Paranormal is Relative

all you need," Leah said.

  "Shocking," Nora added wryly. "You really thought romance would save you?"

  William shrugged. "People are real good at deceivin' themselves. Anyway, I'd say my sin in that respect is no worse than livin’ folks. How many people do you know got themselves in a bad way because they thought they were in love?"

  They considered this.

  "I hate it when the undead horrors have good points," Leah said. "But that doesn't excuse what you did."

  "I know, but it's a hard thing bein' a monster. And even bein' dead the human instinct is to stay alive. But Ms. Parker here has given me time. I've written out my memoirs of both the war and my life. I even found a publisher for my war memoirs, although he thinks it's historical fiction. But if I can get a little money to help out Ms. Parker, then that's the least I can do. I'm almost done unburdening my sins by taking pen to paper. Once I'm sure Ms. Parker is taken care of I'll say my last confession and go to meet my Maker, and may He have mercy on this wretch."

  "Mee-maw, it's dangerous to have him here," Maryann said.

  "I don't worry, my girl." She turned her attention to the vampire. "The boys said someone dumped some more tires and an old TV in the southeast corner. Can you take the truck out and load it up for me?"

  "Sure, I'll do that. Please, ladies and gentleman, understand I wouldn't let anything or anyone hurt Ms. Parker. By the way, I like your music."

  "You better not just be saying that," Maryann said. "Because it'll take more than flattery to get us to trust you."

  "I'm not just saying anything. I mean it. I was wondering why Ms. Parker was listening to your band. It, um, doesn't seem like the kind of music a woman of her status in life would normally be listenin' to."

  "I'm still young at heart, William, and much younger than you," Grace replied.

  He gave a slight laugh. "That is true. Well, I'll go load up the truck. Is there anything else you need while I'm out?"

  "I can't think of anythin' right now, but thank you kindly for askin'."

  "Alright then, I'll be back in a bit," he said, and left through the side door.

  The old woman focused on her granddaughter. "So it seems there's more that happens in your life on the road than you tell me in your letters. Now, Maryann, what happened with your cousin Stephanie?"

  Maryann flushed with embarrassment and explained the situation with Stephanie, which led to a much longer explanation.

  "Well, well, that explains quite a lot," Grace said mildly. "Maryann, my girl, I wish you had told me sooner."

  "Well, you know, I can't really talk about it to people who don't already know or else people will think I'm crazy. But you know now and that's great!"

  The old woman sighed. "Would you mind helpin' me clear the table?"

  "Of course not."

  The band and Dave helped clean up and Grace settled into a deep recliner. "I'm so glad to see you, but I'm afraid my age is catchin' up to me. You can stay as long as you want, but I'm going to be noddin' off soon."

  "I don't trust that vampire," Maryann said firmly.

  "You don't have to, but I assure you he won't hurt me. You don't have to stay here to protect me. There's a nice little place in town that'll be a lot more comfortable."

  The redhead looked doubtful.

  "Alright, you have it your way," Grace said. "But this is a holy place. I'm safe here." She winced a bit in pain. "So, I'm sure you have to get on the road again soon. What would you like to do here in the meantime?"

  They spent a pleasant evening talking and playing card games. They heard a truck pull up and guessed William had returned, but he didn't enter the church while they were there. Grace convinced Maryann she was safe at the church and gently threw them all out although with a smile she suggested they go out the back door.

  Once they were outside they understood why. The butterflies of the day time had been replaced by a few moths but mostly by fireflies. There were so many twinkling lights the garden almost looked as though it was in the middle of a starry sky, not in an old graveyard.

  "Isabella, what does this mean?" Leah asked.

  "I'm not sure," she answered. "In Eastern tradition, butterflies are living spirits and fireflies are spirits of the dead. There is definitely something about this place; something different. Maybe 'blessed' is the right word."

  "I'm still worried about that vampire," Maryann said.

  "I think it'll be fine," Nora replied.

  They all gave her skeptical looks.

  "He actually doesn't seem like trouble to me. I don't get the same feeling from him that I did from, oh, what was his name, Nicholas? Whatever. The one your cousin was dating. I don't even get the same feeling from him I have from some of your boyfriends," she explained, directing the last comment at Maryann.

  "Well, that's interesting. He does have an aura of death," Isabella said. "But that doesn't mean he's necessarily bad."

  The redhead looked put out, but sighed. "I guess I have to trust Mee-maw. She says he won't hurt her, so I hope she's right."

  They walked around to their van and saw the truck loaded with seven automobile tires and a large, cathode-ray tube television set.

  "Well, it looks like he did go get the garbage, so that's encouraging," Leah said.

  Maryann remained unconvinced. They got rooms at the place Grace recommended and settled down for some sleep.

  Maryann barely got through breakfast before she insisted they return to the church to check on her grandmother. The truck was still there and still loaded up. They looked around the back first and there was a newly turned pile of dirt in the same shaded corner. Then they went in through the front door which was unlocked. They could smell eggs and bacon.

  "That's a good sign," Leah said.

  "Come on in," Grace called.

  "Mee-maw! You're okay," Maryann said as they walked to the back.

  Grace was washing up dishes from breakfast. "I told you so, my girl."

  "Let me do that," she said, taking over.

  The old lady sat down on a chair gratefully. "You need head out today, don't you?"

  "Well, yes, but not until lunchtime," she answered.

  "Good. I think matters will be settled by then."

  "What matters?"

  "I need someone to take over this little church here when I'm gone."

  "Oh, Mee-maw. Don't think like that."

  "I'm old, my girl. Old people think like that all the time. Problem is, of course, there are not a lot of people I can ask because they won't understand what this place is. I'm glad you understand, but you can't stay because of your band."

  "I'm sorry, Mee-maw."

  "No matter," Grace said. "This church draws people, and I think perhaps it'll draw a new caretaker. I've been prayin' on the matter." Suddenly there was a knock at the front doors. She glanced at the crucifix on the wall. "Perhaps my answer is here." She slowly stood up.

  Maryann hastily tucked away the dishes and gestured for the band to follow her grandmother. "I know she thinks she's safe, but it could be some kind of mugger," she texted the group.

  There was another knock before Grace opened the door.

  "Long time no see," said a familiar and unexpected voice.

  "Derek!" Maryann shrieked. She ran up to the dark, handsome man and hugged him. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again."

  "Lordy, again?" Isabella sighed.

  "Speaking of Maryann's boyfriends," Nora added, also sighing.

  "Well, to be fair, I didn't expect to see you either. But sometimes life works out in strange ways, no?" Derek replied.

  "What brings you here to Louisiana?" Maryann asked.

  "Sometimes I'm drawn to places. That's how I live. And I was drawn here."

  "Maryann, are you going to introduce me?" Grace asked.

  "Oh, I'm sorry. This is Derek La Croix. We met at a show in Buffalo. There was a freak blizzard that night too." r />
  "Oh, that one," Dave said to Leah, who nodded.

  "Derek, this is my grandmother, Grace Parker."

  "I'm pleased to meet you," he said, shaking her hand.

  "Likewise. Will you be stayin' a spell, Derek?"

  "I don't know. I go places, I see things, and I meet people. I left home a long time ago, but this place feels like home again," he said.

  "Long time ago?" Leah repeated. "How old are you?"

  He smiled. "Well, older than you think, but hey, it didn't really matter at the time, did it? We got through a crisis, got to know each other, and everything turned out fine."

  "Are you from these parts originally?" Grace asked.

  "New Orleans."

  "And dabbled a bit in Voodoo practices?"

  "Maybe a bit," he answered.

  "Then you'll be wantin' some rum and a cigar unless I'm much mistaken."

  "Mee-maw, you know about pagan practices?" Maryann asked, surprised. "I thought you were Catholic."

  "I am, but that don't mean I don't know a bit about other beliefs 'round these parts. You shouldn't be so surprised, my girl. Some things run in the blood." She looked at Isabella. "I'm sure you know what I'm talkin' about."

  Isabella was startled. "I, um, don't know how to answer that."

  "Well, how about we all go have a nice snack and talk? Derek, would you care to join us and tell me all about Buffalo?"

  "That's nice, Ms. Parker, but I'm feeling like I ought to be doin' something here."

  "If you're feeling restless you could take the truck out to the county dump and unload it for me. I try to keep things nice, but there are always people who just don't care."

  "Sure, I'll go take care of that for you," he said.

  "Um, Mee-maw?" Maryann said.

  Grace waved her hand. "I'll get the keys and some money for the fees," she