Converted

Chapter Five - I Couldn't Let It Happen Again

We were all sat down at the dining table. Plenty of room but there was an animosity in the air. People weren’t happy that I’d brought home more ‘strays’. Why did they deserve my help any less? Auntie Kate had made a wonderful meal and she was glad to have Pete here and she seemed to like Sadie so she wasn’t too bothered. Mellie was, just as I predicted, happy to have more people to boss around and manipulate. I was surprised at how good Nate and Sadie were with her. Pete wasn’t a surprise as he’d been a family friend since I could remember. The others regarded the newbies with distaste. “So why all the night-time stuff? I thought these guys were aliens not monsters from the movies. They don’t turn to dust when the sun comes up like vampires do they?” Pete said trying to make conversation. People warmed up to him naturally but the others were put off slightly by his boldness but they too wanted to know the answer.

“No they don’t but after the change their senses are enhanced so daylight is too bright for them. Also after they took charge it was much quieter at night-time than the daytime. Their race is parallel to ours if you get what I mean. So they can get killed like us but it takes a bit more because they are stronger and quicker.” I informed them.

“How do you know this?” Sadie asked. She had shaken most of her distrust of me but some still remained.

“The people they want to join their army are sent through a training program where we learn about them. Don’t worry they never done anything to me. Still completely human.” I said raising my hands to their frightened looks. 

“How do you know they didn’t brainwash you?” Pete said trying and failing to sound jokey. 

“They’re an advance species but not that advanced.” I said clearly. “I would have died before I let them brainwash me.”

“Annette!” Auntie Kate said her tone hurt. Her gaze darted to Mellie who was frowning at me tears collecting in her big chocolate brown eyes.

“I’m so sorry sweetie.” I said scooping Mellie up in my arms. “I’m not going anywhere.” Mellie held on tight. I held her for a while making swaying movements to sooth her. She was getting bigger but the same things still calmed her. “I am on your side!” I said to all the people around the table. “Believe it or not it’s the truth. So deal with it.” I met everyone’s gaze with an icy one of my own. There was doubt in their eyes but also respect. “You want to sit back down and eat?” I asked Mellie. She shook her head. “I’m going to take her to her room.” I said to everyone as she yawned right on cue. I left the room quickly and made my way up the stairs careful not to the jostle the already sleeping 5 year old in my arms. Mellie’s room was on one of the higher floors as they were the least bombarded during attacks. It was also near my aunt’s room and the rest of the adults we thought it safer. I reached her door and frowned in frustration as she wriggled in my arms. No way could I open the door without waking her. “Here let me.” I heard a quiet voice say. I turned to see Ethan move towards the door. He opened it smoothly and let me through. He pulled back the pink princess themed covers on Mellie’s bed ready for me to put the sleeping girl in her bed. I pulled the covers up over her and she shifted smiling in her sleep. I pressed my lips to her forehead. Her mousy hair spread over the pillow. Her pale skin glowing in the soft light.

“Night sleeping beauty.” I said with a smiled. Ethan and I left the room quickly and silently. All was still except for the little girl and the colour changing glow of her night light. 

“Thanks.” I said to Ethan as I closed the door softly.

“You’re welcome.” He said smiling. “You ok?” he face grew serious. I sighed and sat down with my back against the wall. Ethan sat down beside me putting his arms around my shoulders.