Jameson, we have some moving to do, he called.
Sebastian and Jameson entered the room.
Were returning the Mansion and me to our original state, Alexander declared.
What happened? Sebastian asked.
Its just not me. I dont have to come out and say Im a vampire, but on the other hand, I also dont have to be ashamed of being myself.
So what do you want to do now? Jameson asked.
Reschedule the interview. Were going to return the furniture. Immediately.
All of it? Sebastian asked.
Alexander nodded.
Jameson shuffled over to Alexander. Can we at least keep this rug?
Alexander smiled. Of course.
And my desk? Sebastian pleaded.
Yes.
Can we keep that outfit? I whispered, coyly tugging at his brown leather belt. Just for fun?
Fine! he reconciled. But everything else goes back. I have an interview to do!
Chapter 12 A Return to Disorder
The next day after sunset, I bounded over to the Mansion with a renewed sense of delight. I was eager to see the Mansion return to normalor what Dullsvillians called a nightmare. I was proud that Alexander made the decision to be himselfor at least be as real as he could be without putting his true identity in danger. I knew it was an extremely hard choice for him to makebut either way he was going to be in the story. It was ultimately better that he shared the macabre artist that he was rather than an untrue, khaki-clad version of what he thought the town wanted him to be.
When I arrived atop Benson Hill, the Mansions door was wide open.
I entered the foyer to find the Mansion restored to its original disorder. The scent of lit candles and musty air that Id grown to love wafted through the halls. The brand-new crisp white linen covers were gone, exposing the worn Victorian couches. The silver floor lamps had been replaced with dripping candelabras. And the freshly purchased easel and metal desk with blue locker drawers had been taken from the library and the old desk and library books returned.
Curious, I bolted up the grand staircase. I peeked into Jamesons room to find his new accent rug at the foot of his bed. When I surveyed Sebastians room, the only thing organized was his shiny new desk.
As I drew closer to the TV room, I heard Alexander and Sebastian talking intently.
So havent you thought about it, man? Sebastian asked. You must have.
Of course I have, Alexander answered.
Isnt it difficult to resist? She is beautiful.
It isnt easy.
What were they talking aboutwho were they talking about? I pressed my back flat to the wall and did my best to hear.
She isnt a vampire, Alexander said.
But if she wasman, you could be living the dream. You could sell the bottles in your cellar. Shed quench your thirst for eternity.
They both laughed.
I agree with you that it would be easier if she had been born into our world, Sebastian began. Thats what I think. Then there are no decisionsno conflicts, no pressure.