Tina sat mesmerized by Bette’s account.  “Do you want to take a break Bette?” It was almost a whisper.

“NO! No, I don’t please I just want to get it out.”

“Ok.”

“I couldn’t help them.  I continued to struggle but it felt like I was under water with weights tied to my limbs.  I couldn’t move.  Aiden continued to restrain me with ease.  He whispered in my ear to stop moving, he didn’t want to hurt me.  I almost felt like laughing.  A broken limb would be welcomed compared to the fate my friends had just received.  He twisted me around and looked in my eyes.”

 “ I promise I’ll do it as quickly as I can.” He knew what was coming but in my denial I still didn’t.  The older man stood above us and looked at my captor. “Now Aiden.  This is your last chance.  Remember what we spoke about.  I just did you a favor.  My two for your one.  Get it done now.”

Aiden turned me in his arms and cradled me like a baby.  He gently moved my hair from my neck.  I could see the sorrow in his eyes and I almost felt sorry for him.  He leaned over me and I could feel the coldness of his cheek.  Almost as soon as I felt the chill, his teeth impaled me.  I tried to cry out but I couldn’t.  The warmth of my body began to rush out of me.  It was like for the first time in my life I was aware of my blood and my veins and even my capillaries.  I could feel myself from the inside out.  I began to grow weak and lightheaded and then I passed out.  I remember waking up in a cold dank basement with an impatient Aiden standing above me.” 

Bette opened her eyes and put her head in her hands.  Tina didn’t know if she should try to console her.  A decision was never necessary because Bette got up abruptly and walked outside to the back patio.  Tina turned off the tape recorder and decided to follow her out.  She looked up into the night sky .  Tina walked out beside her and stood close.

“I’m sorry Bette.  I can see how difficult that was for you. I know it’s no consolation but I think we got a lot of important information that’s going to help us later on.  I know it’s a lot to ask but please just trust that I know what I’m doing.”

Bette turned to Tina and looked into her eyes for the first time in a long time this evening.  “I do trust you Tina.  I don’t really know why but there is something about you that won’t let me doubt you. I’m ok.  It’s difficult remembering the day that life, as you knew it changed forever.  But all of this brought me right here tonight.  I feel safe in your hands Tina.  I want my soul and my life back, whatever it takes.”

Tina smiled and hesitantly took Bette’s hand into hers.  The brunette looked at her as her smile spread across her face.  Tina could swear that Bette’s vampire hand felt almost warm to the touch.