Can`t take me anywhere, I joked. So, when will you be returning to Dullsville? I hinted. Tomorrow? Next week?
I just have one more thing to take care of. It shouldn`t take much longer. I promise. Believe me, it`s lonely not being around the people you care about most. Alexander gently smiled at me. I felt a twinge of sadness for him. In Romania he had his family. In Dullsville he had me and Jameson. But here in Hipsterville, he and Jameson were all alone. How is your family? he politely asked.
Billy Boy misses you like crazy. You`re like a hero to him.
When I return to Dullsville, we`ll have to take him to a science fair or a screening of the original Star Wars.
I laughed. See? That is why you`re so special. You think about doing what he likes to do rather than doing something I'd like to do--like dragging him to a rave.
Alexander smiled.
And Becky? he continued. Is she still dating Matt?
I think she`s picking out her wedding dress as we speak. I`m sure she`s counting down the days until graduation so she can elope.
Alexander laughed. And you? Are you anything like Becky? His gaze was so deliberate, it nearly bore through my soul. For once I was speechless. I was as much of a giddy and googly-eyed girly girl as Becky ever was. But I couldn`t confess that I was weak-kneed in an I`d tattoo your name on my heart if only my parents would let me way. I had to appear at least remotely sophisticated.
Alexander, however, was waiting for my response.
Did you hear that there are crop circles popping up in town? I asked.
Alexander put down his fork. Where did you learn that?
It`s all over the news. Do you think it`s aliens?
He paused. I guess it could be...
Well, my aunt Libby and I had a major discussion about it. Guess what my theory is.
Practical jokers?
I think it`s vampires, signaling the whereabouts of other vampires.
Alexander`s eyes widened and he choked on his water.
Are you okay?
He nodded his head and covered his mouth with his napkin.
It makes perfect sense, I continued. Who else is up at night while most mortals sleep? And who can see the circles better than bats flying over the horizon? I said.
Alexander gave me a blank look.
But I was undeterred. The only thing I haven`t figured out is what the crop circles mean. I leaned into Alexander intently. Are they warning other vampires to stay away or inviting them in?
Alexander quickly broke our gaze.
Jameson burst into the room carrying a dessert tray, ending my investigation.
Just in time, Alexander said. We`re finished.
Jameson presented us with two perfectly delectable cr�me br�l�es.
It`s like eating at a five-star restaurant! I complimented him.
Jameson`s pale flesh turned pink as he wheeled back our dinner plates.
There is so much to do while we are here, I said excitedly, digging into my dessert. You`ll have to meet Aunt Libby. Then there`s Hot Gothics. And of course the Coffin Club!