Hidden Close (Jr. Year)

Chapter 29

Part 29 Of The First Draft

Carlita strangled me, and I fell unconscious. The last thing I saw was the devilish vampire abducting me through the back slider door of the Eisens' manor. I cursed her in my head , and when I awakened, I was tied up in a dark room where the air was damp. I could only guess where I might be being held. This was in some crypt guarded by countless watchers, I am sure of it. I thought out loud, and summoned a response from Renee,

“Where are you, kid? We are worried sick about you.”

I thought the cold truth, wasting no time with endearments,

“Carlita kidnapped me. You have to help me. Nearly successful suicide attempts aren’t even close to as scary as being away from the ones you love. Help me, Renee. I’m in a crypt in the cemetery, I just know it. I can see a door and trees outside of it. That's all I know. Leave someone behind. Carlita wants to split us up so she can....wait....that can't be right....”

“Tell me, Mindi.”

“She intends to kill my parents. For some reason, I can sense her plot. Leave Perry and Brad behind. Bring Becky and Lana. You'll need them. A new foe awaits you here....a strong threat....”

“Mindi, we'll be there soon. Just....”

I cut her off there, thinking with my mind and not my heart like I always do,

“Make a plan, and come here when you three are sure you'll survive the fight that awaits you here. Please. If I live and you die, I'd never forgive myself.....”

Silence happened, and when she responded, I knew she was fighting back her emotions,

“Mindi, we’ll play it your way. Whatever you do, don't fall asleep. She probably poisoned you.”

Ah, so Carlita is still one step ahead of us. She put a clock on me. The poison will prevent them from acting cautiously on their rescue attempt. I tried to imagine how long it would take for the poison to kill me. Only one thing came to mind: she would have to drug me to die in one day. I asked Renee,

“How long have I been gone? Her poison will kill me in one day, I am sure of it.”

Her telepathic response would be the last one from our exchange,

“Six hours. We'll be there soon, Mindi. You're going to live, I promise!”

I started to cry, but it wasn't because of my situation. I miss him. Good gravy, my love, I hope that I'll see you again. Our problem was we didn't think that Carlita would be impatient and make the first move. It's funny how insignificant she makes me. All I am to her is bait to get the big fish. Whatever this feud is between my mom and Carlita, it scares me. It seems like we have just as many enemies as do the Eisens. Perry and I weren’t united by hormones but instead the stars. I miss you baby!

I fought off the urge to sleep for hours. When the sun rose, I searched for any trace of the three. I knew they were nearby.....how I knew was what confused me. Is this what it is like to become a Lamia? Hasn’t it not been long enough for me to feel like this? What was really disturbing that I can't sense Carlita’s movements....I reached out, trying what I could,

“Brad. Can you hear me?”

He was there, faithful as always,

“I am. How am I able to hear you, my wayward angel?”

“I don't have time to explain. Be ready for a fight. Carlita will attack you soon....”

Oh no. I heard a loud scream, one that sounded unearthly. I heard the girls shout and felt the earth shake. Becky and Lana are down, but Renee is still fighting strong....after a long and drawn out moment, I heard a shout,

“Don’t worry, we are alive!”

It was Grace. Is there anything this woman can't do? After an injured Becky untied me, I stood up, and Grace, covered in sweat and blood, gave me a drink that tasted rich with herbs. After drinking all of the warm substance, I felt okay again. I hugged Renee and kissed her, letting some of my bisexuality take control of my greater judgment. Renee laughed, and remarked,

“No wonder Perry loves you so much. Don’t worry: he says that Carlita ran off when she found out she couldn't enter our home. My mother is to thank for that as well. Come look at this though, Mindi. There is so many watchers out there....including a large one that almost got me....”

Unbelievable. Renee really is bulletproof, just like my mind makes her out to be. I got up, and ran outside. Laying dead on the ground was a large ape-like undead monster that had a bludgeoned and bloody skull. How strong was this thing? It held a large club that must have weighed over a hundred pounds easily in its hands. After nearly vomiting from the smell of all the fallen watchers that were scattered in the graveyard, there was only one thing that I wanted to do. I asked Grace and the others,

“Please, take me home.”

When we got home I leapt onto Perry, proclaiming loudly,

“I missed you baby! I was so scared!”

He kissed me deeply right in front of everyone, and he urged me afterwards,

“Go eat, babe. Your mom made you your favorite dish.”

Heck yeah! Eggrolls and stirfry for me. What a wonderful surprise. When I got to the dining table I realized my mom and the food were both there. I hugged her tight, and she cried, declaring to me as she sobbed,

“She nearly succeeded in killing all of us. If it weren’t for the warning you gave to Brad I wouldn’t be here right now. Oh, my daughter, how you have became a woman. I'll never get over how you are the real hero once again.....”

This is the real moment I've waited for.

“Mom, I always saw myself as an embarrassment to you and dad, but you've proven me wrong. I love you so much!”