The Vampire Killer

∆{~6~}∆

When we were finally called back inside, I walked next to Cynthia. The sun had fully risen by this point, and it was about 10:30. Janus would be here in the afternoon. I was slightly panicking, because I was so worried. Worried that he would see through the whole facade of "Shelly Rose" and recognise me. Recognise the girl who had been by his side all through high school, who had been his first love (and most likely his last). Recognise the girl who had supposedly died that night in a fire (set by monsters, but the public didn't know that.) 

I hoped he didn't. I sincerely hoped he didn't. That would dredge up all kinds of awkward questions...Where have you been? What have you been doing? 

He was a Searcher, for goodness sake. He wouldn't get at all what I was doing, or why it was noble. As much as I still loved him, I couldn't trust him. I could trust no one. 

Not Janus, not Mrs. C, Not Cynthia. Nobody. 

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Mrs. C's voice. "It's time for book club! Everyone, go up to your room to get your books. Shelly - because you're new here, someone will have to share until I can get a copy for you - "

"She can share with me, Mrs. C." Cynthia said, from beside me. "And I'll explain the whole 'Book Club' thing." Then she smiled brilliantly. 

"Oh, thank you, Cynthia!" Mrs. C said, before turning and going to another room. As Cynthia headed upstairs she explained the whole book club thing. Apparently, Mrs. C. started it for kids who had never read before or had not been caught up to their reading level. Street kids rarely had time to do that. Sure, I never got to do that, I thought. But that was because I had a much more noble cause to serve. Don't get me wrong, I knew how to read and write well. I had up to a 9th grade education. I guess I would just have to suffer through this. 

I stood outside Cynthia's room while she got her book. I noted her room was only two doors down and across the hall from mine. Interesting. 

Cynthia came out of her room, holding the book Dracula. By Brahm Stoker. How freaking ironic.  

"Mrs. C said that we should do this book because she wants to show us how vampires were originally portrayed - evil, unholy bloodsuckers. But we all know that's not true, right?"

"Right" You're so misguided. You're blinded by their lies. 

"Come on, it must be starting." She hurried down the stairs. I followed, a bit apprehensive. I wan't used to being around so many people. Especially not kids my age. 

The other kids were sitting in a circle, and they were watching us. That made me very uncomfortable. I hid my face in my hood as I sat down next to Cynthia. 

Mrs. C. began speaking, but I wasn't paying attention. I was still trying to devise an escape plan. Or, at least a way to get out of speaking to Janus.  Maybe I could, you know, trick him. No one else recognized my face. Maybe he wouldn't either. 

I shook my head slightly. Janus had a good memory. He wouldn't have forgotten me. Or had he? I just didn't know. 

I heard Cynthia say something, but I didn't listen. There was a sickish feeling in the pit of my stomach. I looked at the clock. 11:00. 

Janus would most likely be here soon, and it would be all over. 

"E - excuse me, Mrs C... I'm not feeling too well. Can I go upstairs and lie down for a while?" 

"Of course, Shelly." Mrs. C. beamed. 

I quickly stood up and walked off, holding my stomach just to put on a show. When I got up to my room I grabbed my backpack and threw my meager belongings into it. I was blowing this joint. 

Before Janus got here. 

I couldn't wait for night. It was too risky. So the blood test would come in. So they would find out about me. Well, I'd disappear into the town's various alleyways. I wouldn't show my face if it was uncovered. I could hide. I'd gotten very good at that. 

I wish it wouldn't have had to end, though. Mrs C and Cynthia were both very nice. I just don't fit well with others over long period of time. Besides, once that blood test came in I was done for. 

No one would understand. No one. 

Then there was a knock at the door. "Shelly?' came the muffled voice. "Janus is here. He wants to see you."

I froze, in the middle of zipping up my backpack. "Uh...I'll be right down!" I called back. I put on my backpack after I zipped it up. "Goodbye, guys. Sure was nice meeting you." I muttered. Then I I looked around. The only window was too small to fit out of. 

That means...I'd have to go and book it out the front door. 

I'd take the risk. My freedom was at stake here. 

I walked outside once I was sure Mrs. C. was gone. When I got to the banister of the grand staircase I paused. I heard voices down below. Must be Janus and Mrs. C.

I got ready to run, adjusting my backpack. 

Then...I dashed. 

Down the stairs, past Mrs. C, past Janus, out the front door. I heard them yelling after me. I didn't stop. Out the front gate, down the sidewalk. Through the fence that surrounded the orphanage I saw them getting into a car in the parking lot. Probably to chase me down. 

Through the alleyways, then. Zipping past meaningless graffiti, garbage bins, the homeless, and other alleyway oddities I was used to. I emerged in the street but ran right across. Into the alleyways across from there. 

After a while I stopped. I was lost in the maze of alleyways. I leaned against the wall. 

I knew the blood test would come in. So I'd be all over the news. So I'd have to hide. 

My life in solitude was ruined. I'd have to move town...

No. I would not leave the town. No matter how tough it got.

There was a new chapter in my life now...

One that was going to be a heck of a ride.