Chapter 7
I only own Jessie the rest belongs to Darren Shan…thanks for the reviews much appreciated.
It had taken Jessie quite sometime to realise that Mr Crepsley had meant what he
had said and that he would never leave her. Jessie had slept soundly in Mr Crepsley's coffin for several nights, but then he had gently told Jessie that she had to sleep in
her own bunk. The first night she had stayed awake until she finally couldn't keep
her eyes open and the first thing she did when waking up was check on Mr Crepsley.
That had been several months ago and now things were back to normal. Jessie still
had the odd nightmare but when this happened she slept by Mr Crepsley's coffin in the daytime or sat by the camp fire at night.
Jessie's sleep pattern had finally settled down and she usually got up late and worked
till Mr Crepsley woke. Then they would eat together and train, Jessie stayed up till
around midnight then went to bed. Jessie was allowed out in the daytime as long as
she was back before dark, and was only allowed out of the camp grounds at night
with Mr Crepsley.
One morning, Jessie went round the back of tent she shared with Evra. She had heard
something the night before and wanted to check it out. Evra had left to feed the little people, because only two little people currently stayed with the Cirque Evra had said he could manage on his own hunting for their food.
Jessie searched all around the tent without any luck, thinking it must have been some sort of animal she started to head back to the tents. Just then a scratching sound alerted Jessie. 'Hello is anyone there' Jessie shouted 'come out please I don't mean you any harm'. Just then Jessie's eyes darted to movement coming from an old dilapidated shed. A boy slightly older than Jessie but much thinner and stood in
torn clothes stepped carefully out into the light. 'Hi my names Jessie what is your
name?' The teenager just stared at Jessie with out moving. 'Look you can trust me
I wont tell anyone you are here, do you need some help'. The teenager just sat down
so Jessie slowly walked over and sat next to him. After a few moments the teenager
started talking and trusting Jessie. His name was Jack and he was headed to his Aunts
house which was in a city some 50 miles away. He had been travelling for sometime and had coped well enough, but he had run out of money a few days ago and no longer had enough to get the train to his Aunts. He had walked many miles and just
needed food and rest, yesterday he found the old shed and had made a bed of sorts to
sleep in but he found resting hard as he was so hungry. 'Will it be ok if I rest here for
a while, I have a few apples left which I picked from a tree up the road. I promise you
wont hear or see me, I have gotten very good at staying out of sight'. 'Look you don't
need to hide, Mr Tall the Cirque owner is a really nice man he wont mind you staying and im sure my friend Evra will have some clothes you can have. They wont be new
but they will be better than what you have on'. 'NO said Jack in a loud whisper, please no one must know I am here, you said I could trust you did you mean it?' 'Of cause I meant it, I wont tell anyone if that's what you want and I can sneak food and clothes to you but why do you not want anyone at the Cirque to meet you?' 'Before I tell you do you promise faithfully that you wont let on I am here?' Jessie thought for a moment before answering 'I promise you I will not tell anyone but I can not promise that you will not get caught we have a lot of performers and crew here working all hours it will be hard for you to stay hidden'.
'Fair enough' said Jack 'I will trust you; I have been living with my stepfather since my mum died and its not working out. He hasn't been the same since my mum died and neither have I. We need space away from each other so I decided to make my way to my Aunts. I left him a letter explaining that I needed some time on my own, and I ring him every now and again but if he knew where I was he would make me go
back home and I am not ready for that yet, maybe one day. But for now I need time and I want to be with my Aunt, she was my mums sister and she reminds me of my
Mum' whispered Jack. Tears slowly fell down Jack's face. Jessie slowly put her arm
around Jack's shoulder and hugged him to her. Jessie was a lot smaller so she ended up kneeling to hug him properly. Jack wiped away his tears and managed to look at
Jessie smiling. 'We need a plan' said Jessie. 'I will find where the Cirque is moving to and I will get you some food and clothes. The main problem for me will be
my roommate and my guardian (Jessie didn't want to use the word mentor or sire). My roommate Evra is very nosey and my guardian Mr Crepsley is extremely clever, but don't worry I think we can pull this off so you can stay for a couple of days and maybe if the Cirque is headed in the right direction we can sneak you into one of the
truck's'. 'Well that sounds like a good plan' said Jack smiling. 'I m sorry I have to go now or Evra will come looking for me, I have to work all day but I will sneak back before the sun goes down so stay in the shed and try and keep quiet'. Jack nodded and headed back in the shed, just before he shut the door he poked his head back out and waved.
Jessie managed to catch up with Evra and help him with the chores 'did you find out what was making that noise behind the tent?'asked Evra. 'Only a skinny old cat I chased it off. Lets get the chores done quickly today I am feeling a bit sick'. Evra spun round to look at Jessie who was doing her best to look ill. 'Why don't you just go back to bed' said Evra sympathetically. 'You know what Evra, your lovely' said Jessie grinning and hugging him. 'But I am not that bad, and I want to help you'.
Jessie and Evra finished early after spending many hours laughing and joking whilst working. Eventually Evra went off to find Mr Tall. Jessie had taken a couple of hotdogs and burgers and a can of coke (whilst no one was looking) and headed off to the old shed. 'I have to be quick Mr Crepsley will be looking for me soon, I m trying to spend as little time with him as possible because he always knows when I m up to something. Tonight I m going to pretend to be ill so I can avoid him and then I ll visit you early tomorrow as soon as its light with some more food'. Jessie was about to leave but Jack grabbed her and pulled her into his arms for a hug 'I don't know why your helping me, but thank you Jessie I have a feeling we will always be friends even when we part'. With that Jack released Jessie and she headed back to her tent blushing.
Jessie lay on her bunk with her face still glowing bright red. Back at the campfire Mr Crepsley was helping himself to some food when he saw Evra. 'Evra, where is my assistant I expected Jessie to be on her second plate of food by now?' 'Oh she might be giving food a miss tonight she's been feeling a bit off today, I did tell her she didn't have to do any work but she insisted. I expect she's having a rest'.
Mr Crepsley didn't like the sound of that and quickly finished his food and flitted over to Jessie and Evra's tent. He found Jessie swinging in her bunk looking very red faced with a strange expression on her face. Mr Crepsley pondered this for a moment before speaking 'Jessie, Evra tells me your feeling unwell?' Jessie jumped having been caught thinking about Jack and blushed even more. 'I m fine Mr Crepsley did you want me to train with you now?' Jessie was chewing her bottom lip and Larten noticed, Jessie usually did this when something was wrong or she was hiding something. Larten put his hand on Jessies forehead as Jessie looked anywhere but at him. Larten then felt her cheeks and asked 'when did you last have blood Jessie?' 'oh um um a few days ago I think, don't worry Mr Crepsley I m fine' with that Jessie jumped out of the bunk to begin training. Jessie would normally have no trouble landing gracefully but because Mr Crepsley was watching every move she made she stumbled slightly and Larten caught her in his arms. Then Larten started sniffing Jessie ' what is this smell on you Jessie? I don't recognise the scent, is it someone at the Cirque?' Jessie wanted to avoid lying to Mr Crepsley so tried to avoid the question, 'I ve had a hug from Evra and he has been out getting food for the little people'. Lartens eyebrow went up in disbelief; he picked Jessie up and sat on the old sofa with Jessie on his lap. Larten studied Jessie carefully 'I want you to have a few sips of blood now Jessie, it will do you no harm to have a bit extra and it may help you feel better'. Larten watched as Jessie took a few sips from his small bottle and then questioned Jessie 'have you been feeling ill today Jessie and don't avoid the question'. 'No I am fine thanks Mr Crepsley, though I wouldn't mind catching up on some sleep I haven't slept that well'. 'Have you had anything to eat today Jessie' asked Larten looking down at Jessie's little face to make sure she was telling the truth.
'Actually, no I haven't I kind of forgot I am sorry Mr Crepsley'. 'That's not like you Jessie come with me' Larten carried Jessie to the campfire, got a plate of food and placed Jessie by his side as he watched her pushing the food around the plate out of the corner of his eye.
Jessie couldn't stop thinking about Jack, she loved being hugged but when Jack hugged her it felt different. Jessie didn't feel like eating, knowing how hungry Jack had been was making her feel guilty. Also she did feel tired, perhaps because she had been awake quite a lot the night before and she had spent a lot of the day worrying and doing chores. Jessie quietly pushed her plate down the table hoping Mr Crepsley wouldn't notice then lifted his arm, yawned and hugged him. She loved him so much and didn't want to deceive him so she pulled his cape around her and closed her eyes.
Mr Crepsley noticed Jessie hadn't eaten a thing and smiled worriedly down at her as she hugged him. Larten picked Jessie up on to his lap and made her more comfy as she drifted off to sleep. Larten didn't know what Jessie was up to or how she was feeling but something wasn't right, he just couldn't put his finger on it. He hugged her tighter as she settled down to sleep in his arms. Larten decided he would confront Jessie tomorrow if she were still unwell or behaving oddly. He watched her till her breathing slowed and she fell into a deep sleep. Even though he had planned to do many things all he wanted to do was watch Jessie. After cradling Jessie for several hours Larten carefully tucked Jessie into her bunk and kissed her goodnight on her forehead. With a worried sigh Larten flitted into town to feed.
Jessie woke early having gone to sleep a lot earlier than normal. She looked across at Evra's bunk and saw him snoring softly. Jessie got up quietly and looked out of the tent. The sun was just coming up, the question was …is Mr Crepsley still up?' Jessie decided it would be better to check than to chance Mr Crepsley catching her at the shed.
Jessie walked over to Mr Crepsley's van to find him sat under the canopy watching the sun about to rise. Jessie ran at him laughing. 'Morning Mr Crepsley did you miss me training with you last night?' Mr Crepsley stood up to catch Jessie as she flew at him. 'Yes I missed you but I see your feeling better' laughed Mr Crepsley as he spun Jessie around and then held her up to look at her. 'Well how do you feel this morning Jessie' said Mr Crepsley smiling. 'I am fine thank you Mr Crepsley your up late'. 'I was just about to check on you before retiring to my coffin but I see I need not of worried'. Larten put Jessie down and she swayed and grabbed onto Mr Crepsley so she didn't fall over. 'Jessie whats the matter' Larten said worriedly. 'I just felt a bit dizzy from you spinning me around Mr Crepsley, I am fine honestly'. 'You kept saying you were fine last night, and obviously something is wrong. I also noticed you didn't eat your supper Jessie, how long is it now since you ate?' 'Uummm well it's not been that long Mr Crepsley (but now Jessie thought about it, it had been several days)'. 'Jessie it is vital that you eat every day being a vampire you need to keep well nourished and drink blood regularly. I know you ve had blood but you must not neglect eating. Now look at me Jessie (Jessie had been staring at the ground) promise me you will eat today, if I awake and find you have not eaten I will be very disappointed'. 'Ok Mr Crepsley I ll eat a horse today just so you don't worry' Jessie smirked up at him and let go of his cape. Mr Crepsley couldn't help it, he laughed she was such a joy to be around, and she knew him so well. Larten put on a serious face 'now tell me you promise Jessie'. 'Yeah, yeah I promise will ya stop fussin Mr Crepsley'. Mr Crepsley frowned at Jessies slang but let it pass on this occasion 'see ya tonight Mr Crepsley' and Jessie hugged him once more.
Larten hugged little Jessie back and wandered off to his coffin 'oh and Jess don't get into trouble today I have this feeling your up to something'. 'Night Mr Crepsley' Jessie called then watched from round the corner as he went into his van. Larten lay in his coffin trying to figure out what Jessie was up to; he remembered that when he told Jessie he thought she was up to something she hadn't denied it. Tonight Larten was going to find out what and he would also watch Jessie eat this was worrying him and he needed to get a good nights sleep.
Jessie ran round to the shed. Jack was awake and just sat there looking very sad and alone but when he saw Jessie he looked up and smiled. 'How about getting out of here for a bit Jack?' 'Definitely let's go' replied Jack excitedly. 'I will just leave a note for Evra explaining I am getting the food for the little people'. Jessie left for a few minutes and then returned, come on let's go before Evra wakes up. Jessie and Jack sneaked out of the Cirque with Jessie carrying the bag to collect the Little Peoples food in. Whilst Jessie and Jack walked Jessie explained about the Little People, what they ate and also spoke of Evra and what he did in the Cirque performances. When the bag was full Jessie asked Jack to wait whilst she went back and fed the little people. Jack waited behind some trees for Jessie.
'Hi Evra' shouted Jessie, 'I ve got plenty of food for the little people I am just going to give it to them do you want to come with me?' 'No thanks, I ve finished the chores for today and I m going to practice with my snake ready for tonights show'. Jessie thought for a moment then said 'Well if there's no work to be done I m going to go into town and buy a new pair of jeans, so ill catch you later'. Just as Jessie was walking out the door Evra shouted 'are you going to be alright on your own wont Crepsley be cross?' 'I am only going in girls clothes shops and town is only 30 minutes away it ll be fine, plus I have saved up all my money and I fancy spending it'.
'Don't be long Jessie get back before dark'. Jessie grinned at Evra 'I am not that daft Evra see you laters'. Evra headed back to the tent to get his beloved snake and Jessie shot out of the camp.
Jessie and Jack walked round the shops, sat down and chatted for ages and then stopped outside the arcade. They spent ages trying to beat each other. Jessie could of won them all but didn't want Jack to get suspicious of her vampire skills. They left the arcade to get something to eat, it was then that Jessie noticed the sun was going down. 'Oh my god Mr Crepsley is going to kill me I have to get back now and quickly. Listen Jack you stay here just in case Mr Crepsley gets up early and comes looking for me. Then sneak into the shed in about an hour, and ill try and slip in later. Here is enough money to get a takeaway meal, be careful'. Jack would have preferred to walk Jessie back but didn't want her to get into trouble.
How could I be so stupid thought Jessie as she raced top speed to the Cirque. Jessie was only five minutes away when she had to stop. Her head was spinning and her vision was going blurred. Oh god thought Jessie I still haven't eaten. Jessie realised the sun had gone down and now was close to panic, before she could take another step Jessie collapsed onto the ground.
Mr Crepsley rose promptly he needed to check on Jessie straight away, with any luck she would be 'eating a horse' as she put it. Larten was surprised Jessie wasn't at the campfire and flitted to Jessie's tent. Larten soon realised only Evra was there. 'Evra where is Jessie?' Evra was unsure what to say, why wasn't Jessie back 'uummm shes around somewhere Mr C'. Larten flitted right up to Evra and stood right in front of him, Evra hated it when he did that. 'If you know where she is tell me now Evra or would you rather I called Mr Tall?' 'Ok, ok chill out Mr C, last time I saw her she was going into town to buy clothes'. 'How long ago was this Evra?' Evra thought then replied ' late this morning she said she would be back before dark'. Mr Crepsley wasted no more time and flitted out of camp. He came across Jessie within minutes lying face down on the ground. 'Jessie, Jessie, Jessie please answer' Larten scooped Jessie up and flitted back to his tent and put Jessie in his coffin. He checked her for injuries but only found a few scratches probably from where she fell. Just then Jessie woke up and sat up holding her head. 'Jessie lie back down' said Larten as he gently pushed on her shoulders. Jessie's vision started to focus and she realised she was in Larten's coffin and once again tried to get up. Mr Crepsley was getting annoyed 'Jessie stop trying to get up you are not well enough' with this Mr Crepsley pushed Jessie back down and checked her eyes and pulse again. 'Have you eaten today like you promised' although he asked it quietly Jessie knew he was very angry with her.
'Well, uuummm, you see, well I'. 'Jessie have you eaten today yes or no tell me now and stop trying to avoid the question'. 'Well I was on my way back to have some supper with you when I collapsed, I didn't eat earlier because I wanted to get some new clothes'.
'If you went shopping, why did you not have any bags'? Larten watched Jessie's face very carefully. 'Well I didn't see anything I liked or they were to expensive so I stopped and went on the arcade games'. Larten thought for a moment, 'did you go with anyone Jessie?' Jessie sat for a moment not wanting to lie to Mr Crepsley, 'Well Evra didn't want to go but there were loads of kids in the arcade and I chatted to some of them'. Mr Crepsley knew Jessie was side stepping his answers and doing it very well, but that would not work with him. But the most important thing to do was to get Jessie some supper. Mr Crepsley picked Jessie up 'Mr Crepsley what are you doing, put me down, I want to go to my tent, Mr Crepsley!'
Larten carried Jessie over to the campfire filled a plate and put it in front of Jessie, Jessie was really hungry so started to eat. But she kept thinking about Jack and what he was doing so sat chewing slowly whilst she thought. Mr Crepsley kept starring at her so Jessie kept eating. Larten had filled the plate with a mountain of food and Jessie was soon full. Larten was chatting to Mr Tall so Jessie quietly stood up and was making her way around the bench when Mr Crepsley's hand grabbed her and pulled her back down onto the seat. 'Where are you going Jessie' 'just to the loo Mr Crepsley' replied Jessie. 'You will come right back, I wish to talk to you'. 'Ok Mr Crepsley' Jessie couldn't believe it; the last thing she wanted to do was have a 'talk' with Mr Crepsley. He wouldn't stop till he got answers. As Jessie left the toilet block she bumped into Evra. 'Hey Jessie can you give me a hand washing my snake please?' 'I would love to if Mr Crepsley lets me, come on lets ask him'. Jessie approached Mr Crepsley who was still chatting to Mr Tall. 'Mr Crepsley may I just go and help Evra wash his snake please?'
Larten studied Jessie and wondered if she was trying to avoid him, but she seemed to genuinely want to help Evra. 'You may, as soon as you are finished come and find me straight away'. 'Yes Mr Crepsley. Come of Evra' Jessie and Evra went to their tent to wash Evra's snake. Half way through giving the snake a wash down Jessie excused herself 'I am feeling a bit off colour still Evra, I m going outside for a few minutes I wont be long'. Evra was starting to worry Jessie was never ill. 'Do you want me to come with you?' 'No I ll only be a minute'. Once Jessie was outside she looked around and after checking no one was about, whizzed round the back of the tent. 'Hey Jack, I can only be a couple of minutes Mr Crepsley is up and he never misses anything. Do you need anything?' 'No I am fine thanks, I ve had a great day Jessie'. 'Me to', and with that Jessie hugged Jack and then started to leave. 'Got to go snakes to wash, but I will see you tomorrow, sleep well'. Jack smiled and waved and Jessie walked back into the tent to find Mr Crepsley talking to Evra.
Evra bless him had covered for her 'hey Jessie, I told Mr Crepsley you had only just gone to get some air you don't have to help wash my snake anymore you ve done enough'. Mr Crepsley had spun around and was watching Jessie. 'Ok Evra, catch you later' and with that Jessie walked back out of the tent and headed towards Mr Crepsley's van.
Jessie found herself zooming at great speed and the next second she was sat in Larten's van with him right in front of her. She hated it when he did that and started to stand up with a frown on her face.
'Sit down Jessie'. 'But Mr Crepsley can we do this tomorrow or something I need to do some training tonight'. 'I am your mentor, I decide when you train and you do as I say'. Jessie still just stood there wishing he didn't have to be so bossy. 'I will not tell you again Jessie, sit down now'. Jessie was annoyed, she didn't want to be stuck answering questions. Jessie snapped, which was most unlike her and she just ran for the door. Larten flitted so fast that Jessie was shoved back in the seat before she knew what was happening. Jessie had never been so annoyed and before thinking it through she shot off the chair again and this time managed to make it out of the door before Larten grabbed her around the waist. Larten was so surprised by Jessie's actions and very annoyed as she kicked out at him Larten squeezed her tightly till she cried out and stopped attacking him. Larten then placed her back in the chair where she sat staring up at him with her lips tightly together and her arms firmly crossed. Larten was furious; he stood there trying to stay composed. 'What are you up to Jess, your not leaving here till you tell me' Jessie knew she was in trouble and could tell by the way Larten was speaking that he was beyond mad. She knew if she said anything she would break a promise and she didn't want to do that. 'I am sorry I kicked you Mr Crepsley I am not up to anything. I just haven't been sleeping very well and it makes me grumpy. I really am sorry; Jessie jumped up and hugged him. Larten sat down and hugged Jessie back. 'Jessie I except your apology, and I m sorry you are not sleeping well but you need to tell me what you are up to. Jessie thought about this, she moved onto his lap and leant against his chest while he wrapped his arms around her, all anger gone, now Larten was only concerned.