Since my first night at my new home, I've been practicing on my guitar and painting skills. I figure, if I can't go out during daylight hours to hold down a regular job, at least I could sell my paintings and maybe get some nightly gigs to make some money. Because, honestly, this shack is too small. You can barely move in any direction. Don't get me wrong though; it's cute, but it could be a lot better. Plus it would be nice to not go outside every time I need to use the bathroom.
I've also been doing some research on my phone to try and see if there's any known cure of vampirism. I couldn't find much . . . at least nothing realistically about vampires. It seems they still keep to the shadows. Heh, heh, get it?
That night, I went out searching for possible places to play. Finally, I come to a local club. I heard the owner arguing with one of the band members, who refused to play any more that night. "Alright, Frank, but if you leave, don't you ever think about coming back!" the owner screamed as the band filed out of the club.
This is my chance, I thought. Cautiously, I approached the man and poked him on the shoulder. "Sir," I murmered.
"What do you want?" he huffed.
"I'm sorry, sir, but I couldn't help but overhear your band leave. If it's okay with you, I'd be willing to pick up the slack," I said.
The man took a deep breath, fully listening to my offer. "I'll tell you what; you play tonight, and at the end we will determine how much it's worth, alright?"
I nodded, and turned around, taking in the large crowd watching me. It's okay, Layla. You can do this. I took a deep breath, and took my place on the stage. After what seemed like a whole minute of awkward silence, my fingers found their way to the strings. I closed my eyes for a few moments, finding my rhythm. I poured my heart and soul into what I was playing. It started off soft, full of despair, and the crowd was silent. Then, in the middle of everything, I picked it up. I got faster, louder, imagining my life as it had been and what I hoped it would be. The shift in my chords got easier and easier until, finally, I opened my eyes and smiled at the sight in front of me. The crowd loved it! Some were dancing, others clapping, others just sitting almost awe-struck. They fueled my spirit even further, and to be honest I dragged the song out simply because I was having so much fun! When I finished I put my guitar down and walked to the bar. I know, technically I'm too young to drink, but who's going to refuse a vampire who just rocked the stage?
"What would you like?" the bar tender asked, not really noticing my true age.
"Something.... fruity, with a lot of kick. Surprise me," I told him. To be honest, I had no clue what I wanted. I've never really drunk a lot before. Maybe a sip here and there when I could find it.
Soon after, the bar tender slid me my first real, alcoholic drink. It had what looked like sugar or salt around the rim of the glass, and even had a small umbrella in the mix. I blinked and looked up at the bar tender, who looked at me curiously. I've never seen anything like this before. I almost wasn't sure where to start. Should I lick off the salt/sugar first and then drink, should I mix it somehow? Not wanting to draw any more attention to myself, I put the drink to my lips and just drank. The salt ended up in the mix somehow, dancing on my tongue as I drank. It surprised me how the salt seemed to make the drink even sweeter! The bar tender looked pleased with my reaction, and hurried away to help other customers waving to him at the end of the bar.
"Hi, what's your name?" a voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned to face the man beside me, his yellowish eyes seeming to stare into my soul.
"Layla Cliffe," I muttered. "What's yours?"
"Andrew." I blushed and looked away. Gosh, Layla. You act like you've never talked to a boy before. "So," the man paused, "do you play a lot?"
I looked at him, almost shocked. "I'm sorry. What?"
With a chuckle, the man answered, "Do you play your guitar often . . like this?"
I was suddenly very aware of the bulging vein on the man's neck, calling me. Out of everyone in the entire room, his attracted me the most. It smelled almost.. sweet, but not in the sense of the alcohol. I swallowed hard, trying to push my desire down. I haven't fed since the night I attacked that poor sim. I just haven't felt the need. In fact, I've felt better than ever. It seems vampires don't need to feed every single day. I tried to focus on the man's eyes; his beautiful, intense eyes. But I couldn't, not with his heartbeat echoing in my ears! "No, no, this is my first time--"
"Really, wow!" the man said.
"Yeah, thanks," I said, rising from my seat, "but I really must go."
"Hey, where are y-" the man said as he started to get up.
"Sorry! It was nice meeting you!" I shouted back over the music as I rushed to the door.
Outside I was confronted by the owner. Oh, great. He hated it, I thought. "Hey, Kiddo, where ya goin'?" he asked.
"Oh, I was just heading home," I said, about to brush past him.
Suddenly the man reached for his wallet, handing me $1,000. "1,000?!" I squealed.
The man smiled. "Yeah, Kiddo, you've earned it. That's the most engaged I've seen my audience in a long time! I added a little extra. Kiddo, I want you in my club EVERY night. At least for a while. You think you can do that?"
"Oh, yes, sir! Thank you, sir!" I exclaimed.
"Alright, now. Off you go," he shooed me away.
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