Minor Conveniences

[Tayden (DELETED 7355)]

< Tayden > “Going for some snacks at the convenience store across the way.” Tayden called to his sister as he left the store his sister owned, that he now worked at. This time last year, this was nothing but a pipe dream, or something not even thought of by either of the twins. Owning a business and helping run it? Not anything close to their goals, dreams and aspirations.

But this place was more or less a cover for the real motivation or drive to own a business. Sure, it made decent enough sales, but what happened at night time was the main focal point of their little idea. Awareness and self-defense. Awareness that there are creeps out there and what to do if you encountered one. Like the people that took his sister and held her hostage for months and months. Tayden waited until he heard his sister acknowledge what he had said, then grabbed his coat from the small coat rack from behind the counter and slipped the sherpa lined green and brown colored coat on. Zipping it up quick he shouted that he should be back well after his fifteen minute break was up, programmed the alarm on his phone to make sure and was out the door and into the blustery winter wind.

He was a block or so down when Tayden realized he had left his gloves on the counter back at the shop. With a shake of his head, he shrugged his shoulders, drew in a large breath of air into his lungs and brought both hands to his lips so he could blow the warm air out on them. He did this for the rest of the way every few seconds, because Tayden wasn’t turning around. It would eat up too much time and he wasn’t going to leave his sister alone for too long. Bad things happened all the time to good people and she didn’t need any more bad things in her life.

The small corner store’s short alarm went off as he stepped inside and he got the customary greeting from the older guy behind the counter. Tayden stopped in her at least once a week, so the two knew each other well enough. They knew they both worked behind the counter of a store; which store and each other’s names. “How’s Mary, Bob?” Tayden asked as he went right to the chip aisle and started looking for his favorite salt and vinegar chips-the generic kind because the other kind had too much vinegar for his liking. ”Oh good. She’s at home resting. Winter is always a little rough on her, you know.” Tayden didn’t actually know, but he could imagine it. With someone in her condition, Tayden could imagine anyone having a rough go in the winter. ”What’s new with your sister?” The silver haired male asked from the counter as he flipped through some magazine. The question was normal enough, had it been asked a year ago, but it caused Tayden to give the guy a sideways glance. “She’s fine. Business is a little slow, but to be expected after the holiday season. It’ll start again soon.” Tayden was hopeful, he heard it was like this until about the middle of february. ”Chips and soda again?” Tayden was asked as he kept searching for the brand of chips, giving the guy a small nod. ”I think we’re out of your favorite.” The old guy said, before going further. ”Truck was delayed due to the storms east of us. Supposed to come tomorrow around eleven.” Tayden nodded, understanding what was being said. “Guess I’ll have to try something new.” Was all he said as he ventured down another aisle in search for something that would justify his trip out here.

<Lyana> Lyana was at her desk staring at the screen. The new computer she had got from the mail was top of the line. Water cooled, Octa Core processor, HD Graphics Card, 128 GB of Ram. Everything about it was amazing, and yet still… She used her mind to do what she needed. Her head was filled with files and intel. Needing a break, she pushed from the desk, and grabbed at her pack of cigarettes. Empty. Taking an unneeded breath, she sighed and went off towards her bedroom. She grabbed a long, pink cotton sweater jacket, and pulled it on. Her clock read a little after dark. She licked her soft lips and wondered if there was anything else she ne… wanted. She knew she didn’t need anything. Just blood. With her sire out of reach, she had lost touch with the world. It had been months since she had left her apartment. A year? She didn’t know. She looked at the doorknob and stared. She could do this… The knob was warm to the touch. Turning it, she pulled and started walking before she could change her mind.

Just across the hall was the elevator. She jabbed at the button nervously. The last time she was out and active so long ago that she could hardly remember. Just… Just before her first death. She swallowed, and started biting her nails as her nerves intensified. The door opened, and it caused her to jump slightly. She got on, and pressed for the ground floor. ‘I can do this.’, she thought to herself. The elevator started moving down. Her body started to shiver, but she strained to control herself. When the door opened, she stepped out, and made her way towards the exit. With each step, things were getting easier. The nervousness she was feeling was starting to slip away.

She rattled the doors in frustration. The last two stores were closed, and this asshole saw her coming and locked up. She pouted and tried to use her wiles to get her way. It didn’t seem to work as he just ignored her and continued to sweep and clean. She pulled up the city map from her computer up in her head. There was another one just a few blocks more. Hopefully this one was 24 hours. As she reached the door, she grinned and sighed as she pulled and it opened. Finally…

< Tayden > Tayden was a typical guy. Easy, convenient purchases always suited his fancy, so when he saw this trio of meat, cheese and pretzels, Tayden figured it was the best of a lot of words. Protein, salt and fat. He grabbed two packs of the stuff, and headed over to the counter to make his purchase. On his way there, he stopped to get his sister a soda, and looked over at the door as it opened as a blond woman entered. “Hey.” He said to her with a smile in her direction.

He put the drinks down and the two packages and grabbed his two toned brown, Jeminal wallet from the back of his jeans and put out a blue tinted ten dollar toonie and put it on the counter. While the older guy rang up his purchases, Tay looked around the small store and let his eyes land on the woman again. She was pretty enough, but he wasn’t here for that.