Light in the Dark (Young Dracula) 5

Ch. 7: Nemesis Rising

The Count knocked cautiously with his foot at a door to a room that Refield was in. "Have you got that.. that thing under control yet?" He called out. Renfield was struggling against an armoire, trying to keep it closed while whatever was inside was trying to fight its way out, knocking the whole thing around in the process. 

"I thought I had pinpointed a weakness which I'm endevouring to exploit!" Renfield replied, the struggle very apparent in his voice. Then the Count cautiously entered the room.

"So you failed miserably!" He hollered.

"Completely and utterly, master." Renfield admitted then they both heeard the armoire hiss and whatever was inside emitted a burst of smoke that came through the cracks in the door. Whatever the thing emitted was messing with the Count.

"What's happening to me? My vampire senses are incredibly accute! My ears! My eyes!" The Count complained, holding his head.

"It's that thing master! It's inducing sensory overload." Renfield explained.

"And the smell! It's the most pungent thing!" The Count continued to explain and brought a hankerchief over his mouth.

"Actually I think it's quite nice. A mixture of dung beetle and-"

Then the thing from inside began shrieking and a vine came out from between the doors, moving on its own and coming for them. "Well if you're so ravenous, eat it! Construct a cage, build a box, just do anything you can to contain it!" The Count shouted.

Vlad sat at the end of the stairs, pondering while absent-mindedly playing with Anna's hand which he held in his as she sat next to him. She was watching Sally finish building her sculpture which they decided to place across from the staircase, in the window. "Last but not least, this represents my personal philosophy. Life is like a bowl of icecream, so grab a spoon and have your share." She described as she hung the last piece, like she did with all the other pieces. It ended up as a sort of large wind chime with many different pieces brought together. "What do you think?" She asked, turning to them.

"I think it's amazing, very meaningful. I like that all of those things don't seem to go together but do, like you and Vlad's family." Anna explained her artistic theory which Sally appreciated.

"And you Vlad?" Sally asked. Anna had to nudge him out of his deep thoughts and he looked up.

"Yeah, it's great." He agreed, glancing at the sculpture.

"Are you alright, Vlad?" Sally asked. He didn't respond so Sally joined them on the steps.  "Is it your exams?" She asked. "Don't worry. I'm sure someone with your talents will pass with flying colors." She tried to encourage him.

"My talents... flying..." Vlad chuckled but he was unamused. "Actually, there is something." He admitted.

"Okay. How about we have a cup of tea." Sally offered. 

"I'll let you guys talk." Anna said and stood. Sally and Vlad stood as well. Vlad gave Anna a quick kiss on the cheek before he and Sally went upstairs.

"Are you worried about soming to live with George and me?" Sally asked when they sat together. 

"No it's not that, really." Vlad promised. "It's just, things have been changing a lot recently." 

"Well you're growing up, Vlad. Change is nothing to be frightened of." She assured him.

"Maybe. But sometimes it's like... like I'm not really sure who I am anymore." He admitted.

"So let me help. I know it's selfish of me, you're just about ready to leave home, it's just that I've missed out on so much and I just want to be there for you, whatever you need." She explained and he felt the warmth of having a mother who cared about him. Then the moment was interrupted with the door opening.