Interitus

Chapter 4

I was reading one of my fathers old books for the third time, in my bedroom, and under my bedsheets when I heard a knock on my door. Was that Matthew? It is 17:09. But how did he know where I lived?

"I've got it!" I yelled across the hallway to my brother and got a faint 'okay' from him.

There was another knock when I was at the bottom of the stairs. I wondered if it was him. How could it be though. I'm pretty sure vampires can't navigate where people live. I was in front of the wooden door when there was another knock.

"I'm coming, I'm coming." I mumbled.

I pulled the door open and to my utter surprise, there stood none other than, Matthew.

"How did you know where I lived?" I whispered, not letting him in yet.

"Well hello to you too, Miss Forest." He tipped his imaginary hat.

"Answer the question!" I demanded.

"I have my ways." He shrugged.

I sighed and let him in. I heard the sound of heavy feet coming down the stairs, indicating my brother was charging down the stairs.

"Who's at the door Ava?" My brother said when he was standing in the doorway of the old living room door.

The boys shared a glare that confused me deeply. Did they know each other? If they did, why did they seem like they hated one another? Did something happen that I didn't know of?

"Timothy Forest. Fancy seeing you here." Matthew said sarcastically, causing me to look at him curiously.

"How do you know my brother?" I asked before Tim could say anything rude to Matthew.

"We were... acquaintances." My brother answered for Matthew.

"Oh just admit it would you?" Matthew rolled his eyes and exaggerated.

I looked between the two of them confused. Taking a step back I thought about how they would know each other. Why did they hate each other so much? How did I not know of this? I hated to admit it but my brother can't get out the house. The doctor said it was too risky. The illness was apparently very contagious which I found odd because me and my brother hug, and I feel alright.

"No I can't tell her."

Matthew sighed, looking down, then looked up at me. "My father worked with yours."

"Why is that such a bad a deal then?" I asked my eyebrows knitted together and my lips curved into a frown.

"Do not frown sister, it doesn't look nice." Tim told me.

"He thinks I killed your parents."

"That's absurd, brother! Do you not remember the letter that we got from the police! It didn't say he murdered them! It said Jack the Ripper did!" I yelled.

What? Where did that come from? I was defending Matthew? Shouldn't I have agreed with my brother? But there was the letter. That was true. The police often made mistakes as well, that was true too.

"Why are you defending him!? I am your brother! You should be agreeing with me!" My brother roared back, clearly annoyed.

"Because you saw the letter! It didn't say that Matthew killed our parents! It said that Jack the Ripper did!" I yelled a tear falling down my cheek. I sat on the ground cross legged in front of the fire place.

My brother and I almost never yell or fight at each other. Almost. I feel like I am betraying him or disrespecting him when I yell at him since he is older than me and took care of me when I was younger. Also our parents told us to never fight. We try, but fail sometimes. I just feel sad whenever we fight because I feel like I am disrespecting them, my brother and parents.

I dipped my head down looking at the floor, avoiding eye contact with both of the men in front of me right now. I didn't want them to see me cry. I wiped at my eyes furiously, feeling their stares on me. It was really uncomfortable.

"Stop staring at me." I mumbled still looking down.

"I'm sorry Ava. I know we promised them." I could see in the corner of my eye that Tim had taken a seat next to me.

I stood up the minute he sat down and I saw the hurt expression on his face. I looked at the brunette boy in our living room, awkwardly staring at his hands. I cleared my throat and he looked up at the same time as Timothy had asked,

"Why is he here, Ava?" Trying to hide his hurt from my action.

"He is hear to heal you, Timothy." I said looking at Matthew and smiling. He returned the gesture with a friendly smile.

"WHAT!?" He screamed, I cringed. My brother could be really loud.

"I told you about the bloke I met-"

"I KNOW!" He roared.

"Why are you so angry? I thought you were happy to be healthy again." My voice cracking and turning into a whisper at the end.

"Now you've made her sad." Matthew said.

"I don't want a bloodsucker like you near me or my sister!" Timothy sneered.

He knew?

"You know?", I looked at Matthew," He knows?"

He nodded.

"Brother, why are you against him? He will heal you." I said looking at him. I was confused. A few hours ago he ecstatic to be healed. Now he seemed completely angry, annoyed and scared.

"Because to heal me... I have to turn into ..a.. v-vampire."