The Vampire (THE VAMPIRE Book 1) (83 page)

Crab cakes arrived with crawfish sauce but he could just as easily have ordered trout amandine, or filet of beef with port raisin sauce and been happy with those. He had trouble choosing among Creole and other specialties, with sides such as BBQ shrimp or shrimp and grits. And by the time he had succumbed to a dessert of chocolate beignets and coffee, Jason was done.

Over courses of food Jason had learned it was not just at the holidays that the Geniers were so generous. All through the year it seemed were picnics, day trips, theme park outings, all marking various celebrations, or at times, for no other reason than just to enjoy an event together as family. In a city such as New Orleans, which went from one amazing festival to another all year, it was hard for Jason to imagine the Geniers being able to squeeze in even one more event to those already going on.

James and Allen took the podium again. “We will adjourn to the annex shortly, for the lighting of the trees and the voting on the tree contest. Mr. Augere has joined us and he has viewed the trees as well.” A whoop rose over the crowd, in particular the unmistakable sound of the excited voices of adolescent girls. “Okay, we shall see those of you who are attending the tree event in about an hour then.”

At one end of the large room sat a huge Christmas tree, and smaller lit trees lined the walls on either side as well. Jason was confused: there were more decorated trees?

Allen came and found him then, and led him through the noisy mingling crowd to a small salon. At a table elegantly set for dinner, decorated with a beautiful centerpiece that included glowing candles and Christmas greenery, sat Augere, alone, where of course no dinner had been served. The cozy salon held small lit trees like those in the main room with red satin bows and silver ornaments.

James entered soon after and he handed Augere a small wrapped present, covered in cobalt blue tissue paper with a tiny gold fleur de lis pattern on it. Allen poured shots of brandy for each of them.

Augere shook his head at the offer of the gift.

Jason had asked Genier about getting a gift for Augere and was assured it was not expected. He did not feel comfortable accepting gifts from us, James had explained. So Jason was a little surprised to witness this.

“If you don’t open it, I will. So you might as well open it.”

Augere sighed heavily and then quickly, and a little self-consciously it seemed to Jason, unwrapped the gift. Under the tissue paper was a slender cobalt blue box. He set the box on the table and then opened it.

The box contained an exquisite dark blue fountain pen. Augere lifted it out to examine it closely. He turned it over in his hands and felt the heft of it; examined the details: there was a raven etched on the gold nib; James pointed it out. This was a special edition Edgar Allan Poe fountain pen; Augere held it as if poised to write. Then he examined the ink well.

He looked up at James with a look of wonder and unmistakable pleasure.

“I decided you needed to always have a decent fountain pen available to you. It was Allen who learned of this particular pen.”

Augere glanced at Allen, who smiled at him.

“And he was able to locate one. Do you like it?”

Augere gave a nod and a lingering look at Allen. “Yes. Absolutely. It is quite beautiful.” Augere said in his soft voice, obviously delighted with the gift.

“I am very glad.” Genier beamed at him. “It can be so difficult to find something you like.” Then he gently proceeded to tug the pen away from Augere. Augere seemed quite reluctant to let it go. Genier replaced it in its blue box, closed it, even as Augere reached for the box, and then put the box in the inner pocket of his jacket.

“I do quite like it. I will take it now,” Augere said, again tentatively reaching for it, as James took a small step back.

“Not to worry. I am going to keep it here, safe for you. No one else will ever have access to it but you, I assure you. It will always be here for you when you need it.”

Augere’s eyes narrowed slightly as he frowned. “Can you not trust me to keep it?”

“Of course I can.” James nodded solemnly. “But it will be quite safe with me too. Ready and available— right here—whenever it is required.”

Augere sighed heavily, shaking his head. Jason thought at first he was upset but then there did seem to be a faint hint of amusement at the corners of his mouth. James rested his hand on Augere’s shoulder then and whispered something briefly in his ear. Then James straightened up and left the salon. Jason lifted his shot of brandy in toast to Augere, as did Allen. Augere lifted his glass too. Each savored the libation.

A short while later, as they walked the two blocks to the annex as they called it, Allen was explaining to Jason they held a tree contest each year and this year there were three entries. Tonight people would choose the themes for next year, and then have the entire year to collect what they wanted and needed for their chosen theme. It had been a family tradition Allen remembered from his own childhood, and he couldn’t even say how many years before then. Sometimes the trees were then auctioned off for special charities and some were kept by the family themselves.

They entered a room with a small curtained stage. Some folding chairs were set up, but most of the people chose to stand, cameras ready. Jason had remembered to bring his camera this time.

It may not have been the family celebration he was used to, but Jason had never felt so comfortable among strangers before in his life. Once again, people he had never met, and a few he had met just briefly, had come up to him with personal greetings to wish him well and to see if he needed anything; again, they all knew him by name. He wondered now if it was because he was Augere’s assistant? Did that carry a certain cachet with all of them? That might be part of it. But these people seemed too genuine and friendly to need to put on any pretense just for his benefit. He began to choke up a little at the welcome they had extended to him. He truly felt as if he had a second family now, one that purposely included him in their traditions.

Before James and Allen announced the theme of the first tree, they announced the prizes to be awarded: gift baskets, passes to preferred seating for Mardi Gras, sports ticket packages: the list went on, and again reflected the generosity of the family among its own. There was also a winner’s choice prize, which was unannounced. Because, as James explained “it will be the winner’s choice. And I ask—please keep it reasonable!” James admonished the excited crowd as they laughed nervously.
All this for Christmas tree displays? These must be some special trees,
Jason thought as he shrugged.

And they were. When the first tree was revealed, everyone began to take photos at once. Someone at Jason’s elbow, sensing he wouldn’t know much about this family tradition, explained in a loud whisper: the trees were practically guarded secrets, like floats in the Mardi Gras parade. Even though there would be time to take more photos, everyone got caught up in the moment. The first tree was New Orleans themed and was simply beautiful. Tall and full, it managed to capture the color, history, culture, and uniqueness of the city all at once. The lights were the colors of Mardi Gras: gold, green, and purple. James, with microphone in hand, pointed out the various ornaments; tiny painted papier mache beignets and coffee; miniature artworks of landmarks; beads, alligators, voodoo dolls, musical instruments, miniature books with NOLA themes; a steamboat—Jason craned to see all of it, taking several photos as he did so. It was obvious a lot of effort had gone into this, and it truly was a work of art.

The theme of the next tree to be revealed was Myths and Fantasies. Several people throughout the room gasped when they saw it.

Again, it was amazingly clever, and as beautiful as it was intriguing. Blue, green and white lights sparkled on the tree. The ornaments included a variety of mythical beings and everyone craned their necks to see: mermaids; unicorns; various wizards, including ornaments from Harry Potter; flying horses and flying pigs; fairies and gnomes and ghosts and a phoenix rising from the ashes; the Loch Ness monster and abominable snowmen; even a Sasquatch. James pointed out the many magical and humorous touches. There were a few superheroes. Santa and Krampus and angels and trolls. People laughed with delight as they noted particular details. This tree, like the previous one, had been placed on a small rotating stand, moving slowly so everyone could see as much of it as possible, each turn bringing fresh delights to the eye.

The last tree to be revealed also made everyone gasp. It was all black, with purple and white lights and the tree’s theme was Dark Dreams and Nightmares. James pointed out various ornaments, without a hint of irony: werewolves, and witches and vampires; ghosts and various examples of Universal’s Monsters were well represented. Shrunken heads, and mummies and zombies. Evil glaring pumpkins; cut outs of the Addams family and Jack Skellington. Jason absolutely loved it. It may not have gotten the same fully warm reception the crowd had extended to the other entries, but as James pointed out more of the clever and sophisticated details, people began expressing admiration for the creative efforts, for the handmade ornaments as well as the store-bought ones, and for the overall effect. It was a tree that could easily find a welcome place among Halloween festivities.
Or for me,
Jason thought,
year round
.

It was time to vote on the winners. As a woman next to Jason explained now, basically everyone won; it is just a matter of who won more.

Votes were cast and the ballots placed in boxes on a table along the side of the room. Everyone could only vote once, but they could cast a vote for all three, or just one, if they wanted. Jason cast a vote for all three.

He walked the two blocks back to the restaurant with a group of people, everyone chatting and in happy moods.

More desserts were brought out, and coffee and other liquid refreshments were offered. Jason learned some of the crowd had gone to church services and were just now returning for the light breakfast being served then. Everything looked enticing, but Jason could eat no more. He stayed hydrated, however, alternating water with juice as he continued to enjoy more glasses of wine.

Live music was playing again now, and Jason took a seat to relax and listen a while. He was growing tired but he did not want to miss a moment of all of this. Other people were gathering to sit and listen now. The wonderful evening was slowly winding down.

Three singers and several musicians on violins, guitars and a flute began playing:

“Dear friends and companions, come join me in rhyme,

Come lift up your voices in chorus with mine.

Let us drink and be merry, all grief to refrain,

For we may and might never, all meet here again.

Here’s a toast to the company, all present and past;

Let us drink and be merry, all out of one glass.

Let us drink and be merry, all grief to refrain,

For we may and might never, all meet here again.”

This was a song familiar to Jason from attending Renaissance Faires! An old song he imagined, finding new life among the Genier’s festivities.

Jason was caught up in the words and the sentiment. The girl sang with an emotion filled lilting voice. The song was quite beautifully done.
Where is Augere?
he wondered, thinking he might enjoy this. He turned his full attention to the music once more, as a second chorus began. Then the song segued into Auld Lang Syne. The lyrics seemed altered somewhat, maybe to reflect the family’s preferences. Jason had never heard the song played and sung so slowly, nor the softly spoken words delivered with such bittersweet sadness:

“If never we should meet again, by land or by sea,

I will remember always your kindness to me.

And here’s a hand to trust, my friend

And give a hand of thine

And we will take a cup of kindness yet…for auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne

We will take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

Should old acquaintance be forgot? And never brought to mind?

For although we traversed all the world…

Our hearts remained behind.

And until we gather here again, until your eyes meet mine,

Let us take a cup of kindness now

For auld lang syne. For auld lang syne, my dear,

For auld lang syne. We will take a cup of kindness…”

The words and music affected Jason more deeply than he could have guessed; his reaction to the sentiments expressed surprised him and nearly moved him to tears.
To think I might never have experienced this if I had not come back. The warmth and generosity of these people…
All around him others were softly singing the heartfelt words along with the musicians and tears were common among the diversely aged crowd. As the song concluded Jason realized Augere was standing next to him.

“It is quite beautiful and very moving.” Augere’s softly spoken words seemed meant only for Jason to hear. “They include all of their past family and friends in their remembrance as if they are among them still. That is why—so many tears. They perform this every year and I do not think they could do without it.”

Jason was touched by Augere’s acknowledgement and the feeling he expressed. It was right for James to include him and insist Augere be part of this. James understood this and now Jason knew it was true: Augere did seem to derive something good from all of this, no matter how much he might protest his presence and participation. It meant something to him; it was something he could relate to and be part of.

It was time to announce the winners of the tree decorating event. James and Allen took the podium. The entries had won in the order they had been presented. The winners of the first prize announced they wished for Mr. Augere to come to the podium so all the teams could thank him personally for his generosity throughout the year. They would then claim their unannounced prize.
This ought to be interesting,
Jason thought.

James looked a little uncomfortable at the podium. Jason observed Allen’s concerned look as well.