December 4th, 2012
"Now, you listen to me." His breathy words were interrupted by the loud screams and yells from beyond the darkened alleyway. "Stay here and don't move until I get back to you, okay?"
"Aubrey-"
"Just Do as I say, Onika!" He gripped her upper arms a little more firmly and lowered her down to the floor as she nodded slowly, not wanting to give in to the tears. "I promise I'll come back and find you. Both of you." At the mention of another person she looked down at her small, rounded belly.
"Please, don't leave us?" Her whispered and teary plea made him weak. Just seeing her huddled vulnerably into the bricked corner was killing him.
"I have to, you know I do." After kissing her forehead he rested his hand on her bump. "I promise you, I'll be back." He lay the blanket over her trembling body before stepping away from the love of his life. The pure terror was visible in her eyes as he took a few steps back. He wanted to remember their life as they were before. Not now. Not like this. Once he reached the end of the alleyway he turned back for one last look. He had to be quick, for the sake of his girlfriend and their unborn child.
Since the early 1900's humans and Vampires had been living together quite harmoniously and Nicki and Drake's lives as Vampires were pretty much perfect. Up until now that is. A few days ago, after weeks of debate, a new law was introduced to the whole of America. This law stated that any Vampire child born from hereon would be euthanised without consent and the parents separately imprisoned on the Hirschi islands for the rest of their immortal days. They could only blame their kind for it though. Although they themselves chose to abide laws and live peacefully with humans there were others who weren't as compliant as they were, which is why this new law was set into motion. A law which now made Nicki and Drake criminals for she was five months pregnant with their first child.
Racing as inconspicuously as he could, Drake made his way through the rioting crowds filling the street. They could be so stupid sometimes, Vampires that is. Never seeing the full picture and always racing in to fight and defend themselves. Too proud to run away from a fight but not Drake though. Had he been alone in this world he would undoubtedly fight tooth and nail in his defence but Nicki couldn't fend for herself, not in her pregnant state. Running away was their answer and luckily for them he had connections in high places. Turning the corner sharply he dodged the trashcan fires and jumped the high-wire fence, landing perfectly on the other side. He was meeting an officer here. An old colleague who owed him a huge favour.
"I was startin' to think you wasn't gon' show. Took your time." Reaching his white pudgy hand out Drake shook it gratefully.
"I had things to straighten out, sorry. We need to leave, tonight."
"We?"
"I got Nicki hidin' a few streets down. She's pregnant."
"Shit." He leant back on one foot and wrinkled his brow. "So y'all need me to get you outta here?"
"I'm depserate. You know I would never ask otherwise?"
"Chill, I owe you anyway. I got this." He reassured him and ashed his cigarette out on the ground. "There's a boat leavin' the southern dock in about an hour. You reckon you can get there?"
"We have to. There ain't no 'ifs' about it."
"It's full of cargo but I reckon there'll be a couple other stowaways with y'all."
"Where's it headed?"
"New York. Y'ever been there?"
"Never and honestly I'ont care where the fuck it takes us. We just need to get away from here."
"Son, I understand this is probably pretty damn scary for you both but the law is stated across America. Even in New York this kid of yours isn't gon' be acceptable."
"I know, I know." He rubbed his head frustratedly. "It's somethin' else I'm runnin' from here, I'll figure out what to do next once we get to New York."
"Oh yeah, I heard about that lil'...Misunderstandin' o' yours." He raised his brow and scanned Drake's face for an answer. "What exactly happened?"
"It was nothin' more than a good swing! And I had good reason as well!"
"It's a different issue with you though, you're one of them. You're dangerous."
"That don't mean shit, Harlan and you know it." He spoke through gritted teeth, giving Harlan a glimpse at the exact reason why Vampires are so dangerous. "So you're sayin' if a big ol' dude had his fuckin' hands runnin' all over yo' girl you wouldn't mind?"
"I never said that." He spoke calmly reminding Drake that although he was a human he was on his side. "I'm just sayin' that takin' a big ass Vampire swing at an officer ain't the smartest move you coulda made." Drake remained silent, knowing Detective Harlan was right. "Now, you know I'mma stand behind you on no matter what, you saved my kid's life. I'm forever indebted to you for that."
Drake nodded, remembering the night he rescued the young boy from the frosty waters edge. He had no clue that the father of the child was a highly accomplished detective.
"I'll go sort things out, just be sure you're there by 10pm. That boat ain't gon' wait on you or your pregnant woman."
"Nicki." Drake's nostrils flared at the disrespect being shown. Police officers had this unconscious ability to act as though they were at the top. They could never be. Not with all these Vampires patrolling the streets.
"Sorry, son. Y'know I ain't mean nothin' by it. I just-"
"I get it. You're a Police officer and what I'm doin' is wrong but wouldn't you wanna do the same for your family?"
"That, and the fact that you saved my boy, is the only reason I'm helpin' you out. You ain't like the others and I'm assumin' your mate is the same" He moved back over to his car door, ready to get in. "See you at 10pm, the southern dock and don't be late."
"Harlan, you're a life-saver."
"No more of one than you." He winked and gave him a smile before letting his old little self into the vehicle as Drake headed back to Nicki, hoping that she was still okay.
The journey back to her was more hectic since the streets were now overflowing with police and various other protestors. He couldn't believe his eyes, it was barbaric. Not only Vampire versus police but it seemed everyone was fighting anyone who crossed their path. He needed to get Nicki out of here, now. Somehow managing to keep to himself he dodged the street wars and slid silently back into the alleyway. The opening was pretty dark and small, he could only just fit through.
"Nic?" He weaved in and out of the rubble and garbage littering the pathway until he reached the very end. She was still there, nestled up in the corner. "Nicki?"
"Aubrey?" Lifting her head up as she whispered she couldn't help but cry when she saw him.
"I told you I'd be back." He smiled sweetly and grabbed her hands, trying to keep things calm. "I need to go pick up a couple things from the apartment, I want you to stay here."
"No. No, I'm not lettin' you go again." Attempting to stand up she stopped suddenly when she felt him holding her down.
"It's too dangerous out there. I figured out a way to get us to the docks but we have to be quick. So, while I go get these things I want you to get ready to leave, a'ight?"
"I'm so tired." Obviously not referring to actual fatigue she rested her taloned hands on her belly. The farther on she got in her pregnancy the weaker she got, so ideally they needed to be on the move already.
"I know you are, babe." He kissed the hand that was still in his grasp. "But I got a surprise for ya." He grinned as best he could in such a situation, his heart warming when he saw her dimples appear faintly.
"A surprise?"
"Yeah."
"What is it?"
"Where's the one place you've always wanted to go but never had the chance to?" He watched her face as she thought.
"New York?"
"Bingo." Laughing at her tired yet excited grin he continued talking. "We're goin' to New York, can you believe that?"
She shook her head lightly before speaking. "Like a vacation?"
"Exactly like a vacation, babe. I promise."
...
