'I'm A Perfect Devil' (LDL)

6. Grateful For You

     Claudia turns around on the cushioned stool after looking into the vanity mirror. She smiles brightly up at me and I simply had to return one.

     Suddenly her face goes blank with shock and she shoots up quickly. Her face now turns into an excited expression.

     "I've just heard them come into the house!" She beamed and skipped away quickly out of the room and down the steps.

      After a few months of living in the flat Louis wanted a real house for us all so Lestat bought one. We have been here in this big home for over a year now. Just close enough to the city. 

     I turn to look at myself in the mirror to see if I appear alright.

     All my life I walked with my eyes down but now I've grown to understand that I was much more than an object to be given away for money.

      Now I can look at myself in confidence and not be ashamed that I was mute for years. Now I speak like I've spoken all my life. Nothing ever held me back. 

     I'm wearing one of my favorite dresses. It's a nice soft material like a night tunic. It's been dyed a light peach color. The sleeves only come down to my elbows to expose my freckled arms. The neckline doesn't reveal too much which is great for my taste.

     I have my hair loose resting on my shoulder. Even my hair looks redder and has started to curl. My lips are covered with a nice pink gloss made by a florist out of strawberries. I have my eyelids covered in a golden shimmer made from something but I can't remember the name of it.

     I take a deep breath and exit the room to travel down the double staircase. I find my family waiting for me in the extravagant living space talking and laughing. I hear Lestat comment about all of the flowers that are scattered around the entire house.

     "Well, my Sweet, what a surprise this all is." My Lestat is the first one to notice my presence. He opens his arms for me and I gladly embraced him. I do take note of him carefully inhaling the scent of my vanilla hair. 

     "Yes dear Daphne, but what is the occasion?" Of course, curious Louis wanted to know the meaning of all my secrecy.

     "This is a very special day that I've cherished for two years. Today is the day that you Louis, made Lestat walk down a dirty alley." I say when I pull away from Lestat and go over to the brunette. Louis gave me a side hug before resting on the rose-gold sofa.

     "You practically begged Lestat to take me home. I've been trying to find a way to thank you both for saving my life." I moved away from them three so that they can all see me clearly.

     Claudia looks so happy that she might burst.

     Louis just looks at me with hopefulness. A long time ago he opened up to me and told me about the first and only woman he loved. Of course, she found out about him being a demon of the night and wished to never see him again.

     I was his redemption to make his guilt of having to lose her float away. He told me of how his brother died and there was nothing he could possibly have done to stop him from falling and hitting his head.

    Now I nod my head and look to the man who I owe everything to. The man who made me realize all that I can accomplish was worth the harsh pain I'd been through with Papa.

     Lestat is gaping at me. He looks to be in pain. I get concerned and step toward him.

     "What's wrong?" I try to reach out to him but all he does is back away from me.

     The pain of rejection fills my chest as I lower my outstretched hand. Before I can get another word out Lestat walks around me and up the stairs. He didn't even look behind me.