The Daylighter Apprentice

Chapter 25 - See, He's Not That Bad!

Tom eyes Matt warily as we all sit in the living room together. Matt and I are sat on one sofa and Tom and Morgan are on the other adjacent to us. Since being effectively locked into the house, there’s been a tense atmosphere that’s set me on edge. Matt has done everything to try and be friendly but Tom still cannot seem to warm to him. I get that people will be wary around him - for Christ’s sake! Matt’s been shrouded in mystery for so many years and nobody knows how kind and caring he actually is.
But as if the situation can’t get any more awkward, Tom suddenly blurts out the one thing I’d really hoped he wouldn’t.
“Are the rumours about you killing children really true?” Even he looks shocked at himself. I cast a glance at Matt who’s just smiling and shaking his head.
“Ah yes, Dominic did tell me about this myth.” He starts, looking at me. I blush.
“I’m sorry, it’s just-” Tom starts to apologise but Matt holds up a hand.
“It’s fine. I guess now I’ve actually shown my face, people will want to know the truth. I was once a scientist on a top secret project that hasn’t really gone down well in history. I’ve kept a low profile to protect myself as I didn’t know what I was getting into at the time. I was just enlisted to help. As for the children? No, I have never killed anyone for my research. Cadavers have been given to me for research but all with prior consent.”
 
Tom looks relieved almost instantly. He shifts awkwardly on the sofa before standing up and holding out a hand to Matt. Matt takes it and they shake hands briefly. Confusion flows through our bond.
“I am sorry if I made you feel unwelcome at first. You can probably understand where the concern has come from… it’s hard not to judge someone when all you’ve grown up with are rumours. Don’t get me wrong - I’m not entirely happy about a vampire staying in my house, let alone one that’s bitten my youngest friend but you will be safe here.” Tom apologies meekly as he sits back down on the sofa. Matt laughs softly, tucking his legs underneath him and I can sense that he feels a little more comfortable here than before.
“Tom, it’s OK. You have every right to be concerned, especially for Dominic’s safety. But believe me when I say that I will not let anything hurt him.” He turns to look at me, lips curled into a warm smile. I smile back, trying not to give anything away by my facial expressions.
 
Outside, the street lights have just flickered on but the streets are empty. There’s no cars passing the house. No children being called in by their parents. Just silence. I get up from the sofa, feeling the urge to do anything to take my mind off things.
“Cup of tea?” I ask. Tom and Morgan both agree tea is a good idea so I head into the kitchen, Matt close on my tail having promised to help me. He closes the kitchen door behind him and I am relieved to finally be on my own with him once more.
“You OK?” Matt asks, watching as I fill the kettle from the tap. I grab 4 mugs, put a teabag and sugar in each and lean against the sink as the kettle slowly boils.
“I think everything is just catching up with me. Anxiety… I’m also home sick.” I sigh and Matt comes and places a hand on mine.
“Maybe you should go and stay with your mum until this blows over. You’ll be safer there.”
“I don’t want to be away from you.” Matt frowns as I refuse the offer.
“If this is making you anxious, you need to look after yourself. I will still be here when this all blows over and you can come back.”
“And what if you’re not?” I snap quietly, turning away to pour the water onto the teabags. Matt opens the fridge, grabs the milk and puts it on the side next to me. 2 arms wrap around my waist and I melt into the hug.
“I will be here. I wouldn’t let myself get hurt because if I’m hurt, I can’t keep you safe.” He murmurs against my ear. I turn around to press a sweet, tender kiss to his cheek.
“Come with me. That way we’ll both be safe. Mum would be more than happy to have you stay and besides, she already knows we’re somewhat involved so we wouldn’t have to hide it.”
“You don’t know how tempting that is…” Matt trails off and I hand him 2 mugs.
“I will speak to her tonight. Now, those are for Tom and Morgan. Tom’s is in the Garfield mug.” I prompt and Matt does the best salute he can while holding a mug.
“Yes sir!” He teases, winking at me before heading back to the lounge.
 
The phone call only takes 3 rings to connect. Matt and I are snuggled in the window, both of us ensuring we stay very still as not to lose mobile service.
“Dom!” Mum’s cheery voice warms every part of me and I can’t help but smile.
“Hey mum! How are you holding up?”
“I’m OK. Just finding new and creative ways of keeping myself occupied. Maria and the kids came over last night and we ended up building marshmallow snowmen. Was actually good fun.” Matt chuckles behind me. He can clearly hear the phone call too.
“That does sound great to be honest.” I lean my head back onto Matt’s shoulder, receiving a kiss to my forehead as I do.
“So, are you bored of the south yet? When are you coming home? I miss you!” Mum’s voice chokes me up. I swallow hard.
“Actually mum, I was wondering if you’d let me come stay for a couple of days. I just need to come back and ground myself. I love it here and I’m settling in well but I just need to take a step back. Had a couple of anxiety attacks and I really don’t want to end up struggling like I did before.” I feel bad lying to my mum but explaining a whole feud and the vampire thing would be far too much right now.
“Don’t be an idiot. You don’t need to ask to come home. Just rock up on the doorstep!”
“Would you be OK if I bought someone with me?” I ask cautiously and there’s a small squeal on the other end of the line.
“Yes! Do I finally get to meet… Matthew? Was it?”
“Yes, it would be Matthew. It would be nice for you to meet him and for us to spend some more time alone away from our friends.”
“He is most certainly welcome too! Dom this is so exciting!” Despite all my anxieties, mum’s voice actually has me excited for her to meet Matt. I’m also hugely relieved that me and Matt will be safe and away from all dangers here in town. While I feel bad for leaving Tom, Morgan and Chris, I know that me and Matt being in the house puts them in more danger anyway. Leaving town is definitely the best idea.
 
We both pack our clothes for the trip into one of my suitcases that night. Tom and Morgan, while reluctant to go somewhere alone, are in agreement that us removing ourselves from town is a safer option that being sitting ducks in the house.
“What will Katherine say?” I ask as we lie in bed. We’re snuggled together under the duvet, foreheads pressed together.
“It’s none of her business. If I leave town, I leave town.”
“Yeah, but first of all we’re under lock down and then you’re also on the council so what if you’re needed for something urgently?”
“They can call me. Vampire super speed - I can just come home and be back in minutes. It’ll be fine. I just want you to be safe.” Matt reaches up and brushes a stray piece of hair from my face. His hand lingers on my cheek, thumb caressing my jawline.
“I want to make sure you’re safe too.” I counter, yawning and letting my eyes shut. Matt pulls me closer to him, arms tight around me.
“You should sleep. We’ll have a lot of travelling to do tomorrow.” He murmurs, lips pressing against mine and connecting us in a soft, sleepy kiss. Settling against the pillow, I let him hold me as I think of how tomorrow we’ll finally be allowed to be us without fear of people finding out. Mum knows nothing except that we’re a thing. There’s nothing that makes it wrong or dangerous. We are just Matt and Dom. We can finally relax a bit, detached from everything going on here. Neither of us will be completely carefree but at least we’ll be able to have some time to ourselves.