Chapter 17: Help Came

"Miss Santa-Clara, are you alright?" Everyone is looking at me funny. "Let's go back inside."

Before I can protest, Miss Ano takes my hand and pulls me ahead of everyone. She sits me down at the kitchen table, placing cold water before me. An inaudible cry escapes my mouth, causing me to choke on air.

"Mom, what is she doing here still?" I do a spit take into my cup, covering my mouth during the process.

"Etsuka! Watch your language in front of our company."

By the time Suguru and Satoru sit down, I am on my second glass. I jug it with care in the world.

"May I have a third glass of water, please?" I can feel my pulse starting to level out.

Etsuka looks at me with daggers in her eyes. She runs out the kitchen door and slams a drawing onto the table. I pick it up without protest.

"Don't worry about her, she is ten years old and trying to figure herself out. Here is your water."

Miss Ano gives us a soft grin, the evening light reflecting off her light-colored orbs highlighting the pale grey hue. If she were not married and a bit younger, I would consider asking her on a date. She sits across the table from me.

"Whatever questions you have, please ask. I am an open book; my husband, it takes time for him to warm up to others."

I look at the empty glass, then move my gaze from Sarou to Suguru. The pounding in my ears makes me tap the table and shake my leg. Finally, I take a deep, silent breath.

"As a vampire, how do you navigate living with a human and feeding yourself?"

My face flushes red the moment my question is asked. Both my classmates close their eyes, shaking their heads slowly from side to side. I was born without a filter and will die without a filter. Miss Ano's face beams with joy as her teeth shine in the setting light.

Miss Ano smiles while sitting forward in her seat. "I eat human food. How old is the vampire you are asking about?"

"Her early twenties." I hold both of my wrists out for Miss Ano to see. She traces along my veins and lets out a small whistle. Satoru turns his head to the side while scrunching his nose. Suguru's face remains unmoved. His eyes slowly follow the lines Miss Ano makes.

"I assumed blood would be part of your diet. How do you keep yourself from feeding off your husband?"

"You like asking questions, eh?" Miss Ano laughs under her breath, "I don't have a taste for blood. One of the perks of being born a vampire."

I cover my wrists and look at the table. She gets up from the table, returning with a pen five minutes later.

"Here," I hand her Etsuka's drawing, "call me when if you need support with your roommate."

The buzzing from my phone makes me jump in my skin! I wave my hands frantically while everyone else starts laughing uncontrollably.

6:30 pm: Jail Cells Under Campus Grounds

"Oh my, I am surprised the old farts let you down here without permission."

"Shut up before I rip your fangs out! Rumors are circling regarding an exchange event taking place next month, important people showing up, and ongoing missions for Blaise. Start talking!"

"I am touched by your gentle nature, baby vampire. Why are you attached to one of them?"

Despite her physical strength, Sakura can't break the bars keeping the older vampire caged. A shock wave to the heart renders her immobile. Her body gets bound by seals and dragged to a cell deep within the isolation house.

"A word from the wise young one. Sorcerers are not to be trusted, no matter how gentle their nature is." The guards turn around, staring at the vampire point-blank. He leans on one hand, peering through the bars. "At the end of the day, those who can see curses only care about making themselves stronger. No matter what sacrifices are made."

The candles igniting the cells extinguish, forcing the guards to quicken their pace.

I involuntarily scrunch my face and raise my shoulders to my ears. A fiery sensation slithers up my spine, making my skin warm to the touch. The surge of adrenaline causes my pupils to dilate.

"Thank you for the hospitality," Suguru shouts as he rolls up the car window.

After the car pulls onto campus, I bolt out of the vehicle and beeline for the dorms. I pound and pound on Sakura's door, but, nobody answers. While shaking my fists at my side, I turn around, letting the cool breeze of the night kiss my face.

When two figures appear close to the coy pond, my heart skips a beat. I run over to Sakura, hugging her into my chest. She buries her face, letting herself adjust to the drastic change in temperature. The second individual stays mostly hidden underneath the building's shadows. A slimmer of moonlight illuminates their light-colored glasses as my back turns away.

Sunday, April 2nd, 2007: Three Months Since Transferring; a week before the Exchange Event

"Grr, I am tired of this nonsense."

"Satoru, there is no need to get worked up over a simple task. Shoko asked us to get a dozen lilies and some fruit for her, so here we are. Shopping at the farmers' market. And look who else is here."

"We heard you got a new apartment. Mind telling us where you are living now?"

"I do mind. Since you are curious, figure out a way to find my new place that does not include stalking me."

My eyes send daggers into Satoru's soul. We both know he can find out where I live without a problem if he put his mind to it. His laid-back personality, mission schedule, and family affairs keep him occupied, much to my relief.

"All talks of housing aside, what is new with you, Blaise? What brings you here of all places?"

"The usual, coming to school, keeping up with assignments, and staying out of trouble." I let out a small laugh at this bit."

Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz.

"Who is contacting you?"

"A school friend from Canada. His family relocated to Japan a few weeks ago, and we are making plans to hang out this week. Shall we be off?"

I start walking away while looking at my classmates over my shoulder, giving them each a toothy smile. Satoru rolls his eyes, and Suguru shoves his hands into his pockets while staring at the sky.

Thursday, April 6th, 2007: Four Days Before the Exchange Event

The butterflies in my stomach brought me to a corner booth overlooking the boardwalk. I place an order for coffee, tapping my fingers on my lap while I wait. Fifteen minutes later, I see a broad-shouldered redhead walk through the doors. I blow the coffee, pretending to cool it off.

With a shaky hand, I place the coffee back on the table. A few droplets land on my shirt.

"If I had known you would greet me like this, I would have spilled water on myself."

A light punch on the arm and one bear hug later, Simon and I dive right into catching up.

"I remember you telling me how interesting Human Anatomy is as a subject," I put the fork in my mouth, cocking my head to the side while Simon continues. "discovering how things work, and how injuries manifest..."

I roll my tongue inside my closed mouth, trying to understand what is off with Simon.

"...and I think Nursing is a good career choice for me!"

His cursed energy is well controlled!

"Hey! Why are you furrowing your brow?"

"I was thinking about how connected our lives seem. How are you adjusting to Japan?"

A pregnant silence fills the space between us. I take another bite of toast, giving Simon a toothless smile. He investigates his cup of tea and sighs.

"There are times when I feel like something is watching me. And I have been having strange dreams involving death and fighting. You know me, I am not the fighting type."

We share a laugh at Simon admitting he is not a fighter. On our way out the door, I give Simone another hug. I watch as he walks away from the cafe, chatting on the phone with his partner.

"You two can come out of hiding now."

"So that is the famous Simon you were talking about all week. Did you set up another date?"

"There is no need to get jealous, Satoru." I look over my shoulder, making eye contact with my friends. "Our relationship is strictly platonic."

Suguru's smiling face and eyes emphasize his relief.

Monday, April 10th, 2007: Kyoto-Sister Exchange Event Day, 0

The cold nose rubbing against my face makes my mouth do the splits. I fly out the front door, bag in hand, a song playing in my heart.

"Glad to see you are in a good mood today, Miss Santa-Clara."

The hair on my neck stands on end when I hear his voice. His fangs taunt my neck like a vulture circling its prey. His hair has grown slightly but, his physical strength has not wavered. I squint my eyes and ball up my hands.

"I get that I am good-looking and strong but, you are too young for me."

"My age did not stop you from trying to rip my neck to pieces back at Disneyland. Have a nice day."

"I will be having a nice day, see you at the Sister Exchange Event."

I make it to the classroom with two minutes to spare. Yaga, Suguru and Satoru are present. Shoko, Haibara, and Nanami are on their way. And there is this feeling I can't shake off or point down. I send a message to Simon and myself.

"Alright, now that everyone is present...Santa-Clara put the phone away."

I put my phone away and apologize for disrupting Yaga.

"We should make it to Kyoto by noon. When we arrive, please be respectful and do not pick a fight with the other students."

My teacher and I make direct eye contact.

"There is no need to look at me while saying this. I do not start fights. I end them."

Everyone, except Yaga, erupts in laughter. I keep a deadpan look on my face as the uneasiness grows stronger. It feels as though someone is anticipating my arrival. Someone other than Disneyland vampire.