The Siren and the Vampire [Raphael Santiago]

SEVENTEEN

"It's happening." Serena looked down at the ground to see Simon emerging at a fast-paced speed. She put her hand up to her mouth. "Oh my god." Meanwhile, Clary was trying to get her best friend's attention. "Simon, it's me." Raphael cut her off. "Once reborn, you emerge hungry." Simon hissed, and Serena looked at Raphael. "Very hungry. Drink up." Simon tore open the bag of blood and started to drink.

After drinking, he looked up. "Clary... what's happening?" Clary didn't say anything, so he looked to Serena. "Serena?" Serena looked at Clary, who finally spoke up. "You, um... you died." Simon's eyes went wide. "I what?" He then noticed the bag of blood. "That's blood." He started to hyperventilate. "Oh my... oh my... why can't I say..." Raphael cut him off. "God. It'll take time to regain the ability. There's a lot you will need to learn."

Simon started to shudder. "Am I... am I a vampire?" Serena looked at the ground. "Yeah." Simon turned to Clary, fear in his eyes. "Clary, tell me... tell me this isn't real. Tell me this is not really happening!" Clary was fighting back tears. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!" Simon started to stutter. "I'm... I'm... I'm repulsive!" Clary shook her head. "No, please... please don't say that, okay? You're still the same, Simon. You're the same Simon I've known my whole life. The same guy who... loves sci-fi. And who can recite every line from... from every Nicolas Cage movie." She started to sob. "The same Simon who carried me over the Brooklyn Bridge when I lost my shoe, okay? Listen..."

Simon interrupted her. "No, Clary, I'm not!" "Yes, you are, Simon! You are the same Simon! You are my best friend!" Simon shook his head. "I'm not. I'm nothing more than a monster." Clary walked towards him. "No, Simon, you..." Simon stood up. "Stay away! Please just... stay away." He then sped off. "Simon..." Raphael looked at them. "I'll look after Simon. You have my word." He sped off, and Serena sighed. "I'll go make sure Raphael doesn't do anything to Simon." She started to run off.