VAMPIRE PROTECTION AGENCY

ELIZABETH SIX

"Elizabeth it's time to wake!" Opening my eyes, my mom is standing at the door. "What time is it?" "Seven thirty. Time to get up." Looking at the clock, it's Wednesday, and seven thirty.

"I don't usually get up till eight on Wednesdays." "Well today I called you now. Get up, breakfast is on."

Closing my door, I listened as he walked downstairs. Sighing I threw the covers back and climbed out of bed. Pulling out a pair of dark jeans, and purple sweater and runners, setting them on my bed, I went to my bathroom to get cleaned up.

Throwing my hair in a towel stepping into my room, my window is open; cool breeze coming in, closing it I got dressed. Walking into the kitchen. "Mom did you open my window?" turning to me. "No sweaty. I'm sorry. You must have opened it without realizing it." I nodded, sitting at the counter. What is happening to me? Those notes and the windows, there's someone following me, I have to do something, I can't go to the cops I'm still a minor, they would call my parents.

"Honey I have to go. Early shift." "Okay. Be safe out there." She kissed my cheek. "You too baby."

I cleaned up from breakfast and went to get my bag. Staring at my reflection, I had pulled my long wavy brown hair into a braid, since I haven't been sleeping well my eyes are slightly hazy; and my skin is pale. I almost look sick, no one ever asks about it, people have always thought I'm weird, so it just comes with the territory. I put on some makeup so I don't look so bad. Walking down the driveway to my car, someone grabbed me from behind, shoving me to the car.

I started fighting back, pushing them off me; it's the same dark figure that was in the middle of the road. He grabbed my arm, paining shooting up and down.

I started kicking until they let go of me, and ran off, the whole time there hood never showed there face. Taking a deep breath I climbed into my car and drove off heading to school. What the hell just happened?

As I went I checked to see if there were in witnesses, but there's no one on the street, plus our place can be hard to see at times. Stopping at the lights I pulled up the sleeve of my sweater, there's a nasty looking bruise already forming. I know I have to tell someone, but who will believe me? I know my mom will, but I'm not sure about my dad, and I know with absolute certainty that the cops won't! For now I just have to stay vigilant, in case they strike again.

Pulling into school I jumped as Mat is suddenly at my car, banging on the window. "Shit Mat don't do that!" I said hitting his arm. "Ow. I'm sorry. I was just joking around. I didn't mean to scare you." Sighing, I nodded. "I'm sorry. I'm just a little jumpy."

"It's okay. Why so jumpy?" Shrugging. "I just didn't sleep well again." "Hey there you two are!" Lucy called running up to us. "Hey Lucinda."

She always gives me a look whenever I call her by her full name; which is partially why I do it so much, just to see her reaction to it. "What's going on with you two?"

"It's nothing. I just spooked her. Everything's fine." The three of us walking into school and went our separate ways. I went to my locker and luckily there's no note there this time.

I headed for my first class and did my best to pay attention.

Throughout the day I did my best to pay attention, but I didn't do very well. I would get asked a question and somehow I knew the right answer, most of the time. As soon as the last bell rang I ran for my locker, not waiting around for the others. Driving away from school I know exactly where I need to go, but this time I can't go to Lucy's mom, I have to go somewhere else.

Pulling over in front of a voodoo shop.

"Hello dear. What can I do for you?" The lady asked. "I need something for protection. I feel like there's someone following me." She nodded. "Of course dear. Right this way." The elderly woman led me to the back of store.

She rummaged through some things and produced a charm, on a long leather cord. "Here you are dear, wear this at all times, and you'll be safe."

She spoke a few words in French and set it around my neck. "Thank you. How much do I owe you?" "Nothing dear. Just be safe out there." I smiled. "Thank you." She walked me to the door and watched as I drove away.

Walking into the grocery store, I grabbed a cart as I slid the charm under my shirt. There will be people I know here I'm sure, and I don't want them to know I want to an old voodoo lady.

Since I do most of the grocery shopping my dad gave me one of his credit cards meant to only be used on food.

Walking around I kept looking for signs of anyone following me, but there was no one anywhere near me.

Something vibrating made me jump out of my skin, pulling out my phone, its Lucy but I don't want to talk to her right now, shoving it back in my bag, I made my way to the cash. Loading it all up I had a few coupons, and I didn't spend as much as I thought I did.

Loading the car I thought I caught a glimpse of a dark figure at the corner, but it quickly vanished from sight. I think I'm going crazy! Climbing in the car I pulled my charm from under my shirt, holding it tight.

Driving I stopped at a Coffey shop I like to go to. I ordered my usual, hot chocolate and apple pie, sitting in my usual corner by the window.

"You doing alright hon?" Jumping at her voice. "I'm sorry Marie I was lost in thought." Marie has worked here for years, her accent is as thick as it comes. "You should get home, my knee is aching; it feels like there's a storm brewing."

Looking outside the sun is out, but dark clouds are moving in. "I think your right." I paid my bill gave Marie a peck on the cheek and left, leaving her an extra tip.

I was laid off from my waitressing job a week ago, and I need to find something new, but no one's really hiring right now.

I got home just as the rain started, pulling into the garage I unloaded our food. I got a message from mom and dad that both of them will be home for dinner tonight.

Smiling I ran upstairs, put my stuff in my room, got changed and went back downstairs.

I cleaned up and started making something for dinner. Grabbing everything I started making gumbo, tossed salad and corn bread, and double chocolate cake for dessert; it's moms favorite.

Once I have everything well under way I grabbed dishes and set the table. The doorbell rang, and I almost dropped a plate. Looking through the peephole there's no one there, opening it there's a letter pinned to the door. Taking it back inside, I opened it.

In big red letters.

"I'm coming for you. And you can't stop me." Dropping it on the counter, not again! This has to be a hoax, it has to be! Ripping it apart, I threw it out; checking on the food.

My cake is done and my jumbo is almost done as well.

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