I was looking for a book.

A particular book; the second in a trilogy. Its prequel was the novel that had terrified Nathan so, and caused me needless extra grief from ma mere. It was called 'Shadow Stain' and would help me in my pet project. I called my project 'Research Into the Paranormal' or 'RIP' for short.

When I say paranormal, I mean specifically, the undead, with a sideline in anything that relates to my project or intrigues me. I perused the shelves, running a finger along the velvet spines. All of Mr Chronos' books were looked after; some had been placed inside velvet boxes with their titles on the covers to keep them together- some of them dated back to the early 1400's. I found it, and took it gently from its place, heading over to where Annie was murmuring to Mr Chronos. He smiled gently as he saw me, and waved me over.

"Mika, dear boy, perhaps it is you to whom Miss Annie should be talking to? Are you not extensively researching paranormal occurrences in the area?"

Annie turned to me with another of those heart-stopping smiles. For a moment, I zoned out, then realised Mr Chronos was still speaking.

"Mika. So do you think you could help Annie extend her interest?"

Oh, merde. I had missed the important bit. I'd have to find out from Annie in a minute.

"Sure. Do you have a specific interest?" I asked casually.

Come on, I thought, that was such an open question. Give me a clue, huh? Amazingly, she did.

"Yes, Vampires around here. Their habits. That kind of thing. Thanks."

My project. That was what she wanted to read. Well- what she needed to read, anyway. This called for a bold move.

"Do you want to come over and see some of my research?"

There. It was out. It was cool, it was casual, I was ok. I was not blushing. She seemed to think it over, then, to my joy, nodded lightly.

"Yeah, that'd be cool. Your house looks nice."

It was getting late, and I guess I was tired, as I was more enthusiastic than my usual laid back self would've permitted.

"Great! I mean, cool. We'd best get going then; dinner's at seven-thirty."

Mr Chronos seemed to wink conspiratorially at me as I paid and left the store, holding the door for Annie, and falling easily into place by her side, book carefully wrapped and placed in my pocket.

Annie and I talked a lot on the way to my house. It was surprising- neither of us were much into conversation. But I found her more intelligent, witty and friendly than I had ever suspected. I can only hope she thought similarly!

At the door, I took a deep breath.

"I should probably warn you about my obnoxious younger siblings, Eileesa and Nathan."

She smiled, a touch of sadness in her eyes. I kicked myself, then wondered what I'd said.

"It's ok. They'll realise how lucky they are to have such a nice big brother one day."

A strange, but nice, thing to say. I had to suppress a goofy smile, and unlocked the door.

"Mom! I have a friend I'd like you to meet!"

I called. Adams, the butler, materialised from nowhere, and greeted me laconically, but with a hint of warmth.

"Bon jour, Mika."

I could tell he was about to converse in the language we commonly spoke at home- French- but I didn't think Annie knew enough for it to be polite.

"Hello Adams. This is Annie, who'll be visiting for a while. Annie, this is Adams, our friend and butler."

He got the speaking English idea, and while I took off my coat and helped Annie off with her jacket, hanging them up myself, Adams fussed over Annie, offering her pretty much every beverage and snack in the house. Annie seemed surprised that we had a butler, but was friendly enough, and soon Adams left to get coffee and biscuits.

"Shall we go upstairs? I don't think ma mere, pardon, my mother and everyone are about. They're probably shopping."

I hated it when I slipped into French. I only did it when I was nervous, or preoccupied, and it was such a give-away. Annie nodded not seeming to notice, and I let her proceed me up the stairs, glad she seemed to like my home so far. I was also glad I had tidied my rooms this morning.

"Second to your right, Annie."

I guess she'd been expecting my bedroom, but no, this was an adjoining room I called my den (or, if I was feeling amusing, my lair). She dropped her laid-back attitude for a moment, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride as she looked around.

My den was painted deep, dark blue, a warm colour, which was set off well by the furniture I had chosen with my mother's help. Sometimes it helped to have a mom that cared intensely about aesthetics.

A beautiful mahogany desk took pride of place to our left, with a laptop and speakers running quietly on top, and a large bookcase while a black leather sofa, with cushions the colour of the walls, a music stand, and a television sat silently to our right. A closed door straight ahead led through to my room, and another door, to the far left, to my bathroom. Sometimes it paid, being the eldest, although Eileesa had her own set of rooms, Nathan had to share a bathroom with her. At the age of six, he wasn't concerned about being in there too much though, so it worked out all right. Annie stepped in, looked around, and turned back to me.

"You are so lucky! This is wicked cool."

I smiled proudly, and stepped around her, towards my desk.

"Come and take a look at RIP, then."