Don't Be A Fool

Chapter 7

Alice now sat in the chess club room, she was versing Barbara as Chloe versed Vlad and Robin versed a computer.

" Ready for another exciting day at the chess club?" Barbara asked as she played a move.

" It'll look good for college," Alice grumbled. " You only want to be in here because Mark is in here."

" I like to keep my eyes on the boys I liked," Barabra said. " Don't you have anyone to keep an eye on?"

" If my brother and sister count," Alice answered as she gestured to the tables near them. Barbara then leaned over her.

" How about Vlad?" Barbara asked in a whisper, but Vlad still heard, his ears perked up.

" Don't even listen," Chloe whispered.

" He's my neighbor so I guess so," Alice shrugged.

" So you are not even the slightest interested in him like I am in with Mark?" Barbara asked. " I mean you did sleep over at his house." Alice looked at her; behind her, she could see Vlad tensing up.

" I think you bumped your head Barb," Alice slightly laughed; Vlad shrunk down.

" Yes!" Robin cheered; they glanced over at him. " You know, one day they might invent a computer that can beat me."

" Great, then we can hang out with it instead of you," Chloe said.

"  Ha! Ha!" Robin sarcastically laughed. " You don't even have to be here."

" You don't even like chess," Alice pointed out.

" I like chess," Vlad said.

"Surprise, surprise," Alice said under her breath, Barbara laughed till Van Helsing barged into the room. 

" Alright listen up," Van Helsing ordered as he walked in. " Miss Clelland's had an unfortunate accident on the way here, so you'll be delighted to hear I'm taking over the chess club this evening." Everyone sighed, Alice rolled her eyes; Barbara kicked her under the table. " Very funny, now settle down." He put his bag on their table and then took out a stack of papers. He walked over to Vlad and Chloe, then he made a move. " And I suggest you concentrate."

" But that's checkmate!" Chloe declared.

" Only then will you become a grand chess master like the great Chandu," Van Helsing said. He stood back up and grabbed the papers.

" Chan-who?" Alice asked.

" Chandu!" Van Helsing corrected as he opened a book revealing the dead guy. " Chandu was a Hungarian Count from the 18th century and remains the greatest chess player who ever lived."

" I've never heard of him," Vlad mentioned.

" That's hardly surprising," Van Helsing scoffed. " But I'm sure your father will know who he is." He then put down the book. " Which reminds me. This is from the headmistress." He then handed them all flyers for parent's evening.

" Oh please, not parent's evening," Vlad groaned.

" It's a reminder that all parents must attend," Van Helsing announced.

" Wanna hang out in the bathrooms again?" Barbara asked.

" Count me in," Alice agreed.

******

A day later they were now back at school with their parents.

" Robin, it doesn't matter what your teachers say tonight, so long as you've gotten over this morbid obsession with vampires," Mom said as they started walking.