So sorry for the long wait , but I was busy, and I didn't know how to write this chapter. Maybe the next one will turn out better. Have fun reading.
Daniel's POV
I was hoping to avoid the meeting with my grandparents for as long as I could. Not that I didn't want them to meet Kamelia, quite the opposite. Just that my girl was in a very delicate state right now, and I didn't want to cause her more worries. If I could, I would have spared Kami every pain and discomfort until she fully accepted being a vampire. I would gladly take this burden off her shoulders. I could see she was struggling to learn how to live like this, how much she tried . How confused my girl was sometimes and how scared still, even if she didn't say anything. I wished I could take all this away.
So I had hoped to delay this meeting, because I feared how Kami would react to it. Naturally she would be nervous , but I feared that it would only cause her more stress. Becoming a vampire and meeting the family of your boyfriend could drive anyone insane with worry. And I wanted to spare Kami that stress, at least for now. I knew I couldn't avoid this forever, I just hoped my love would be calmer when she meets my relatives. I had many , but I knew my mother would want first to introduce Kami to my grandparents.
'' I'm sure they will like her.''- My mother told me after I had ended up the call with my granddad Henry. I had been scolded why I had waited that long to introduce them. I hadn't planned it to be that long, just I was scared too. I hadn't done this before and I was scared as hell what would my family think of Kamelia. Not that she could ever embarrass me or anything like that. No, I liked her just the way she was. I liked how she made me a new person, she made me happy, really happy. I had dated women before, I had tons of willing to be in my company girls, but none of them had made me really happy. With Kami I felt free, I felt peaceful and I won't ever let her go. She was my sunshine, my lucky star. She really changed my life, and I couldn't imagine mine without her. And no matter what my grandparents would think of my love, I would never leave her. I loved the beautiful, kind, blond girl and I would do anything to make her happy.
# # #
My love handled the news like I had expected her to. She was nervous, and I could feel how she trembled in my arms. I hated myself for causing her more stress then she needed right now. So I had hugged my girl close and allowed myself to let the sweet scent of her hair to relax me. Because I needed it too. I feared because I had never done this before, and I so wanted them to like my chosen one. Because to me Kamelia was the most important thing in my life and I was planning someday to marry her. I didn't want to rush the things between me and her, I didn't want to pressure Kami to be my fiancée. But I certainly knew that this was the girl I wanted as my wife and that someday if she wasn't bored with me or found someone else, I would gladly propose and make her Mrs. Turner. I had realized that one morning when I was staring at Kami, while we were in my bed. I had awoken before her, but I didn't want to get up. I had a busy day ahead of me, but I didn't want to leave the comfortable and warm bed. And certainly not the angel that laid beside me. I was addicted to her touch, kisses, and mostly just her. Every worry or anger I had felt during the day, it would completely disappear whenever I would see Kami and hold her close to my chest. Even if we didn't talk, her warm body was enough to calm me and get rid of my anger like with a magic. This girl was magic and I was thankful I had laid my eyes on her that day at their school. It really changed my life.
These thoughts were going through my mind while I was staring at my love's kind face, my fingers gently caressing the smooth blond curls, careful not to wake her. I loved everything about Kami, and I realized that I couldn't live without her. I wanted to wake up until I die to these eyes, that smile, to that voice. I wanted this warm feeling in my chest to never disappear.
'' Good morning, Daniel.''- Kami's sleepy voice made me smile and I leaned and kissed her forehead. This girl was making me so happy, without even realizing it.
'' Good morning, love.''- She snuggled closer and rested her head on top of my chest, and I hugged her. I could stay like this forever.
# # #
Kami's POV
Sometimes I wished that the meeting with the family was easier and so not stressful. Because no matter what people said , it was really challenging and could really affect your relationship. First introductions were important and I so badly wanted Daniel's family to like me. Because I loved him, and I didn't want them to be against us.
I smiled but my hand gripped the napkin, hoping for a comfort, I guessed. I so wanted to hold the hand of my boy at least for a minute. It would really help me right now. But I feared how his grandparents would react to this little but intimate contact. That was what had always worried me with relationships. So far I had only met Tony's family and at the beginning we both had been awkward and shy when our parents were present. Because certainly it was a bit uncomfortable to kiss your boy or to run to hug him when his mother or mine were in the room. During the time we both with Anthony had loosened up , but in the beginning we were very shy. So now no matter how much I wanted Daniel's warmth , I hesitated to take his hand in mine. I didn't want to seem like a clingy girlfriend, who needed the support and cares of her boy every time. I didn't want to look so weak. I just wanted to look like me.
'' I'm glad we finally meet.''- Melinda Turner said as one servant poured her red wine, and her eyes moved from me to my mother.-'' I'm afraid Daniel hasn't told us much about you.''- My mother smiled, but I was sure she had seen like me that my love's grandmother's eyes were a bit cold.
'' I'm sorry for that.''- My love said, and I glanced at him. –'' I know it's my fault, but I wanted to wait a bit more with the introductions. Please, don't be angry, grandma.''- He smiled at his own sweet and charming way, and the older woman smiled , a real smile.
'' I'm not angry, just a bit upset you hid your girlfriend, dear.''- Melinda Turner answered .
'' I didn't hide her.''- Daniel placed his own glass with wine on the table after drinking from it. I carefully took my own glass and drank some. The wine was amazing and its unique taste warmed up inside. I regretted that I wouldn't be able to eat anything today. It was such a pity, I missed the wonderful food made by Daniel's cooks. The delicious salads, magnificent cakes and stunning meals. I hated how I couldn't eat them anymore. –'' Her life was in danger.''
'' We know.''- Richard Turner said and I looked at the senator. James Turner really was like a copy of his father, not just physically. The voice of the older man held the same tone of authority and respect. Those eyes showed respect. –'' But still, Dan, we are your family, and we needed to know.''
'' I wanted to be sure if…''- This time my boy surprised me by lacing his fingers with mine. I nearly jumped off my seat, but I stopped myself.-'' Kamelia really loves me .''- His warm hand and touch eased my fear and I smiled. He wasn't afraid to touch me in front of everyone and that helped me loosen up a bit. –'' I wanted us to spend more time together until I tell you.''- He squeezed gently my hand and let go. I immediately felt the absence of his warmth.
'' Please, don't fight.''- Henry Sinclaire interfered with a smile and his blue eyes twinkled at his grandson.-'' The important thing is that we are together now. So cheers!''- Everyone raised their glasses and drank. I just pressed the cup to my lips. I didn't want to get drunk. I couldn't let that, so I had to go easy on the drinks.
More servants entered and they brought the food. I tried not to stare at it, because it would sadden me.
'' I don't know what Daniel has told you about me.''- I glanced at him before looking at his grandparents. I was nervous as hell, but if I could manage drinking blood for days and controlling my unnatural hunger, I could deal with this meeting. After all my love's family would be here for weeks and I had to go through them somehow.
'' Well, we know he met you when he chose girls because of the law.''- Richard Turner answered and tried his salad. –'' We know you are one of the four girls he picked.''- Well, when the older vampire said it like that, it really didn't sound romantic or something that could lead to a big love.-'' And given my boy's constant refusal to honor this law, it was a bit strange learning he found love like this.''- I didn't like the look in his green eyes, but I guessed he had a point. Daniel had told me once that he was against this law, because he saw it like taking away his freedom. I understood him.
'' Yes, I couldn't believe it myself that he has finally decided to pick girls.''- James Turner added, but his tone was a lot warmer, and I returned the smile he sent my way. Daniel's father had scared me in the beginning, but now I accepted him more.-'' I have been telling him to do that for years because I knew he needed to find peace. Someone to bring out the good in him.''- His smile became wider.-'' And I am glad he found that.''
'' Yes, I heard Daniel had stopped with the parties.''- Jane Sinclaire's brown eyes met mine just as her grandson nearly choked on his glass of wine.
'' Grandma!''- He coughed more and I pated his back. The dark-haired vampire calmed himself and wiped his lips.
'' Well, dear, I hadn't seen any pictures in the press from your parties, and I guess we have to thank this girl.''- I blushed because of her warm smile. I knew Daniel had a reputation of a bad boy, and a party animal , so surely the absence of this must be strange for his family. Honestly, I couldn't stop my love from going out and have fun like he had used to. I meant, we were together, but he was free to do what he wanted. But recently my vampire preferred to be with me, to cuddle with me in bed, to watch my TV shows with me. He had become so different from the bad boy I had met when I first saw him, that the change must be really big. Daniel stayed more at home now, with me, unless he had work at his mother's jewelry firm or when he helped his father.
''Yes, he became more responsible.''- Daniel blushed this time, and I laced my fingers with his, not caring about what they would think of this. –'' It's like he is a different man.''- His father smiled again after trying the fish main course. I became hungry and I lifted to my lips with my free hand the glass with blood. Every vampire around me was an old one, and have probably fed before coming, but there was a cup of blood in front of them too. My mother didn't flinch when I drank some blood, and it was good.
'' I wasn't that bad before.''- The green eyed vampire said, still blushing, and I found it really cute. Before I would never have imagined that Daniel Turner, the most wanted bachelor in our town would be nervous and blushing , but it was happening.
'' But this girl made you better.''- Henry Sinclaire said with his calming voice. Daniel had told me once his granddad could sing very well, and I understood why. His voice was so melodic and soothing, it was surely where his grandson had inherited the ability to sound so good. –'' And for this, she deserves our respect.''- He raised his glass for a toast.
'' Thank you.''- I smiled and for the first time today I felt calm. It was a good sign that his family thought I was a good influence, it certainly was.
'' So, Kamelia, you are still in school?''- Melinda Turner asked me and my mother tensed up next to me. –'' How old are you?''
'' I'm 18 and a half.''- I answered, before drinking more of the blood, mostly for moral support, not for the need for it. I knew I was a lot younger than Daniel, but that didn't bother me as much as before. –'' I will graduate from school soon.''- The door opened and Michael entered. The grey-eyed vampire excused himself and brought me another bottle with blood, just in case I needed more. His kind smile gave me courage, and I thanked him kindly. I could have hugged him for this, if I wasn't so nervous.
'' What are your plans after school?''- Melinda Turner cut some of her meat in her plate and I bit my lips. I so wanted to try it, and my love, sensing my discomfort, squeezed my hand , before letting it go. I looked at my mother, before returning my attention on the older red haired vampire.
'' Well, I hope to go to a university somewhere.''- I said nervously as I placed a lock of my hair behind my ear. Should I have said that I wanted to work too? I didn't want them to think that I was with Daniel only because of his money, or the fact that he was a vampire. I didn't want his family to think I would just lay around all day, spending their grandson's money.-'' Maybe with Art.''- I finished hesitantly. Should I say that I was good at it? Wouldn't it sound not too modest?
'' My daughter is very good artist.''- My mother said and her arm went around my shoulders. I felt her pride and it boosted up my confidence.
'' Really?''- Richard Turner asked, his green eyes widened. I was sure he wouldn't believe just my words, and I knew that I had to show them. I wasn't obligated to do that, but I wanted them to like me, to see I had good sides.
'' Yes, Kamelia has talent. She can achieve something big in the future.''- The mayor added.
'' Maybe, but I want to find a job too. Any job.''- I refused to meet Daniel's eyes, because I knew what he was thinking about this. My love wanted me to study Art, and just focus on it. He thought I should pursue a career in this field. My wishes to start a job, any job were met with his refusal. Mainly because he thought I should work something nice and well paid, while I didn't care that much. We haven't reached an agreement on that one.
'' That's wonderful.''- Richard Turner said, and I hoped they didn't think I was lazy or was only saying this to make them think nice things about me.
'' Mrs, Owens, may I call you Lisa?''- My mother nodded, and Henry Sinclaire continued while the servants brought the desserts. Part of me wanted a bite of that chocolate cake, I adored chocolate. But the vampire side of me found the scent revolting, and I gripped the napkin. Cornelia Turner said this would happen, the normal human food would disgust me until I learned how to consume it without feeling sick. –'' Daniel said you are a nurse.''- My love, seeing my reaction to the cake, pushed his plate furthest from me and didn't even try it. My mother swallowed her bite and wiped her lips with the napkin.
'' Yes, I have been since Kami was born. I enjoy helping people and saving lives.''- Part of her probably felt awkward because everyone were richer than us, and a job as a nurse seemed irrelevant compared to being a senator or an owner of a company.
'' It's a nice profession.'' – Cornelia Turner added, probably to help my mother feel less nervous.-'' It's risky, but it really saves lives.''
'' You must have seen a lot of suffering.''- Jane Sinclaire said , but I didn't see something bad in her brown eyes. Her voice was kind.-'' This job isn't for a person with weak heart.'''
'' Yes.''- My mother nodded.-'' I have seen the worst there can be, but also a lot of good things. I have seen babies been born, and cured people. ''- She smiled.
'' As my grandson said, your husband is dead?''- Jane Sinclaire asked. I sensed that Daniel was going to scold his grandmother , but my mother answered before he got the chance to.
'' Yes, Cole died.''- Her voice broke a little when saying my dad's name. Despite that he had left her for Sarah, my mother had cared for him. She often said that despite everything, my father had given her me, and for that she couldn't hate him. –'' We were divorced, sometimes marriages just don't work.''
'' I am sorry about upsetting you.''- Jane reached for my mom's hand and squeezed it.-'' I never meant it. It's just we know so little about your daughter, and my curiosity got the best of me.''- My mother didn't pull her hand as I had feared she would. Being touched by a vampire would have frightened her to death, but since I became one , my mom feared less and less.-'' I am sorry too, Kamelia, if my question hurt you.''- Her brown eyes met mine and I sighed.
'' It's all right.''- I answered. The blood had managed to calm my nerves a bit , I felt so charged with energy. I wasn't going to faint because of my nerves.
'' I know you are in delicate state now, and you must be in control.''- Jane continued as she looked at my bottle with blood. I knew Daniel told them I was a vampire now. –'' So again I apologize if I have upset you.''- Newborn vampires controlled less and their emotions were so easily switched , that it was no telling what they would do. But I felt fine, Daniel's presence was making me feel safe and he had the effect of a teddy bear to me. Cornelia Turner had explained once that the vampire who made you had that ability over you. Funny how the boy I loved could calm me more now.
'' Nothing happened.''- I smiled politely. Daniel brushed his leg over mine under the table and I smiled at him. I prayed in my mind that the next two weeks would go smoothly.