Blueblood: A Dark Southern Aristocracy - 6. Gabby

She screamed for much longer than Colin had suffered his pain. I watched her writhe in agony. Her eyes shut like Colin’s had been the first time I watched him take the serum. The difference was Gabriella’s pain continued and just got worse!

“Jesus, Colin!” I shook my head. “Is it working?”

He nodded, but as looked at his daughter the tears came without stopping now. He was hurting as his daughter hurt, but he had to. “Yes.” He sobbed. “If I don’t, she remains what she is.” He looked at me. “The serum has to begin in the heart. That’s why I had to give her the serum directly in her heart first. What’s happening is her heart’s starting to wake up and it will beat again and move…” he waved at her. “…that sludge in her body again.” He looked at me. “It must be done. It takes a while before her organs will work again even a fraction of what it used to in the beginning. It will get better and her organs will come back.” Then he smiled sadly. “It will never come back fully, but come morning, she will find her hunger is gone.”

I understood he had to do it, but knowing it was not the same as seeing it. “How long before she can go outside?”

“Day after tomorrow for a few minutes, it will be about a week before she can go outside for a long time.” He pointed to the cooler. “That contains more than food. The serum works but takes time to get evenly in a person’s system.”

I nodded. “If you need me to, I’ll go get more food.”

He laughed a little, but he was still crying. “You will have to.” He chuckled. “You know me.” He looked again at his daughter. “Tomorrow, I’ll reintroduce her to real food.”

I watched as she continued to squirm. “If she has the sort of appetite you do, I’ll have to.”

He shook his head. “Not at first. As her system comes back, she will have difficulty at first and I’ll give her more as she gets back to some level of normalcy.” He smiled at her and then looked at me again. “What I’d love is for us to arrange a shower or bath. Maybe some clothes?”

That was quite an order. My mind went through what I could do. “Freshwater, a tub?” I thought out loud. “The clothes I can get. Soap and shampoo?”

Colin nodded with a smile. “Can you do that?”

I nodded. “I can’t guarantee hot water, but let me work on it.”

Colin nodded as he moved his hand over to her face where she still was in pain. He looked at me. “This will take a few hours. Then she will rest.” He touched her hair, which I didn’t even want to get near, but she was his child. Then he smiled bigger. “See?” He pointed to her throat where I saw the slight movement. A pulse was beginning. “It’s working.”

I nodded with a smile. “I’d better get busy!”

Colin walked over and took me in his arms as he wrapped them around me. “You’d better wait until morning. She might not be the only vampire here. She was living here, so who knows if who made her is out there or others that were made by the same vampire who turned me or Gabriella. There could be more made by Gabriella, just…wait, please?”

I nodded. “Sure.” Then stupid me remembered my phone. “Of course!” I had one of those phones with the internet on it. I used it mostly to check my email, find somewhere I needed to go and then get directions to those places. “I’ll look and see what I can do.”

He chuckled. “I knew you would.” He leaned in and kissed me. “Thank you.”

I ran my hand over his face. “I like you, Colin. I know I work for you, but I feel we’re moving from boss and employee. At least I hope you consider me a friend now.”

He moved his head next to mine as his lips brushed my face. “We are friends.” He moved away a little to look in my eyes. “You’ve been amazing. I knew there was something special about you.” Then he grinned. “This makes things a little more difficult.” His comment was serious as he got a stern look.

His remark surprised me. “What are you talking about? What’s difficult?”

He pressed his lips to mine again kissing me and I could sense the feeling he had for me. “It’s nearly impossible NOT to fall in love with you now.”

The chuckle just came out of me. “I’m so sorry about that. You’re an amazing man, Colin. How can I not fall in love with you?” I pointed out the irony.

“See? We have a problem.” Colin grinned, then he sighed dramatically, only to be dramatic. “But we’ll just have to deal with it.”

“I look forward to it.” Then I pushed him lightly away. “For now, look after Gabriella and let me work!” I said mockingly cross.

Colin looked at Gabriella. “We’ll move her tomorrow night.” He looked around this basement. “I’ll look for something we can use.” His hands rested on his hips as he looked. “She lived here a long time. I used to know what was down here in the basement.” He looked back at me. “She won’t be awake for a while and even when she wakes up, she’ll need rest.” He smiled. “The first real sleep she’s had in a century.”

I looked up from my search on the web. “Another question?”

Colin looked at me sideways with his eyebrows risen, god I loved that. “You need to ask permission now!?”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s polite!” I shot.

He smiled. “And we Southerners are always polite.”

I nodded laughing. “Just like when people hear, bless your heart. What we really are saying is, you stupid bastard or even dumbass.”

He laughed more heartily. “That’s right. So, what’s your question?”

I sighed. “This whole dead and undead thing. Your heart wasn’t beating you said. Hers wasn’t beating and now it is. You were dead, but you moved and you did breathe.”

“You have to breathe to make sounds. We used air to talk or growl or…you know.” Colin said sitting in a chair near me. “As Doctor Holm explained to me. What happened to Gabriella and me was more like…a virus or infection. No, our hearts pretty much stopped. Yet the body function centers there. Vampirism was the means of any flow of what I can describe as sludge. The sludge is dark and it looks the color of coagulated blood. Vampirism is the reason it flows. Yet, to exist, we need living blood to feed vampirism. That’s where the hunger comes from and fangs to get the blood.” He looked at his daughter who was still moaning. “I know the hunger she spoke about.” He looked sadly at her. “I know her suffering. It’s such a strong…compulsion…the hunger. It’s irresistible.” He looked away from me, again the shame on his face. “Taking a life was all you thought about.” He waved at her and her bloodstained dress. “I can see she fed. I dread finding out what she did, but I know it wasn’t her fault. Killing a vampire, they are right about sticking a stake in the heart. That is the center of function. Sunlight will also kill. Now that her heart is beating again, the organs will function again and she will again become warm, sweat and even cry when needed.” He shook his head. “It won’t be an easy transition.”

I moved closer to him. “But she has you. You’re her father and you’ve been through it. Who can help her through this more than you?” My hand stroked his back just before we began looking around.

As I looked around, I saw that whatever Wentworth Manor had been. It had been huge. This basement was below a house that was a very good size. I couldn’t understand how people missed this place. I didn’t know it was here. My mother didn’t even know about the property until Colin called to buy it. I also did realize what was here. There were things down here that had to have been expensive and now even more so as they became antiques. Furniture, pottery as in vases and other things like that. I even found some crystal things from candlesticks to plates.

“Colin.” I began making him look. “We need to get most of this out of here. A lot of this is valuable!”

He nodded. “I am surprised it’s all here, but yes, we will.” Then he let out a little cry of victory. “Yes!” He began tossing things out of something. “I found an old tub!”

I went over to him. It was an old cast iron tub, but it was filthy! It had been down here a long time and filled with other things. “I’ll find water.” Then I grinned. “Surrounded by water on this island, but it’s not really good for bathing. In the morning, I’ll get some fresh water. I’ll cancel the crew today so we won’t be disturbed, but this basement needs to be secured. The workman that found it knows about it, but it needs protecting.”

Colin nodded. “You’re right.” He smiled again. “Do you know who to call?”

I gave a mocking shocked look. “Don’t start doubting me now!”

He laughed patting me on the arm. “Sorry. Just checking.”

Later he found a trunk that had some clothes that were still well preserved. It was shortly after that she made a sound, but she wasn’t in pain. Colin raced over to her.

“Gabriella.” He said softly touching her face. “Can you hear me, Gabby?” He grinned at her. “Wake up, Sweetie.”

I watched as her eyes fluttered and at last opened. I was happy to see that her eyes no longer had that dead look. Where it had been dry and had no reflection, now there was a little moisture and some light reflected now. She turned her head, looking at Colin. “Daddy!?”

Colin nodded pulling a chair over and sat by her. “Yeah, Gabby. It’s Daddy.”

She ran her hands over her face as tears were trying to come out, but there wasn’t enough yet. “Daddy!!” She tried to sit up, but couldn’t yet. Instead she groaned, but she sounded more like a person. A human person.

“Easy, Sweetie.” Colin crooned. “It’s okay. You’re going to be stiff a while. Your strength has to come back.” He shook his head. “You’re not there yet.”

She shook her head. “I’m not dreaming? You’re really here!”

Colin nodded. “Yes, I’m really here.” Then I watched as he bent down and kissed her on the cheek, which only a father could do as I saw how horrible she looked right now. That was love. “I promise you, I’ll never leave you again.”

As I said before, the odd thing was she didn’t look much younger than Colin. My understanding was he was turned in 1851, she must have been turned a decade or so later, but she knew who he was and he knew her! It was sweet…in a gruesome sort of way. She needed to be cleaned up. I looked at my watch. “Well, the sun’s up.” I grinned. “I’d better go up and get the water and things. I’ll be back.”

Colin nodded reaching over taking my hand before I got anywhere, bringing me closer. “Again. Thank you.”

I smiled. “Not a problem.” And I was about to walk off, but he kept hold of my hand and pulled me into a kiss. I almost pulled away. He did it right in front of his daughter. Did she know her father was…gay!? If she didn’t, she did now! Looking at her, I didn’t see anything but relief. Was it relief she was feeling because she wasn’t hungry for blood or happy to have her father back. Maybe she didn’t give a damn he may or may not love me, a man! I was the one shocked, not either Colin or Gabriella. “Now. Stay put! I’ll get the water, something to clean the tub, shampoo, and soap.” I looked at Colin with a slight knowing grin. “I know we have food, but shall I get something for you? A lot of something?”

Colin chuckled and looked at Gabriella. “You’ll be surprised at how good food tastes now. In a few minutes, I’ll get you to try something. It will take a few days, but you’ll be eating again.”

She smiled. “I almost can’t remember.” She chuckled as she rubbed her stomach. “I’m just happy not to have those horrible desires and that hunger.”

Colin nodded understanding. “I know.” Then he looked at her. “I warned you. It hurts a lot! Once a day you and I will have to take the serum or become that horrible creature again. I’ve lived for almost twenty years in the world. Walking in the sunshine, eating good meals…” he chuckled holding his arm up. “…getting a tan even!”

She chuckled but was very tired. “Is there water? It’s been a while, but I think I’m thirsty.” Then she smiled. “I mean for water, not blood.” She looked as Colin got up to get water. “You go through the agony every day?”

Colin nodded pulling a bottle of water out of the cooler. “Yes, but it gets shorter the longer you’re on it.” He came back with the water. “My pain now is about five minutes. The trick is, you know it’s coming and just…” he shrugged. “…put up with it.”

“That’s okay.” She nodded. “That was pretty bad last night. When can I go outside? I’d like to see the sun.”

“That will be tomorrow morning. You will be able to see and be in the sun for a few minutes. It might be uncomfortable, but you won’t burn. As time passes, you can do it all day!” He grinned laughing at her. “I have! I’m proof!” He said as he put the bottle to her lips and she drank. At first, it was a little sip, but as the moisture hit her, she suddenly took gulps. “Whoa there, Gabby. There will be more. Give what you’ve drunk a chance to get in you.”

Okay, I’m gay, but I never considered myself anything but a regular guy who happens to like having a male as a companion. Nothing drastically different…and then I noticed my vision blurring. Was I crying? I inwardly groaned. I was turning into a big gay marshmallow. I shrugged. No crime here with having emotions or expressing them. It was touching and I was touched! Sue me. The next hours were very busy for me. I called the crew telling them to hold off until tomorrow to continue clearing the Kudzu and things. I knew who to call about securing the basement, but I didn’t fully trust anyone with this job so I went into town and bought some little cameras to place in the basement that would remain hidden even from the security. No one would take a thing from here. I got a truck that delivered water in huge tanks and told them it was needed to clean some things. They were to deliver it and leave the tanks. We could heat the water outside, using what remained of the fireplaces. Getting shampoo and soap that was needed and got that. I even bought what I assumed was a nice dress. I wasn’t a drag queen, but I thought it would look nice. It would be a hell of a lot better than what she was wearing the past century. Then I hit my own head remembering... “Mom.” I’d forgotten to call her. I was busy! I quickly dialed.

“Oh, thank God!” Mom said in relief not even saying hello. “Are you okay? You didn’t come home last night.”

“I was busy and forgot. I’m sorry. Colin and I stayed at Wentworth Manor last night. There is a lot of valuables down in that basement! We had to stay.”

I heard Mom chuckle. “Colin, is it?” She knew about my…gayness. “You know he’s your boss? You’re a grown man and it’s none of my business, but are you being careful. There are dangerous diseases out there.”

I chuckled to myself. “There sure is.” I thought about his disease…or condition…whatever! “I’m careful.”

“And he is returning this affection?” She asked.

“He is,” I admitted. “You were smitten with him, too! I’m not immune!”

She let out a little growl. “It figures though. He’s gay.”

I gave a shrugging nod she couldn’t see. “Well…he had a daughter, so let’s say he played for both teams.”

“Then you need to be doubly careful.” She warned.

I grinned at her always being the mother. That was her job! “I know and I will.” I chuckled. “Now, I’ll be in touch. We’re staying at Wentworth again tonight. Security is coming after that and we must store what’s here somewhere else. So, understand when I say, I’ve got to go. Very busy, Mom.” I smiled. “But I’ll tell you this, we’ll go out to eat. You, me, Colin and I’ve just met another person in his family. Hopefully, she can go, too.” Then I smiled. “But don’t be surprised when they eat a lot. I’ve not seen Gabriella eat, but if she’s like Colin, it will be kind of shocking!”

“Really?” Mom said as I could hear her happiness. “They’re big eaters.”

“As I said, Colin is.” Then it was my turn to growl. “And he doesn’t gain an ounce! I’ll talk later, okay?”

But Mom had one more thing to say. “You sound very happy. I hope it all works out. We’ll talk later.”

The water truck delivered the tanks and I used an old metal tub to heat the water and took it down to the basement. I cleaned the cast iron tub as best I could. It was a few minutes later I saw Colin take his serum again. Knowing what he would face, I wasn’t as shocked, but it still hurt me to see him in pain. As usual, he just sat and let it happen, but five minutes later, he seemed fine again.

“I have another day!” Colin said as his breathing eased.

“Will you have to order more? Now that she’s on the serum and you’re taking the serum…it will run out.”

He nodded. “I know where to get it. I’m way ahead of you.”

I chuckled. “Of course, you are.”

He shrugged and looked at Gabriella. “Don’t worry about her, she will have no fangs or appetite for blood now.” He glanced at his cellphone. “I have an extra battery in the car. I’ll be right back.” He said running up the stairs.

I turned as Gabriella let out a sound, but it was a satisfying sound of contentment.

“Good morning,” I said smiling at her. She looked more human as the hours had passed. She was just…dirty.

I had filled the tub, added the hot water and then turned. “If you want; your bath is ready.” I bowed smiling. I waved toward a section we had put up so she could bath in solitude. “I have shampoo, soap and even a dress for you. Sorry if it’s not the right size or color…”

Gabriella laughed as she rose from the couch. “After a hundred years in this!?” She waved over herself her voice was almost normal now. “A burlap sack would be welcome.” She looked at me with a smile. “You have been such a help! How long have you known my father?”

I looked away a little. “Maybe a week or so.”

She smiled with a nod. “He falling in love with you, you know?”

I grimaced. “Don’t tell me you read people, too.”

She laughed. “It’s so obvious! It’s written all over his face!”

“And that doesn’t bother you? It was punishable in the nineteenth century!” I said incredibly. “Wasn’t it?”

She nodded. “It was, but Daddy was honest with me and mother. He liked mother and they got along well, but he said he could only love a man.” She shrugged. “Who was I to judge? He’s a good man and he deserves love. If that means you…good.”

Colin came down the stairs. “Hi, Gabby!”

She almost went to him but stopped as she looked down. “I’ll hug you later. First, I need a bath!”

I grinned as she went behind the partition to do just that. Looking at Colin I pulled him close to me. “Gabby?”

He chuckled as he nodded. “She was always a talker. As soon as she could make sounds it was nonstop.” He shrugged. “She was a gabber, she was named Gabriella, it just made sense to make that her name.”

“I can hear you both!” She said in a sing-song voice and laughed. “That’s how I knew he was real. He was the only one to call me Gabby.” We heard her remove her clothes. “There’s some hot water in a few buckets back here.”

“To wash off before you get in,” I explained logically. “You can even wash your hair before…you wash your hair!”

She laughed delighted. “You are a smart man, Devon. That is your name if I’m remembering, right?”

“Devon McGee,” I said clarifying.

I heard her pour some water, I assumed over herself. “I can see why Daddy loves you.” Water on the floor would dry.

Colin looked surprised at her candor. “Gabby.” He said in a warning tone, but not angry. “Don’t be saying things I haven’t even said!”

She laughed even harder. “Please, Daddy.” Then she growled a groan. “Oh, my god, my hair! It’s full of shit!!”

“Gabby!” Colin said in shock. “Language.”

She laughed again. “You’ve said a lot worse.” She said as I heard the water pour again. “Augh!” She said again disgusted. “I might need more hot water.” A bare arm held a now empty bucket. “I have the water in the tub, but I need more rinsing before I get in.”

“Coming right up,” I said running upstairs to get the water. It was good I made plenty. When I got downstairs again I heard Colin and Gabriella talking.

“…and you’ll find the time will be shorter,” Colin said as I heard more water pour from a remaining bucket. “But it works.” He shook his head. “It’s just not a cure. We’ll always be…what we were.”

“But we’re not what we were.” She sighed as I heard someone sink into the water. “Oh, this is just Heaven!” She said luxuriating in the water. “I’m staying in until the water is cold, just so you know.”

Colin chuckled. “We have more. Enjoy it.” He went to the cooler. “But you might want to come out and try some real food for a change.”

“Oh, that’s just mean,” Gabriella said irritated. “Just give me a few more minutes.”

“Don’t worry. Take your time.” Colin said happily as he turned to me and he was very happy. His face would split if he smiled more. “She’s alive!”

I grinned walking up to him as my arm went around him. “I’m glad.”

When she got out…I couldn’t believe it. She was gorgeous! Her hair was wet and needed…whatever women did to their hair, but the dress I gave her was a little large, but didn’t hide she had a very nice figure. Her hair was dark like Colin’s, but her mother was dark headed in the picture I saw, so I couldn’t say whose hair hers came from. The most important thing was…she looked human again. She smiled at her father.

“Daddy!” She hurried over hugging Colin tightly. “I thought you were dead. I never knew what happened to you.” She and Colin shared an embrace I knew would be a while. I saw this was going to be a father and daughter moment and went quietly upstairs.