Chapter 6

Author's Note:

Here is Chapter 6 lots; of drama with Jerry and Tracy in this chapter and even more to come in Chapter 7.

Tracy's Sacrifice

As soon as we got to school, I went to my first class and sat down in my seat across from Charlie. When the roll call began, Ed's name was called. I half expected to see him walk in. But, I knew that he wouldn't. I could see that Charlie knew something was wrong. I wished that I could tell him that Ed was still alive, but that would mean telling Jerry's secret, so I didn't want to risk it. I would have to come up with some sort of plan even if it meant drinking silencing potion. That would solve that problem, but what was I going to do about Ed? No matter what, I was going to help him. I needed to make a plan.

After class, I went to my locker.

"Hey Trace," a voice behind me said. I turned to see Charlie.

"Hi," I said back.

"I was just wondering if you had seen Ed today?"

"No, I haven't seen him," I said.

"Oh well, that's too bad. Listen, I'm going over to his house after school to check on him. Do you want to come?"

What could I tell him? Don't blow it Tracy. I'm the queen of the blabber-mouths. Literally, I can't keep a secret. Although, I was doing a good job so far.

"No thank you," I said, "but I'm really sorry about your friend. I hope you find him."

"Thank you," he said, and he took off.

I can't believe I just lied to him, but there were bigger things at stake here. I had another plan in the back of my mind. Maybe Charlie could help me. But I shrugged it off. No one else needs to be put in danger. Who was I kidding? Everyone already is. Maybe I could make some sort of bargain with Jerry? I had magic; I wonder what I could give him in exchange for letting Ed go, but then I remembered my dream. He probably wouldn't want to leave. So, I was still stuck. It was the only plan I had. I'll have to give it a try. I would go and see Jerry that night. I just hope he's in a good mood tonight.

That afternoon, as I walked home I started thinking seriously. As I got into the house, I went to my room and grabbed a black dress from out of the closet and put it on. The only time I wear black is when I do some serious magic. I took my spell book and began to chant. My potion bottles began to float. Nothing new for me. I was used to it. I took out my magic mirror and said, "Show me Jerry."

Nothing.

I forgot that vampires don't have a reflection. So I just went back to my potion and grabbed a necklace from my jewelry box. I dropped it in the potion and started chanting.

"Please spirits, protect me from harm. I need your guidance."

I watched the necklace rise up out of the bowl. It's chain was gold, with a big green emerald on it. I then grabbed it and put it around my neck.

"Thank you spirits." The smell of the fumes cleared the room. I changed back into my regular clothes and walked out the front door. I began to cross the street, as I walked towards Jerry's house, I saw a woman with blond hair was with him. They were talking, but then I saw him look up at me.

"Ah, Tracy, nice to see you," he said.

"The same to you," I told him. He turned to the blond.

"This is Doris," he said.

"Hi," she said to me, and I said hi back.

"Hey Doris, why don't you go inside and wait for me?" Jerry said., and with that she went inside.

"I was just telling Charlie that she's a handful," he then sat the beer he was carrying down and walked over to me.

I clutched my neckless.

"Don't worry, she isn't anything special. Not like you, so don't get jealous Tracy.

Oh my gosh, he was hitting on me. Not that I was surpised after the kiss he gave me last night.

"See, I was just telling Charlie that both his mom and his girlfriend give off a scent, but nothing like yours. I have never experienced anything so good."

"I came here to make you an offer. I have magic. I can give you anything," I said.

"In exchange for what, Trace. And make it quick, because my date is waiting."

"In exchange for letting Ed go."

"What makes you think he is going to want to leave? He's already enjoying his new life. He speaks highly of you, by the way. If you want to make me an offer we can discuss it another time. I do want something from you Tracy."

"Where is Ed?"

"He's in the basement, sleeping. Don't worry, you will see him again. Although, I don't think you will want to."

"Well, I should get back to my date," but he leaned in close to me and kissed me on the cheek. "Goodnight Trace," he then grabbed the case of beer and walked back in the house.

Ok, so the vampire had a thing for me. That was just great. I knew I needed to get away from here. About half of me wanted to go into the basement to find Ed, but thenI realized it probably wouldn't have a window. I then saw Charlie come into the yard. I went over to him.

"Hi," I said. He turned around to see me.

"Tracy, what are you doing here?" he asked, surprised.

"The same thing you are. It's ok Charlie, I know."

"Good, he has my neighbor, Doris. I'm trying to save her. You can help, but you have to be quiet." He pulled out his phone. It had directions to pick a lock on it.

He then started to pick at the lock. It took a few minutes, but he finally did it and we snuck into the house. I saw Jerry watching TV. I followed Charlie upstairs and we then walked intot eh bedroom and over to the closet. I saw a bunch of different uniforms, but it was what was behind them that really got my attention. Several different rooms – they actually looked more like cells. Charlie then stopped in front of one. We found Doris. She was scared and at that moment, so was I.

Then we heard footsteps coming up the stairs and I felt Charlie grab my arm.

"Tracy! Come on, we have to hide!"

We both ducked into one of the open cells and watched as Jerry entered the room, pulling a key out of his pocket and unlocked the cell that Doris was in. He walked inside and took her in his arms and rested his face on her neck. We then saw fangs appear out of his mouth and he began to bite her. She put her finger to her mouth and gestured for us to be quiet. I couldn't look anymore. I turned away.

He then got up and left. Relocking the cell door behind him. Charlie and I ran up to Doris' cell and tried to pick the lock. Charlie finally got it open and took ahold of one of her arms. I took ahold of the other. The three of us carefully snuck out of the room and down the stairs.

I'm not used to being quiet for this long. I then saw Jerry get up from his chair in the living room and the three of us quickly hid on the stairs as Jerry walked in the kitchen and we snuck over to the front door.

"I don't think all three of us are going to make out of here, Charlie. Just take her and go," I said.

"There is no way you are staying here," said Charlie.

"I'll be fine. Go, I can take care of myself.

He nodded and snuck out with Doris.

So it's just me, one on one with a vampire. I then looked out the window to see Charlie and Doris walking into the yard. But, as soon as they reached the sunlight, Doris burst into flames. I then heard footsteps approaching from behind me, and felt a hand on my arm.