Dark Days (The Childe Series, #2) (12 page)

“Hey guys, where have you been?” Cat asked as the two exited the vehicle. 

“Went to the movies. Hey, what are you all dressed up for?” Taylor asked.

“I was visiting the aunt and uncles for an early dinner. You know with the whole curfew and all. We had a really good time.”

“What did you guys talk about?” he asked, not sure if he really wanted to know.

“This and that. I was just going in to talk with Mom and Dad, so you might as well join the party.” 

“I guess I should be heading home right about now anyways. Don’t want to interrupt family stuff,” Trish said.

“Let me take you home,” Taylor stated.

“No, that’s alright. I just live right around the block, and I’ve got about ten minutes until curfew. No big deal. This is important, Taylor. You should go,” she replied and then kissed him on the cheek. As she began to walk away she said, “I’ll see you tomorrow, Taylor. See you later, Cat.”

“Bye, Trish.” Cat waved to her, feeling bad about her walking home alone.

“Well let’s get this over with,” Taylor replied, as dread settled in his stomach like a huge rock.

As they walked into the house, they heard their parents’ voices coming from the study. With Cat leading them, she pushed open the door, revealing their mom and dad sitting on the overstuffed leather couch, Sam’s arm was around Rachel.

“I need to talk to you,” Cat blurted out, causing worry to spring into Rachel’s eyes, and a frown to appear on Sam’s face.

“Of course, honey, come in and take a seat. Oh Taylor, come in and have a seat too.” Taylor sat down next to Sam as Cat leaned up against her dad’s desk, willing her legs to stop shaking.

“Today, I decided to fix things with my friends, it was way overdue…I also realized that I’ve hurt you all the most…I’m sorry.” Cat saw her mom was about to speak and shook her head. “No, Mom, let me finish. When I found out I was adopted, I felt like my life had been a lie. It’s hard to explain, but in my head I became an outsider, belonging to no one. I felt alone. I’m sorry it took me this long to figure out what you’ve done for me. You’ve given me a home, and so much love, and I’ve been selfish by shutting you out. All I want is your forgiveness.” Cat watched as a tear rolled down her mom’s cheek, and her dad swallowed hard as if something was stuck in his throat. The room was quiet and the grandfather clock in the foyer seemed unusually loud. Aided by a gentle shove from Sam, Rachel stood up and put her arms around Cat, hugging her close.

“We love you so much, Cat. There’s nothing to be sorry for.  I wish we had told you the truth sooner. But the real truth is, you’re our daughter and always will be.” Rachel held her, gently stroking her hair.

“I guess I even like you a lot. Ow, what was that for,” Taylor said looking at Sam after he elbowed his son in his side.  “Okay, but you know I hate all that mushy stuff.  I guess I love ya too,” he said, grinning at Cat.

“Cat,” Sam began, then took a deep breath, “Oh hell, come here and give me a hug,” he demanded, to which she promptly obeyed. They all began laughing as she fell onto her dad’s lap and everyone piled on top.

Several minutes later, with Cat sitting between her parents, she cleared her throat. “I want to stay with you. But if it means that it’ll put you all in danger, I’ll go with Ròs and Trevor. I couldn’t bear the thought of any of you getting hurt because of me.” Sam sighed, looking at Rachel over Cat’s head.

“We don’t want you to go, and don’t worry about our safety. We’ll be just fine. I’m so happy. I could just eat a gallon of ice cream,” Sam shouted.

“Now Sam, you know it’s bad for your cholesterol.” Seeing his unhappy expression, Rachel said, “Well, maybe half a gallon.” Cat giggled as her dad jumped up and did an impromptu dance in the middle of the floor.  The three looked at one another and rolled their eyes as he danced out of the room on his way to the kitchen.

Taylor asked how Cat’s friends had reacted to her apology, and she eagerly told them all the details from when she called Julie until she came home.

The following day, Cat sat in her dad’s stud
y with everyone gathered
. All eyes were on her as she stood in front of them.  “I’ve made my decision.  I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but I can’t come with you,
” she said looking at Ròs
and Trevor. “I thought long and hard about this, and I belong here. I know by staying I could place myself and my family in danger, but this is where I feel I belong. Please don’t be mad at me. I’m so glad I got to meet you, and now know where I come from. Of course it’ll take a while for me to accept the whole vampire thing, but for right now I’m just plain old Cat. I have a rare blood disorder, and that’s how I want it to be. Do you understand?” Her eyes pleaded with them as she waited anxiously for their answer.

“We knew what you were going to tell us today. I cannot say that we’re not deeply disappointed, but we understand. The Colvins have taken such great care of you, and for that we will always be grateful,” Ròs said glancing at Sam and Rachel. “I know if William and Erika were here today, they’d be very proud of you, Catherine.” Digging in her dark green, leather coat pocket, “I brought something with me that I want to give to you.” Ròs handed Cat a small wooden box. Inside she found an ornate gold locket.

“It’s beautiful, Ròs,” Cat said as she examined it.

“Try opening it,” Ròs said. As Cat popped the clasp open, she found a picture of an extremely handsome man and a beautiful woman inside. 

“Is that-”

“Yes, it’s Erika and William.” Ròs pulled a gold chain from around her neck and showed it to Cat. “I also wear the same locket. If you look at the back, you’ll notice an intricate Celtic knot. That is the sign of our coven in Ireland, the Dearga. Now, this locket is very special, please take good care of it,” she explained with a smile.

“So, this might be a dumb question, but how is there a picture of my father in the locket? I thought vampires didn’t cast a reflection.”

“Ah yes, well you’re mostly right. A vampire has a way of controlling what they want others to see. Most vampires hate to be seen or known to exist, so they remove their reflection,” Ròs explained.

“I wish I would’ve known that like five yearbook pictures ago.”

Ròs laughed. “Oh no, your vampire powers have only fully manifested in the last year or so, Catherine. You were still mostly human up until the day you turned sixteen. Besides, a Childe is different from a regular vampire anyway. You generally have no control over what the outward world sees. Your vampire side does, and sometimes you might find yourself fighting it for control. Kind of like a split personality.”

“Great, that’s all I need right now…a split personality,” Cat groaned.

 “But you have nothing to worry about because you’re on quite the appetite suppressant, or so I’m told. I’m not sure how I feel about those pills they make you take, but if they stop your vampire side from completely taking over, then I guess it’s a good thing you take them.”

“So, are there any other things that I should be made aware of? You know, just so there are no more surprises?”

“Not that I can think of now,” Ròs replied, searching her memory, with her hand about her chin.

“Well, we best be off, got a lot of ground to cover you know,” Trevor stated while wrapping his arm around Ròs’ shoulders.

Cat smiled. “I don’t know how to thank you guys. I hope you’ll keep in touch with us and come back to visit,” Cat said, looking at them hopefully.

“Rest assured, Cat, we shall return,” Trevor replied.

Cat stood on the porch watching as Michael’s car pulled out of the driveway, and made its way down the hill. She felt sad until she turned and found her parents standing in the doorway, looking so happy.
Yes, I’ve definitely made the right decision.

Standing in the Parliament’s Great Hall, Andrei tried to control his temper and avoid the eruption of his fangs. The impossible woman before him made it a difficult task.

“So, when did you arrive back at the castle?” Lisbeth inquired.

“A few days ago,” Andrei replied.

“And you are just now seeking me? What news do you bring from your trip to Astoria?” she asked, her patience wearing thin.

“I still have no leads on the Childe, if that is what you are asking.”