These Days

A Chapter by Tina Kline

An ANN THE VAMPIRE story.

“Really.” Tina smiled. “You celebrate Thanksgiving? Isn't that more of a human holiday?” Tina sat in the living room with Ann and her Clan. Tina was sort of a member of Ann's Vampire Clan. Her eyes went over the large pine cones, turkey and other Thanksgiving decorations. The house was nicely decorate and there was the strong scent of cloves from a couple bags of scented pine cones.

“Yes we do.”Ann said. “We have for several years now. We go all out except for the food, of course.”

“Of course.” Tina smiled. “It looks fun. The decorating.”

“It is.” Julie said. “We should keep the traditions of our lives going even though we are vampires.”

Eddie nodded in agreement.

“The house looks nice.” Sara said. “I like it.”

“Do you celebrate Christmas?” Tina asked.

“Yeah, we do. We always have a Christmas tree and presents!” Tyler said.

At Tyler's loud and excited voice one of the two huskies in the room lifted her head. Julie had her husky with her curled at her feet. Tina noticed the one husky looking around the room. Pretty dog, she thought. She liked wolves and these huskies looked a lot like wolves.

“Yes, we have an active life that isn't based only on seeking and getting blood.” Julie said.

Tina nodded. “This sounds a lot like my lifestyle down in Seattle. We vampires never give up totally our human life. At least most don't. Have you any rogue vampires here in Alaska.? All this wild open space for them to roam. But I guess there are not a lot of humans for them to feed on.”

“Well, even rouges can't survive on animal blood.” Eddie said.

“Ew! Animal blood. Yuck!” protested Sara.

“Hey, you're not going to have to feed on an animal!” Ann laughed.

Sara laughed too. “I know.”

“We just have big foots around here.” Tyler said.

“They like human food.” Justin added.

“Have you fed some Justin?” Tina asked. She was enjoying herself. Living up here in Alaska with Ann's Vampire Clan with enjoyable. She thought about her home down in Seattle. Maybe I ought to let my apartment go and move up here permanently.

“Yeah. Aunt Tina. Tyler and I have. They like pie.”

“Pie?” Tina laughed. “Well, I suppose they would. It's sweet.”

“Tyler. Justin. I better not catch you putting food out for Big Foots.” Ann said. “Something else could be eating that food. Something violent. Not friendly like Big Foots are.”

“Oh mom!” Tyler said.

“You heard me.” Ann said

“Yes we did. But why can't we feed Big Foot? They aren't going to hurt us. I bet us vampires can smash one of them easily.” Justin said.

“Yeah!” Tyler Added.

“Have you seen this Big Foot you're feeding?” Tina asked, looking first at Tyler then at Justin.

Tyler and Justin looked at each other. Then they looked at their aunt Tina. “Yes, we have seen him.” answered Tyler.

“Or her.” Justin added..

“How about setting up your feeding station so I can see this Big Food?” Tina asked.

“Oh, you don't want to see it. They stink and look ugly.” Tyler said.

“Um hm.” said Tina.

“We're telling the truth.” said Tyler. “We just want to protect him, that's all. Showing people were they are isn't good for the Big Foots.”

“Yeah. I understand.” Tina's smile was broad.

Ann laughed. “Maybe we just might go out later to see your Big Foot Tyler and Justin.”

“I hope not.” Tyler looked at Justin. They both looked unhappy at the idea.

“Maybe you haven't really seen the Big Foot so you don't really know what is eating your food.” Ann said.

“Which leads back to you two not putting food out anymore.” Eddie added.

“Hey! We're vampires! Nothing can hurt us!” Tyler said.

“Maybe not but still, do as you are told.” Eddie said.

Ann nodded. “Don't entice wild animals to our home. Where the animals go humans just might follow. So stop for that reason if no other.”

Tyler let out a rush of air. “Okay mom.”

“Yeah, we'll stop. We never thought of that.” Justin said.

Ann smiled. “Good. So, we celebrate Thanksgiving then Christmas next. Thanksgiving is just enjoying the decorations, Christmas is decorations and presents.” Ann said to Tina.

“So, we are celebrating Thanksgiving right now, then?” Tina asked.

“Yes, this is it.” Ann's hand swept the room, encompassing all the decorations that had been set up.”

“I like it. I really do.” Tina said, a big fangy smile on her face.

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