Chapter 293: The Vampire's Servant
-
Uncle Preston pulled out a handful of pouches on strings once everyone was gathered. He smiled at all of us.
“Congratulations to all of you on graduating high school. I didn’t have the time or money to get you all gifts, so I made these for now. Later, I’ll send more permanent gifts. These are luck pouches. In each pouch is a collection of materials to bring good luck. You hold the pouch in your hands and tell it what you want luck with, then you slip the strap over your neck and wear it. You can wear it over or under your clothes. It works once per twenty-four hours and should last for about three months.” Uncle Preston explained.
He went around the room, handing one of the little pouches to each of us. I hugged him when he got around to me, and he hugged me back.
Samuel had never warmed up to me, but Preston did after a while of living with us. I was glad that at least one of my uncles liked me. I wanted to have a family who cared about me.
We started getting our things together. We would go set up the staging area this morning. We had enough people. Emmalyn wouldn’t be able to go with us, in case the hunters were watching the spot.
Since the primary target was the vampires, we knew they wouldn’t attack us. That was a big perk to this plan. We could set it up and they wouldn’t take advantage of us being unprotected, because we were the primary reason for the vampires coming out where the hunters could attack.
Cam, Gray, Val, and Harmony carried the bigger things. Sean and Rosario carried a cooler with drinks and food. We planned to be here until a little after noon, then come back to finish it after graduation if we didn’t get it done.
Everyone worked hard as we set up the party tent and staked it to the ground. Rosario showed me and Sean how to make the weeds and grass lay down flat on its own. Folding tables were set up, chairs were situated around them, and solar powered lamps were set out in the sun to start charging.
We got it finished just before noon and sat out having a picnic in the shade of some of the larger trees. We weren’t allowed to talk about what would happen tonight. It was too dangerous.
Instead, we talked about our summer plans. In a couple weeks was the wedding Gray’s family was working on. I had an appointment to go try on the dress in a few days. I was excited to see what they put together.
Gray said we could save the dress for our daughter to wear when she gets married. He’d already planned for us to have several boys and a girl. I told him I was only planning on two babies with each of them. Suffice it to say, Gray was a little disappointed. Val made us stop talking about it.
Once we were finished with lunch, we went home to get ready for our graduation. Harmony and I did each other’s hair for it and I wore a nice sundress under my gown, since it was such a warm day. I put on some sandals with no heel and we headed downstairs.
Maeve, Brian, and Hope had come to pick up Sean and Rosario, to take them to the graduation. We thought it best if people drove with their families. Marius appeared in the entryway with Lila. They would be driving Victor’s car.
Cam’s family and Gray’s family would be meeting us at the school. I would ride with Marius and Lila, while Val went with Cam and Gray, and Harmony went with Uncle Preston. Amelia waved us off as she was heading to get a snack in the kitchen and wished us luck.
-
-
The ceremony was lovely. I’d never seen anything like it. Everyone sat in their caps and gowns waiting to be called up to receive their diploma. Gray showed me how to wear the tassel and move it from one side to the other to show I was graduated. It seemed like a silly tradition.
There was a smattering of applause for each student called. I was happy to have my own applause when I went up. No one had ever applauded me before.
After the ceremony was over, we gathered for pictures with our families and friends. I loved this part too. I planned to get a photo album and fill it with pictures of everything. Marius insisted on a picture of me with my sister and brother.
We were just wrapping up pictures when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see Melissa standing there. She was smiling brightly and I wanted to punch her in the face.
“Echo. I’m so happy I got to see you before I left town. I wanted to thank you for coming to my party the other night and apologize for if I ever made you feel unwelcome in the group. I don’t adapt to change well.” She said.
“Have you apologized to Rosario and Sean? Gray said you were trying to reach them.” I replied.
“Oh, not yet. I’m a little embarrassed about that whole misunderstanding. I understand now how Rosario must have felt seeing a girl all up on her boyfriend like that. I just never thought I’d find someone who made me feel special like she did and I was a little jealous. Now I have the best boyfriend. He’s tall, handsome, and strong.” Melissa grinned.
“Why are you telling me this?” I asked. “You made it pretty clear that we’re not friends over the last few months.”
“I thought maybe we could start fresh. What are you doing tonight? Do you want to hang out?” She asked.
“I’m having a little get together with my family and Gray’s family. Maybe tomorrow night? I really want to be friends with you, Melissa. I want to have as many friends as possible.” I smiled.
“Tomorrow night sounds great. Oh! Oh, my god.”
I turned as Marius and Lila approached. Unlike Talia, Finn, and Victor, Marius hadn’t been particularly young when he was turned. I was certain his life as a warrior for his people probably made him age a little prematurely as well. He looked like he was in his mid to late thirties.
“I’m Echo’s father, Mario. This is her stepmom, Lila. Are you one of her friends?” Marius asked.
Melissa looked nervous for a moment with wide eyes. She’d seen the pictures and knew he was a vampire. I’m sure she was as surprised as I was that he could go out in the sunlight.
“I-I’m Melissa Hearne.” She stuttered.
Marius smiled at her and put out his hand. She accepted it gingerly and he shook it gently. Lila looked like she was going to burst out laughing.
“We should get going soon, papa. All this sun can’t be good for you.” I said softly.
“It truly is a lovely day, isn’t it? Let’s go then, I’m sure you want to get ready for your party.” Marius replied.
“See you later, Melissa.” I smiled, wiggling my fingers at her.
“Not if I see you first.” Melissa muttered with a soft growl.