Barristers and Vampires

          I got no rest on the plane.

            “Considered the future?” Ed asked me.

            “No,” I replied.

            “Fair enough,” he said, nodding. “She can stay for a while, but you’re going to need your own place before too long.”

            My God. The Future!

 

*

 

            We touched down and Sharona was there to meet us. I didn’t run into her arms in slow motion. I just said,

            “Hi.”

            and made for the tube. I needed sleep, not thought. She might’ve been annoyed by that, but I wouldn’t know. I was carefully avoiding everything.

 

*

 

            This morning I woke early, leaving Sharona in bed, and called my clerks. Sure enough they confirmed that there’s a ton of paperwork waiting for me. I put on my suit and prepared to go pick up my work. As I made to leave Sharona stirred.

            “Don’t go!” she said.

            “I’ll be back,” I replied.

 

*

 

            I worked all day and then met Sharona in a barrister’s pub off Fleet Street. She was enchanted by the quaintness of it all. I could see the vampires amongst the beams in her head. Barristers mingled all around us and I was certain they were watching me with Sharona. I was proud, and nervous, all at the same time.

            How had I found a Sharona and captured her in this way? It’s all too surreal.