Astoria: Secrets, Lies and Vampires

by Theiler, Donna

  “I love you.” He whispered back. “I promise I will make you safe again.” He said as he leaned into me and kissed me again. I matched his kiss, for a moment forgetting Destiny even existed. “C’mon we better get inside.” Evan said. As we began to walk into the school he opened the door for me but before I walked in he stopped me, touching my arm and pulling me over to the side. He looked as though he had a question he wanted to ask. Almost as though he had forgotten to mention it or as though he didn’t want to as he began to speak again. “Oh, you know spring break is next week, and I don’t really want to be away from you that long with all this that is going on, could you see if your Grandmother would let you stay at Samantha’s house for the week?” he ask as if he had rehearsed it for hours.

  “Um, I don’t think I would be very safe there, do you?”

  “I just want you to get permission from your Grandmother to stay at her house. You will actually be staying at mine the whole week.” He said very seriously. I looked at Evan confused. How would I ever pull that off? Gran would want to speak with Sami’s parents and she would call to check up on me to make sure I am there.

  “Evan my Grandmother will want to speak with Sami’s parents.” I replied.

  “Then we will make sure she talks to “Samantha’s parents”. He said using air quotes as he said Samantha’s parents. I was starting to get an uneasy feeling about this. “Just come home with me after school today and I’ll explain. Trust me” He said as he kissed my forehead and led me into the school. Usually when someone says “Trust me” it never turns out good.

  As we entered the school we ran into Sami as she was near her locker. She was leaning in getting her books as Evan and I walked up. “Hello Samantha, how are you?” Evan said ever so politely. I loved how he always used her full name and not just Sami like everyone else.

  “Hey Evan…Hi Emma.” Sami said as she turned and shut her locker. She seemed very happy, although Sami was normally happy, but today she seemed even more excited than normal.

  “You seem to be in a good mood today.” I said as we walked towards our classroom.

  “I am, only one more day and my family and I are off to Hawaii for the week.” She said as her eyes danced. I looked over to Evan at my side. He looked at me with a smile and winked. I got close by Evan and whispered to him. “How did you know?” he never replied, only smiled and grabbed my hand in his and squeezed. I had to admit, the cool touch of his hand felt nice. I know things are far from over with Destiny trying to kill me, but at least Evan is talking to me now and not closed off like he was yesterday.

  Lunch was the same as yesterday, Evan’s siblings sitting at the same table as me and my friends. It didn’t seem to bother Sami or Amy, but I could tell Collin and Brady were getting annoyed now, and I didn’t know why. And then I noticed every time Amy would gush over Cameron every time he spoke, Brady would roll his eyes. It was apparent that Brady was annoyed that he wasn’t the center of Amy’s attention anymore, and that he was bothered by the Blake’s presents at the table. I hoped that it didn’t cause any problems until we could resolve The Destiny issue. And then I wondered what would my friend’s think as soon as we resolve The Destiny issue and the Blake’s stopped sitting with us? I couldn’t worry about any of that at the moment. My only focus now was making it through this situation alive so I could live my new life with Evan. After lunch was over the rest of the school day went by pretty fast, when gym class was over Evan was waiting for me by the locker room doors. We went to my locker so I could get my books so I could try to get some homework done that I was behind on. Sami was standing by hers and I wanted to confirm her trip details she had mentioned earlier, I wanted to know what her plans were. “Hey Sami, so you excited for your trip huh?” I asked as Evan was flanked beside me. He chuckled as I asked, since he must have known her plans for awhile now.

  “Oh my God, I am. I can’t wait to get some sun on my face.” She said as her face lit up. “This place is such a hell hole.” As she said the words she looked around to make sure no teachers were listening. Evan giggled as he put his hand on the small of my back. His hand was like electricity going through my body. The feel of his cool hand made me forget for a few seconds that I was being hunted down like an animal, trying to be on the menu for a thirsty Vampire’s dinner.

  “I hope you have fun. So, when are you leaving and coming back?” I asked as discreetly as possible.

  “We leave Friday morning and we get back late Sunday before school starts back.” She said as she shut her locker and began to walk to the front doors with us. Evan gave me a look as if to say ‘I told you so’ and we continued to walk outside. “I will see you tomorrow guys!” Sami said as she walked in the direction of her school bus and waved goodbye to us. I just gave Evan a look and he smiled at me. I had to admit I was impressed he knew she had vacation plans, but at the same time it freaked me out.

  “I told you.” Was all Evan said as he led me down the stairs and to my car. Evan’s sister Payton and Everett was standing next to it and Cameron was next to his own. “Payton you and Cameron will ride with Emma and me and Everett you take Cameron’s car.” Evan barked orders at his siblings. None of them disagreed as they all got in to whatever car was assigned to them. I rode in the backseat this time with Payton, Evan said just in case they needed to get out in a hurry it was the safest. I kept watch at Everett as he followed closely behind us as we made our way to The Blake’s home. I watched Evan’s eyes in the rear view mirror keeping watch of his surroundings. Making sure no one was following us. He would watch not only behind us, but also alongside the road and in the forest and up high in the trees. I had forgotten that Vampire’s could not only climb, but jump really high. So once I remembered I started looking high up in the trees, once Cameron noticed what I was doing I heard a little chuckle come from the front seat. I could feel the heat flush in my face, and I am sure it was beet red. But I still kept my gaze up high in the trees. Beside it was my life on the line, not his. Payton reached over and patted my hand for comfort. I still kept my eyes to the trees. I wanted to do my part and help do whatever I could to keep watch for any signs for Destiny, even though I didn’t know what she looked liked. It wouldn’t be that hard to notice a woman flying high in the trees. When we made it to Evan’s house Evan and Cameron got out first, Evan stood beside the car. “Stay inside while Cameron checks the grounds.” He said as he shut the car door. Still standing guard outside of the car. I felt like I was the President of the United States and my security detail was protecting me from being assassinated. I rolled my eyes as I sat in the backseat. And then I saw Evan’s mother and father come to the front door. Opening it they both walked out into the opening of the doorway.

  “Evan, it’s okay. We have been keeping check. It’s safe.” Neville yelled from the front door. Evan opening the car door for me, still looking around cautiously, he took my hand and helped me out of the backseat. I climbed out and stood, stretching I still kept my eyes to the trees. Now it’s just out of habit, it didn’t occur to me that she could be like Evan or any of the other Blake’s and that she would just walk on the ground level. I just assumed she would just come flying out of the forest through the trees and exact her revenge on me for stealing her now ex boyfriend. Neville was now walking over towards me. It still amazed me how beautiful he was, just like Evan. “Emma, sweetheart. Please don’t worry.” Now he has his hand in mine. It’s cold. Very cold, almost like he had placed his hands in a cold freezer for hours. A chill ran down my spine. “We will find her. We will not let anything happen to you.” He said as he removed his hand from mine. I tried to give a small smile. But my smile fell flat. I couldn’t warm my hand after his touch. I quickly grabbed my hand that he had touch in my other hand, and it didn’t go unnoticed by Neville. I tried to change the subject, not wanted to offend Evan’s father.

  “Shouldn’t we go inside?” I asked looking around as though I was looking for Destiny, when in fact I was looking for refuge from Neville. I
don’t know why his touch alarmed me so much. He seemed to be the friendliest of all the Blake’s. Excluding Evan of course!

  “Of course, come on in dear.” Grace said as she placed her arm around my back and walked me in the house. The rest of The Blake’s followed, all but Cameron. He was still on his search checking the grounds for Destiny. Evan went into another room with his father, I assumed to talk to him about the situation. Grace walked me into the family room and led me to the couch. “Have a seat Emma. Would you like something to drink or eat?” she asked. I could tell by her question she was hoping she could fix me something, but I was far from hungry. My stomach churned with nerves.

  “No thank you Mrs. Blake.” I replied. I noticed as soon as I spoke the words ‘Mrs. Blake’ she got the slightest grin.

  “Emma, you don’t have to be so formal.” She laughed. I was glad someone could be amused at a time like this I thought.

  “Sorry.” Was all I said as she walked into the other room when Evan walked in. “So any news on her?” I asked as I stood to stand eye view with Evan. Evan shook his head to let me know that Neville’s search had turned up empty. “So what do we do now?” I asked in horror.

  “We get your Grandmother to let you stay here, I mean Samantha’s for the week.” He giggled the last part as he said it. I gave a small frown thinking Gran was NEVER going to fall for this trick. “I will be right back.” Evan said as he walked into the same room his mother went into. After about ten minutes he came back holding a cell phone. “This is a phone we use only in emergencies. Call your Grandmother. Tell her you want to spend spring break with Samantha and she can talk to her mother.” My mouth fell open.

  “My Grandmother is going to want to speak with Sami’s mother-” Before I could finish my sentence Evan cut me off.

  “And your Grandmother will speak to Samantha’s mother.” Evan said smiling. As I looked over in the doorway Grace was standing there with her arms crossed with a huge smile on her face. I turned back to look at Evan about to say this plan will never work. Gran was much smarter than he was giving her credit for when he dialed a number and shoved the phone to my ear. The phone rang a few times when Gran answered. I was so caught off guard I fumbled with my words.

  “hel- hello.” I said as I nearly dropped the phone. “Gran?” I questioned.

  “Emma.” Gran replied.

  “Yes Gran it’s me. I am over my friends Sami’s house and… I was wondering, we have a big test after spring break and we really need to study would you mind if I stayed here some next week?” I was sure Gran would see through my lie and tell me to come home right away. Gran didn’t say anything for a long moment when Grace walked over and took the phone from me.

  “Hello Ruth? This is Samantha’s mother Tracy. We would love for Emma to spend spring break with us if that would be okay? We have a lot of special things planned and Samantha would love to have Emma with us.” Grace had begun to charm Gran in a way I had never heard before. I could hear Grace talking with Gran. Only Grace had changed her voice, and her voice seemed to match what Samantha’s mother’s voice actually sounded like, well, what I could remember what her mother’s voice sounded like the only few times I had been around her. “I promise. I will be with the girl’s at all times. And they won’t be getting in to any trouble” Gran said something and then Grace answered back. “Of course, you can call anytime.” Grace gave Gran what I assumed was the emergency cell phone number we were using and Grace hung up the phone. She handed the phone over to Evan and smiled. “Done.” With a huge grin on her face, as though she just won a victory. “Your Grandmother thinks you will be coming to Samantha’s right after school tomorrow.”

  “See I told you to trust me.” Evan said as he kissed my forehead. I smiled and looked at Grace who looked at her son smiling. It was clear she loved him dearly and would go to great lengths to insure his happiness. I still wasn’t so sure she was accepting of me though.

  “Don’t think you two will be sharing the same bedroom.” Grace said as she walked out of the room. Evan rolled his eyes as I looked up at him, my face turning red in embarrassment. That was the last thing on my mind actually. The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind on where I was going to sleep. But I could tell Evan had already thought it through. Evan went to protest but Grace cut him off before he could even get two words out. “I promised Emma’s Grandmother I would be around at all times and she would not be getting in to any trouble.” Then Grace poked her head from around the corner and added “And I intend to keep my promise.” As she gave Evan a big smile, I couldn’t help but laugh when Evan stuck his tongue out at his mother in protest. It’s not something you would expect to see from a house full of Vampires. As Evan leaned in to kiss me Grace walked back into the room “Oh and Emma, your Grandmother said for you not to eat anything, you have company coming over for dinner at six. A Marie and Levi.” She said as she looked over to Evan as if to ask if he knew anything about it.

  “Okay, thank you Mrs- I mean Grace.” I said catching myself before I was too formal again. I looked up at Evan to see that he was looking at me questionably. I guess I had better explain who Levi was before he freaked out on me. When Grace walked out of the room and we were finally alone I began to explain who Marie and Levi were to Gran and I. “So you probably want to know who Marie and Levi are?” I asked as I looked at him, bending my head down to meet his gaze, but Evan kept looking away from me.

  “I already know who he is.” Is all Evan said. Now Evan was standing looking out of the large picture window that over looked the forest of trees.

  “How do you know Levi?” I asked as I stood and walked over to stand next to him. As I reached over to take his hand he jerked away from me, turning his back to me, the rejection jolted me. I felt the pain shoot through me as though it had the day before when he hid the fact Destiny was after me. “Evan, what did I do?” I asked as I put my hand on his back. This time he didn’t move.

  “You didn’t do anything, it’s just a dream I had…” then his sentence fell short. And then I put the pieces together. He must have dreamt something about me and Levi. But just because he dreamt it doesn’t mean it has to become true.

  “Evan, look at me.” I snapped. As Evan turned face me I took his hand in mine. “Do you not realize how much I love you? Just because you dreamt something, doesn’t mean it has to come true, unless we want it too. Only we have the power over our future. And who we allow in our in it. You are my future Evan. You are all I will ever want.” Evan leaned over and kissed me and whispered as he did. “I love you.” I kissed him back and whispered back “I love you too.”

  When I got home after my convoy followed me to the entrance of the Reservation Marie and Levi was already at Grans house. I pulled in behind Marie’s car and shut off my car. I sat there for a moment and got myself together so no one in the house could see the fear that was still etched on my face. Although I dodged death today so far, I still was scared out of my mind. Once I was sure I could walk in without being scared senseless if someone said so much as hi to me I gathered my book bag and looked around the outside of house and up in the trees before I opened the car door. Once I opened it, I took off in a sprint for the front door. Once inside I found Marie, Gran and Levi sitting at the kitchen table in deep conversation. Well, not so much Levi, he was sitting there looking like he was bored out of his mind. “Hi.” I said as I turned the corner if the kitchen doorway.

  “Hi Emma.” Gran said.

  “Hello Emma. how are you?” Marie asked.

  “Good. How have you been?” I asked. Marie just nodded her head as if to say fine before Levi got up to join me, he looked thankful to be away from the two old gossiping women.

  “Hey, what’s up?” Levi asked as he followed me to the living room, looking back to see if the two old woman was back to their gossiping.

  “Them two keeping you entertained I see?” I said as I laughed. Levi laughed as he looked back at the two deep in conversation.

  “You ha
ve no idea.” He said as he rolled his eyes. “It’s good to see you. I’ve missed you.” His last comment trailed off as though he was caution to say the words trying to gauge my reaction.

  “So how is the truck coming along?” I asked trying to change the subject.

  “It’s coming.” He said laughing. I wasn’t exactly sure what that meant but I laughed anyways. I liked Levi, he was easy to talk to, but I didn’t want to give him the wrong idea. So I tried to keep the conversation on his truck or school. But then I remembered I promised Levi I would go to the movies with him on Sunday, and since I was going to be at Evan’s I needed to change the day, again, preferably to another day that I didn’t have a Vampire trying to kill me. “Hey is it okay if we change our movie to another day?” I asked Levi. His gaze told me he wasn’t too happy on changing our plans again. “It’s just I have this big test after Spring Break and I am going to be at Sami’s house studying all week.” I said it in the most apologetic way I could.

  “Sure.” Levi said as he frowned. Although his tone told me he wasn’t far from okay with it. But I couldn’t worry myself with this problem at the moment, I had more pressing things on my mind.

  The rest of the evening Levi didn’t speak much. I knew it had something to do with me breaking our plans for the movies again. I didn’t blame him. I would be mad at me too. Gran could tell something was up because she tried to talk to him more than she normally did. Levi only answered her in short answers. The guilt was eating me up. But I had more pressing things going on at the moment than to worry about Levi being mad at me.