Vampire Residence

XXVIII

It was, allegedly, Daci's "birthday". Was it? Nobody knew.

And as far as how old she was at this point- well, it was anyone's guess.

Still, each year it was made a big deal, and someone had to take it upon themselves to convince the entire house to do something for her.

Everyone had already been informed of the upcoming mandatory night-long activity, this year planned by none other than her beloved familiar, that none of them could refuse. They would all "celebrate" Daci's turning day whether they liked it or not.

And so, as the hour appointed in the vague, but still ominous, invitation approached, the majority of the household- minus Daciana and the aforementioned familiar- gathered in the living room.

Garrett arrived a few minutes after the others, looking overly pleased with himself.

Sybil, still somewhat annoyed by Garrett's general presence, shot him a disapproving look.

"You're late."

Garrett, who seemed completely unbothered by her comment, responded with a casual tone.

"Eh, I'm not late, everyone else was just early."

As Garrett spoke, Jaro, who was sitting just nearby, rolled her eyes in response to his words.

"Always a clever answer, aren't you?"

Garrett, upon hearing this, made direct eye contact with Jaro and shot her a smug look, speaking again in the same casual tone. "Someone has to be the smart one here."

Jaro, shooting an annoyed glare at him, spoke, her tone slightly sarcastic.

"Yes, because a twenty-year-old fashion student is leagues ahead of the woman with a doctorate. That makes perfect sense."

Garrett, clearly unbothered by her sarcasm, shrugged, still speaking in a casual tone.

"Hey, education doesn't mean you're smart. I've met a lot of idiots with several degrees."

Jaro, somewhat exasperated, spoke, her voice slightly irritated.

"And I've met a lot of idiots who think being witty and smart are the same thing. And let's be honest, you're neither."

Garrett, now feigning a hurt expression, placed a hand over his heart, responding in a dramatic tone. "I can't believe you'd insult me on Daciana's birthday."

Sybil, who was also still annoyed with him, shot him a small glare, speaking in a deadpan tone.

"It isn't as if it's her actual birthday. Or her actual turning day. Or anything worth celebrating."

Garrett, clearly unaffected by Sybil's comment, shrugged, speaking in a casual tone once again.

"Are you volunteering to ask her for a straight answer again?"

Sybil, shooting him a slightly annoyed look, spoke again, her voice now slightly exasperated.

"I think we're all collectively *sick* of her vague non-responses by this point, aren't we?"

Eleanor, who was sitting nearby and had been silently watching the two bicker for the last two minutes, spoke up for the first time, a small amused smile on her face.

"I know everything."

Everyone, including Garrett and Sybil, now turned to look at Eleanor, some visibly surprised and a little confused. Sybil, looking slightly skeptical, spoke first.

"And you never thought to share that information with any of us?"

"No?"

Sybil, shooting Eleanor a mildly annoyed look, spoke again, her tone slightly frustrated.