Awakening

"Need any help?” I turned around and saw a tall man standing behind me. I was at the bar trying to get the bartender's attention for the last 20 mins. It was really busy and the bar was crowded. The bartender seemed overwhelmed with all the people yelling at him. I'm a quiet person, and not very good at getting people's attention. So, I was just waiting for the bartender to get to me. I wasn't in a rush, but after 20 mins, I was definitely getting impatient.

"No, I'm good. Thank you!” I said to the man, meeting his eyes and suddenly feeling entranced. He had deep burgundy brown eyes, that kind of sparkled. His eyes were rimmed with thick eyelashes. He was pale with light brown wavy hair and had a neatly trimmed beard that accentuated his full lips. He seemed to be in his late 20's or early 30's. It was hard to tell exactly. But he was a gorgeous man. He looked at me with a smile, that turned into a smirk by my response.

“You seem to need help. You've been standing there for 20 minutes and the bartender hasn't even looked your way.” I was able to detect a hint of humor, over all of the noise at the bar. I turned toward him slightly and gave him a look with a raised eyebrow that was all sass.

"No... I'm good.” I said again, emphatically. I don’t know why I was so resistant to him. He was a very handsome man, very tall. I had to tilt my head a bit to look him in the eyes, and I'm almost 6 ft tall. I felt the need to walk away from him immediately. But at the same time, I was drawn to him. So naturally, I put up my defenses and stayed put. Hence my sassiness. "Wait, have you been watching me while I've been at the bar? Not at all creepy....” I said in an accusatory tone.

He laughed a little, and just looked at me straight in the eyes, his gaze penetrating. “You caught that, didn’t you?” he paused. "I couldn't help but notice you from the moment you walked into this bar.” he shrugged slightly. Turning in the direction of the bartender, hip sort of cocked to the side, and caught the bartender's eye. He stopped, looked startled, turned towards this man and immediately stopped what he was doing, mid-cocktail, and walked over to us.

I was a little shocked at how he was able to command such power with a look. Obviously, he was local, someone who knew the bartender and frequented this establishment. Maybe he was the owner. I wondered. I took advantage of having his face turned away to take a good look at him.

He really was handsome, clean cut, with broad shoulders and muscled arms. He was wearing a black collared shirt and jeans with black and white converse sneakers. I noticed the sneakers because I was also wearing the same sneakers; the classic ones.

“Are you checking me out?” He said, looking at me again with that smirk.

“Yes, I am.” I said unabashedly, and shrugged slightly. Who is this confident woman and when did she come out to play? I thought to myself. I looked him straight in the eye and said "You've been watching me for the last 20 minutes and I'm sure you have checked me out thoroughly. It's only fair that I do the same.” I finished with a sweet smile and turned towards the bartender.

“Jack, I'm so sorry I kept you waiting! Had I known you were here I would've taken care of you immediately! The usual...?” He said pulling out a key from pocket and opening a cabinet from under the bar. His tone was strange, almost scared. His hand shook when he was putting the key into the lock.

"No Russ, not tonight.” he said to the bartender pulling up his hand to stop him. "The lady here has been waiting far too long to get a drink from you. Please get her anything she wants and put it on my tab.”

"No, it's ok. I can pay for my own drink!” I said quickly. Again, feeling that instinct to resist him.

"I insist!” he said, looking at me with those strange eyes again. “Please, allow me to buy you a drink.” He paused, a little confused. “I mean no harm.” He had a strange accent. I couldn’t quite place it, but it didn’t sound local, maybe a little European.

“Ok.” I said. “Gin & Tonic, please. And a Purple Haze and a Holy Roller IPA, too.” Jack raised his eyebrows a little. “I can pay for my own drinks...” I said again.

“No, I'd like to pay for all of them. The best gin of the house, please.” he said, turning towards the bartender again. Then turned back to me as the bartender started to prepare my drink, hands still shaking. “I was hoping you could get away from your friends and we could talk a bit.”

“Umm.... I... we can talk while I wait for my drinks...” I trailed off, getting nervous now at the way he was looking at me. I can feel the flush tinting my skin and all of a sudden, I felt the need to go outside and get a breath of fresh air. Which, considering I was on Bourbon Street, and it was probably about as crowded outside as it was inside, wouldn’t really help.

Two seconds later the bartender put my drink and the two beer cans in front of me. “Here you go, hon. So sorry for the wait. Next time just call out my name.” he said with a wink. I grabbed my drink and beer cans and turned to leave when Jack gently touched my shoulder to stop me. “Please...” he said. And paused. “Tell me your name.” he commanded.

I looked at his hand on my bare shoulder, and felt the hair on the back of my neck rise at the feel of his cold hand on my skin. “It’s Marina.” I said quietly, almost like a whisper.

I was expecting him to ask me again and cleared my throat. But he just let me go and repeated kind of dreamily. “Marina...” as I turned and walked away.

“Took you long enough!” my friend James said when I approached with his beer.

“I know, sorry! It was crazy!” I laughed at his fake annoyed face.

“Who’s your new friend?” Ana said with a devilish look in her eyes. She looked over the bar and waved. As I turned and saw Jack was still watching me. “He’s cute!” She said and waved him over.

“What are you doing?” I said angrily. “He’s a weirdo, don’t call him over!”

“Oh, come on! We're on vacation! Live a little!” she said as Jack walked towards us. Well, not really walking; it was more like gliding towards us.

“Hello again, Marina.” he said standing behind me, close enough that I’m sure he heard me call him a weirdo.

“Hey. These are my friends James and Ana.” I said introducing him to my friends. “Guys this is....” I paused, not sure if I should use the name the bartender used.

“Jack. A pleasure.” he said with a wink at me.

“Hey man, nice to meet you.” James said, letting his friendly nature take over and shaking Jack’s hand.

“Hi!” Ana said enthusiastically. She had a huge smile on her face and I could just see the gears in her head turning as she imagined Jack and I together. She’s the matchmaker in the group, always trying to set me up with random guys.

“I saw you guys talking over there. Getting along?” she said with a twinkle in her eyes.

“Ana...” I groaned. I’m going to kill her! I thought to myself, but showed her exactly what I was thinking with a look.

“I wouldn’t say we were quite getting along. Marina seemed to be in a hurry to get back to you.” Jack said, looking at me again and smiling.

“Well, she got back to us. And you’re here now, so I’m sure you’ll get along great! Did you know, Jack...” she paused for effect. “Marina is actually single!” she said, acting surprised. “I don’t understand why. She’s such a catch!” She continued with a huge mischievous smile on her face.

“Is she really?” Jack said with laughter in his voice. “That seems like such a shame!” His voice had a slight musical lilt. The more he spoke the more entranced I became, and also the more I instinctively pulled away from him.

"By choice” I said with a look at Ana. She laughed and shook her head.

"I guess you're right!” she said.

“Well lucky for me.” Jack said with a twinkle in his eye. “You are a very beautiful woman. And...” He paused. “You are more than beauty; I can see it in your eyes'" he said and looked deep in my eyes. And for a moment, the world stopped.

The music stopped, the people faded away, the bar disappeared and the only thing left was him and I. It felt like the room was spinning and his gaze was the only thing holding me standing. He reached for me slowly and caressed my cheek. His hand was still cool, but soft. I unconsciously tilted my head towards his touch, and closed my eyes, breaking contact with his.

All of a sudden, the music came back, I felt the people around me and I opened my eyes to see I was back at the bar. Jack was still looking at me, and so was Ana and James.

"You ok?” James said. "Lost you there for a sec. You look pale.” He said, looking concerned.

“I'm ok...” I said, trailing off; feeling confused and unsteady. “They sure make them strong in New Orleans!” I said awkwardly laughing. “Guys, I think we should head out.” I turned towards Ana and James. Ana was giving me that look that I've seen before when she gets an idea and I'm going to be paying the consequences. "What?” I asked her.

“Actually, we're going to stay longer. Maybe Jack should walk you back to the hotel...” She said with a devilish smile.

James, as usual, looked clueless. “Wha...?” he said.

“I'm not ready to go back yet, James! But Marina isn't feeling well... so, Jack can accompany her... you know, make sure she gets to the hotel safe.” she said to him, giving a look with big eyes, trying to say 'shut up, and go with the flow'.

“Um... but we don't know Jack..." He said, uncertainly.

“James, you're an idiot...” she said, rolling her eyes.

"Well, I can speak for myself and don't need company to get to the hotel. I'm a big girl, ya know...” I said, getting annoyed with Ana's matchmaking efforts. “I'm leaving, but alone.” I said emphatically. "But first.... I gotta pee!” and turned towards the bathroom.

When I got to the bathroom, Ana was right behind me. "Gurl...” She said, very excited. "That guy is H-O-T. You gotta take advantage of the situation. We're on vacation! You're single! You need to get laid.” she said, giving me a wicked look.

“Ugh, Ana! Don't be so crude!” I said blushing. I went into the stall, half because I had to pee and half so she didn't see me blushing. “I don't know the guy; I’m not going to just jump into bed with a random dude.”

“Marina, live a little! The only person who should care what and who you do, is you. It's your choice. You don’t have to marry the guy, hell you don't have to screw him, but... go enjoy the attention, get to know him then decide if you want to screw him or not.” she shrugged and finished washing her hands.

She was actually making sense. Either that or I was drunk, but I figured she was right either way. “You're right...” I said.

"Wait... what?” Ana said, looking at me with big eyes, and with an exaggerating gasp.

"Shut up...” I said and walked back to James and Jack, who looked like they had been friends for years. They were there laughing and having a great time, which was so confusing. James is not the kind of guy that opens up to people so easily. Especially when it comes to a guy that is interested in me. He's always been very overprotective of me. Ana and James are like family to me. James was my big brother's best friend since kindergarten. And I was the annoying little sister, always hanging around, being annoying. When my brother died, James felt it was his responsibility to take his place. And like a big brother, he was always very over protective of me. The truth is my brother's death brought us closer, and he really is family to me. So, I let him be overprotective. It made him happy, and it never really bothered me.

“Ok, I'm ready.” I paused. I looked at James. He was smiling. “See you tomorrow.” Gave him and Ana, who had just walked up, a hug. Then I looked at Jack, who was standing there looking so smug. “Let's go.” I said to him and turned towards the door.

I'm crazy. I thought to myself. This is how horror movies start. Tourist meets guy at a bar, guy asks to escort girl to her hotel, naïve girl agrees, guy kills girl; hides her body in the crypts of New Orleans. I sighed.... I need to stop thinking so darkly!

“Is everything ok?” Jack asks me, while he follows me to the crowded street. He moves closer to me as we are pushed through the crowd and gently grabs my arm. I tense at his touch. "Sorry, I just don't want to lose you in the crowd.”

“No, it's ok. I'm fine.” I pull out my phone to pull up the GPS, I'm terrible with directions so I need some guidance to find my way back to the hotel. It’s pretty easy for me to lose my way in an unfamiliar place.

"You don't have to do that, you know. Just tell me which hotel you're staying in and I can take you there. This is my home; I know this town like the back of my hand” he said above the noisy crowd outside. "First thing we should do is get off Bourbon Street.”

"Oh, of course... yes, let's get away from the crowd and walk through the dark, solitary side streets. Because, you know, nothing ever happens in NOLA....” I said sarcastically. "We can stay on Bourbon Street; I think it's straight through Bourbon anyway.” I said confidently and continued walking through the crowd.

He sighed and said “Okay, whatever makes you feel safer. I'm not going to hurt you, you know.” and gave me a side look with a little smirk. “Unless that's what you want.”

“You know what? I'll let you know, Mr. Serial Killer.” I said, laughing off my nerves. I mean, he could very well be a serial killer... but my instincts told me he wouldn't hurt me. But they also told me this man was dangerous. Is that what drew me to him, his aura of danger? Jeez, I need therapy ASAP!

He moved his hand from my arm to my hand. “Ok, then. Let's go through the noise and crowd. Didn't take you for a party girl.” he chuckled a little.

“I'm not, really. But, you know, when in Rome... and all that!” I laughed a bit. “It's the Haunted Hotel by the way.”

"Really? Trying to provoke some spirits while you're here?” He looked at me with raised eyebrows.

“Actually, I'm looking to find some vampires to seduce. Maybe a warlock or two if they're handsome enough. Not really into spirits, though. They don’t have... you know, bodies.” I said laughing at my great joke. Ok, maybe not great because Jack wasn't laughing. He actually had a strange look on his face. "What? That was hilarious. Some of my best material!” I said, a little dramatic.

He laughed a little. “Careful, you never who may be listening on these streets. You may be seduced by a vampire or a warlock. They're everywhere in New Orleans.” His tone was light, but there was some seriousness laced in there too.

I gave him a side look and smiled. "Oh? If you see any, do point them out, please.” and gave him my best big eyed innocent girl look.

"Aren't you afraid?” he said in response.

“Absolutely not! I can take care of myself!” I said confidently. While I walked into the dark with a man, I didn’t know. My hands started to sweat a little bit as my nerves got the best of me. I'm sure he could tell; his hands were cold and mine were getting hotter by the minute. “Ok, Mr. Serial Killer,” I said trying to move the conversation towards humor, my best defense mechanism. "Tell me about yourself!"

“Not much to tell, really.” he said vaguely. “I've lived here for more than half of my life, I'm in the import/export business and I enjoy the occasional step into the nightlife.” He shrugged his shoulders as if to say, that's it.

"So vague and mysterious.” I said, not at all satisfied.

“Honey, you don't know the half of it.” he said in a deep tone and stopped. I stopped and turned slightly towards him. He was looking at me strangely. Like he was looking for something. His brows furrowed and he was serious. I thought he was going to kiss me and I backed away slightly, unconsciously. But he didn’t make a move. He just stood there looking at me. I knew better than to look into his eyes again for too long. I was conscious of the people around us, the music that poured out of the bars, the energy of the people around us, but it felt like everything flowed around us. Despite there being so many people on the street, no one touched us. It was like we were in a bubble. Almost like if the crowd was flowing around us, like two magnets opposing each other, we were pushing the people around us.

I stepped back from him a little more, stared at him straight in the eyes for a bit and said "Stay here.” and winked at him. I walked into the crowd still looking at Jack with a smile and was quickly swallowed by it. People started bumping into me and pushing me trying to get past me. I turned away from Jack and started walking again. I turned around and he just stood there. I shrugged and kept walking, moving away from him. Bourbon street was very crowded, by now. It was well past midnight and the party was roaring on! There were drunk people everywhere. The music was loud, people were dancing in the streets. Some people were getting very physical with each other. Beads were flying from the balconies; some guy was yelling "show me the goods!” to everyone who passed by! It was crazy! The energy was so intense, so full of life.

I was being pushed by the crowd and someone grabbed my butt. I turned around and a man was pulling me to him. "Where are you going, baby? You just found your daddy. I've got you now.” He was big and burly and very drunk. He smelled like alcohol and cigarettes and sweat. He wouldn't let go.

"Get the fuck off of me!” I said and pushed at him hard. He wouldn't budge and panic set in. He pulled me in harder, tighter. I started to panic. And all of a sudden, my instincts took over. I twisted around so I was face to face with him and kneed him, as hard as I could with the limited space I had. It wasn't very hard but it was hard enough for him to loosen his grip. I was able to wiggle away, but all of a sudden, the guy was whooshed away and slammed into the crowd.

Jack was by my side in an instant. He was livid. "You do not touch her!” he snarled, and grabbed the man by his neck with one arm, lifting him up, effortlessly. The man was easily 250 lbs., 6'3” tall and Jack lifted him up like he was a feather. “Piece of scum! You do NOT touch her!” He yelled at him. Some people stopped and turned towards us. The man was choking, his face was turning purple, his eyes were bulging.

"Stop!” I said, shakily. "You're hurting him.” Jack didn't move, didn't let go. "Jack!” I yelled in his ear and grabbed his shoulder. "Stop, please!” I said pleadingly.

He lowered his arm slowly and let the man go, who collapsed immediately gasping for air. "Who the fuck do you think you are, buddy?” a voice said. Another big burly guy moved out of the crowd and got into Jack's face. Jack gave him a look that would've scared anyone, but drunk frat boy #2 was not registering the danger he was in.

Jack growled "Don't even try it!” he said through gritted teeth.

I put my hand on Jack's shoulder and tried to push him away. He wouldn't budge, it was like pushing a boulder. I put my hand on the other guy's shoulder and pushed, he moved but he kept coming back. "Calm down!” I said and they both immediately relaxed. I felt the tension release from both of their shoulders and they moved away from each other.

Jack turned around to stare at me, looking confused. The other guy turned to his friend and was helping him off the floor.

"Let's go.” I said, grabbing Jack's hand and pulling him away from the crowd. I decided we needed to get off of Bourbon Street for a bit. I kept walking away from the crowd for a minute or two, without letting go of Jack's hand. Then I stopped when we were alone. “Are you crazy? You could've killed him! You almost did!” I yelled at him.

"He deserved it.” He said calmly. “I was protecting you.”

“I was fine, I had already pushed him off!” I said, crossing my arms and looking at him sternly.

"He touched you!” he said, getting angry again. "He groped you!” he was snarling now. He looked like a rabid beast. His face changed slightly, I pulled away slightly. Then I held my ground.

"You need to relax. It's over, you already hurt him. Let it go.” I said looking straight in his eyes.

“Okay” he said after a moment. “Let's get you safely to your hotel.” he sighed and put his hand out for me to hold it. I looked at it for a moment. “I won't bite... I promise.” he said with a wink and a smile. I hesitated and decided that at this point, what's the worst that can happen? And took his hand as we walked down the street.

We were in a more residential area, on a quieter street. I could still hear the music and people from bourbon street, and there were still people walking by, but it wasn’t crowded. It was actually very nice. It was a cloudy night but every once and a while the moon would peak out and shine down on us. I felt much more relaxed, my nerves had calmed down after my altercation. I was calm enough to think about what had happened. How did Jack lift that huge guy up like that? Or did I imagine it?

“You’re quiet. Are you ok?” Jack asked me after a while of walking in silence.

“Yeah, I’m just thinking.”

“About?”

“How did you lift that guy up? He was huge!” I said.

He chuckled nervously. “I..” he started to say and paused. “Adrenaline, I guess.” he said and shrugged. “You should’ve let me kick that asshole’s ass.” he said.

“You almost killed him. He couldn’t breathe!” I said exasperated.

“I wasn’t going to kill him... just scare him.” he said, but somehow I wasn’t convinced. He was so angry, a little scary. But I let it go.

“The architecture here is beautiful.” I said changing the subject. “I can see the French colonial influence in the balconies with the intricate, thin iron railings and the French style windows. Very beautiful. It reminds me a little of the houses in Old San Juan, which also have the same influence.”

He glanced at me with a surprise look on his face. “Didn’t you know you were an architect.”

I laughed at that. “I’m not. But I’m passionate about historical architecture so I know a few things here and there. History and art intrigue me so I’ve done my research.” We were in a corner and I noticed a building on the opposing corner. For example, that building over there. Beautiful, but I can tell that the last two floors were added later. The architectural styles are similar, but different. Still French influenced of course but the façade is slightly different on the other floors than on the first floor.

I looked at the building carefully. The more I looked at it the more uncomfortable I felt. I started feeling hot and a heaviness fell over me. It was as if something was pushing me away from the house. As strange as it sounds, it felt dark, almost evil. I started feeling dizzy so I closed my eyes and I heard a scream. I opened my eyes but I couldn’t see anyone screaming. Then I heard more screams, they were coming from the building, no... it was a house. I looked at Jack but he just looked at me confused. The screams were coming from the top of the house and then all of a sudden, they stopped.

“What is it?” He said.

"Didn’t you hear that?” I asked him.

“Hear what?” He looked at my face, searching for answers. I don’t know what he was looking for but he kept gazing into my eyes.

“I...” I paused wondering what I could say so I don’t sound crazy. “Nothing" I said, finally deciding that I must be far more drunk than I thought I was.

“You heard something, didn’t you? Tell me.” he insisted.

“I thought I heard someone screaming.” I said hesitantly. “Maybe it was someone from down the street, or maybe I imagined it.” I chuckled. “I may be having a breakdown...”

“Well, you just might be.” he said and chuckled. “That is the LaLaurie Mansion, by the way.”

“Why is that name familiar?” I wondered out loud. I had heard it before, but I couldn’t place it.

“Madame LaLaurie is famous in New Orleans. She was a rich white woman who tortured and killed her servants. And it all happened in that house.” he said as he pointed to the house we were talking about. “It's a dark place filled with negative energy. If you believe in that sort of thing.” he said with an amused smile on his face.

“Makes sense.” I said. Of course, it made sense. That was the vibe I was getting from the house. That’s why I was hearing the screams and why I felt so heavy and dark. What a minute. Why did it make sense? Since when do I pick up vibes from anything. So weird.

“What makes sense?” Jack looked at me again, confused.

“Nothing. I’m just tired.” I said. “How far are we from the hotel?”

“Not far, just around the corner.”

It was late, and he was drunk. His friends had abandoned him a while ago after he was almost killed by that crazy guy over on Bourbon Street. They didn’t give a rat’s ass about him. They found some girls and went off with them. Assholes, he thought to himself. He didn’t need anybody, he would go back to the hotel, maybe put some ice on his neck and get some sleep. It’s not the first time he got into a fight, but it was the first time someone smaller than him got the best of him. It must’ve been ‘cause he was so drunk. At least he was sober now. Damn, his neck was killing him! So sore!

It’s not like he was forcing that girl to do anything. She was just begging to be touched. She just didn’t know it yet. He would’ve convinced her if he had a little time. They always gave in, in the end. He could be persuasive. Sometimes they need a little slap here or there, but they always quieted down and let him give it to them. He knew that’s what they wanted. Why would they dress the way they did if they didn’t want it? Those tight shorts, that low cut tank top showing off her curves... yes, she was definitely asking for it. He was getting excited just remembering what she looked like. Maybe he’ll run into her again. Maybe next time he won’t be drunk and could handle the situation better. Or maybe he would find someone else. There’s a bunch of hot chicks on Bourbon Street just asking for it.

Where was he? He was a little confused. Maybe he should pull out his GPS. The street didn’t look familiar. It was dark and the moon hid behind some clouds, it looked like a residential street. There weren't a lot of streetlights and it was quiet. Eerily, quiet. Then, he felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. Something was wrong, he could feel it in his gut. He reached for his pocket to pull out his phone. He had to get out of here. He had his phone in his hand when a voice made him freeze in place.

“You didn’t think I’d forget about you, did you?” said a disembodied voice.

“Who’s there?” he demanded, his voice shaking. His instincts begged him to run, but he couldn’t move. He was frozen in place. His phone was in his hand but he couldn’t even move his fingers to do anything about it.

Suddenly, a man stood in front of him, a few feet away. He was just standing there, staring at him. The light hit him in the back, so he couldn’t make out his features. He was tall and lean. He scoffed and relaxed slightly. I can take him, he thought. He started to move again, slowly. And all of a sudden, the man was right in his face. The clouds moved and moonlight shone in his face. It was a face of stone, eyes the color of blood, skin as white as snow, and his teeth gleamed as his incisors elongated right before his eyes.

Fear struck him then. Real fear. This time he was really frozen in place. His phone clattered to the ground as the man grabbed his sore neck and raised him at least a foot off the ground. He only had time to yelp before he felt his oxygen being cut off. The man squeezed hard and in an instant a loud crack was heard and the man was motionless. He was dropped on the floor like a rag doll. The other man bent over his neck and smelled him for a long time, shuddering. He seemed to be resisting the urge to devour the man. But he stood up, wiped his hands on his pants and disappeared as fast as he had appeared.