Tasting Andrew

Jason dreamed.

He found himself on the bridge at Mirror Lake, his favorite spot in Bellingrath Gardens. This had been their favorite spot. Jason found himself holding Rick tightly like so many nights that they had hung out occasionally as Jason made his rounds after the gardens closed. Although dreaming, Jason could feel his lover in his arms in that warm, comfortable and sensual embrace as they looked out across the placid lake. Jason kissed his lover deeply.

“I miss you,” sighed Jason as he clung tightly to Rick.

“I miss you, too,” replied Rick as nuzzled his buddy’s neck and hugged tighter. “I can’t stay, but make love to me like we did. One last time.”

The images came fast and furious in Jason’s dream. Clothing pulled and scattered. Hands groping, massaging. Mouths meeting in eager kisses. It felt so good. It felt so real. Even in his dream, Jason’s body reacted to the touch of his lover though only a memory. Re-living the taste of Rick’s mouth and sweaty flesh and the feel of his hairy body rubbing against him, Jason groaned in his sleep. Then the feel of Rick’s ass enveloping Jason’s hard dick as he held him tight. That lustful look in Rick’s eyes and his wicked smile as he felt Jason slid into him spurred Jason on in his love-making. Then Rick slid over Jason’s panting body and placed his cock deep in Jason with much moans of pleasure and satisfaction. Finally, after much fervent pleasure, the two men came hard shuddering in each other’s arms. It happened all too quickly for Jason. The two lovers dressed solemnly as the finality of this encounter was realized.

“Remember there is love always with you.” Rick turned and walked down the bridge into the mist manifesting across the lake.

“Jason Robert!” came the shout from behind him. He turned his teary eyes to see from where this familiar voice had emanated.

“Mom?” questioned Jason as he turned to see his mother standing before him dressed the same as the evening he had last seen her when he was just ten years old. She was always beautiful to him and would always be beautiful. She approached him and placed her hand on his cheek damp with tears.

“Oh, sweetie,” Jason’s mother sighed as she hugged him. It was a pleasant and warm hug that suddenly pulled Jason back to the days of his childhood when life was just her and him. She was a resourceful, single mother who loved him deeply and they did the best they could until that one Halloween night. “I am so proud of the man you have become. Just look at you. Mom’s little helper and protector. Now you are helping and protecting everyone. Such a good boy.”

“Oh, mom, I tried to save you,” explained Jason as he clung to his mother, no longer the mature man that he was, but feeling like that little boy from so long ago.

“You couldn’t help me,” comforted his mother. “You could save yourself. You always were so strong, but sometimes you need to accept help.”

They clung together as Jason sobbed.

“Now, you need to save yourself again,” remarked his mother as she stroked his face. “Help them so they can help you heal.” His mother turned him so he could look down the bridge toward where Rick had left. Standing in the misty distance were two male figures and Jason strained to identify them. The closer man was obviously Jeremiah standing casually with his usual mischievous smile. Slightly behind him was another man of whom Jason could not quite discern his features but he could identify the gleam of a silver pendant around the stranger’s neck. A cat? No, a silver tiger with emerald eyes.

“They are good men,” added Jason’s mother as she stood behind him. “Trust them. One will help you understand your place in what is to come and the other may even fill the painful hole in your heart, my little helper.”

Something changed. The sky darkened and it seemed as Jeremiah and his companion looked around defensively as if there was approaching danger.

“I have to go, Jason Robert,” apologized his mother as she slipped from him. “He knows I am here with you.”

Jason looked past his mother to a dark figure standing on the shore. As he stared into the mist, Jason could not see the man’s features, except for his red, cold eyes glowing in the midst.

Jason had seen those eyes before. He remembered those evil eyes from that night when he lost his mom to the man who she had brought into their home. There had been men passing in their lives occasionally to soothe his mom’s loneliness, but not like this man.

Jason broke his gaze from the malevolent form in the mist and turned to where his mother, and Jeremiah, and the man with the tiger pendant stood, but they were gone. The silence was broken by the cold laughter of the evil form and then the piercing shriek of Jason’s mother from that night.

Drenched in sweat, Jason awoke from the dream which had descended so quickly into a nightmare. He tried to calm his thoughts as Jeremiah was teaching him during their discussions. Once he felt himself centering as he sat in the middle of his bed. His discordant mind tried to rationalize the purpose of this latest sleeping vision.

In their latest discussion earlier in the week, Jeremiah had asked Jason why he had chosen to become a law enforcement officer. Surely that discussion had triggered this latest wandering of his sleeping mind. Jason had shared with Jeremiah his haunting memories of that Halloween night when he had lost his mom.

Over the years, Jason had often had the recurring nightmare about that night, his terrified ten-year old self, and the shrieks of his mother emanating from the bedroom where she had taken this man to her bed. And Jason remembered especially those eyes of the man that his mother had brought into their home. That night, Jason had pounded upon his mother’s bedroom door in panic. The naked man opened the door and glared down at him maliciously with a feral snarl.

“Run, baby, run!” came the frantic screams of his mother and Jason instantly obeyed dashing out of the door of their little home and into the night. He ran as hard as he could to the Gilkey’s house, pounding on their front door and pleading for help. Mr. Gilkey answered the door and scooped Jason into their home without hesitation. Mrs. Gilkey held him gently as Jason tried to express the horror at his home in between gasping breaths. The Gilkey’s were always good to him and his mother. Their home was a safe space when his mom would be out working late. They knew him and they knew that his terror was real and not some product of a youngster’s overactive imagination. Mr. Gilkey called the police immediately.

When the police arrived, two officers questioned Jason gently. The oldest of the two officers spoke pointedly but with a sense of calm that made Jason feel so safe. The younger African- American officer looked on with concern then nodded to his partner to acknowledge that he would check things out at the house next door that was now eerily dark and quiet.

“We are going to check on you Mom,” explained the older officer speaking to calm Jason’s fear. “I need to go with Amos and then we will be right back, ok. What is your name, son?”

“Jason,” stammered his younger self. The officer extended his big paw.

“I am Bill,” the officer stated as he firmly shook Jason’s hand and looked Jason in the eye solidly. “No matter what, Amos and I are going to look after you and your mom.”

From the safety of the Gilkey’s front porch, Jason watched as the two policemen entered his home. The night was quiet, then Amos burst out the front door and puked in the bushes. Officer Bill exited behind him rather unsteady but pulling himself together to check on his visibly shaken comrade. Jason charged toward his home but Officer Bill caught the boy in his big arms and held him tight.

“You don’t need to go in there, buddy,” warned Bill holding tight to the sobbing youngster as much to hold him back but also to ground himself into sanity after seeing horrible scene inside the home. Later, Jason would learn that his mother had been raped and then dismembered like by some kind of beast. Blood and flesh had been splattered across the bedroom in a hideous display.

“I got you, Jason,” Officer Bill kept repeating as he clung to the squirming boy. “I got you. I got you. I am going take care of you, I promise.”

The next few days were mind-numbing for Jason, but the presence of Officer Bill was comforting. Despite the terror, this man had promised to be there for him. From that moment on, Officer Bill and his comrades were always there for Jason as he grew up in the foster care system then into the force himself. Over the years, Officer Bill’s professionalism and compassion combined into what would become a comfort on that horrible night and eventually an inspiration for Jason to become a policeman himself.

"And that is why I became a police officer, concluded Jason as he answered Jeremiah's question during their last visit. "And why I never much cared for Halloween." Jeremiah had listened to Jason's recount of that formative experience. Needless to say, Jeremiah had expected the usual flippant macho response of wanting to chase bad guys or be able to shoot a gun at people. What Jason had shared was a deep insight into a man who wanted to truly serve and protect which had resulted from a terrible traumatic experience, but also from the fortunate care and nurturing from Officer Bill and the Biloxi, Mississippi police force.

"So. Now that I know about you guys" prodded Jason cautiously. "Was it one of your kind that killed my mom?"

From the grisly details that Jason had shared with him of the vicious, almost ritualistic act of violence and the amount of blood that seemed to have been shed across the crime scene, Jeremiah had reached a most disturbing conclusion that the man who ensnared Jason's mother was not vampire.

"No,” responded Jeremiah confidently.

"What sort of demonic madman would do that?" Jason questioned further.

Jeremiah looked at Jason thoughtfully as Evie's comments during their discussion at the art museum echoed in his mind—“Do you believe in demons, Jeremiah?” As Jason peered into Jeremiah’s eyes, Jason had sensed that his story had shaken the usual light-hearted man who was becoming an important part of his life since losing Rick.

After working through his thoughts, Jason returned himself from that memory to the present moment as he sat alone in his bedroom. He located his cell phone and composed a simple text to Jeremiah: Can u talk?

The University Auditorium, Opening performance of DRACULA

I stood waiting among the buzzing throng of the members of the audience as they exited the theatre. I clutched the bouquet of flowers in my hands as I scanned the mingling group of audience and the cast members. Somewhere in this mass of celebration of what was a triumphant opening night performance was my graduate assistant, Becca, who graced the stage as one of Dracula’s consorts. But also, somewhere in the midst of this enthusiastic herd was Andrew and to my surprise the boy that Jeremiah had brought to my house earlier in the month. I had seen them down on the orchestra level of the theatre as the lights came up during intermission. The universe was definitely a small and at times a curious place.

I had enjoyed my balcony seat even though it had not been my intention. It was rather apropos for a vampire to be perched on high surveying the buffet of humanity below, but as gothic as that would appear, the reality was that I had forgotten to add tickets to my list of items to accomplish for the afternoon. Obviously, a perfect memory was not one of my supernatural powers.

“Professor Browning!” I heard Becca’s exclamation of recognition from behind me. As I turned, Becca tackled me in powerful hug and I barely had a moment to rescue the bouquet from the crush of her embrace. Becca was on post-performance high and she literally exuded light and energy.

“Bravo, bravo,” I commented to Becca as I finally gained my breath. “These flowers are for the newest theatrical diva to grace our stage.” Becca took the flowers and her smile was bright even under her bride of Dracula makeup and fangs.
“Thank you,” gushed Becca. “These are lovely. But the real gift is that you came to see me.”

Standing just behind Becca, patiently waiting was the menacing image of the vampire lord himself, Dracula, as Vlad stood with a concerned, but mostly confused look on his face. I could sense that the boy was sizing me up as some sort of romantic rival and he was obviously very smitten with my now multi-talented assistant. Becca turned to Vlad taking his hand and pulling him toward me.

“Vlad, this is Professor Victor Browning,” explained Becca sensing some uneasiness from the young man. Relieved recognition fell across Vlad’s handsome features as he realized that I was Becca’s boss and most importantly her mentor.

“Vladimir Sematovic,” introduced Vlad as he firmly took my hand. I looked into the boy’s eyes and some relief but then a flicker of his thoughts searched as to where we might have previously met. I had never met this boy before now but I was well-acquainted with the Sematovic family especially during my dealings with the Slayers. Despite their hunting of vampires over centuries, the Sematovic were a level-headed family and became important in the building of the treaty between the vampires and the slayers.

“I am very glad to meet you, Vlad, and your performance was amazing tonight,” I remarked putting Vlad at ease. “You were ferocious but also you brought a sympathetic element to your portrayal.”

“Isn’t he amazing,” added Becca as she slipped her arm around Vlad’s arm tangling in his cape. Vlad looked down at Becca with such a look of loving adoration. This boy was quite taken with her with his compassionate heart, but also a heart of a warrior. I could sense just in the few moments of our interaction, that this boy would defend Becca to his dying breath. Before I could engage into the conversation fully, I was greeted with another familiar voice.

“Vic----Professor Browning,” called out Andrew as he made his way through the crowd toward us. Following sheepishly behind him was the broad, handsome bulk of Joe who was attempting not to make eye contact with me and trying to make himself as invisible as possible. I immediately sensed his discomfort and his anxiety of the exposure of his secret encounter with Jeremiah and me.

“Wasn’t she great?” commented Andrew as he shook my hand. Joe stood with his eyes darting to focus on anything but me. I nodded enthusiastically and then turned me attention to the uncomfortable form of Joe.

“I don’t believe that we have met,” I remarked as I reached out my hand to Joe. “I am Professor Victor Browning. You must be that buddy that Andrew has mentioned.”

“Joe,” replied the young man as his body visibly relaxed as he realized that I was keeping his secret safe and discreet. Joe shook my hand. Andrew and Becca were busy chattering about the play and costumes and Vlad’s acrobatic antics onstage.

Joe leaned in as he shook my hand and whispered. “Thanks, man.”

“Honor always between gentlemen,” I assured Joe. He turned his sight to Andrew who was involved in animated discussion of the highpoints of the performance with Becca and Vlad. I looked into Joe’s eyes and felt the joyful yearning in the boy’s thoughts toward Andrew. I turned my gaze to Andrew. I smiled at him engaged into the excited conversation with Becca and Vlad. The brooding, anchorless boy who I had met only weeks before was transforming into a lively, happy young man. Our friendship was playing a role in that transformation and I believed at this moment that was enough.

“Wasn’t Nick fucking awful!” exclaimed Becca giggling.

“The audience applauded at the end of his dying scene and the moron thought they were applauding his performance,” added Andrew.

“How can you possibly put up with that asshole as your roommate?” inquired Vlad solemnly.

The realization that Becca’s “Nick” was also Andrew’s despicable roommate hit me and reminded me that I had one specific task yet to complete. I scanned the crowd for Nick’s cowboy hat.

Upon locating my target who was surrounded by some of his fraternity brothers, I leaned into Becca. “Your big brother needs to take care of some business.” And excused myself from their pleasant conversation to corner the bane of two of the people of whom I loved and felt extremely protective.

A silence fell over Nick’s compatriots as I approached with the strongest alpha aura that I could emanate. Turning from his hushed brothers, Nick sneered at me.

“I am a good friend of Becca’s,” I introduced myself with a slight hiss in my voice. “You might say I am like her older brother.”

“More like her old gay uncle,” responded Nick in attempt to gain control of what was no longer in his control. My hand went to his shoulder and applied enough pressure to assure Nick that although older, I was by no means decrepit.

“You need to keep your distance from Becca,” I warned in a menacing tone that made my sexual orientation completely irrelevant at that point. “And let me give you some professional advice to take with you. Your attitude may play well on this campus and among your buddies, but in the real world, you will be eaten alive.” My eyes bored deep into Nick’s widened eyes as he realized that he was no longer the alpha that he had been playing. Just for pure dramatic effect, and possibly heightened by the proximity to his masculine bravado, I flashed a bit of fang.

“Professor Browning,” came Vlad’s voice from behind me. Obviously, my exchange with Nick had drawn some attention from the thinning crowd in the theatre lobby. I felt Vlad’s hand on my shoulder. “Becca would like for us to go grab something to eat and wanted to know if you would join us.”

“Yes, we are going to Denny’s” added Joe who had followed Vlad over to my confrontation with Nick. I pulled myself back from Nick who was attempting to regain control of the situation and to brush off the threat which had been heard by him and those within earshot. I am sure the trio of us, the imposing figure of Vlad, the muscled bulk of Joe, and my predatory essence kept Nick and his posse from adding anything else to the discussion.

I turned to follow Vlad to where Andrew and Becca stood watching silently and with concern. But Joe approached Nick.

“Oh, by the way,” added Joe transforming his posture from a cuddly bear to more of an angered grizzly. “I am a friend of Andrew’s and you need to lay off. Got it.” Joe turned purposely giving a Nick a powerful bump with his shoulder to punctuate the situation.

Our group of friends reconnected on the other side of the lobby as Nick and his cronies exited into the night.

“We need to get changed out of costume,” remarked Vlad. “And we will meet up at Denny’s.”

“I will go ahead and get us a table,” I offered. I turned back to see Joe looking sheepishly at Andrew.

“Just wanted to let him know that you have a friend that has your back,” explained Joe. Andrew grinned.

“I kind of like this,” remarked Andrew.

“What?” asked Joe as he did not quite follow where Andrew was taking his remark.

Andrew glanced to where Becca and Vlad were walking back toward the dressing rooms, and to Joe looking warmly at him, and to me as I truly enjoyed the presence of this boy in my life.

“Having friends who have each other’s backs,” explained Andrew.