Journals of David Terru-Chapter 10

March 29, 1983

Each year since I was five, had passed miraculously after I became a Terru. Vampire hunting for my family and I was a thankless and dangerous activity. Not to mention hairy for my friends: Kevin Hargrove, Leah Johnson and Garrett McCormick. That night, my family helped Kevin, Leah and Garrett decorate my room and the dining room for the birthday bash. Year after year, my friends were barred from my birthday party due to my magnetic personality for vampires.

But this year would be different; "sweet sixteen" usually meant a "coming of age" for teenagers and I would be no exception. Corrine O'Shea, manager of the local farm and ranch store and my remaining protector, came over to check out the birthday celebration. A protector, because Corrine was a soul-filled vampire who watched over me from the time I was five till now. The petite Corrine had short dark hair, piercing blue eyes and full lips. She wore a sundress Mom had bought Corrine for her last birthday.

"Top of the evening to ya Carolyn, is David excited about his sixteenth birthday?" Dana was quietly writing in her journal as Dad answered.

"No Cory, David went upstairs to do his homework. He appreciated all the decorations and presents, but no one was able to attend. Kevin and Leah are in trouble to due to their grades and Garrett's been fighting illness all week." Dad was a Lt. Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserves. His piercing green eyes and command voice made him a formidable officer: either active or reserve. "There are times we almost moved away after I came home from Vietnam."

"More people would've died as Dmitri's bounty hunters sought to kill David. Paul, he will bounce back; you can't expect him to just say, 'I quit' just yet."

"And why not Cory, you're not here enough to see him crying when he feels alone and...abandoned. And when we ask him, he says he feels...nothing at all!" Mom's frustration was evident. "Doc" Carolyn had dark hair and brown eyes which always displayed a measure of bewilderment. Naturally, she was concerned with my state of mind. We dressed conservatively in jeans, T-shirts and boots, except for Grandma who wore a linen skirt for the occasion. "We worked so hard in getting ready, only for David to be disappointed." Corrine looked at my dejected family and clapped her hands together.

"I have an idea-Dana, go get your brother and have him come downstairs; he will love the gift I'll go and get for him." Dana scampered upstairs while Corrine went out to her car. Moments later, she returned to view me as a taller and more defined young man. I had grandmother's green eyes and mother's fiery temperament. "Happy Birthday Tiger...you look more handsome every time I see you." Dana snickered as she received a corrective look from Mom. I blushed which caused Lanya to smile at him fondly. "I heard the party went poof, what happened?"

"Kevin and Leah made "goo goo eyes" at each other one too many times this semester. Garrett was getting over springtime flu when they came over to decorate my room. I finished my homework an hour ago; I just...didn't feel like coming downstairs after finding out no one was coming."

"And what do I look like...a boiled lobster?" Everyone including me laughed at Corrine's humorous question. Corrine knew how to cure my grim mood. "Besides, my young Terru prince, I have a surprise for you."

"You found a soul-filled vampire girlfriend for me?" Corrine and I smiled, but my family turned away shaking their heads. "Okay, bad joke-so, what did you bring me?" Corrine pulled out from behind her back, a short-sword. "Cory, is what I think it is?"

"Yes it is my dear, an original centurion sword forged over 2,000 years ago. I had an...old friend who said he could get me one for a special birthday gift. And now, the sword belongs to you." I went over and hugged Corrine with lots of vigor. "Wow-if I'd known I would get hugs like that, I would've found this sword sooner." I pulled the sword from the scabbard and noticed the silver blade was still razor sharp.

"Thank you so much Cory, you made David's birthday...memorable." Grandma spoke the truth. I received many other things from his family and soon it came time for Dad to give me something just as special.

"Here you go son, open the box." When I looked at what appeared to be a jewelry box, I gave Dad an odd smirk. "Trust me; you'll like this gift just as much!" When I opened the box, there was a set of keys in it. My eyes lit up when my family led me to the back door and outside was a 1966 Ford Pick up truck. "Zeb Perkins gave me the truck for some tinkering and the Marines from our unit bought parts for the engine. When I told the unit Commander of my little "mission", he matched every dollar that was spent to help pay for the first year's insurance; so be careful, okay?" I threw my arms around Dad. I was just as excited to receive the truck. "One fourth of the money came from the store; we asked Cory to withhold an extra $25.00 from your pay checks so we could get it up and running. Enjoy it David-you earned it!"

"Thanks everyone; I know I was feeling bummed out about my party, but I wouldn't trade this family off for anything!"Corrine put her arm around me in celebration as birthday cake, punch and ice cream was shared by the family. When Corrine received her punch, she noticed a flavor that was pleasing to her. She looked to Mom for an explanation.

"Our young Terru prince was playing with some samples of synthetic blood and epinephrine. What he discovered was a synthetic food substitute for soul-filled vampires called serum. I think we have another hematologist in the family."

"Oh Mom, I'm not even sure if I'll make it to eighteen to go to college." When I turned, Mom's disappointed look encouraged me to revise my thinking. "When I survive to eighteen, we shall see what the future holds...okay?" Mom hugged me as Corrine smiled mischievously.

"Carolyn, I suggest a little more epinephrine to sweeten the taste and it will be perfect. Now that the main party is over, would you folks mind if I borrowed the birthday boy for a time?"

Both Corrine and I waved bye as they took a walk down by the Fortress-a tree house I used to shelter children and other teenagers from vampire attacks. Corrine's grip on my hand was somehow...different from when I was younger. Finally, we reached the Fortress and Corrine turned to me. "So, are there any bonny lasses in your life?"

"Sorry Cory, no lasses in my life period. It's not like they're saying no, but their parents are saying no. Everyone's afraid I'll get into a vampire fight and the young lady would get killed or worse." Then Corrine stood a little closer to me. "Okay, what's going on Cory?"

"Do you not know lad; can't you see in my eyes what I see in yours? You've been denied so many simple pleasures of life because of being a Terru. No one, not even Dominique, could for see every facet of your loneliness, not even me. David-tonight, this is about you: all of your dreams, desires and wishes can come true. I almost said...yes, to your question about the...girlfriend. I wasn't sure how your parents would react." For the first time since I've known Corrine, I viewed her, not as my protector, but as someone I admired, respected and loved. "I don't usually wear a dress for anyone else."

"A part of me...has always loved you: for your counsel, your friendship and companionship. I know Dominique wanted to be here, but knew it wasn't possible. I think having you here these last four years ahs made my...transition into my teenage years...a joy. I love you for that." With that, I kissed Corrine on the cheek, but she moved my lips to hers and I felt his cheeks flush for the first time in my life.

But our tender moment was broken by an eerie version of the birthday ditty; "Happy Birthday...to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear David...your life is now...SCREWED! Kill him!" Damien, a young-looking vampire who hunted me years ago had returned and brought along five more of his friends to surround us.

"Hello underling-nice to see you again! David, get your stake and sword ready, looks like we get to dust a few soulless monsters!" We readied ourselves as the six vampires began attacking from all sides and angles. I remembered lessons Dominique had taught me about speed and dusted three of Damien's friends to oblivion. However, one of the survivors caught Corrine in the left shoulder with a stake. "AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

"CORY-you're dead Damien!" My Terru nature rose to the surface as I swung my stake and sword dusting the other two vampires leaving only me and Damien standing. "Cory, will you be okay for a moment?"

"Yes lad, take out the little punk and send him to hell where he belongs!" I smiled a deadly Terru grin as Damien realized he would not be able to match me in skill or in speed. Cautiously, we circled one another like two panthers stalking their prey. Damien made the fatal mistake of extending himself where his back was exposed.

I turned Damien's right arm behind his back. "You'll be one less bounty hunter to deal with...good night Damien!" And with a roar, I plunged my stake into Damien's back and he turned to dust. I rushed back over to Corrine. "Can you stand up?" She shook her head no as I thought of how to help her. Finally, I leaned her up against the tree and went up into the tree house. Moments later Dad and Mom came out to the tree house in the family truck leading an old heifer used to feed soul-filled vampires when they were starving. "Mom-Cory's bleeding profusely!" Mom reached into her medical bag and pulled out an odd-looking patch.

"Carolyn, what-what's that in your hand?" Corrine was understandably nervous with Mom's concerned expression.

"It's a first-aid patch...for soul-filled vampires; another little invention of my son's curiosity. Hold still Cory, this will sting!" Mom slapped the patch over Corrine's wound causing the soul-filled vampire to roar like an angry tiger. Then Dad and I helped her up to drain about a pint of blood off of the old heifer. Soon, Corrine was able to stand, but very carefully. "How do you feel Cory?"

"Like an alcoholic who went on a binge. Having fresh blood of any kind will leave a girl like me somewhat loopy." I steadied her while she stood up next to me The problem was...it was sometime before the dawn of Saturday would come. So I made a suggestion no one counted on me making.

"Mom, Dad-since tomorrow's Saturday, what if I lift Cory up into the Fortress and watch over her until Sunday morning? That way, if another attack comes, she won't be a target for any bounty hunters." Mom and Dad thought and decided it was a good idea.

"Go ahead and turn off the radio unless you need to call us David and we'll see you in the morning. There should be some bed rolls still up in the tree house. The roof, doors and windows have shutters to keep the light out so Cory won't become a dust pile; take care of her son." I nodded to them as Mom and Dad drove back up to the house.

An hour later, Corrine was completely healed and chipper as ever. "You're a lad full of surprises my young Terru. First-you invent a new food source for soul-filled vampires and then you create a first-aid patch to heal wounds like mine. You really do...care for those of us with souls."

"Sure and not because you all watch over me; I look forward to the day when all of my soul-filled friends will be mortal again. You especially Cory; I wouldn't have survived this long without you." My Terru eyes had a different look about them; one that Corrine had waited to see for four years. "What's wrong?"

"David-what are you feeling right now?"

David looked at her and closed his eyes. "I'm not sure if what I feel is love or lust. I'm seeing you more as...what you might've been like as a beautiful woman of your time." Then I leaned over and kissed Corrine on the lips. She gently pulled me down to where I rested on top of her. "What did you see in my eyes?"
"When a young Terru...falls in love, it is said the pupils in his eyes remain black. When I looked into your eyes, I saw this...side of your nature. Don't leave me here by myself; stay and let me teach you something about...women." So I was introduced to my sexuality and I remembered this birthday for years to come.