Esterville (Book 1)

Chapter 15: The Second Encounter

Walking back to the movie theater took more energy out of Oliver than he thought; his feet felt like raw meat, and the sweat thickened on his back.

"Are you okay?" asked Amelia.

Oliver shook his head.

"I'm tired," he complained.

He then eyed Amelia's pale skin in envy.

"How come you don't get sweaty?"

"I can't," claimed Amelia. "Vampires don't sweat, remember?"

"Oh, you guys melt in the sun."

Amelia rolled her eyes.

"Vampires don't sweat," repeated Amelia as if he wasn't listening.

"Do vampires turn into dust?" he teased.

"No."

"Smoke?"

"No."

"Do they sparkle in the sunlight?" he laughed.

"Haha," groaned Amelia. "see, this is the reason why I hate vampire movies."

"Why?"

"Girls think it's so hot dating a vampire boy. I mean, really- the pale skin, the muscles, the hair? Are human girls judgemental, or are they stupid?"

"You should watch Twilight." laughed Oliver.

"I'm pretty sure Robert Pattinson might catch your eye."

"I did, and I hated it." she scoffed.

"Well, except for Jacob's six-pack."

Amelia fanned herself for effect.

"If I were Bella, I'd rather dump Edward and hook up with Jacob-"

"Ew!" groaned Oliver, covering his ears.

Amelia giggled in response. 

"Every girl wants to date Jacob, especially yours truly."

As they crossed the street, Oliver ignored the small stores filled with toys, food, and t-shirts fit for a tourist.

Dodging past the male bicyclist, Amelia walks from behind her companion as they try to reach the Esterville movie theater.

"So, Oliver,"  she grunted.

"Yes?" he asks.

"Does this stalker have a name?"

"Yeah, Creepy McCreeps A lot."

The vampire sighs at his sarcasm.

"Olly, this is serious." insists Amelia.

"If there is a stalker among us, we will be compromised."

"I know," Oliver said sincerely. "that is why I didn't use my magic on him."

As Oliver talked, he lowered his voice to prevent anyone from listening.

"What?" hissed Amelia. "You've used your magic?"

Groaning, she grabbed him by the arm and took him to an alley.

Similar to the Ripper story, the walls had the color of charcoal; and its structure appears to be made out of cobblestone.

Trash escaped out of the damaged, silver cans, as emaciated cats feasted on old boots, fish bones, and dead cockroaches.

As soon as they were alone, Oliver gives her a meaningful look.

"I haven't used my powers, Amelia," he said calmly.