novem- thirtyeight

Talyn walked between Andy and Annabelle around the beach. December stared from his cozy position on the blanket. Chrysanthe had gone off with Owen to check out the scene. Gale and his wife sat with December on the blanket drinking blood from small paper cups. Anastasia put her book down to go over to December. She was in swim trunks and a blue swim top to match. Harper watched them.
"Hey…"
"Hey," he answered.
"Bored?"
"A little bit. It's cold up here."
"I wouldn't know," she laughed.
"It's not funny," Harper hissed.
"Now Harper... he is always welcome with us. You cannot be bitter at the whole human race," Gale smirked then sipped his drink.
"I'm not bitter, I'm better…"
Anastasia laughed, "Of course."
"That thinking is dangerous Harper. Be quiet," Berlin closed her eyes.
Annabelle was hugging a guy over at a tent. December saw this and stared. The banner flag above them read "German Devils" in green lettering.
"That's Dominique… a friend. Don't worry about him," Anastasia pat December's shoulder, "He lives just down the road from us with his sisters and father."
"Oh…" December shivered and breathed an icy cloud.
"I'm going swimming," Harper stood up and removed her shirt.
Under it was a black one piece, usually used by pro swimmers. She undid her hair and started off towards the water. Annabelle returned alone.
"Happy Halloween," he said smiling, glad she was back.
"Happy Halloween. I wanted to know if you wanted me to build a fire since you're probably going to be stuck here all night…" Annabelle seemed sad.
"I could walk around with you guys," December responded standing up.
The quilt fell around his feet and frozen air wound its way around his body. He stepped out of the warmth. He was using all of his will power not to shiver. He joined the rest of the group hanging out by the lapping rim of water. Anastasia and Harper swam through the waves with the variety of other swimmers. Devils, ghosts, and even mermaids were the company.
Annabelle chatted around like she was old friends with everyone. December felt awkward. He analyzed the groups gathered beneath the banners. He wondered how all of these creatures could have remained so well hidden.  Of course all of them looked perfectly human. Some boys talked with girls and the girls flirted back. December wondered how these people came to be monsters and creatures of the night.
"Sorry… I know you're bored. I didn't think of how out of place you would feel."
"It's okay. Having a good time?"
"Yeah pretty good. But I want you to have fun too…"
"I am having fun."
---"No you're not. And you are so tempted to go back and sit in the truck…"---
"I'm having fun," he repeated to drown out Andromeda's thoughts.
"Well what do you want to do?"
"I don't know… but I feel sort of estranged…"
"Being the only human I would too… I'm sorry I dragged you here."
"I wanted to come. Don't feel bad. As long as you're having fun I'm having fun."
Annabelle smiled. People watched them as they walked past. Some whispered and some just awed.
"There he is…"
"I knew I could smell something fresh…"
"He's cute…"
"With a vampire?"
"Oh that's rich, a snake and a mouse…"
"Is that seriously a human?"
"He knows?"
"She's freakish…"
"Oh that's just wrong…"
"Well it is Gale's youngest…"
"How funny…"
Voices, that some would say were inaudible, were picked up by the super sensitive ears of Annabelle Lee- December was not totally oblivious although he couldn't hear everything they said. He threw his arm around Annabelle's shoulders and took her near him. He breathed in her soft scent. She heard the voices rise and fall again, slightly frightened. The wind stirred the trees and the water licked at Annabelle's exposed ankles.
"Here, let's go back to the quilt to get some drinks…" she spun him around steadfast.
Figures loomed behind the trees that only she could see.
---"Oh thank God you two finally turned around! You were almost into their territory!"---
---"I know Andy. I could smell them… where are you at?"---
---"Back at the Smith's saying hi to Sophie and Smithy. I was going to go back and get a drink when I saw you guys…"---
---"Well we're on our way to the picnic spot right now. See you there…"---
---"You've got to be more careful, Al."---
---"Yeah I know…"---
They broke thought for a moment.
---"I can always pick you up when you're fearful of something…"---
---"Get out of my head!"---
---"Okay, gosh…"---
They made it back to the set up without any confrontation from other parties. Groups still danced to the music, chatted, and ate from privet picnic supplies. Annabelle dribbled a small amount of blood into a cup from the large cooler. December smiled. She drank it slowly relishing the flavor. Then she went through Berlin's purse and pulled out a case of mints. December took one from her and tossed it in his mouth. She slid one between cold lips.