Bed Bug, Bedbug, Freeze Out, Hardscrabble,
Nereid
Sea Maiden
Poseidon’s loyal helper
Sailor’s guardian angel
Violet beauty
I looked at the note on yellow lined paper written in black Sharpie that I found in the dryer. Fragments of the musings of a 16 year old boy.
The first line is names of a town not far from where we live, founded during the California gold rush. The rest of it is taken from Greek Mythology. I knew what it was.
It is Ione. His long time friend Ione. Once a funny little fair haired girl, now a leggy and shapely blonde of 16. She is also, like my son, a Vampire.
I unfolded the note more, crisp from the dryer and still warm.
I have known you forever
Since our time began
As babies
Then children of the night
As teens
Now growing into adulthood
Our hearts
Our minds
Our future
Am I to be with you?
My mythical love
My desire
My chance
A kiss from you
And I would be
Happy forever
Ione.
So far, aside from the occasional glances at Vampire girls and life long friendships, he has never set his heart on one, especially not one in his tight-knit social circle of “The Vs” as they call themselves.
Ione is quiet and funny and smart. But don’t piss her off because she isn’t one to forgive or forget anything. She also sees herself in some mythical role as avenging angel, taking on the cause of the bullied, down trodden and anyone in her opinion who has been treated unjustly.
Most people see her sort of an exceptionally smart, brilliant dumb-blonde. Smart and goofy. Sort of like my son’s best friend Randy.
I was ready to pocket the note when Garrett came into the laundry room and said “Give me that.”
“I didn’t know you liked her that way,” I said.
“It isn’t what you think.”
“Did you write it for Randy?”
“No. Don’t’ say anything Mom. It isn’t anything.”
“OK.” I smiled.
And then he smiled the shy way 16 year old boys do.
~ Juliette aka Vampire Maman
And thank you Amelia my fellow Vampire Maman, you know why.
And yes, Ione is the name of a real town that used to called interesting names back in the day.
Vampire Maman 
A amazing tale. I had to read twice. Artwork gave life to the story. Thank you for sharing.
I’m so glad you stopped by John. It means a lot that you like this one.
What a wonderful blog post. 🙂 It took me years and decades back… to my first love. 🙂
Thank you. Glad I could take you back. That feeling of youthful love is so fresh and full of wonder! 🙂
I remember those “notes” and 16 years old and that kind of “stuff”. It was fun, happiness, heartbreaking, and fun all over again…, til the next heartbreak…, and the next fun, happiness……etc. Loved this post, J.
Paul (aka pjb1943)