I knew it. Knew she would come. They all do; apparently we rebelled and now its gospel that we welcome a new inmate. Very rare though in Morganville, does someone new come. The university, a town in itself welcomes hundreds but hardly none know- they struggle through two year then depart our town for bigger, better, more popular places without knowing that (at the parties they crave) they have rubbed shoulder with real-life vampires.
You could tell most and they wouldn't believe you; they'd laugh and think you need help- but to not believe here is to come within an inch of death. Literally.
"Please, answer the door; if you don't want me to have the room, fine. Please, I need to ask you guys something." Shane walks to the door, normally Michael in the rear but today we're alone. The dead-bolts unhook with loud thuds; as he eases open the door, the girl I met comes into view- still totally innocent and far, far too pretty to be running in the town of vamps.
"Thank you! I know it's weird but well who else is there? I need to know what's going on; something doesn't feel right." So she has the feeling too; the sinking into wet sand; where for a minute it's just a normal dusty Texas town, the next its hell. Shane's look says it all, this ain't right. A girl like her shouldn't be in a town like this; but it doesn't look like anything is going to save her soon.
"Ok listen kid" Shane's voice holds with it no sympathy, its deep and honest- it's really perfect for this situation, "its Morganville, you know the drill; right?" an almost robot nod of her head makes me realise: realise she knows well.
Before I even think, my lips seem to form words. " Emily, its vampires don't wander. The glass house is safe. We have safety in numbers here, one room is all we have. A hundred dollars a month, you buy groceries once a week and see Michael; it's his. He gets last say. Shane?"
"And don't meddle in our business. The glass house can be your home but bring anything unwanted to our door and you're out- one chance- understand?" Again she nods, this girl… seriously something isn't right. "Saying this he might say no, it's Michael, he likes his home."
Then we just stand in silence; the minutes drag on and on. I don't know whether it's because I'm nervous but me and Shane early seems like a lifetime ago. The sun dips in the horizon; the burnt orange finally losing the battle to night; when the rattle of the key in the lock rings in the house.
"Eve, they're in the house!" Her high pitched giggles make the atmosphere even more cutting.
"Em guys, have you got a sec?"
"Sure thing Claire Bear, what's up?"
But I can't even finish my sentence, without Michael's outburst.
"Louise what the hell are you doing here?"
"Now wait Louise? I thought it was Emily!" Shane's pissed- brilliant.
Why can I tell this is going to be a long night?