The Lover At Night

Willie is finally discharged from the hospital. I am so relieved of the fact that the old guy has recovered from his injuries and he is finally back again in Collinwood. I can't believe that he still insists on working around the manor but we only allow him to do gardening only until his body to fully recover.

For the time being, mother and Roger have employed two new housekeepers to keep the manor in good shape while waiting for Willie to fully recover. Roger thinks that maybe we should have more housekeepers around but my mother highly objects his decision because she dislikes the idea of having too many outsiders in the manor.

It is a Friday morning and the whole of the Collins family, including Dr Hoffman are at the dining table, enjoying a good variety of breakfast like any other normal family.

David is eating while reading a comic and the same goes to his father except that the father is reading newspaper. My mother is talking to Dr Hoffman as the both of them consume their breakfast. Barnabas is eating his breakfast casually without paying too much attention on me as if I am a nobody but I prefer it that way. It would be a catastrophe if my family knew about my odd relationship with my distant uncle.

The two new housekeepers are Jacob and Anna. The both of them seem to be good at house work but the both of them never really interact with each other. Even when Mrs Johnson is around the both of them, they would be a quiet trio because they never seem to strike a good conversation among themselves. However, they make a good team in keeping the mansion in order but in a very silent manner.

Today's breakfast consists of sliced bread, assorted fruits, coffee, tea, milk, various types of cheese and croissants. Looking at today's breakfast menu gives me an impression that I am eating at a classy bed and breakfast.

Anna pours milk into my glass and I say, "Thanks."

"You're welcome, Miss Carolyn," she says and she moves over to Roger.

I spread some butter inside the croissant and steal a glance at Barnabas for three seconds before looking elsewhere. I wish that we weren't playing an awkward game like this. It is difficult for me to show too much interest in him eventhough we are relatives with a gap of a few generations. I can't bear to take the risk and face shame in front of my family and I am sure he is thinking of the same way too, if he claims himself to be someone who prioritises his family more than anything else but it seems that our odd feeling of lust and slight affection spark this strange interaction between the both of us.

Biting the croissant, my eyes dart across the room and land on Roger and his son. They are in the exact situation as me and my mother but Roger lost his wife because of death instead of a divorce.

Sometimes when I look at David, I feel sorry for him that he doesn't have a mother to care for him and to show him affection. My mother would often take over the role as his mother whenever she has the time. I don't blame my mother for being a busy woman because sometimes I am on my own too.

"So, Carolyn," Roger says all of a sudden.

I look up at him.

"Has everything been planned out? Your birthday's just three weeks away," he adds as he sips his cup of coffee.

"Positive, Uncle Roger," I say curtly as I bite my croissant.

"Elizabeth told me that you're going for glam rock theme," he states.

I stare at him and say, "It has been confirmed. Mrs Maxwell will decorate the house five days before the party."

"That's absolutely fine with me. Have you found yourself a date for the party?" he says as he transfixes his eyes on mine.

What a ridiculous question!

I roll my eyes and say, "I don't need a date for my party. It's just a birthday party. It's not some kind of prom night. And besides, I'm not a senior yet. School prom nights will have to wait."

My mother looks at Roger and says, "She doesn't need to rush into these things."

"Exactly," I say as I place some grapes on my plate.

My eyes roll over to Barnabas and his eyes meet mine. He gives me a weak grin but I look away from him.

This awkward moment is really a huge burden on my shoulders. I wonder how long I could tolerate this. I am about to turn sixteen soon and my life is very complicated because of Barnabas. Why must I succumb to our desires and place our lives in great risk? What is wrong with me? What is wrong with him? Have I gone mentally ill? Is this a strange family curse? I can't trust anyone with this great secret. I can't even fake a story to Kiyoko and Olivia about this. If only none of this had happen.

I shake my head and continue eating my grapes, pretending that I have never thought of this. I try my best to ignore Barnabas but at the side of my eyes, I could see that he actually has his eyes on me every once awhile when no one is noticing.

When I am done with the last piece of grape on my plate, I gulp down my glass of milk and clear my cutleries, which make everyone look at me, including Barnabas. I can't believe I am making a scene. It is a rare occasion to clear up my plate and carry them to the kitchen.

"Miss Carolyn, I'll take them for you," Anna says as she walks over to my seat.

I look at her, then back to my hands with my plate and glass.

"Are you in a rush, Carolyn?" mother asks as she dabs her lips with a napkin.

I conjure up a false excuse.

"Oh, I'm so used to clearing up my dishes recently that it becomes a habit now," I say, trying to sound cool and casual.

"It's alright, Miss Carolyn. I'll take them," Anna says with a weak grin as she stretches out her hands to take the plate.

I pass the cutleries to Anna , pick up my schoolbag and leave the dining room immediately. I'm sure everyone seems surprised with my odd behaviour. I just needed to leave that place. I can't bear to look at the vampire.

I walk over to the main entrance of the house and push the door open to reveal Winston smoking in front of the limousine.

"Good morning, Miss Carolyn," Winston says as he nods his head.

"Good morning," I say casually.

I could hear my mother, Barnabas, David and Roger walking to my direction. I ignore them and head to the vehicle.

Winston opens the door and I enter the vehicle.

When everyone has entered the limousine, the driver begins to drive off and I steal a last glance of Barnabas, who is at the sheltered entrance. His walking stick is in his hand as always, giving him a rich man image but the expression on his face is stoic indeed. I could not understand what he is trying to say to me with the stoic look on his face.

I look away from him and try to concentrate on myself instead. Mother and Roger are discussing about expanding the business in England and David is fully occupied with his iPod. I decide to follow suit and whip out my iPod Touch from my schoolbag.

As soon as the earphones are plugged into my ears, I play Girlicious' 'Like Me'. I do not seem to be in a mood to listen to rock music right now. I just need catchy choruses to brighten up my day and to make myself feel more normal.

I seriously need to focus back on my party apart from finishing up my school homework. I haven't even chosen a decent dress for the party but thankfully I have sent out the invitation cards. Decorations have already been taken care of and Mrs Maxwell and my mother are dealing with the caterers. I just need to practice two songs with Uncle Roger's friends and find myself a decent dress.

^%^%^%^%^

Rain drops are pounding against the window. It had been raining for almost an hour and it is quite cold but I am used to the coldness of the rain around this area.

I bite the end of the pen as I flip open the next page of the Biology textbook. I really enjoy studying when the weather is cold. It makes me more alert but sometimes it does make me sleepy too.

I look at clock on the wall. It is almost twelve and I'm still awake despite the fact that it is a school night but I couldn't care less. I study whenever I feel like it.

I stop reading and stand up. I need to use the bathroom.

Tiptoeing down the stairs to the hallway, I suddenly think of Barnabas. I hadn't properly communicated with him and I feel like speaking to that undead being.

After the trip to the bathroom, I make my way to his bedroom.

Standing quietly in front of the door, I knock it thrice.

I could hear movements getting louder as the figure approaches the door.

"Carolyn?" he says, his voice muffled behind the door.

"Yes," I say.

The door swings open and I step in.

Barnabas is oddly enough, clad in a modern white button up shirt and a pair of modern dark pants. The sleeves are unbuttoned and the top two buttons of the shirt are unbuttoned, once again revealing his intimidating pale flesh.

The vampire looks the door as I venture deeper inside his bedroom.

"What brings you here, Carolyn?" he asks in his intimidating deep voice.

"I decided to pay you a visit, my dear distant uncle," I say, teasing him.

I could hear him chuckle.

"You are such a tease Carolyn," he says and he suddenly appears in front of me in just a blink of an eye.

He grins at me as he places a hand on my cheek, his sharp nails caressing my cheek gently. His eyes lower down to my lips. With his other hand, he runs his fingers free in my hair.

"My beautiful angel," he mutters as he locks his eyes on my face.

I place both of my hands on his chest and lean my head onto his body, inhaling the cologne.

"You must be in boredom, I believe," he says.

"I'm sorry that we've never really talked these days," I say as my fingers grasp the fabric of his clothing.

I breathe deeply into the fabric and say, "Can we talk tonight?"

He throws his arms around my waist and pulls me closer to him. He breathes into the top of my head.

"I miss having you close to me like this, Carolyn," he whispers as he kisses the top of my head.

I stay motionless as his hand holds my chin and levels it up to his face. I lean forward and he presses his lips gently on mine as my hands grasp onto his shirt with more force as if I am afraid to let go of him.

We break apart from the kiss and he says, "Tell me everything about your school."

I grin at him and with his arm around my waist; we walk over to his bed and sit there.

I tell him everything about my friends and repeat again what I did in New York. He listens to me attentively as he plants kisses on the top of my head as his fingers brush against my bare arm.

"I really miss the feel of being a human," he confesses.

"I thought being a vampire is rather cool, I suppose?" I say with a smirk.

"Feeding on blood is the worst part, my dear. I have to fight my temptations to bite you," he says in a serious tone as his eyes roll over to meet mine.

I lean closer to him, pushing my body against him. I am taking a great risk by doing this. Mustering my courage, I wrap my arms around his neck and my head inches closer to his head. The vampire leans forward.

The vampire slips his arms around my waist as we kiss. He pulls me closer to him as he pushes me down to the bed. Our kiss deepens as our hands are entangled around each other's bodies. My hands are in his jet black hair and his hands are attached firmly at my waists.

I could feel his tongue licking and wetting my lips as his hands force themselves on the bed, making me sink lower as the bed sinks.

With a rapid movement, Barnabas lifts me by the waist and places me properly on the bed with my head propped on the pillow. He is still, no doubt on top of me, dominating me as the both of us succumb to our lustful desires.

"Carolyn," he purrs against my lips as he lowers his body, leaving some space between the both of us.

I close my eyes.

I could feel my heart pounding fast and the temperature of my body getting higher as our make out gets more passionate by the minute.

The vampire's hand grasped mine and pin them down to the bed while his other hand trace every outline of my waist, his fingers exploring the silk fabric of my dark night dress.

His dominant hand grips my hand tightly as our fingers entwine around each other's fingers. I could feel the coldness of his palm against mine.

I could feel my mind getting lost in the madness of lust as we make out on his bed.

I part my lips wider to allow his tongue protrude inside my mouth. I could feel my desire burning deep inside me as his tongue wrestles with mine, giving my tongue no entrance into his mouth. But after a few attempts, I manage to enter his mouth and explore his mouth like an explorer travelling inside a dark cave.

A few moans escape my mouth as the vampire's mouth act vigorously on mine. I scrunch up a few strands of his hair into the size of mothballs as our lips brush roughly against each other.

The vampire slows down his kisses and he begins to trail to my ear and he nibbles it while his hands lock themselves around my waist.

Barnabas lowers himself on me until our bodies are in contact with each other. He licks and nibbles my ear repeatedly for almost a minute and I could feel my throat producing sounds of lustful moans.

I direct my hands away from his hair and press them against his chest, my fingers tugging onto the fabric of his clothing. I slide my hands from his neck until his abdomen, ensuring that I wouldn't go further than that.

The vampire growls and moans with lust when my hands slide down to his abdomen. I did that just to tease him and hope that he could actually control his lustful desire for me.

A soft moan escapes my mouth as his lips travel down to my ear lobe, licking it one last time before licking my neck. His lips press against my neck and I could feel his hot breath sweeping down my flesh, making me shiver.

"My petite angel," he moans into my neck passionately in between his kisses.

"Ahhh," I moan softly as my mind begins to lose some control over my body.

The vampire breathes onto my neck and his lips stay put on my neck, sucking and kissing my flesh gently but passionately.

"Barnabas," I say softly as I move my head away from him to signal that we should stop.

The vampire understands my body language and he slows down and presses his lips one last time on my neck before releasing his cold lips from my neck. He inhales and exhales slowly, the hot breath sweeping down my neck as he intently brushes his nose against my neck.

"I wish you could stay," he whispers against my neck.

He pulls away and gently lowers down his head against my chest as he lies down next to me.

I place a hand on his cold cheek and caress it with full of care.

"I'm sorry I can't," I say.

"Waiting for you, I shall. If that is the term you want me to adhere to," he says.

I sneer as I look down at him.

"As cold as you are, I would wait a thousand years for you for as long as it would make you a happy lover of mine," he says passionately as he places his hand on mine.

I grin at him and lean forward to reach his lips.

The vampire sits up and our lips meet.

^%^%^%^%^

As expected of sleeping late last night, I have actually been sleeping in classes but Kiyoko and Olivia are kind enough to cover me from the teacher's sight and to wake me up at the appropriate times.

I couldn't seem to concentrate in class at all. My mind keeps dozing off and my eyes would automatically close and my head would be on top of books.

Thankfully, the whole day in school is smooth and I manage to survive today despite the awful drowsiness in class. I admit that it is my fault for spending an hour late at night at the vampire's bedroom and end up being sleepy today but it was really worth it to make up for the friction filled awkward moments for the past few days.

I have completely neglected my plan of staying normal and staying as far as I could for him until my birthday. I seem to be succumbing too much to my lustful desires more than anything else. Spending money on expensive things is a rare occasion for me eventhough my mother is wealthy enough but that is because I tend to save my money rather than spending it.

However, my restless mind keeps haunting me about the dress I would wear for my sweet sixteen. I could probably browse through catalogues on the internet and purchasing one that looks similar to it.

Life is too complicated for me right now. I need to rest my mind and my body before getting back to the issues of my life.

^%^%^%^%^

"I've finally found what I want," I say as I show the dress to Olivia and Kiyoko.

"You're going to be a goth?" Kiyoko says as she looks at the dress.

I roll my eyes at the girls.

"Oh come on! It's similar to Amy Lee's dress that was used for the cover of 'The Open Door'," I state.

"You mean Evanescence?" Olivia asks with a peculiar expression on her face.

"Obviously!" I exclaim.

"Sorry, I'm not a big fan of rock music," Olivia says curtly.

"You should try it out," Kiyoko says optimistically.

I enter the fitting room and lock the door behind me. I strip until my lingerie and slip on the dress. Stretching my hands, I zip the back of the dress and it fits me perfectly.

I stare at myself in the mirror. I could not believe what I am seeing!

The girl in the mirror adjusts the dress and pushes her hair over her shoulders. Her eyes are transfixed on the dress, not being able to tear her gaze away from the mirror.

I exit the dressing room and approach my friends.

The two girls stare at me with awe.

"Carolyn, I take back any rude comments about you wanting to wear this dress," Olivia says as her eyes widen.

"Buy this dress!" Kiyoko exclaims.

I turn around as I look at myself in front of the mirror. I have fallen in love with this dress.

"This is so mine!" I say proudly as I stare at my reflection in the mirror.

^%^%^%^%^

My birthday is drawing nearer. Five more days and I will be sixteen! How exciting is that? I will finally get my own car!

The thought of my birthday makes me grin.

I flip through OK! Magazine as Good Charlotte's 'Like It's Her Birthday' fills the atmosphere in my bedroom.

"So, we will be hearing this song during your birthday party, I suppose?" Barnabas says as he places a hand on my shoulder.

"I don't know what they'll play but they're going to be at my party until it's over, unless they are free to join the after party," I say.

"Would you dance with me during your party?" he asks.

I look at him and snort.

"You're being stupid."

"You are my distant niece and there is nothing wrong with an uncle dancing with his niece for awhile. We are related in a very odd way," he says factually.

I stare at him oddly.

"You don't have to remind me of our odd relationship."

The vampire chuckles and places a hand on my chin, tilting it upwards and he presses his lips on mine.

"You are weird," I note as I stare at him.

"You are one of a kind," he muses and continues kissing me.

There is a loud knock on the door and I quickly break away from him.

"Carolyn," a muffled voice says from behind the door.

I point to the closet and he quickly hides himself in there.

I walk over to the door and open it halfway in slow motion.

David is holding a book and pencil.

"Are you busy?" he asks.

"Why?" I ask him back as I fold my arms to my chest.

"We made a deal, didn't we? If you finish up my Mathematics homework for a month, I won't tell your secret to anybody," he says.

"Fine!" I snarl at him and snatch the book away from him.

"I'll give it back to you tomorrow! Now, LEAVE!" I say as I shut the door in his face.

"Thank you Carolyn! I love you," he says from behind the door.

I roll my eyes and lock the door. So much for his annoying sarcasm.

Barnabas quickly gets out of the closet and stares at me curiously.

"What?" I snap at him.

"What secret do you have that you would not mind telling me?" he says curtly.

"Shut up," I say as I toss the book on the study desk.

I flop myself on the bed and continue flipping OK! Magazine.

The vampire sits next to me and says, "Did he find out about us?"

"No," I say casually.

"I think I know what you're hiding from me," he says as he wraps an arm around my body.

"Go away, pervert," I mutter sourly.

His lips curl upwards into a smile.

"You moan a lot when you're alone," he whispers into my ear.

I stare at him incredulously.

"I know you often do that to let out your frustration. It makes you feel very excited and high," he says in his deepest tone.

"Stop talking. I'm trying to read," I say authoritatively.

The vampire bends forward, angles his face towards mine and presses his lips on mine as his fingers trace the outline of my jaw. I am stupid enough to allow a moan escape my mouth.

"I can make you feel better," he whispers against my lips.

If I have my way, I would smile but I decide to put on a poker face and glare at him instead.