cast no shadow. (the lost boys).

Chapter Twelve: Unexpected Encounters and Carousel Rides

It was around one in the afternoon when I woke to find Laddie gently poking my shoulder. I opened my eyes to see him looking at me with his adorable smile.

"Did you sleep okay?" I asked as I stretched and got out of bed. He nodded happily and hopped out of bed.

"Lizzie, could we maybe get some breakfast?" Laddie asked quietly.

"Of course we can. I don't want you to ever feel scared to ask me for anything, okay?" I said, kneeling down and cupping his cheeks.

"Okay." Laddie replied with a smile.

"And after breakfast, we'll go shopping to get you some clothes and other things you need. But first, I need to get ready, so stay here, okay?" I told him, and he nodded cheerfully.

Laddie ran over to the fountain where his shoes were resting on the edge. I left him to it and went deeper into the cave where my things were. Fortunately, I had a few clothes here, though most of them were still at Max's place.

As usual, it was scorching outside, so I chose a cropped white shirt and a vintage brown skirt that ended just below my knees. I finished getting ready and slipped on some white Converse shoes before making my way back to the main area of the cave.

I found Laddie patiently waiting on the couch, swinging his legs back and forth.

"Ready?" I asked as I grabbed my purse. Laddie nodded and hopped off the couch. I took his hand, and we made our way out of the cave. I contemplated how we'd get to the boardwalk; it was quite a walk, and I knew it would tire Laddie out. There was no way I was taking one of the boys' bikes.

"I'm going to do something now," I said as we stepped out of the cave, shielding my eyes from the sun. "I don't want you to be scared. Nothing will happen to you, but you can't tell anyone, okay?"

This was the only solution I could think of. I wasn't going to compel Laddie; just the thought of it felt wrong.

"Okay, I promise." Laddie replied, holding out his pinky with a smile. I laughed quietly, locked our pinkies together, and then picked him up, his legs wrapping around my waist.

"Close your eyes," I advised. Laddie nodded and buried his head in the crook of my neck. I used my vampiric speed to get us to the boardwalk, feeling Laddie's heartbeat quicken as he held on tighter. I stroked his head soothingly, hoping to calm him down.

We arrived safely at the boardwalk and stopped where no one could see us. I set Laddie down gently, and he looked up at me with a beaming smile.

"That was awesome!" Laddie bounced up and down with excitement.

"I'm glad you thought so," I chuckled, taking his hand and leading him onto the boardwalk.

We decided to go to Jack's Diner, the place where we'd had our little incident not long ago. Fortunately, Cindy wasn't working, so I didn't have to worry about her.

"What would you like, little one?" I asked Laddie once we sat at an empty booth.

"Pancakes!" He said decisively.

"Alright, pancakes it is. Anything else?" I asked.

"Orange juice?" Laddie suggested, tilting his head.

"And orange juice," I nodded. Laddie began coloring on a sheet of paper with crayons that the diner provided. I sighed happily and looked out the window, unconsciously people-watching.

"You ready to order?" A male voice asked. I turned to see a handsome waiter with a mix of Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio in his features. His nametag read James, and his smile became more flirtatious when we made eye contact.