Page 35 of Norah

From our viewpoint on the rooftop deck of an Upper West Side bar, fireworks explode in the distance and a cacophony of noise surrounds us. People are celebrating all around us, buzzing with excitement. It’s the first time I’ve wanted to celebrate in over five years, and I’m absorbing all the sights and sounds that I’ve been missing.

It’s chaotic, loud, and exhilarating. Scanning the surrounding space, there are couples kissing, friends cheering each other with drinks, and a few solitary strangers staring into the distance, perhaps contemplating a different sort of celebration in the year to come. It would have been me in the past. But everything has changed, all because of the man next to me.

I’m hit with a jolt of melancholy, empathizing with those people who are alone, though I don’t know their reasons. Sensing my sudden shift in mood, Ethan turns me to face him and captures my mouth with his. The kiss is rough, needy, and does as it’s intended- pulling me out of my strange little funk.I’m allowed to be happy, I remind myself.Just like everyone else does.

“You alright, baby?” He pulls away, leaving my lips damp and swollen.

“I’m good. Just thinking about the people who are alone on New Year’s Eve. I remember how it felt.”

Ethan’s eyes seem to look into me, reading my emotions. “And look where you ended up. With the world’s most incredible fiance´.” He tweaks my nose and grins at me.

“Very true.”He always knows what to say.

“So… what do you think about finishing our evening at home?” His eyebrows waggle at me suggestively, and I can’t help but laugh. “Some champagne and a special celebration in bed?”

I’ve no sooner said yes than Ethan is steering me through the crowded bar and onto the street. We walk briskly towards his apartment only a few blocks away, darting between revelers blocking the sidewalks. Every few feet he throws a glance towards me, eyes dark with desire, and the promise of what’s soon to come urges my feet to move faster.

I’m glad we selected a local bar to visit tonight, because I’m already excited, my body hot with desire. Our attraction to each other has only grown stronger. Each time we have sex, it feels more and more amazing.Can we make it to the elevator? Would that be inappropriate?I’m not sure I can make it to the bedroom at this rate.

We dash into the apartment building, giggling like love-struck high schoolers, high on the excitement of the celebratory night. Ethan can’t keep his hands off me in the elevator, but we restrain ourselves enough to get to our door. “I can’t wait to rip off all your clothes,” he growls as he fumbles with the key in the lock.

“You’d better hurry,” I reply, as we push through the door, hands tugging at each other’s clothes.

“Ahem.” The gravelly voice comes from inside the apartment, hidden by darkness, and my whole body freezes in fear.

Ethan stiffens; at once alert, protective. He growls, “You need to leave.Now.” He tries to push me behind him, but every muscle in my body has frozen. As he steps in front of me, closer to the voice, a whimper escapes me. “Norah, stay behind me,” he says in a low tone. “Don’t move.”

“It’s been a long time, hasn’t it, Norah?” A light clicks on in the living room, revealing the face from my nightmares.

I’m terrified, panicked, brain short circuiting in fear. Shakes overtake my entire body as all my terrible dreams find life right in front of me. I want to say something, anything; to tell Ethan to run, but I can’t. My ability to form words has deserted me.How is he here? Why? Please, no, go away.

I feel Ethan’s hand reach for me, pull me up against his side, arm wrapping around me like a vise. He whispers to me, harsh and low. “Norah, get out your phone and call 911. Then get out of here.”It’s too late for that; my dark voice returns to whisper triumphantly.It’s too late now.

Ethan’s eyes flick to me, then back to glare at the man who has haunted me for years. “Who are you? And why are you here?”

“Oh,” the voice says, “I’m Frederick. Perhaps Norah has mentioned me.”

Frederick walks forward, and my horrified brain cries out.God no, not Ethan. Not him. No, please, no.My mental cry ends in a shout, allowing words to spill from me at last. “Stop! Don’t hurt him!”

His hated face spreads into a smile. “Norah, I have no desire to hurt either of you. I’m here to talk.”

Ethan’s eyes remain on Frederick, but he glances at me with concern.I have to keep him safe. Leaning towards Ethan, I hiss, “You need to run. I’ll distract him and you can get away.”

“Are you crazy?” He gapes at me in horror. “I’mnotleaving you.”

Then I’ll make him.I have to. I grab Ethan’s arm and yank him backwards towards the door, using all of my strength. He struggles against me as I reach towards the doorknob.Almost there…

In a whooshing blur, Ethan and I are back in front of the couch, and Frederick is in front of the door, guarding it. He gives me an admonishing look and shakes his head. “No one is leaving yet, Norah. We have business to attend to.”

I can’t miss the expression of betrayal on Ethan’s face. “I’m sorry,” I whisper. “Youknowwho he is, what hedoes. I don’t want you to be a part of it.”

His expression softens, and he says, “I know, but Iam. And I’m with youno matter what.” Then tensing his jaw, Ethan looks at Frederick and asks, “What do you want?”

Frederick’s smile broadens. “It’s time.”

“Time forwhat?” Ethan’s voice is a snarl.

“I’ve been watching and waiting, Norah. And it’s finally time. You’re going to change your love into a vampire, just like us.”

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