Where Secrets Lie

Michael took her hand in his and before she knew it, they were entering his ebony doorway. Inside, he led her across the room to the mysterious locked door that she had been so curious about on the night that she left the portfolio. Her heartbeat quickened, finally, she would know what secrets Michael held.

He unlocked the door and they walked inside. Kara stumbled as she followed Michael in the dark area. An eerie silence filled the room as if it existed in a void. She jumped as Michael snapped his fingers and bright white lights exposed everything. Paintings and old books filled the room but dust-covered many of the items.

Kara looked around in amazement. Never had she seen so many aged books and paintings in her life. In fact, many of the pieces looked too old to still exist. She feared one touch would turn them all to dust. While she eyed every piece in the room, Michael only stared at one particular painting. In the portrait, a woman and man stood side by side. They wore firm expressions and dressed in the fashion of the 1800s. The man was the spitting image of Michael.

"This is a painting of my parents," Michael explained. "My mother was a mortal until my father fell in love with her. She was an amazing woman: perfect in every way, but a little over 200 years ago, she killed my father. It was the ultimate betrayal to both of us." He leaned against a dusty wooden bookshelf and sighed. "My uncle Elijah had to kill her."

Kara looked at Michael with a solemn expression and then back up at the painting. A cross necklace hung from the woman's neck in the painting. With a deep breath, Kara clutched her own necklace and shut her eyes. "The cross was your mother's."

"Is it wrong that I still love her? I wanted to ask her why she did it, but I never got the chance. I will never understand what caused it." Michael placed his head in his hands.

"It's not wrong that you still love her," Kara said as tears brimmed her eyes "Growing up, I was angry at my mom for dying and leaving me alone. My father was always distant. Some part of me thinks that he blamed me for her death. I couldn't stop loving her though. I believe it's possible to hate someone with all your heart and still love them."

Her mind screamed at her that she shouldn't do it but her body made her way into Michael's arms as she hugged him tightly. She felt as if some of her own anguish dissipated. They moved to the couch, to talk more and to offer the other comfort. Finally, Kara fell asleep, her head on his shoulder. With a small smile on his face, Michael carried her to his bed and tucked her in.

"Thank you," he whispered and kissed her forehead.

*******************************************

As the days passed, the clan began to notice Kara's effect on Michael's behavior. He was more pleasant and happy, and just about everyone loved Kara for helping to heal him. Kate, however, did not appreciate Kara or the fact that she had replaced her as Michael's favorite after only a few months.

Kate decided to take her feelings to her master, and she found him in the kitchen, speaking to his head chef. She waited patiently for him to quit talking, and when the chef walked away, she wasted no time in getting Michael's attention. "Michael," she placed her perfectly manicured hand on his arm, "Is there anything you want me to do for you today?"

"No," he stated as he swept her hand away and began to leave.

"Fine," she replied, crossing her arms. She pouted at the wall, expecting him to turn back around and play her game.

In fact, he did stop and turn back around but only to grab a plate of food, oblivious to her game.

Kate turned to him as she heard him leaving. "Wait!" She ran to catch up to him. "Have I done something to upset you?"

Fury raged inside of her at his casual attitude. "You have been giving Kara all of the attention and jobs that you used to give to me. I am the head servant. Those are my jobs! Tell me." Her words were cut short by Michael.

"Quiet! Who are you to question me? I don't have time for this. I am the vampire and you are the servant. End of discussion!"

Kate cowered, but anger quickly replaced the fear, and she stormed away. Michael watched her leave with suspicion. He always enjoyed her company in the past because she was attractive and fun, but he never trusted her. He headed back to his room, but as he was about to enter, Kara opened the door.

"You're not sneaking out are you?" He held the plate of fried eggs, toast, and orange juice that he had gotten his chef to prepare for her.

"No," she hesitated, "actually, yes, I was. I woke up and saw you weren't in the room, so I thought it would be less awkward if I were gone when you got back." She pulled on her hair as she spoke.

"Awkward?" he questioned. When she didn't answer he continued. "I went to the kitchen to get you some breakfast. I noticed that you didn't eat at all while you were helping me yesterday. I figured you would be hungry when you woke up." He handed her the ceramic plate. "At least take the food with you."

"Thanks." She felt small and meek as she looked up at him, and she hated the feeling. Before he had a chance to speak any more, she shuffled down the hallway with the plate of food.