by G. K. DeRosa
“No! Quick run! Get help!” screamed Celeste.
“Get out of here!” echoed Roman.
The poor girl’s reactions were horribly slowed by the alcohol in her system. She turned to run, but was stopped dead in her tracks. The vampire had caught her in his dark gaze, and was mouthing something that only she could hear. She stood frozen in place.
This was Celeste’s chance. She gathered her strength and flung her head back as hard as she could. The impact of Celeste’s skull against the vampire’s nose made a sickening crunch. He released his grip, dazed, and in that moment, Nico flew through the window speeding towards the vampire. The screeching falcon’s talons ripped into the vampire’s face mercilessly. The distraction was just enough to give Roman a split second to yank Celeste out of his grasp. Finding himself without a valuable hostage and at a disadvantage, the uninvited guest transformed into a bat, whizzing out the window in a blur. Nico darted after him, but it was no use. He was gone.
Celeste had collapsed in Roman’s arms and was trying to pull herself together so that she could stand up unassisted. The girl, too, seemed to have passed out when she was released from the monster’s gaze and was lying on the ground unconscious.
“It’s fine. I’m okay,” said Celeste, rubbing the back of her head.
“Why don’t you come sit down for a minute?” said Nico, who had reappeared in human form.
Reluctantly, Celeste sat down on the bed so Nico could examine her head and neck for bruises. When he was satisfied that there wasn’t any permanent damage, he looked up at Roman who was scowling, lost in thought.
“Okay, so is anyone going to say anything?” asked Nico.
“I told you to stay outside,” said Roman to Celeste.
She ignored him. “What did you mean when you said I wasn’t ready yet, Roman?” she asked accusingly.
“I don’t know Celeste, it just came out in the heat of the moment. It didn’t mean anything,” he said avoiding her eye contact.
“So the fact that I just head-butted that vampire seems totally normal to you?” she asked standing up and looking pointedly at both of them.
“Points for style,” said Nico with a smirk.
“Roman, answer me. I know that you know something that you’re not telling me.”
“That I’m not telling you something? I think you’ve got it backwards,” and he stormed out of the room.
“Whoa, what’s going on with the two of you?” asked Nico.
“I have to go talk to him,” she said and rushed out.
Celeste ran down the stairs to try to catch up with Roman, which was hardly fair since he was using vamp-speed.
“Hey, where have you been?” asked Brian coming out of the bathroom underneath the stairs.
“Just taking a quick break from the dancing,” she said trying to sound as normal as possible. “Have you seen Roman?”
“Yeah, I think he left. I saw him go out the front door.”
Without even responding, Celeste took off toward the entryway. As she hurdled through the front door, she practically tripped over Roman who was sitting on the steps brooding. Somehow her heightened reflexes kicked in and she was able to maintain her balance, somehow avoiding further embarrassment by falling on top of him.
“I thought you left,” she said as she attempted to pull herself together.
“I was leaving, but then I stopped. I was worried that whoever that vampire was would come back, and I thought it would be irresponsible of me to do so,” he answered without looking up.
Celeste sat down next to him on the steps, and the two of them remained in silence staring blankly ahead refusing to look at each other. Finally it was Celeste who broke the silence, “Do you know what I am?”
Roman hesitated for a moment, and then with a sigh said, “Yes.”
“So you knew all along?”
“Yes, but it’s not that simple…”
Celeste’s blood was boiling.
I could kill him for lying to me! What is going on with me? Why am I so angry?
She took a deep breath and tried to calm down. Her nerves were fried and being so close to Roman was not helping. A part of her brain was screaming at her to rip his head off. She struggled to shut off the voice in her mind.
Roman was looking worriedly at her. He couldn’t help but think about Stellan’s warning about her emotional state. “I didn’t tell you because we didn’t know for sure,” he finally said keeping his voice calm and controlled.
“But last night, when you were at my house, you knew what was happening to me?”
“No, not exactly. I’ve never seen someone get chosen to become the next Guardian, I had only heard about it. I knew it would happen on your eighteenth birthday, but that was all.”
“So that’s why you stayed?” She heard the disappointment in her own tone and chided herself for it.
“Not entirely, but yes that was one reason.”
The adrenaline had stopped pounding through her veins, and Celeste was starting to feel normal again. She took another deep breath, saying sarcastically, “It was a great birthday gift.”
Roman had been eyeing her nervously, but seemed to notice the change in her immediately. “When you came out of the vision, I wanted to talk to you about it, but it certainly didn’t seem like you wanted to talk to me.”
“I did want to, Roman, but every fiber in my being was telling me not to.”
“I figured as much.”
Celeste turned towards him, looked deep into his beautiful blue eyes that now held a twinge of sadness. “We’ll get through this, I know we will.”
“I’m not so sure Celeste. That vampire that came after you today was ancient and extremely powerful, and if he’s after Nico and me and he’s using you to get to us, I don’t know if I can protect you.”
“But you did today, and that’s all that matters. And anyway I’m going to be an invincible Guardian right? I must have some cool powers or something.”
Roman grinned. “Well I will admit that move you pulled back there was pretty cool.”
Celeste was starting to feel like herself again finally. “I know, right! I have no idea where that came from by the way. It was like I wasn’t even in control of my body. And it’s weird, but I think I feel stronger and more agile already.”
“That certainly sounds like your special abilities are kicking in.”
Celeste took another deep breath and noticed that all the rage she had been feeling just moments ago was gone.
“I almost forgot: what are we going to do about that girl upstairs?”
“Don’t worry about it. Nico will take care of it.”
“No Roman! He can’t kill her!”
“Relax! He’s just going to compel her. She won’t remember anything that happened.”
“Oh okay, good.”
“More importantly, what are we going to do about the fact that you’ve essentially been programmed to hate and kill Nico and me?”
“I could never hate you, Roman,” she said as she put her hand on his hesitantly. Roman squeezed her hand watching her, waiting expectantly for a reaction. “What do you feel?”
Celeste inhaled deeply and said, “It’s hard to explain. It’s kind of like when you have a really bad feeling that something terrible is about to happen and just when you think you’re going to have to run or do anything to get away, something pulls you back.”
“Sounds pleasant…”
“It’s not that bad, and I think I’m getting a better handle on it already. I noticed that when I’m around you or Nico the bad feeling isn’t as bad as the vibe I got around that scary vampire who tried to take my head off.”
“You must feel varying degrees of evil. I’m glad we’re only evil lite…”
“Stop it, Roman. What’s important is that I think I can learn to control it,” she said hopefully.
“I’m sure you will,” he said standing up and pulling out a small gift box tucked away in the folds of his toga. “This
is for you.”
“You got me a present?”
“I know I’m old, but I still know that an eighteenth birthday is a special occasion for a young woman, and a gift is appropriate. I found this, and I thought of you,” he said with a shy look.
Celeste untied the pretty red bow and opened the box carefully. Inside was an antique gold ring with a dazzling blue sapphire.
“It’s beautiful, Roman!” she said as she slipped it on her finger.
“It was my mother’s,” he admitted.
“This is so special. I can’t believe you would give this to me. I am truly honored.”
“I thought you could use it,” he said. “It was my mother’s birthstone and she said it always gave her strength.”
“I love it!” she said as she pulled him into an embrace. They remained locked in each other’s arms for a few moments, but then Celeste was forced to pull away.
“You know my mother had been part of the Council, but when she was turned vampire her official duty had been terminated. However, she had never been fully able or wanted to escape her duties. She always kept an eye on special guardian families throughout the years, particularly the Wilders.”
“Wow, really?”
“Yes. And that’s why I know that she would want you to have it.”
Celeste gave him a big smile as she admired the sparkling ring.
“Celeste! I have been looking everywhere for you!” said Natalie as she came barging outside. “It’s time to cut the cake!”
What seemed like hundreds of people gathered around Celeste in the middle of the dance floor waiting for her to blow out the eighteen candles on her beautifully decorated cake. She paused for a moment thinking about what to wish for. A part of her wanted to wish that none of this had ever happened—that she had never met Nico or Roman or learned about the supernatural world. She especially wished that she had never become a Guardian. As she reflected on the past day, a bigger part of her felt that somehow everything was finally as it should be. So she closed her eyes, wished that she would become the greatest Guardian that ever lived, and blew out the candles.
Chapter 11
The next morning, Celeste awoke feeling much better about the prospect of her life as a Guardian. In fact, she may even have felt cheery. She performed a quick scan of her emotions and everything seemed in check – no intense anger, no burning desire to kill vampires, no supernatural alarm in the pit of her stomach. She decided she could be the Guardian and still live a normal, or at least semi-normal life. Graduation day was the day after tomorrow, and all she wanted to do was enjoy the momentous occasion with her friends and family.
“Good morning day-after-birthday girl,” said her mom. Her mother’s face looked weary and something else too. She couldn’t quite put a finger on it – was it anxiety, fear? “How was the party?” she asked, forcing a cheery smile.
Celeste decided to do the same. “It was so great, Mom! Natalie did an amazing job with all the planning, and the decorations were over the top as usual. I have a bunch of pictures on my phone that I’ll show you.”
“Great, I can’t wait to see them!” she said. “So what’s your plan for today sweetie?”
“I want to go through more of dad’s stuff in the attic. I didn’t even get halfway through it the other day.”
As soon as Celeste heard her mother’s car pull out of the driveway, she climbed up the creaking stairs to the musty attic. She sorted through more pictures, miscellaneous knick-knacks and yellowing newspaper clippings, among other things. One old newspaper in particular caught her attention; it was from eight years ago, just a month or so before her father died. The headline read “Mysterious Death Blamed on Wild Animal Attack.” She went on to read the editorial, which explained that a woman had been found with bite marks on her neck and had bled to death on the side of the road. A shiver went down Celeste’s spine as she imagined another creature that could have caused that horrific death. She put the article aside, and continued digging in the trunk. She finally reached the bottom, and when she pushed aside a heavy photo album, she noticed a small keyhole and what looked like a hidden compartment.
Celeste dashed down to her room to retrieve the old key that her mother had just given her and ran quickly back upstairs. She knelt down, breathless, in front of the trunk and examined the keyhole. She inserted the key and gave it a twist and was awarded with a click. The lid popped open and in the small compartment she discovered an old VHS tape and an envelope. Celeste’s heart was racing as she looked at the envelope and recognized the familiar writing. It was from her father and it was addressed to her. She opened it carefully, scanning the note in her dad’s meticulous penmanship.
My Dear Celeste,
I have no idea how old you will be when you read this, but I can only hope that you are a grown woman with children of your own and that you have led a long and happy life – a life that I was a part of. If not, that means that I have met an untimely death and unfortunately you’ve had to bear the burden of my passing. I’m sorry. Although I am gone, please know that I will always be with you in spirit especially now with all that awaits you. There is so much that I want to tell you and yet I cannot seem to find the words. Many years ago when you were just a baby I made a video for you, and I hope that it will bring you comfort during this difficult time.
I love you Celeste, and I know that you will become the exceptional woman that you were destined to be. Take care of your mother, and above all things trust your instincts.
Love, Dad
P.S. I have a few items that may be of use to you, I have included the address below:
U-Save Self Storage
Unit# 99
125 Willowbend Road
A lone tear rolled down Celeste’s cheek as she clutched the note against her chest. She allowed herself a moment of grief to remember her father then pulled herself together. Celeste had a mission. She picked up the tape and wondered where in the world she would find a VHS player.
***
“Well that was a huge revelation yesterday,” said Nico barging into the living room.
“Which revelation was that little brother, the fact that an ancient vampire is looking for us or that Celeste is pre-programmed to hate and possibly kill us?” asked Roman, the turmoil evident in his troubled eyes.
“When you put it that way, you make things sound so depressing…”
“We need to find out who that was and why he’s looking for us. I’d bet my life on the fact that this has something to do with Fabian.”
“Yes, I tend to agree with you,” Nico admitted.
Roman slumped down on the couch and buried his head in his hands.
“How’s Celeste?” asked Nico.
“She seemed to be okay when we left the party.”
“And how are you holding up?” he questioned.
“Me? I’m fine.”
“You don’t think that this aversion that Celeste has developed will affect your…uh…relationship?” Nico asked.
“What are you getting at brother?” he asked, irritation ringing in his voice.
“Nothing, never mind. But I think it’s necessary that we figure out this new ‘evil radar’ that she has magically been gifted with.”
“She will learn how to control it.” Roman paused tentatively, “But yes perhaps we could use some help.”
“I think it’s time we pay another visit to Stellan. And maybe this time, we take Celeste with us,” said Nico.
Celeste made a quick call to the Oak Bluffs Library, and just as she had guessed, they still had VHS players in their children’s movie room. Picking up her purse and car keys, she headed towards the door. Suddenly, the prospect of facing such an important discovery alone made her stop in her tracks. She picked up the phone to call Brian; he would go with her anywhere. Then she hesitated: Celeste didn’t want Brian to know anything about this. Without realizing it, she found herself dialing Roman’s number instead.
“Thanks for coming to get
me,” she said to Roman as she hopped in his car.
“Of course, it’s my pleasure,” he said formally.
Every so often when Roman spoke, Celeste was reminded that he wasn’t your average twenty-three year old; in fact he was well over one hundred years old. The thought that he had been alive for more than a century was too overwhelming at times, so she tried not to think about it often.
“Roman, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about my visit with the Council right away. I’ve just been struggling with all of these new feelings that come along with being the Guardian,” she blurted out.
“You don’t have to apologize to me. I know that you will tell me when the time is right.”
“I want to tell you about everything.” Celeste began to describe her vision of the Council in detail, including the appearance of her father. As she spoke the words aloud, it all became much more real and being able to share it with Roman also made it much more bearable.
“I just have so many questions for them. And they wouldn’t tell me anything!”
“From what I’ve heard, the process of becoming a Guardian is shrouded in mystery.”
“Can’t they just give me a guidebook or something?” Celeste asked, only half-kidding.
“Celeste, it’s not that easy. But remember that you were born into this, everything will come naturally to you,” Roman reassured her.
“Now you’re starting to sound like them with their vague advice.”
“I’m serious. Don’t you remember how well you took the news about me and Nico being vampires?”
“You’re joking right?” she asked with a sidelong glance.
“Okay, well I meant after you ran off,” he said with a smile pulling at the edge of his lips. “As unbelievable as all of this may seem, there is something inside of you that is taking it in stride, right?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“It’s innate Celeste. And it’s that something that will lead you to become the next Guardian – without a guidebook.” He gave her a smirk.