Chapter 1:
Bathory Junior High
I woke up, startled and shaking violently. Tiny sweat beads dripped down my forehead and landed on the clean, white sheets as I jerked my head all ways, making sure everything was fine. It was just a dream, right? No. Not a dream. A horrible nightmare. But it seemed so real! I shook my head, clearing it of all thoughts.
Next to me, the alarm clock sounded. I reached my arm over and pressed the Snooze button, making the room a deathly quiet. Rubbing my eyes, I threw the cover off of me, revealing the ghostly pale skin of my bare arms and legs. I jumped off of the brick hard spring mattress and landed with a thud on the hardwood floor, which echoed throughout the room. I sauntered sleepily over to my calendar.
In red marker circled today's date, the 25h of October. Sighing, I slashed the date off. Today was the day I had been waiting for but now feared: my first day at Bathory Junior High. Breathing deeply, I shuddered as another memory entered my thoughts, making the day even worse. A flash of various, bright colors played inside my head, like a movie, leading up to the memory that haunted me most: lying next to the ashes of my step-parents, which were more like real parents to me, crying. Today marked a month after my parents had perished in a mysterious house fire. I guess it couldn't be titled "the mysterious" house fire anymore, since I already knew who and what had caused it. It all flowed back to me. I remembered the man with pale skin, black hair tied back in a ponytail and sharp, dangerous fangs. The vampire only known as Demetri, who I had met nearly a month ago. He was the one who set my house on fire, killing my parents and nearly killing me, all because of a stupid grudge.
I growled and turned away from the calendar. Yawning, I walked out of my (actually, our) room into the small hallway, which led to both my guardian, Aunt Nelly's room and the bathroom. As I took my first step, I flinched back as I felt something fuzzy but soft, rub against my exposed leg. Looking down, I merely laughed. To my relief it was only my Aunt Nelly's, fat, lazy, and fluffy black cat, Amenti. I looked both ways, and shooed the cat down the stairs as I continued my journey to the bathroom. Even though I knew that my brother, Vlad and Nelly were awake, I still tip toed silently through the long, narrow hallway. Once I entered the tiny bathroom, I closed the door and looked into the mirror, opening my mouth at the same time. Two pointed canine teeth jutted out of my gum, like tiny daggers, only sharper. I rolled my eyes and retracted them, so I could continue my daily morning routine.
After I hastily through on a pair of clothes, my stomach growled like a lion and I felt my fangs scrape against the insides of my mouth. This was normal and only meant one thing: I was hungry. Closing my eyes, I focused only on my immense hunger and the beating of my heart. I could hear my blood racing through my veins, red and sweet filling me with energy. Before I knew it, I was running down the stairwell, my legs moving faster than any mere human.
Once I smelled the aroma of breakfast, I knew that I had entered the kitchen, which signaled me to open up my eyes. The light blinded me as my eyelids fluttered open and once again, my stomach growled, yearning for food. Vlad and Nelly sat at the table, and as my stomach roared, they turned there heads.
"You better get something to eat…" Vlad paused for a second, as he spotted my fangs, dangerously protruding from my open mouth. "Fast."
I nodded and walked over to the freezer, pulling open the hidden door at the bottom. A cloud of frozen air escaped as the icy insides of the freezer were revealed. Bags filled with deep red liquid lined the ice box. I searched for the bag that would suit me most, and I smiled as I found my favorite, the last one of that kind in the freezer: O positive. I picked up the slippery bag, careful not to drop it. Nelly would flip out if its contents spilled all over the newly mopped floor. Cradling it with one arm, I walked over to the cupboards and took out my favorite cup which read: CAREFUL: I BITE. `Laughing silently at the hysterical label, I brought the bag up to my mouth and let my fangs pierce the plastic, tearing it open. It was tempting just to let it sit in my mouth but to Nelly, that wasn't proper "vampire etiquette". So, to make Nelly happy, I poured the liquid into the mug. I guess it wasn't all bad in a way, because in a mug, I could heat it up: the best way to enjoy blood.
I clasped the handle of the cup and placed it into the microwave, setting the timer for 30 seconds, which was all it needed to warm up. Finally, the timer beeped, and I retrieved the steaming mug, which filled my nostrils with the sweet yet salty aroma of the drink. Walking over to the dining room table, which, technically, wasn't a dining room table, because it sat in our kitchen, I sat down into the rickety seat and slurped down the drink, letting the hot liquid, though it burned my tongue, drip slowly down my throat. Tiny droplets of the dark red liquid splattered all over the white table cloth, dotting it with red. Aunt Nelly's face turned as red as the blood when she noticed what had happened. I stopped drinking and looked down, my eyes growing wide. I plugged my ears I knew the exact lines that would come from Nelly next.
"Can you try to learn some manners!?"
The blood I currently had in my mouth flew out and landed, this time, on the floor, as I started to laugh. As I turned to Vlad, I noticed that he had done just the same. Behind us, Nelly screamed and looked like she was going to pull her hair out or, worse, murder us. Immediately, we silenced, but still chuckled under our breaths.
"It's obvious that I get it from Vlad." I replied with heavy sarcasm. Vlad shot a look at me but smiled once he knew I was joking.
"We're vampires, Aunt Nelly. Creatures of the night. We don't worry about little things such as manners." Vlad stated, joining in.
"Well, can you at least try? The cleaning ladies are going to think were serial killers!" She replied. Flames ignited in her eyes and she was fuming with anger.
"Sure." Vlad said. He leaned into me and whispered "When vampires don't drink blood anymore." Nelly rolled her eyes, for she knew that would never happen. She walked over to the coat rack and chose out her favorite bag for today. I coughed. Why did girls have to be so picky?
"I'm working overtime today at the hospital, so I won't be here after school. Vlad, look after James, please? Make sure nobody hurts him?" she told us, in a calmer, more "mommy" like tone.
"Ok." he replied smiling at her and patting my back at the same time. I turned my head and glared at him. He just stuck out his tongue, like a 2 year old does when he is mad at someone.
"Would you two stop acting like children?" We quickly jerked our heads towards Nelly and stopped what we were doing.
"Sorry." We muttered. She still was not happy, but as any day, she had to get to work and there was no time for silly fighting.
"Now, what kind of blood do you want me to pick up today?"
"O positive!" Vlad and I yelled in unison. Nelly nodded
"Of course." She replied. Before leaving, she took taking her last sip of coffee and kissed us both on the heads, something that I hated the most. I had no problem that it was baby like. What made me uncomfortable was that she was not really my mother, let alone, related to me. It was like kissing a stranger.
Thankfully, before I could get deeper into my thoughts and get lost in "la la land", Nelly interrupted.
"You two have a good day at school. Don't get into trouble. I'll see you later." With a smile, she left the kitchen. The front door slammed and, with my keen sense of hearing, I heard the van back out of the driveway. Once the coast was clear of Aunt Nelly, Vlad stood up.
"Well, that was an interesting breakfast."
"Agreed." I replied back, nodding.
"Anything you want to tell me?"
"What?" I asked. The question was… unexpected.
"I don't know. You seem anxious."
"Uh… No."
"O.k. But if your lying, the next time, I'm reading your mind." He grinned and walked out of the room. I sighed. Even though I did not want my mind to be read, it still wasn't the right time to tell him about my nightmare.
After breakfast, I cleaned up, washing our cups in the sink, placing them back in the cupboard, and throwing our empty blood bags into the biohazard bin. Happy with how the kitchen looked, I joined Vlad in the living room. He was sitting on the couch when I entered, moving the grey joysticks on the PlayStation remote. I placed myself next to him on the couch and he didn't move an inch. It was like I wasn't even there. I laced the shoes on my feet as I listened the loud shooting of the graphic guns in his favorite game "Race to Armageddon." Finally, I was ready to go. I glanced nervously at the old, wooden grandfather clock settled next to the TV. We had 15 minutes to spare.
"Are you ready for school?" Vlad asked. I jumped, for I had forgotten he was there. The TV was turned off, which meant either he won the game or he had lost. Most likely, it was the second choice, for both Vlad and I were inept at video games.
"Yeah." I muttered. I wasn't really ready. Actually, I was barely ready. Troubling thoughts raced through my mind. What if the students didn't like me? What if they found out my secret? My foot shook anxiously; a twitch that I had since I was little. Vlad looked down at my foot and placed a hand on my knee, steadying it. I stared into his eyes, which glowed a familiar incandescent purple. It calmed me down, but for only a moment.
"James, calm down. Everything will be fine. And, hey, if any body picks on you, just call me. I'll be there in no time. No one should mess with a vampire." He said, reassuring me. Opening his mouth, he showed me his exposed fangs. A feeling of relief flowed through me. I was lucky to have a brother, let alone an older vampire brother.
"Hey, James?" Vlad asked in an upbeat, very anxious tone.
I turned to him, confused at first, but then, after a quick look at his face, I knew what he wanted.
"Want to race?" I nodded my head in excitement.
Standing up, I walked over to the mirror hanging on a nearby wall. I opened my mouth and was thankful that my fangs were in my gums and my eyes were not glowing that mysterious purple, like Vlad's. I sighed for a moment. I remembered when I didn't know Vlad or Nelly or let alone, know I was a vampire. My eyes were a sky blue, sparkling, and full of joy and happiness. Now they were a coal black, cold and lifeless. My skin, which used to be slightly tan, was now the familiar skin tone of a vampire: pale as a ghost. Times were changing fast and I was not ready to face the change.
Lost in my thoughts, I did not hear the bell on the clock chime. Luckily, Vlad tapped my shoulder (O.K. shook my shoulder) and I immediately came back to reality. He looked at me, staring into my dark eyes. I closed mine for I knew what he was doing. I opened them slightly and was glad to see that he had shaken his head and looked the other way. My thoughts were safe… for now.
I walked over to where I had placed my backpack and slung it over my shoulder. When I turned around, Vlad was already leaning against the open door, signaling me to move faster. Placing my self next to him, we both lowered into a crouch which looked almost like a sprinters pose before a big race. We eyed the street, looking for the only object that would signal us to start. Finally, in the corner of my eye, I saw the faint yellow tint of the school bus. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and waited. The bus inched closer and closer to our house. My heart beat grew faster as my breaths became quicker. After almost 2 minutes of anticipation, the bright yellow school bus passed our house, the children looking out the window at our strange stance, which now looked more like we were hunting. Vlad gave a slight growl and I did the same. With all my might, I pushed my legs, and sped down the street. The race had begun.
My vampire blood flew through me as the world sped past. My heart beat was racing, pounding against my chest, filling me with more energy. Vlad was far behind and I almost laughed. He was a much older vampire than me and yet I was faster than him. I was faster than any mere human or experienced vampire. Sometimes, it felt good to be a newborn, even though Vlad teased me about it. As I saw him gain speed, I pushed myself to go faster. We were going so fast that no human standing on the side of the streets could see us. If they saw us, they only saw a slight blur of color.
I smiled as the brick school came into view. Closer and closer, the school neared. I could almost feel myself touching the rough surface of the wall. This time, I closed my eyes, only focused on the blood rushing through my veins. My stomach clenched as it heard the pumping of the fresh red liquid that sustained my life. I breathed in the air of a 100 or more human students around me. All my steps had caused me to go quicker, and before I knew it, I felt the bumpy surface of the school scratch against my bare, raw fingers. Opening my eyes, I screamed out in celebration.
Less than a second later, Vlad touched the school, signaling the race was officially over. It was almost amazing, for neither of us were panting or even breaking a sweat. And we had run almost 2 miles! Vlad and I rested for a few seconds. Though we weren't tired, students who saw us "running" to the school would think it was odd that we didn't feel any exhaustion. For us, it was all show.
In good spirit, Vlad slapped me a high five. I grinned and stood up tall, like I had just won the Olympics. Vlad clapped and I punched the air. Students stared at us, for, truthfully, we were acting like complete idiots. Noticing the onlookers, we both stopped and stared at each other, laughing hysterically.
"If only they knew our secret." Vlad stated. I cocked my eyebrow, confused.
"How would that help?"
"It wouldn't." He replied with a wide smile, punching my back. He may have meant that as a joke but after he slapped me, I bent over from pain. It was like he forgot that we had immense strength; stronger than a human. A mere slap on the back could break my spine.
"Uh... sorry." He said, helping me up. I shook my head.
"Next time, be more careful."
"What are you, my mom?" At his last remark, the first bell rang, filling my ears with that familiar buzzing sound. I looked into Vlad's eyes. My stomach was filled with butterflies and I shook a little. Vlad placed a hand on my shoulder, steadying me.
"It will be o.k. Trust me, James. Don't be scared." I nodded my head and managed to crack a little smile.
"Look, I have to go now. See you later!" And in a flash, he was gone. It was like he had disappeared into the air. I turned on my heals and faced the large black doors of Bathory High. Students ran in around me, pushing me in every direction. With a gulp, I placed a hand on the door handle and tugged it, revealing the hall before me. My mouth flew right open and formed in a wide O.
"Wow." I whispered to myself. I stood in a crowd of teachers and students; a bustling city inside of a school. I looked around in amazement. I didn't remember my school being this big, let alone, so busy! Reaching into my pocket, I took out a white envelope, which read my name on the front. Opening the envelope, I pulled out a piece of paper folded in half. I unfolded the paper, revealing the scribbles and lines of the school. A map.
My eyes moved down the page, searching for the junior high office. Finally, I sighed in relief, for the office was only inches away. I pushed through the crowd of people until I felt the hard oak door. Grasping the bronze knob I turned it and escaped the hustle and bustle of the school hallway. I took a deep breath, regaining my strength. The office smelled like coffee and, around me, I heard the typing of keyboards. I walked over to the nearest office cubicle and dug in my backpack for the papers that held my personal information. Once found, I placed them on the deck and waited for the secretary, whose back faced me, to turn around. I wish she never did.
On the desk was a shiny, silver hotel bell. I stretched my hand out and placed my hand on the smooth surface of the ringer. The familiar "ring ring" sounded throughout the office. I waited there patiently for a shorter amount of time. Finally, after what seemed like hours, the black, leather swivel chair turned around. My mouth flew open agape and my hands clinched the oak wood surface of the cubicle. I gritted my teeth and closed my eyes as the memory came back to me, as clear as a movie. Inside my mouth, the sharp pointed canines, fangs, pierced my gum. They were at full length and I swore that they would slice through my cheek. Taking a deep breath, I opened my eyes and stared into the cold, red eyes of the secretary. My eyes darted to the name plaque, which read, in pure, white letters: Debra Parkinson.
"Well, hello, young man. What might your name be?" she asked innocently. I jumped, flinching as her smooth, soft voice echoed throughout the room. The voice of a killer.
My hand closed and I clenched the desk even harder as I saw her shiny, pearly white fangs retract into her gum. It was hard to hold back the urge to just jump on the Elysian secretary and kill her at that very spot. But I couldn't. If I did, both Vlad's and I secret would be revealed. And our world would be ruined; burned to tiny ashes just like my parents and my step- parents were. My heart thumped faster and faster. Taking in a deep breath, I replied.
"James Tod." I said through gritted teeth. The secretary nodded and turned to pull a file from a cabinet. With her back facing towards me, I looked about the room, trying to calm myself down. But how could you when you knew your worst nightmares were following you?
Finally, she turned back around and handed me a piece of paper. I flinched as her ice cold, pale skin touched me. I gripped the desk harder.
"Thank you." I replied, unfolding the paper. I sighed as the paper only read my locker number and combination. Along with it was my schedule. For a brief second, I thought it was my ticket to an immediate death.
"Will you be O.K. getting to your classes? Or do you need me to assist you?" She asked, interrupting my thoughts. I shook my head quickly. I didn't need to be stuck with her, alone in the hallways.
"O.K. then. Have a great day." She smiled and flashed her fangs at me. I nodded, grabbed my things and rushed out of the office. Grabbing the bronze door knob, I threw open the portal to my escape. I stepped out into the hallway, and, forgetting my anger and my strength, and slammed the door. The only thing I heard was the screams of the secretaries and the noise of shattered glass hitting the floor. As I looked back, I saw people peering out of their classrooms, looking at the ongoing dilemma. I quickly ran away from the scene, throwing myself up the stairwell. Finally, to my immense relief, I reached the empty hallway of the second floor.
I walked slower this time, not wanting to disturb any classes. Unfortunately, the bell rang and out came the swarm of kids, running straight at me. I ducked out of the way but I was soon caught in the crowd. As I once again neared the stairwell, I closed my eyes, for I knew what would happen next. In the next few minutes, I would be lying at the bottom of the stairs in a million pieces. All the principals' nurses and all the principals' teachers will not be able to put me back together again. But, just as I was about to topple over the railing, someone caught me by my hand, stopping me from falling to my immediate death.
As the crowd cleared, the person spoke.
"Are you O.K.?" said a quiet, childish voice. I looked up to see a small boy with a round face and blonde hair. In a way he reminded me of my best friend, Jeff. I dusted myself off and checked to see everything in place. When I was satisfied and relieved that everything was O.K. I replied with a short "Yeah."
"Good." He held out a hand and I grasped it firmly, but not hard enough to break his fragile human bones. I stood up and smiled. "Thanks."
"No problem." He looked at me curiously. "You must be new here. What's your name?"
"Uh… James. James Tod."
"Wait… did you say James Tod?" I raised an eyebrow and stared at him. This kid, whatever his name was, sounded curious and even suspicious.
"Yeah… Why?"
"Your brother, Vladimir, is in my brother, Jack's, grade!" he replied enthusiastically. I nodded my head slowly, my eyes wide with confusion. But, after a few moments of staring into his round, hazel eyes, which sparkled in the bright light shimmering through the stair window, I realized, this kid had no friends. No one. And I was his first chance of making a friend.
"Cool."
"No, that's not cool. It's awesome!" Smiling, I rolled my eyes. From the sound of it, this envy was going to become a routine with him. I guess I would just have to get used to this.
I glanced at the paper Debra (I shivered at the mention of that name) handed to me. At the top of the long list of names and numbers, it read the location of my locker.
# 208. At this point, I was still getting used to my surrounding andI had no clue where the locker 208 was. This was the perfect time to ask someone for help. And that someone was standing right next to me.
"What's your name?"
"Tomas Crabbe. But you can call me Tom for short."
Tomas. That was my true vampire father's name. A lump formed in my throat, making it difficult to swallow. I shook my head and cleared the slim panel of water, tears, which clouded my vision. It was not the time to start crying in front of the only friend I might make this year.
"Um… Tomas? Can you show me where locker 208 is?"
"Sure! Follow me!" He turned on his heels and started to walk down the vacant hallway. I followed, slowly, in his footsteps, making sure not to fall or trip on anything again.
After what seemed like hours, we reached the dark blue locker that today, was officially mine for the rest of the year. Leaning down, I entered in the four combination number on the lock that was conveniently latched on my door. At my old school, we had to bring in the locks ourselves, which was a real pain, especially if you had two parents that worked and never had time to take you to an office store. Laughing, the locker clicked open.
My backpack was putting a lot of pressure against my back and I was glad to take it off. I leaned back, loosening my muscles, which ached like someone had kicked my spine. I was thankful that I had Tomas to help me unload my stuff, which let me tell you, would have taken forever if I didn't have him. It felt good that I had a human friend. For a while, I thought I wouldn't fit in and would have to make a friend of my own kind. But, just as in Glen Rock, I had a friend who accepted me for who I was. Of course, he didn't know exactly what I was, but I knew he could sense that I was, well, different.
"So, are you ready to go to class? Do you need me to help you find your way to your class? Because you know, I am on the "Friendly Helper Society" and the "Welcoming Society" here at Bathory Junior High and I am always willing to help. Plus…" I raised my hand, signaling him to stop. I needed to concentrate.
Picking the next paper out of the envelope, I was glad that it was my schedule. Eyeing it intently, I figured out that my first class was English in room 809. Somewhere in my memory, I recognized something. Before I could recall exactly what sparked my thinking, I felt a wisp of air on my back, sending a shiver down my spine. Who could it be?
I was relieved when I glanced over my shoulder and it was only Tomas, staring at my schedule. I held it against my chest, afraid he was staring at something he shouldn't be looking at. Plus, it was a little like he was stalking me!
"Do you mind?" I asked politely, but with an edge to it. His cheeks blushed a bright pink and he backed away.
"Sorry. I was just looking to see if we had any classes together and, well, I noticed we have the same first period teacher and class."
"Oh. Well then, do you want to walk with me? I still don't know where it is."
"Oh, would I! This way, if you would." I shook my head, picked up my pile of heavy text books and continued to class and the path down memory lane. What was so important about room 809, let alone English?
Before I knew it, we reached the oak door of Room 809. The marbled glass window of the door prohibited me to have a clear view of the classroom, making me even more nervous. Butterflies fluttered around in my stomach as Tomas opened the door, revealing the mystery class room ahead.
The whole class turned in our direction. I lowered my eyes to the floor and walked to the desk in the way back, away from all the attention. Tomas took a seat right next to me, vowing to never leave my side. True, it was a little annoying, but he was helpful and nice and I liked him. This might be my Bathory best friend.
I felt the smooth surface of the desk and was surprised to feel an indentation. I quickly darted my eyes down to where I felt the small mark and I felt dizzy and lightheaded as I realized what it was. A tiny light bulb flickered on in my head, for I had solved the first mystery of room 809.
The indentations were a series of strange symbols, which were very familiar to me and no one else, at least not to humans. I traced my hand over the (|\\\|) and a small drop of water, my tear, splashed on it, causing the mark to glow a soft, incandescent purple. This was a vampire's mark. No. It was my brother, my protector, Vlad's mark. And I was sitting in the very desk that he sat at two years ago, confused just as much as me as he stared at the new teacher in front of the class, anxious to know who and what he was. I had heard the story a million times. I would probably hear it a million times more after today.
At the front of the classroom was a large whiteboard. In the corner, where the current teacher wrote his/her name, I saw the faded dry erase marker of my uncle's name: Otis Otis. This is where it all started. And now it was the beginning of my story, too.
The class bell rang and the chattering class silenced. I stared, wide eyed and sweating, at the front of the classroom as the teacher entered. Once again, anger and frustration boiled in me, about to explode. I clenched my teeth together, my fangs slicing into my cheek. This was just the incident to ruin a perfect moment, which I rarely had.
The teacher was a 6 foot tall man, with a pale skin tone and fiery red, hungry eyes. His messy black hair was tied back in a pony tail and hung on his back. He wore a black work suit. Just the color to match his evil personality. My nightmare was never going to stop, was it?
All the students had a confused look on there face as this unfamiliar figure approached the center of the room. I heard tiny murmurs around me. Tomas leaned over and whispered into my ear.
"This is not usually who our teacher is." I nodded, silently. My whole body was shaking from head to toe and my fangs were about to burst through my cheek.
"Kind of figured that out by myself." I whispered back, trying hard not to reveal my sharp canines. Finally, the man silenced the class and was prepared to speak.
"Hello, class. My name is Demetrius Blotzki or just simply Demetri. Now, I know my name is pretty complicated, so if it makes you more comfortable, you can address me by Mr. B."
He walked through the aisle, looking at each student, salivating at the mouth. Why was he so hungry? Even I, a "newborn" vampire, could control my hunger better than this!
"As you may, or may not, know, your teacher, has, unfortunately," he cleared his throat "fallen ill. Until he returns, I shall be guiding you through the world of English."
"The world of English? How pathetic is that!" Tomas said to me, lightening my mood. I nodded and laughed.
"Yeah. Pretty silly, huh?"
"Silence!" Demetri yelled. We both jumped as we did not know that he was standing right next to us. I stared into his glowing, blood thirsty eyes, yearning for the classes and I's blood.
"I will not tolerate such nonsense! Now, Mr. Tod, if you would like to introduce yourself to the class, you may do so now." I shook my head slowly.
"No, I'm fine."
"! That was not a question! It was an order! Now, proceed!" Everyone was holding onto there seats, afraid that Demetri would pounce on them next. I could here the blood racing through their veins as the teacher passed them.
I quietly stood up from my seat and dragged myself to the front of the room. Trying not to look directly ahead as I spoke, I looked down at the white tiled floor.
"Um... hello. My name is James Tod and I just moved here from Glen Rock to live with my older brother and Aunt. My step-parents," I shivered gently as I addressed my original family like so "died in a fire. So, now here I am."
I turned to Demetri, who sat in his leather chair, clutching his brown leather bag. Was he going to make me go on? Or could I return to my seat?
Finally, Demetri nodded his head. "Very good, James. We are delighted that you were able to join us today." He smiled and I saw his pointed incisors. They quickly retracted as I noticed his pearly white fangs.
I sat back down in my seat and sighed. Tomas punched my shoulder and gave me a thumb up. I managed to crack a phony smile, but inside, I knew something was going on. And this time, I had to know before it actually happened.
The day flew by and every period, I thought about what had happened today. Why was D'ablo sending his most trusted workers to the little town of Bathory? Was I being hunted? Or was there some other devious plan I still did not know about? As the clock ticked, the less time I had to figure out what was going on. Finally, to my relief, the final bell of the day tolled and I walked to my locker with Tomas. When we reached the dark blue locker, I quickly opened it, using my vampire speed to spin the dial and to gather my things. Unfortunate enough for me, Tomas was still standing by my side, watching my every move. And he noticed something already that was not normal. Biting my tongue I turned to him and spoke.
"What's so interesting?" For a second, I thought he would reply, "Your so fast!" or, even worse, "I know what you are! You're a vampire!" I closed my eyes, prepared for anything that was coming at me.
"How'd you do that?" he replied, curiously.
"Do what?"
"You memorized your combination already? It took me weeks to memorize the simple 4 letter password and for you, this is your first day. I have to say, James, I'm pretty jealous."
I smiled "I guess I'm that talented." He punched me gently on my back, kidding around. I punched him even gentler for gentle to me was breaking his spine.
And yet again, my perfect moment was ruined.
Not paying attention to anything I was doing, I slammed my locker close with all my might. I loud boom and the sound of screeching metal and falling objects followed. Tomas stared at the incident that just occurred. I shook my head, embarrassed, afraid to turn around. But, I had to.
In front of me it looked like a nuclear bomb had exploded. Broken pieces of jagged metal, garbage, paper, books, and glass was scatted about the floor. Locker were hanging off of there hinges and in the center of my locker was a deep, knuckle shape indentation. Students screamed and ran about the hallway, and some people ducked for cover. And, unfortunately for me, there were some students brave and angry enough to come and confront me. I curled up feebly as students screamed and through their broken items at me. Some of the sharp pieces scratched against my bare skin, leaving opened, bleeding wounds. I ignored the cuts, for if I didn't, I would get hungry and then, something violent would happen to one of the students surrounding me. I would just have to face the pain and the humiliation. But everyone has a hero and that hero was Tomas.
"Everyone, settle down!" He yelled over the crowd. The students automatically silenced upon the request and in stead, stared at the daring boy who stood in front of them.
"I know what you see here angers you but what does James have to do with anything? Sure, he kind of broke all the lockers on the second floor, but hey, everyone makes mistakes right?" There was a tiny murmur of yeses and nods. I stared at Tomas. Why was he standing up for me?
"There's only one way to fix this and that one way is telling a teacher or a custodian to help. Now everyone, leave James alone and go back to whatever you were doing before you came over here to mull him!" And just like that, the crowd separated and my near death experience was over. Tomas helped me up and I almost gave him a hug. But instead, I just cried.
"You really didn't have to do that, you know." I said through a mouthful of hot, salty tears.
"I know. But, hey, you're my best friend and that's what best friends do. They watch out for each other." I stopped crying for a moment. Did he just say Best Friends? Did I really make a best friend on my first day of school?
"Is there something wrong?" he asked, interrupting my thoughts. I shook my head.
"No. Just thinking."
"Oh. O.k. Well, I have to go. See you tomorrow!" And with that, he was off. I waved as he ran down the hallway. He was soon out of sight.
After the building was cleaned up and everything was fixed, I left the hallway. On my way down the stairs, I swore I saw Demetri and Debra staring out of the classroom, smiling deviously. But maybe it was just my imagination.
Just as I was about to walk through the big black doors of the junior high out into the open, someone grabbed my shoulder. I held my breath and instinctively grabbed my attacker's hand, prepared to break it. But I stopped dead in my tracks as the familiar laughter echoed throughout the near empty hallway.
"Vlad!" I yelled into his face, letting go of his wrist. He clasped it and rubbed it soothingly.
"You've got one strong grip." He replied. I scowled and continued walking. And, of course, Vlad followed me. "Slow down, James. Where do you think you're going?"
"Leave me alone." I replied, hurrying my steps. Soon, I broke into a full blown run down the block. I laughed as I looked back, Vlad standing there looking confused and hurts. But, soon enough, I knew what he was doing. His eyes were closed and he focused only one thing: me.
I skidded to a stop on the nearby playing field and watched as Vlad opened up his eyes. They were purple and glowing and I saw a hint of red, too. He clinched his hands into a fist and his face grew a bright red, fuming with anger. I gulped with difficulty, as a large lump formed in my throat
Why was he so mad? And what was he going to do to me, his own brother?
Soon, to my demise, my question was answered.
Vlad took slow steps first, baring his fangs, growling deep in his chest. I backed away, my own fangs sliding out of my gum.
"Hey, Vlad, settle down." I signed to him. But he did not stop. Instead, he started to walk faster and faster.
"Why... didn't... you… tell... me?!" He asked, steam pouring out of his ears and fire burning in his eyes.
"Tell you what?"
"About your nightmare? And the incident today in school?"
"I… I don't know." I stuttered, scared out of my mind. He looked like a ravage animal, prepared to attack and rip out my guts, tearing me to little shreds.
"This is serious, James! This could mean life or death!" And with that, he broke into a run. A fast, vampire run headed straight for me.
I had only a moment to think. With all my might, I closed my eyes and imagined myself flying. Soon, I felt the change occur. I opened my eyes to reveal the black tiny body of a bat. I was the youngest vampire able to shape shift, and lucky for me, Vlad could not float that high, or shape shift at all. I was safe… for now.
As my wings flapped frantically to stay a loft, I was able to watch the scene below me. Vlad, who was going to fast to skid to a stop, slammed straight, head on into a large oak tree. I laughed (more like squeaked) as I watched him fall the ground, motionless. I had won the fight.
Feeling that it was safe, I morphed back to my human form and walked over to Vlad, who had still not gotten up. He groaned slightly as I approached him. Lucky for me, his rampage was over. I lent him a hand and he grasped it firmly as he struggled to stand. I looked down at his knee. That was a complete and utterly stupid mistake.
His knee was gashed open, a deep cut that was bleeding profusely. I stared, hungrily, as the red rubies dripped down his knee, flowing like a river onto the gash. At first, Vlad took no notice of me, only looking at his injured knee and cursing. Then he heard the growl and knew it was time to act.
My mouth was salivating and my fangs were at full length. I ducked into a low crouch, growling all the while. Vlad looked at me, nervous as I flashed my fangs at him.
Before I knew it, I jumped, prepared to attack. His bleeding knee had the most luscious, delicious scent that attracted me so. It smelt even better than the time I first smelt the luring aroma of my best friend's blood. I closed my eyes and let my instincts take over, for I was hungry and it was time to feast, even if it was on my only brother.
Vlad acted quickly, holding out his arms in defense, bracing himself for the blow of his brother ramming into him. Sooner than later, James hit him, right in the stomach. Out of breath and close to fainting, he prepared himself one final time and lunged on his brother, clutching him in a stronghold no newborn vampire could break. James struggled effortlessly against his brace but soon he gave up and sat there in his brother's arms, still panting with hunger. It was time to bring his catch home and feed him, fast.
I slung my head over Vlad's shoulders as he cradled me in his arms. He ran all the way home, determined to feed my hunger. I licked my lips as my head stood inches away from the blue vein sticking out of his neck. But I couldn't move. It was like I was paralyzed, never to move again.
We reached home in no time. Vlad slammed open the door and I winced as I heard it crack like thunder as it hit the wall. For a moment, I was afraid that the door would fall off its hinges. Thankfully, it was spared. He dropped both of heavy backpacks onto floor, paying no mind to the large indentation that it made. I swore that one day; this old wood floor would break.
I sat wearily down in a chair as Vlad searched the hidden freezer for a blood pack. Finally, when he found one, he poured it into a mug and gave it to me, still cold to the touch. I could barely lift it to my mouth, so Vlad, anxious for me to drink, lifted the cup himself to my dry lips and forced it down. I closed my eyes as the delicious red drink slipped down my throat, bringing me to life once again.
"What… what happened?" I asked, tired from the long day. I silently sipped the blood, which finally had warmed up.
"You... were hungry. That's all." He managed to crack a smile, but I knew he was exhausted. "Look, I'm going to go write to Uncle Otis. I think it's important that he knows what happened today." And with that, he left the room, leaving me and my thoughts behind.
Had I really almost bitten my brother? I stared into the cup, which was already empty. And still, my stomach growled with hunger. These cravings for blood were getting dangerous. How many blood packs had I drunk this week?
Sighing, I stood up and walked into the hallway leading to the stairs. My backpack leaned, lopsided, up against the wall. I walked over and retrieved it, dragging up the stairs, planning on starting my load of homework. That would clear my mind.
Vlad was probably in the secret attic, writing to our uncle, for as I walked into our room, there was no one there. Just me, myself, and I.
I lugged my backpack over to the charred wood desk that was positioned in the front of our bedroom. This desk, though old, wobbly, and close to near extinction, meant a lot to me. Tracing the oak wood surface, a small tear trickled down my face. This was my step-fathers desk. The very desk that stood in my parents office, where I found that ashes the day of the horrific fire. A memory that would stay with me, no matter what happened in my dim, cloudy future.
I knew that death happened but the subject of death was, well, difficult for me. The state of death was only for humans. I would never experience it unless I was staked and even then, I wouldn't die. Why I wouldn't die was still unknown to me. To Vlad and I, death was just a mere, forgotten word with no meaning at all.
Nelly arrived home shortly after I finished my pile of homework. I lied on my bed, staring at the ceiling, as I heard the rustling of papers and the slamming of drawers and doors coming from downstairs. I had no appetite tonight. Even though Nelly was making my favorite, raw hamburgers with "Ketchup", I stayed upstairs paying no attention to anything but my thoughts. I contemplated what had happened today and had gone over the events a million times but nothing seemed to fit. Frustrated, I punched my pillow and sat on the edge of the bed, instead, and stared at the creaky, hard wood floor, which was just as old and broken as the rest of the rickety house.
As the aroma of dinner drifted upstairs, I crinkled my nose, as I smelled Nelly's meal. Human food was revolting to me these days and unless it was filled with blood or raw meat, I had no care for such things. Vlad was just the same as me, except he was more accepting of it. I'd throw up if I even had a taste of my old favorite breakfast meal, bacon and eggs. Just the thought of it made my stomach retch.
The room became darker as day became night. Minutes and hours passed before I dared to look at the small electronic clock sitting on the bed stand. 9:30 p.m. This was my typical bedtime (yes, I have a bedtime, courtesy of Aunt Nelly) and I was not a bit sleepy. Thought bounced around my head, buzzing like a million bees. Downstairs, I heard the familiar sounds of Vlad playing his late night games. This was his normal routine. Eat, play, eat some more, play some more, and then sleep. He would not come up until the clock chimed midnight. Although, it would make sense that we were light sleepers. I mean, please excuse the pun; we're creatures of the night!
As I stared at the wall ahead of me,I saw flashing shadows of cars passing by my house and for some strange reason, a thought flashed into my mind. As I stared at the black silhouettes, I remembered when I was sitting in my Aunts car, driving to my new home of Bathory. Then, just like that, the memory ended and the light bulb went off. A smile spread across my face, from ear to ear as another familiar figure came into my memory: Jeff. Excitement bubbled up inside of me as I stood up to check my calendar. And there it was, circled in red ink. This weekend was the first time in two months that I was finally seeing Jeff.
It soon became harder and harder to keep my eyes open. My eyes grew heavy, my breathing became slower and steadier, and my heart reduced its speed to a dawdling thump. My eyelids closed and covered my vision, causing me to see no more of the day. Sinking lower into my spring mattress, I fell into the deep and quiet state of sleep.