Safety is Relative

Chapter Thirteen- Part One- TTOOOAAAM

Author's note: Hey, so it's me commenting at the top rather than the bottom of the page! :D

This chapter was way too long to post as one whole block, so I have split it into two. Because I'm nice like that.

The actual name of this chapter is- The Terror of Old Ones and an Angry Mother, but it was too long to fit in the top as well as putting part one and two, so it has been abbreviated. That's what TTOOOAAAM stands for.  It's not just random letters. xD

Anyway, enjoy! x

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I’m on the top of the world

Lookin’ down on creation

And the only explanation I can find

Is the love I’ve found ever since you’ve been around

Your love put me at the top of the world

I’m sat in Slayer History feeling on top of the world, the lyrics of the song by the Carpenters running through my head. It’s terribly cheesy, I know, but it’s truly how I feel. Ever since last night, I’ve felt like there is this little bubble of happiness inside of me that’s just growing bigger and bigger, and will never pop.

Even Nina noticed. ‘You’re looking happy today. I’m guessing last night went well?’

I just grinned at her.

And now I am barely listening to what the teacher, Mrs Cope, is saying. I’m just watching the clock tick down the seconds until I am free to go and meet my new boyfriend.

I drop my pencil, feeling excited.

‘Yes, Rue, it is natural to feel shocked or even scared at the thought of these creatures. But it is a necessary thing we must do in order for you to have a proper understanding of what you are up against.’

I come crashing back to reality to realise everyone has turned to look at me.

‘Um, yes?’ I say hesitantly, blushing.

‘You dropped your pencil,’ says Mrs Cope acidly. ‘So either you were shocked at what I was saying, or you were so caught up in your own thoughts that you forgot you were even holding it. Care to share what the real reason was?’

I pick up the dratted pencil, going even redder. No way am I confessing about Nate in front of the whole class. They already think I’m a lightweight.

I scan the whiteboard quickly to see if there is a clue there.

Old Ones are the shadows on your bedroom wall, the figure in the corner of your eye, the footsteps behind you. They are the very essence of fear.

~Stephen Hedley

‘Whoa, my ancestor said that?’ I say, without thinking.

The whole class sniggers.

Mrs Cope rolls her eyes. ‘Good to know that you have been paying attention. Jasper Beadle, would you care to explain to Miss Hedley what we have been discussing for the past hour?’

Jasper grins. ‘Sure thing, Mrs C,’

He turns to me. ‘We’re looking at Old Ones. They’re the evil grandpas of all the vampires in the whole world. Think about Dracula, and you have your vamps.’

Mrs Cope sighs, looking defeated.

Sophia puts her hand up. ‘If I may? The Old Ones are a group of vampires that have been around for the longest amount of time. Because they are so old, they are immensely powerful, and incredibly dangerous. They are very difficult to kill.’