School for Vampires

by Quinn Conlan

  Those two little letters cause me big problems. People suddenly demand to know whose name they spell out. I haven’t got a clue what to say. I can’t exactly spill the beans. People try frantically to work it out, going through various students, Backers, Rulers, teachers…none of them quite fit. I just tell everyone I must have a secret admirer and that there’s no time to doubt me. They realize I’m right and return to their own Ball preparations.

  Except for Jason. He rushed into the powder room too, upon hearing my scream. He witnessed the frantic guessing game. He stands there now, leaning against the door with his arms folded. Evidently I have some explaining to do.

  “Is there something you wanna tell me?” he asks. “And Garret?” I can hear hurt in his words, yet still they make me angry.

  “It’s none of your business Jason.”

  “The hell it isn’t! You know, for a sheltered farm girl, you’re sure making up for lost time.”

  “I see you’re back to what you do best.”

  “Oh and what’s that?”

  “Being a self-centered jerk.” There’s a pause. We stare at each other.

  “If I were a self-centered jerk, I wouldn’t give a damn who buys you diamond necklaces.” His voice has softened. He is hurt. And he is right.

  “Jason, I…” There are words I need to say, but I can’t quite get there. No one likes having their unrequited love be the topic of conversation.

  “It’s fine Blake. I get it. You’re with Garret. Or VT, whoever that is.”

  “Jason, it’s not that I don’t…” He cuts me off.

  “…Blake, don’t. You don’t need to do that.”

  “But I mean it Jason, I think you’re such a great guy and I do care about you…”

  “Hey, it’s fine. Really it is. The QB always gets the girl, I know the drill.” I want to console him but I don’t want to prolong the agony. I try to change tack.

  “How did you go with your results? I’d love to hear about it.” Jason stares at me. I can’t work out what his look says, but it slowly dawns on me that telling him I care about him, and think about him, but don’t want to be with him, might constitute a mixed message. There’s a long pause.

  “You have a great night Blake,” he says, before walking off.

  As terrible as I feel, there’s just no time left. The horn has already echoed through Dorms and kids are making their way down to the Commons. I climb into the silver dress, drape the exquisite necklace around my neck, step into a pair of lovely black heels Kate also threw my way, and make for the tunnel.

  It’s the usual chaotic scene down by the trains. The first one limps towards the tunnel as I arrive. Everyone looks terrific. All the girls have gone to great trouble with themselves. I’m so happy we all have the chance for a fun, teenager’s night out. I look around for Garret. Kit and Abner rush me. Kit seems genuinely amazed at how I look. She makes me do a twirl. I don’t object. I do feel amazing. The necklace catches the candlelight and a fair bit of attention. I just tell people it was a gift and hope that suffices. Kit presses for more details, and I tell her she can hear all about it later in the night. Abner leans in and informs me that most diamonds are over three billion years old. Good old Abner.

  Everyone is jubilant about the night ahead. There are hoots and cheers and lots of laughter, as one by one the trains take off. The Glint has kicked in nicely and taken away my rabid hunger. I feel terrific. I keep looking around for Garret. I also have the odd glance for Jason. There’s no sign of either of them. I’m herded down to the edge of the train platform. Suddenly, I can hear Garret’s voice from behind me. I turn around, and I can see his head further back in the crowd. “Blake! I’m sorry, I couldn’t work out my bow tie.” I’m pushed onto the train, which fills in no time.

  “I’ll see you at school!” I yell, before disappearing into the tunnel.

  Horror descends. The tunnel! The filth! The dress! I can’t believe I didn’t think of it. My school uniform has copped some pretty decent attention lately from the falling globs of god knows what. I can’t bear the thought of my night being ruined. I look around and see that most kids are coupled for the night, and the guys are covering their partners with their jackets. Damn Garret’s stubborn bow tie!

  As we rattle onwards, I look up towards the tunnel roof. I can’t see a thing, but I look all the same. So far so good. At one point, I almost lose my balance, and when I look down, I suddenly see Jason, weaving through the crowd. He’s looking straight at me. He’s the only guy not in a suit, opting for his usual battered old leather jacket. Naturally. He comes up to me and I see there’s something in his hand. It’s an umbrella. He unfurls it and places it directly over me.

  For a while, we don’t speak. Neither of us needs to. His gesture is gorgeous. Thoughtful. It occurs to me that he must have approached Carter and traded a Glint for it. I’m so grateful to him. As the journey nears its end, I simply turn and say one, heartfelt word. “Thank you.” He stares at me, offers up the tiniest smile, but no words.

  When we reach the Square and disembark, Jason walks off to be with his mates. I look at my dress and there’s not a spot on it. We stand and wait for the remaining trains, and it isn’t until the final one rolls our way that I see Garret. By now, the throng of dolled up students is ecstatic with anticipation. As soon as the final student disembarks, we’re on the move. I’m unable to get to Garret, so I’ll have to wait til we’re inside. The throng bursts through the school door and continues straight down the corridor towards the gym. We’ve picked up so much energy, nothing can stop us now. In no time, we explode into the gym and I get a taste of my first Backers Day Ball.

  The teachers have gone to great lengths. The gym is unrecognizable. Streamers and bunting cover the walls and hang down from the roof. Balloons are all around. Two enormous, ancient chandeliers dangle in the air, carrying scores of candles. There’s a table with a huge punch bowl, and at one end of the floor, a live band awaits. It’s acoustic, but there are drums, guitars and what turns out to be a belting lead singer.

  Kids fan out in all directions. I turn around and am finally reunited with Garret. It’s his first sight of me in my Ball attire. He stops dead in his tracks and takes me in. I can’t help but feel thrilled. He slowly approaches me and we kiss. “Blake,” he says, in such a lovely, genuine voice, “you look…beyond amazing.”

  “You’re not too shabby yourself,” I reply. He looks splendid in a black suit. Although his bowtie needs a little work.

  The music fires up and catches us all off guard. It’s been weeks since we’ve heard a note. They launch into a cracking rock song and in no time at all, the whole gym is heaving.

  It’s a joy to dance. Garret and I throw ourselves into it with abandon. I look across and see Kit and Abner doing much the same. I see all the Luthers kids, partnered and giddy under the chandeliered light. I see Lily smiling on the sidelines. I see Miss Montgomery ever so slightly bopping along, as if her body is in a tug of war with her mind. I have a sudden hope that by night’s end, she’ll be queen of the dance floor and her woolen shawl will be draping from the chandelier.

  I see the cheerleaders. They too are lost in the moment. Their faces are filled with joy as they jump around the dance floor. I see Jason’s cronies, hovering by the punch table. When one of them moves, I see Jason emptying a hip flask into the punch bowl. Seems he’s been doing quite a bit of Glint trading!

  I smile. For a moment, one brief shining moment, everything is right with the world. Under the world. The band segues into a beautiful, slow ballad, and I draw in close to Garret. We take each other’s hands and slowly move around the floor. It’s then that he takes in my necklace. “Whoa! Where did that come from?” I hesitate. It’s white lying time.

  “Kate,” I say. “It came with the dress.”

  “That girl must have some serious Backer love,” says Garret. He looks at my wrist and sees that it’s bare. “Hey, where’s the bracelet I gave you? I mean, I know it’s not made of diamond
s but…”

  “I don’t wear it because I couldn’t bear to lose it. I keep it safe.” Garret seems fine hearing this, but I realize the truth is, I just forgot to put it on.

  The talk of Kate suddenly reminds me of her slightly strange disappearance earlier. I hope she was able to make her own way back to Dorms to get ready for the Ball. Then again, I don’t think it’s a common occurrence that the train will run for just one of us. Maybe she just came straight from the Backers Day? I curse myself for not thinking of bringing her a dress.

  I look around the gym but still can’t see her. My worry returns. I tell Garret I have to go the bathroom. I do a quick scan of the gym on my way, but I can’t see Kate anywhere. I walk past Jason, who is now standing on the edge of the dance floor, holding a large cup of self-spiked punch. I give him a knowing grin. He looks down at the floor.

  As I weave through the crowd, it occurs to me that Kate might actually be in the bathroom. I make my way there and as I enter, it isn’t Kate I find, but three dolled up cheerleaders.

  They’re fixing each other’s make up. When they see me, I cop a wall of greasies. “Girls, would you excuse us for a minute?” asks Crystal of her sidekicks. They get up and strut past me, looking me up and down disapprovingly as they go. No one can touch me tonight. I know this dress is a knock out.

  Crystal stares at me. “You could use a little lipstick,” she says, holding it out. I wonder for a moment if it’s laced with holy water, but decide to take a punt. I sit down opposite her and she slowly adds some red to my lips. “You look amazing Blake,” she says. I’m shocked to realize she means it. Maybe the gloves are back on.

  “Thanks,” I say. “You too.” She’s wearing a revealing dress that certainly plays to her strengths.

  “I know,” she says. You can’t fault her on confidence.

  “Hey Crystal, have you seen Kate?”

  “Who?” And here I was thinking everyone knew Kate.

  “Never mind,” I say. Crystal tells me to stop talking so she can finish my lips.

  “Blake, I just want to say that it’s early days here at Alurian. I’m happy for you and Garret, really I am. But just be aware that it’s early days.” Uh-oh, she’s going cryptic. I’m still barred from talking, as Crystal continues wielding the lipstick. “I mean, I’ve heard rumors…stories about other guys. You know how awful gossip can be. For example, I heard about a mystery man with deep pockets.” She glances down at my necklace. She’s fast, I’ll give her that. “And I guess I’ve heard other rumors, about a certain bad boy…I’m sure it’s all just idle gossip. But Blake, I’d hate to see Garret get hurt.” Oh boy. “There’s a certain, silent bond between football players and cheerleaders. You wouldn’t understand but we sort of look out for each other.”

  I don’t want to start a war with Crystal, not tonight. I understand exactly what she’s threatening, and I almost feel sorry for her. When she’s finally done with my lips, I tell her I think we should all have a good night and that we’ve all earned it. Before she can continue dragging me down to her wretched little rat hole, I thank her for the lipstick and make a quick exit.

  I search for Garret. On my way I see a few kids slightly slurring their words and I know that Jason’s work here is done. I can’t help but smile. A couple of kids I pass stare at me, and when one asks, “where’s the circus?” I know instantly that Crystal was a little too generous with her lipstick. I’ve already decided that nothing can ruin this night, so I laugh it off and go find Garret.

  “Oh I’m sorry, I’m at the wrong venue. I didn’t realize this was the clown convention,” he says, as soon as I’m back by his side.

  “You didn’t get the memo?”

  “Seriously though Blake, what the hell happened in that bathroom?” One word should say it all.

  “Crystal,” I say. Garret nods knowingly. “Hey, you haven’t seen Kate anywhere have you?” I ask. Garret doesn’t know Kate personally, but I’m sure he’s heard plenty about her.

  “No I haven’t. Why, you scared she wants the bling back?” I smile. I decide it’s time to drop all my concerns, including that I currently resemble a circus clown, and just dance.

  The night flies by. Miss Montgomery eventually cottons on that the punch has been given a little assistance. One too many slurring students I guess. Or maybe it was Travis doing a nude stage dive. She confiscates the remainder, but it was down to the dregs anyway. The only strange thing about the night, aside from discovering that Travis has a birthmark on his butt in the shape of Australia, is Kate’s absence. It just doesn’t make sense. I have periods where I forget all about it, but eventually my mind always returns to it. When I decide to go ask Lily if she knows anything, the music abruptly stops and Mr Foggarty takes to the stage. From the looks of things, I’d say he’s sampled Jason’s punch. He sways a little. He sweats a lot. I shudder, thinking about what effect booze will have on his already overly-jolly demeanour.

  However, when he speaks, it isn’t super-charged jolliness that I hear. It’s something closer to fear. “Children, I’m afraid our night has come to a close.” Groans ripple through the gym. Garret and I exchange a brief look, and I know that he too is surprised by Mr Foggarty’s tone. “I trust you all had a…a magical evening. You deserve it. The Backers told me…they told me they were most pleased with you. All of you.” Jolly old Saint Nick has lost his mojo. The guy’s a nervous wreck. “On a side note, I will deal with whoever felt the need to alter Miss Montgomery’s fruit punch when school resumes.” In honor of the term ending, they’ve been gracious enough to grant us a five-day break. Never mind that two of those days fall across the weekend. “And so, if you’d all like to make your way back to Dorms…you know the drill…I…I’ll say goodnight to you all now.” He trails off and stares at the ground. I doubt anyone here has seen this side to Mr Foggarty. It’s a shock. However, the familiar horn blows from its usual unknown source, and we all make our way to the reception room.

  For the second time tonight, the head count doesn’t happen. Blame Jason. Several drunken, jubilant students unbolt the front door and take off into the Square. The rest of us file out to the sounds of Travis yelling “nudie run.” That kid’s on a roll. Most of us make our way to the train platform, and a handful take five Helpers and go and round up the drunken strays. Thankfully, they’re all accounted for. Thankfully, Travis is forced back into his suit.

  On the train heading home, I lean against Garret and reflect on a long, strange, up and down night. The candle bomb, the Backers and their posses, Kate’s star turn. My terrific results. The necklace from Vincent. Jason and his umbrella. Dancing with Garret. He takes his jacket off and drapes it over my shoulders. He puts his arm around me and kisses my left cheek. Then he puts his lips to my ear and says, “I love you.”

  The very next sound I hear is a horrendous screeching of metal on metal. It explodes through the tunnel. I’ve heard it once before, when Crystal and I fell off the train. It comes from up ahead and it causes everyone on my train to abruptly cover their ears. Our drivers know that it means another train has braked suddenly, and they decide to slowly bring our train to a stop. As we glide further through the tunnel, I can hear chatter from up ahead. Frantic chatter. Then, there is nothing except a scream so loud and true, it chills my blood.

  Our train finally comes to a standstill, and immediately, the entire carriage jumps onto the tracks and races forward. The drivers take out their little blue torches, ready to deter any tunnel dwellers. As I run along the darkened tracks, I’m taken back to that fateful first night, galloping across the sleepers with Cora by my side, lost in terror. As we get closer to the halted train ahead, I hear people crying. Sobbing. Then I see the blue light the drivers have turned on. I don’t know what to expect, but I assume it’s got something to do with the tunnel dwellers. As we descend on this frightening scene, I follow where the light is being shone, and look down beside the train track. There, lying naked and motionless is Kate. I push my way forward, past the on
lookers and the kids already lost in their tears. I lean down close to the body and touch it. It’s stone cold. The skin is a horrible dark grey. I gently pull Kate’s shoulder towards me, to see her face. Kids behind me scream in horror. Her face has sunk in on itself. It’s dark grey and devoid of life. I see two bite marks on her neck. Someone behind me says, “she’s been murdered.” But it isn’t the time for words. Or screams. Or tears. It’s the time to gently lift Kate’s body, let it fall in my lap, and wrap my arms tightly around it.

  Chapter Nineteen

  The old fables say that when a vampire dies, their kin grieves for them like a wolf that’s lost her cub. The grief is said to come from the deepest place, under all the other places, below anger and pride and lust. I don’t know if something of that grief got lost over the centuries. If war and politics, rules and obligations, watered it down. I do know that here in the Underground, I feel an ache inside like no other I’ve known. It’s a silent river of sorrow, which wants no part in talk or touch. It asks not to be mapped, or even seen. It wants no onlookers on its banks. It wants only to be allowed to flow.

  Silence fills the Dorms. In the hours and days immediately following the discovery, kids sit and stare, wordless, hearts bruised and broken open. No one talks. It just doesn’t feel right. Occasionally, we make eye contact, but only fleetingly. The Luthers dorm is left as it was the night of the Ball. The Dispensary remains ransacked. Some people don’t even change from their Ball outfits. For days. It’s a time before words, and before anger. Those things will come.