A Legacy of Hope: Chapter 2

Slide 1: 

Last time we saw Hope, she had met Count Dawson Collins, who she developed a huge crush on. After some time, these feelings blossomed into love on both sides. Impatient Hope demanded that Dawson go farther than he wanted to, but he was soon persuaded. Unfortunately, this encounter resulted in Hope becoming pregnant. Hope had just revealed this to Dawson...

Slide 2: 

I held my breath, waiting for Dawson’s reaction. I expected him to be angry, yell or maybe even hit me. Of course gentle Dawson didn’t do any of that. When I saw him reach for me I winced, but was surprised when his hands landed softly on my belly. “Hello there, baby.” Just then, the tiny being inside me kicked. Dawson and I stared at each other with round, surprised eyes. “Wow, baby, you must be a strong little boy. Or maybe a strong little girl, like your mother.” He smiled at me, and I was forgiven.

Slide 3: 

Dawson wanted to help the baby and me out a bit, so he insisted on paying for an extension to my “house”. It was still nothing but a platform with some furniture on it, but now it was roomier and had plenty of space for a crib and other baby necessities. No double bed yet, Dawson had decided that it would be better for both of us if we gave ourselves some time to think.

Slide 4: 

I didn’t want to think. I wanted him to move in, or marry me or something! What was there to think about? I loved him, I thought he loved me, and we loved our baby! The baby, another complication in this already tangled situation. I remembered that I had been exactly that to my mother, and decided immediately that I would love this baby with all of my heart, no matter what problems he or she caused.

Slide 5: 

I waited for a decent hour before calling Mae, the only person I had gotten close to lately, other than Dawson. I told her of my impending motherhood, and I couldn’t help but smile as she spouted off ideas for baby showers, weddings, and all sorts of celebrations. I think she even mentioned the baby’s graduation ceremony.

Slide 6: 

“You’ve gotten pretty big, baby. Oof, pretty strong too. It’s about time for you to come out and meet us, so I invited your daddy over tonight. He’ll want to see you, give you a nice welcome. Now, if you don’t mind, mommy’s bladder is about to explode and she’s about to pass out. I can’t wait until you’re born, kid.”

Slide 7: 

Like I had informed the unborn child, Dawson came over that night to witness the birth of our baby, possibly the first of many. We didn’t have time to discuss us, because the baby was determined to come out right then. “If I am relaxed, you will be calm, correct?” “No! -ow- How can I -ow- be calm when I -ow- am go-- Aargh!”

Slide 8: 

I doubled over in pain. I had known it would hurt a little, but I had never imagined how much “a little” really was. I had resolved that once the baby was born, I would shape up and try to be a good mother, but I quickly forgot about that. The words I yelled between cries of pain were enough to make Dawson gape and blush like a schoolgirl.

Slide 9: 

It was over within seconds, and I found myself looking into the face of a tiny baby girl. She had my black hair, pale skin like Dawson, and the soft blue eyes I had and Dawson insisted were hidden beneath the red.

Slide 10: 

I brought the tiny girl closer to my face, and was overwhelmed by the love I felt for the nameles child. That would have to change immediately. “Eleonora Hope,” I whispered to my daughter, and she cooed. I smiled and turned to Dawson. “Her name is Ellie.”

Slide 11: 

“What a precious child,” Dawson breathed as he leaned in for a closer look at our baby. “Eleonora is the perfect name for such a beauty.” As he said that, I felt suddenly alone. It felt for a moment that my daughter and her father were in their own world, one I could never hope to enter. Dawson seemed to be looking right into Ellie’s soul, and she seemed to be staring straight back at his. It was too odd for me, and I quickly broke in. “I’m feeling a bit tired, could you take Ellie for a bit?” Dawson eased his eyes away from the baby’s, nodding slowly.

Slide 12: 

“Lay her in the crib while I prepare a bottle, then take a nap. I don’t have to leave until sunrise.” He instructed, and I eagerly obeyed. I figured that I must be so exhausted I was imagining things.

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------------------ “I can see it in your eyes, Eleonora. Well, I can see a lot, but not everything. We shall have to look further into this. You are the first child of human and vampire that this world has seen for many, many years. A true mystery you are, daughter. I shall enjoy solving you, and I would appreciate any clue you give me.” There was a slight pause as the baby belched loudly, then the Count continued. “I shall hope with all of my heart that what I see in you is not true. I am quite old, even for a vampire, and perhaps my Sight is not what it once was.” ------------------

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I awoke to see Dawson gently laying Ellie in her crib. I could make out the faintest trace of light rising over the horizon. It was time for him to leave.

Slide 15: 

“Are you coming back tomorrow, Dawson?” I asked nonchalantly, pretending to wash the dishes as he left. “Rest assured that I shall return as soon as possible, for Eleonora is as much my daughter as she is yours.” “Oh.” I hoped my disappointment was not too obvious. “Have you been thinking?” “I am always thinking. But I will admit that I have ulterior motives to visiting my daughter, and they just might include a young mortal in a tantalizing red dress.” Before I could respond, he was gone. I gave a love struck sigh; this was better than any romance novel.

Slide 16: 

The next day a maid showed up at my door. He claimed to have been hired by someone who gave the name “D. Collins”.

Slide 17: 

When Dawson stopped by for his nightly visit, he raised an eyebrow at my new dress. “Tantalizing red dresses and thigh high boots aren’t exactly the right attire for a mom,” I explained. After an uncomfortable silence, Dawson offered to watch Ellie while I took a shower.

Slide 18: 

--------------- “I am so sorry, Eleonora, but even in the short time we have been apart I have learned plenty. It all shows me that my Sight is still in perfect condition. Have I done this to you? There is still a chance that it is not true, my love. Precious Eleonora, my bright light. I shall not want to witness your darkening.” ---------------

Slide 19: 

I stepped out of the shower, feeling refreshed. I found Ellie sleeping in her crib and Dawson waiting for me. “I want to share something with you, Hope. You must not keep it if you do not wish to do so, but consider it for some moments.” I could see his mouth moving, but my mind seemed entirely focused on a hazy pink light that seemed to emanate from his gloved hands.

Slide 20: 

The light put me in such a trance that I didn’t even feel the pain when Dawson sank his fangs into my neck. I vaguely noticed my body slowly become colder and colder, until I was numb. Than feeling returned.

Slide 21: 

I ran my tongue across my new, sharp fangs. I bared them and blehed at Dawson like I had seen in movies. He laughed at me. It only took me a few moments to realize that I could not remain a vampire for long. Who would take care of Ellie during the day? What if something happened to me and Dawson? When I confessed my fears he nodded. “I believed you would worry about that. Your friend the gypsy has a cure. Call her now before morning comes, I must leave.”

Slide 22: 

“Yes, you certainly have changed, miz Mendez.” Tina observed as she looked me up and down. “Sure have, Tina. Call me Hope.” “Yes, I assume you need some Vamprocillin-D? I just made a batch last week.” “Is that what you call it? How much is it?”

Slide 23: 

“Yes, it is expensive, but for you, a special price can be arranged.” the gypsy reached into the folds of her skirt and pulled out a vial of a liquid that glowed pink. “I appreciate this, Tina. Thank you so much!” I barely managed to gather the money to pay for the potion, for even the ‘special price’ was extremely high.

Slide 24: 

I didn’t dare think about the pinkish-blueish drink that glowed ever so slightly. The moment Tina gave me the glass vial I tipped my head back and poured its contents down my throat. It was tasteless, and as it dribbled through my body I felt myself grow warmer and warmer. Before I knew it, I was fully human again.

Slide 25: 

Just in time, too; Ellie’s birthday was that night. Dawson wouldn’t be able to make it, but I had invited the few friends I had made in New Beginning Island. Before the party I bathed my baby daughter gently, making sure the water wasn’t too cold or too hot.

Slide 26: 

Mae and Tina arrived right on time. Mae immediately helped herself to a bag of chips, while Tina stood around looking bored.

Slide 27: 

Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday, dear Ellie, Happy birthday to you! I had never been great at singing, Tina’s voice was rough but strangely melodious. Mae, however, would rather sing the nontraditional version.

Slide 28: 

Happy birthday to you, You live in a zoo, You look like a monkey, And you smell like one, too! I glared at her but couldn’t help but smile as I helped my baby blow out her birthday candles.

Slide 29: 

I tossed Ellie in the air, and as I caught her a puff of confetti fell onto us. The toddler giggled and tried to eat the pieces. “Yum!” she cried while we laughed.

Slide 30: 

I cuddled my daughter as Mae and Tina tried to figure out how to work the camera. How hard is it to understand instructions like ‘just push this big button here’? I was awed at how much Ellie resembled her father, and couldn’t wait for Dawson to see her.

Slide 31: 

We had all afternoon, so we put Ellie’s gifts to good use. Mae had brought her a bright red potty, and Tina had handed me a green-glowing bottle as she left. She claimed it would help Ellie learn faster, and informed that she had more for a ‘good price’.

Slide 32: 

I greeted Dawson hesitantly that night, and he quickly noticed my nervousness. “What troubles you so, my sweet ocean?” Ocean? “Well, I’ve been thinking. Not just about what you told me but about everything.” I took a deep breath, trying to hold Dawson’s unwavering gaze. “I... I... I-want-you-to-move-in-with-us!” “You think it would be wise for the two of us to live in the same house?” “No! I mean, I just need help with Ellie. I’ve never been with kids this much and I really need someone to help me and you are the obvious person ‘cause you’re her dad after all and we don’t have to be romantic or even friendly and you can ju--”

Slide 33: 

“You don’t have to convince me, Hope. If you sincerely believe this is the best solution to our problems, I will move in with you and Eleonora.” With a loud squeal I wrapped Dawson in a big hug. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” “Let’s go take a look at the birthday girl, shall we?”

Slide 34: 

--------------- “You really do take after me, precious light. I only regret that this birthday brings you closer to your demise, Eleonora.” Father and daughter shared a long silence before Dawson set the girl upon the ground. “We shall need to expand the house a bit if we want to live comfortably. ” ---------------

Slide 35: 

Moments later we had a brand new, much larger house. As I wandered around the rooms oohing and aahing, Dawson changed into more comfortable clothes and started showing his more playful side. As he tossed our daughter into the air over and over again, I thought I heard him mutter something about ‘postponing the darkening’. Maybe he was in need of a long day’s sleep? It was weird, but he and Ellie seemed to be having a fun time so I let them be.

Slide 36: 

Ellie was in an awesome mood, so we did the typical crazy parent thing and took about ten thousand photos. As she toddled about the new house Dawson and I glanced through the pictures. “Aaaw, isn’t she so cute!” I squealed for the umpteenth time. “She looks just like you!” “Is that a compliment or an insult to Eleonora?” “No comment?” I giggled, Dawson just stared at me. “Oh, you didn’t get it. Is it just me or does she look sort of creepy and evil in this one?” “It’s just you!” Dawson answered, much too quickly.

Slide 37: 

Dawson spent the rest of the night at his new easel. I couldn’t tell exactly what he was painting but he seemed pretty good.

Slide 38: 

Once the sun came up I began teaching Ellie how to walk. “I gonna eat mummy!” she screamed as she toddled towards me, hands held high by mine. “Me catch ya! Mummy no can ‘scape!”

Slide 39: 

“Can you catch me here, Ellie?” I asked as I let her tiny hands go and moved a few steps backwards. “I catch mummy, eat mummy!”

Slide 40: 

With that she fell into my outstretched arms. “Me eatcha! Nom nom nom!”

Slide 41: 

Later that day I found my little daughter dancing in the kitchen. “Hey, Ellie! You wanna work on your talking?” I baby-talked. “Talk! Talk! Talk! Talk!” She chanted as she swayed from side to side.

Slide 42: 

I gave her another bottle of the glowing milk and sat down with her. “Say mama!” “Dada!” “C’mon, mama!” “Boom!” “Mama!”

Slide 43: 

“Fine. Mama.” “Aaaw, that’s so sweet!” I felt tears flooding my vision. Since when did I get teary eyed at gooey stuff like this? “Me can go now, mummy?” “We’ve got to get ready for your party, hon. Your daddy’s friends are coming over, won’t that be fun?”

Slide 44: 

Dawson’s friends turned out to be three more vampires: Richard Bear, Jacqueline Greaves and Steffi Shankel. They seemed edgy around me and especially Ellie, but they looked like they were having a pretty good time anyway. Before long it was time to bring Ellie to the cake.

Slide 45: 

We all cheered as she wiggled away, giggling.

Slide 46: 

“My hands are so big! And I can talk right! Cool!” my daughter exclaimed, admiring her larger body.

Slide 47: 

“I can eat you now that my mouth is bigger!” she cried, making me laugh but everyone else glanced at each other nervously. “Maybe later. Now I’m gonna brush my hair! What a mess.”

Slide 48: 

“Ah, here is the birthday girl,” Dawson attacked Ellie with tickles. “Daddy! Stop it!” she shrieked, but the moment he did Ellie quickly retaliated.

Slide 49: 

Seeing him play with our daughter like that made me feel something I had never felt before. The nameless, indescribable sensation took control of me. Before I knew it, I was on one knee before my daughter’s father. He chuckled awkwardly as everyone turned to look. “Uh, Dawson. I’ve got no idea why I’m doing this now but...”

Slide 50: 

“...will you marry me?” The room was deathly silent and I felt my face coloring. I produced a small box with a diamond ring, something I had acquired over the years. Slowly, Dawson slipped the ring out of the box and onto his finger. My smile circled my head as he whispered “Yes,” and I leapt to my feet.

Slide 51: 

I clung to him and he hugged me back. As Steffi passed me, I thought I heard her mutter “If you break his heart, we break your neck,” causing Dawson to clear his throat warningly. I didn’t care, I was through with heart breaking. A love like this was forever.

Slide 52: 

The next few days weren’t as crazy and rushed as they should have been. Dawson taught Ellie to play chess, obviously panicky when she became distressed.

Slide 53: 

He finished a portrait of me, which was surprisingly realistic.

Slide 54: 

We even had time to invite the headmaster of the local prestigious private school over for dinner. He made a whole lot of excuses about not accepting us, but I’m pretty sure he was just spooked by Dawson.

Slide 55: 

Before we knew it, the day had come. I was getting married!

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This is the last night you’ll spend alone look me in the eye so I know you know

Slide 57: 

I’m everywhere you want me to be the last night you’ll spend alone

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I’ll wrap you in my arms and I won’t let go I’m everything you need me to be

Slide 59: 

The night is so long when everything’s wrong

Slide 60: 

If you give me a chance I will help you hold on

Slide 61: 

I won’t let you say goodbye and I’ll be your reason why The last night away from me The Last Night, Skillet

Slide 62: 

While the vampires and Ellie had their own party, Dawson and I enjoyed ours. This time, the right way.

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Next time...

Slide 67: 

Yeah, lots of foreshadowing. This chapter is practically more about the next few than about itself. While I was writing it I learned that Maria actually means “Sea of bitterness”, which sort of fits. Eleonora is “Light”, which is great for the ‘darkening’ stuff. BTW, I have recently realized that this legacy is headed for AWESOME! plotwise. This is gonna be huge, IMO. I’ve played waaaay ahead and I’ve got photos for a half dozen chapters. Gaah, I can’t wait to share the awesomeness and I can’t because there’s still a few chapters in the way! I hope (pun?) you enjoyed this chapter, short as it is. Now I’ll start on the next one, since I’ve given away the *gasp* two photos. I love dangling you over that cliff, I so do. Okay, shutting up now, you can go on with your lives. Oh yeah, expect behind-the-scenes pic spam. Bye!