The Price Legacy - Generation One - Chapter Seven

[pastryqueen]

When a vampire breaks into Marci's house and feasts on her, she resists help from her loved ones.




Don: “Hey! Rise and shine, princess! I know you’re in there!”

It wasn’t unusual for Don to wait on Marci for their morning jogs. She always took her sweet time waking up and getting ready; a sleepy Marci was an outrageously whiny, cranky woman who hated being rushed out of the house.

This morning, however, something felt off. She should’ve been awake by now. The nickname usually spurred her to yell through an open window and throw a shoe at him. Did she spend the night at someone’s place?

It was no use knocking or shouting again. This time, he reached for the doorknob.

That was odd – it wasn’t locked.



He opened the door and stepped inside.

And there was Marci, lying flat on the floor in the dark, unconscious.

Don: “Oh shit – Marci! Are you okay? Get up!”

He got down beside her and grabbed her hand. His thumb pressed against her wrist, checking her pulse. It was strong. Why didn’t she stir, though? What was wrong with her? He checked her over – she didn’t look beat up or sick.



Upon closer inspection, he spotted puncture wounds on her neck.

No. Bite marks.

***



Marci: “I told you, I’m fine! You can go home now.”



Don: “Are you crazy, woman? I’m not going anywhere right now! Here, drink this. You need to stay awake.”

Marci: “Ugh…fine, if it’ll make you feel better.”



Don: “Do you remember what happened, or who did this?”

Marci: “I…I don’t know, the details are a little hazy. I don’t remember their face.”



Marci: “I know it was a man. He put me under some trance. I remember getting lured out of my bed, moving towards him…”



Marci: “Before I could try and fight him off, he was chowing down on my neck like it was an open buffet.”



Don: “Does it hurt?”

Marci: “What the fuck do you think? You try getting sucked bone dry and see how you feel.”



Don: “I know you said it’s no big deal, but shouldn’t you go to a hospital? You don’t know if this asshole turned you or carried a disease.”

Marci: “Don, I literally have twelve dollars under my mattress right now, and I need every last cent to pay my bills next week. I can’t afford a trip to the emergency room!”

Don: “I can always spot you a small loan—”

Marci: “Oh, no fucking way! I’m not taking your money. You make even less than I do, and I’m sure your girlfriend won’t like it. She already has a problem with me.”

Don: “Marci, I already told you, she never had a problem with you. Kat will understand once she knows the full story.”



She got up and washed her mug in the kitchen sink, ignoring his protests.

Marci: “Forget it. I already told you, I’m not going to the hospital. Keep your money.”

Don: “Marci—”

Marci: “Did anyone try and call me while I was out? My coworker Brenda was considering switching shifts with me tonight.”



Don: “A ‘thicc muffin’ called twice. I think they texted, too.”

Marci: “Oh crap! You didn’t answer them, did you?”

Don: “Why, who is that?”

Marci: “That’s my boyfriend! Josh can’t know what happened. He’ll flip.”



Don: “I hate to break this to you, but unless you guys are already into some kinky shit, he’s going to realize something happened when he sees the two gaping holes in your neck.”

Marci: “Oh God, you’re right. I didn’t consider that. We have a date tonight, too. I know, I’ll tell him that I got the flu. He’s got a kid, so he’d have to keep his distance. The holes will close in a week, and I can hide the scars with makeup…”

Don: “Or you can…I don’t know, crazy idea but hear me out: you can tell him the truth.”



Marci: “Why worry him? He’s got enough on his plate. He doesn’t need my mess as a garnish. Anyway, thanks for hanging out, but I can take care of myself now.”

Don: “If it’s all the same to you, I’ll stick around for another hour. My shift doesn’t start until noon. By the way, am I still listed as ‘himbo’ in your contacts?”

Marci: “Nah, you graduated to ‘Spicy Daddy’.”

He huffed. She snickered and moved to sit back down on the couch.

Marci: “Oh, chill out! It’s a joke. The real answer is 'Donnie'.”

Don: “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think I preferred your joke answer.”



As he washed his own mug in the sink, a thought occurred to him: if a vampire managed to break into her house, what would stop them from breaking in again? And would they return knowing she was an easy target?

Don: “Hey, I was thinking…you might want to keep your distance from this place for a while. I heard vampires make repeat attacks once they find a target. And let’s be real, this shit hole? You’re lucky a strong gust of wind hasn’t taken your ass out yet. Maybe you can crash at our place until—”

He turned and sighed. She passed out again.



He wasn’t going to leave her on the couch, right by the front door, so he carried her into the bedroom.



As soon as she was in bed, her phone went off.

It was ‘thicc muffin’ again.



This time, he answered.

Don: “Marci’s phone. No, she can’t talk right now. Listen, you’re Josh, right?”



Don: “You might want to get over here. She’s fine, but something happened last night...”

***



It won’t come off.



She scrubbed her hands and body until the skin went raw, but it didn’t work.



Why won’t it come off?!



“Marci?”



Marci gasped as she woke up.

She was no longer in her own room.



Her panic subsided once she recognized Joshua’s bedroom.

His son Louis was standing at the door.

Louis: “Is it true that you got attacked by a vampire?”



She blinked, wondering if she was still dreaming. When did she even get to Joshua's house? She sat up.

Marci: “Uh…yeah. It’s true. I wouldn’t call it an attack, though. It was more like a weird meet-and-greet.”



Louis: “Dad was worried that you were gonna turn into one, but I told him it almost never happens! They only let you turn when they like you, and you got to drink their own blood or else it won’t work.”



Marci: “Well, thanks. That’s…very comforting.”

Louis: “Can I see the bite? I tried to look earlier, but Dad said it was rude.”



She tilted her head to the side, showing off the mark.

Louis: “Whoa, that’s so gross!”

Marci: “You should’ve seen it when it was fresh.”



Marci: “Hey Louis…do you know how I got here? Did someone drive me here, or did your dad pick me up?”



Louis: “Dunno! Dad tried calling you earlier, but some guy answered and said you got bit by a vampire. Then he took me to school and said you were coming over later. I literally just got home.”



Note to future self: kill Don Lothario.



Marci: “Is your dad still here?”

Louis: “Yeah, he’s painting in the backyard right now. He told me to leave you alone and let you sleep, but I wanted to see if you were okay. I mean, I figured you were, but...”



Marci: “Thanks for checking up on me. I’m feeling better already. I think I just needed some sleep. I’m gonna say hi to your dad now, okay?”

Louis: “Can I come with, or are you guys gonna kiss?”

Marci: “Oh, between you and me? We’re gonna kiss the crap out of each other.”

Louis: “Yuck! No thanks! I’ll just stay in and start my homework.”



Sure enough, Joshua was busy at work in the yard, engrossed in his new painting, so much so that he barely registered her presence when she stepped outside.

Marci: “You’re lucky you’re cute, or I would stomp you for kidnapping me while I was sleeping.”



Joshua: “Well, I was going to check with you first, but you see, your friend Don and I had a very interesting chat: how you were in denial and refusing to see a doctor. We both agreed that you were handling the situation poorly.”

Marci: “You bastards! I wasn’t in denial. I knew I was fine. Even Louis agrees.”

Joshua: “Louis is a child, Marci! He still thinks chocolate cake for breakfast is a good idea, and on Tuesday he tried going to school in a bear costume.”



Marci: “Well, I appreciate your concern, but as you can see, I’m not dead. Or undead. I’m still the bad bitch we all know and love, or love to hate.”

Joshua: “Even so, I would feel better if you stayed here for a few days. Don’s right, vampires are predators. They won’t leave your house alone until you stay gone for a while. Then they’ll lose interest and move on to another target.”

Marci: “You talk about vampires as though they’re wild animals. Look, I get it! It was the middle of the night, the guy was in a pinch, and I was ripe for the taking. I can’t blame him.”



Joshua: “Um, I can! That monster could’ve easily killed you if he severed an artery or couldn’t control himself!”

Marci: “No offense, Josh, but you don’t know the first thing about vampires.”

Joshua: “Are you kidding me? In San Myshuno, they were all over the place - the city's night scene is peak hour for them! A few tried to break into my apartment a couple of years ago! Why do you think I moved back out here with Louis as soon as I could?”



Marci: “See? This is exactly why I asked Don to keep his mouth shut. I knew you were going to freak out.”

Joshua: “I’m not freaking out—”

Marci: “You totally are! I’ve survived this long on my own, and trust me, I know a thing or two about this subject more than you guys. You both gotta chill.”

Joshua: “Wow...what happened to you, that it made you so scared of asking for help?”



Marci: “Nothing, I just…never mind. Guess this is just a little embarrassing for me.”



Joshua: “Just one night, alright? One night, and tomorrow morning, we’ll head back to your place and replace the locks. I promise.”



Marci: “I guess one night at your place wouldn’t kill me. And your bed has more space for both of us. It beats trying to squeeze into my twin for a little action, huh?”

Joshua: “I’ll admit, I still have an ache in my lower back from the last attempt.”



Marci: “I definitely need to head home in the morning, though. Ivar said new vampires like myself must keep away from our loved ones during the first feeding frenzy, or until we learn how to control ourselves and survive on plasma packs. I hear they taste like shit but do wonders for your skin.”



His face fell.

Marci: “Ohmygod, honey, I was kidding!”



Joshua: “It’s so hard to tell with you sometimes! How do you do that with such a straight face?”

Marci: “You think that was good? You should’ve been there when I convinced Dina Caliente that Don was a secret agent who colluded with aliens to abduct women for their experiments. She still won’t talk to me.”

***



That evening, Joshua was ready to order take-out when Marci marched into his kitchen and raided his fridge. Within minutes, she was preparing some grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner.



He tried talking her out of it, saying that she shouldn’t stress herself out in her condition, but she brushed him off. Truth be told, cooking was fun and relaxing for her. There was nothing better than taking several pieces of bread, cheese, and butter, and transforming those simple ingredients into something incredible.



She still wasn’t a pro in the kitchen, though…

Marci: “Whoops, got a runaway here. I hope Josh has a stovetop cleaner…oh well. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”



It was nice, making a meal for someone – especially for Joshua and his son. Usually, she ate dinner by herself, and in most cases, she settled on cold cereal and milk. The rare instances she shared a meal with a friend, it was at a food stand or a restaurant, never in her home.



Marci: “Alright! Grub is ready!”



Marci thought she could’ve done better with the bread and cheese ratio—it was only her second time making grilled cheese, as she was never allowed to eat them growing up—but Joshua and Louis both disagreed and ate the sandwiches with gusto.

Marci: “See? And you guys were trying to talk me out of cooking tonight.”



She took her dirty dish to the kitchen sink. As she cleaned up and put the ingredients back in the fridge, she overheard Louis asking his father a question.



Louis: “Is Marci gonna live with us now?”

Joshua: “No, kiddo. She’s just spending the night.”

Louis: “Will she live with us when you guys get married?”

She heard Joshua choke on his sandwich.



Marci: “Wow. Louis is a straight shooter, isn’t he? He just goes and drops a bomb on you without hesitation.”



Joshua: “Oh, you heard that? I’m sorry. Having you over today…I guess Louis got the wrong idea. And since you showed him your tattoo, and you survived a vampire attack, he thinks you’re the coolest person alive now.”



Marci: “Well, I think he’s pretty cool, too. Between you and me, though? We might have to keep an eye on him. I suspect he’s planning on turning into a vampire someday.”

Joshua: “Trust me, I know. He’s in a phase right now. Every movie he wants to watch is a horror film about zombies or monsters.”



And sure enough, Louis picked a zombie flick for movie night.

Marci: “Dang, this kid’s got impeccable taste. Brains Are Not Food: Part II? You never see this on cable!”



Joshua: “You actually like this? This series was clearly filmed out of some guy’s basement with cheap green screen effects and store-bought costumes. And the soundtrack is 8bit.”

Marci: “That’s part of its charm, though!”

Joshua: “And the ending makes no sense! They spend all that time building up Nick as the hero who’s going to lead the team to safety and teach his daughter how to survive, but instead he—”

Marci: “Ahh! Wait, no! Don’t spoil this for me, big mouth!”



Louis: “Dad, remember what you told me when I got in trouble for making fun of Josie’s drawings at school? ‘If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all.’ It sounds like you need to take your own advice.”

Marci: “Yeah, Dad! Take your own advice and let us have our fun!”



Joshua: “Alright, I yield! Clearly I’m outnumbered here.”

Marci: “Damn right, you are! Now shut up and watch the movie with us.”



All three audience members experienced different emotions over the ending.

Louis cheered. Joshua wasn’t the least bit surprised. And Marci broke down into hysterics.

Marci: “Why didn’t you tell me Nick died?!”

Joshua: “You told me not to say anything!”

Marci: “Don’t listen to me next time! Warn me when my third husband’s about to perish in a gun-blazing battle with a zombie/alien hybrid overlord! I’m so upset right now!”

Louis: “Don’t be! He saved everyone! All his friends get to live!”

Marci: “Screw his friends! They're lame! I want my Nick back!”



As upsetting as the movie ending turned out, the experience was unforgettable. Spending time with Joshua was always a treat, but she didn’t expect to have so much fun with his son.



Marci still wasn’t sure what to make of kids, but Louis was great once he stopped acting shy around her. Turns out, the brainy boy was a weirdo who adored horror movies and sci-fi books, wearing a bear costume because it was his Patronus, and sneaking frogs and fish from the pond into their bathtub. He talked her ear off about his favorite movies for an hour until Joshua noticed the time.



Joshua: “Well kiddo, it’s time for bed.”

Louis: “Aww! Can’t I stay up a little longer? Please?”

Joshua: “It’s a school night, Louis. You know we have an early wake-up call.”

Louis: “But when I get home from school, Marci won’t be here anymore.”

The kid looked so pathetic and disheartened – all because she was leaving.



Marci: “Hey, never say never! I might stick around until tomorrow night.”

Louis: “Really? Can she, Dad?”

Joshua: “That’s up to Marci! She can stay as long as she wants.”

Louis: “Okay! I’ll go to bed then! See you tomorrow!”



They waited until Louis went into his room and shut the door behind him.

Joshua: “So…three husbands, huh? Who are the others?”

Marci: “Are you sure you wanna go down that rabbit hole? I don’t think you’re ready to hear about the fabulous tale of my four husbands—yes, it’s four, not three—who share and lust after me equally.”

Joshua: “Try me. I might surprise you.”

Marci: “Mmkay, so you already know about Nick. Not the actor, for the record, but the character—”



They continued the conversation in the bedroom.

Marci: “—and my fourth husband is Johnny Zest.”

Joshua: “Wait, really? I didn’t know you had the hots for him.”

Marci: “Oh, I don’t. We just made a pact over drinks. If we’re both single in our late adulthood, then we have to marry each other for the tax benefits.”

Joshua: “I thought you said your husbands lust after you. Does Johnny…?”

Marci: “Our Johnny? Nah, he’s too busy trying to stick it to Dina. Fantasy Johnny is different, though! In my fantasy world, everyone thinks I’m insanely attractive.”



Joshua: “Fantasy Marci doesn’t sound too far off from the real woman.”

Marci: “Sweet talker.”

Joshua: “So who’s your first husband?”

Marci: “Most of the time, it’s you. Sometimes it’s my mailman.”

Joshua: “Your mailman. You’d place your mailman over me.”

Marci: “Have you seen my mailman? Even Don’s enamored with him.”



Joshua: “Marci…?”

Marci: “Hmm?”

Joshua: “I meant what I said earlier when we were talking to Louis. You can stay here. Forever, if you want. So, do you…?”



The question came so abruptly, she was taken aback. She climbed off him and sat up. He got up as well, with an even more determined look on his face. She couldn’t meet his gaze, not completely, without feeling sick to her stomach.

Marci: “You really know how to kill a mood, babe.”

Joshua: “I don’t understand. You had a good time with us…and we love each other. Is it really such a bad idea, moving in with me? Did I say something wrong? Is it my son?”

Marci: “No, of course not. You’re wonderful. So is Louis.”

Joshua: “Then what’s wrong? Why are you so against the idea?”



Marci: “As I said, it isn’t you or Louis. The problem is me. You say you love me now, but…it’s only been a few months. You barely know me. I’m such a hot mess, and you’re probably sitting there and thinking, ‘Maybe she’ll get her shit together once she moves in.’ What if that never happens? What if I never change my nature? What if I get too cruel, or too crazy, and drag you down with me?”



Marci: “And I just… I’m scared about our future. There are so many parts of myself that I can’t change, no matter how much I work on it. I don’t know if you’re ready for that, or if you’re equipped to handle me.”



Joshua: “Marci, what did you tell me when I got into a fight with your ex-boyfriend?”

Marci: “That’s different—”

Joshua: “It isn’t. Not really. I have issues, too. Everyone does. You said you weren’t walking away from me…and I’m not walking away from you. I see who you are, and I still want to build a life with you. And if there are some things you can’t or won’t tell me…that’s fine. I don’t need to know everything.”

Marci: “You say that now, but give it a few years—”

Joshua: “If my feelings change, I’ll tell you. Maybe your feelings will change then, too. Who knows? I don’t. Neither do you. We don’t get to know what the future has in store for us. I just…want you to spend more time with me and my son. Living together will make that possible. Do you think you can manage that?”



Marci: “Hmm…I don’t know, I got a little something going on with the mailman. This might crush him.”

Joshua: “Well, tell him to get in line. I was here first.”





Marci: “You know, I had no idea how much I mattered to anyone in this neighborhood until today. Between Don threatening to call an ambulance, Louis following me around everywhere, and you kidnapping me, I got a case of some serious emotional whiplash.”

Joshua: “And that’s a good thing, right?”

Marci: “I would’ve preferred if the vampire never bit me in the first place, but…this is nice.”

Joshua: “I know you think we fret over nothing, but I wasn’t about to let you spend another night at your place in case that monster was still in the area.”



Marci: “Ooh, letting me? So assertive!”

Joshua: “I uh…didn’t mean for it to come out like that, I just—”

Marci: “Do you hear me complaining? I like this side of you, taking charge of me. It gives me all sorts of fun ideas to try out later.”

Joshua: “Any that you want to run by me?”



Marci: “Just the one. How about…?”

Marci leaned in and whispered the filthiest fantasy possible in his ear.



Joshua: “W-We…We can’t do that with Louis in the other room!”

Marci: “Not tonight, obviously, but the kid’s gotta go to school tomorrow, doesn’t he?”

***



A week later, Marci finally returned to Skyward Palms – and sought Don out to deliver the news in-person.

Don: “Ah shit! Are you serious?!”



Marci: “’Fraid so. Guess I should’ve taken your advice. Had I arrived at the hospital sooner…well, nothing can be done now. It’s too late for me.”

Don: “Fuck! I knew I should’ve called 911! This is my fault!”

Marci: “It gets worse. Joshua and his son? They’re vampires now, too. I tried so hard to control my blood lust around them, but those first few days…the cravings are so unbearable. Now we need to retire to the countryside and get away from Oasis Springs. Way too much sun for us to handle here.”



Don: “Too much sun…wait. If you’re a vampire, then how are you out here, right now, in broad daylight? Hold on—”

Marci burst into wicked laughter.



Don: “Okay, okay, you got me.”

Marci: “Hook, line, and sinker! Every time! I didn’t even break a sweat!”

Don: “Laugh it up, Price.”

Marci: “You know what, you’re officially demoted back to ‘himbo’ in my contacts.”



Don: “Suits me just fine – better than the last one. So, what’s the real news, or was your text part of the prank, too?”

Marci: “Actually, the text was for real; I came up with the prank on the walk over here. Anyhow, thanks to the break-in, Joshua and I made a big decision: we’re moving in together!”

Don: “Damn. So, does this mean you’re going to sell your lot now? Your place isn't exactly big enough for three people. I can picture it now, the kid sleeping on that busted couch, the two of you squeezing into that twin bed...”



Marci: “I considered selling the land…but he doesn’t actually own his place, and even if he did, we both agreed it’s too small. He wants a studio, Louis wants a bigger backyard, and I want a torture chamber for my victims—I mean, space for a vegetable garden! My lot just makes more sense, so we’re going to combine our savings and expand the property into a bigger home.”



Don: “I believe a 'thank you' is in order.”

Marci: “For what, idiot? You literally didn’t do anything!”

Don: “Says you! I seem to recall a certain dashing, heroic friend of yours informed Joshua about your dangerous predicament – and thanks to him, now you might actually survive this heatwave with proper air conditioning.”

Marci: “Don’t flatter yourself! The topic was going to come up sooner or later—”

Don: “Sure, but who or what urged your man to pick up the pace and pop the question? Hmm? No answer, then? Anyway, you’re welcome.”



Don: “For real, though? I’m really glad you’re okay.”

Marci: “You getting sappy on me here, Lothario? Fine, just don’t cry on this shirt - it’s new.”

Don: “Don’t laugh! It isn’t every day that a friend of mine gets attacked by vampires, especially when it’s you—I mean, you just seem so indestructible. It freaked me out, seeing you like that.”



Marci: “Well, as you can see, it takes more than one vampire attack to kill me. I can handle myself...but thanks for having my back.”



Don: “Anytime - but don’t make a habit of scaring me like that.”

Marci: “This is me you’re talking to, Don - getting scared is par for the course with me.”