Sunset Beach Condos

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Florence walked along the beach now that the sun had finally set below the horizon. Her body still hummed from her latest kill as the blood and flesh ran through her veins like a constant reminder of the monster she was. A soft hum was sweetly made while full lips were in a quiet smile that said more without a single word uttered. Brown hair with blonde highlights whipped around her face as she looked over the ocean and it's vastness. This city was ripe with criminals. And as long as she covered her tracks, there wouldn't be any evidence to lead back to her. For the moment, her dual nature was sated. So, there was no real danger of her lashing out at someone that didn't deserve it. Since she was at the beach tonight, she wore a sarong that wrapped around her hips. She wore a bikini that she favored.

A foot playfully kicked up some water as the waves rushed past her ankles. There weren't many people around now because the sun had gone down. It also meant that it'd be more peaceful to relax freely and not have to work so hard to keep her beast from attacking any humans. Even as old as she was, the hunger never truly stopped and could still take control at times. Her eyes lifted from the water as she watched some people meander about and move eventually away from the water as they packed up and left for the night. The hums from her never ceased as she continued to move along. After a little while, she turned toward the direction that the water stretched out beyond her sight as she took a dive for a little bit. The coolness of the water felt good and she floated upon the surface for a little bit, too.

Though afterwards, she felt it was time to go once she'd had enough fun in the water. Water drained down lightly tanned skin. There were very few scars and an old tribal brand on her left shoulder. On the right side of her neck where the carotid artery was, a pair of extremely faint fang marks were present. There was also a small scar on the side of her side, under the ribs from where she had slipped as a child. As she stepped into lamps that softly lit up what looked like a communal patio, she chose an empty chair to recline in. There were about five other chairs, but these were currently empty. She eased into the one she had chosen and continued to hum an old song from her home tribe. Even if she could never go back, their songs would remain alive in her heart.

With the sun finally set and the gentle night breeze settling in, Sindy decided to spend her evening out on the beach, mainly to get out of the house and not to mention that it was a night off. Recently, she switched shifts since the night shifts were getting increasinly difficult the further along she was in her pregnancy, maybe even impossible because she could no longer bartend. Recently, she had been promoted to floor manager, which worked out fine because she wasn't stuck behind the counter and was mainly on the floor, cleaning tables, restocking condiments and the like. It kept her active, so she was happy.

With the beach by the condominium mostly cleared, Sindy picked a spot close to the water to settle down and relax under the moonlit skies, accompanied by the ambiance of the waves crashing on the shore. Over in the water, she saw a woman swimming, but didn't think too much of it. There was just no way she could have this beach to herself, even if she really wanted to. After laying a blanket down, Sindy straightened out her robe, which was one of few items besides dresses that she felt comfortable in. Because of how big her belly has gotten, the robe only went down to about her knees.

Taking a deep breath, she sat down and set two pillows down, stacking them so she could rest. Between looking up at the moonlit sky and the waves. Just then, the woman had stepped out and made her way towards a communal patio. As Sindy looked in her direction, one of her three unborn babies started squirming.

Florence continued to hum softly to herself the tunes of her homeland. Though soon she felt eyes and the soft hum ebbed away as it ceased as if the breeze had slowly taken it. The sound of four heartbeats nearby came into focus with a painfully sharp focus. But this was nothing new to the freelancer. Casually, her head turned toward the direction she felt someone's gaze and locked eyes with another woman. There was no hesitation in Florence's bright smile as it lit up her face beautifully like the warm sun. "Good evening." Her voice was sweet like honey without actually overdoing it. The smile was meant to be seen as friendly and disarming. Not that she wanted to harm this woman. It's just she noticed the large belly and didn't want the other to feel threatened.

Besides, Florence had no real reason to attack her. The way the woman reclined, and the placement of the pillows told much without words. Still, she remained friendly. "How far along are you? If you don't mind my asking?" She slowly turned onto her side with practiced ease and propped herself up on one elbow as she waited for an answer, if the other wanted to give one. Not everyone wanted to be bothered, but it was better for the freelancer to talk as opposed to listening to blood rush through veins, hearts beat and the temptation to feed again despite having already done so earlier. The hunger was truly never sated for long. Beneath the relaxed composure was still the monster, ready, waiting a chance to pounce on the next prey.

And although she could heart there were three tiny heartbeats aside from the woman's own heart. "Is it a boy or girl?" She wouldn't know the genders of the unborn babies. But the number of hearts still told her enough information and roughly how far along. "I'm Florence, by the way. I just moved into Sunset." A hint that she would likely be back here from time to time. If she learned the other's woman's name, then it would create an opportunity to make connections here. For the moment, the scent that came off her was discernably human. So, she needed to be extra careful around the other woman. As the breeze flowed up from the water's surface, it felt cool to the touch, but it didn't bother her in the slightest. Maybe if it was colder by ten more degrees, then she'd don a jacket. But as it was, she didn't need one right then.

To soothe the unborn, Sindy only caressed where she felt the squirming, but she frowned as it made her rather uncomfortable. Shortly after the sound of humming started getting closer. As she looked over, another woman approached, a warm smile on her face. And greeted her. "Good evening." This prompted Sindy to look up at her. As her hands rested on her swollen belly, she could feel it rise and fall from her breathing. Sindy only smiled back. "Good evening." She replied.

Straight to the point, the other woman asked how far along she was and about the genders of the babies. Sindy only took a deep breath as her lungs felt a little heavy and then briefly peered up at the moonlit sky. Small talk wouldn't hurt. After all, this woman wasn't drunk, or drinking too much or behaving obnoxiously. And the ambiance of the waves helped keep Sindy at ease. "Thirty-three weeks. So...seven and a half months." She looked down at the mound that was her belly, smiling as she cradled it. "Two girls and a boy." She smiled.

Looks like the lady, Florance, was a new resident at Sunset, the Condominium nearby. "Mmmm, my name's Sindy. Nice to meet you, Florance. I also live at Sunset. Been there for a few months. And while I haven't been there long myself, it certainly feels like home. I hope it does the same for you." She smiled. "Tell me more about yourself, Florance. Since we're neighbors, I think it'd be nice to get to know you a little bit better."

Florence's smile never wavered as she remained bright and friendly. The discomfort of the woman was noticed while the freelancer remained on her side, propped up by a single elbow. "Sounds like they'll be a real handful when they're born." An easy giggle flowed out from her like a warm breeze. As she seemed to be a resident here at Sunset, too, Florence nodded quietly as she listened and made mental notes while she was at it. As the breeze flushed upward against, a hand moved to tuck some of her hair behind her head so it wouldn't obscure her face. That, and she wanted to keep her line of sight clear. "Not long now then. Are you excited?" A genuine question, though she'd heard all the answers before. Some were happy, some weren't. Then there were those who just wanted to get it over with.

She could hear how Sindy's breath wasn't as deep, but knew the woman's organs were squeezed out of the way for so many little ones in her belly. It was easy to tell how hard the heart had to beat to accommodate for everything. As the subject of telling more about herself came up, she remained relaxed and comfortable. "Let's see... I work as a freelance artist. My gallery will be opening within a few days, if fact. It'll only be open a few times a week, at night." A smile graced her lips in an easy manner. "I'm one of those night owls." A giggle was made as she set her cheek lightly against her hand while she continued. Though there was a real reason it had to be at night. One she couldn't just come out and say, either. Especially to a human she'd only just met.

"I mostly do photography. But I dabble in just about everything." Not too informative, but not too vague either. Since they were neighbors, she needed to keep in mind to stock her fridge with some mundane things just in case Sindy ever came to her apartment. And for anyone else that might be brave enough to venture inside, too. With mortals, she kept their need for actual food in mind whereas Florence's diet was completely different. Blood and raw human flesh. Sindy was human, with plenty of blood in her veins from the scent. That ever-present hunger raged beneath the surface. Yet the freelancer kept her flawless composure with easy, sunny smiles and warmth in her tone. "The photos I normally take are done in black and white. But I'm not opposed to doing some in color. Just really depends on the situation."

She paused to look toward the water as some loud individuals passed by. She could smell the alcohol on them as they made some offhand comments rather loudly but otherwise wandered away from them. While her composure never once slipped, she was alert and ready to take action if it became necessary. Though as they wandered off, her head turned back toward Sindy. Her sunny personality never once slipped as it carefully concealed the monster underneath the surface. "How about yourself, Sindy? Tell me about yourself." Her body shifted in the wicker beach chair as her legs were casually tucked underneath her as she adjusted the position in which she reclined so easily in.

As Florance spoke, Sindy looked down at her belly and gently caressed it while listening to the other woman, then smiled as she said that the babies would be a real handful once they were born. And she wasn't wrong. They were definitely going to be. There was three of them and she was going to be raising them by herself completely and didn't really have family in town. Sure, there was her younger Sister, Marissa, but like Sindy, Marissa is also pregnant and about a week or two behind her. As if that wasn't enough, Marissa was expecting twins. She frowned at the thought of it and patted her belly before resuming eye contact with Florance, who seemed at ease and relaxed. When asked if she was excited, Sindy smiled and nodded. "They'll be a handful, but I wouldn't trade them for anything else in the world."

After she answered, Sindy got to learn more about Florance. A freelance artist with a gallery opening up soon. Open at night though? A little unconventional, but for nightly events, like company parties, it would make sense. But since Florance was a night owl, it made sense. Sindy can relate to an extent. For a few years, she was working the night shift as a Bartender. Hmmm, a Photographer who mainly worked at night? But was expanding into other forms of art? This left Sindy more intrigued. Looks like Florance had a niche as well. Night-time Photographer, Black and White Photos as a specialization. There must be more. Now Sindy was curious.

As she massaged her belly, looks like it was her turn. Mmmm, where to start, Sindy wondered. "Hmmm, well, I used to live in a big city and for a couple of years, I was a Software Engineer. It made good money, but it wasn't really fulfilling. Then...both my Sister and I got pregnant. My parents were very upset that we were having kids without getting married. Sadly, for us both, the Fathers never really bothered to stick around. So...because I had a falling out with my parents, we moved out here. Just wanted to get away from the big city, although I am now as big as one." She chuckled. "Got a job at the Black Anchor as Bartender after moving out here. Then the bigger I got, the more difficult it became to mix drinks."

Sindy looks at the water, then at her belly, to which she felt the babies kick. "I still work at the Black Anchor. Day shifts now though, so hopefully that Art Gallery you have opening soon is open on my days off. Other then that, well, I'm ready to be a Mom. Going from a family of one to a family of four. And it feels surreal." As she felt a contraction, her belly tensed, prompting Sindy to frown.

She started feel around the belly. It was tense. Firm. So she took a deep breath and sat up from the pillows, and braced her back with both hands. "Not sure how much longer I have left with them growing in my belly. But I'm going to miss it when it's time."

Florence giggled softly as she watched the woman pat her belly. It was honestly cute to watch the bond between mother-to-be and the unborn babies. It reminded her of her own family. A bittersweet memory by now. When Sindy started to talk more about herself, Florence remained attentive while she listened to the four different heartbeats. She could time the rhythms based on sound alone given they were close enough, which they were. Even if the chairs were spaced out with plenty of room, it really wouldn't take that much to get to her feet and close the distance between the women. It would be the easiest thing in the world. Yet despite the hunger as it remained ever present, the freelancer remained flawlessly relaxed in her own chair while the two had an easy conversation.

So, Sindy was a software engineer then? Only time Florence ever bothered with technology was when she needed to use it or wipe it clean of evidence. As for the summed-up story of Sidy's life, well, she couldn't honestly relate. Though that didn't stop her from admiring the woman's courage to continue to move forward with her life despite the obvious difficulties and challenges. Humans could be resilient when they wished to be. She nodded every once in a while, as the other continued to speak then smiled brightly. "Even if I'm not there, there will be a few people who cover for me just in case. It'll be open Monday through Friday I'd say around... Nine at night til four in the morning." After all, Florence could afford to hire staff as needed. They often covered for her during times she went on a hunt.

Plus, the hours were very specific and ensured it would be nighttime no matter what time of year it was. She had learned early on it was easier to do it this way so people didn't have to check schedules so often. They would know when the gallery was open to the public. "I hope to see you there if you choose to come. There's plenty of benches there if you need to sit. Plus, there's normally someone there that can help with anything you might need." Florence sensed a change in heartrate and watched as the other woman seemed a little tense. Given how far along Sindy was and the size of her belly as it was, it wasn't too much of a stretch that they might be born early as sometimes that was the case. Florence leaned up into a seated position, though kept her legs underneath herself. "Sindy are you alright?" Her brows knitted together slightly in concern.