One cloudy autumn day, Antoinette was interrupted from her reading by the sound of her phone ringing. She didn't like being pulled out of her books, but her spirits lifted a little when she saw it was Cami calling. She instantly hit 'answer' and said, "Hi, Cami."

"Antoinette, hi. How are you? I know I haven't really been in touch these last few days, but I've been kind of busy."

"Oh. Well, don't worry about it. I can't expect to take up all of your time, can I? But I'm happy to hear from you."

She could sense Cami was smiling on the other end of the line, and she had the feeling she was poised to ask a question.

"Do you want to meet up?" Cami asked. "We could go for a walk, or if you'd rather stay indoors, we could meet up inside. It looks like it's gonna rain."

"I don't mind a little rain," Antoinette replied. "Where are you? I'll meet you."

"Actually, I'm on your street, walking towards you. I hope that doesn't sound too weird."

She smiled. "Not to me, it doesn't. I'll meet you outside."

Antoinette hung up and grabbed her shoes and jacket (in case it did rain), and hurried down to the sidewalk, where Cami was just approaching.

"Hey, you," Cami said with a smile. "I'm glad you said yes."

"I can't imagine myself saying no," Antoinette replied. "Shall we?"

The two women walked, arm in arm, through the streets of New Orleans. The city was busy as ever, with people crowding the sidewalks and cars rolling by. The sound of a loud car horn made Antoinette flinch every time she heard one.

"Are you okay?" Cami asked at one point.

Antoinette nodded. "I just...have this thing with cars."

Eventually, they found themselves near the docks, and walked together along the piers.

"So, do cars scare you or something?" Cami asked. "It's okay if it is something like that. I'm not gonna judge."

"Well, I wouldn't say it's cars themselves," Antoinette answered. "Something happened to me, years ago. Well, I was in this car accident, and I haven't been in a car since. I've thought about doing it, many times, but I don't think I'm ready yet."

"Oh. Well, when you are ready, if you're ever ready, we should take a drive together. Maybe we could go out on a picnic or something."

Antoinette nodded. "I'd like that. If you were driving, I don't think I would be as nervous."

"Really?" Cami smiled. "I'm flattered." She paused. "You know, I really do like you, Antoinette. I'm actually really glad we met each other."

She smiled back. "So am I."

And then Cami kissed her.

Of course, Antoinette had wondered once or twice what it would be like to kiss Cami, but she hadn't planned on actually doing so. She liked it, though. She liked the feeling of Cami's lips pressed against hers.

But memories began to flash in her mind: it was Antoinette, as her younger, human self.

And there Janie, smiling at her, her auburn hair blowing in the wind.

Antoinette pulled away from Cami's kiss. "I can't do it. I'm sorry."

"Can't do what?" Cami asked.

"This. You and I. I'm sorry. I'm sorry if I made you think we could be something more."

"Antoinette, what are you talking about?" Cami reached for her hand, but she recoiled. "Look, I'm sorry I kissed you so suddenly like that. But you-"

"I have to go," Antoinette cut in. "I should just go."

"What? Wait! Antoinette!"

But Antoinette went racing off at vampire speed, leaving Cami still standing on the pier, alone.