Night World : Secret Vampire Chapter 6

crowd travel fast. He picked up the plastic tumbler on the bedside table and pass on it to Poppy. She unders to a faultd. Feeling giddy and uncoordinated, she as wellk a healthy swig of water and beat unwrap her lips to dull both traces of extraction a representation.What are you doing? Phillip repeated, striding into the room. His eye were affected on pack, which was good, because Poppy was judgeing to position herself to hide the side of her neck that pile had bitten. no(prenominal) of your business, she tell, and in the same instant she knew it was a mistake. Phillip, whose middle name was Stability, was look distinctly unstable towickedness. Mom told him, Poppy estimation.I mean, we arent doing anything, she amended.It didnt second. Phil was clearly in a mood to imagine everything in the world as a scourge to his sister. And Poppy couldnt re eachy blame him-hed walked in on the 2 of them in a strange embrace on a rumpled hospital bed. pile was comforting me because I was scared, she utter. She didnt nonwithstanding try to explain why crowd had been cradling her head to his arm. entirely she glanced at throngs arm surreptitiously and saw that the shock at that place was already well-nighd, the mark fading.Everythings all right, you love, pack utter, protesting to fix a mesmerizing silver gaze on Phillip. unless Phil simply gave him a glance. He was staring at Poppy.Its not working, Poppy thought. Maybe Phils too mad to be hypnotized. Or too stubborn.She looked a question at James, which he answered with a barely discernable shake of his head. He didnt fuck what the problem was, either.They both knew what it meant. James was going to turn in to leave. Poppy felt cheated and frustrated. all in all she cherished was to talk with James, to revel in their new disc all overy of each other-and she couldnt. Not with Phil here.I drove Mom here. You get by she doesnt exc attend toeable driveway at night. And I brought this. He swung her boom box up onto the bedside table. And these. He put a black CD case beside it. All your positron e send packingion tomography music.Poppy felt her anger draining away. That was sweet, she state. She was touched, especially since Phil hadnt said All your favored uncanny music, which was usually how he referred to it. Thank you.Phil shrugged, shooting a glower at James. Poor Phil, Poppy thought. Her brother in reality looked disheveled. And his eyes were swollen.Wheres Mom? she was first to express, when her generate walked in.Im back, sweetie, her mother said, with a very creditable cheery smile. hence she looked surprised. James-it was nice of you to happen.Yeah, unless he was only when leaving, Phil said signifi cantly. Ill show him the way out.James didnt waste energy on a fight he couldnt win. He turned to Poppy and said, Ill see you tomorrow.There was a look in his gray eyes-gray, not silver now-that was just for her. A look that had never been there b efore in all the years shed spotn him.Goodbye, James, she said softly. And-thank you. She knew he understood what she meant.It wasnt until he was out the door, with Phillip on his heels manage a bouncer after a rowdy customer, that a thought occurred to her.James had said that she would be in danger if she didnt get enough of his blood. unless theyd gotten stop almost immediately after that. Had Poppy gotten enough? And what would happen if she hadnt?She herself had no idea, and there was no way to ask James. Phil stayed right behind James all the way out of the hospital. Not tonight, James thought. He just couldnt deal with Phillip North tonight.His patience was gone, and his sagaciousness was occupied in calculating whether Poppy had taken enough of his blood to be safe. He thought she had-but the kind of she got more, the break.Youll see her tomorrow-well, youre not going to see her tomorrow, Phil said abruptly as they walked into the garage.Phil, give me a break. Instead , Phillip stepped in front of him and stopped dead, forcing James to stop, too. Phillip was breathe quickly, his green eyes burning.Okay, bud, he said. I dont hold out what you rally youre doing with Poppy-but its all over now. From now on you stay away from her. Understand?Visions of shift Phillips neck manage a new pencil danced in Jamess head. only Phil was Poppys brother, and his green eyes were surprisingly like hers. I would never faded Poppy, he said wearily.Give me a break. Are you going to stand there and tell me you dont trust to move in on her?James couldnt come up with an answer immediately. Yesterday he could have truthfully said no, he didnt want to move in on Poppy. Because it would have meant a last sentence for him and Poppy both. It was only when Poppy had received a death sentence of her own that hed allowed himself to look at his sprightlinessings.And now now hed been close to Poppy. Hed touched her mind, and had found that she was pull down braver a nd more gallant than hed thought even more compassionate-and more vulnerable.He wanted to be that close to Poppy again. He cared roughly her in a way that make his throat ache. He belonged with Poppy. He also realized that that might not be enough. manduction blood forged a powerful bond between two people. It would be incorrectly of him to take advantage of that bond-or of Poppys gratitude to him. Until he was sure that Poppys mind was clear and her decisions were her own, he should keep a little distance. It was the only ingenuous thing to do.The last thing I want to do is equipment casualty her, he repeated. Why cant you imagine that? He made a half-hearted onset to capture Phils gaze as he said it. It failed, just as it had in the hospital. Phillip seemed to be one of those rare humans who couldnt be influenced by mind control.Why cant I believe it? Because I know you. You and your-girlfriends. Phil managed to strive the word sound like a curse. You go through vi or sev en a year-and when youre through with them, you dump them like trash.James was distracted briefly by amusement, because Phil was dead on. He withdrawed six girlfriends a year. After two months the bond between them became dangerously strong.Poppys not my girlfriend and Im not going to dump her, he said, pleased at his own cleverness. Hed avoided an outright lie-Poppy wasnt his girl friend in any natural sense. Theyd merged their souls, that was all-they hadnt talked about dating or anything.So you are carnal knowledge me youre not gonna try to put the moves on her. Is that it? Because youd better be sure. As he verbalize, Phil did what was probably the most dangerous thing hed ever make in his life. He grabbed James by the front of the shirt.You stupid human, James thought. He briefly co sidered breaking every bone in Phils hand. Or picking Phil up and throwing him across the garage into somebodys windshield. Or Youre Poppys brother, he said through histeeth. So Im going to giv e you a probability to let go.Phil stared into his face a mammary glandent, and then(prenominal) let go,facial expression slightly shaken. that not shaken enough to keep quiet.You have to leave her alone, he said. You dont agnize. This disease shes got its serious. She doesnt need anything messing up her life right now.She just needs . . . He stopped and swallowed.Suddenly James felt very tired. He couldnt blame Phil for existence upset-Phils mind was full of phone forecaststal clear pictures of Poppy dying. normally James got only general images about what humans were thinking, but Phillip was bare so loud it nearly deafened him.Half-truths and evasions hadnt worked. It was time for Outright Lies. Anything to execute Phil and get James away from this.I know that what Poppy has is serious, he said. I found an article about it on the Net. Thats why I was here, fine? I feel sorry for her. Im not interested in Poppy object as a friend, but it makes her feel better if I ta ke chances that I like her.Phillip hesitated, looking at him hard and suspiciously. Then he shook his head slowly. Being friends is one thing, but its wrong to unify her up. In the end, micturateing isnt going to do her any good. I dont even think it makes her feel better now-she looked pretty bad in there. detrimental?Pale and shaky. You know Poppy you know how she gets overexcited about things. You shouldnt be lead on some with her emotions. He narrowed his eyes and said, So maybe youd better stay away from her for a while. Just to make sure she hasnt got the wrong idea.Whatever, James said. He wasnt really listening.Okay, Phillip said. We have a deal. only Im precedent you, if you break it, youre in trouble.James wasnt listening to that, either. Which wasa mistake.In the darkened hospital room Poppy lay and listened to her mothers breathing. Youre not asleep, she thought, and Im not asleep. And you know Im not, and I know youre notBut they couldnt talk. Poppy wanted despera tely to let her mother know that everything was going to be all right-but how? She couldnt betray Jamess secret. And even if she could, her mother wouldnt believe her.I have to find a way, Poppy thought. I have to. And then a great wave of drowsiness overtook her. It had been the longest day in her life, and she was full of alien blood already working its strange magic trick in her. She couldnt she just couldnt keep her eyes open.Several times during the night a nurse came in to take her vital signs, but Poppy never really woke up. For the first time in weeks, no pain interrupted her dreams.She opened her eyes the next sunrise feeling con fused and weak. Black dots swarmed through her vision when she sat up.Hungry? her mother asked. They remaining this breakfast tray for you.The smell of hospital eggs made Poppy feel nauseated. But because her mother was watching her anxiously, she played with the food on the tray before she went to wash up. In the bathroom mirror she examined the side of her neck. Amazing-there was no trace of a mark.When she came out of the bathroom, her mother was crying. Not floods of tears, not sobbing. Just dabbing her eyes on a Kleenex. But Poppy couldnt stand it.Mom, if youre worried about telling me I know.The whole sentence was out before Poppy could even think about it. Her mothers head jerked up in horror. She stared at Poppy with more tears spilling. Sweetheart-you know ?I know what Ive got and I know how bad it is, Poppy said. If this was the wrong strategy, it was too late now. I listened when you and falloff were talking to the doctors.Oh, my Lord. What can I allege? Poppy wondered. Its okay, Mom, because Im not going to slide by Im going to become a vampire. I hope. I cant be sure, because sometimes you dont make it through the transformation. But with any luck, I should be sucking blood in a hardly a(prenominal) weeks.Come to think of it, she hadnt asked James exactly how long it would take to motley her.Her mothe r was taking deep, calming breaths. Poppy, I want you to know how lots I love you. falling off and I leave do anything-anything-we can to help you. Right now hes looking into some clinical protocols-those are experimental studies where they test new ways of treating people. If we can just .. . bribe time until a cure . ..Poppy couldnt stand it. She could feel her mothers pain. Literally. It carried in unmistakable waves that seemed to echo through her bloodstream, making her dizzy. Its that blood, she thought. Its doing something to me-changing me.Even as she thought it, she went to her mother. She wanted to hug her, and she needed help standing up.Mom, Im not scared, she said, muffled against her mothers shoulder. I cant explain, but Im not scared. And I dont want you to be unhappy over me. Her mother just held on fiercely, as if Death might try to snatch Poppy out of her arms that minute. She was crying.Poppy cried, too. Real tears, because even if she wasnt going to die tru ly, she was going to lose so much. Her old life, her family, everything familiar. It felt good to cry over it it was something she needed to do. But when it was done, she tried again.The one thing I dont want is for you to be unhappy or worry, she said, and looked up at her mother. So could you just try not to? For my sake?Oh, God, Im flood tide off like Beth in Little Women, she thought. Saint Poppy. And the truth is, if I were really dying, Id go kicking and screaming all the way.Still, shed managed to comfort her mother, who drew back looking tearstained but quietly proud. Youre really something, Poppet, was all she said, but her lips trembled.Saint Poppy looked away, dismally embarrassed until some other wave of dizziness saved her. She allowed her mother to help her back into bed. And it was then that she finally found a way to drum the question she needed to ask.Mom, she said slowly, what if there was a cure for me somewhere-like in some other country or something-and I co uld go there and get better, but they wouldnt ever let me come back? I mean, youd know I was okay, but you wouldnt ever be able to see me again. She looked at her mother intently. Would you want me to do it?Her mother answered instantly. Sweetheart, Id want you corned if you had to go to the moon. As long as you were happy. She had to pause a moment, then resumed steadily. But, honey, there isnt such a place. I wish there were.I know. Poppy patted her arm gently. I was just asking. I love you, Mom.Later that morning Dr. Franklin and Dr. Loftus came by. Facing them wasnt as horrible as Poppy expected, but she felt like a hypocrite when they marvelled over her wonderful attitude. They talked about quality time, and the occurrence that no two cases of cancer were the same, and about people theyd known whod get the better of the percentages. Saint Poppy squirmed inside, but she listened and nodded-until they began to talk about more tests.Wed like to do an angiogram and a laparotomy, Dr. Loftus said. Now an angiogram is-Everyone looked startled. Then Dr. Loftus gave a rueful smile. Sounds like youve been course session up on it.No, I just-I guess I remember it from somewhere, Poppy said. She knew where she was acquire the images-from Dr. Loftuss head. And she probably should cover her tracks instead of talking any more, but she was too distressed. And a laparotomys an operation, right?Dr. Loftus and Dr. Franklin stand ind glances. An exploratory operation, yes, Dr. Franklin said.But I dont need those tests, do I? I mean, you already know what Ive got. And the tests hurt.Poppy, her mother said gently. But Dr. Loftus was answering slowly.Well, sometimes we need the tests to confirm a diagnosis. But in your case no, Poppy. We dont really need them. Were already sure.Then I dont see why I have to have them, Poppy said simply. Id alternatively go home.The doctors looked at each. other, then at Poppys mother. Then, without even trying to be subtle about it, the three adults went out into the corridor to deliberate.When they came back, Poppy knew shed won.You can go home, Poppy, Dr. Franklin said quietly. At least until you develop any further symptoms. The nurse will tell your mother what to look out for.The first thing Poppy did was call James. He answered on the first ring and said, How do you feel?Dizzy. But pretty good, Poppy said, whispering because her mother was outside talking to a nurse. Im coming home.Ill come over this afternoon, James said. Call me when you think youll have an mo or so alone. And, Poppy dont tell Phil Im coming.Why not?Ill explain later.When she actually got home, it was strange. Cliff and Phil were there. Everybody was unusually nice to her, while still trying to pretend that nothing unusual was going on. (Poppy had heard the nurse tell her mother that it was good to try and maintain a normal routine.)Its like my birthday, Poppy thought dazedly. Like some terribly important birthday and graduation rolled in to one. Every few minutes the doorbell would ring as another flower arrangement arrived. Poppys bedroom looked like a garden.She felt soberly for Phil. He looked so stricken-and so brave. She wanted to comfort him the way shed comfort her mother-but how?Come here, she ordered, opting for direct action. And when he obeyed, she hugged him tightly.Youll beat this thing, he whispered. I know you will. Nobodys ever had as much will to live as you do. And nobodys ever, ever been as stubborn. It was then that Poppy realized just how terribly she was going to miss him. When she let go, she felt light-headed.Maybe youd better lie down, Cliff said gently. And Poppys mother helped herto the bedroom.Does Dad know? she asked as her mother moved around the bedroom, straightening things.I tried to get hold of him yesterday, but the people at the station said hed moved to somewhere in Vermont. They dont know where.Poppy nodded. It sounded like her dad always on the move. He was a DJ-when he wasnt being an artist or a stage magician. Hed split up with her mom because he wasnt very good at being any of those things-or at least not good enough to get paid much.Cliff was everything Poppys father wasnt responsible, disciplined, hardworking. He fit in perfectly with Poppys mom and Phil. So perfectly that sometimes Poppy felt like the odd one out in her own family.I miss Dad, Poppy said softly.I know. sometimes I do, too, her mother said, surprising her. Then she said firmly, Well find him, Poppy. As soon as he hears, hell want to come. Poppy hoped so. She didnt suppose shed get a chance to see him-after. It wasnt until an hour or so before dinnertime, when Phil and Cliff were out doing errands, and her mother was taking a nap, that Poppy got the chance to call James.Ill come right over, he said. Ill let myself in. Ten minutes later he walked into Poppys bedroom.Poppy felt strangely shy. Things had changed between her and James. They werent simply best friends anymore.They didnt ev en say Hi to each other. As soon as he came in, their eyes caught and met. And then, for an endless moment, they just looked at each other. This time, when Poppy felt the quick pang in her chest that always came when she saw James, it was a throb of sodding(a) sweetness. He cared about her. She could see it in his eyes.Wait a minute, hang on, her mind whispered. Dont jump the gun here. He cares about you, yes, but he didnt say he was in love with you. Theres a difference.Shut up, Poppy told her wizardry soberly. Aloud, she said, How come you didnt want Phil to know you were here?James threw his light windbreaker over a chair and sat down on Poppys bed.Well-I just didnt want to be interrupted, he said with a gesture of dismissal. Hows the pain?Its gone, Poppy said. Isnt that weird? It didnt wake me up at all last night. And theres something else. I think Im starting to-well, read peoples thoughts.James smiled slightly, just one corner of his sass up. Thats good. 1 was worried- H e broke off and went to turn Poppys CD histrion on. Plaintive Bantu wailings emerged.I was worried you didnt get enough blood last night, James said quietly, resuming his seat. Youll have to take more this time-and so will I.Poppy felt something tremble inside her. Her revulsion was gone. She was still afraid, but that was only because of the consequences of what they were going to do. It wasnt just a way to get enveloping(prenominal) or to feed James. They were doing it to change Poppy.The only thing I dont understand is why you never bit me before. Her tone was light, but as she spoke the words, she realized that there was a serious question behind them.I mean, she said slowly, you did it with Michaela and Jacklyn, didnt you? And with other girls?He looked away but answered steadily. I didnt exchange blood with them. But I fed on them, yes.But not me. No. How can I explain? He looked up at her. Poppy, taking blood can be a lot of unalike things-and the Elders dont want it to be anything but feeding.They say all you should feel is the comfort of the hunt. And thats all I ever have felt before. Poppy nodded, trying to feel satisfied with this. She didnt ask who the Elders were.Besides, it can be dangerous, James said. It can be done with hatred, and it can kill. Kill permanently, I mean.Poppy was almost amused by this. You wouldnt kill.James stared at her. Outside, it was cloudy and the light in Poppys bedroom was pale. It made Jamess face look pale, too, and his eyes silver.But I have, James said. His representative was flat and bleak. Ive killed without exchanging enough blood, so the person didnt come back as a vampire.