Jessie Lee, Period 6, 5/1/23

 Jessie Lee, Period 6, 5/1/2023 

Modern Mythology: Creativity & Fiction 

The sun had just gone down as Louis stepped out of his coffin. He was staring out his window when he heard rustling behind him. Immediately, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up as his head snapped around. The door creaked open slowly and a familiar face appeared. A small gasp found itself stuck at the back of Louis’s throat. 

Lestat. 

I knew that Lestat wouldn’t just die like that, Louis mentally cursed at himself. 

“Louis, it’s nice to see you again after all these years. You know, after our dear Claudia attempted to kill me.” Lestat said, his typical smirk sneaking its way onto his face. 

Louis stared at Lestat for what felt like an eternity, trying to find the right words to come out of his mouth. 

“Lestat…” he mumbled softly. 

“Before you start Louis, I want you to know that I am not here for revenge on you or on Claudia. After all these years, I have learned to forget whatever has happened in the past. 

“I find that a little hard to believe. What is it that you really want Lestat? Run out of money and here to get some more from me?” Louis spat out. 

“As I was saying, I will forget everything that has happened if you and Claudia can do the same.” 

There was a long pause before Louis spoke again. 

“Are you asking me to forgive you right now?” Louis said as he looked up, now staring Lestat straight in the eyes. 

“If it is possible. To be fair, Claudia tried to kill me, and you both fled.” He paused, before stating bluntly, “You left me, Louis.” 

“No, I cannot and will not ever do that. And you already know that Lestat.” 

“Oh, but you can. And if you stay with me this time, I promise that I will tell you of everything that I know. After all, I know that it is knowledge that you want from me Louis. Stay. And I will tell you everything I have yet to.” Lestat said, a hint of despair beginning to creep into his voice. 

“No, you actually did not withhold any information from me. You did not know any more than you had already told me. There was nothing more that you were going to teach me, nothing more that you were planning on passing down to me. 

“Now Louis…” 

“Shut up Lestat! You stayed with me as a leech because you needed a companion and you needed the money for god sakes. Stop making yourself seem more important than you really are” 

“I have changed Louis. No longer do I desire a life of lavish wealth. It has been so many years now, and all I long for now, is you Louis, a companion. Are you willing to believe that?” By now, Lestat’s voice had diminished so that it was barely above a whisper. 

“NO YOU HAVE NOT.” Louis suddenly raised his voice, slightly panting from anger towards Lestat. “What, do you expect that you forgiving Claudia and I entails the same treatment for yourself. You made me into who I am today. You forced an endless future of eternity on me that I definitely never asked for. You forced me into becoming who I am today. I HAVE NO PASSION, NO LOVE, NO HUMANITY! NOT ONE DROP OF IT LEFT IN ME!” Louis paused as he attempted to control his anger. “Hatred. Hatred is all I have left in me. Hatred for you Lestat, hatred for the world, and hatred for who I am. And you Lestat, you are the reason for what I have become today. So what more do you want from me now!” 

After a long pause, Lestat finally speaks. “Redemption Louis. I am offering to be with you. To search for knowledge with you. If you would let me. So I am asking you one last time Louis, begging you one last time. Is it so hard for you to forgive me?” 

“Lestat…At one point, I would have nearly jumped at your offer, but today, I simply cannot. I see you Lestat, and all I see is the monster who took my life away from me, took advantage of my grief for my brother’s death, and manipulated me until I too became like you, a monster…”