Six months had passed since Viv had flown me out to TAP University. We now accepted the fact that we were in love and told each other "I love you" frequently.
It was winter break, and we were sitting on the bed in the infirmary. I figured now was as good a time as any to ask a few questions I had.
"Viv, how did you become a vampire in the first place?"
"It's a rare genetic mutation. About 1 in 1,000,000 humans are born with it."
"So..."
I paused to do a quick calculation in my head.
"...about 7,500 of you are around?"
"That's right, Tom. 7,500 of earth's population, or thereabouts, are vampires."
"And you can't reproduce?"
"Vampires are born sterile, yes."
"Or turn people?"
"Can't do that either."
"Next you'll tell me you're not immortal."
"Normal human lifespan, unless I'm deprived of blood, in which case I die of malnutrition."
"A wooden stake..."
"Would one kill you if someone pounded one into your heart?"
"Yes."
"It would also kill me, as would any other way of killing a human. We can die of blood loss and gunshots to the head and being crushed under a heavy object and being T-boned while in a car. We can't be killed by a cross."
She indicated the necklace she was wearing, which featured a beautiful silver cross that hung down in between her bare breasts. We were both naked and ready to snuggle.
"I'd better take this off. Wouldn't want it to get in the way." She placed the necklace in her purse. "Any other questions?"
"Nope."