Esterville (Book 1)

Chapter 24: The Bitter Tornado

With a disgruntled sigh, Amelia draped her hood over her head and accompanied Oliver to his house.

"This is a terrible idea," she said the minute they crossed the street.

"I swear this is going to backfire on us."

"Amelia," begin Oliver, marching directly toward Allison.

"you said we can do this."

"I did," she agreed, "until I realized how much I despise that woman."

"Just say hello to her," advised Oliver. "It's not that hard."

"Oliver?" said a surprised voice.

The boy turns his head to see Allison staring at him.

"Hey, Allison!" Oliver called in excitement.

Standing up, the girl sheepishly brushed the gravel off of her jeans and smiled very awkwardly.

"Oliver," said Allison in wonder, "it's you."

"And Amelia," the vampire added, mumbling under her breath.

The boy's elbow jabbed her shoulder, then grinned in Allison's direction.

"Hello, Neighbor." he welcomed. "I see you've been waiting for us."

Allison blushed. "Y-yes," she stammered, "but-"

"Where is your father?" Amelia asked, squinting her eyes at the attractive brunette.

"He is at work," Allison replied.

"Really?" Amelia said unconvinced, "Then why did you leave the cafe a minute ago?"

When she said this, all the color drained from Allison's face.

Uncomfortable with Amelia's interrogation, Oliver asked Allison if she wants to come inside.

"Of course, but is your mother home?" Allison asked.

"No, she is at work; Amelia is the backup parent

"Please to meet you, Amelia."

"Charmed." Amelia retorts.

With a fake smile, the vampire snatches the key underneath the brown, woolen Welcome mat, shoves the key into the lock, and twist the doorknob open.

"Come on," she says, "we'll talk inside."

The vampire then turned her heel, and stormed into the house, however, she didn't shut the door on her way in.

"Sorry," Oliver apologized. "Amelia isn't like this."

Allison sighed. "She hates me, does she?"

The boy blushed, then quickly shakes his head.

"Amelia doesn't hate you," he says carefully, "she's just cranky sometimes."

Together, they entered the house, where Oliver closed the door and flipped its lock in a vertical position.

Meanwhile, Allison wandered around the living room, like a confused shopper at Wal-Mart.

Never in her life has she ever been into Oliver's home: the floors were coated in lemon scented polish, the tables and furniture were released from their dusty prison, and the inside interior glowed with intense, bright light, that Amelia had to retreat to the kitchen.

"Wow," said the impressed Allison, "I love your house."

"Thank you," replied Oliver, as he went to cover the windows.