Good, thats the look were going for.
The Mansion had been transformed into a spread from Homes & Gardens. Everything seemed completely wrong. With the new slipcovers, the couches appeared brand new and the room clean, sweet-smelling, and free of any unwanted eight-legged insects. Hurricane lamps and framed flowers lined the mantel. Bright yellow and white pillows popped out against white linen-covered chairs.
It looks like someone else lives here, I said.
You think so? Sebastian asked, pleased with the results. Alexander will be like any other person living in townonly hell have a butler instead of a few parents. That will accentuate his trust-fund status, he said, thinking out loud.
Youve covered all your bases, I said, noticing that a floor-length candelabra had been replaced with a silver floor lamp. Giles Lunken wont have anything to say, except Hes one of our own.
And, Sebastian began, it gets better. Now theres no need for a photographer.
I followed Sebastian into a roomformerly the parlor, now a studio with desk, computer, and easel.
Its almost finished. I just have to print it out, he said.
Sebastian went to the printer tray and handed me a glossy photo. I held it in my hand.
It was a picture of Alexander!
This will be his artists headshot, Sebastian boasted.
I was amazed. For the first time in my life, I held a picture of my vampire boyfriend. I love it! It looks exactly like you!
I used one of my image-enhancement software programs, Sebastian proudly said, and played around with some photographs I found online. I used Johnny Depp and made a few tweaks to bone structure and added pale skin, and voilà! Alexander.
It looks like a real photograph. And it looks like you! Can I keep it?
We have to give it to Mr. Lunken for the article. But I can print you another one.
Print a hundred! I ordered.
I was so distracted by finally possessing a photograph of Alexander, I almost forgot that the preppy guy standing in front of me was him.
My boyfriend tugged at the collar of his shirt and fiddled with his shoes. I watched him as he uncomfortably tried to adapt to his new image. He was trying his best to fool even himself.
We returned to the living room, where he put a log in the fireplace.
You hate it, dont you, I said.
This house is beautifuldont get me wrong, he lamented. And the clothes look great on a guy in a magazine. But
What?
I dont want to let you down.
Me? I said. Ive spent my whole life not conforming. Why would I judge you if you dont feel comfortable in an image that isnt your own?
Because if I dont do itif that reporter snoops around or it slips out that I sleep in a coffinthat I drink blood for breakfast Alexanders voice rose. It is dangerous not only for me, but for you.
I understand. I, too, was afraid Mr. Lunken would find out and reveal Alexanders true identity. But mostly for Alexanders sake.
Im not sure you do. Is this the life you really want, Raven? The one youve desired all your life? Or is it just about the fantasy of it?
What do you mean? I asked. Being a vampire had always fascinated me. I knew there were drawbacks, but werent there drawbacks to being mortal?
You are all about showing the world who you truly are. What if you couldnt anymore? he asked sincerely.
It was something I hadnt thought about. Id imagined a life of darkness and mystery, but not one where Id have to hide who I was. I dont know.