The End of an Era PG-13

[cassysj]

This came from a story I read online about telegram service ending. I'm sure vamps used the technology like the internet in it's day.

I do not own any recognizable characters no copyright infringement is intended.


Josef was playing poker. The vamps had just finished their midnight snacks and the freshies were re-hydrating in the lounge.

Summer was checking Google news. “Hey, guess what? The last telegram is going to be delivered in India next month.

“Telegram??? What’s that? Francesca grumbled.

“It’s how people used to communicate in olden times.” Autumn said. “Like in movies you always found out someone was dead by a telegram. It was like a Fedex only they were always worded funny.

Summer laughed. “That’s right. It was always like “We regret to inform you blah, blah, blah. STOP Blah, blah, blahs STOP.

“That sounds sooooo dumb.” Francesca pouted. “I never saw anything like that.”

“Not even in a movie?” Tangie asked. “Remember Back To the Future……Western Union sent them all the time.

“Can’t Josef afford Premium Cable? Francesca snapped. “That movie is soooo old my Mom saw it live. If you’ve seen it you must be near retirement.”

“I’m only 26.” Tangie said.

It must be senior citizen night that’s why none of the vamps picked me.”

“Or it could be your sunny disposition burns them.” Dawn whispered and most of the other girls giggled.

“How old are you?” Tangie asked.

“18. Francesca said a little too confidently.

Summer raised her eyebrow. “You act like you’re 15.”

“You bi***** are just jealous of me.” Francesca yelled. “I need to skool you effing sluts.”

Three other newbies started clapping to cheer Francesca on


The girls were horrified. Freshie sniping was always done quietly and you never used profanity in earshot of century old vampires. It just wasn’t done.

“Is there a problem in here Ladies?”

Ten freshies jumped to their feet at the sound of Josef’s voice. Francesca remained slouched on the couch.

“Voices are carrying Ladies and it’s very distracting.” Josef reprimanded.

“I’m so sorry, Josef.” Tangie said. “I should have….

Josef raised his hand for silence. “Tangie I want you and Summer to come with me, we’re going to have quiet time.”

Summer and Tangie followed him apprehensively.

A minute later Charles Riley came out and collected Autumn and Dawn for “silent” reflection.

The freshies that remained in the lounge were giggling

"I wouldn't want to be in their Prada."

"They are soooooooo going to get it." "Serves those b***** right." Francesca was very pleased with herself.

The four freshies were brought into the game room and given comfortable chairs to sit on either side of their vampire.

The girls were surprised. The only time Tangie ever heard a vampire mention “quiet” time was at a Bob Albertson’s party. The “loud” freshies had to stand in the corner in complete silence until sunrise while being provoked by “party favors.” If anyone spoke or turned around they were paddled in front of everyone. Josef had commented in the limo that he thought it was a very effective discipline. That was code for it could and would be implemented on Kostanistas if necessary.

Malcolm the host of the evening said. “I am very sorry that Up All Night sent spoiled food. Charles is generously having Fire Blossom send over an emergency order. Does anyone else need to collect their meals before I take out the trash?

Fred shook his head. “No. Melania has been borderline disrespectful lately. It will do her good to watch everyone be taken down a few pegs. Tell her I said “I’ll deal with her at home.” “That will put the fear of Fred in her.”

"Do the same with Kriss." Richard said.

“Francesca has a dirty mouth.” Josef said seriously. “She called my ladies a foul name and I won’t stand for that.

Tangie and Summer were so proud to have Josef as a vampire.

“I’ll clean it for her with your regards.” Malcolm promised.

Dawn cringed she knew what that meant. One time when she was first starting out, she cursed in earshot of a very old vamp. She wished he would have washed her mouth out with soap. He made her brush her teeth and tongue with strong liquid detergent. To this day if she sees a bottle of "Dawn" detergent she gags.

The vampires made small talk but the only sounds the girls noticed was the swish of Malcolm’s belt and sobbing freshies. There were a few yelps from Francesca "You can't do that!!!" but apparently he could. Ten minutes later Malcolm returned and cards were dealt as if nothing happened.

After everyone looked at their cards Josef said. “I heard the last telegram is going to be sent next month.”

Summer and Tangie exchanged looks. Their vampire didn’t miss anything.

“It doesn’t seem possible.” Charles said. “I used telegrams regularly for at least fifty years, maybe more.”

The vampires could see the humans were dying to ask questions but they weren't allowed to interrupt vampire conversation Malcolm decided to indulge the “good” girls “Why is that Charles? He asked.

Charles was surprised. Malcolm was older than him but when he saw the girls hanging on every word he smiled. “It was more cost efficient than long distance. I could tell someone in Boston their jewelry was ready for a tenth of the price.”

Mick sipped his blood. “Most telegrams were sad in my lifetime. News of people not coming back. Coraline had a telegram sent to my parents when we were on our “honeymoon.” I got it from their house after they died.

“Sometimes they gave good news.” Josef said. He thought of the telegram he found in Sarah’s diary. If he had known he never would have permitted her to send it but considering what happened he was glad she did.

‘MOTHER, STOP IM SORRY AND I LOVE YOU STOP MY DIARY IS IN THE HAT BOX ON THE TOP SHELF OF MY CLOSET STOP IT WILL EXPLAIN WHAT I COULDN’T STOP IM HAPPY MOMMY STOP

LOVE SARAH

[francis]

I love the fact that Sarah sent a telegram to her mom to let her know she was fine and where to find the diary.
I also like the discipline that has been enforced. There's just no excuse for rude behaviour.

[Marigold]

Neat idea for a story!

I'm so glad that Sarah sent that telegram to her mom!

[allegrita]

Awwww... Sarah's telegram is so sweet!

I love the way you handled the end of the telegram era. Vamps would have appreciated them... particularly vamps like Charles. Although I agree that Mick would totally associate them with bad news, especially because of the war... poor guy.

Ooh, I can't believe that nasty little Francesca ever got a job at a party Josef was hosting! What a snot. I'm not surprised she and her nasty little pals got a bit of corporal punishment. But once again, I would never make it as a freshie in your world.

[librarian_7]

Vampires see so much change...so many things come and go. The "latest technology" soon becomes obsolete. The way Josef loves his cell phone, he probably won't miss telegrams too much. And yet, I can totally see the nostalgia he might have, connecting such things to past events.

Very nice job, cassy! (And my goodness, there are girls who fall into the freshie life who really just don't make the cut, aren't there?)