Chapter 23A Proper Wash

We had to do something. I couldn't walk around with blood on my clothes. Khuna led us and I wondered if she had a plan. We kept running for a few blocks until we slowed down again. Khuna was looking around.

"We need a laundromat or something." She looked around. It was probably still early enough for one to be open. If we were lucky.

I nodded and just walked besides her, pulling the jacket as far down as I could. I didn't feel comfortable. Exposed like this. I might as well have been naked under this jacked. It felt as if everything I was, the monster inside, was there for the world to see. As if a wolf was walking the streets in a nice denim jacket.

Khuna looked at me, worried. "What happened?"

I looked at the ground. "It was an accident. Someone got pushed on the bench we were sitting. My corner teeth teared his neck as I fell with my head on his lap." I sighed. "Everything just snowballed from there. The girl pushed against me saw the blood and screamed. Hitori just froze in panic."

Khuna giggled. "Hitori?"

I felt myself blushing. "Eh yes. He's a nice guy. Very interesting and open and stuff. He didn't deserve this."

Khuna smiled and pointed towards another street not too far away. "I think there's a laundromat there. We have to clean it before anything else happens. Did you get enough?"

The question was probably either too unexpected or I just didn't get it. "Did I get enough?"

Khuna frowned. "Did you drink enough?"

I looked at her in fright until the meaning finally found it's way into my mind. "Yes, I did. It was almost time to stop anyway."

Khuna nodded in thought. "Okay, that's something at least. You were lucky I was done already. You completely froze up. Imagine the security or barman catching you. Handing you to the cops or something."

She sighed, looking at my guilt-struck face. "I'm sorry. I got spooked as well. You didn't deserve this and you know... you feel full well how dangerous this all is."

I very softly said. "Yes..." and hung my head.

We went around the corner and we were lucky. Not only a laundromat, but it was open.

And empty!

The slightly troublesome bit came when I realized I had to undress in... well, public basically. I moved behind the machines and tried to find a dead spot for the camera I noticed in the corner. Khuna covered me and I kept the jacket on me as best I could.

We managed though. My skirt and t-shirt off me and me wearing only my underwear and a stolen jacket.

Khuna chose the nearest washing machine and put some coins and laundry detergent in it. It spun into action quickly and the timer on it stated we had to wait about 8 minutes, 10 including the dry stuff cycle. We stayed silent the whole time until the machine was too boring to watch.

"He's really nice."

"Hitori?" Khuna asked.

"Yeah, he does all this stuff, like music and art and such. And he's just sweet. The way he apologized for kissing me was just... You know.. nice." I blushed as I recalled his lips on mine.

"Oh my, is little Amy falling in loooove?" Her teasing voice and prodding fingers not really helping my blush.

"I... I don't know. It just felt nice. No pressure ever. He just took life as it happened and did what he wanted. I never felt fluttery, just warm and comfortable." I tried to make sense of what I'd felt.

Khuna kissed my cheek in a sisterly gesture. "We might go back there some time then. Though I guess you'll have to have a very interesting excuse."

I nodded. "Maybe something about the dentist complaining about my sharp canine teeth?" I giggled despite the situation, imagining the whole situation.

Khuna laughed as well. "Something like that, thought it needs some work. I'm sure you'll manage." She winked and poked my side.

We stayed silent again for a minute or so until the machine finished washing. Just the dry-cycle left.

"You know, it was nice seeing you actually have fun though with a guy. You've been very disconnected from the rest of humanity since you've been turned."

I nodded. "Yeah, it was really nice. And you're right, I just feel like either a predator or an outcast, but I felt normal for a few moments there."

I sighed deeply and tried to think of what he must have been thinking of me. It was strange though. In a way I felt hesitant telling Khuna about him. Yet I wanted to share everything I had experienced. It had felt really nice to sleep next to her though. As if it was the most normal thing in the world. Just the way it was supposed to be.

"It's done." Khuna's voice interrupting my thoughts.

"Finally, clothes again." I smiled.

"And warm ones too." Khuna winked.

And they were. Nice and warm, pleasant to the touch and even better when I put them on. As if it washed away all the filth I put on them from my soul as well. I felt clean.

The door opened and both of us looked.

A man entered, a guy really. Perhaps twenty-one years old with short-ish blond hair and a really bold look in his eyes.

"Hello Khuna. Long time no see."