Chapter 8

I screamed and flailed my hands and looked around to see that I was surrounded by mermaids and an older woman. She had a white film over her eyes. She had a frown on her face and said something in some sort of weird language. I was dragged out to see that I was not a vampire but still human. I was still living with my grandpa. This was some kind of glimpse of the future thing. I was taken to a room where the woman with red hair gave me an injection and I passed out.

I woke up with a splitting headache. I tried to remember what I did for the past few days but I didn't understand how I arrived here of all places. But I knew one thing I will find him. This time I will get my answers or bust. I came down to see grandpa making breakfast and I asked about the freeloader. He laughed out loud that I even remembered the guy. I told him he was my most vivid memory. I was about to tell dad about one hilarious moment when I smelled him coming. I managed to beat him to the door. I bolt it shut and waited for him to knock. He decided to peek through the window. I smiled, "How is your wife? Shall I call her to let her know you are going around the neighborhood eating free food?" He gave me a dirty look and walked away. I knew he was going for the back door. So I called her and waited with the fire extinguisher. When he walked in I emptied it to his face. Pops laughed so hard he actually peed. Mr. Brown looked at me scandalized. He tried to walk past me but I got in his way each time. I reminded him that breaking and entering is an offense. He saw that Grandpa was behind me so if he pushes me aside Pops will call the police. He stood his ground and started blathering about the existence of supernatural creatures. His wife showed up with the fifth sentence. She slapped behind his head, "Is this you buying groceries? The neighbors told me you sneak into their house for free food but I thought they were kidding. When this kid called me I thought she butt-dialed me. When I heard your voice I knew they were telling the truth" She yelled at him and dragged him out of the house. He gave me an angry look and stormed off. I called out, "This ain't your grandma's house" I heard a distinct chuckle from the woods. I looked up to see the man in the fur coat was joined by another man in a duster. This one had turquoise eyes and was the same build and height. If I didn't know better I would say they were twins. I ran as fast as my legs would take me. But he disappeared before I reached him and this was disappointing. I called out, "Listen to me whoever you are! You may have hidden from me for these few years but not anymore. I have become a resident of this town now. So I will find you because now I have all the time in the world."

I heard a distinct bark-like laugh and I ran towards it. I found footprints that lead to the swamps. That means the trail has gone cold. It doesn't matter because I have a feeling we will meet. I held on to the memory of his laugh as I came back home. Mr. Ford was talking to Jean about the state of his car. He looked upset so I waited to ask him. He felt someone staring at him. He turned to see me and his frown turned upside down. He hugged me and asked me if I enjoyed the library cafe'. I felt myself blush as he leaned to take a good look at me.

I walked with him when I smelled something familiar. I asked if he was wearing cologne. He chuckled, "I visited a friend in Romania. Dracula country. He wasn't there. So I came back" He gave me a wink and his phone rang. He answered in weird language and I asked him what language it was? He explained that it was Romanian. I smiled, "It is beautiful" His head snapped in my direction and smiled, "My friend wants to say Hello" I blushed as I mumbled, "Hello" The man on the other side asked me where I was and I muttered near New Orleans. He promised to visit me and asked to talk to Henry. I gave it back and walked back to my house. Grampa was talking to an old man I never met. He was Native American and had long braids. He gave me a dirty look and walked back to his rusty old truck.

I got ready to go shopping and Pops gave me a bus card that had a few hundred bucks on it. The fare was ten bucks per trip so I could use it a few times without concern. He gave me a rudimentary map and asked me to avoid certain areas. He said that people have gone missing or been found dead there. I felt chills go up and down my spine as I walked out the door.

Mr. Ford was waiting for me. He had a huge bike with him. I wished him well and walked towards the bus stand. He asked me if he could drive me. I politely declined. I didn't want to impose. He followed me all the way and helped me carry my items. My wristwatch buzzed to tell me that it was time for me to take my meds. He helped me find a pharmacy where they gave me an insulin shot.

He drove me back when I smelled the horrible stench again. He stopped and asked me what was wrong I instinctively reached for the crowbar on top of Howard's car. A bald woman in a corset and Capri pants showed up. She lunged at me and I swung the thing on her head as hard as possible. She passed out and I asked him to call the police. He asked why and I explained that she is one of those insane idiots that keep pouncing on me. She says I have to die. He gave me a frightened look and quickly picked up his phone. He spoke in Romanian and soon he gave me the phone and asked me to tell his friend everything. I asked his name and he replied Drake. I told him what little I can remember and he promised that they will never bother me again. I told him I would believe that if he would personally come over and proved it. He promised to be here in a few days.

I hung up and walked home. He followed me just to make sure I got home safely. I passed out on the couch. I woke up to someone eating furiously I saw the freeloader had managed to succeed. I quickly called the police and his wife. She showed up before the police and she convinced the police not to arrest him. She dragged him out of the house and after that she does nothing unless he is involved. She developed a sudden inability to do anything unless he helped. She would exhaust him so he would leave us alone.

I got ready for school when I got a call that my stepmom was taken to the hospital. I pulled out my passport and left for Boston. I got a call asking me not to board it but I ignored it. I tried every avenue but couldn't reach the airport so I settle for the train. I managed to board it and off I went to see her. A few minutes after we disembarked a few guys got up and ordered us to hand over our cellphones. I complied and he saw that I was carrying meds. He asked me if I was diabetic and I nod my head. I told him my watch will buzz when it is time for my meds. He asked to keep it on vibrate because the men he was with is very trigger-happy. I quickly complied and he walked away. Then a bald man burly man came and sat down next to me. He wanted to know why I was here. I explained that I was staying with my grandpa but my mother was in an accident so I was going to see her. He gave me a nod and walked away.

My watch buzzed and I raised my hand to use the bathroom. He gave me five minutes and watched as I took my meds with me. I locked myself in and I was about to load the syringe when I got the worst toothache of my life. It took great strength not to scream as it got worse. I started to convulse and soon my pain ended. I got up to see all four of my fangs had fallen and had been replaced by new ones. I was a vampire and it was horrible. I toss my old teeth into the trash along with my meds and walked out. The air smelled different this time. Before it smelled of mold but now there were other smells and it was enticing. But I was more focused on how to stay alive to care about the aroma.