14
"So they started training you and you broke the record and became the world's youngest the world's youngest vampire hunter ever?" Stephanie smiles at Ranger, her hand feeling very comfortable in his. The room is very clean and quiet. She's not hungry or thirsty, but starts feeling a little tired. It seems that she could see the dark deserted streets through Ranger's eyes and she, too, could feel the lure of the silver German car. The scary little old vampire reminds her of Bella, Joe's Grandma. It's both fun and a little weird getting to know Ranger this way. He, indeed, is a very special man. No doubt he seldom talks about his past.
"No." Ranger smiles. "They sent me home and told me they would be in touch. But I couldn't forget about the 318i and went back to the street. I got caught by the cops, and spent the next 3 months in the juvy." And then 3 years in Miami.
He was too excited and too scared to sleep. He wanted to make sure what had happened wasn't a dream. He wanted to see the spot where the vampire had died. He wanted to drive the car with the windows down. He wanted to feel the wind in his face. He wanted to laugh out loud to the world. He wanted to celebrate the fact that the monster was dead and he was still alive. He got the car door open in no time at all but barely made it down the block when the cops showed up. He'd been on their list for sometime. The judge made a quick and swift decision. So did the bossy social worker and his parents. Everything was new in Miami. New friends. New school. New neighborhood. Salty air. Bluer sea. And a brighter sun. No vampire hunter came visit. Something changed in him. He started to believe that night was no more than a dream. He got good grades in school and was accepted by several colleges. His parents wanted him back in their lives. So he chose Rutgers. One years later, his mentor found him.
He faced the most difficult decision of his life. He returned to that street and the BMW was no longer there. He walked all the way to the dark alley. He stopped at the spot. He recalled the scene. He could still hear the giggles. But this time, no monster was following him. He had grown up. He still remembered his fears. He stared into the unrelenting darkness. He thought of all his hopes and wishes and dreams. He closed his eyes, and made a toughest choice. He made a call to his mentor the next day, dropped out of college, and joined the Army. His father hasn't yet(and probably never will) forgiven him. Baring his soul and secrets to Stephanie makes him feel relieved. Maybe that's because they no long have to worry about Joe Morelli. Maybe that's because she almost died in front of his eyes and he managed to save her life. Maybe he's braver now. Maybe he has lost his courage. Maybe he just wants to forget about the world and enjoy a brief happiness. He has chosen a lonely path and there'll be no turning back.
Now it's all up to Stephanie.