Harmony (9 page)

       “I’ll leave the window unlatched,” I said as I stepped out into the cold late afternoon chill. Ian sped off with a look upon his face I’d never seen before—despair.

GRAMS

“Grams! I’m home,” I called out.

       “In the kitchen,” Grams replied.

       I walked into the kitchen and gave her a quick hug.       “How was your trip with Ian?”

       I didn’t know where to begin. “It went just as well as you thought it would.”

       Grams dropped the spoon she was holding on the counter. “So, you finally know. Come on sit with me,” she said, wiping her hands on her apron. The kitchen always smelled of fresh herbs and ripe vegetables. It was the earthy smells that intoxicated my senses.

       “Did Ian tell you, or did you figure it out on your own?” Grams quizzed me.

       “Does it matter?” I asked. “How could you, Grams? All those sleepless nights, the countless nightmares, and the imaginary friend I paraded around that apparently everyone knew wasn’t all that imaginary!” I shouted. I paced around the room. It was fast becoming stifling, and I didn’t like feeling this way about my grandmother or accusing her of lying.

       “Sophia Marie, sit down,” Grams commanded. “Let me explain. Do you honestly think that I could have explained all of this to a child? Heavens, you were only eight when your mother died.”

       “You mean
killed,
” I interjected. “There’s a big difference.”

       “Yes,” Grams resigned. “Killed. Honestly Sophie, I didn’t know what to think. One minute you were off with your mother picking flowers for Sunday brunch, and the next you were on the doorstep covered in blood in the arms of a man I barely knew!”

       “Grams,” I sat down. “I get it, but I’m still mad.”

       “What was I to do?” Grams stared off into space. “It wasn’t until years later that I figured part of it out,” she said.

       That piqued my interest. “Do you know what Ian is?” I asked.

       “You mean a vampire?” Grams chuckled. “Of course dear, that was the easy part to figure out.” “Easy? Am I that dense?” I questioned.

       “No honey, I think they call it love,” she said.

       I wasn’t about to validate that comment or discuss the state of my heart with Grams. I wasn’t even sure I was ready to admit fully the depth of my love and feelings for Ian. I calmed down a bit, but the silence between us was unbearable.

       “Here,” Grams said, “you look famished. Did Ian not feed you?”

       I murmured, “Too well.”

       “Eat a cucumber sandwich that I made and drink some milk,” Grams said, fussing.

       “Grams, I’m not ten! I think I need something stronger after what I’ve just learned,” I replied.       “Tea?” Grams laughed.

       “Yes, chamomile.” I sighed. I was such a chicken. “Thanks Grams. I’m going to go unpack.”

       It was already getting darker outside and still no sign of Ian. Maybe he changed his mind? It was probably for the best.

       Grams knocked on my bedroom door. “Here you go, Sophie, a nice cup of hot tea. Do you need anything else?” she asked.

       “Oh Grams, I’m so confused!” I said, sinking onto my bed. “What am I supposed to do with all this information?” I whined like a child.

       Grams sat beside me on my bed and laid a tender hand on my knee. “Sophie, the choice has always been yours. This is your life, your destiny if you will. No one can make these decisions for you. I can’t, Ian can’t…” 

       “It’s just so overwhelming finding this all out,” I mused. “I guess I knew what happened, just chose to ignore what my heart already knew.” Tears burned my eyes.

       “Was I wrong to keep this so long from you? I don’t know, but that was my decision, not Ian’s,” Grams added.

       “So explain to me why you would let me go off with him this weekend?” I asked. “If you knew what he was, didn’t that frighten you?” I questioned.

       “Perhaps a bit, but I had to let you go. Ian needed this more than you. He’s carried the burden around for some time,” Grams firmly stated. “Guilt weighs you down, and I think he’s punished himself long enough for his part.”

       “When did you become so wise?” I asked, hugging her.

       “Not wise, just practical. You needed to find these things out for yourself.”

       “So did you know about my telepathic abilities when I was younger?” I asked.

       “Yes. I had my suspicions. You should have heard some of the stories you used to tell me about your
friend.
Then one day, when I asked you the name of your imaginary friend, you didn’t hesitate in saying Ian.”

       I laughed. “I’m surprised you didn’t have a nervous breakdown.”

       “I’ll be honest, it gave me quite a shock, but I didn’t think he was doing any harm. Heaven knows, I couldn’t calm you after your nightmares, but Ian seemed to know how.”

       Wow. This was a lot to take in.

       “Now go to sleep. You have school in the morning, and I don’t want another call from the office that you’ve missed classes again,” Grams said.

       “I know. I know. Believe me; I don’t want to go to Summer school either,” I replied.      “Tomorrow, I’ll tell you about our family, but this is enough for tonight. Love you, Sophie.” Grams kissed my cheek.

       “Love you too, Grams. Goodnight.”

       Grams turned the light off as she left the room. I snuggled into my bedcovers, noticing that it was close to midnight and still no Ian. I couldn’t hide my disappointment. I missed him already.
Okay, focus, Sophie,
I thought to myself.
Center yourself and concentrate.

***

       “I shouldn’t have come,” Ian muttered as he paced in front of her house. He probably looked like a lunatic coming and going several times from the front steps. When did he start behaving like a love-sick puppy?
Why was this given to him?
Ian thought in desperation. Curse the guardians for ever bringing him into this mess. Everything was all messed up. Ian was torn. Sophie meant more to him with every passing day. He needed her; the warmth of her touch made him feel almost human again. Something he longed for, but had long since given up hope for. The best he could hope for now was to be content in spending what little time was left to make her happy.

***

      
It’s dark in his mind
, I thought as I saw Ian pacing.
What was he trying to figure out?
Whatever it was, it was tearing him apart. It suddenly dawned on me—I was the one who was causing him so much pain.

      
Oh Ian,
I thought.
I wish you’d talk to me. Wait a minute, that’s Gram’s yard. He’s in front of the house?
I quickly shed my covers and opened up my window. I felt him more than saw him standing on the sidewalk. I whispered, “Ian.” Instantaneously, he bounded from the sidewalk to the branch of the tree outside my window. Amazing. He was so graceful. His long muscular legs…

       “Did you miss me already?” Ian interrupted my train of thought. I didn’t have to say it; I knew he saw the desire in my eyes, but I knew he was looking for a verbal confirmation.

       “Yes, I haven’t had my goodnight kiss,” I teased.

       “I’d be happy to oblige, my lady,” Ian replied. His antiquated speech always sent chills down my spine. He made me feel cherished and simply wonderful inside.

       Ian slid off the branch and climbed through my bedroom window. I merely held out my hands and found myself wrapped in a comforting embrace. Ian settled his chin on top of my head while toying with a stray locket of my hair.
This is nice,
I thought, sighing.

      
Nice?
Ian mused.
I see I’m already failing at my boyfriend duties.

       I giggled. “You know what I mean.” I pulled him to my bed. He tucked me in, and I nestled against his chest. I breathed in his scent; it was indescribable.  I felt him tense. “Does that bother you?” I asked.

       “No, not really. I can’t say I’ve had anyone do that before,” he said with a smile.    He was teasing me, so I rolled over on top of him. He pretended to let me pin him down. “How about this,” I said as I grazed my lips down his cheek. I laughed as he held me closer.

       “Sophie,” Ian groaned.

       I realized I’d gone too far again. “Ian, I’m so sorry. I keep forgetting. Here, let me up,” I said apologetically. I didn’t get another word in as he pulled me back down and crushed me with his lips. In the excitement of discovery, I bit my tongue or Ian did. I felt the warm blood pool in my mouth. He’d tasted my blood.
Blood.
 I could feel the power surge in him. I could also see the demon within beckoning him to be released. His mind was so dark, and at first I tried to resist its pull, but it was so sensual and inviting. It all happened so fast, but it was exhilarating! It was like riding Ian’s bike up the mountain—dangerous and reckless. I didn’t want it to end. It was as if our mutual thirst had not been quenched in days. We were desperate souls. Ian was desperate to stay in control. I was desperate to feel that connection to his soul.
He wanted me. Oh Ian.

       Ian realized my surprise and abruptly released me. He lay on his back, and I rolled over onto mine. “Ian, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have tempted you again. I can’t seem to help myself,” I said frustrated.      “Sophie, not now,” Ian said darkly. I wasn’t sure what to do with that response. This was more than awkward. He reached for my hand. “I’m okay now. Did I hurt you?” Ian asked, searching my face. “I’m sorry.”

       “Sorry about what? The kissing part or the tongue biting part?” I responded with a glint in my eye.

       Ian ruffled my hair and said, “Sophie, you are going to be the death of me!
”
 

       “But you’re already dead,” I jokingly replied.

       “Ugh! Come here,” Ian commanded. I obliged and fell asleep in his arms.

DESTINY

“Good morning,” I said sleepily. I could get used to being awoken with Ian’s kisses. “You’re still here!”

       “I told you I’d stay, but your grandmother is awake. I don’t think she would approve of
this
overnight guest,” Ian said rising.

       “Oh, don’t take it personally; I don’t think she’d approve of any man in my room.” I laughed.      “I’ll go around front and pick you up for school,” he said, then climbed out of my bedroom window.

       “Wait! Give me at least an hour,” I said hastily. “I need to take care of some necessities.”      Ian laughed. “You are such a girl—impossible.”

       I blew him a kiss, and he acted like it pushed him out the window.
I’m impossible
, I thought. I think he might actually have a sense of humor. I rushed through my morning routine, but took a little extra time in the make-up department. Hey, I had someone to impress now. Clothes, couldn’t forget those. Okay, totally juvenile, but I wondered what he liked. Ian definitely had taste—expensive tastes. I pulled on dark khakis and a casual green blouse. This would have to do. I headed downstairs.

       Grams was already at the table, paper in hand, and sipping her tea. “Good morning, Grams.” I said cheerfully
.
“I overslept.” I grabbed a slice of toast and gulped my juice down.

       “It wouldn’t have anything to do with our overnight guest, would it?” Grams casually mentioned, not missing a beat.
Yikes, busted.
She was good. Okay, how to phrase this? “Before you freak out, Grams, let me explain. We talk….” I rambled on. “Okay, mainly I talk and Ian listens as I ramble on and on.” My words came rushing out like I was on trial fighting for my life. “I feel safer when he’s around, I can’t really explain it,” I said as I pathetically sunk down in my chair at the kitchen table.      “Sophie,” Grams said with a twinkle in her eye. “I trust you and your judgment. I was once young too.”

       “Really?” I teased.
How cool was my grandmother!

       “Just be careful,” Grams replied.

       “Wow, Grams, I didn’t know you were so liberated!” I laughed in awe.

       Grams laughed again. “I’m not, but this is way beyond your normal relationship and frankly, way beyond my expertise. I think your Ian is here now.” She nodded toward the front door. The doorbell rang.

       “How did you know?” I asked in amazement.

       “You’re not the only one with abilities my dear,” Grams said. I let that one slide; it would have to wait till after school. I opened the door and Ian was all smiles. I beamed.

       “Hi stranger,” Ian said as he grabbed my backpack from my shoulder. “I’ve got this.”    “Are you seriously going to carry my books?” I asked astounded. “You are entirely too precious!”   Clearly embarrassed Ian said, “I’m not entirely sure what to do here, but I’m trying to act like I’m supposed to as your
boyfriend.
”

       “Well,” I said, getting into his car, “I guess we need to define what this is. Do vampires even date?” Ian rolled his eyes. “Okay, dumb question. Obviously not.” I climbed into the passenger side of his car. “What did you do before you became a vampire? Didn’t you court or something like that?” I teased.

       “I honestly can’t remember,” Ian said sadly. He backed his car out of the driveway and headed down the street. “There is very little that I remember clearly.”

       “Oh, I’m sorry. I did it again,” I said, shaking my head. “How is it that I always do that?” I asked frustrated.

       “Do what?” Ian asked perplexed.