Mirror, Mirror (Book 2)

Chapter 6: Packing for Camp

After Amelia's quick departure, Oliver prepares for his trip: his pajamas, casuals, bedsheets, Father Jacobs' prized rosary beads, holy water, kosher salt, and other items have all been tucked away in his leather black suitcase.

But even though it was brand-new, dust and cobwebs made it look as if it has been sitting under Oliver's bed for under a decade.

Its sleek design, twenty pouches, and enormous size made it capable of fitting more than thirty items inside. But in spite of its features, its loose handle and wheels made it hard for Oliver to move around with.

Regardless, Oliver uses it anyway. After checking the requirements twice, he zips up his luggage then admired his handiwork.

"Okay," he says to himself. "I am finally ready."

But when Amelia returned with what she was doing, her lips made a huge O at Oliver's massive suitcase.

"Wow, you pack too much!"

Turning away from his luggage, Oliver cuts his eyes at Amelia.

"What?" Oliver cried. "Father Jacobs have always told me to be prepared for the worst. You know, ghosts, witches, demons-"

"Geez Olly, it's camp! Not Massachusetts!" Amelia whined.

"So?" Oliver mimicked her voice.

"So, stop thinking that everything is out to get you." Amelia snapped. "My gosh, you're going on a field trip-"

"I know." the boy snapped back. "But it's better than battling a demon naked."

The vampire rolled her eyes.

"Oh please," Amelia insists, taking out two bottles of holy water.

"There will be no monsters, no ghosts, just a relaxing day at camp with your classmates."

Angrily, Oliver takes the silver canisters of holy water from Amelia's hands and tosses them back into his suitcase.

"I need to be prepared," he insisted. "Father Jacobs said so."

"Look," the vampire stares at him sadly. "He was my friend too."

The boy wasn't surprised to see Amelia upset; according to the vampire, she had met him during the Vietnam War.

One night, Father catches her drinking blood from a wounded soldier's neck, but instead of questioning her identity, Father offers her a chance to redeem herself.

"If it wasn't for him," Amelia added. "I would have killed innocent people, steal money from under bankers' noses, or tell criminals to turn themselves in."

"But Oliver, you need a break-a good hike will do you some good."

The boy shakes his head no.

"I'll even go to that field trip of yours." Amelia pleaded.

"Really?" Oliver said, pretending to be shocked.

"The last time I had checked, you didn't want to come with me."

The vampire sighed, "yes, but that was until I saw the holy water in your suitcase."

When she says this, Amelia takes a step closer and places a hand on Oliver's shoulder.

"You deserve a break from all this, Oliver." she insisted.

"An Exorcist prodigy, like yourself, needs to hang out with friends, play video games, or even do sports."

As if the vampire was telling him a joke, Oliver chuckled.

"I don't have any friends."

Amelia's gaze intensifies.