Six months later

I walked down the street, heading towards where the old cemetery used to be. I had been keeping up with what happened to it, visiting every now and then per Eli’s request. He hoped that I might remember more that had happened that night if I was near where it had happened

Eli had been growing ever more frustrated and high strung over his case. They continued to find deaths all over the city, but it was all spread around that they couldn’t triangulate the location of the vampire coven except that it was in Cincinnati. He had turned to me, one of the only witnesses to a vampire attack, in desperate hope that I may remember something about the vampire that had killed my best friend.

I doubted that the vampire that had killed Jamie had been the cause, or even linked to the other deaths in the city. The methods that the vampires had used had been too different.

But I tried. Eli was losing hope, and I hadn’t wanted to say no. So here I was, walking up to where there now was a three story town house looking building, completely finished, but empty.

From what I had dug up around the building and what it was supposed to be, it was a bookstore. I thought it was a nice idea, and like the months before me, I sat down at a nearby bench to finish a coffee, watching the building.

My lovely routine was interrupted by two large moving vans pulling up on the street followed by a black convertible. I sat up on the bench. This must be the owner, finally moving into the building.

Movers got out of the truck, one going to the door, opening it, while the others opened the backs and started unloading large brown boxes and pieces of wrapped furniture. The car door of the convertible opened and tall woman with long black waves got out. She was wearing a dark sweater and skinny jeans, and immediately went over to the workers to give them instructions or something.

I felt myself looking for an excuse to walk over, say hello, something. But I only sat and watched as they started to move stuff inside, box by box. She was alone a moment, the movers inside, tapping something into her phone. I got up, crossing the street a bit faster than the other people walking past were, and made an attempt to casually stroll down the sidewalk to her.

“Hey, ah, I just happened to see you with all these boxes, I, uh, was wondering if you maybe needed help?” I asked as I got close enough.

She glanced up and peered at me. I was a few inches higher, but this close I could see her green eyes. She looked more Spanish with the dark waves and more olive skin tone, so the green eyes were a bit of a surprise.

She gave me a bemused look, tucking her phone in her jean pocket. “I think that it might be difficult while carrying a coffee.” She informed me, raising an eyebrow, “And I have movers helping me with them already, but it was a kind offer.” She had a faint European accent, sounded cultured.

“Oh,” I could feel heat creeping up the back of my neck, and I tucked my hands in my pockets, shifting, “Sorry for bothering you, it just looked like a lot and I felt bad just walking past…” I could feel my mouth blubbering excuses, and bit my lip to stop and looked away. “Well I’m sorry for bothering you-” I started, ready to make my escape.

“But I suppose an extra set of hands wouldn’t hurt…” she amended at nearly the same time, and then paused, giving a slight laugh from what I had said. I stopped, pleasantly surprised. “Just grab a box. I’m Edeline Allaway, by the way.” She offered her hand to shake.

“Aster Collins.” I responded, shaking her hand, “Is this your first time in the city?” I asked.

“No, actually, I visited a few years back when I was a bit younger, and I thought it was perfect. I only spent a night, though, so I guess it doesn’t really count.” She joked, smiling a bit. “How long have you been here?”

“Well though I just moved back here this year, I grew up here.” I explained.

“I bet you have a lot of fond memories of this place.” Edeline mused aloud, and I stopped a moment to think.

“Not as many as you might think, but yeah, I do have some good memories of this place.” I snorted, “But what I really look forward to is making new memories as an adult.” And I did, I remembered little things about the old apartment I used to stay in, Christmas lights, ridiculous Easter egg hunts, hanging out with Jamie…

Suddenly my phone rang; a sharp and far too loud ringtone breaking the calm. I cursed under my breath, it was Eli. I gave Edeline an apologetic look, and turned away to take the call.

“What?” I asked, irritated.

“I don’t have time later, a meeting came up, I need to reschedule our session in an hour.” Eli’s voice was curt and apologetic, “I’m sorry if this is interrupting anything, but it’s the only time I have.” Before I could say anything else, he gave a swift goodbye, and hung up.

Great. Just great. Walking to HQ from my apartment took thirty minutes, and my apartment was ten minutes walk away from here because I needed to grab my bag. I wouldn’t be able to stay and talk any longer.

I turned back to Edeline, tucking my phone away again. “I’m really sorry, and I really want to stay and help, but something with my work came up and I have to go.”

“Alright…” she said, bemused once more and maybe with a hint of doubt, now to my turned back as I rushed off. “It was nice meeting you, Aster” she called after me.

“Nice meeting you as well!” I replied over my shoulder, mind already racing to find the best route home.