Vampyre 2000: Ill of the Dead

10:55pm, Rita had plenty of time, but the night would slip away from her if she didn’t get something started soon. Rita looked up from her wrist and was startled once again. Standing directly in front of her and staring at her curiously was a familiar face.

“Rita? Rita Alderwood, is that you?” asked the woman. She stared at Rita with an excited look on her face. Rita knew this woman well, the two of them had once worked together not too long after they had gotten out of college. Nervous anxiety overcame her, she hadn’t prepared on what to do in this situation. Not only was this completely unexpected, it was incredibly untimely.

“I’m afraid you’ve got me mixed up with someone else.” said Rita as she turned her back to the woman.

“Rita, come on. I know it’s you, don’t you remember me?” asked the woman as she placed her hand on Rita’s shoulder.

“I’d advise you to take your hand off me.” Rita replied without turning around. The woman complied, she had gotten her feelings hurt and slowly she removed her hand.

“Rita, I’m sorry. I don’t understand, have I done something wrong?”

“Look, I told you, you’re mistaking me for somebody else. Alright?” snapped Rita.

“But, it’s me Rhonda, don’t you remember me?”

“Listen, I’m not gonna tell you again, I don’t know you. Now, would you please just leave me alone?” Feeling dejected, Rita’s old friend slowly backed away from her.

“Yeah, yeah, okay.” she said quietly. Rita watched carefully, out of the corner of her eye, until she was out of sight. She felt so bad for her friend. Naturally, she understood just how she felt, she would’ve loved to have spoken with her and caught up. Unfortunately, their friendship needed to remain in the past, talking to Rhonda now would only bring with it a great deal of danger for her and for Cornelius. Rita’s Friday night out at The Vector had not turned into a good one. As far as she was concerned, it had gotten worse by the minute. Being left alone, having horrific visions and having to reject an old friend drove her past the point of frustration. Rita hadn’t forgotten about why she had come, but enough was enough. It was time to go, once she found Cornelius, she was going home.

The stranger looked down at Cornelius’ hand around his arm and then looked up at him.

“Hey man, what do you think you’re doing?”

“Listen, my friend, what if I told you that I could expedite your encounter with that woman?”

“You? What are you talkin’ about?’

“As a matter of fact, she and I happen to be acquaintances.”

“What, is she with you?”

“Uh… no, she is not.” lied Cornelius.

“Yeah, I didn’t think so. You don’t look like her type.” Just then, Cornelius noticed Rita below. She stormed out of the bar area in a haste and it appeared that something was wrong. He needed to get to her and investigate immediately.

“Tell me, sir, what is your name?”

“It’s Rick.”

“Rick, meet me downstairs and I’ll have it all arranged. Can you do that?”

“And you’re gonna hook me up with that chick?”

“Trust me, Rick, your chances of being with her are much greater if you allow me to persuade her. Can you be downstairs?”

“Yeah, man, okay.”

“Excellent, then I’ll see you shortly.” Having said that, Cornelius quickly made his way to the stairs and disappeared out of sight. Once he was again on the main level he traversed the tables and the dancers at the edge of the dance floor and headed toward the level where he expected to find Rita. He climbed a short set of stairs and stood on another level. Carefully scanning the room, he searched for her. She was no where to be seen, but he knew that she was close. Cornelius moved quickly across the level and went down to the next one below. From end to end he scoured the barscape in search of her and then he spotted her. Rita was combing her way through the crowds, obviously looking for him. Like a dart, Cornelius made a path directly toward her, it was as if there were no obstacles in his way. Approaching her from behind, he put his hands on her arms softly and stopped her. Startled, she immediately spun around.

“Cornelius, where have you been? I’ve been looking all over for you.”

“I know my dear. Are you alright? I came as soon as I could.” Cornelius pulled her close and she hugged him tightly.

“Cornelius, why did you leave me alone? I don’t wanna be here anymore, I wanna go home.”

“It’s alright now, Rita, I am here. Everything is going to be alright.” Rita, I left you alone so that you may find your own way. You mustn’t merely mimic what I do, you must develop and grow on your own. In that way, you will become very powerful.”

“Cornelius, I’m not ready. I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready and you just left me here alone.”

“Rita, you were never alone, I was watching you all along. I returned to you when I saw you exit the bar in such haste. What happened to you back there?”

“Cornelius, I don’t wanna talk about it, I just wanna go. Can we please go home?”

“Rita, have you forgotten why we came here tonight? You must feed tonight my dear and there are so many opportunities here.”

“Cornelius, listen. I don’t want to feed tonight or any night for that matter. Got it? I just want to go home and if you aren’t coming then I’m going without you.” demanded Rita. Cornelius reached down and took her by the hand, he leaned in and spoke to her softly.

“Come with me, I think you will be very interested in what I have to show you.” Cornelius looked at her softly and added, “Trust me.”