Dancing In The Snow

An ANN THE VAMPIRE story.

     Ann had enjoyed her outing with Sara but a negative feeling lingered. And that was from Sara having invited one of her clan members without telling Ann. Ann felt she should have known so she could either show up or not. Ann felt she should have had a chance to inform Sara how she felt. Even a month after the encounter Ann found herself dwelling on the encounter.

      “Don't think about Sara anymore.” Eddie said to Ann where they were sitting on their bed together. The glass wall's curtains were pulled back.

Ann's gaze lingered on the wilderness beyond their large cabin. It was cold and frosty out. The night sky was overcast. Ann was certain snow would be falling soon.

     She looked up at Eddie, “I just feel betrayed. We had an agreement. And that agreement was that we'd decide when we felt comfortable introducing members of our clan's to each others clans.”

     Eddie put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “Come on sweetheart. Put Sara and her clan out of your mind. Let's think about more pleasant things.”

     Ann took a deep breath. She tried to smile but couldn't quite make it. In the distance a wolf howled. Ann perked up a little. “I think that's Jake.”

     “Ah, your werewolf pal.”

     “Yes. The one I saved from a steel leg trap and he saved me when I fell from the sky and passed out in the snow and got me out of the coming daylight.”

     “And I am grateful for that. Is he visiting?”

     “I don't know. Where are Tyler and Justin?”

     “Out in the dog kennel. I think they are planning to check their trap lines.”

     “Hmm. Good.” Ann snuggled against Eddie. “I hope it snows. Hunting is easier when humans are hindered by deep snow.”

     Eddie held her close. “We should go hunting soon. There still might be some tourists in Coldfoot.”

     “Yes. Or we could go to Bettles Field or Steven's Village. Most likely more humans will be in those places.”

     Eddie nodded but didn't say anything. He noticed a tiny white flake swirl downward just on the opposite side of the glass wall. He smiled, “Guess what Ann.”

     “What?”

     “It's snowing.”

     Ann sat up straight. “It is?”

     “Yes, look.”

     Ann stared out the glass wall. Sure enough, tiny white flakes were swirling by on their downward journey. “Oh!”

     Eddie smiled. Sometimes he wondered why Ann was so excited by snow when snow was the predominate weather condition in Alaska, especially where they lived. Maybe because in Portland, Oregon where she had lived her whole life until her husband had murdered her there wasn't all that much snow. Many winters went by with only flurries of snow without any real accumulation of any kind on the ground.

     Ann got up off the bed and went and stood in front of the glass wall to watch the snow fall. The flakes of snow were quickly increasing in size and falling in larger numbers. “It's already sticking!”

     “We'll have a few inches of snow in no time.”

     Ann turned to face Eddie, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I'm going outside!”

     “Why?”

     “To dance in the snow!”

     “Oh, Ann!”

     “Come on Eddie!” Ann left their room and hurried downstairs.

     Eddie followed her at a much slower pace. By the time he reached the ground floor Ann was already outside. He stepped out the front door and saw Ann twirling in the now heavy snow fall. She was giggling, her face turned skyward as she turned. Snowflakes were sticking to her hair, eyelashes and blue sweater she was wearing with blue jeans and hiking boots.

     She looks really pretty, Eddie thought. How lucky I am she took me in and trusted me with her two human children.

     From the dog kennel came the sound of the huskies barking. Tyler and Justin's voices drifted along with the dogs barking.

     “Ann you've got the dogs all worked up.”

     “Yes, they want to play in the snow too.”

     “Maybe Tyler ought to let them out.” said Eddie.

     “Good idea Eddie. Go tell him to let the husky dogs out.”

     Laughing softly he came down the stairs and headed around to the back of the cabin to the dog kennel. “Hey Tyler. Justin. Let the dogs out.” He called to them.

      Tyler came to the kennel door. He was tall and lanky with shaggy dark hair and freckles. “What Eddie? Let the dogs out? Why?”

      “Ann wants them to play in the snow with her.”

      Justin hovered behind Tyler. “What's going on?”

      “Mom wants us to let the huskies out to play in the snow with her.” Tyler told him.

      Justin shrugged. “Why not? They need a run.”

      “Okay.” Tyler followed Justin back inside to open the indoor kennels to release the dogs.

      Eddie returned to where Ann was dancing alone in the snow. The snow on the ground was increasing in depth. It was harder to see into the forest because of the heavy snowfall.

      “They're on their way.” Eddie told Ann.

      She laughed in delight, “Great!”

      A couple minutes later a pack of huskies sped around the house. They kicked up snow as they came around the corner as a pack, barking and panting in their excitement. Tyler and Justin were right behind them.

     “Come on everyone! Join me in celebrating the season's first snow fall!”

     “Ah, mom! Dance?” said Tyler.

     “Yes, son. Come join me. All of you.” Ann held out her hand in invitation.

     The huskies dashed about, barking and sniffing everywhere they could. The accumulating snow was quickly covering any interesting scents.

     “Okay mom, I'll dance with you.” Justin said, putting his hand in hers.

     “Let's waltz.” Ann said.

     “Without music?” Justin asked.

     “Let nature be our music.” Ann said.

     “Come on Tyler. Let's join them. Let's give Ann her dance in the snow.” Eddie said.

     “Okay.” Tyler reluctantly joined in Ann's nature's waltz and soon they were all dancing in the snow.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you for writing more of this story. This is my kind of Vampire tale. The Vampires seem real and the story could happen. I like the chapter. People learning about each other and dancing in the snow. Thank you for a outstanding chapter.
Coyote

[Black Cat Fever]

An enjoyable read. I like your character Ann. She makes a cool vampire.

[Eric Cox]

Excellent story. I like the warmth in Ann's little family, the parts about loving when it snows, and the ending when dancing in the snow especially. Wonderful piece, I enjoyed reading it while editing, as I enjoy all of your creations, cool creating upon these!

[Wolf's Dark Song]

Ann seems like a kinder vampire, not so vicious and blood thirsty even though she does experience that. I really enjoyed reading this chapter in her life.

[Star Wolf]

I enjoyed this chapter. Its nice seeing a playful side of Ann. Even vampires want to have fun. The snow does bring out the child in us. Awesome writing!