Chapter 3: Honesty is the Best Policy?

Here I am now sitting in Kal's room with my knees drawn to my chest. After our enlightening conversation, I asked a question that'd been burning me. I realized I can't leave yet.

"Kal mentioned earlier that I can't leave or else I'll kill someone. What does that mean? Why can't I leave?"

"It takes a full day for your body to fully change. You'll crave blood randomly throughout the day with symptoms resembling withdrawal. If there's no one to help you then you'll go into blood lust and most likely over drink from someone. If you're here then Kal can help you through it."

All three of them left soon after, mentioning something about the fourth member of their house group Nathan and a practice. In their departure I was left in the care of a short elderly woman, Winona, whom they called their nanny.

It was comical really. The idea of three adult men needing someone like that made me laugh, but she's a surprisingly pleasant woman. She spoke to me like a mother would, asking details about my life that I hadn't shared with anyone but Carly. When I got hungry, she held a bag of blood to my lips as if I'm a hungry child.

She left to go start dinner nearly 10 minutes ago, leaving me to myself and my thoughts. Every once in a while, I find myself staring at my reflection in the mirror. While I don't look much different than normal, I feel like I'm watching a stranger. The girl seems unfamiliar. The girl in the mirror is someone who's never had to worry. She's never faced heartache, pain, stress, or anything in relation. She's an opposite of myself.

The sound of my phone rips me from my pondering. I didn't even know Kalen grabbed it when he brought me here. How considerate.

Mrs. Harris is calling me, and I suddenly realize that I have to be at work right now. I hesitated to answer her call, then finally bit the bullet, "Alana! Where are you?" Ms. Harris asked. "Your shift started 20 minutes ago."

"I'm sorry. I had an accident on my way home last night and I can't come in today. I've been so overwhelmed that I forgot to call."

She's silent for a moment, "An accident like what? Did you get attacked?"

"I was chased home and..." I hesitated. I wasn't sure if I should tell her. It would make things easy sure but she's never been a fan of vampires. "...and I just need the next two days off because I'm really shaken up. It's my first time ever being in that situation."

"Of course I understand! Keep me updated on how you're doing! I'll be in touch." She's quick to hang up, leaving me wallowing in my misery. I know I should've told her but if I lose my job I'm fucked. I hate lying.

Kalen's door opens. Winona smiles gently at me. She holding another bag of blood. "You look upset dear. Are you okay?"

"Have you always been a vampire? I mean were you born as one?" I take the bag from her. I don't drink it right away since I'm not craving it. The taste isn't bad but considering I wasn't drinking it yesterday it's still strange.

"No. I was 16 when I was bitten by my husband." She sits beside me. As if she read my mind, she says, "Telling people around me was the hard part. I'd turned into a different person and that wasn't something I planned to hide."

"How many friends did you lose?" I ask.

She shrugs, "A few. Some people can accept this situation you can't control, some people can't see past the fact that you're a monster. I found that the ones who stuck around were the ones who truly cared, and that made it easier. Now when I meet new people I disclose that fact immediately."

I nod. She was making a lot of sense, and I knew I had to tell Carly.

"Thank you."

"Of course. Now drink up before everyone gets home. The later it is the stronger the thirst. Call me if you need anything."

When she's finally gone I pick up my phone to text Carly.

-Hey, are you free tomorrow morning?- A

-Yeah! Come over my brother will be gone-C

-Okay see you.- A

I climb out of Kalen's bed. It's no use fretting over this. I may as well explore the house he wants me to move into. Not that I plan to but a chance to explore a place so beautiful is a plus.

I start outside. The place really is beautiful. The mansion is large, modern, with pretty tan brick, large windows, and plenty of yard space. There isn't a lot of activity around the place, which is surprising considering how large houses like this need 24/7 attendance.

I maneuver to the living room that I familiarized myself with yesterday, then the large grand dining room, bigger kitchen, sun room, and both bathrooms on the first floor. Two rooms are obviously bedrooms. The second floor is just as extravagant as the first. As I roam the halls I look at the pictures decorating the walls. It's the three plus who I assume is Nathan in most of them, and even some plaques hung on the wall.

"Music Showcase Grand Prize Winner." I read the words aloud. "So they do music?"

The further I go I reach a room that gives off a different air than a bedroom. I push the door open slowly. Inside there are an assortment of trophy cases. I can make out two Grammy's in one case, an AMA award in another, and a VMA award in the corner. There are more plaques hung on the wall and more pictures.

Then I remember where I recognize them. They are popular band called V4, and I've just realized what the V stands for. Thinking about it, their status in society may not be a secret, but as someone who's never followed them it's surprising just how successful they are. I was right about them being famous.

"Last I checked you're Kal's guest, so shouldn't you be only exploring his room?" The voice behind me makes me jump. This guy is definitely unfamiliar. He gives of a wave of danger with dark red eyes and platinum blonde hair. He's the tallest of the bunch, definitely works out, and can clear room with the sound of his voice.

"I-I'm sorry. I stayed out of the bedrooms but this looked like anything but one and I got curious." I look to the ground. A part of me is expecting some type of punishment but he merely grips my shoulders and turns me towards the inside of the room.

"I thought they were lying when they said you didn't recognize us, but I suppose you're that clueless. Do you recognize us now?"

"Yeah. I spend all my time working, learning, and caretaking so I've never listened to your music but I see you on TV every once in a while." I look up at him and he smiles. "Um, is Kalen back yet?"

"Mhm. He's in his room." Nathan lets me go and steps aside. I find my way back to Kalen's room.

He's laid out on his bed shirtless. There's sweat dripping from his body much to my surprise. It's like he'd run back here. He looks at me, "D'you have fun with Nathaniel?"