't take long to make it to the restaurant. Sure it was a bit strange that most of the employees were men that liked to wear women's clothes, but it also meant she wasn't going to be hit on and she might even trade fashion tips. Imogen walked into the building and took a seat at the counter, giving the 'waitress' a tired smile when he handed her a menu.

[Thread open to anyone]