Catching up with the past

As Garrick examined the room, he heard the voice of a barking dog and he quickly rushed to the window. He looked out and his jaw dropped in surprise and amazement. The dog was barking at Clarisse who had just walked into the garden, it seems like she needed some air away from the drama that had just begun to unfold.

Garrick was surprised because he remembered getting a puppy for Claire the day he had proposed to her. If he was right, that little puppy had grown into this huge dog; it has lived quite a good life for a creature with such a short life span. It felt good to know that Claire had kept the dog, regardless of their disagreement. Maybe she still felt something for him deep within her.

Garrick silently watched as Clarisse yelled at the Dog and cursed angrily. She was obviously still pissed with Garrick's surprise return. Garrick understood why the dog was barking. Dogs always bark around supernatural creatures unless they get to understand each other. Every dog he came across the first time had always barked at him, and in return he cripples the creature with fear; another one of the vampire's numerous abilities.

It is surprising that after twenty years, the dog still barks at her. Maybe she hadn't made time to bond with the creature, because if the dog got close to her, and understood that she meant no harm, then it wouldn't bark at her.

"I swear I will rip off your head and feed on your nasty blood if you don't shut the Fvck up!!" she yelled at the dog. He made some nervous cry and as if he understood, it ran away.

Clarisse sighed and then slowly she looked up and noticed Garrick staring at her, she looked away immediately and walked further into the garden to escape his invading eyes.

Garrick turned away from the window into the room when he heard footsteps coming down the hallway towards his room. He knew for a fact that it was Connor; he could still recognize his best friend's scent from a distance. He never said it out loud but Connor was his best friend, he was just too proud to admit it.

Their friendship had dated back to centuries ago; they had met in a library as Connor was very nerdy in his young days. Garrick had only come there to woo a lady but she happened to crush on Connor because of his gentle nature. Garrick had compelled Connor to reject the lady; he was an older Vampire and so he had the ability to compel Connor.

Connor had done as he said under the influence of his compulsion and when the lady needed a shoulder to cry on, Garrick cunningly was there for her. However, the compulsion was broken centuries later when Garrick went into another of his deep sleeps.

When he returned, Connor hated him and formed a team of Vampires that helped him wage war against Garrick. But it was just a matter of time before they realized that they couldn't beat the ancient Vampire as he had more experience than all of them combined.

Garrick eventually apologized, Connor forgave him and Disbanded the team, the rest was history. The point is that they became friends and have remained friends for so many centuries.

"Even if you aren't convinced that she is yours yet, the short temper should tell you everything you need to know. She took after you in that area," Connor said with a smile as he walked into the room.

Garrick sighed and looked out of the window again, "I wasn't always like this, you know." He said softly.

"Hmm… Yeah, I have heard that story countless times in the past centuries, but you are responsible for what you are now, the same as her. No one is above change, your brother is no more so you can't keep blaming your behavior on your past life." Connor advised and poured himself a drink from the mini bar in the bedroom.

Garrick couldn't help but notice that Connor knew every spot in the building. He didn't even search for the bottle of champagne; he just went straight to where it was kept and took it.

"Forget about my tantrums and temper, it seems like you are familiar with every corner of this building. Did you also move in here or is there something I am missing?" Garrick asked with suspicious eyes.

Connor paused from pouring the drink and stared at Garrick, and then he laughed nervously. "What are you hitting at, Pal?"

Garrick grinned and folded his arms. "Nothing, but I am watching you," he said in a voice that Connor found creepy.

"Okay, watch me all you want but allow me to fill you up about everything that has happened in your absence. You should grab a cup and pour yourself a drink, this is going to take a while." Connor informed him.

Garrick hummed and smiled, he loved this part of coming back after a long slumber. He might not have been away for too long this time around but he was certain that Connor would have enough stories for him, and Connor just loved to tell these stories.

Garrick moved over to the mini bar in a second with his vampire speed and then began to pour himself a drink. "Alright, go on Con…. I am all ears. Tell me what's new." He said with a grin on his left cheek.

"Yeah, you already noticed that everything is different now. The mode of dressing, even the way people speak and I am pretty sure you will adapt quickly. To begin with, I got you a mobile phone to stay connected. I couldn't find your old one." Connor announced.

Garrick frowned and walked out of the mini bar with the glass of champagne in him. "I told you to keep all of my stuff safe till I came back," he uttered.

"Well I didn't know that Claire would move in here a few weeks later. I had to rearrange everything and so it is normal that a few things would get misplaced." The younger vampire said in his defense.

"I see, tell me about it." Garrick said and gave his usual one sided smile. He always had that look whenever he was about to do something out of the blue.

To be continued!