Chapter 6
A few minutes later, they arrived at a restaurant and Thierry escorted her inside. Hannah looked around. It was a quaint little restaurant with low lighting and memorabilia of the 60's era all over the walls. The waiter escorted them to a table in the corner as soon as Thierry told him his name. "Thierry, sometimes I think you are way too generous with your money," said Hannah, as they ate.
"I like doing things for you now that I have finally found you," said Thierry, shrugging not the least bit apologetic.
Hannah did not respond for more then a minute as she ate her food, "Thierry, you don't have to keep treating me to dinner and buying me all these expensive presents. There are people in the world far less fortunate then us."
"That is true Hannah, but as I said I like spending money on you. Besides I give to worthy charities quite frequently," said Thierry. Hannah just shook her head, she supposed she was going have to get used to all these presents from him. After dinner, Thierry escorted her to the door of her dorm building, kissing her hand lightly. There they parted for the night and each of them would have to deal with the other's absence for weeks at a time.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
A few weeks later
Hannah had finally gotten settled in, and she was going up to visit Thierry this weekend. She hadn't seen him in almost a month, but she also missed Lupe and the others. She was about an hour from his house when her car made a weird sound and stopped. Oh no, why does this have to happen to me, thought Hannah, as she tried to get her car started. Finally, she got out and opened the hood, as she did steam came out and made her jump back. She waited until the steam had dispersed before seeing what was wrong. She looked under the hood to see a bomb ticking away and it looked just about ready to explode. Hannah gasped in shock grabbed her purse and everything else of value and ran towards the grass on the other side of the rode. Just; as she reached it an explosion ripped the car apart behind her and was loud enough to cause several of the cars to speed up to get out of the way before the shrapnel could hit them.
Hannah felt the heat and the force of the explosion as she dove for the grass and her first thought was, Great a brand new pair of jeans ruined, and her second thought was—this is getting ridiculous first the shooting in Thierry's own home then the museum shooting and now this. Does somebody have a vendetta against me or what? And now she didn't even have a car how was she ever going to get back to college now?"
She got her cellular-phone out of her purse which she had managed to grab from the car seat and dialed Thierry's number. After 2 rings somebody answered, "Hello?" someone answered.
"Lupe, is that you?" asked Hannah.
"Hannah, what's wrong? You should have been here half an hour ago. Thierry's beginning to get worried," said Lupe. Worry was an understatement. Thierry had been pacing for at least the last hour.
"My car just exploded somebody planted a bomb. Tell Thierry I might be a little longer," said Hannah.
"You found what?" Lupe practically yelled. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, my car broke down just before and when I looked under the hood I saw the bomb and I ran. There's not much left of my car though."
"Where are you? I'll send someone to come and get you," said Lupe.
"I'm about an hour or so from there sitting in the grass away from the car," said Hannah.
"All right, I'll have someone there as soon as possible," said Lupe. When Lupe got off the phone it was to find Thierry standing behind her. "Her car broke just exploded."
"It what?" exclaimed Thierry in anger. "Is she okay?"
"She's fine, she said her car stalled just before and when she looked under the hood she saw the bomb and ran. Her car was totaled she needs someone to pick her up.
Thierry nodded relieved to know she was okay.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
An hour later
A nice red convertible pulled up beside Hannah's ford and Thierry got out. "Thierry, I'm so glad to see you. I was beginning to think I'd be sitting here all day," said Hannah, as she hugged him. He hugged her back and kissed her on the lips glad to know she was alive.
"You didn't think I'd leave you out here to roast did you?" asked Thierry, jokingly, still shaken by what had nearly happened.
"Well no, but in this heat, it seemed like it took you forever," said Hannah.
"Let's go," said Thierry, gesturing towards his convertible. Hannah got in the car and buckled her seat belt. "Hannah did you ever think someone might be trying to kill you?"
"That though has crossed my mind a time or two" Hannah admitted. "Although who; would want to kill me is beyond me. I didn't think I had an enemy in the world who hated me enough to want to see me dead."
"Looks like you do now," said Thierry. "From now on you're going to have to be extra careful. Check under the car hood before you put it in drive and so forth—although I doubt whoever is trying to kill you will try the same method twice."
"What about my car?" Hannah asked.
"Don't worry. It is being taken care of," said Thierry, mysteriously.
Hannah was not sure how to respond to that tone of voice, but she had a feeling Thierry had gone and done something drastic, but of course in this case it might be necessary for her car hadn't only broken down it was totaled.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
An hour later when Thierry and Hannah got back to the mansion, Lupe was outside to, great them. "That thing you wanted is here," Lupe whispered, in Thierry's ear as they walked by. Thierry gave a barely noticeable nod and led Hannah inside.
"Hannah, I have something for you," said Thierry, a few minutes later as they sat in the small den cooling off. They both had cold cokes in their hands and sat as close together as they could possibly get without sitting in each other's laps.
"What did you do this time? Buy me a car?" asked Hannah, jokingly. When Thierry grinned, Hannah looked at him. "I was just joking, Thierry."
Instead of responding, Thierry led her out the back door. When Hannah got outside, she gasped. Sitting in Thierry's backyard was a brand new navy blue convertible. Hannah walked slowly over to the car and opened the door, which was unlocked. She slipped inside slowly and sat on the white leather seats. "It's beautiful. I've always wanted a convertible," said Hannah.
"So you like it?" asked Thierry.
"Yes, Thierry I love it," said Hannah. "Especially; since I don't seem to have a car anymore since someone blew mine up."
"I've always been afraid something would happen when you were driving around in that old ford of yours and you wouldn't have your cellular-phone," said Thierry making a face. "And now you're car is totaled and you have to have someway to get around when you go back to college. Besides, this one has been installed with a state of the art alarm system that only you or I can deactivate." Hannah laughed at his expression and slowly got out of her new car to come kiss Thierry on the lips. He responded instantly to the kiss until they broke apart a minute later.
"Well if that's how you are going to respond to all my presents, I might just have to give you gifts every time I see you," said Thierry.
"Thierry, don't you dare. You've given me so much already. All I want is to have you by my side and to graduate, college," said Hannah.
That first weekend with Thierry was like a dream come true, and all too soon, she had to, go back for she had classes in the morning. Hannah drove back to college in her new car and Thierry waved good-bye until she disappeared down the road.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
A vampire with red hair sat in a chair facing a fire thinking angry thoughts when the door burst inward and crashed to the floor.
The vampire rose swiftly to find himself surrounded by at least half a dozen people both Night Worlders and humans.
"And what do you and these misfits Thierry?" Hunter Redfern snarled for that was who it was. "And by the way you owe me a new door." The Daybreakers formed a semicircle around Hunter as he spoke.
"What you can do for me—" Thierry told him ignoring the comment about the door. "Is too; stop trying to kill Hannah."
"And what makes you think it's me?" asked Hunter with an evil smile. "You have no proof."
"I know it's you Hunter I've done some checking and only you have the resources and also you are the only one who has enough money and you are the only one who wants her dead."
"And why not? Maya is dead thanks to her," said Hunter.
"I might point out that if Maya hadn't had such a vendetta against Hannah or the reincarnations of her she would more then likely still be alive," said Ash.
"Well, if it isn't my former so many times great grandson Ash. You abandoned the enclave and the honor of the Redfern name for this bunch of misfits?"
"What honor?" Ash practically spat. "I think you are the one to bring dishonor upon the name not me."
"Are you going to do as we ask?" asked Thierry.
"Why should I?" asked Hunter.
"Because," said Thierry. "If you do not I will have Rashel here put a wooden knife in you and end your life for good and if you even think about breaking your word Rashel and everybody else will hunt you down. You might get a few of us but never all of us."
"And what can a mere human do?" asked Hunter with contempt. "After all she escaped me once she will not do so again."
"I think not," said Rashel, speaking for the first time. "I learned a lot since we least met Hunter and if I die I guarantee I'm taking you with me. They don't call me 'the cat' for nothing you know. I've killed more bad vampires then anyone else and I'll do the same to you. Thanks to you my little brother is stuck as a four year old forever." Rashel was throwing her wooden knife from hand to hand as she spoke. Her look said try me I dare you. And in those eyes Hunter saw his doom if he didn't cooperate. She would kill him even if it meant her own death. She would kill him without a single regret, because of what he had done to her mother and little brother. He would forget about vengeance—for now.
Hunter gave in with a growl. Thierry had a lot more resources at his disposal then he did. "All right I promise."
"Good remember what will happen if you break it. And believe me, I'll know." Thierry then turned and left leaving the door on the floor where it had been busted open.
Chapter 7
6 years later
It was a beautiful sunny day. And why shouldn't it be? Hannah thought. It was the day before her graduation. She had just heard from Thierry and he was coming up today to see her and stay for her graduation. She was so excited she hadn't seen Thierry in over a month. He had been busy with business she had to study for finals.
She got her cap and gown out and folded it neatly then laid it on a chair. Just as she stood up there came a knock on her door. Hannah opened it and there stood Thierry. Hannah flung herself into his arms and hugged him tightly Thierry hugged her back and kissed her soft hair.
Hannah pulled him inside and closed the door, "What are you doing here? I thought you weren't coming up till tonight."
"I decided to come up a bit earlier, but I'll leave if you wish," said Thierry, giving her his saddest puppy face.
"No, no, I'm always happy to see you, you know that," said Hannah.
"Why don't we go for a walk?" suggested Thierry. Hannah nodded and; arm in arm they left the room.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
They went outside and entered some trees. They walked slowly Thierry's arm around Hannah's back. "You know, I remember when all this was forest. I even knew the guy who built the original college. He used to wander the grounds a lot in his later years, until he died," said Thierry, his voice tinged with sadness for all the people he had known and lost over the years.
They held each other tightly as they walked. "Does your mom know we are in love?" asked Thierry.
"I think; she kind of suspects. The only reason she let me come see you that first time was that I told her that I thought we were soulmates and surprisingly enough she understood," said Hannah.
"What did she say when you only got a partial scholarship and the money arrived at the college to pay for the rest of it?" asked Thierry, playfully.
"She was . . . curious. I told her that a mysterious benefactor had sent it . . . Thierry, you didn't have to fund my college education," said Hannah. "Now I think she suspects who sent the money, but will say nothing."
Thierry kissed her, "I wanted to, you're my soulmate and I want to take care of you." Thierry smiled. "Besides I have something to tell you. How would you like to go on a trip?"
"Where?" asked Hannah.
"How; about Gay Paree?" replied Thierry.
"Paris!" exclaimed Hannah.
"Yep," said Thierry smiling at her excitement.
"Oh Thierry!" exclaimed Hannah happily flinging her arms around his neck. Suddenly she let him go, "What about my mom?"
"Don't worry, we could invite her along—" Thierry suggested, only half seriously.
"Thierry, she's never even met you. You're almost a complete stranger to her and she would never leave me alone with you. The only reason she let me come up that first time is there was a house full of people not just the two of us.
"Hannah, as I said don't, worry. I can be very charming . . . but you must never tell her I'm a vampire," said Thierry.
"All right, I don't think she'd understand anyway or even believe me," said Hannah and Thierry kissed her passionately; then they headed back to her dorm room.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
Graduation day came and Hannah's stomach was full of nervous knots. Finally she would get her degree in paleontology. She had just finished getting dressed in a summer dress with matching shoes when there was a knock at her door. She quickly pulled her gown and cap on then answered the door. She opened it and there stood Thierry, with a bouquet of a dozen white roses. "Oh Thierry!" exclaimed Hannah, as she took the roses, smelling them and then she kissed him gently.
A gentle cough interrupted their passionate interlude. Hannah and Thierry turned and saw Hannah's mom and best friend standing behind Thierry. "Oh... hi, mom...Chess," said Hannah sheepishly. Chess was grinning from ear to ear for she knew about their relationship.
"Hello, Hannah . . . hello Thierry, nice to finally meet you," said her mom, shaking his hand.
"Uh mom . . . how did you know this was Thierry?" asked Hannah.
"Oh, he met us outside and you describe him very well," said her mom.
"Mom, Chess could you please come inside, so I don't let the other students know my, business?" asked Hannah. They all came inside and Hannah closed the door.
For the next few minutes, her mom helped her fix her hair and pin on her cap so it stayed on while Chess and Thierry talked.
"He seems like such a nice young man," said Diana Snow. "I'm glad I taught you to be a good judge of character."
"Yeah, he is nice and very sweet," said Hannah.
"Well you're ready," said Mrs. Snow a moment later. "Shall we head to the graduation?"
"Yeah let's," said Hannah, leading the way out the door closing it behind her.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
Graduation was long and tedious, but Hannah was happy and a little bit scared now that it was over. She took pictures with her mom Chess and Thierry through she did worry if Thierry would show up on film since he was a vampire.
After the pictures Mrs. Snow and Chess took Hannah and Thierry out to dinner. As they were eating, Thierry spoke. "Mrs. Snow, there's something I need to ask you."
Diana Snow looked up, "Yes?" she asked.
"I want to take Hannah on a little trip to Paris as a graduation present," Thierry said.
"Paris isn't that expensive?" asked her mom.
"Don't worry I'm sure Hannah has told you I'm rich. My uncle died and left me his fortune," he quickly explained.
"So, can I go?" asked Hannah in hope.
"Honey. . ." Diana Snow began.
"Please!" Hannah begged.
"Oh, all right. Thierry seems like a nice boy, but only as long as you give me the phone number and the address, of where you are staying," said Diana Snow. Thierry and Hannah tried not to laugh at Thierry being called a boy after all she didn't know he was a few thousand years old.
"O.K.," Hannah and Thierry agreed.
"Where are we going to be staying?" asked Hannah.
"La Chateau de Rose or The House of the Rose. It's a little place that's been in my family for years," said Thierry.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
Thierry, Hannah and her mom helped pack up all her stuff in her dorm room and Thierry rented a moving van. He had all her stuff taken to his place in Vegas for storage. Then the next day, Thierry got their plane tickets and Hannah a passport. With Thierry's influence the passport was ready in 24 hours. That same day they boarded a plane for Paris. Thierry loaded all they're luggage into the trunk of his limo and then they were off. Nilsson, Thierry's personal chauffeur, took them all the way to the airport.
Hannah and Thierry held hands all the way until finally they reached the airport. Both of them went through customs and showed the customs officials their passports. Then they boarded the plane.
Hours later they landed in Paris, but they barely noticed the time for they were involved in each other. It seemed even after seven years they never ran out of things to talk about, for he was her playmate her best friend and nothing would ever drive them apart again. They left their plane, handed their passports to the Paris officials, got their bags and he got a cab to take them to their hotel. Thierry had only gotten one room, but Hannah hadn't told her mom for she would have freaked.
Hannah's mom didn't realize how much he and Hannah were in love. They were soulmates being soulmates meant being apart could be pure torture.
When they got to the room and Thierry unlocked the door, Hannah gasped in surprise. Everything in the room was done in roses. It was an old room, Hannah noticed. And the ceilings were so tall that the tallest person would need a ladder to reach the elegant rose shaped light fixtures. The wallpaper had fully bloomed red roses on it and the bed had a rose colored coverlet. The quilt on the bed had yellow roses sewn into it and the furniture had blooming roses worked into the oak wood. The carpet was rose color and the border of the carpet was stitched with multi-colored roses. The curtains were white with red roses on them.
"Do you like it my dear?" asked Thierry.
"Thierry it's beautiful, it's amazing. I've never seen so many roses in one place before," gasped Hannah, still slightly stunned.
"I'm glad you like it my dear. Why do you think it is called the House of the Rose?"
Hannah just shook her head, still amazed at the room. Thierry smiled secretly to himself pleased that she liked it. Thierry closed the door as Hannah moved to enter the beautiful room.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~