Institutionalized

Howie, Day 23

I was aware that it had been three days since Mac said he would wait. I was nervous. I knew what happened to Mac, how miserable it was to change. After considering all the things I wouldn't be able to do, I wasn't so sure anymore myself. Mac definitely noticed how I was feeling. He closed his eyes and muttered something to himself, too quietly for me to hear.

"Hey there, you drank this morning right?"

He nodded.

"Rafael hasn't taught me how to turn someone. He won't. I've been thinking though, I can probably figure it out for myself."

"Uh, I don't think that's a good idea."

"It'll be fine, don't worry."

"Think of how bad you would feel if you killed me," I reminded.

Clearly he hadn't changed his mind.

"I know, I just... I miss you. It'd be so much easier if you were a vampire."

"I miss you too, but... I'm going to be honest. I'm not as sure that I want to do it. You made a lot of good points."

Moved his attention from my neck to my face. He seemed to have snapped out of his dreamy state.

"Are you kidding me? I thought you wanted to be there for me."

"I thought you wanted me to be happy." I countered.

He looked back at my neck.

"You can't change your mind."

Goosebumps.

"What... What do you mean?"

"I mean I've already made my decision. It's too late," replied calmly. "Don't call for help," he ordered.

I tried but I simply couldn't say the words.

"Mac, what are you doing? Don't do that to me."

"I hathe to."

His fangs glinted the reflection of the bright bean bags. Suddenly there was a sharp pain in my neck. I couldn't cry out. No one was paying attention, most everyone was still getting dressed or still asleep except for Keith. I heard Dayo and Ashely scolding the others to hurry up, it was almost seven. Rafael was nowhere to be found.

Soft moans sounded from him, clearly enjoying every gulp. I worried that he'd forgotten what he was supposed to be doing: trying to figure out how to turn me. Keith darted over and tried to pull at mac, but mac was a lot stronger than him somehow. I groaned gently. It was amazing how fast I was losing consciousness.

I was going to die.

I woke up groggily to Rafael pulling away from me. My neck stung. The pain seeped through into the rest of my body.

"O-Ow," I croaked.

Rafael was frowning down at me wordlessly. I seemed to be on a bed. I looked around, though barely strong enough to move, finding myself in the same place I was when I woke up in this place weeks ago. I remembered what Mac had done to me as my stomach started to ache.

I was turning.

God was I pissed at him. He'd just earned himself a fist fight.

"I changed my mind, and he did it anyway." I told the doctor.

He pivoted, nodding.
"If I am honest, it does not surprise me. That boy is a piece of work."

My jaw tensed. It was going to start soon. I didn't want this anymore.
"He's not going to get away with this unscathed," I muttered.
"No, he will not. I promise."