6. Forever Waltz


Like most people, I woke slowly to the sound of chirping. On opening one eye, I squint and tried to make out the hands on the clock above my head.

9 O'clock in the evening, precisely.

If only I could have another 15 minute's, I'd be ready for the night ahead but those damned chirping bats were really hard to un-notice once you heard them. Oh well! I may as well get about my business. With tired arm's, I reached out and pushed the silk lined lid of my sleeping coffin up and listened to the long drawn out creak of their hinges.

When I was a younger Dracula I would have emerged from my coffin in dramatic fashion. I would have risen with my hands and cloak wrapped around my chest and floated up as if the heels of my shoes were hinged to the floor. Now though, I sit up with an equally loud creak in my spine, as the vertebra pop back into place. I groan and growl much more often these days. My knees fared no better as I claw my way up to my feet. Aarghh! It's time's like this I really feel my age!

My coffin-room was dark, damp and nicely alive. As all good cellars should be. The floor was covered in a carpet of worms, squeezed out from between the gaps of the slabs. All the tiny creatures mixed with my home soil I had scattered everywhere. Spiders climbed the walls and wove web after web, in the corners. Above me, those damned loud chirping bats hung upside down and as I stared at them accusingly, they looked away sheepishly and quietened down.

"No, don't pretend you didn't realize I was asleep. It's too late now, you have woken me already!"

Although I can see well enough even in total darkness, I still like the flickering of candles or the crackle of a good log fire and so with a click of my fingers three candles in a candelabra, sprung to life. Now to get dressed. Again, in my younger years I would have gone to rest wearing full regalia, but now I sleep in comfort and nothing is as comfy as a night shirt and coffin socks.

Beneath the stairs that led up to the ground floor, I had a large mahogany wardrobe placed. It too had made the long journey from Wallachia. It had been easier to bring the whole thing full of my clothing than to pack numerous trunks. This way I don't have to iron anything before I wear it, just straight off the rail.

In the blink of an eye, I was changed and on the hanger hung my night clothes. Over by the large iron grate in the floor was a small table, on top of which sat a pitcher and bowl full of ice-cold water and a towel neatly folded with the initials RD embroidered in the corner. After quick freshen up I lifted up the small hog bristled brush and methodically scrubbed my teeth, paying special attention to my two elongated canine teeth.

Canine! For Devil sake, who in Heaven would use a lupine word for human or Vampire teeth. Yes, I know that they are scientifically called incisors but who actually uses that term. No one, that's who. So with indignant brush strokes, I cleaned my elongated 'incisors'

My final touches were to brush my long blonde locks, make sure I had spare change in my pockets – just in case, slip on my shiny black brogues and to make sure they were tied properly. There is nothing more embarrassing than to accost an unsuspecting victim, moving towards them with your Mesmer-stare in full flow and suddenly you fall flat on your face. Then as you drag yourself up, to ask your victim to be patient as you double up the knots on your footwear. And yes, this has happened to me! So Embarrassing!

So far I have corrected, denounced and debunked many rumors, myths, and facts that have been wholly or partially untrue regarding Dracula's and the Draculesti family line, but let me reassure you that I will admit here in these pages things that are commonly known to be true and are in fact, true!

And the first myth that I can here confirm, is our inability to cast a reflection in any reflective surface. Why is that you ask, I don't have a clue, is my simple answer. I'm sure there are many explanations to be had but none I can confirm or agree with. I simply don't reflect, physically. Mentally, I reflect on everything.

Although it gets little use, the mirror on the door of my wardrobe has always been there and so I stand in front of it checking my outfit, which does reflect. I smooth my cloak, straighten my bowtie and place a neatly folded handkerchief in my breast pocket.

Now I am ready to seize the night, so to speak!

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A quick inspection of the house revealed that things were in order. Fires were lit, as were all the candles. The windows in both the dining and drawing room were wide open to allow the nights breeze in. A bottle of Chardonnay and a crystal goblet had been placed upon the mantle very recently, indicated by the moisture now beginning to trickle down the bottle. Noreen had done all that I had asked of her and more. I heard footsteps tapping along on the tiled floor behind me. I turned to watch as Noreen, in a red flowing dress, made her grand entrance. Stunning, absolutely stunning! As was the smile on her face as she looked and walked my way.

"Ah! Master, you are awake. I hope you had a good and peaceful sleep"

Noreen, with a napkin draped over her arm, handed me the glass and offered to pour the Chardonnay. Now sat cross-legged by the window, I held up my glass and watched as she expertly relieved the bottle of its cork and poured the fragrant wine to the glasses brim. First, I inhaled the aroma and then I took a sip with a slurp to release the flavor. Noreen waited eagerly for my response and was ecstatic when I told her it was excellent.

I do like good wine in the early evening, it sets me up for my later activity's and readies my pallet for the evening's main course. With one swift tip of the glass, I drank it empty and with abandonment, I threw the glass hard into the fireplace. Noreen jump at the sudden violence and with glee began to clap.

"Bravo, bravo master!"

Now unpacked, my gramophone had been placed on the sideboard, along with the leather carry case containing my record collection. With deft fingers, I unbuckle the case, extract a record of choice and gently place it on the turntable. All without causing a single scratch with my rather sharp nails. As I called Noreen to me, I cranked up the turntable, lowered the needle onto the record and held out my hand.

"Do you like to dance, my sweet pea ?"

Noreen practically ran and jumped into my arms "Yes, I love to dance"

The record revolved, the needle crackled and the music began. With my arm around her waist and her hand in mine, I led the way. The orchestra burst into life and a Waltz filled the room. I concentrated on my feet, Willing them to move slowly, so Noreen could keep up.

Around and around we spun, care free and fancy-free. We stepped lightly. Noreen laughed with abandonment and I smiled at her glowing beautiful face. We danced faster and faster, we spun and spun round and round. Without a care, we rose up into the air, higher and higher until we danced around the chandelier. We giggled and guffawed, but at last the record slowly scratch to the end and we descended and finally, both the Gramophone and ourselves came to rest.

Noreen, flushed and smiling, hugged me and asked,

"Please take me with you into the long night, master"

I had never before met anybody like this beautiful young woman. Not in all my years upon this earth and I couldn't think of a single reason why I shouldn't do as she bid.

With my free hand I lifted her long dark tresses and with a precise strike, I plunged my fangs into her neck. She was so sweet, so intoxicating and I knew then that she had to be mine forever. FOREVER!

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