Vampire World (VAMPIRE WORLD #1)

Part 33 New Date

Chapter 32: New Date

           

Michael greeted me at my door, overdressed to impress in a nifty maroon suit and a tie with 3-D skulls colliding into each other. The serpentine tattoo wrapped around his neck was alive with scales moving and twisting, the piercings on his ears and nose were lit up, and his spiky blue hairstyle must have cost a million. For the Carns spent, he appeared somewhat ridiculous.

            “Hello Janice,” he said. “You look beautiful tonight.”

            I thanked him and told him he looked handsome. Well, though he didn’t set my world on fire, at least he was a lot nicer than Rob.

            He led me to his pretty car. It was green and flat with multiple skulls on its sleek hood. It was similar to Rob’s, although bigger and minus the flames. The smooth seats felt great to sit on.

            “So where are you taking me?” I asked.

            “I know this may come as a shock, but my parents are cooking us a delicious Blood Cabis. You’re going to love it. I promise it will be the best you ever had.”

            “Parents?” I asked, confused. “They know we're just friends, right?”

            He didn’t answer me at first, almost like he was finding it difficult to admit the inevitable truth. Eventually, he said: “Who knows what the future holds?”

            His reaction made me feel uncomfortable during the drive. But this was Vampire World, and parents were so important, even to friends. I remembered the first time I'd met Brett’s Mom and Dad, and how awkward yet satisfying it felt.

            By the time we'd cruised into the gated community, passed numerous mansions with their tall spirals kissing the sky and arrived at his castle of a house, my anxiety had not lessened.

            “You didn’t give me a straight answer,” I said, yanking his tie before we stepped inside. “Do they know we are just friends?”

            “Just relax,” he replied while opening the front door. “Don’t be so damn uptight.”

            As we walked through the impressive dark hallway and splendid living room oozing with Gothic luxury, I knew it was going to be a long night. Finally we came to the dining room. Sitting in pride of place at the center of the table was an immense Blood Cabis head drenched in an ocean of blood. It was truly huge, about the size of a small boulder. With five yellow eyes and thick brown fur, together with teeth the size of vampire fingers, it should have scared the crap out of me. But it didn’t. Instead, the smell of the tempting blood calmed my mind and helped me to loosen up.

            Brett’s parents were sat at opposite ends of the table, both obviously eager to eat and start asking me questions. His younger brother and sister were also there.

            Feeling shy again, I sat down and tried to relax. But I couldn’t.

           “So what is the lucky girl’s name?” Michael’s father asked him.

            Gosh, I just wanted to run away and never return here.

            “The lucky girl’s name is Janice,” I cut in quickly before Michael could reply. I wondered if the small edge of irony in my voice had been detected.

            “Hello, Janice,” his mother said. She was very pretty and looked just like Michael’s sister, who sat on the other side of me.