The Family Immortal

It was a cold, chilly day fall day. I stood outside in the yard in my sweater playing in the leaves. 1989 was year, indeed. A lot has happened in and around the city, but one thing remained the same in my town: vampires. And my family was one of them. Oh, who am I, you're probably asking? Name's Hannah. Hannah van Tassel. Yes, I'm in that family. I'm the newest, more perfect addition to the clan, although my older brother and sisters might say otherwise. Well, me and my younger brother, Riley, are anyway. I'll be turning ten tomorrow on Halloween, but the only bad thing about that is that it falls on a school day. Today, though, was gonna be awesome.

No one anticipated it, really, but when it happened, it caught everyone off-guard. It all started last week when invites began pouring out of the house. Then, Mama had every tailor and dressmaker in the city come to the house. I hate being fitted for dresses.

And what's worse? Amelia dragged me along to the city to see her man, if you can call him that. Another excruciatingly busy day for poor Robert. He's the one my sister Amelia likes. We're out here in town for no reason other than she wants to see her "baby". It's cold and I rather be at home watching Tales from the Crypt with an ice-cold Coke, humongous bowl of popcorn in my lap, and Riley hiding under the covers because he's too scared to watch it.

"Why couldn't you just mail him his stupid invite?!" I asked.

"Because that wouldn't be proper!" Amelia replied.

"I just want to see him!" I teased. "You like him! Hahaha!"

"Shut up!" she screamed. "Here he comes. Now hush!"

There was Robert coming out of out the auto shop. This silly white boy my sister was crazy about. Don't get me wrong. He's cool, just a bit dumb, like all boys.

"Hello!"

"Oh, shit!" he shouted. "You scared the hell out of me!"

"My apologies." she said. "I just wanted to catch you before you went off. You are coming over to the house next Saturday, aren't you?"

"No, why? What's up?" he asked.

"This is for you."

Nestled between her fingers was a black envelope with Robert's name etched in gold, gleaming once the afternoon sun hit it. Flipping the envelope over, the family crest stamped in gold wax.

"Is this sealing wax?" he asked with a laugh. God, he's so goofy!

"It's a bit old-fashion, I admit, but it sets the tone."

Welcome,

Friends of the South, you have been formally invited to a night of mystery at a formal masquerade ball held at The Vane this Sunday evening.

Sunday at 8:00pm

RSVP

"Your folks are having a party?" Robert's heart nearly dropped at that realization. "Anyone you know comin'?"

Amelia shrugged. "Not sure, but don't worry," she continued, placing her hand on his face, "I won't let anything happen to you. So, I'll see you evening?"

“Yeah.” he said. “I’ll be there.”

Ugh! I nearly threw up at the sight of them being all cutesy with each other. Is this what's it's like as an eternal teen?

The entire city soon underwent a strange metamorphosis. Once calm, all of Ravenswood, Georgia fell into a state of pure, unfiltered frenzy. Half of the city's shops were piled high with orders for new gowns and tailored suits. The excitement eventually made its way to our house. The mansion itself was to undergo a rather extraordinary transformation that would entice and entrance the guests. Poor Mama was rushing around, holding Riley and trying to make sure the servants got everything just right. She was already wearing her costume for tonight. She looks like a black princess in her cos.

"Everything's nearly ready." Mama said with a sigh as she entered Aurelie's room. "Amelia, darling, where's your father?"

"He's down the hall having the servants dress him." she replied. "Or at least that's where I last saw him."

Daddy finally joined us In Aurelie's room already dressed in his finery for evening. His black hair was slicked back and

"Ok," she said, clearly annoyed. "Is my room the new hot spot? And when are our dresses getting here?!"

Daddy just rolled his eyes and sighed. Gazing up at the sky, he watched the sky as it began to exchange its bright blue color for the dark violet tones of the twilight hours. Taking out his pocket watch, he eyed the time and grinned.

"It's almost time." he replied. "Our guests will be arriving shortly."

"Can Riley and me stay up and join the party, Mama?" I asked. "I'll make sure he won't get into trouble."

"Out of the question, little missy!" said exclaimed, handing him over to his nursemaid. "You and Riley will be in bed, and that's the end of it."

"Ma'am," a servant said, "the gowns you're ordered are here."

"Girls, go inside and get ready." Mama ordered. "Oh, and if you see your brother, tell him I need to speak with him."

Over the centuries, or so I've been told, we van Tassels have hosted parties as a means of coming together and to enjoy one other's company.

Aurelie inspected herself in the mirror. The maid helped her into a gown of green silk to match her hazel eyes and soft brown skin. Her dark blonde hair had diamonds in it and hung in curls about her face. She thinks she looks beautiful, but I think she looks like walking puke with those colors! Clasped around her pale throat was a diamond pendent daddy gave her on 319th birthday. Mama sat on Aurelie's bed with Riley still in her arms. He's five years old for God's sake! The boy can walk just as good as the rest of us!

"It's perfect!" Mama exclaimed.

"Yeah," I said. "You look like walking baby crap!"

"I'll kill you!" Aurelie exclaimed, tickling me.

"Now let me see you, Mellie, dear."

Mel stood in front of Mama like she was the prized cow, marveling at her gown. It was this nasty crimson color with poofy sleeves like the one Princess Diana had on her wedding dress some years ago. The dress was a reflection of the ones she wore before during the antebellum years. A remnant to a time long since passed. Her maid, Tara, took her hair, piling it on top of her head before fitting it with a thin circlet of rubies.

"I'm sure there will be lots of young gentlemen who would love seeing you like this." she teased. "Especially one in particular."

"Ma, stop!" she exclaimed. "You shouldn't say such things."

"Yes, please stop!" a voice said.

The mirror's glass caught a reflection of my older brother standing in the doorway. After hours of an unexplained disappearance, Javier had finally managed to find his way back home. But he looked a complete mess. A dreadful concoction of dirt, dust, and fresh blood was caked on his tattered clothes and face. He wiped the blood dripping from his mouth, splattering it on the carpet. Don't tell nobody this, but he's my favorite brother.

Mama was so mad that she nearly dropped Riley. "Reckless as always!" she shouted. "Where you been, boy?!"

"Out."

"What will your father think if he saw you like this?"

Javier shrugged. "I'd like to think he'd be proud." he said. "The boy I had didn't put up much of a fight."

Mama's blue eyes suddenly turned black with anger. She stared at Javier and said three words and three words only: Get. Dressed. Now!

The last of the sun's light disappeared, giving way to the dark canvas of night. Soon, all of Ravenswood's high society would enthusiastically, and most willingly, take the journey through the heavy evening humidity. The blinding flash of hundreds of cameras held by the photographers lit up the night as this kaleidoscopic scene overflowed before the Immortal Pair. While everyone was having a gay ol time downstairs, I have to be in my room! Luckily, Javier showed me a couple of hiding spots around the house. So, I put on my shoes, tied my hair up, and snuck out. The first thing I did was slowly open the door to Riley's room to make sure he was fast asleep and thank God he was or else this wouldn't be as fun. I, then, crept into the living room and hid under the couch.

"Krissie, dearest!" Krissie was Mel's friend from school. The ever-radiant Mrs. Van Tassel stood beside her husband in a gown of violet and gold that gently touched the stone steps. Mr. Van Tassel has always brought her collars embedded with different gems and the one she wore tonight was no exception. Around her neck was a collar of amethysts and diamonds used to conceal her infamous scars. Though the jewels were used to hide a hideous physical indiscretion, no doubt it would be the talk of the town. Mrs. Van Tassel gracefully removed the Venetian mask she wore as she walked towards her daughter's friend. Embracing Krissie, she kissed the young girl on both cheeks.

"You've made it, and might I add, that is a lovely pink gown."

"Thank you for inviting us, Mrs. Van Tassel." Krissie said. "This is amazing!"

The woman behind her began to clear her throat and tap her foot in an impatient manner. "Kristina, sweetheart, aren't you going to introduce us?" she asked.

"Oh, yes." Krissie replied. "These are my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Royeland. Mama, Daddy, this is the family I've been telling you about, the Van Tassels."

Mr. Royeland kissed my mother's gloved hand before extending a friendly hand out to her husband. That did not sit well with Daddy. He has always been a fiercely jealous man when it came to Mama. He wouldn't let anyone, human or vampire, try to take her. The Host grabbed his hand in a genteel manner, but the poor man shivered the moment his skin came in contacted with his.

"Why sir," he said, "You're as cold as the dead of winter."

"Is this your wife?" Daddy asked, eager to change the subject.

"Yes," Mr. Royeland said, dismissively, "this is Diana."

I heard about Mrs. Royeland. Delusional Diana is what the people call her. She did her best to smile to her gracious hosts, but not even the mask she wore could conceal the bitter jealousy that was boiling within her. In her mind, it isn't becoming for a refined Southern lady to express any real indication of dislike, especially at a party such as this with the most influential people in attendance. Nevertheless, swallowing her pride, she kissed Mama's cheek as if they were old friends.

"Well, this is certainly quite a fuss you've stirred up here!" she replied. "It's not every day something like this happens in this city."

"My husband and I thought what better way to lift everyone's spirits then to host a ball."

Daddy rewarded his wife with a gentle kiss on her red-stained lips. For a brief moment it seems that they were the only two in the world. These two obviously had a deep and adoring love for each other you only see in movies. Everyone saw it. The flashing lights of press' camera eagerly caught touching moment. For them, any photo of this obscurely fascinating couple was worth more than gold. The Royelands, especially, saw it. How awkward it must've been for Justin and Diana to see it. Both wishing that they could be enamored with one another in such a way, but their pride forced them to decline.

"So, what do you do, Mr. Royeland?" Daddy asked. Strong question. I like that!

"Justin is a doctor in the city." Delusional Diana answered.

"Well, with a successful husband and an intelligent daughter, you must be a very proud woman." Mama said.

Krissie scoffed. 'You have no idea." she muttered under her breath.

Whatever preconceived notions the Staffords had about their hosts were interrupted by the blaring horn of a truck. A large black truck rapidly pulled up to the front of the driveway. The was covered in scratches and caked in mud. An appalling contrast to the extravagance of the

"Oh my god!" a guest exclaimed.

"Deplorable!" said another.

"What is that trash doing here?!" another guest retorted.

Robert stepped out of the truck with his parents. The Adams' weren't dressed as elegant as the other guests. Their clothes weren't made from rich fabrics as the other guests. Second rate at best, but just as nice.

"Is this it?" Mr. Adams asked, gazing up at the mansion.

Robert's father was amazed by the house. However, his mother didn't share much enthusiasm. A bit of color vanished from her cheeks once she saw the house. Her eyes grew wide with amazement. Before her was where the vampires lived. A disgusting spawning ground for death and despair. Once again, she nervously fiddled with the silver ring on her finger.

"Robert, my boy! We were getting worried that you wouldn't make it!"

"Sorry, we're late." he said, embracing the vampire. "My dad forgot the directions."

"No matter." Said Mama "It's a pleasure to meet your folks finally. Please, come inside I'll introduce you to everyone!"

The house was filled with an assortment of people: city councilmen, bankers, gossip columnist, heirs and heiresses of all sorts. Old money and new money mingled together here, roaming throughout the house, sipping cocktails and eating hors d'oeuvres while bragging about whose had more money than the other. I saw Aurelie, Javier, and Amelie descended down the stairs, their faces exquisitely hidden behind elegant masks. Like snakes in search of prey, they slithered their way into the crowd.

"You're here!" Amelia exclaimed. Mel grabbed her friend's shoulders and kissed her cheek, mimicking our mother's gesture. "You made it!"

"This party is amazing!" Krissie replied.

"Guess who?" A figure stepped behind to Amelia, clasping his hands over her eyes. Amelia turned around to see Robert behind her.

"You look extremely handsome!" she exclaimed.

"Oh, this old thing?" he said, gazing down at his suit. "It's nothing. Just something I found. I look rather out of my element here."

"Don't be modest. It's nice to have a familiar face around here. we haven't thrown a party like this since the 40s. You would've loved those times."

Robert scoffed. "I don't think jamming out to swing music is my thing. You said that some of your family is here. Where are they?"

Mrs. Adams made her way through the house. Through the endless sea of frivolity, she stopped in the drawing room, her eyes latched onto the painting above the fireplace.

"Now that is class!" Mrs. Adams exclaimed. "We should do that in our house."

"A bit strange, don't you think?" she asked.

"There's nothing strange about it!" a voice exclaimed.

The Adams turned around to see voice belonged to a woman clad beautifully in a gown of dark teal that trail down to the polished floor. Hanging about the woman's throat was single necklace studded with diamonds, and her raven hair was piled on top of her round head, having been pinned together with peacock feathers. Removing her mask, two eyes, the color of the deep ocean, looked at the two with fascination.

I gasped. "Aunties are here!" I exclaimed.

"How is it strange?" she asked Mrs. Adams, her voice sweet and soft. Daddy turned and the stranger looked upon him and Mama with loving eyes.

"Hello, brother!" she replied.

"Dear Adams family, these beautiful Southern belles are my darling sisters."

"Veronica van Tassel." she said.

"Imani van Tassel

"Isobel van Tassel Delacroix." she said, dropping into a deep curtsy. Auntie Izzy is the only one who can rival Mama when it comes to fashion. “Pleasure to meet you both.”

Something strange awoken in Robert's dad at that moment. He could sense it. This brutish, yet clumsy man grabbed Auntie's gloved hand and pulled her in close. he made no hesitation in placing a kiss on the satin gloves. Poor Auntie. She must've been quite embarrassed by his behavior. He was not particularly handsome to some. For one, he was a bit shorter and bit fatter than she might have imagined. Isobel could feel how rough and calloused his hands were even from underneath her gloves. A thin peppering of facial hair dotted his upper lip and around his mouth. However, she couldn't tear herself away from his gaze.

"Jack, Maria," she said, "who is this man?"

"Franklin Adams," he said. Daddy then leaned in until he reached close proximity to his sister's ear, "and his wife, Laura."

Auntie Izzy curtsied to Mrs. Adams but never did the woman's husband let go his grasp on Isobel's hand. A bizarre sense of began to develop within him then. I know that look. It's the same look Daddy gives Mama whenever she dolls herself up.

"Jack and I were beginning to wonder if the three of you were ever gonna visit." Mama said.

Auntie Izzy scoffed. "I couldn't take being in that bayou for another moment longer. I miss the comforts of home."

"You didn't bring Augustin with you, did you?" Daddy asked.

A devilish sort of grin danced its way across her mouth. "What that pighead louse doesn't know won't hurt him. "Besides," she added gazing at the room full of jovial partygoers, "when I heard that my brother was having a party, I wasn't going to stay home and let all this food go to waste."

"Isobel," Mama exclaimed, "you are a caution!"

Auntie Isobel laughed. "Maria, if it's not too much trouble, would you mind if I converse with my brother for a moment?"

Mama curtsied and walked away. Daddy and Auntie Izzy walked over to the very couch I was hiding under.

"So, how many mortals you plan on killing tonight?"

"What are you talking about?" Daddy asked.

"I know what you're up to, Jack. There's only one reason why a celebration of this magnitude would have our family's name wrapped around it. Tell me, brother. How many humans do you plan on killing tonight?"

"Have you come to spy on me, sister?!"

A servant carrying tray of champagne floated passed by. Without asking, she was given a glass of the sparkling liquid before answering. "Mais non, mon frere" she said, "I just came all this way to spend some quality time with my beloved family. Speaking of which, is that little Hannah I sense hiding under the couch?"

Daddy knelt down and locked eyes on me. Busted! "Hannah van Tassel, come from there right now!"

"Don't be mean to her, Jack." she said. "She was just curious, that's all!""

Daddy sighed. He's a sucker for the women in his family. "Why don't you get yourself some food." he said. "And don't let your mother catch you outta bed, hear?"

I made a beeline to the buffet table, scoping up as many sweets as I can lay my hands on before running back upstairs.