"Of course, Miss Raven."
Then Jameson attempted to serve Alexander, but my boyfriend covered his glass with his hand. "I'll have what Raven is having."
He finished by pouring Mr. Sterling a tall glass and, from a neighboring chest, retrieved two sodas.
"Let's toast," Mrs. Sterling said, raising her drink. "To Raven and Alexander-may your friendship last an eternity."
Friendship?I wondered. Hadn't Alexander told them we were dating? Or was she just being polite? I gazed at myboyfriend, who seemed distracted. Our glasses clinked underneath the twinkling stars.
"So how did you and Alexander meet exactly? You know men can be so vague when it conies to details."
I snuck into your house and found him standing behindme,I wanted to say,Or do I count Becky almost running your son over in the road outside the Mansion ?
"Uh...I..."
"I saw Raven several times before I had the courage to invite her here for dinner," Alexander answered for me.
"How romantic,"Mrs ,Sterling remarked, "A private dinner date.Mr. Sterling and I met at the cemetery."
"Wow- that's romantic, too," I said truthfully.
"We are so happy Alexander has found someone to keep company with," she said fondly.
"Mrs. Sterling and I understand that Alexander has told you about our family," Mr. Sterling said. "We'd expect a far different reaction from a girl in your situation and find not only your tolerance but your enthusiasm refreshing."
I didn't know what to say, so I remained silent,
"We find it very intriguing that you have the same passion for certain things that my mother did," he continued, gesturing toward his family. It seemed as if he was alluding to the Underworld without actually saying it. "Alexander shared her interest in painting, while you seem to share her other passion."
Vampires?They waited for my reaction. How was I supposed to respond? I turned to Alexander for help. His normally soulful eyes appeared to be red.
"I think we should talk about something else-," Alexander said to his father.
"I must say, it does concern Mrs. Sterling and me," Mr. Sterling continued. "My mother was a very lonely woman isolated in a town very different from her own family. I wouldn't want you to suffer that Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter,same fate."
Alexander was fuming. "We've invited Raven over for dinner, not a dissertation."
"Constantine, Alexander's tight," Mrs. Sterling interjected. "There is plenty of time for such matters."
"Let's just say we appreciate your acceptance of our lifestyle and leave it at that," he said.
"So what do you enjoy doing?" he asked politely, changing the subject.
"I love to go to the cemetery, watch TV, and listen to music."
"How about school?Do you enjoy your studies?" Mr. Sterling wondered.
"Not much. I'd rather be homeschooled, like Alexander."
"Is there a subject you are attracted to?Something that you fancy becoming?" Mr. Sterling asked.
A vampire,I was dying to say.Like all of you. But I didn't have the guts.
"Raven has plenty of time for questioning," Mrs. Sterling said. "Let her eat."
Jameson came in with a tray of almost too fresh meat. It was about as unappetizing as it could be. I was really too nervous to eat anyway and figured I'd get my calories from the veggies.
Jameson handed me a special plate-a quarter chicken fully cooked.