The Vampire's Obsession

Aldrich sat in the campus cafeteria with five of his friends who were members of a small, but well-known band at Bradford University.

They consist of Aldrich, Andy, Vincent, Jimmy, Eddie, and Theo.

Aldrich is the most handsome and smartest student among his five friends, they quite often filled events on campus, such as when there was a campus bazaar or other events.

One of the students at Bradford who was a campus star as well as a star at the Faculty of Literature had been in a serious relationship with Aldrich for almost three years.

Laura Jones, a student majoring in Literature in her final semester. She is beautiful, tall, and slender, had a sharp nose, thin and petite lips, long straight hair that reached past her shoulders and had fair skin. Laura is the star of Bradford University, like Aldrich

In the cafeteria, Aldrich didn't get tired of talking about Laura in front of Andy and the others, he was very proud to have a girlfriend like Laura.

"Di, When are you going to have a girl like me? Look, the others have started looking for girls around campus," said Aldrich, elbowing Andy who was sitting next to him.

"I am lazy to have a girlfriend, I haven't thought about it yet. By the way, your relationship is serious, right?" Andy asked Aldrich.

"Yeah, that is right. Is something wrong?" Aldrich asked again.

"No, I am just making sure with you. If you are married later, don't forget to invite us, okay," Andy said casually.

"Ehmm ... it seems that marriage is still taking a long time, I haven't worked yet. Why does Laura want to marry me?"

"Well, he said he was serious, but he said it like that ... at least get engaged after graduation," said Vincent.

"I really thought about marrying her, but I still want to have an adventure in the music world, maybe four or five years from now," explained Aldrich.

"The world of music is your hobby, it is our hobby too. Where do you want to work? I am lazy to work at bank, hotel, or become an english lecturer, it is better to be an artist," Andy replied.

"Instead of being an artist, it is better to marry young, I also want to get married young," said Eddie casually.

"I am not that type of guy, I am not going to ask my dad to marry me with Laura because there are still many plans and goals that must be achieved," Aldrich explained and advised Eddie indirectly.

"Yeah, it is up to you," replied Edo quickly, he saw the look on Aldrich's face which was very serious.

"Since earlier, what was discussed was only marriage, no other topics besides marriage?"

asked Aldrich annoyed.

"Well, what else do you want to talk about? In half an hour I want to meet my lecturer, I hope my thesis doesn't need to be revised this time," Jimmy concluded.

"Laura is really beautiful and perfect. If I were Laura's boyfriend, my family would be very happy," interrupted Edo, he ignored Jimmy's complaints earlier.

"She doesn't like you, Ed. The most handsome and cool guy on campus is Robert," Jimmy replied.

"I am as handsome as Aldrich. I am of British-American-Korean descent, a lot of girls like me," Eddie prided himself while Theo only listened to his friends conversation, he wasn't interested in their chat.

"You are so arrogant, Laura is also of Japanese-Chinese-German descent. That's why she is so beautiful like Miss Universe," Aldrich praised Laura, he smiled widely.

"How is your thesis? How many chapters have you reached?" Jimmy asked Aldrich.

"Still stuck in chapter 2, Jim."

"I am stuck in chapter 3, where there is only four months left, but my thesis isn't finished yet. I don't think I can keep up with the trial schedule and graduation this semester," Jimmy complained.

"By the way, when are we having another gig at Neptunus Cafe? Please ask the cafe manager," Andy asked Aldrich.

"Okay, tonight I will ask Mr. Nino about it. Now, I want to call Laura first," replied Aldrich.

"Well, then I will wait for the news tonight, okay," concluded Andy, he patted Aldrich's shoulder.

"Okay, Di."

Twenty minutes later, Jimmy said goodbye to his friends to meet his lecturer in Room 2201, on the 2nd floor of the Literature Building.

After Jimmy entered the literature building, his five friends left the cafeteria and went back to their respective homes. They always gathered in the cafeteria or at Eddie's house just to talk about the thesis, schedule events at cafes around campus, or discussed other things.

The Starlight Campus Band was formed two years ago. At first, Aldrich and Jimmy were asked by Laura to sing at the campus bazaar that night.

Aldrich and Jimmy's melodious voices were able to enchant all bazaar visitors, even though it was only accompanied by Jimmy's old guitar.

From there, Aldrich's career developed into a campus singer and cafe with five handsome, talented, and intelligent young men.

******

Arriving at home, Aldrich went into his room and called Laura again because he had not seen each other on campus for several days.

"Hello, Aldrich."

"HelIo, Laura. Where are you?"

"I am at home now."

"Then I will come to your house at around 7 o'clock, okay?"

"Not 7 o'clock, just 6 o'clock."

"Why does it have to be 6 o'clock?"

"Ehm ... alright, it doesn't matter."

"Wait for me at your home, see you."

"See you too."

"Is your visit to my house this afternoon because you want to talk about engagement with me?" Laura was curious.

"We'd better not talk about our engagement. I am not ready to be engaged to you yet," said Aldrich.

"You said our relationship was serious, but why aren't you ready to be engaged to me?"

"Yes, seriously. I am looking for a wife, not a girlfriend, but wait a year or two for the engagement, okay?"

"Well, I am confused. You don't want to be engaged next month?"

"I will think about it later, Laura. I will talk to my parents first how good it is."

"Actually, I am afraid of getting pregnant first like my high school friend. She dated for years since middle school, and she got pregnant in 3rd grade of high school. I don't want to get pregnant first," Laura whined.

"Don't worry, I won't get you pregnant. I am a good man who respects the chastity of my girl," said Aldrich.

"Then at 6 pm I will go to your house. I want to meet Aunt Georgia," added Aldrich.

"My aunt? Why do you want to meet her?"

"Because your aunt is bitchy with me," answered Aldrich.

"My aunt bitchy with you because she doesn't like boyband, but my parents really like boy band, especially The Starlight boy band."

"Could it be that your aunt used to date a member of boy band? Or was it traumatized?" asked Aldrich curiously.

"Your guess was correct. Aunt Georgia was in a relationship and even married to Uncle Freddy who is a very famous boy band member, but after their second child was born, Uncle Freddy was caught cheating," Laura explained.

"So, you want to quickly get engaged to me because you are afraid I am cheating on you like Uncle Freddy? Not because you are afraid of getting pregnant with me, right?

"It's not like that, I want to have lunch first, bye," said Laura annoyed at Albert's words earlier.

"Bye."

Then Aldrich hung up his phone.

After he talked with Laura, he leaned back on the chair while thinking about Laura's request and his desire to become a famous singer.

*****

At 5.15 pm Aldrich was getting ready to go to Laura's house on Aglonema street. Of course, Aldrich didn't come empty-handed, but he brought Aunt Georgia's favorite food that he ordered through an online application an hour ago.

Georgia is Vienna's younger sister, Laura's mother. She stayed at Vienna's house for a while, Georgia's two children lived with Freddy and his new wife in London.

Georgia lived in an apartment with Audrey, her youngest child, but Audrey was staying at Freddy's house for a few weeks.

This afternoon Aldrich would meet Laura, her parents, and her aunt. He wanted to win Georgia's heart, so he wouldn't be rude to her anymore.

Forty minutes later, Aldrich was in front of Laura's house, which was spacious and beautiful, then he hurriedly pressed the bell located behind the fence on the right.

Krriiinngg ... kriiinnggg .... the sound of the bell rang all the way to where Aldrich was standing. It wasn't long before Laura appeared in front of her boyfriend, smiling meaningfully at Aldrich.

"Hi, Aldrich. Come on in," said Laura quickly after opening the gate for Aldrich.

"Wait a minute, I want to get in the car first," said Aldrich.

"Okay, I'll wait on the terrace, okay?" Laura said.

After chatting for a while, Aldrich got into his yellow car and put it in Laura's yard.

"Laura, do you want to close the door or just leave it open?"

"Open it, it's okay. It's safe here."

"Hmm ... your aunt is at home?"

"Yes, why?"

"Here, I'm bringing food for Aunt Georgia," replied Aldrich, then he was taking out a packet of food from the back seat of his car.

"Don't bother anymore. My aunt is sick, how could she want to eat food from you," Laura said reluctantly.

"What pain?"

"She was coughing and dizzy," Laura replied flatly.

"I am in first, it's not good to talk outside." Aldrich took Laura's hand.

"It's like the host's style, who's the guest, who's the host, tsk... tsk... tsk." Laura shook her head.

The two of them then entered the living room and sat on the pink sofa. While sitting alone, Aldrich wanted to kiss Laura's red lips whenever he had the chance.

"Laura, I... I want to kiss your lips, may I?" Aldrich grabbed Laura's arm.

"Not here. I'm afraid mom and dad will find out." Laura inched away from Aldrich.

"You're scared, aren't you? I'm not going to be different, really," said Aldrich.

"I am not scared, just uncomfortable if you kiss my lips here." Laura lied even though her heart was beating fast.

"By the way, I'm here because I want to talk to you about something," said Aldrich.

"What are you talking about? Your face is so serious," said Laura.

"When I think about it, I think I still want to have an adventure in the music world, I want to be a famous boy band," Aldrich spoke in the deepest of his heart.

"So, what does that have to do with me?" Laura asked curiously.

"Sorry ... maybe we can't get engaged this year, I was just going to talk to you about the thesis, but then I'm talking about engagement." Aldrich sighed.

"If you don't want an engagement, then it's no problem," Laura replied disappointed.

"Wait a few more years, I will marry you," said Aldrich.

"There are a lot of temptations for band members. The more famous they become, the more fans they will have, I don't want to be cheated on like my aunt," said Laura.

"I'm not cheating on you. Do you want to try the food? It's really good, you know." Aldrich handed Laura a box of steak.

"I don't like steak, you just give it to my mom. Incidentally, Mom was preparing dinner in the kitchen." Laura pushed the box away from her.

"Then I'll take this food to your mom, okay. I'll meet your father too in the living room," concluded Aldrich casually.

"I'm coming, Aldrich."

"Come here, beautiful." Aldrich pinched Feili's cheek affectionately.

Laura blushed when Aldrich pinched her cheek.

Aldrich and Laura then went in to meet Wallace in the living room, who was watching television.

"Dad, there's Aldrich here. He said he wanted to visit Aunt Georgia," Laura said without preamble to his father.

Wallace turned quickly to Laura then smiled kindly at Aldrich.

"Good afternoon, Uncle," said Aldrich politely.

"Good Afternoon too, Aldrich." He smiled at Aldrich, then he invited Aldrich to sit down.

"Dad, I'm going to the kitchen first. I want to give this to mommy." Laura showed the lunch box to her father.

"What is it, Laura? Why did you give it to your mom?" Wallace asked curiously.

"That is chicken steak, Uncle. I bought it for Aunt Georgia," explained Aldrich.

"Is that so? I'm sorry to bother you," Wallace smiled faintly

"I don't feel bothered, Uncle."

"You are indeed a very kind and caring child, one day you will be a good husband to Laura too." Wallace patted Robert's shoulder.

"Oh yes, husband--"

"My husband is the campus star of Vernon University," said Laura, cutting off Aldrich's nervous words.

"Don't be so nervous. You can see that my father has agreed to be your father-in-law," Laura joked.

"Is Aunt Georgia sick? Laura said that Aunt Georgia is sick." Robert changed the subject.

"Georgia is fever, Aldrich," Wallace answered Aldrich's question while Laura walked towards the kitchen.

"Oh, fever. Can I see Aunt Georgia?"

"It's better not now, she's not in a good mood. She was sick because Audrey was forbidden to come home by her father," said Wallace.

"Alright, Uncle."

Ten minutes later Georgia came out of her room on the 2nd floor because she was bored after sleeping all day, she slowly descended the stairs while holding on to the stair railing.

"Why, Georgia? Why did you come out of the room?" Wallace asked worriedly. "You're still sick."

Georgia walked over to her brother-in-law on the sofa, her steps were a bit staggered.

"I'm bored in the room all the time," She answered quietly.

Seeing Georgia's condition like that, Aldrich quickly got up from his seat and supported the woman, so she wouldn't fall.

"Do you want to be taken to the doctor, Auntie?" offered Aldrich sincerely.

"No need, Robert. Auntie is fine."

"Get well soon, Aunt."

Georgia nodded in approval of Aldrich's words, then she sat on the sofa in front of Wallace while Aldrich sat back next to Wallace.

"Why you here... what's wrong?" asked Georgia slowly.

"I'm here to talk about my thesis to Laura and visit Auntie," said Aldrich.

"Thank you for visiting Auntie."

"You're welcome." Aldrich cracked a smile.

"Georgia, Aldrich brought food for you. He is very considerate, isn't he? My future son-in-law is indeed the best." Wallace boasted of Aldrich in front of Georgia.

"Yes, Aldrich. Next year you have to marry my child, knowing that Laura is the only child." Laura's mom suddenly appeared in the living room to chime in on the conversation between her husband and Georgia.

Laura laughed in her heart to hear Vienna speak to Aldrich like that, her efforts succeeded in urging Aldrich who seemed nervous and panicked because she was told to hurry up and get married next year.

"Y--yes... Auntie, I talked to my mom and dad first."

"Don't cheat on Laura, okay?" Georgia said quietly.

In her heart, Georgia hoped that Laura and Aldrich's relationship in the future would not be the same as the one with Freddy, who divorced her for another woman.

******

Aldrich was annoyed because his main goal was to go to Laura's house to discuss his thesis which was stuck, but there he seemed to be being urged by Laura's family to immediately marry Laura.

Even though he loved Laura, that didn't mean he had to get married young right? Aldrich still wanted to go on an adventure and pursue his dream as a famous singer with his band, and even one day he wanted to become a solo singer who went international.

Aunt Georgia did have a past with former band members at that time, so it indirectly affected Laura's thoughts on her relationship with Robert.

After Vienna asked Aldrich to marry Laura next year, suddenly his mood became bad. When he was invited to have dinner with Laura's family, he even refused the offer and immediately said goodbye.

"Aldrich, dinner is ready. You eat together with Uncle and Aunt here," said Wallace.

"By the way, thank you for the steak," said Vienna.

"You are welcome, Auntie. I'm sorry, I didn't know that Auntie also likes to eat steak."

"It's okay, I know you're trying to get Aunty Georgia's attention, she's being cold to you because you're in a band."

"What the hell, Sis. My past has nothing to do with my attitude towards Aldrich all this time." Georgia dodged.

"It's okay, don't talk about things that have passed. It's better now we eat together while Aldrich is here," said Wallace, interceding with Vienna and Georgia's conversation.

"Hmm... I'm sorry, I can't come to dinner because I have an appointment with my friends at Neptunus Café." Aldrich rejected Wallace's offer.

"Why suddenly? I still want to talk a lot with you." Wallace's face looks disappointed.

"Yeah... it's... impromptu, just now I was on WhatsApp with my friend." Adrich lied.

"So what? You don't want to ask me about the thesis?" Laura asked, she was trying to keep Aldrich in her house.

"No, I'm going there to meet Mr. Nino, the Manager of Neptunus Café. Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, I will come here again, really."

"But it's true, don't lie. Your thesis must be released quickly, so we can get married next year." Laura winked at Aldrich, she was so excited every time she said the word marriage or engagement.

"I'm not lying, really. By the way, are you going to campus tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow I am going to campus, but it's a bit late because my lecturer has class at 10."

"Can we meet at 9 am in the library? Or in the cafeteria, I have something to tell you."

"I'll tell you later, Aldrich."

"Okay, then I'll go first. Uncle, Aunt Georgia, Aunt Vienna, I'll say goodbye. Thank you for inviting me to dinner here."

"You're welcome, Aldrich. Greetings to your parents and your younger siblings," Vidya replied.

"Yes, Auntie."

"Laura, you take your boyfriend to the front and lock the fence," Vienna ordered.

Laura answered Vienna with a nod, then escorted Robert to the front of the house and locked the gate.

"I will go back first, see you tomorrow morning," said Aldrich to Laura.

"Okay, see you tomorrow." Laura smiled, but Aldrich didn't smile back.

After that, Aldrich got into his car and quickly left Laura's house, his heart and mind confused because those words still ringing in Aldrich's ears.

He felt the need to talk to Edo at the Neptunus Café, so Aldrich didn't go straight home but went to a café on Green street.

******

Wednesday, August 22, 2020...

Tonight the atmosphere on the highways in Jakarta was busier than usual, even though Aldrich had passed the toll road, it still took about fifty minutes to arrive at Neptunus Café.

Meanwhile, Edoardo Nathanael was still on his way to the café. Edo was happy because Aldrich invited him to hang out where they often gathered, besides that the topic of their conversation later was Laura, a woman whom Edo secretly admired.

A few moments later, Aldrich first arrived at Neptunus Café, he parked his car in front of the lotus pond under the cafe window.

The lotus pond is a sight for visitors to just take a selfie or enjoy the coolness of the cold pool water.

Not long after Aldrich entered and took a seat in the corner of the room, he called the waiter to bring him the menu book.

"Waiter ...." Aldrich waved at the waiter who was standing next to the cashier counter.

Then the waiter immediately approached him at table number 10 while bringing the menu.

"Yes, Sir. What do you want to order?" asked the friendly waiter, she gave the menu book to Aldrich.

"Just a moment, Waiter."

Aldrich opened the menu and searched for his favorite food and drink slowly.

"I ordered Beef Bulgogi 1, Tteokbokki 1, and Ice Cappuccino 1."

"Okay, I repeat the order, Beef Bulgogi 1, Tteokbokki 1, Ice Cappuccino 1. Any other additions?" asked the waiter.

"Nothing, that's all."

"Wait a moment for the order, Sir."

"Yes."

While waiting for the food and drinks to arrive, Aldrich sent a message through WhatsApp to Edo.

[Where are you? I arrived at the café.]

Drrtt ... drrtt ....

[I am still on my way. It's really jammed, wait for me ok?]

[Yes, hurry up, I'm waiting.] Aldrich replied to Edo's message.

After texting with Edo, suddenly he remembered his promise to Andy to ask about the schedule for the next Green Grey Band gig at the café. Aldrich then called another waiter who was bringing drinks to the visitors at the table no 5.

"Waiter ...."

The waiter turned to him as Aldrich waved to the waiter. After serving drink to the male visitor, the waiter approached Aldrich.

"Do you want to order, Sir?"

"No, I just want to ask, is Mr. Nino there?"

"Do you mean Mr. Calvino West?" asked the waiter confused.

"No, but Mr. Gionino Patrick. The manager of this café" explained Aldrich.

"Oh sorry, I'm the wrong person, I think Mr. Calvino ... he is also called Nino," explained the waiter.

"Oh my! How come the calls are the same? So Mr. Nino is there or not?"

"He happened to be out of town, Sir. He was temporarily replaced by Mr. Calvino, the son of the owner of this café."

"Is that so? Thank you for the info."

"You are welcome," said the waiter friendly and polite.

******

It didn't feel like the minutes had passed quickly, but Edo had not yet come to the café, while Aldrich 's order was ready and being ushered by the waiter Aldrich's table.

He was forced to eat the food alone because his stomach felt hungry. Should Aldrich fulfill Vienna and Laura's request who asked him to get engaged this year and then next year get married when he wanted to become a famous artist like a British boy band?

Married young? It never crossed Aldrich's mind that his main goal in life was not just getting married and having children, there were still many things that needed to be accomplished and managed by Aldrich.

******