Is It Love?Nicolae Bartholy

Note #1

Discoveries

...Sarah lean over to my ear biting her lip,staring at the teacher.

Sarah: I love to be hypnotise...by jones.

I blush,I was thinking more of the Bartholy brothers,and their way of looking straight in the eyes as they often do,each time I feel uneasy,as if they removed all my powers of concentration,but of course it's impossible. I'm making it up,the Bartholy brothers can't use their charm on me. They aren't Vampires...Vampires don't exist but that doesn't stop me from asking myself question about them...But if were the case,I wouldn't be so repulsed by Drogo I wouldn't be offended by nasty comment. As for Nicolae,the question is more delicate. I must admit that I find a certain charm in him. And the fact that he appears in my dreams has probably got something to do with it. But this isn't the time to think about it ,I have to focus on the course which is really exciting. Professor Jones is now making connections between literature and how Vampires appear ...Young,very handsome men,particularly seductive. The kind of men that make women dream. He also explains that this is how Vampires manage to slip...into privacy of humans...

Professor Jones: This power of seduction is what allow them to approach to their young and innocent prey more quickly. They don't realised they are being lured into spider's web.

Jones have a very special way of telling this legends. The silence that reigns in the room shows how interested all the students are...and especially the female students...But that doesn't bother Sebastian Jones who remain very serious and professional. I have the impression that he often looks at Sarah and me but maybe here too. My imagination is playing tricks on me. The class is coming to an end and he ask if any of us have any questions. Unsurprisingly Sarah raised her hand...I too will like to ask questions, especially about Bartholys but I don't dare not in front of everyone. Sarah,she doesn't hesitate but jump right in.

Sarah: Professor,you say Vampires seduce,but how far can this seduction go?Can they have intimate relationship with humans?

Professor Jones became so surprised, I frowned,more and more embarrassed. Sarah is overdoing it. Her question is only to draw attention to herself. Besides all the students have turn to look at her. The whole lecture start to giggle but professor Jones isn't phased.

Professor Jones: You mustn't confuse seduction and sexuality,miss...you'II learn that with age and experience.

Sarah frowned, Sarah feel silly at ones and sits back in her seat. Arms folded,annoyed,another students raises his hand.

Student: Is it true that Vampires can transform into bats for example?

Professor Jones: The bat myth...A classic! We find this type of transformation most often in fairy tales. The most important thing is to remember is that the vampire is a predator he adapt to his environment,as he seeks to attract his victims. His goals is to frighten his prey,so he is charismatic,charming and sure of himself. It's really Beam Stoker who redefined the might of the modern Vampires,who evolves in our world without been exposed. Maybe one of these creatures are hiding amongst you. We all look at each other and Jones seems to be enjoying our reaction. His look is eben a little mocking. Some students laugh nervously,realizing it's just a joke. Others seems more suspicious. Although I find this all strange,I'm beginning to have doubts too. Could it be that Vampires exist and there are some in mystery spell?Question fuse again:Do they eat mortals, do they suck blood?and what about their reflection in mirror? Ice-cold skin?The number of the question proves that the subject is enthralling. Vampires are indeed fascinating . Whether we believe in them or not. One thing for sure giving interest,is that this course is going to be popular. When the class end I go to the teacher to ask some questions too. Something I dare not to do in front of everyone.

Allison: Excuse me,I was wondering do Vampires eat - i mean do they eat food like mortals?

A few students still in the hall towards to me and I realized how stupid and naive my question is...immediately I try to rephrase it blushing...

Allison: Of course I know that Vampires drink blood but...

Professor Jones: Your question is very pertinent. According to my many sources,Vampires are neither living nor dead so earthly food does not nourish them at all. Some myths even say it's a poison to them, but they're able to play along to avoid been exposed. There are many different version but the need to drink blood is a constant.

His comments send shivers down to my spine. After talking about it,I wonder if all these is really just a myth...Back at the manor i go to my room to put my things away still a little upset by professor Jones's words. I take off my uniform and put on more comfortable cloth before going to the dinning room. I'd like a big glass of orange juice to recover from my emotions. Once downstairs,I pour myself a glass at the same time prepare a plate of chocolate cookies. I'm about to go back to my room with my tray when I see Nicolae in the living room,he ask me to join him.

Nicolae: I had our father on the phone, Hus trip is going to take a while but he welcomes you and apologizes for not being here to greet you.

I'm touched by his mark of kindness.

Allison: that's very nice of him.

To my astonishment Nicolae invited me to sit a little with him. I go to the chair facing him. He is sitting on the couch himself. I prefer to keep some distance between us. Nicolae keeps staring at me,as he did during breakfast this morning...Once again I have the impression that he is trying to read in me. It makes me feel uncomfortable because he might understand that he is troubling me.

Nicolae: How was your day,is your classes going well?

I'm surprised by the sudden attention. He seems to want to buy time as if he wanted to ask me something.

Allison: Yes everything is fine,I'm slowly settling in I think.

Nicolae: And about your restless nights, maybe it's the room,perhaps it doesn't suit you. If you want you can change there are plenty of other rooms in the house. You must have noticed yourself when exploring. This manor has been in the family for a very long time and can be sometimes daunting. It could explain your dreams.

This would be the perfect time to tell him that I actually explored the property and even his room,where I slept one night. But I still don't feel close enough to Nicolae to admit to such a thing so I just smile.

Allison: It's not because of the room that my nights are restless,it's because of my dreams.

As soon as I pronounced the word "dream" his face changes. His features become more worried and his look darker.