Carl was tired. He was hungry. He no longer had a window. He shivered a little in the cold, but sighed and continued to work. Van Helsing had let him take a small blood sample, but had then retired to the only bed in the whole cottage. All though the whole wasnt all that much. He smiled to himself, snapping a book shut. There must be some clues here! he screamed to himself. But there wasn't. Carl had had all the books from Dracula's castle, but not one of them had any hints as to the creation of the cure.
Jade took a sip from her tea, setting it back down on the table. Making a face as it burned her throat.
"I will have to get Carl to fix that window" She said allowed, rubbing her arms. She realised how much she had come to depend on him latley. Ever since she had first been turned and afraid for her families lives, and forced to live in the run down old hermits cottage.
" Why did you write to Carl?" Came a voice from the bed. Jade jumped before realising that it was Van Helsing.
"I thought he might be able to help." She replied simply.Annoyed that he kept pressing the matter.
"Carl mentioned you once, But he didn't tell me how you met. Or why he felt he owes you such a big favour."
Jade glared at him, but of course he couldnt see her. "He saved my life. From those awful bat children."
Van Helsing looked up "So why does he owe you anything?"
Jade spun on her heel and decended the stairs. She didnt have to put up with his prying, he was a guest. He'd stolen her bed! He had no right! She was getting angrier and and angrier. Before she worked herself into a fury, which couldnt help her situation any, she spotted Carl his head on his hands.
"What's the matter?" She asked, her feelings of anger being replaced with concern.
"Oh...Nothing. Nothing at all." He murmered, without a trace of sarcasim.
Jade sat on the arm rest of his chair. "Tell me Carl." She said sternly
He looked up and took her hand. "I..I don't think I will have it done in time" He'd always been a genius, top of his class, the envy of all the monks and other friars. And he was failing miserably, Only this time alot more than his reputation was at stake.
Jade swallowed, a feeling of dread comming over her. "It's alright. You tried, That's all I can ask of you. It was a long shot, we knew that." She kissed his forhead, and blinked back her tears.
Carl frowned "I haven't failed yet. I can still work, Van Helsing is here now. Perhaps he could be more help than I had first thought. We can't give up yet. I won't let him kill you." He was suprised at the defiance welling up inside of him.
Jade too, was suprised "Carl, He must. If I become one of those...things. I'd rather be dead than running around, killing innocent people."
Carl took her in his arms and cradled her "I don't want to loose you. I won't loose you." Jade smiled. "Maybe you won't" She added softly.
Van Helsing sat up. He could hear voices from the lab, but he didn't wish to know what was being said. There was more here. He was sure. So many unanswered questions. Why would Carl come all this way on his own? He didnt owe Jade anything, in fact, She owed him something. He was getting frustrated, he couldnt force the answers out of Jade,that much he knew. And Carl at this point, was beyond talking to. So far he'd only been interested in working away at the cure.
The cure. Van Helsing shuddered. He remembered the horrible feelings that had surfaced, when he himself had been cured. Seeing his Anna there dead. All because of him...No because of the wolf. Suddenly it dawned on him. What if Jade changed and killed Carl, or anyone else for that matter? She was a threat, a dangerous threat. It was his duty to stop her. But something stopped him. Something he couldn't quite pin point. He knew Carl had feelings for her, and maybe even her him. But he even doubted that, She could be just using him for the cure. Van Helsing got up the bed, and moved for the lab. Perhaps he should be lisenting to what was being said. If they weren't going to answer his questions, than he'd have to find the answers himself.
He stopped at the end of the staircase, straining his neck to hear. It was quiet. He peered around the corner. No one was there. He stepped out into the open, and searched each wall for an opening. There was no way out of that room. Except by the stairs. He pounded up the stairs and into the main room. No one was there either. He took a deep breath, willing himself to remain calm. He heard a loud yell from the village, and for an instant he froze. But then relaxed when the sound was confirmed as a singing drunk. "Carl?" He called, searching the cottage. They weren't anywere. Sighing he took his crossbow, and cloak and hat and exited the cottage. He knew there was something more. And this time he was very right.
(That's it for chapter 4! Please Review!! hands out cookies coke and lamingtons up for grabs! holds out plate So come review!!!)