Forever Love

"I am neither good, nor bad, neither angel nor devil, I am a man, I am a vampire."

-Michael Romkey

Life was boring for me, the same thing day in day out. I’d gotten out of the Navy, leaving the rat race of the big city for something so much quieter. I’d taken what money I had left from active duty and moved out to a cabin and a patch of land in the foothills of Colorado. Life is now relaxing for me, riding my horse, running my dog, only working part time. I didn’t think I could handle full time work, not after what happened to me.

 This morning was like no other for me, I wake up, I shower, and put on my uniform. I chose this life for myself, as there wasn’t a life for me on the ranch in Colorado. I’m a Seabee, a Construction Mechanic, and a U.S. Navy Sailor. I take pride in my work, keeping freedom free, being a hero. But, I’m far from that.

I had plans to go across town and visit my cousin. Spend some time away from home, away from the solitude. I heard my phone ringing out of the silence of the morning, groping through my fog of sleep, finding it on the nightstand.

“Yeah?” I croaked into the phone, trying to wake up.

“Damn cousin! Can’t get your old decrepit ass up? You coming over this weekend or what? Kelly wants to see you, since you never came home when you got out.” My cousin, Ryan, ever so cheerful even at 5am.

“Sorry, I’ve been enjoying the quiet. Tell Kelly I’m sorry. Yeah, I’m coming over this weekend; I’m bringing Chance and Mack with me. Can’t wait to go riding with you guys. Is that cool?” I was starting to come awake, slowly.

“Well see, Jordan, there’s a rodeo this weekend and I need a roping partner. I know you are probably pretty rusty, but I want to try. C’mon what ya say cuz?” Ryan always knew how to talk me into something before I even noticed.

“Sure Ry, I got your back. I’ll come over later today and practice. See you later today?” I yawned into the phone, without meaning to.

“Sure, Jordan, I’ll have Kelly get supper going about 6. See you then.” I rolled out of bed, my feet meeting the cool hardwood soundlessly. I heard the familiar click of Chance’s nails on the hardwood as he came to greet me, as he did every morning, when he was awake before me.

I ruffled my fingers through the dog’s fur, watching his hind leg kick. “Hey buddy, want to go bye bye today?” The dog yips, turning in a tight circle as I walk towards the shower. I glance outside as I walk past the bedroom window, a little frost left on the glass, new snow on the ground. No surprise for January, especially this close to my birthday.