Journals of David Terru-Chapter 12

April 25, 1985

Tonight, I almost didn't go to my Senior Prom, mainly because I couldn't get a date. Although, I'm appreciated for all my efforts as a vampire hunter, not one young lady was allowed to be my date for the evening. However, my family was about to make sure I went.

"David-stop fidgeting, how can I get this bowtie tied with you constantly moving?"

"Grandma, forget it! If I can't get a date, why should I go?"

"Besides being on the Prom Committee; you already have: a tux, a ticket and you will be escorting someone-courtesy of DMD International."

"Who at DMD would trust me to go out with their daughter?" Grandma shook her head at my question. The little Russian lady with white hair, wearing a blue leisure suit finished tying the bowtie of my black tuxedo. This told me something was up.

"Babushka, it will not be a teenager, but your "angel" who will accompany you." The "angel" Grandma referred was a raven-haired vampire with a soul named Dominique Dubois-President and CEO of DMD. Word reached Dominique's ears that I would be attending the event alone and to her, this was unacceptable. "Nikki was horrified you had no companion for the event. Your extra ticket was sent to her and she will be sending a limousine along with her personal chauffer to pick up you, Leah and Kevin here." Grandma drew closer to whisper in my ear; "She will be using the name Marie Nicollet Devereaux. Her position at DMD is the company Security Consultant." I nodded in understanding as my parents Paul and Carolyn came downstairs. Dad was a Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserves with a high n' tight haircut wearing a faded shirt and blue jeans. Mom was a hematologist at Abilene Regional Medical Center. She wore her green scrubs and tennis shoes with her hair tied back in a ponytail.

"You look sharp son-all the "wall flowers" will want to dance with you tonight." Mom elbowed Dad's ribs as she and Grandma stood with me for a picture.

"You have the night off; enjoy it okay slugger?"

"I promise Mom, I will. Here comes Kevin and Leah!" I noticed a white Dodge Charger driving up outside and went out to greet my friends Leah Johnson and Kevin Hargrove. Leah wore a hot pink formal with bows on the skirt and ruffled short sleeves. Her light blonde hair played off the color like a ray of sunshine. Kevin wore a black tuxedo that mirrored mine except he went with a red cumber bun and red bowtie. The young man had jet black hair to my light brown locks. "Hi guys, are you ready for tonight?"

"Yes we are; what put you in such a good mood tonight?" Leah noticed I was smiling from ear to ear.

"In answer to your question Leah, David will be escorting a "high profile" lady from DMD International." Mom's knowledge of my date caused not only my friends to turn in surprise, but me as well. "Sweet heart, who do you think asked your Grandma to call Dominique?" My friends soon realized my "date dilemma" was solved.

"That's totally cool; who's the DMD big wig?" I held up a hand to my family so I could answer Kevin's question for a change.

"Her name is Marie Nicollet Devereaux, DMD's Security Consultant. Dominique wasn't sure due to business reasons if she would be able to come, but sent her trusted "right hand" to Co-Sponsor the prom tonight." I received positive "nods" from my folks; then Kevin pitched the keys of his car to Dad, who moved it over by the barn.

Moments later, a black-stretch limousine pulled up by the porch and out stepped a chauffer wearing a dark suit with is hair tied neatly in the back. "I'm Michael, Madame Dubois' personal driver. I was instructed to pick up: David Matthews, Leah Johnson and Kevin Hargrove for a prom this evening."

"I'm David and these are my friends Kevin and Leah." Michael nodded as he came around to open the door.

"Mr. Matthews, I was informed you would be escorting Madame Devereaux tonight, is this correct?" I nodded and stepped in the limo behind Kevin and Leah. The door was shut and soon the limo was driving toward downtown Abilene.

While en route, Leah found it odd I garnished the attention of an "older woman" for the evening. "So, what do you know about Madame Devereaux, besides being the security consultant for DMD?"

"I know...she's a soul-filled vampire." Kevin and Leah's eyes grew wide at this admission. "What do you guys expect when no one will be allowed to go out with me?"

"We know about your...problems getting dates, but a soul-filled vampire? How will you know she has her soul?" I pointed at my Terru eyes as they shined.

"I can see an aura around the vampire which tells me she would have a human soul present. Trust me-she has...taken precautions against her hunger for blood tonight." Leah displayed a "jealous" look while Kevin examined the wet bar.

"I think I'm beginning to like your family friend Dominique, how "rich" do you say she was?" He he, poor Kevin saw dollar signs and I saw them flashing flash "tilt!" in his eyes. What surprised me was Leah's jealousy.

"DMD is a top Fortune 500 company. She has offices in every major country of the free world and controls assets in the billions. Not even Grandma knows exactly what her worth is now and she used to be her CPA!"

We were dropped off at the Civic Center and introduced by the emcee as members of the Prom Committee. When we found their table, the emcee came to the microphone again. "Presenting the representative of DMD International and Co-Sponsor of our event, Marie Nicollet Devereaux; Madame Devereaux will be escorted to her table by Mr. Nichols." When we turned toward the lobby entrance, awestruck was the word for Dominique on Mr. Nichols' arm. As Madame Devereaux, she wore a short, rose-colored formal with a ruffle along the shoulders and the skirt. Long dark hair flowed behind her like raven's wings and her shoes matched her dress as Mr. Nichols escorted her to the table.

"Monsieur Nichols, I believe my place setting lies over by those three young people."

As Dominique approached, I whispered, "Do you see in my eyes how lovely you look angel?"

She smiled and responded, "You look handsome my young prince, like your grandfather and dashing in your tuxedo." Finally Mr. Nichols arrived with Dominique on his arm.

"Madame Devereaux, may I present three members of our Prom Committee: Kevin Hargrove, Leah Johnson and David Matthews. Mr. Matthews was nominated to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in the fall." I picked up Dominique's hand and kissed it.

"'Tis a pleasure to meet all of you; congratulations Monsieur Matthews on your appointment to the Naval Academy-your parents must be proud."

"Indeed they are Madame Devereaux."

"Monsieur Nichols, if you wouldn't mind, my employer requested I be escorted by young Monsieur Matthews this evening. I hope it would not be a breech in social protocol?"

"Not at all Madame Devereaux, Mr. Matthews is a lucky young man to be escorting such a lovely lady." She released from Mr. Nichols' arm and took mine. "Mr. Matthews, I believe you will be a polite gentleman to Madame Devereaux?"

"Yes sir Mr. Nichols-you can count on it." With a courteous nod, Mr. Nichols left to sit with the other chaperones. "Madame, I'm honored Dominique felt I was worthy to escort you."

"It is I who am honored Cheri; Madame Dubois never told me handsome men ran in your family. But to your darling friends, I was informed you two have known David since childhood?"

"Yes Madame," Kevin answered. "I've known David since we were in first grade. Leah moved to Abilene about the time we were ten years old."

"Yes, we've hung out with David for nearly eight years for me and eleven for Kevin. We also have a college friend Garrett whom we known for seven years." Leah's "gift for gab" impressed Dominique as she turned to smile at me. "Tell me Madame, where did the committee put your place card?"

"My card should be next to David's since that's where Madame Dubois requested it to be. She was...concerned because of the lack of a...companion for him tonight." Then, Dominique switched gears to get to know my friends. "Where do you plan to attend university?"

"Leah and I will be attending Texas A&M; Leah wants to major in education and I plan to become a minister."

"David-what do you plan to major in at the Academy?" I took sometime before answering Dominique's question.

"I plan to major in medical research-primarily in hematology. However, before I do much in lab studies for future degree levels, I plan to serve my country as a fighter pilot." Dominique's eyes grew wide with amazement. She knew of my fear of flying, but wondered why I would take up such a dangerous career? Then, I answered the question in everyone's eyes. "In order for me to confidently conquer my fear of flying, I felt I needed to fly Navy Jets. It's a challenge I want to accept."

"Monsieur Matthews-it is not necessary to prove anything to m-those who love you. Why place yourself in such dire circumstances?"

"Madame Devereaux, I understand your...employer's concern for my welfare, but I have to grow up sometime and being a Naval Aviator will insure I will be properly trained, which will provide opportunities for growth."

"I agree with Madame Devereaux David. That's more dangerous...than being a vampire hunter, no offense Madame." Leah's fear caused a heavy sigh to escape from me. She still acts like she's dating me.

"None taken my dear-Madame Dubois informed me many of David's friends were teenage vampire hunters and quite good at it. I feel as safe as I do in my office at DMD! Monsieur Matthews-is there no other way for you to overcome your fear of flying?" Dominique saw the look of disappointment in my eyes as I shook his head "no". "Very well-I support your courage on your path to self-discovery." I smiled again as Scott Cummings, big man on campus, began his teasing.

"Hey Matthews-you couldn't find anyone younger to dance with at the prom?" Dominique's eyes flashed with anger, but she was soothed with a whisper from me.

"Nikki, he does this all the time; I'll handle it." Scott Cummings was a star football player as a linebacker for AHS' varsity team. His main activity other than football, belittling me every chance he got. The young "Adonis" at 6' 02" with dark hair and blue eyes was a dream to most of the cheerleaders of the school.

"Come on Matthews-I bet you can't even get your feet to move to a...ballroom dance!" I smiled confidently as he again whispered to Dominique.

"This fool is going to challenge me to dance any classical dance. His favorite to annoy me is the tango. How would you like to help me out?"

Dominique couldn't pass up this rare moment to help me out shine in her opinion, a "rude young man". "You lead...I'll follow my love!" Then I turned and walked over to stand face-to-face with Scott Cummings. Mr. Nichols came over to slightly separate us.

"Gentlemen: there will be no violence here tonight!"

"I wouldn't dream of being violent tonight Mr. Nichols. In fact, I was merely walking over to ascertain which "dance" Mr. Cummings felt I lacked in proficiency." Cummings was steamed as he answered my challenge.

"I'll bet you can't dance...the tango!"

"Not a problem, only I get to pick my dance partner." Like a fool, Scott Cummings nodded in agreement. "Very well, I choose...Madame Devereaux!" Students, faculty and even the "in-crowd" whispered and mumbled at my choice of dance partner. Dominique politely walked up as I turned to her. "Madame, may I have this dance?"

"You certainly may Monsieur Matthews; perhaps your boorish friend here might learn something from an "old lady" such as I!"

The seniors laughed louder than when I made fun of Scott. With a snap of my fingers, the dee-jay played appropriate music for the tango. Cummings began to sink behind the crowd as Dominique and I snapped in precision to a well-executed dance. To top off the dance, Dominique finished the tango with a rose nestled between her teeth.

The crowd applauded wildly as Mr. Nichols walked over with money in hand. "David-I'm impressed, that was well done young man." But soon, Scott Cummings came over to protest.

"Mr. Nichols, he cheated, she must be a professional dancer. No one could dance so good to make him look that good."

"Mr. Cummings! Drop this crusade you have against David. He not only danced a perfect tango, but won his moment fair in square. At least when David achieves a victory, he doesn't rub it in. Perhaps you need to learn proper etiquette as demonstrated by Mr. Matthews and Madame Devereaux." Then Scott stood nose to nose with me.

"You'll pay for this Matthews...mark my words!"

"Scott-I've had threats like that hanging over me for thirteen years. And those threats have been death threats from soulless vampires. Why don't you go and get out of my face, before someone close to me takes this latest lack of manners as a...threat!" My Terru eyes were glowing, but when Scott turned to look into Dominique's eyes, he saw hers were glowing green. "Right now, the lady has an extremely low tolerance for fools like you. Go away and I promise; you will not be harmed." Mr. Nichols came over and noticed why Scott was so afraid. "Mr. Nichols, if you and Mr. Cummings will come with us, we need to talk to you." Moments later, both Mr. Nichols and Scott were oblivious to Dominique's presence as a soul-filled vampire. "By the way Scott-my grandmother taught me how to ballroom dance; see you later!" Scott gave me an irritated snarl and went over to his friends. Dominique hugged me as well as receiving congratulations from Kevin and Leah.

Moments later, the limo picked us up and we went to a local all night restaurant to grab a snack. "If nothing else, this prom will go down in school history as one of the most memorable. A victorious tango danced by our resident Terru!" Leah's joy came from seeing my satisfaction of finally getting a leg up on Scott Cummings.

"I hope Scott drops his harassment of you David or he'll be embarrassed beyond measure."

"Scott's popularity won't help him outside of school. He'll be lucky to graduate according to his GPA." Then I turned to Dominique: "Thank you for making this a memorable evening."

Dominique could only smile in response. "It was my pleasure...Cheri!"