Chapter 2
Vampires
Vampires
July 10
It’s been a few months since I saw the unicorn, and my parents announced that we were traveling again. I was very excited. I wondered what new place we would explore next. I was also curious as to what creatures I might find there.
I soon learned that we were going to Lavendora, a small village just east of Egypt. We rode a boat to mainland, and then we took a plane that landed in an airport outside of Lavendora.
“It’s so pretty.” I stated, marveling at the many vibrant colored flowers and sweet scents.
“Yes, it’s a wonderful little village isn’t it.” My dad agreed, hoisting me onto his shoulders. My mom nodded in agreement as well.
July 11
We finally finished exploring the town. My parents told me to stay in the village while they visited some old friends. I decided to follow them any way. I just wanted to see what they were up to.
They went to the edge of the town. Then they followed a path hidden by bushes. We soon reached a small wood house. It looked very old and smelled like rotting wood. My parents quickly sensed that something was wrong, as did I. After a moment, five figures appeared, two on one side of the house and three on the other.
Two of the figures from each side of the house attacked each other. They moved so fast that I could barely see them move as they struggled to fight one anther with seemingly equal strength.
The fifth stood motionless, staring at my unsuspecting parents as they stood frozen side-by-side. “RUN!” I screamed at them from inside my head. Suddenly, the person, who I now realized was a man, sped to my parents in a blur of movement. Then, before they could move, he tore them apart with his bear hands. Blood splattered, reaching all the way to the tree I hid behind. He stood there, smiling wickedly with his pointed teeth, and he licked his blood-covered hands. His clothes, too, were bloodstained and revealed that he had been fighting for a long time.
Then it hit me. My parents were dead! I was all alone in the world. I leaned my back against the tree and slowly sank to the ground. I pulled my legs close to my chest, buried my face in my arms (letting my long brown hair fall around my head), and cried until I fell asleep.
July 12
I awoke when I heard someone whispering. “Are you alive?” asked the obviously male voice. I opened my eyes and nodded. The voice I had heard came from a boy around eighteen years old. He had very pale skin and dirty-blonde hair. I sat up. “Wh-who are you?” I asked the strange boy crouching in front of me, stammering because I was still scared from last night.
“I'm James.” He said standing up and offering me a hand. I took it and he helped me stand up. “What’s your name?” he asked.
“I'm Nicole.” I replied.
“That’s a nice name,” he said and smiled. When he smiled, I scrambled to the other side of the tree. I was scared now. Two of James’ teeth were pointed, resembling those of my parent’s killer. Although, they were other wise nothing alike.
“I expected such a reaction.” James said, laughing, “I would act the same way toward someone of the same race as the one who killed my parents. I was actually there when your parents were killed-”
“Then why didn’t you help them!” I interrupted. I was angry now, but I still stayed be hind the tree. It was the only thing separating me from James.
“I would have prevented their deaths, as I knew them well, but alas I was busy defending my own life, and my brothers…” he looked at the ground. “but unfortunately, my brother was killed in the fight. I do believe, though, that the three rogue vampires are dead as well. Now, I am all alone, as are you. And,” he got down on one knee and looked at me as I peered around the tree, “if you will accept my offer, I vow to protect you with my life.”
I nodded, agreeing that we share the same pain. “I will agree on one condition.” I said. “If you will do what my parents were going to do and take me around the world to see all the my-mithril-” I struggled to say such a large word.
“Mythological creatures?” James asked, completing my sentence.
“Yea, those.” I answered continuing, “Then I’ll go with you,” I finished.
“Deal,” James agreed, “Thank you, Nicole, for giving me a reason to live again.” He offered me a hug. I refused, shaking my head. I trusted him, but not that much.
“And thank you James, for giving me a new friend and someone to live for.” I said, feeling more like a grown-up now.
