Sam and Evra would not let me sleep the day away like I initially planned. The two of them practically broke my bed from jumping on it. Even pelting them with pillows didn't sway them, if anything it only egged them on.
"Why were you crying last night? Did that creepy orange haired bastard kiss you again because I'll-"
"Evra, it's ok." The three of us were crafting small daisies chains next to the stream. Sam was fidgeting nervously.
"What's the matter with you, kid? Ants in your pants or what?" Evra snickered.
"I don't like seeing her so upset." He sniffled.
I grabbed the little boy by the shoulder and gave him a squeeze, I placed a kiss on top of his head. Sam screamed about cooties.
"Don't worry, kiddo. I'll be okay." A smile found its way onto my face at his embarrassed expression.
"I have something for you..." Sam turned bright red and handed me a small pink bag.
"Whats this?" I laughed. I tore away the tissue paper with ease. Inside was a shiny silver picture frame.
"I borrowed my mom's polaroid. It's from the other night."
The picture was of me mid falling on the stage. In tiny handwriting was the caption, 'my best friend: the klutz'.I sniffled and wiped my eyes then gave him a soul crushing hug.
"Thank you for the ticket." He mumbled against my shoulder. " I need oxygen."
"Of course. You know I'd do anything for you!" I let him go and smoothed his ruffled hair
"You mean that?"
"Cross my heart," I swore.
"There is one thing," he said slowly. "I want to join the Cirque Du Freak."
I groaned and pushed him away playfully. Evra clutched her gut, laughing, "He's got you wrapped around his finger Shan."
"You asked what I wanted, so I'm telling you," he whined impatiently. That pout, it would be the death of me.
"It's not that easy," I protested and rubbed my temples. I could feel a headache coming on.
"Yes it is," he said. "You can talk to the owner and put in a good word for me. Come on, did you mean what you said or not-"
"All right." I out a hand up to stop him. I began to wonder if this is how Mr. Crepsley felt when I pestered him. If so, then mores the pity, poor bastard.. "I'll ask Mr. Tall."
"When?"
"Today," I promised. "As soon as we get back."
"All right!" Sam tried to high-five me.
"But if he says no," I warned him with a stern voice. "that's the end of it, okay? I'll do what I can, but if Mr. Tall says no, that means no."
"Sure," Sam said. "That's fine by me."
"Maybe there's a job for me, too," somebody said behind my back. I spun around quickly, and there was R.V., smiling strangely.
"You shouldn't creep up on people like that," I snapped. "You scared me."
"Sorry, man," R.V. said, but he didn't look very sorry.
"What are you doing out here?" Sam asked as he placed a daisy crown on my head.
"I wanted to find Samantha," R.V. said. "I never got a chance to thank her for my ticket."
"That's okay," My eyes narrowed. Something was wrong. "I'm sorry I wasn't around to see you when it was over, but I had to go...somewhere else."
"Sure," R.V. said, sitting down on the track near me. "I can understand that. A show that size, there must be lots to do, huh? I bet they keep you real busy, right, man?"
"Yeah," I said. R.V. grinned, and stared at the two of us. There was something about the way he was smiling that made me uneasy. It wasn't a nice smile.
"Tell me," R.V. said, "how's the wolf-man doing?"
"He's fine," I rolled my eyes. What was with the third degree?
"He's chained up all the time, isn't he?" R.V. pressed.
"No," I said, remembering Evra's warning.
"He's not?" R.V. acted surprised. "A wild beast like him, savage and dangerous, and he isn't locked up?"
"He's not that dangerous," I said. "That's an act. He's pretty tame, actually." I could see Sam staring at me. He knew how wild the wolf-man was and didn't get why I was lying.
"Tell me, man, what does a thing like that eat?" R.V. asked.
"Steak. Pork chops. Sausages." I forced a smile. "The usual stuff. All store-bought."
"Really? What about the goat that spider bit? Who eats that?"
"I don't know."
"Evra said the two of you bought the goat from a local farmer. Did it cost much?"
"We bought it from a butcher, poor thing was too sickly for them to sell." I glared at the man, I wouldnt slip up that easily. I hadnt been capitan of the debate team for nothing.
"I've been doing a little investigating, man," R.V. said softly. "Everybody else in my camp has been getting ready to move on, but I've been walking around, counting sheep and cows, asking questions, digging for bones. Animals have been vanishing," R.V. continued. "The farmers aren't taking much notice — they don't mind the odd one or two missing — but it intrigues me. Who do you think could be taking them, man?" I didn't answer. "Another thing," he said. "I was walking along the river you're camped by, and do you know what I found downstream? Lots of small bones and scraps of skin and meat. Where do you think they could have come from?"
"I don't know, why dont you jump in the river and find out?" I said. Then I stood up. "I gotta go now. They need me back at the Cirque. Jobs to do."
"Don't let me keep you," R.V. said with a smile.
"When is your group headed out?" Evra interrupted. "We might stop by to say good-bye before you leave."
"That's nice of you," R.V. said. "But don't worry, man. I won't be going anywhere soon." I frowned.
"I thought you said you were moving on." I added with an air of suspiscion..
"NOP is moving on," he said. "In fact, they've already moved. They pulled out yesterday evening." He smiled icily. "But I'm staying a little longer. There are a few things I want to check out."
"Oh." Inside my head I swore loudly, but outside I pretended to be happy. "That's good news. Well, see you around." She added.
"Oh, yeah," R.V. said. "You'll see me around, man. You can bet on that. You'll be seeing plenty of me." I grinned awkwardly.
"So long for now," We parted ways and headed back to camp.
"So long," R.V. replied.
"Wait up," Sam called. "I'll come with you."
"No," I said. "Come tomorrow. I'll have an answer from Mr. Tall for you by then. Bye." I took off before either of them could say anything else. R.V.'s interest in the disappearance of the animals worried me.
Evra went back to taking care of her snake, and I went outside and continued with the day's jobs. I was on the go nonstop, because I had to cover for Evra and do the work of two. I mentioned my fears to Mr. Tall. But I played down the severity of my feelings of apprehension. He advised not to worry about it and to avoid talking with the hippie again.
Evra all but kicked me out when it was time to turn in for the night. Her snake was in a foul mood from being sick and was afraid it would bite me if I wasn't careful. To say I was unhappy was an undersatement.
I wandered around camp for a while before reaching the only place I knew I would at least somewhat comfortably sleep.
I had hoped he would be asleep but I guess fate wasn't on my side this time.
"I thought you were not speaking to me?" The orange haired vampire was polishing Madame Octa's cage when I walked in.
"I'm not! I just need a place to sleep tonight." I quipped. I angrily pulled out the blanket and pillow from his coffin out of spite and settled down on the floor.
The air was heavy with tension. So much for sleeping.
"I do hope you and Miss Von are getting on alright?"
"We are...it's just her snake is sick. It's not a good idea for me to stick around with a agitated reptile in our tent."
"You can sleep in the coffin if you would like."
The soft plush lining was definitely more appealing than the hard ground. But he didn't need to know that. I stayed put.
"Suit yourself, silly girl…"He grumbled.
"Stop that." I snapped.
Mr. Crepsley groaned, "Here we go. Stop what?" He asked tiredly.
"Stop treating me like a child. I'm not a kid!" I said shakily. "At home I'd be considered an adult by now."
"Well, maybe to other humans. But not to me."He was silent for a long time, then he turned in his chair and gave me a hard stare.
"How would you rather me treat you?"
My breath caught in my throat and I looked away. "I don't know? Maybe like a friend?"
He seemed stumped by that one. An embarrassed blush rose to his cheeks."You must not forget, I am your mentor."
"How can I forget when you keep reminding me..." I grumbled and resisted the urge to throw the pillow at him.
"I...I apologize." The words seemed to cause him great effort.
"I'm sorry I can't hear you?" I teased.
"Do not play with me young lady," He warned as he came to stand beside me. I made a nasty hand gesture and suddenly I felt myself be lifted from the ground. I screamed in suprise.
"I warned you." Oh no! Not a tickle attack!
I threw my arms around him to keep from falling. I buried my head in his shoulder, enjoying the feeling of his arms around me.
"I forgive you. On the explicit terms that you never, ever do that to me again."
Mr. Crepsley's nodded and set me down inside his coffin. I laughed as he attempted to wrap me in the blanket like a burrito. I laid down in the extremely roomy coffin and tried to relax.
I hadn't figured him out yet, but this was a start. I settled in and tried to make myself comfortable and he went to resume his work.
I watched his nimble hands wipe and polish his flute to gleaming perfection.
"What do you think of Sam?" I yawned and pulled the blanket up to my chin.
"I have not seen much of him," Mr. Crepsley said. "He comes mostly by day. But he seems nice. Very bright."
"He's been helping Evra and me with our chores," I mused aloud, I could feel sleep tugging at the edges of my mind, beckoning me forward into her embrace.
"I know."
"He's a good worker."
"So I have heard." I licked my lips nervously.
"He wants to join the Cirque," I said. Mr. Crepsley's face darkened. "I was going to ask Mr. Tall, but I forgot. I'll ask tomorrow. What do you think he'll say?"
"He will say you have to ask me. Children cannot join the Cirque Du Freak unless an independent member agrees to be their guardian.
"I could be his guardian," I offered. "I already mom that poor boy to death as it is."
The vampire flushed again,"You are not old enough. It would have to be me. I would have to give my permission. But I will not."
"Why?" I asked. "Some girls my age have kids by now. Some of my friends are even getting married Why should this be any different? Why should I be left behind?"
I felt tears fill my eyes for real this time. Would I ever be able to get married? As far as I know I am the only vampire that can have children, but will I ever get the chance?
"What are you saying?" Crepsley slammed fist on the table, "You want a husband, children? A nice house with a white picket fence like your parents? That is not the life of a vampire." He hissed.
"I hate this," I sobbed into the pillow. "I hate this! Why can't I have Sam. I'd be a good mom…" I added softly.
Crepsley let out a heavy sigh,"Because it is a crazy idea," he said. "Besides, he is human. I am stuck with you because of the vampire blood in your veins. Why should I put my neck on the line for a human?"
Ok that hurt. Suddenly all the progress we made before seemed to blow away with the wind.
"I see how you feel," I said shortly. I rolled over and turned my back on him. I added softly. "I'd miss him too much when we leave. Sam's so adventurous and pure. He has no idea how badly the world can chew him up and spit him out." I felt tears in my eyes. "I can't protect him if we are not together. Plus I'd be lonely without him."
Mr. Crepsley snorted. "Madam Octa is company enough." he joked lightly. I could sense his guilt, it practically filled the room.
"That's not the same," I whined.
"Tell me this," Mr. Crepsley mused. "What happens when he finds out you are a vampire? You think he will understand? You think he will sleep easily, knowing his protector would like nothing better than to slit his throat open and drink him dry?"
"I would never!" I gasped.
"I know," Mr. Crepsley agreed. "But I am a vampire. I know what you are really like. So do Mr. Tall, Evra, and the others. But how do you think an ordinary human would see you?"
I sighed unhappily. "You won't let him join?" Mr. Crepsley began to shake his head, then stopped and nodded slowly. I started crying softly to myself, using his blanket to wipe away the tears and snot. Yeah, gross I know. Serves him right.
"Very well," he settled back in his chair. "He can join."
I stared at him, shocked. Even though I'd been arguing on Sam's behalf, I'd never really thought he would let him join. Were my tears really that powerful? Now way…. There had to be a catch.
"Yes," Mr. Crepsley said. "He can join and travel with us and help you and Evra with your jobs. But on one condition." Mr. Crepsley leaned in closer to me and grinned wickedly. "He has to become a half-vampire, too!" he hissed.
"No!" I exclaimed. "How could you even suggest that? I would never submit that little boy to such a horrible existence!"
"That is what I thought," Mr. Crepsley seemed pleased. I closed my eyes sank miserably into a fitful sleep.