"Of course not.I'd like you if you were a troll. But it is who you are. I wouldn't want to change you."
"And that is how I see you." He cupped my face in his hands. "I love you just the way you are."
"So you wouldn't like me if I were a vampire?"
"Of course I'd love you, but... what if you didn't like being a vampire?" Alexander asked.
"But I'd love it! I've always dreamed of being like you."
"You'd never be able to tell your family about your new identity. And if you did, do you think they'd be happy? Their daughter is a bloodsucking vampire? It might be fun in theory until you have to leave town because you are being persecuted, like my grandparents. You think you are an outsider now, but what do you think you will become as a member of the Underworld?"
I really hadn't thought of all the details, just the highlights.
"So when you say, 'Just bite me,' it is always much more complicated than that. I'd be making a decision for you- for the rest of your life. And it's not an easy decision to make."
Alexander was always looking out for me. Not just presently, but forever.
"You can't leave Dullsville. Promise me you won't!" I said.
"I promise-to the best of my ability. I'm trying to figure out a solution, every minute of every day."
He squeezed my shoulders.
"Besides," he continued, "I can't leave you here alone with Trevor Mitchell."
I thought of the Mansion, of all the time I'd spent in Alexander's coffin, the nights watching him paint or walking through the corridors by candlelight.
"My heart is breaking," I said.
"Mine is, too. It's something I never thought was a possibility. I thought the Mansion would remain our family's forever. And I'd remain in it."
"Now you'll live inRomania ?" I asked. "I'll have to come with you. It's the only way I'll survive."
"We can't be so grim yet," he said softly, touching my cheek. "At this point there have been no offers on the house. There's still time to figure out a plan."
Chapter 21 News Travels Fast
When I arrived home, my parents were on the edge of their couches waiting up for me. I was racked with pain and torment.
"So, what did Alexander have to say?" my mom asked. "Are they staying in town?"
I shook my head.
"You must be devastated."
"I am!"
Tears began to roll down my already-soaked cheeks.
"We were so taken with his parents, too. We were hoping to spend more time with them. I'm so sorry, honey.
I could barely speak.
"I thought they liked it here, but I must say that I can imagine it would be difficult for them," my mom said.
"Why, because she wears a corset?And uses an umbrella to block the moonlight?" I asked.
"You gripe about how conservative this town is," my mom said. "They might be seeking someplace more cosmopolitan."