Nevermore, the Complete Series (38 page)

The house appeared as clean as last time from the outside. I still felt strange seeing the house where I had lived for so long. I could picture Janet's van parked perfectly in the driveway, where instead I found two cars – one of which was Jason's, the other I did not recognize. Salem and I exited the Alero and approached the front door. I knocked, although I knew they wouldn't have minded if I had just walked in…considering the place was technically mine.

“We're just here to make sure she isn't the vampire, and then we can go,” I whispered to Salem as we waited for someone to answer.

The door opened slowly to reveal Mitch, who appeared a little apprehensive. “Hey, Alex,” he said, “this is Salem?”

Salem nodded. “I am.”

“Wow, Alex. Karen didn't mention he had an accent. Where's he from?”

“Wales,” I commented, trying to peek over Mitch's shoulder to see inside the house. “Is Jason here?”

“Yeah, but he's kind of occupied at the moment,” he answered awkwardly.

I arched a brow and gently pushed him aside. The kitchen was surprisingly clean and tidy. Not a single dish sat in the sink, the garbage can was empty and the floor swept. As I turned into the living room, I gasped and looked away. Jason was sitting on my old loveseat, cradling some unfamiliar girl in his arms, their lips latched onto each other as if they were stapled together. Why did I feel a twinge of jealousy at this image? I didn't have feelings for Jason beyond friendship. Was it because now he would no longer be fawning over me? Shouldn't I think that was a good thing?

“Excuse us,” Salem coughed suddenly and I slowly turned back to look at the pair on the loveseat. They were sitting upright, separated from each other and looking somewhat abashed. Now that she wasn't tangled up in Jason's arms, I got a good look of the girl beside him. She had a slightly rounded face, with perky red lips and almond-shaped brown eyes. A flowing mane of wavy brunette hair with vibrant honey highlights settled against her shoulders, and she didn't look up at us. She wore a pale yellow sundress that perfectly contrasted to her hair. At least I had my answer – this was in fact not the vampire I was after. She wasn't a vampire at all. She smelled heavily of metal and sunflowers, which led me to wonder what brought on those particular scents.

“Hey Jason...” I said hoarsely, trying to find my voice. “Sorry...you told me to come over whenever.”

“Yeah, I'm sorry,” he said and stood up from the couch. “This is Eila.”

“I gathered that,” I replied, and entered the living room. The atmosphere was definitely awkward and uncomfortable. Salem hovered behind me, observing the scene from afar.

“I think I know you,” Eila said in a hushed voice, “You were in my music class!”

This didn't make any sense. Jason was with a girl from music class? Maybe it was just an elective she chose just to get it out of the way. “You were in music class?”

“She plays the flute,” Jason replied for her. “She is really good at it, too!” That explained the metallic scent, I guess.

I shook my head in confusion. “This is coming from the boy who throughout middle and high school teased everyone for being in music class – including me!” I nearly shouted.

Jason hung his head in shame. “I know...Eila scolds me for it enough, I don't need to hear it from you. I've matured since then, really. I understand that just because you are interested in music that doesn't make you a nerd.”

“That's good to know, at least,” I grumbled. “Was there any particular reason why you wanted me to come over here?”

“I thought you two might get along – considering you both like music and all,” he shrugged, “and I thought Salem might be more comfortable with you coming over sometime if he knew I wasn't going to try anything.”

“That is something that I hope never crossed your mind before,” Salem growled from behind me.

“I can't promise I never thought about it,” Jason replied and Eila stood and slapped him on the shoulder. “Hey, I’m sorry! I used to have a huge crush on Alex, but I promise you all of those feelings are gone. She’s just a friend. Just like Karen.”

What had this girl done to catch Jason's attention, and why did it bother me so much? She seemed friendly, if not a bit shy, and she was attractive...but what did they have in common? Then again, what did Jason and I have in common? I guess that was irrelevant.

“You two met at Howard's, you said?” I said, ending the silence.

“Yes,” Eila smiled, “It’s not the most romantic 'How did you two meet?' story, but it doesn't have to be. I was short a few cents and Jason told me not to worry about it, he would pay the extra. It was embarrassing at first.”

“Then I asked her out to eat, and things went from there.”

“How long has this been going on?”

“A couple of weeks.”

“You two seem happy,” I said, wishing I could leave now that I knew she wasn’t any threat to my friends.

“Oh, we are!” Eila chimed in and grasped Jason's hand tightly.

I looked around the house, hoping to catch a glimpse of Mitchell hanging around somewhere. “Where'd your brother run off to?” I asked when I couldn't find him and didn't hear anything upstairs.

“He’s probably outside in his new car. He barely leaves that thing,” Jason laughed.

“I'm going to go talk to him, if you don't mind.” My question was directed at both Jason and Salem.

“Go ahead,” Jason said.

“I will wait here,” Salem replied, staring at Jason with distaste.

I headed out the front door. The lights were bright and shining almost directly in my eyes; however it didn't bother me to look straight into them. I could hear music roaring from the radio, smell the gasoline and oil from within the car. The vehicle was bright red and slick, much more appealing than my dull Alero. It was even more attractive than Jason's metallic blue PT Cruiser. I tapped gently on the driver side window but he didn't roll it down. As I prepared to knock again, I heard the doors unlock and walked to the passenger side and climbed in. The gray leather seat was comfortable and in just the right position to give me the perfect amount of leg room. My ears were overly sensitive to the sound blaring from the radio, so I covered my ears.

“Sorry,” Mitchell said as he turned off the stereo. “What are you doing out here?”

“I came to talk,” I replied.

He looked tense, tired and disheveled. Something was obviously bothering him.

“What about?”

“Well, first I wanted to congratulate you on the car!” I said and smiled, “I’m proud of you for keeping up with those hours for so long. I'm pretty sure I would’ve given up after day two.”

I was relieved to see his lips curve upward in a small, amused grin. “It was well worth it.”

“What kind of car is it?”

“It's a Mustang GT,” he replied, “I saved a lot to afford this baby!”

“Is that why you spend so much time out here?” I asked, my voice growing a little more serious.

“Mostly...”

“It's something to do with Eila, isn't it?”

He sighed. “It isn't that I don't like her. She's really sweet and treats Jason like a king – not to mention she keeps the place clean – but it feels weird being around him now. They're always together...I am wondering if I should just find a place of my own or something.”

“Oh, Mitchell...” I frowned and pulled him into a comforting hug. “Don't say that. They're a brand new couple. Things will settle down eventually and it’ll be back to the way things used to be, just with one extra body. I'm sure you’ll get used to it.”

“Maybe,” he replied stubbornly as our hug ended. “It was nice when it was just the two of us...but I guess that’s how it works.”

“Imagine if it were the other way around. You wouldn't want Jason stuck outside all the time, hiding away from you and your girlfriend.”

“No, but I doubt that would even cross my mind,” he laughed.

“See? It's all new to him, too.”

“And what do you think about it, Alex?”

“Me?” I blinked. “Why would I care?”

“Because for the past sixteen years Jason had feelings for you, and then some new girl shows up and he is suddenly head-over-heels in love with her. He says he doesn’t feel anything for you anymore other than being a friend. Doesn't that make you even a little upset?”

I shrugged, although he was right. “A little...but it's not a big deal. I'll get used to it too.
It's better this way,” I smiled, comforting myself with my own words.

“I guess you're probably right,” he agreed and smiled at me. “Thanks for coming out here.”

“Pft, you don’t have to thank me. We’re friends too you know. I’ve missed you both so much.”

“We've missed you, too. You know you can come over any time. I'm not on the graveyard shift anymore, so I'm less of a zombie,” he laughed.

He was less of a zombie, and I was more close to being one than I ever imagined possible. I wondered if this was something I would ever be able to confide in the Banner brothers about, or even Karen.

“I'll keep that in mind,” I said. “I should probably head back now though.”

“Are you sure? You could stay for dinner.”

He seemed eager for company, but I knew I couldn't stay. “I’d love to, but I really can't. My grandpa is visiting and I need to get back home to check on him.”

“Your grandpa? I didn't even know you had any alive.”

“Me either until a few weeks ago,” I laughed. “Now he practically lives with me. So trust me when I say I know how it feels to have your house invaded.”

We both shared a brief understanding smile, hugged again and I left the car. After a quick farewell to Jason and Eila, Salem and I headed back home.

As we were driving back to the Victorian, my phone went off. Salem picked it up and hesitantly answered. A panicked expression slowly developed on his pale face as he listened to the voice on the other end.

“We need to turn around,” he whispered, still listening intently to the person on the other line.

“What? Why?” I nearly shouted.

“Just turn around, Alex,” his voice remained just as quiet and then he hung up the phone. “It’s Paul.”

“What? What is going on?!” I nearly veered off the side of the road as I yelled at Salem.

“Your phone said it was Paul, but a woman answered. She told me to go to trailer 16, bring no weapons, and don't act suspiciously,” Salem said calmly, which I was certain was only in the hopes of getting me to relax.

“It's the vampire. It has to be. She has Paul. She's going to kill him!”

“We don’t know that Alex. Maybe she just wants to talk to us.”

“That's very likely, Salem!” I shouted. “How often do murderous, crazed vampires want to 'just talk'?!”

“Most likely never, but you need to calm down unless you want to crash and possibly kill someone!”

I turned the steering wheel quickly to the left as I almost rammed straight into the side of a van beside us. With a deep breath, I managed to relax somewhat, although inhaling practically did nothing for me – it was out of habit.

“Now, let's get to Paul's house…carefully,” Salem said once I was more relaxed.

I nodded slowly, pulled into a vacant lot and turned the car around and headed in the direction of the trailer park. I began to wonder how my heart was not racing with fear as I sped along the road, and then it occurred to me that it was impossible. I didn't entirely miss the feeling of an anxious heartbeat. The sky was darkening overhead yet I could see just as clearly as if it were daylight.

“Bring no weapons,” I mused. “Little does she know, I am a
weapon. I bet she won't be expecting that.”

“That’s true. But do not act immediately. Wait until we know for certain she is our suspect, and at least give her a chance to explain herself.”

“Why should I give her a chance to explain herself? She has been going around town killing people! For all we know Paul could be next!” I jerked the car into the trailer park and drove through the thin space until I reached the familiar peach-colored mobile home. Leaving my crossbow in the car, I climbed out swiftly and slammed the door shut. Salem followed me up the stairs to the thin, flimsy door. It was cracked open and I could see a faint yellow glow emanating from within.

“Dad?”
I called as I pushed the door open. “Are you here?”

No one answered. I stepped into the cramped place, discovering it was more of a mess than when I last visited. There were papers strewn across the floor, and what appeared to be old photographs. Ignoring the temptation was hard; I knelt down and picked up the nearest picture.

“Oh!” I gasped, nearly dropping the photo.

Depicted in the small square was an infant with very short brunette hair and hazel eyes. She was cradled in the arms of an auburn haired woman who stood next to a
much younger version of my father; they were both smiling. I turned the picture over and glanced at a small inscription on the back:

Destiny, Paul and Alexis (1995)

Salem stared at the words along with me, no doubt coming to the same conclusion. This couldn't be real. It must have been some sort of mistake...there had to be another explanation! I reached for the next closest thing, which turned out to be an old note.

'Dear Paul, August, 10, 1994

I can hardly believe we are about to be parents. I am so thrilled! I know it will be tough raising her, knowing...what you are...but we will make it through somehow. You must make me one promise, however – never, ever let Alexis know about your 'side job'. Let her live a normal life. We can protect her from it together, I know we can. Keep this note as a reminder – just in case.

I love you so much, and I can’t wait to hold our baby!

Love always,

Destiny'

I let the paper slip out of my hand.

“My mother...” I choked out. “She's the vampire...”

“You don't know that for certain, Alex. It could be a coin-”

“Don't you dare say
'coincidence'!” I shouted. “You are the one who told me there are none! This is happening! This is real!”

“Let's find your father and make sure he is safe,” Salem replied quietly, averting his eyes for a moment.

I carefully edged down the hallway leading to Paul's bedroom. I had never gone this far into the trailer before, so initially I made the mistake of opening the bathroom door and a spare room. My eyes were fixated on the furnishing of the spare bedroom: a sleek white crib in the far corner of the room with a mobile with white lambs dangling overhead, a quaint dresser beside it in the same color, and a tan glider chair in the other corner beside a small window. I cautiously entered the room, my curiosity getting the best of me. How had Paul not shown this to me after all this time?

Lying inside the crib was a small, dusty, brown bear with a red bow-tie around its throat. I picked it up, rubbing the soft material gently when I felt something prick my finger. A tag dangled from the stuffed animal's left paw. I turned it toward me and read it:

To Alexis, from mommy

I dropped the bear into the crib and stepped away. This was all too much. Salem came up to me with intent to comfort me, but I pushed him away.

“Not now...I need to get out of here...We need to find Paul.”

He nodded with a subtle frown and followed me out of the unsettling room. There was only one more door; it had to be Paul’s room. I shut my eyes momentarily as I eased my fingers around the doorknob.