Chapter 5

I took Darla’s place in the chair until morning light. Sara rose shortly after sunrise. Sitting up on the side of the bed she cleared the sleep from her eyes and the fog from her brain. Looking up at me she smiled.

I returned the smile, although not quite as brightly.

“How did you sleep?” I asked

“I slept better than I expected actually. I figured that I would not sleep well because I was not at home in my bed.”, she responded.

“That is most interesting. What time do your parents arrive today?” I asked.

“They’re actually probably already home. They were scheduled to come in very early in the morning.” she said. Apprehension crept into her voice.

“Very well. I will have Darla bring you some breakfast and let you get ready to go. Simply come downstairs when you are ready and I will take you home.” I said as I stood slowly. After a small glance back, I walked out of the room. I went downstairs and spoke with Darla to relay the request for food. Darla proceeded to take care of Sara in her usual motherly fashion.

In the meantime, I took care of some other business that required daylight. Within about an hour Sara walked down the staircase in the clothing worn upon her initial arrival at the coven.

“You look ready to go. Please follow me.”, I said. We exited the coven together. I walked up to the car stationed in the driveway and proceeded to open the passenger door for Sara. Sara looked a little shocked. I was unsure why however, as Sara approached closer to the car, she realized that we would be taking a very nice Porsche.

“This is a Porsche. I’ve always wanted one of these but my parents have said refused. They made me drive one of their cars. I never really understood why because their cars are worth so much more than what I wanted to drive. I think that my parents felt as though something this cheap would cause others to look down upon the family,” Sara said as she climbed into the passenger seat.

I closed the door behind her and proceeded around to the driver side. After entering the vehicle myself, I started the car. I said with a smile to her, “well I wouldn’t exactly call this a cheap car, I didn’t want to seem too posh when meeting your parents. However, I figured taking you home in an old pickup truck would have made a poor impression.”

“I would have loved to see my parents face if we drove up in an old pickup truck that smoked out the pipe and barely stayed running. They would’t know what to do.”, she giggled.

I could tell that as we closed the distance between the coven and Sara’s home, she tried to hide the growing apprehension and fear. I did not know what waited for us however, one certainty arose which contained a potential for a very uncomfortable meeting between Sara’s parents and myself. As the driveway rolled into view I slowed the vehicle and gently came to a stop outside the home.

I looked over at Sara and said, “Welcome home. I know this is probably the last place you wish to be at the moment but it is where you belong for the time being.”

“I understand.” she said. The disappointment clear in her eyes.

I exited the vehicle as smoothly as I had entered. I strolled to the far side of the car and preceded to open the door for Sara. She slowly climbed out and politely waited for me to close the door behind her. Side by side we approached the main entrance holding a traditional knocker. Though the door existed for a short time in terms of chronological time, the appearance appeared as if the elements had beat upon the surface for centuries.

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I looked down at Sara and asked, “Are you ready?”

Sara’s response lacked words but simply nodded. I reached up and swung the knocker three times. Each time the knocker fell, a loud boom sounded through the entire house. Only moments passed before the door swung open and an attendant greeted us politely.

“Greetings. My name is Charles. I’m sure you already know Sara. As promised to Sara, I have returned her to her home. Are her parents here and available to speak with me?” I explained smoothly. Expecting to have my request to entry to be rebuffed immediately, I realized after the fact that my presence was anticipated. An invitation to enter the home was presented to me through the attendant. I gracefully accepted the invitation and crossed into the main foyer with Sara close behind. The attendant led a path through ornate hallways and entryways. The entire pathway appeared to present wealth and prestige. We finally found our way into the back area where the pool lay. I found myself facing two middle age adults each sitting at an ornate exterior table. Spread across the table lay multiple forms of human food. Included upon the table stood glasses of wine, pitchers of water, and bottles of simple carbinates drinks. Sara’s father stood as I approached.l

“Welcome Charles. Thank you very much for taking care of our daughter Sara. We really do appreciate all of the care and kindness you have shown toward her. Please have a seat if you wish. There are multiple divine morsels upon the table that you are more than welcome to partake in. We also have a very nice wine if you wish. Otherwise we have basic drinks such as water and multiple forms of carbonated drink.” said Sara’s father with a exuberant smile playing across his face.

I knew how to play this game. I’ve played it for thousands of years when invited to the vampire council. “Greetings. I highly appreciate the offer however my normal choice of sustenance will not appear upon your table I’m afraid.” as the final words crossed my lips, I heard Sara giggle slightly behind me.

“Sara! Do not laugh at adults like that. You know better.”, Sara’s mother hissed loudly in her daughter’s direction.

With a polite smile I turned to face Sara’s mother. “Do not worry Madame, Sara has been around me for the last few days while we waited for your return. During that time she learned a great deal about me, and my”, I paused for just a moment while choosing the next words, “peculiar nutritional needs.”

“I understand Sara was in an accident near you. Were you harmed?” Sara’s father asked the obligatory question.

I knew the only reason that this question crossed his lips was to ensure no lawsuit waited in the future. “I assure you Sir that I am well and unharmed at this time.” I responded.

Sara’s father turned and looked at Sara. Even though he attempted to hide the fact that anger boiled just below the surface, one could still hear the reverberation of undertone in his voice.

“Sara. I see you are well and in one piece. We are unfortunately unable to say the same for the vehicle you were driving. I’m afraid that you will be grounded for an extended period of time. You knew the consequences if something were to happen. You may go to your room now.” her father said dismissively.

Sara looked hurt as though struck in the chest by an anvil. She glanced up at me and with the slightest of nods I acknowledged her. She walked away with her head down and her metaphorical tail between her legs.

“Please do not view her actions too harshly. Though I cannot speak for her state of mind at the time, what she said was true in the fact that I was walking along the side of the road enjoying the night. The sudden appearance of someone in your headlights can be very disconcerting to young drivers from what I understand.” I simply stated.

With a slightly less polite smile Sara’s father responded, “I ask that you do not presume to tell us how to raise our children. You have no idea what we have gone through or the sacrifices we have made in order to provide the life that Sara currently lives.”

With a sly smile I simply responded, “no offense intended however do not underestimate my knowledge or experience. Many have in the past and it is never bode well for anyone.”

I raised my head to the sky and looked back at Sara’s parents moments later. “the day is still young and the beams of light are fresh. There is much more for each of us to do held within this day. With this so, I shall take my leave and return to my responsibilities.”

Sara’s mother smiled and said, “it was nice meeting you Charles.”

With that I simply turned and followed the attendant back out of the home the same way we came.