After I reread Chapter 7, I really didn't like how it turned out so I had to update it and change it. There are a lot of changes and revisions here so please reread it if you want. I appreciate everyone's feedback on this story. I will try to get you Chapter 8 soon. It may be two weeks until I get it added so please be patient. I promise I will be finishing this story. Thank you!
Chapter 7
Bold Plans
It was dark in the familiar room of stone and wood columns, only being lit by the flickering, failing candles strewn around the room and the chandelier. On a raised platform rested a coffin bed, neatly made, covered in pink with multiple plush pillows of varying shapes and sizes. A fireplace on the other side of the room lay partially used as what remained of a roaring fire was now ash and glowing embers.
The bookcase was stacked with books in random places along with interesting and unique souvenirs from around the world. Some sitting in between books and some holding books upright. Hawaii, Paris, London, Italy. All the most interesting places with their respective remarkable landmarks. The dresser seemed messier than usual with drawers half open and some clothes hanging out. On the top of the old, wooden dresser lay some ornate boxes for jewelry and make-up, plus some random items like a hair brush. The mirror sat on top of the dresser, dusty and cloudy like it had never been used in a century.
Red curtains that normally cover the window in the day were folded back and tied to the wall to expose the iron crossed glass window. It laid shut and latched as the occupant of the room sat on the window's ledge just staring out into the partial dark. The moon light shown through wispy clouds onto the forest and fog covered hills as she gazed out with her deep blue eyes. Her arms crossed in front of her with a sad and depressing expression on her black lips. She had headphones in her ears listening to some music, some music that he gave her as a Christmas gift a few years back. Unfortunately, the song was not too uplifting. In fact, no matter what song played, it never cheered her up and she was in no mood reach her portable player to skip it.
Teardrops are racing our stopwatch.
Our hope is in a headlock.
Tomorrow always comes too soon.
And it kills to say I knew I'd let you down.
As I fumble for the words to say so long, for now.
Well, every love song will be sung about you.
And every July will go cold without you.
And I'll hold on to every piece of you.
That I made up in my mind.
Until I find a way to say goodbye.
And it was certainly a song she could relate to, as she thought about it. Goodbye was never something she wanted to say. She never did get a chance to said goodbye to her zing, Johnathan. And saying goodbye would mean you would never see your love again. Well, that's what she thought. The song continued to play on that little portable player Johnny got her as a Christmas gift. A single tear formed on the corner of her eye and slowly worked its way down her cheek and fell to the window ledge.
She closed her eyes for a moment. Relaxing herself. Then she felt something inside. Like something was trying to reach for her attention. She opened her eyes and turned her head slightly to look over to the corner left of the fireplace. She used to have a small end table with a plant on it in that corner. Now something more important, more precious took up the corner's space. A new and different end table too, one that was beautifully hand crafted and stained a very dark color. On the back part of the table lie candles burning in their holders and surrounding a beautiful picture that Mavis found of her and Johnny. Johnny must have had this printed from his phone before their trip. She was so amazed that she was able to actually show up in digital photos. The photo showed Mavis standing directly in front of Johnny while Johnny was behind, wrapping his arms around her and resting his chin on the top of her head as he smiled brightly.
It was such a beautiful picture of them; of great times. Though this wasn't the most impressive item on the corner table. Beside this lovely framed picture, enclosed in a glass domed bell jar laid a special golden ring resting in a felt post. A very familiar ring with small diamonds, about eight of them. They surrounded a large round cut blood red ruby. The most gorgeous Mavis ever saw. Even in the dim candle light, the ruby shined brightly through the protective glass dome. It was all she had left of him. It was a reminder to her of how much she was loved by this cute human boy. A love that was taken too soon. She cherished it like it actually was a part of Johnny. "Johnny's Heart," she named it. It's meaning to show how much Johnny loved her for who she was and not what she was.
She went back to staring out of her window and listening to music. Oblivious to what was going on around her. She did not hear the knock that came from the door or the person that entered the room just to see his daughter occupied in thoughts and music. He slowly walked into her view as to not startle her. Her eyes shifted to him as she saw her father. She stopped the music and took her headphones out of her ears and looked up at Dracula.
"Mavy, are you ok sweet fangs? I knocked on your door but you did not answer so I didn't know if you went out or not." asked a concerned looking Count.
"Oh, sorry Dad. I didn't hear you come in. I'm okay," replied Mavis. Trying to smile to show she was okay but it was all too fake and her father knew it. Drac tried to cheer her up.
"Tomorrow is you big day Mavy-Wavy! Are you excited? I've got some new surprises that I can't wait for you to see. Woohoo!" he finished with a smile on his face looking at his daughter. And still with a fake and forced smile Mavis replied as excited as she could, "Ohh. I can't wait Dad." She then turned her head to look out the window once more. Dracula's smile dropped and was sad to see his daughter like this, especially for her birthday. He sat down next to her as he stared into her blue eyes that distantly looked out into the forest.
"What is wrong devil chops? You have been like this for a few weeks. Did I do or say something wrong?" asked the worried count as he took her small hands and cupped them into his.
"No daddy, you didn't do anything wrong. I'm sorry. I know you do your best to cheer me up but I'm not the same anymore. My life will never be what it was before that time you found me on that island. And every birthday just reminds me of it… of him." Tears started to race out of her eyes as she stared into her dad's eyes. The Count looked at his daughter with sadness and pain. She surprised him by pushing herself into him and clenching his cape as she tried to bury her face deep into his chest. "I-It's been two years, dad. TWO years since I lost Johnny. I… I miss him. I miss him so much!" She could not continue to speak anymore as she bawled and cried deep into her father.
Dracula placed his arms around her to comfort her as much as possible. "I know sweet fangs. I know. We all miss him, dearly." Thinking about it, Drac felt like it was his fault for not finding Johnny. He started to shed tears with Mavis, thinking he let his beautiful daughter down. He felt like a failure. "I am sorry, Mavy. It is all my fault. I should have looked harder. I should have brought him home too." Mavis felt tear drops on the top of her head. She pulled herself away from her father to look up and seeing his wet face.
"Daddy, it is not your fault. I never said it was. You did what you had to. And I am sorry that I did not understand at first why we couldn't continue looking. You did what was right for your friend Mr. Barney and his crew, not to mention my uncles." Mavis said in a reassuring voice to her father.
"I should have stayed out there to look for him. He did not deserve to be alone. You don't either. I… I should have stayed out there." Dracula was stricken with guilt. He never felt that he would be this emotional for a human. But Johnny was certainly special.
"Then I wouldn't have you here. I don't think I could have lived if I lost you and Johnny. It's not your fault, Dad," reassuring her father. She resumed her embrace of him, hiding herself in his protective cape. "I remember when we got to Mr. Barney's port, there was only enough food to feed two people. I knew we couldn't have stayed any longer out there at that point. Then everyone would need rescued. Daddy, I may miss him, we all miss Johnny, but I am alive and I have you. That is what Johnny would want anyway. He will always be with me. Please don't blame yourself. You did what you had to do and I love you for that. I always will love you, Daddy," as Mavis finished up, she hugged her father even tighter as he returned her hug.
"I love you too my blood orange." Dracula thought at what she said and she was right. Him staying out there would have been suicide and making Barney and his crew stay, they would have starved before reaching port. "You are right, Mavy. I am sorry I did not mean to bring up Johnny. It's just…" he sighed heavily, "I feel I should have done more. I do not want you to be mad at me."
Mavis pulled away from the hug to look straight into his eyes again. "I'm not mad at you, Dad. Please don't blame yourself on stuff you can't control. And you know I would never blame you. You did your best. You did what you could and I love you for that. If you didn't, well… then I would not be here, would I?"
Dracula smiled at that. His daughter was right. "I love you too darling. You know I always want you to have the best," replied Drac as he kissed her on her bang covered forehead. He smiled at her as he hugged her again. "And I am glad I still have you." After the hug, he remembered the true reason why he came to see here.
Pulling away quickly and keeping his hands on her shoulders, he gave her a big smile, "I almost forgot devil chops, I came up here with a surprise for you right now," said the vampire with an exciting tone. Mavis was confused at what he had for a surprise, "Okay?"
"Just wait right here coffin cake. It should still be out in the hall," said Dracula as he slowly backed out of the room not taking his eyes off his daughter. The door opened by itself magically and closed after Drac left. Mavis stood there staring inquisitivily at the door wonder what this "surprise" was. Minutes went by and her father still had not returned with this "surprise." She was getting worried. Eventually Mavis heard a knock on the door. When it didn't open, she knew it wasn't her father but someone else, probably one of her aunts or uncles.
As she sat on the window ledge, she yelled to the door, "Come in!" so whoever could hear. The latch disengaged and slowly, with a loud creaking, the door opened. Mavis's eye lit up at who she saw walking in. Her jaw dropped for a moment then it was replaced with an open mouth smile, showing her small vampire fangs. "I don't believe it!" she said in disbelief. "Holy Rabies! BRETT! KENT!" Catching them off guard, Mavis sped over with vampire speed and embraced one of the oldest brothers of Johnathan. After a brief hug, Mavis turned to Kent who she ran to hug as well. Their bodies were so warm and welcoming to her, almost like brothers she never had. She remembered how great a time she had with Johnny's family for two weeks when she was traveling with her zing.
"Brett! Kent! What are you guys doing here? I haven't seen or talked to you in ages!" exclaimed Mavis as she back stepped a little to look at them both. She never thought she would actually ever see any of Johnny's family again so this was certainly a surprise. Drac entered the room soon after. Mavis saw this and smiled at him. "I noticed these two making their way to the hotel from the forest. After they mentioned who they were, I was glad they came to say hello to you."
"Thanks Dad! You're the best!" Mavis walked over and gave the tall vampire another hug.
"Anything for you my dear honey bat. I have some things to take care of so I will let you three catch up," said the Count after embracing his daughter.
Brett and Kent looked on at the two vampires and how alike they were to humans in their emotions and personality. They could pass as humans if it were not for the whole sun and fangs thing. "Thank you Mr. Drac for letting us into your hotel and stay here," said Brett.
"Any family of Johnny is always welcome here to stay. It is the least I can do. Now, if you will excuse me." With a flash of speed, Dracula was gone down the hall and let the three catch up on some missed time together.
"Holy Rabies! I can't believe you two are here! What are you doing here anyway?" asked Mavis as her curiosity peaked.
"Now do we really need a reason to come see our little sister and celebrate her birthday?" asked Brett with a smirk on his face and arms crossed. "Little sister? But we are not related," said the vampiress as confusion settled on her face.
"And when do we have to be related? Ever since you and Johnny were together, you two have been inseparable. And the short two weeks you spent with the family was awesome. You clicked with us like you were already part of the family," said Brett. "Although telling us you were a vampire was shocking, we didn't see you for what you are but who you are. And if Johnny was happy, so were we."
"Yeah, and after we heard that Johnny did propose to you and after that… night, everyone knew that you would still be welcome as a little sister and daughter to all of us," continued Kent. "You are a Loughran to us no matter what." Mavis's cheeks felt flushed with embarrassment. But it was a good embarrassment. She felt honored that Johnny's family cared about her as much as their lost son. "Aww, guys. Thank you so much. That really means a lot to me." She hugged both the tall men. Both Brett and Kent were thickly built on the shoulder and mid-section. Kent had thinner cheeks than his brother, Brett and was a tad bit taller but had the same red hair. Both brothers kept their red hair short and well maintained, opposite of Johnny's unkempt hair.
"What about Janet? Is she coming?" asked Mavis expecting more surprises.
"I'm afraid not, Mavis. She is still in college and she had to finish some courses up," replied Brett.
Mavis looked sad at this but could understand the reasoning. "What about your parents Mike and Linda?"
"They would have liked to come see you but Mom and Dad had to work. They couldn't get the time away. But don't worry little sis, we're here for your birthday and to catch up," Kent said as he pulled Mavis into another goofy bear hug.
"You guys are great! I'm so glad you came!" exclaimed Mavis.
"Yeah. We were a little nervous how your father would handle us. And we were both shocked and amazed at all the different type of monsters out there," Brett said with an excited expression. "Especially ones that we've read in stories that we thought were make believe, myths, and legends. It's like a dream to us!"
Mavis looked a little confused as she kept smiling but understood it really was their first time here at the hotel. "Oh, that's right! It's your first time here isn't it?"
Brett and Kent just nodded at the short and slender vampiress. "I should show you around. You'll love this place. We have a pool, a big gym, a dance hall, library, a nice restaurant with bar and an entertainment stage, you name it!"
"How about a dining hall? Got one of those? We're kinda hungry," said Brett as Kent stared at him with a raise eye brow. "Well, at least I am."
"Well, it technically is lunch time here so I could also go for a bite," Mavis said as she mischievously smiled at the brother while their faces turned pale with fright. Mavis couldn't help but giggle at this. "I'm just teasing you two. I would never drink blood from a human, especially family. I did the same thing to Johnny as a joke. You know I'm a substitarian." The brothers let out a sigh of relief. "That's a good one Mavis. I knew you wouldn't hurt us," Kent said as he grinned. Brett looked at him and spoke in a sarcastic tone, "Sure you did."
"Anyway, we should go down to eat then I can show you around," Mavis said as she opened the door to her room. The three talked as they continued their way to the dining hall. Some of the regular monster guests greeted Mavis as she introduced Johnny's brothers to them. Brett and Kent never felt such a warm greeting from anyone other than humans. But from a yeti, a fly, skeleton, a fish man, zombie who they could not understand but Mavis helped with the translation, and a blob. Some were skeptical but after hearing they were relatives of the famous Johnathan Loughran, they were okay with the brothers. It was creepy at first but once they got to know these monsters more it was just like greeting a friend.
Once at the dining hall, lunch was served like a buffet. The type of food here did not look very appealing to the brothers. Mavis helped them out by picking items that were quite edible and tasty to humans, just like she did for Johnny years ago. "Mavis, what is with this 'scream cheese'?" asked Kent.
"Oh Kent, you definitely need to try it," as Mavis finished taking a drink of some of her Blood Beaters. "When Johnny first tried it, he had the same expression you have now. The way he described the taste was like just plain cream cheese with a spell on it to make it scream."
"Okay. Here it goes." Kent took a bite out of the bagel with the screaming white cheese spread. He slowly started to chew as the flavor hit his taste buds. His eyes lit up with surprise and he smiled. Just like how Mavis described it. It was delicious. "That's awesome!" said Kent after finishing his first bite. Brett tried some himself and he agreed, it was awesome. Now with this knowledge, they found that some monster food is technically no different than what humans eat, just prepared strangely and different ingredients. Except for the bugs and rotten looking things.
As the three brothers and sister sat enjoying the food and company, Brett just happened to just glance around the dining hall entrance at the same time an interesting monster walked in. Brett's eyes widened and his jaw dropped slightly. It wasn't a face of surprise and curiosity but something else. Something in his eyes sparkled even if the monster that walked in was not making full eye contact with him. He couldn't describe what he felt to himself as it was just all strange. Could this be some sort of attraction? To a monster? The strange looking monster he saw looked like she came from the water with a light blue skin and six tentacles, three on the left and right. Tall and skinny, her walk was graceful, like she was floating. Her face was certainly not like anything Brett had seen before but he found it… well… cute. Her mouth was large and it seemed like it expanded in all directions, not up and down like a human. Her red lips were also large and puffy but looked beautiful. Her eyes were yellowish in color and had vertical slits for pupils, like a cat. She had the longest and darkest eye lashes he ever saw. Her hair, well, if he thought that's what it was, was a green color, almost look more that a green coral growing on her head in three spots, one straight up and two at the sides. This feeling, he didn't know anything about it. It was strange to him. Mavis was looking at Brett's mesmerized expression then she turned her head to where he was looking and saw who he was looking at.
"Oh Brett, that's my friend, Kelsey. She is type of sea monster," Mavis said as Brett brought his eyes and attention to Mavis. "Ever since her parents came here when we were little, we always hung out." Mavis let out a small laugh as she frowned and her tone became somber. "And we always would promise each other that when we would get married that we would be in each other's weddings. Now that probably won't happen anytime soon." Brett and Kent looked at her with a sad expression. Brett reached over and put his hand on top of Mavis's and gave it a squeeze. Mavis looked at him with remorse and surprise. "I'm sorry Mavis. Maybe someday it will happen for both of you." Mavis looked at Brett and Kent, trying to look happier and hopeful but failing at it. "Yeah. We haven't talked much since I got back." she sighed out loud.
"I'm sure you'll both get to talk eventually. Give it some time. Heck maybe during your party!" exclaimed Brett. Mavis looked at him and smiled to show appreciation for trying to cheer her up. Kent then had enough of this depressing conversation and being a little too excited blurted out something that the other two strongly agreed to, "Enough sad talk! Let's go see the hotel!"
After finishing their lunch, Mavis started her tour of the hotel. On the way out of the dining hall, Brett looked over at where Kelsey was talking with other monsters. He stopped and stared some more before being called by Kent. For some reason, Brett felt warm inside and was kind of sad he had to leave. Kelsey now felt someone staring at her and turned to face the dining hall entry way. She didn't see him clearly, only a part of a human body as he walked out of the hall. She had this curious look on her face. Thinking about it, it felt like some sort of invisible connection that couldn't be explained. She shook her head and told herself it was nothing then blew it off as just some paranoia or some creepy guy. Although, she hoped she was wrong.
The hotel turned out to be larger than the brothers thought. Brett and Kent liked the pool a lot and was blown away that a dungeon was converted into a sauna. Mavis couldn't show the dance hall like she wanted to because of the surprise party planning going on in there so she decided they all would have to wait until tomorrow night. There was the library, the gym, and a small game room as the brothers awed in how large this place truly was.
"That's pretty much it. There is certainly a lot to do here. And the activities always change so there is never a boring night. Finally," Mavis said with a smile as she faced the tall brothers.
"It sure is. And it's so cool here. I never knew everyone would be so friendly too," said Brett as Kent nodded in approval. Mavis smiled, exposing fangs at them also approval until her expression changed to one of surprise. "Oh. I almost forgot, we need to get you a room!" Mavis kind of panicked forgetting the most important item.
"I think you father arranged a room for us, we just need to pick up the key," Kent said trying to reassure the vampiress.
"Oh, good. Let's go and get your key then." Mavis led the brothers back to the lobby and picked up the ancient looking key. She stayed at the counter a moment while Brett and Kent walked off toward the elevator. She whispered at the zombie bell hop behind the counter making sure Johnny's brothers did not hear, "Make sure the room for my special guests are not charged. If my dad charges them, I want you to put the charges on my account." The zombie servant just moaned and groaned at Mavis. "So my dad has already told you their room is no charge?" More moans to signify a yes. "Thank you Porridge Head. You are the best." Mavis took the zombie's hand that sat on top of the counter and put her hand on top to show her gratitude. The partially inanimate face smiled slowly back at Mavis as she started to walk to the elevators where Brett and Kent waited for her.
Waiting for the elevator, the three talked some more about old times and some small talk. Mavis didn't feel so alone now. Ever since the plane crash two years ago, she never was her happy, energetic self. It's like she lost that on the island. "By the way, what room did my dad give you?" asked Mavis as she watched the floor indicator needle getting closer to the ground floor.
"Let me see, uhh. Looks like one hundred eighty-four," said Brett holding the key close to his face trying to make out the worn out numbers. Mavis slowly turned around. They could see she was surprised by the room number. "That's just down the hall from me." Mavis surprise turned to a smile. "Holy Rabies, that's cool! I'll have to thank my Dad for that one later."
"Cool, now if we need help finding something, we know where you are," Brett said. Mavis nodded and gave a quick "Mhmm," as they reached the floor. "Mavis, are you always up during the night?" curiously asked Kent. Brett looked over at his supposedly halfwit brother, "Really, Kent? Don't you know by now vampires can't be in sunlight?"
"I know that Brett. I was just curious if they had to go straight to bed when the sun came up or they had like 'all nighters' or stuff like that."
"If you are referring to staying up 'past my bedtime,' yes I do sometimes," Mavis said using air quotes. "There are times I can't sleep so I just walk around in the hotel. Of course, I cannot go outside or I will get burned. There were parties here that lasted until ten in the morning when the sun was really up. Those were fun parties. Especially when I really wasn't allowed to go to them," Mavis finished as she gave a devilish smile.
As they reached the brother's room for the night, a security armor came up to Mavis and saluted. In the process, the armor scared Kent a little. "Miss Mavis. Your father requests your presence in his office as soon as possible."
"Okay, I will be right there. In the meantime, why don't you guys get comfortable. And if you need help with something, don't be afraid to ask one of the armors," as she smiled to Johnny's brothers. She turned to the security armor and continued, "And you mister armor, make sure you take good care of my guests."
"Yes ma'am. We will offer our assistance," replied the armor as he stood at attention.
"And boys to make the party more enjoyable, try to stay up as close to sunrise as possible so you can sleep most of the day and be up all night with us," finished Mavis with a smirk.
"Don't worry, we won't drag down your party," Kent replied. "We'll see you later then?" said Brett. Mavis gave a nod.
With a smile to the brothers, Mavis formed into a purple mist then into her bat self and flew away to her father. Brett and Kent just stood in awe at how a girl could turn into mist and a bat. "Come on Brett, let's at least unpack and maybe take a small nap," said Kent.
"Okay. But I don't think I'm going to nap. This is just too exciting! Staying in a castle with monsters of myth and legend! It's so cool!" Brett exclaimed as he gave his brother a high five slap.
Kent and Brett both checked over their luggage, making sure everything survived the trip. As Kent was sitting some clothes in an empty drawer, he had almost forgot the real true reason the two came here. "So Brett, when are we going to tell her our plan? You know, about going to that island she was found on, for Johnny's memorial?" With all the excitement, Brent also almost forgot too. He stopped what he was doing and looked at his brother.
"Now that you bring it up, I'm not quite sure. I was thinking talking to her after the party." Brett thought some more. "I know she would certainly come with us, but looking at her father, I feel he's the over protective type. I'm sure he would try to stop her. Especially after almost losing her once."
"You know Mavis would go even against her father. She really loved Johnny and whether her father locks her in the dungeon to keep her from going, nothing is going to keep her away from doing something for Johnny. And not to mention, the 'Sea Jewel' is more than ready. You and Bob have gone over everything to the last strand of rope," Kent retorted.
"I agree with you, but try to convince the Prince of Darkness to let his only daughter go on a dangerous voyage," Brett said while looking at his younger brother with a blank stare. "Plus we would have to keep it a secret from the guys that she is a vampire or they might freak and back out."
"Well, we got to try at least. And I'm sure Mavis has a way to hide that she is a vampire. I'm sure this has been tough on her as it has our whole family. And it kind of looks like she really was never able to say a proper goodbye. This may help her Brett," as Kent gave a somber expression.
"It's worth a shot. At least I can still give her this cell phone so she can call us anytime," picking up the thin rectangular object. At least if the Count stops her from going, she can always call us. We'll wait until after the party or near the end at least."
"Agreed," replied Kent as his smile returned and turned into a toothy grin. "Are you done unpacking yet? I actually want to check this place out some more." Bret just smirked and rolled his eyes at how eager Kent was. He couldn't argue as he felt the same way.
Reaching the large oak wooden door, the small bat transformed back into her vampire self and looked up at the sign attached to the door, "Office." Many times she remembered playing in her father's office while he "tried" to concentrate on running the hotel. But mostly he was playing with her too. It was amazing that he was able to run a hotel and be a single parent to her at the same time, Mavis thought. Those were great times. She just wished now that the future she hoped for, where grandchildren would do the same thing she did or when the time came for her to run the hotel, would still come true. Deep down inside her soul, she hoped.
Mavis breathed in and in a long sigh, she exhaled. The armor standing guard by the door noticed this. "Is everything ok Miss Mavis?" The vampiress looked over at the security armor and gave him a smile. "I-I'm fine, thank you. I was just remembering old times when I was a child."
"I do remember some of those times too Miss. Especially ones when you were smaller that you would always climb to my shoulder. Although not very fitting for a security suit of armor, I did enjoy our times together." Mavis looked in surprise at the armor. This one was created different than the others. It was one that Mavis's father made sure was different to interact with her when she was younger. Although all the armors were connected together by magic, this one had more personality and still was a protector to her younger self and he did that well. Mavis nicknamed this one Albert for no particular reason at all. So fascinating how her young mind worked.
"I'm glad we had fun, Albert. I'm sure you miss it as much as I do. Maybe when I have some free time, we should play a game like chess or something," Mavis said as she put her hand on the shoulder of the cold suit.
"I would be honored Miss. However, you should see your father. He has been expecting you," said the suit named Albert reminding Mavis.
She grinned, exposing the tips of her fangs. "Oh, right. Almost forgot. Thank you." Mavis looked again at the door and knocked. Within no time, a muffled voice on the other side beckoned to enter. She reached for the latch and opened the heavy door and went in to a practically dark room. Her eyes quickly adjusted to the few burning candles in the corner of a large, ancient desk. Behind that desk sat her father, reading over some reviews of the hotel. Looking up from his read, he showed Mavis his unnatural blue glowing eyes, looking at her contently.
"My Mavy Wavy!" He stood up and walked over to her and gave her a reassuring hug.
"Hi Dad. You wanted to see me?" she asked while still being embraced.
"How were your surprise visits so far?" Dracula lit a couple other candles in the room to bring some more light to see his daughter's face, although seeing how her large blue eyes glowed in the dark reminded him of her mother.
"It's awesome Dad! Thank you. I showed them around the hotel and they loved it. Even our regular guests were nice to them. It's been too long since I saw any of Johnny's family so I'm glad you called them here," replied the young vampire.
"Actually, little mouse, I did not know they were coming. It was pure coincidence that the armor's found them wandering the forest looking for us," Drac said as he sat back down behind his desk.
Mavis was shocked to hear that. They were never at the little memorial service when Drac thought he lost her, only Johnny's parents. "You didn't call them?" asked the curious vampiress.
"No I did not. And that bothers me a little, mouse."
"Why does it bother you, Dad?" Mavis really looked confused at what the Count was trying to relay to her.
"I have a feeling they came here for something. I don't know what though," replied the concerned vampire. Although he actually knew since he had their room "bugged." Mavis looked at him with a confused look but also upset at what he was implying.
"Dad! Stop being so paranoid. They are good people. Johnny's family would never do anything bad to us. And besides, what can they actually do? Take me to California to visit the rest of the Johnny's family?" Mavis said in an upset but sarcastic tone.
Dracula looked at his only child. He was concerned for her and saddened at how upset and defensive Mavis was getting. "Honey Bat, I do not want you to go with them if they ask you. You are not ready yet and I do not want you on another one of those human planes again. I almost lost you and I do not want to lose you again." The vampiress could not believe what she just heard. It was like she was being kept a prisoner again just like before, before her one hundred and eighteenth birthday.
"I can't believe you are saying this! Dad! That was a freak accident! Those planes rarely go down! You would have better chances at winning the lottery than being on another plane going down!" exclaimed Mavis.
"The lotter-what?" Drac looked confused at Mavis's face.
"Never mind that! Dad! I'm older now and I can make my own choices. If they actually want me to go to California with them, then I will! I do it for Johnny and his family!" Mavis was really upset now at what her father said. Her eyes showed all of her frustration and emotions to her father. Her deep blue eyes were changing to a gray, a deep and angry looking grey.
"Mavy, I just want to make sure you are safe! I do not want you to go on another plane. You had a rough experience on that island and I don't think you have recovered from that yet. I don't want to lose you again!"
"Two years, Dad? Really? Do you honestly think it takes me that long to get over what I became on the island? And what if he is out there, surviving on his own?" Mavis was becoming more distraught.
"Sweet fangs, I know it's hard to let go but the chance of Johnny being out there still is not possible," said the father trying to make Mavis understand.
"Not possible? How would you have known? And to keep me here locked up again keeps me safe?" Mavis closed her eyes and looked away, giving a brief moment of silence and to calm her nerves. "I'm done with this Dad! Maybe I should go to California anyway. I'm sure if Mom were alive, she would let…"
"ENOUGH!" yelled the Count as he slammed his hands on the desk and stood up. His eyes were red with anger and clenching his teeth. It only took him a second to realize what he had done, again. Something he promised he would never do to his daughter. But it happened. Mavis looked frightened. Instinctively, she backed away. Her mouth wide open and her eyes never looked this big before. This time, however was different. She regained some composure.
She looked away from Dracula and with a softer tone, "You say you let me find my own paradise all those years ago and now you want me to not even trust MY late fiancé's family?" Mavis stopped as she tried to hold back tears. Her fists clenched together at her sides. She brought her eyes to bare at her father's remorseful eyes, "Now I see that was another empty promise. Now I see you still don't trust humans," Mavis stared at her father, torn and upset. Dracula could not believe what he was hearing and what he just did. He looked shocked, torn, downright defeated staring at his angry daughter. She really thought he had changed. But now she could see that was not the case. She expected more. A tear dropped from her cheek to the floor just as she misted out from under the door. Dracula tried to reach for her shoulder, "Mavy… I," but was too late. His arm dropped down to his side, only successful in grabbing air. He sighed and his head fell down heavy, eyes closed.
Misting far enough away from her father's office, she quickly transformed into a bat. Tears continued to fall as she flew down the hall and through corridors. Her sobbing could be heard echoing off the walls. She couldn't believe it. "Why is Dad doing this again to me!? He has to understand; I can't just give up on Johnny's family like that. It's all I have left of him! He yelled at me again!" Mavis thought as she flew fast through the floors and halls. She didn't even pay attention who she past or almost ran into, especially if it was Brett and Kent.
As the brothers were walking back to see if Mavis was back from seeing her father to enjoy dinner together, they heard sobbing echoing off the walls as a small, black blur flew past them. They didn't know what to make of it for a second until Brett looked at Kent with surprise. "Was… that… Mavis just now?" as he pointed his thumb and fist behind his shoulder to where the bat flew. Kent just looked in surprise. He was as clueless as his older brother. "I think so. We should go see if she is okay." Kent nodded in agreement as they quickly walked to her room, one seventy-four.
Right as she reached her door, she misted again and went underneath. Continuing to her bed where she formed back to her normal self, flopping down and crying into her pillows. Why couldn't her Dad understand? Johnny's family was the closest she had ever been to other humans and they were so nice to her. They treated her like family. Even after telling them she was a vampire, they still loved her. Of course they were shocked at first but they loved her for her. Not what she was but for her personality and kindness.
Her father truly insulted Johnny's family by saying they were up to no good. He did not know them like she did. She wished he would get to know them. Maybe he would see they were as nice as Johnny. Maybe he would finally see all humans were not bad. And it seemed to her that she was now again never allowed to travel. Again kept to the hotel, just like a prison instead of a home. She wanted to start traveling again to go to all the places she went to with Johnny, to relive those times spent together; to relive great memories. Her first trip of course would have been to his family, to see them again. They were the last connection she had to her lost zing. Mavis would have planned to leave soon, but it seemed her plans were in jeopardy. Her crying almost stopped when she heard a knock on the door.
Just as part of her job, the shrunken head let Mavis know who was there. "Sweatheart, you have your two human friends out here to see if you are okay." Mavis cleared away the tears and some of the running make up from her cheeks. She sat up and straightened herself out before answering the shrunken head. "Thank you. You can let them in."
The door slowly swung open as the two brothers walked in. They saw Mavis sitting on her bed, kind of looking away and down. To Brett, it looked like she was crying as she tried to cover up the ruined make-up. "Mavis, are you ok? We saw a bat fly by us and it sounded like it was crying. We were hoping it wasn't you," said Brett as he looked concern for her. Mavis looked up at the Loughran brothers. She knew she had to tell them that it was her.
"I'm so sorry guys that I almost bumped into you. I'm sorry you had to see that," replied Mavis looking sympathetic.
"Did you and your Dad have some sort of argument?" Kent asked before Brett elbowed him in the ribs. With an "Omph," Kent continued, "What! I just was curious! She doesn't have to tell us if she doesn't…"
"No, no Brett. It's okay. Yes, I did have an argument with my dad," interrupted the small vampire. "It was nothing really important though so trust me, I'm okay."
"Okay then," replied Brett. "Anyway, we wanted to find you and see if you wanted to go down to dinner. That's if you feel up to it."
"That sound great. Right now, I need some family time." Mavis got up from her bed and surprised Brett with a hug. "Thank you for coming and spending time with me," Mavis said as she hugged Kent as well.
"No need to worry. We are here for you… little sis." Kent put on a smile as Mavis looked up to him and saw the tall, bulky human smiling down at her. Mavis was glad they came to see her. She feared at one time that she would never see Johnny's family again. That thought quickly vanished from her mind. She would have liked to see Johnny's parents and sister but did not argue with just seeing his brothers.
"Well, let's go get some dinner. I actually put a special request for you guys. The chef should have prepared something a little more appetizing for you," Mavis said as she gave the brothers a reassuring wink. They looked at each other and smiled, then back to Mavis. "That sounds awesome!" both said in unison as Mavis started to walk to the door as Brett and Kent followed.
As the trio took a table, Mavis let the gargoyle waiter know to have the chef start preparing her special request. With that, the gargoyle flew off to the kitchen. Brett and Kent shared stories that Mavis had missed the past few years. Mavis listened to every word they spoke, reminded of the stories that Johnny always told her. They were good times. Memories she will always cherish of her zing. Brett was explaining that they had a nice sized memorial for Johnny and they did mention her in the memorial. She was very honored and hoped to see it one day.
As the dinners finally arrived, Brett and Kent were in shock to see something very familiar and appetizing indeed. A large plate full of golden potatoes, a substitute for French fries. However, that was not what the brothers were focused on. A large, juicy cheese burger with all trimmings for both of them. They looked like children on Christmas day as they were both excited. Kent looked over to Mavis, smiling from ear to ear, "Mavis, you are the best! Thank you so much!" Brett was already deep into his cheese burger and with a partially full mouth, "Ya! Tank you Mavis!"
Mavis couldn't hold back a giggle at their enthusiasm as both started to devour their meals. "You're welcome guys. And don't worry, there will be plenty of food for you guys tomorrow night at the party," Mavis finished as she started to eat her "monster" style burger she had crafted.
As the evening in the dining hall continued, the humans actually were able to meet Mavis's Aunt Eunice and Uncle Frank. The Loughran's were in shock that Frankenstein existed and was extremely large. Although being someone as large as Frank, the brothers thought he would have a meaner personality. That of course was the opposite and the brothers were surprised at how gentle he truly was. As for Mavis's Aunt Eunice, to them she was very nice but very rough around the edges and very strangely dressed.
Going unnoticed, or so he thought, Dracula stayed in the dark corner nearest the exit to the hall, keeping an eye on things. Especially the two brothers and Mavis. He wanted to make sure she was safe but also didn't want to interact with her after the very bad argument earlier. With arguments in the past, he thought it best to leave her alone for a while so both would "cool down." Mavis knew he was there but never acknowledged him. He soon left the hall to carry on other tasks as he saw everything was okay, for now.
After dinner, the brothers and Mavis walked back up to their floor. It was a long evening for Brett and Kent. Staying up all night was hard but worth it. Now they would have no problem staying up for the party tomorrow night. "Mavis, I want to thank you for all you and your father have done for us tonight," Brett said. Mavis gave both a smile. "You are very welcome. Tomorrow is a big night guys. You may not see me much. I will be really busy getting ready. But don't forget you can ask a witch maid or armor for help anytime," said Mavis as she grabbed and opened up her door. "Good morning. Or to you guys, good night."
"Night Mavis," said the brothers in unison as they also headed for their room to sleep through the day.
The day quickly came and went. The brothers slept well through the whole day. They got ready for the night and couldn't wait for the party to start. Bret and Kent headed to breakfast, hoping to see if Mavis was there getting something quick to eat but she wasn't. However, Dracula was there, talking with guests, and making sure meals were properly prepared to their liking. He saw the humans take a table and decided to speak with them.
"Good evening gentlemen," the vampire greeted as he came to the table. "Has everything been satisfactory for your stay?"
"It sure had Mr. Dracula! We really appreciate you letting us celebrate with you and your daughter on her birthday," Brett replied back with a smile of gratitude.
"You are welcome and please call me Drac or Dracula. Any family of Johnathan's is welcome here. Now, if I may ask you two another question." Brett and Kent looked at each other, puzzled. Looking back at the Count staring at them both, they didn't see the harm in answering the owner's questions. "Sure."
"Why are you truly here?" asked the Count with a smile on his face.
Brett and Kent stared at the dark figure for a moment. Kent answered first, "We were hoping to give her a cell phone. Paid for by us so she could speak to our parents and us anytime she pleases." Brett continued the explanation, "Ever since the incident two years ago and hearing news she was alive, our mother has worried about her. We all were worried. And we just wanted to keep in touch. I mean, they were going to get married." Again, the brothers stared at the Count hoping their explanation was okay. It wasn't a lie by any means. They truly had a cell phone to give her. They just left out the part where they wanted her to come back with them to visit and possibly sail back to the island to set up a memorial for Johnny. That would probably make the old vampire mad and certainly lock up his daughter and kick them out right away.
Dracula looked at the brothers for a moment, smile never fading. "A cell phone? One of those 'humany' devices that let you talk to people from far away?" The brother just nodded. "Can it be tracked here?"
"No sir. I disabled that feature. It can only make and receive calls and no one can trace it."
"Good. I guess I do not see the harm in it. If it will make her happy," Drac kept smiling at the brothers. It faded a little as he asked another question. "And by the way, are you two thinking about asking my deadums to go sailing with you to that island? Maybe… to set up a little memorial in Johnny's honor? Hmmm?" Now the dark prince just glared at the brothers waiting for a response.
Now Brett knew their room was being watched and heard, "I was planning a sailing trip across the Pacific from Hawaii even before this all happened. I felt it was a good idea to at least go where you found Mavis, put a memorial to Johnny there and dedicate the sailing journey to my brother." Brett stopped a moment as he saw Dracula staring down at him, waiting for Brett to continue. Kent was just nervous and couldn't get a word out. "We were hoping, Dracula, that you had the coordinates of the island or know of someone who does. That was the only missing information I needed to start the sailing trip. Please?" Brett gave a fake, nervous, toothy smile hoping Drac would at least allow this and tried to avoid the whole taking Mavis argument.
Dracula backed off from the scared humans and sighed through his nose. "I will ask my friend for the coordinates. He has them. But if you were going to ask my daughter to join you, do not dare do that. I do not want her in that danger again and forbid her to go there," said the Count as he again lowered himself to the brothers.
"We… were going to ask," Kent finally got out as a nervous chatter. Dracula turned his attention to the younger brother. "I mean, it was her fiancé, her… zing as Johnny put it. And ultimately, don't you think it is her decision? Maybe she will find closure and finally be able to say goodbye to him so she could start moving on and stop being all depressed all the time? I see how she is, I felt the same when Johnny was lost. I took it the hardest out of the family but my brother and sister really helped me over it. I do miss him but I would rather celebrate his life. Wouldn't you want that for Mavis instead of being cooped up in this hotel?" Kent finished as his voice trailed off from getting the most horrifying death stare from Dracula.
"Let me to you two. I will take care of my daughter as I see fit. She is forbidden to leave with you two. You will never ask her or tell her about this… trip. You will enjoy the party with her and that is it. You will be out the next night or I will kick you out. I am allowing you here to make her happy." Dracula continued to glare at the brothers, mainly Kent. "If either of you test me, I will suck every drop of your blood until you look like prunes!"
Brett was horrified at hearing this. He was going to nod until Kent pounded the table with enough authority but not so loud to cause a scene and quickly stood up. Kent stared at Dracula with such pain and anger in his face. He wanted to say a few more words but didn't, thinking it was pointless. Almost like talking to a brick wall. Kent decided to walk out and yelled for the older brother to follow, "Brett, come on!" Brett snapped out of his stare at the scene and quickly got up and left. Dracula turned his head toward the hall entrance as he watched the brother's leave. Certainly not at all like Johnathan.
The party that night was a blast. Mavis never looked so happy before the tragedy. Her father planned a party just like Johnny would have to finally see his daughter smile and enjoy herself. Brett and Kent enjoyed themselves, having forgotten the encounter with the Count earlier. Mavis received many gifts from her friends and family. She was finally, happy. The smile, though may have been genuine, deep down she was gloomy and lonely. She was missing… him… always.
Mavis was able to finally talk with her friend Kelsey for the first time in a while. She hoped everything was okay between them. "I'm so sorry I haven't talked to you in a long time Kel. I just haven't been myself lately," said the vampire looking sympathetic.
"Oh Mav, that's okay. I'm sorry I didn't talk with you either. I didn't want to make things worse after what happened to you and Johnny," replied the sea monster.
"So, you aren't mad at me? For truly not being able to have you as a bridesmaid?" she said looking confused at Kelsey.
"Oh heavens no Mav! You're my best friend, no matter what happens. And I still haven't found Mr. Right anyway. But when I do, you are totally going to be my Maid of Honor." This made Mavis smile some more, looking up at Kelsey.
"So… we are still friends?" Mavis asked to confirm she had nothing to worry about.
"Best friends." Mavis gave Kelsey a hug, letting all her worry of a possible lost friendship dissipate.
"Mavis, you can let go now. I promise, I'm not mad anymore," said Kelsey trying to wiggle out of the vampire's hug.
Mavis let go and let out a chuckle, "Right, sorry."
"Let's go have some fun!" Kelsey said as she and Mavis took off to enjoy the rest of the party.
As the party was winding down, Mavis decided to take a break and be by herself. For the first time, she never really saw her father at the party, nor had a father, daughter dance. It was strange and a little sad. As she walked back to her room, she wasn't paying attention but she was being followed by Brett and Kent. They wanted to give her space knowing how her mood was telling them she wanted to be alone, but then they wanted to talk to her and actually keep her company. Having not been able to see her most of the night, thanks to Dracula keeping them distracted and away from her, they finally were able to sneak away. As she closed the door to her room, Brett and Kent came around the corner and approached the door and knocked. Mavis was about to go out the window when she heard the knock. She opened her door and found Johnny's brothers there.
"Hi guys. Everything okay?" Mavis asked.
"Actually, Mavis. We were coming to ask that of you. You know, we are good listeners. You seemed kind of depressed after the party." Both smiled at her hoping to join her in talking before they did have to leave.
"Well, I guess I could use some company." Mavis though a second and she came up with the best idea, "I've got the best place to go too. Any of you afraid of heights?" Mavis asked shifting her eyes back and forth to the humans. They both shook their head. "Good. I'll have to take one at a time." Mavis stood back and transformed into a bat before their eyes. They were still so amazed on how a vampire was able to do this. She hovered about Brett and grabbed the back of his collar. Lifting him up with no trouble. "Where are we going?" he asked kind of nervous as she headed for the open window.
"You'll see. Don't worry, I won't drop you," she said after giggling at his nervousness. She flew out the window and climbed up to the roof and placed him down to wait. "Wait right here, I'll be back with Kent," the little bat said. She took off leaving Brett looking around.
The view was incredible. He had never seen such beauty out of something so dark before. All the rolling mountains surrounding the castle, fog rolling right above them, covered in thick forests. The light from the partially blocked moon bathed everything in a blueish white, gentle light. Over where the mountains split, Brett could see it was a little brighter, from the nearest town. Such an incredible view. Moments later, Mavis came back holding Kent as he covered his eyes. Brett couldn't help but laugh at this. Mavis set him down and he still had his eyes covered. "Bro, you can look now," Brett pulled away Kent's hands. Opening his eyes, he saw the amazing view before him, "Whoa! Awesome!"
"I thought you two would like the view. Me and Johnny would come up here all the time," Mavis said with a smile to the brothers. The three sat down next to each other, Mavis securely in the middle of the brothers. "Did you have fun tonight?" asked Brett as he looked at Mavis.
"I truly did. I haven't had that much fun since… well, you know." Mavis trailed away as she looked down at her shoes. Brett and Kent both saw this and both understood what she met.
"You miss him a lot?" asked Kent breaking the silence. Mavis looked up to him and how he just looked out to the hills and forests. "A lot," is all Mavis could say before she continued a moment later. "In fact… deep down inside, I feel he is still out there, alive and alone." The brothers looked at her with surprise. How could she say that? "How could he have survived for two years out there?" Brett asked.
"I don't know. I just… got this gut feeling, you know? I remember he went to a survival training course. He even taught me a few things from what he learned. I think without that training; I don't think I would have survived. And I think maybe it's helping him. That's why I think he is alive." Mavis let out a sigh as Brett and Kent stared at her waiting for her to continue. "It's just trying to get my dad to understand this and go back to find him. I tried for a year, pleading with him to go back and hopefully find him. He would always come up with an excuse, 'But Mavy Wavy, it's not safe, Bleh bleh bleh. There is no way he could survive that long.'" The brothers chuckled at Mavis's impersonation of her father.
"I suppose it is possible," Brett said not wanting to take any of Mavis's hope away, even if he felt it may not be possible.
"And what made me upset yesterday was that my dad thinks you guys are not just here to celebrate my birthday but for something more," Mavis turning her head back and forth to look at the expressions on Johnny's brothers. Bret and Kent looked at each other for a moment. Kent gave nod to Brett. It was now or never.
"Mavis, your dad is kind of right. We came here not just to see you." Mavis looked at Brett with a concerned but surprised expression. "We actually wanted to give you something." Brett was reaching into his pocket. Mavis became nervous at his movements, not knowing what he was doing until he pulled out a familiar black piece of metal formed with glass on top. Mavis's eyes lit up as she knew exactly what it was. "Now if you ever want to talk to me or Kent, or even our parents, you can call them on this phone. Don't worry, I disabled any tracing devices in the phone so no one will know where this place is." Mavis slowly took the device from Brett and held it in her hand, feeling it's smoothness and weight. She looked back up at Brett and surprised him with a hug.
"Holy Rabies! Thank you guys so very much!" tears started to roll down her cheeks. She ended the hug with Brett and shifted the other way to hug Kent. "This is the best gift ever! Holy Rabies! Thank you!" finished Mavis as she wiped tears from her face. Kent looked at Brett with this look like they were communicating with their minds. He was going to tell her and ultimately, face the consequences later. In fact, it was only right she gets to decide for herself.
"There is… something else we want to give you too," Kent hesitated. Mavis looked at him with more surprise. "You know Mom and Dad could not come to see you. They were actually wanting to know if you would be willing to come back with us and see them." Mavis froze, not sure she heard Kent right or if she was dreaming.
"To... to California?" the vampiress asked. Kent just gave a kind smile and nodded. "That's if you want to, we are not forcing you."
"Holy Rabies! Are you kidding!? Of course I'll come with you guys! I always wanted to go back and see you all again!" They were glad to see Mavis was so happy. But they were still concerned about her over protective father, Dracula.
"Now, your father came to us during breakfast and kind of threatened to suck our blood if we told you this. We don't really care either way, at least I don't," Kent said. "It is solely up to you if you want to come. We will not force you." Mavis was upset that her father would be this way, again. Mavis wondered what made him like this? Was it that there was no other "guy" to fight over her attention? She mentally put that away for now, right now, she had to focus on a plan to leave for California, and quietly.
"I can't believe he said that to you. Don't worry guys, He wouldn't do that. I'll make sure of that." Mavis smiled at them assuring them she would not let him do that. Both sighed in relief. "Thanks Mavis," Brett said. Mavis looked at the phone and smiled at it as she got into the contact list and found the pre-entered numbers for Mike and Linda, thanks to Brett. Mavis selected the number and began the call. Waiting a few rings, she finally heard a familiar voice that she thought she would never hear again. Linda.
"Hello?" Mavis was happy but nervous. She almost forgot how to speak. "Hello! Linda?" Mavis finally got out. Brett and Kent watched in amusement at how happy Mavis was with her fangy smile.
"This is Linda. Who is this?" the voice said over the speaker.
"It's Mavis," said the smiling vampire.
"Mavis?" A scream was heard through the speaker. Mavis had to move the phone away from her ear since it was so loud. Brett and Kent also heard and laughed at their mother's reaction. After the screaming stopped, Mavis put the phone back to her ear.
"Mike! Pick up the other phone! It's Mavis!" Linda said. Soon another click was heard. "Mavis is that really you?" asked a deep masculine voice.
"It's me. It's been a long time since I spoke with you guys. How are you?"
"We are doing great now! Honey, I thought you were avoiding us or something since we haven't heard from you ever since. How are you doing?" Mavis smiled at the gentle voice of Johnny's mother.
"I'm a lot better thanks to your wonderful sons here," Mavis replied.
"Brett and Kent are there? I'm glad they found the place," said Mike, a little surprised.
"Yea. And thanks to them, I can call and talk to you anytime. They gave me a cell phone to call you guys anytime." Mavis started to feel so much better being able to talk with Johnny's parents. It had been too long.
"That's wonderful news," said Mike with an ecstatic voice.
"Well, I got some more news for you too. I'm flying back with Brett and Kent to California to see you guys." Mavis waited for another happy scream.
"That's wonderful dear! I'm so glad you are coming to see us. We missed you a lot! Janet will be thrilled!" Linda said.
"I missed you guys too. I can't wait!" Mavis said with a big fangy smile.
"Are you also planning on sailing with Brett and Kent in a month?" Mike asked. Mavis was confused at the question but eventually figured it out. Mavis now remembered that Johnny had told her how big Brett was into sailing and actually was a professional competitive sailor. A surprised look on Mavis's face said it all. She turned her head to Brett who actually heard what his father had just said.
"Actually, we were going to get to that Dad," Brett said, rolling his eyes at the loss of surprise. He then turned his attention to Mavis. Kent took the phone out of Mavis's hand just to place the speaker phone on and placed it back in her hand that trailed down and sat in her lap. "Mavis, in about a month, I have an old fashion vessel that I am planning on sailing from Hawaii to the Philippines. On the way, we were going to place a memorial on the island you were found in Johnny's honor. I was planning this sailing voyage years ago until he was lost. Now that I have some more backing from family and friends, I wanted to dedicate this trip in Johnny's name." Brett stopped a second to see if Mavis was still paying attention or was just in shock. He placed both hands on her shoulders and continued. "I was wondering if you wanted to come along. It is only fair to ask you since he was your fiancé. How about it?" Brett smiled at Mavis. Mavis was still shocked and the recipients on the other line of the phone were only hearing silence.
"Are you still there?" asked Linda.
"Yes. Yes, I'm here," Mavis said as she didn't take her blue eyes off of Brett. Mavis started to smile. Tears formed in her eyes as she hugged the big human she now called a brother. She cried in Brett's chest. Brett embraced her knowing these were tears of joy. "Thank you Brett. Thank you. I will absolutely come with you. Anything for Johnny." Mavis released from the hug and wiped her face. "You're very welcome Mavis. Anything for our little sister," smiled Brett.
"That settles it then. You guys can come back to California," said Mike "Janet will be so excited! I think we'll keep it a secret so she can be surprised." added Linda.
"That sounds good," Mavis said. Kent leaned into the phone to speak. "We can fly back with Mavis. From there, me and Brett can get to Hawaii and finish prepping the 'Sea Jewel' for the trip. Then me or Brett will come back to get Mavis once everything is ready." Brett nodded as he agreed that was the best idea.
"That's a good idea," Linda said. "Janet will be in town for a few days so that will be perfect timing. Mavis, Janet would definitely love to spend some time with you."
"I would love that too. Thank you! All of you for letting me into your family. I missed you guys so much," Mavis said looking at Brett and Kent, then the phone as a tear escaped.
"We all missed you and we are hoping you could visit more often now," Johnny's father said.
"I certainly will," replied Mavis. "We better get going then. I've got to pack and get ready. The sun will be up soon."
"Okay dear. Please be careful traveling. We can't wait to see you!"
"Bye!"
"Good bye!"
Mavis ended the call and was all smiles. "Holy Rabies! I better get ready!"
"Yea, we have to get ready and sleep too. And how are we going to work this. Are we going to tell your dad?" asked Kent.
"No. He will just stop me from leaving somehow. You guys will have to check out and leave like normal and I will catch up to you by flying out the window. Besides, after what my father has said to you, I need time alone from him. And don't worry, I will not let him harm you two," smiled Mavis. The brother's sighed in relief. "Tomorrow night when you are checking out, most likely my dad will be there. I will be there too to see you out and say good byes. I'll probably wait ten minutes then fly out to meet you." They all nodded in approval of the plan and started to make their way back into the hotel, one by one and with Mavis's help.
The next night came and everything was going according to the plan Mavis set out to achieve. As the brothers were checking out, Mavis and Dracula were with them. Mavis never acknowledged her father at all. She wasn't really mad anymore but he needed to believe she was still mad. After thinking and sleeping on it, she understood he was just trying to protect her and loved her. After the key was returned, Dracula offered to walk the humans out. "May I escort you to the waiting hearse?" asked Dracula. Immediately, Mavis walked past her father and coldly replied, "I've got it Dad!" Dracula felt the sting in her words. He was sad that his daughter was so mad at him still. He stood there and watched as the three headed for the revolving entrance. He could hear her talking to them about the courtesy hearse ride to the edge of the forest.
"We have a hearse waiting outside for you. It will take you to the edge of the forest. From there, the village is not far, then you can call for a taxi to take you to the airport," Mavis finished as they exited the hotel and stood on the steps.
Brett embraced Mavis in a hug, "Thank you for your kindness," he said playing along then whispering in her ear. "We'll see you at the edge." Then the short vampire hugged Kent as he also thanked her as Brett loaded the luggage into the hearse. After a few more final "goodbye's," Mavis watched as the hearse drive away and past the gate. She walked back inside and saw her father was nowhere to be seen. "Must have been called to an emergency," she thought.
She walked quickly and quietly to her room where everything was ready to go. She decided to write her father a letter of leaving and an apology. When she was finished writing, she placed the letter on her dresser in a sealed envelope labeled "Daddy" on it. Then noticing she almost forgot one important item. Something she had not worn for almost two years. She went to the corner that she made for Johnny, lifted the dome glass and took the ring, "Johnny's Heart." She placed it on her left ring finger, admired it a moment, and gave it a smile. It still fit perfectly and shone brightly. She then gathered her suitcase and flew off into the forest.
Two hours passed since Dracula was called to an emergency that he had to fix. He finally gathered up his courage and walked to his daughter's room, to apologize. He hoped she had enough time to relax and calm down also so they could talk peacefully. Drac knocked on her door and got no response. He knocked again and spoke into the door. "Mavy, are you okay?" Still no answer, he opened the door and walked in, "Honey Bat, I just wanted to talk with you if that's…"
Dracula walked in and saw the window open. He quickly flew out to see if she was up on the roof. And she wasn't. Starting to panic, Drac quickly went back to her room and found the letter addressed to him. Quickly ripping it open, he unfolded the parchment and began to read:
Dear Daddy,
If you are reading this, then that means I left. I am sorry that I have to do this but I need time away for myself. Brett and Kent have invited me to come with them to California to see the rest of Johnny's family. They had nothing to do with my decision on leaving with them. I do this for myself. And for Johnny.
Please understand Daddy, I am not mad at you anymore. I'm sorry that I had to trick you in thinking I was. I know you are just trying to protect me and I love you for that. Remember what you said four years ago? "Seeing you unhappy is worse than seeing you go." Please remember that and understand that I will promise you I will be safe and I am in good hands. The Loughran's will never let anything happen to me. I will call you when I arrive. I love you, Daddy. I always will.
Love Your Honey Bat,
Mavis
Anger built up inside the vampire. She disobeyed him. He was about to yell but he gathered himself and calmed down. She was right. "She is so much like her mother. Certainly a free spirit," said Drac to himself. The few words in the letter were enough to remember that she was always safe when she traveled with Johnny so she should also be safe with his family. "I cannot believe I forgot about those words I spoke to her." She was right. Staying here, she would be unhappy. "I would rather her be happy in what she loves to do, travel." Although still a little upset, he couldn't help but understand that she has grown up. Now Johnny's brothers were a different story. If he ever saw them again, he would think of a good punishment for them.
Cutting a path through this forest with a manmade stone blade was tough. A long red haired man with a long red beard slowly traversed through, slicing and dicing as much as he could. Getting stuck sometimes but freeing the stone blade. He noticed there was a path here at one time but not sure if he made it a while ago or someone else did. Continuing to struggle through the wild bushes, he managed to reach some sort of open area.
The clearing was also overgrown; the grass was really tall. It came up to his knees. He walked into the clearing and saw how little light reached this clearing. Just enough to see rays of light breaking through the canopy and hitting the ground around the middle. Walking further in and looking around at the beautiful, secluded sanctuary, he thought it was beautiful and somewhat familiar but not quite sure if he was here before.
Walking and looking around, he went to the middle where his foot caught on something, causing him to fall hard to the ground. His head hit the ground with enough force to knock him out for a while. Within minutes, he was slowly waking up. The back of his head really hurt but he was ok. Slowly his eyes opened, staring up at the canopy and the sun shining in. Putting a hand to the back of his head, trying to rub the pain away. "What did I just trip on?" asking himself.
Slowly getting up, he looked around. Being the grass was tall, he could not see what made him fall. The red head slowly moved and cut grass out of the way to see. Noticing something strange sticking up, he cut around it. It was a cross made out of wood. Almost like someone was buried here. Still hanging from the cross was a faded red and white shoe. He held the familiar looking shoe up. Staring at it, turning it this way and that, looking how worn it has become but still held a shape. It wasn't his shoe, too small for his feet. Looking over, something else caught his attention. There was something etched but faded in the wood. Hard to make out but looks like it started with an "M." Next an "A," looks like a
V." Yea, definitely a "V," then an "I?" Yep, an "I." An "S?" That's got to be an "S." The wild read head sounded all the letters together. "M-Mav… is." Puzzlement as he stared at the name and then back at the shoe. Just like being zapped by lightning, he became shocked as he figured it out. "MAVIS!"