So where will you have your wedding? I asked as we sipped on chamomile tea.
I think it`s too early to scout locations, she said with a laugh. But I`ve always wanted to get married outside.
Then I posed a perfect sleepover-type question. How far would you go, to show your love for him?
Like would I move? she asked. That wasn`t what I had in mind. Sure, I said, playing along.
She shrugged her shoulders. Would I have to work?
Uh...no, I answered. My aunt was getting further away from the point of my playful interrogation.
Would I be able to perform full-time? she asked seriously.
If that`s what you want.
Then I`d have to say yes!
Well, that doesn`t seem like much of a sacrifice, I said. I thought for a moment, and then my eyes caught her TV. It reminded me of the local news report on crop circles I`d seen the other day. What if he lived on another planet?
Like an alien? she asked, then grinned.
Yes, I said. Would you still go?
Aunt Libby paused, really contemplating my question. I was growing weary as I waited for her answer.
Is the planet environmentally sound? she asked.
This is a game, Aunt Libby!
I want to give truthful answers.
The planet is environmentally sound and it is illegal to eat meat.
Then I`d have to say, I`m there.`
Now, I said, building up steam to my point, what if he was a vampire? Would you let him turn you?
She paused. Sure, why not?
That`s it? No thoughts? No asking about the Underworld? You`d have to drink blood and sleep in a coffin.
You told me not to analyze it. Besides, it`s just a game, remember? Now your turn, she said, turning the tables on me. How far would you go to prove your love to Alexander? Would you move?
Out of Dullsville? In a heartbeat. Besides, my mom wouldn`t be able to nag me to clean up my room.
Would you move to another planet for him?
Sure, I began. Then I really wouldn`t have to clean my room at all. My clothes would just float in space and I`d never have to pick them up.
We both cracked up.
Then my aunt became serious. If he was a vampire--would you let him turn you?
The truth was Alexander was a vampire. This question was the most difficult to answer because I thought about it every day. There was no doubt I wanted to be bonded to Alexander for all eternity. But did I want everything else that went with it? If Alexander already rejected the world I`d be entering, how would we live in it together?
Well, would you? my aunt pressed.
I placed my tea mug on the coffee table next to the burning incense. This was supposed to be about you and Devon! I said. I sat back, cross-legged. Have you been to his house?