This chapter brings forth change at the worst time, affecting everyone in the story. Just like a forest fire, life is resillient and eventually recovers, stronger than before. Will this hold true for our protagonists? Or will this be the straw that breaks the camel’s back?
DISCLAIMER: You may need tissues, some very sappy and sobby parts in this one. Liam and Vivian walked out of the beachhouse together. Both visited their aging parents as often … Continue reading Eternal Love
Seven people were present in the living room in our beach house. Ezio and Melissa had just arrived. Vivian, Vitto, Blaine and I were there, as was our son Liam, … Continue reading Special Chapter) Un-Turning
The sun began to set over San Myshuno. I looked up from the proposal I had been reading over and out of the window, leaned back in my chair, propped … Continue reading 1-76) Dates
A few weeks have passed since the friendly get together that turned dramatic, where Blaine’s grandson Ben brought his new girlfriend to meet us and she was mistaken for the … Continue reading 1-75) Wins & Losses
Blaine, Melissa and I sat at the bar by the kitchen over at the Auditore Mansion, just friends hanging out together, waiting for Ezio to get done with work in … Continue reading 1-74) Taking Care of Business
“WOW, this is where you family lives? That’s some HUGE crib!” “No, they are friends and neighbors of my grandparents. Super-cool people.” They had now reached the front door, Ben … Continue reading 1-73) Seeing Double
Inside of a bar, after hours. Dusty, smoky air, you can almost taste the stale stench of old liquor and sweat by just looking at it. There is wait staff … Continue reading 1-72) Ben
Blaine was working on lyrics for a song he had been writing when he saw Ezio walk up to their door through the window. He grinned to himself. Time to … Continue reading 1-71) The Birds And The Bees
“Ooooph” Blaine exclaimed, plopping down on the couch next to me, wrapping his arm around me before asking “You know what I was thinking, babygirl?” “What?” “That I am glad … Continue reading 1-70) Busted
This story’s events are preceded by the events here “Vampire council? WTF? The meatball knocked up and turned his wife, not waged war against humanity! I am gonna go talk … Continue reading 1-69) Technicalities
Pouring Moscato while sitting in the living room, a rom-com on the TV, I was in my home-wear, hair messy, no makeup, Blaine was on a boys’ night out, Liam … Continue reading 1-68) Suspicious Mind
This chapter directly follows Un-titled by Lissa’s Chapter “The Devil Wears Brioni” “So what happened to daddy’s paw?” Vivian asked concerned, leaning in the doorway to the bathroom where I … Continue reading 1-67) The Garlic Oversight
The moon was bright, stars aglow and the air crisp and fresh as I walking home from Ezio and Melissa’s, somewhat tipsy, stumbling down the sandy path between our houses. … Continue reading 1-66) Here’s Johnny!
This story precedes the last chapter time-wise. The reason I went back in time once more is to give a bit more depth to things that will happen very quickly … Continue reading 1-65) Neighborly Advice
My phone buzzed in the back pocket of my jeans while I was – surprise surprise – pouring coffee into two cups. I handed one to Blaine before looking at … Continue reading 1-64) Hope Dies Last
Blaine was restringing his guitar, I had just put Liam down for a nap and sat down in the living room with coffee, when Vivian burst into the room. “Mom, … Continue reading 1-63) Awakenings
(translation of foreign phrases at end of chapter) Loud hammering on the door. Blaine swung it open, struck a pose like a model and with eyelashes batting asked “Do I … Continue reading 1-62) Change Needed
Something or someone was at the door, scraping and stirring. I told Melissa to stay in the living room while I went to check it out, which of course she … Continue reading 1-61) Damage Control
There was an almost visible tension in the room. Four men clenching on to glasses of whiskey in their hands like handles on a train, two of them … Continue reading 1-60) The Crescendo
The coffeemaker had just stopped slurping and gargling, the little beep announcing it was now ready. I poured a cup when the kitchen door opened. I purposely did not turn … Continue reading 1-59) War Path
Three men sat in the barely lit room, while a fourth, Blaine, placed glasses filled part way with an amber liquid and ice cubes in front of them, before … Continue reading 1-58) Darkness Falls
“… I am just worried that Vivian, well she and Vitto both really, may need our support this time. Melissa thinks so too. So we are not … oh my … Continue reading 1-57) That Bay
Blaine had gotten up to assist Spunky with a very evil Roxy, who kept stealing each and every toy he wanted to play with,then vehemently defending it against repossession. Spunky … Continue reading 1-56) Just Another Day
He was driving and by the exit he took I finally figured out that we were going to San Myshuno. Blaine was still tight lipped about why, but since we … Continue reading 1-55) Secrets & Surprises
Once more, as so many times in the past and certainly also in the future, Blaine and I were over at the Auditore mansion to spend time with our friends. … Continue reading 1-54) Vacation Instigation
Blaine opened the door after the first knock. It was Melissa. “Aww, sorry Lissa, Vik’s not home.” Blaine said as they hugged. “You let her go somewhere without you? I … Continue reading 1-53) Friendly Advice
We rang the doorbell. It took longer than usual for the door to open. When it finally did, it was Ezio along with the obvious explanation of why it had … Continue reading 1-52) Fun With Friends
“Oh man. Finally!” I sighed as I sat down on the couch, pulling off my heels. “Coffee?” Blaine asked, I nodded gratefully, while attempting to rub my own shoulders as … Continue reading 1-51) Sometimes Blondes Are No Fun
“Poor Melly…” I said looking at my phone after the call ended. “She preggers again!?” Blaine grinned, while watching me slip the phone into the back pocket of my jeans, … Continue reading 1-50) Staking Claim
Blaine was watching TV in the living room when I entered. I just finished putting Liam down for another nap. Blaine looked up at me and smiled, something that still, … Continue reading 1-49) Interruptions
Blaine walked into the living room with two cups of coffee, placed them on the coffee table then in some artistic maneuver slid one of his long legs behind me … Continue reading 1-48) Husbands And Babies
“You know they sell those in bakeries and I’d have been more than happy to pick one up …” Blaine looked concerned, when I dropped the spoon into the bowl … Continue reading 1-47) Birthdays
Blaine, shirtless, looked up at the visitor as he was stacking large sacks of gardening soil, fertilizer and manure neatly into various spots in the front yard from the trunk … Continue reading 1-46) Songs, Life & Love
This was the fifth time I had thrown up today alone. Same with the past few days. Did vampires get stomach bugs? I felt ok otherwise. Weird disease. The only … Continue reading 1-45) Intimidating Surprises
“Mom, dad, seriously, I am fine, I am not 12 anymore and I can totally be alone!” Vivian shook her head, annoyed by our many questions and assurances, as she … Continue reading 1-44 Reconnecting
It was winter again, just days away from Winterfest. Every house in Forgotten Hollow was festively decorated. Well, all but one, the largest one up on the hill. The Count … Continue reading 1-43) Winterfest Spirit
Blaine was playing his guitar when I finally had gotten the nerve to go upstairs. The rhythmic sounds of his music filled the house when I opened the door from … Continue reading 1-42) Facing the Facts
Few days later, I had just finished cleaning, Blaine had just left for his night job as the head barkeep, my phone buzzed with a message. As I looked at … Continue reading 1-41) Losing Control
School was out for the weekend for Vivian, and it was Love Day, so we decided to take her to the mountains, to our old cabin for a special weekend … Continue reading 1-40) Growing Pains and Inconvenient Questions
Spring was in full swing now (oh, that rhymed, too). Vivian and Alexis were inseparable, much to the dismay of little Vittorio, who still struggled with other people and Vivian … Continue reading 1-39) When Winter Turns To Spring
I was making lunch for Vivian, who was in her room doing her homework, when the doorbell rang. “I get it!” I heard Vivian yell, followed by noises … Continue reading 1-38) Family Matters
The three of us went to another wedding together. A vampire wedding, no less. The vampire elder and Nicole Vanderbilt. Oh yeah! BWAHAHAHA! Blaine and I embarrassed poor Vivian and … Continue reading 1-37) Winterfest and New Year’s Eve
Blaine answered the door. It was past the time most people would visit, so it was either a lost person, or an emergency. It turned out to be neither. Blaine … Continue reading 1-36) “Frankly, My Dear …”
“Dad, where are you going?” Vittorio asked Ezio. “Out. I’ll tuck you in first and Ms. Wilkerson is going to be here if you need anything.” “Dad, I … Continue reading 1-35) Rude Awakenings
The massive and elaborate front door swung open, the maid greeted us, then directed us through the large lobby with the marble floors into a large living space, as big … Continue reading 1-34) He Who Laughs Last …
“Mommy, MOMMMM-MY!” I was awoken by Vivian, shaking me, the coffin lid was raised. I knew I had shut it, she must have pried it open. Something she had not … Continue reading 1-33) Blatant Lies & Inconvenient Truths
“I heard that there is a single lady moving into the old Delgato house. I was thinking about stopping by to say ‘hi’. Do you think I could invite Ezio … Continue reading 1-32) Returning
Love Day. Ah. One of my favorite holidays these days. Blaine always thought of something incredibly romantic to do for us, that did not cost an arm and a leg, … Continue reading 1-31) Love Day
Blaine and I were visiting the Vatore’s again, as many times in the past weeks. Often we combined it with stopping by the nearby cemetery first. So many folks dear … Continue reading 1-30) To Turn, Or Not To Turn
I had been cleaning and tidying up the house, currently I was sliding the vases on the coffee table in the living room around to get them to look just … Continue reading 1-29) Walking The Walk
He knocked again, could hear the dog scratching on the door from inside, sometimes letting out a light bark. Suddenly the door was unlocked, a person came partially into view … Continue reading 1-28) Friendships And Farewells
“You changed your hair … ” Ezio muttered, carefully circling the bourbon in the glass he was holding, as we were sitting on the patio of his home, overlooking the … Continue reading 1-27) The Hurting Side Of Pain
The next months and seasons passed fairly uneventful. Spunky grew into a large and very spunky dog, pardon the pun. Blaine did his vampire thing, the world did its thing … Continue reading 1-26) Vampire Wife, Vampire Life
“Stop, you fiend..” I giggled while gently fighting Blaine off, who was persistently trying to nuzzle my neck and/or kiss me intensely, obviously with ulterior motives in mind. … Continue reading 1-25) Family Time
Our Vivian was born 10 Minutes to midnight during one of the worst summer heatwaves we ever had. Blaine was with me during then entire time. The home birth was … Continue reading 1-24) Summer of Change
“Come on in, don’t be shy, we don’t bite… HAHAHAHA!”. The entire group burst into laughter. Blaine smirked. Good one. “Have you ever been to one of these?” Caleb pulled … Continue reading 1-23) Practice Makes Perfect
The doorbell rang and echoed a pompous tune throughout the also very pompous home. The Vanderbilt Mansion had been built a long time ago, then and now would be fit … Continue reading 1-22) Desperate Measures
“Oh boy!” I sighed, lowering the card in my hands into my lap. Blaine sat next to me, looked at me. “Read.” I handed it to him. He shook his … Continue reading 1-21) Time Marches On
I heard the door unlock and seconds later, Blaine peeked into the living room. Smiling. “I have something for you.” he said now. His arms were behind his back. I … Continue reading 1-20) A New Addition to the Family
The news of my pregnancy went over like a lead balloon with most people I knew, especially my kids and Ezio. The kids tried to fake excitement, but I could … Continue reading 1-19) Birthdays And Brawls
“No peeking!” I warned, while steering the car on the very dark country road. Streetlights were sparse all the way out here, some were broken, making the darkness denser for … Continue reading 1-18) Taking a Hike
Turned out I was NOT pregnant. I was so relieved, but when I told Blaine he seemed down. “What’s wrong Blainey? I asked as I sat down on his lap.” … Continue reading 1-17) Change of Scenery
Time passed, as it does. Our situation was odd and for that reason we never really expected our life to be average. I kept in touch with my kids, who … Continue reading 1-16) Romance On The High Seas – Blaine & Viktoria’s Wedding
Winterfest had come and gone. Needless to say it was shoddy at best, for everybody. On top of our divorce, Frederico, Ezio’s oldest brother and oldest pain in my rear, … Continue reading 1-15) Walking In A Winter Wonderland
It was New Year’s eve. Despite an invitation from Ezio, to the both of us, mind you, Blaine and I decided on spending the day quietly, just the two of … Continue reading 1-14) New Year, New Life
Ezio had late night meetings often, took clients out, some events. The company was trying to close with three large international companies and evidently, this was what it took. Adrianna … Continue reading 1-13) …And All Falls Down
I had racked my brain again and again about that afternoon. Still, all I ever did was go round and round in circles, without even figuring out as much as … Continue reading 1-12) Coming To Terms
Again I was at Blaine’s grave. I cleaned it up, told him the latest gossip and cried another round, like I always did. It was winter now, and already dark … Continue reading 1-11) To Dream Or Not To Dream
Adrianna walked into the kitchen, where Viktoria was cooking dinner. “Hey mom!” “Hey baby. How was school?” “Same as every day. A modern version of slave driving mixed with utter … Continue reading 1-10) Missed Opportunities
Viktoria was awoken by rays of sun on her face, shining through the trees, causing patterns to dance across the blanket of the bed, the floor, wall and ceiling. She … Continue reading 1-9) Greener Pastures
Ezio chewed longer than necessary. Mostly to weigh off his response. Quite the bomb his wife just dropped on him at lunch. The kids had gone out, it was just … Continue reading 1-8) Loving And Letting Go
Viktoria’s phone rang. Terrible timing. She looked at the caller ID. Blaine. Not now. She’d call him back. It rang again. She clicked him away. Just leave a message Blaine. … Continue reading 1-7) Reflections
Frederico stormed into Ezio’s office, the door bouncing off the wall and back shut with force. “Have you lost your mind completely now? Dio mio, if father were here to … Continue reading 1-6) The Hurdles of Love, Work and Language
“Hey Vik…” Blaine avoided looking at Viktoria, and shuffled his feet. “Blaine, what are you doing here?” Viktoria was wiping her hands on the dish towel in her hands. “I … Continue reading 1-5) Business Life
He sat in the house, it was quiet. Too quiet. But quiet was what he needed. He had finally beaten those terrible withdrawals, and as tough as it was he … Continue reading 1-4) Blaine’s Point of View
The doorbell echoed. No answer. Viktoria shrugged at Eric and pushed it again. Finally they heard the door unlocking from the inside. “Olivia!” Viktoria could not help but exclaim her … Continue reading 1-3) Rock Bottom and Back
Viktoria hurried down the stairs to open the door. Ezio was at work and the kids in school. She peeked through the glass on the sides of the door and … Continue reading 1-2) Changes
“Hey Liv! so good to see you!” Viktoria hugged her friend, who seemed down “Are you ok?” “Wanna go grab a coffee and sit?” They ordered and once settled, Olivia … Continue reading 1-1) A Friendship Dissipates, Another One Rekindles
