Next Generation Dhampirs

What a Beach

"I think she's awake." That was Declan's voice. Yeah, I was awake.

"What happened?" I asked, propping myself up on my elbows.

"You hit your head," Declan explained, "You've been out of it for about an hour."

"What?!"

"Yeah, you and my mom were at the pool and I guess some guys pushed you and you hit your head on the side of the pool. You're ok now, though. You're a fast healer. Your dad's not too thrilled with those guys. Christian had to take him away from the pool before he hurt someone."

I nodded. My head still hurt, but at least the throbbing stopped.

"Where's Sydney?" I asked.

"She went down to check on Christian and Dimitri. James was at the pool talking to the lifeguard last I checked," Declan explained.

"So you decided to stay with me?"

He shrugged. "There weren't any cute girls at the pool."

I laughed and thought to him, Where is James really at?

He didn't believe me when I said you would heal quickly so he went to a drug store to get a first-aid kit. I guess the aspirin will come in handy because I can FEEL your headache.

Sorry. I can't do anything about the headaches.

What are you sorry for? You said yourself, you can't do anything about the headaches. Want me to get it?

No. Save your strength in case you need it later. You didn't have anything to do with my fast recovery by any chance, did you?

Not much. I disinfected it is all. That lifeguard didn't look like he knew what he was doing. Of course, to get to you I had to fight my way through 20 Spanish twerps.

Oh, stop. At least they were trying.

Jess, you don't know what they were trying to do. They weren't talking about helping you.

I forgot for a moment that he spoke Spanish. Rage shown clearly on his face, giving him a darker aura.

Yes, he thought to me, I'm angry. The way they were talking about you... Let's just say I didn't translate for your father. He was already going off on them, I didn't think they needed anymore. I was going to, but I felt bad for them.

I wouldn't have done that, but then, I'm not as nice as you.

You're plenty nice. I was more worried about you. If Dimitri had focused on chewing them out rather than helping me bring you upstairs, you'd probably still be downstairs by the pool.

Wait, none of you could carry me up?

No, it's just that Christian and James couldn't go out in the sun and I was too tired. I really need some sleep.

Then sleep, dork. I'll be fine. What time is it anyways?

It's 6 o'clock. Pretty soon everyone will be having dinner. I can stay here and wait until everyone gets back.

Right on time, my door opened. Dimitri, Sydney, and Christian stepped in. "Jessica!" Dimitri sighed with relief.

He rushed up to hug me, gently wrapping his arms around my shoulders. "Are you ok?" he asked, concerned.

"Dad, I'm fine," I replied, rolling my eyes.

"How's your head?" he asked.

"It's all healed," I said, reaching up to touch it for the first time. But when my fingers touched the skin, it wasn't smooth. There was a slightly raised line of skin running down my left temple. Scar tissue.