When I came to, the girl and the kid were standing over me.
"What were they doing to him?"
The girl shook her head and motioned for him to be quiet. She bent down over me.
"Dwayne."
I forced myself to sit up.
"Hey little man. You alright?"
He nodded.
"Look, kid, I'm-I'm sorry about all this."
The kid nodded again.
"I knew you weren't taking me to my mom. She died when I was born."
"Then why-
"I sometimes like to look for her. Just because she's dead doesn't mean I can't see her."
Freaky little boy.
"Thank you for saving me from the monsters."
I smiled.
"No problem, kid."
"My name's Laddie."
"I'm Dwayne. This is- " what was her name again? Moonbeam? Moonchild?
"I'm Star."
She hugged Laddie.
"Don't worry. It's all going to be okay."
She looked me in the eye.
"What made you stop them?"
I shrugged.
"He was a kid. It just seemed wrong."
Then I understood what Star really meant. Why had I saved Laddie and not her? Why hadn't I lifted a finger to keep David from kidnaping her and forcing his blood into her veins?
Good question.
"Dwayne."
She pulled me close and kissed me. I tried to shove her away.
"You belong to David. You think he was hard on me before, imagine him seeing you kiss me."
"I hope he did see it."
She ran off into a corner.
Chicks. As long as I live, I'll never understand them.
Laddie tugged on my sleeve.
"Is she a monster?"
"No, kid. But I am."
"But you're a good monster."
I shook my head.
"There's no such thing as a good monster."
"What am I now?"
I held his hand.
"You ever watch The Addams Family? The Munsters?"
"I like The Munsters."
"Well, you're like Eddie."
I smiled at him.
"Come on little man, it's almost morning. Time to go to bed."