The Vampire's Apprentice

"Know the offer is open if you change your mind," he whispered. He shifted. "Let's get you to bed, hmm?" He glanced up. The way to her room was currently cluttered with a couch, but he could carry her to his room instead.
 
Bed was so far away! Kitty didn't want to leave. She wanted to remain buried in his shirt, oblivious to the world. At least here she could avoid answering his questions.
 
Clancy carefully scooped her into his arms when she made no move to seperated from his shirt, and stood. It was no easy feat to stand while holding someone, but he managed it and carried her to his room. He sat down on the bed and scooted into the center. There he held her close to his chest once more, cradled in his lap. Tired down to his soul, he closed his eyes and asked her no more questions.
 
Kitty rested against him, thinking back over all the words that had been exchanged that evening. The more she tried to focus, the harder it became to keep her eyes open. In a last effort to stay awake, she pulled herself off of his lap and settled beside him on the bed.
 
Clancy remained sitting, but he put a hand on her small shoulder, feeling her breathing and listening to her heart. He did not move, letting her sleep until he had to get up to retreat to the basement. He cleaned up as best he could, first, then disappeared for the day.
 
When she opened her eyes, the first thing she noted was that it was very dark. Why was it dark? Because the window was closed. Why was the window closed? Kitty sat up, looking around in the pitch black. She found her way to the door and opened it, squinting as the daylight flooded in. The window was closed because it wasn't her room. Why wasn't she⁠–

Kitty stopped.

Right.

A lot had happened last night. It was strange she had forgotten the simple fact she'd fallen asleep in his room. He had been very angry, and very sad, she remembered. Kitty opened the door to let Sam out before locating some breakfast. Would Clancy still feel that way when she saw him again?

Only way to find out was to wait.
 
Perhaps an hour after school, the twins tap-tapped at the door and stood eagerly waiting.
Sam barked to alert Kitty then stood sniffing at the door. His tail/butt wiggled eagerly as he stared at the door as if he could see through it, anticipating a friend.
 
Kitty opened the door and smiled upon seeing them. "Well, hello there. What brings you two all the way across the yard?"
 
"Can we play with Sam?" the twins blurted simultaneously.
Sam gave them a good sniffing over as they stood on the porch then looked at Kitty hopefully.
 
Sam bolted out into the yard with the twins squealing joyfully. This time, there was no indication from the dog that anything was wrong. He gave no alert that he smelled anything. All was playtime and peaceful.

Perhaps an hour and a half later, EJ cam slouching over. "JC! JP! Come on, time to come home!"
 
Kitty glanced up from her book, looking from her place on the porch steps to EJ. She folded the cover over her thumb and waved at the boy.
 
EJ lifted a cautious hand in greeting. "Hey. How's it going?"
The twins were giving Sam some parting pets that he was lapping up joyously.
 
EJ nodded. "He's happy as a pig in mud most of the time with the pain meds they have him on. He doesn't seem too bothered when I'm around. You coming to see him again soon?"
"And bringing cookies?" JP asked hopefully.
"Manners!" JC said reprochfully. "Are you bringing more cookies, please?"
 
"Cool." EJ turned back to his younger siblings. "Now, you two, git!"
The twins made faces at EJ then gave Kitty a cheerful wave goodbye before taking off for home. EJ followed at a hunched amble.
Sam yawned then trotted over to Kitty and sat next to her, panting happily.
 
The late spring evening seemed to stretch on forever until darkness fell at last. Clancy was up the second the sun was down, and he seemed less rested than usual. Sober and quiet as he went to dress, taking his time.
 
Neither Kitty nor Sam would be at home, as the girl had found a place on the park bench and was satisfied watching the familiar lighting fade over unfamiliar trees. Everything outside seemed greener, these days, but she hardly noticed. That wasn't the reason she had come.
 
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