THE GOLDEN LIGHT

ALEX'S POV

I exhaled forcefully once outside, trying to clear my lungs of the dust that I had inhaled. I never thought that a place could become so dusty. And Eeks! Those cobwebs. I made a mental note to get the house deep cleaned as soon as possible.

While we were walking towards the gate I saw golden light. I strained my eyes to get a better view. I saw a vague figure for a moment but then it vanished.

I had a feeling that I had seen it before. I couldn’t recall when and where but I was certain I had seen something similar before too.

I jumped when I felt something on my shoulder.

“Alex, Thank God you are alright. I got so scared when I saw you standing so still.”

I let out the breath that I was holding. Thank God It was Eva. Was that golden light an illusion? Even if it wasn’t, it was better to get out of here.

“Let’s leave,” I said leading Eva to my car. 

“What about the other car?” She asked with her eyebrows furrowed.

“We can get it later,” I said opening the door for her and ushering her in. I wanted to get out of here as soon as possible.

We were both quiet on the way home. We needed some time to digest everything that had happened.

The door to Aaron’s house was open. So, we walked straight in. I was bewildered by the sight I saw.

Aaron, Ryan, Melisa, Athena, Elsa, Liam, and even Susie were pacing across the room. They would bump into each other sometimes but then resume the walk again.

I tried hard to control my laughter but still, a giggle escaped my mouth. Their face turned pale and every one of them stood still like they had seen a ghost.

I rubbed my hands and asked in a breaking voice, “Is everything okay?”

As soon as I said that utter chaos ensued. Everyone started speaking at the same time.

“Why did you get so……?”

“We were so……………….”

“How did you……………..”

“Thank God………………”

I couldn’t understand most of the sentences because they were talking together. In the end, I raised my hand and yelled, “Can you guys plea….se talk one at a time. I can't understand a single word.”

“Please…..” Eva added covering her ears.

After that they all kept quiet. I guess each of them was waiting for the other to speak. I rolled my eyes. Why did these guys do everything in extremes? Couldn’t they do things in moderation? Thankfully Aunt Linda stepped in.

“I am glad you both are fine. Let’s talk about it over dinner.” She said holding my arm and dragging me towards the dining hall.

I wondered how I could explain my reason for going to Dixonville. Would they believe me if I told them about the Alexart? I was still thinking about the right way to tell everything when Eva spoke up.

“Ummm….. I never imagined that I would tell you the truth. The situation is very bad and I have a gut feeling that it is going to worsen day by day. In such a situation knowledge is the only thing that can give you the power to survive.”

She looked around to find everyone listening with rapt attention. She continued after I gave her an encouraging nod.

“ I was a vampire and I have lived on this earth for more than 500 years. When all the vampires were wiped out from the earth, I turned into humans due to Alex’s true love.” She said giving me one of her beautiful smiles.

I felt like I had been struck by the cupid’s arrow. Each of her actions drew me closer to her. She said everything so plainly while I was still trying to come up with a plan.

There was complete silence for two minutes and then Aaron burst out laughing, the water in his mouth spilling everywhere. “God!! That was some amazing acting. You had me fooled for a moment.”

“My heart almost stopped beating when you told me that you were once a vampire,” Melisa said placing her hand on her chest while shaking her head.

“Eva….If you said all that to distract me. I understand but this is not the time to make such jokes.” Susie said pursing her lips.

I was taken aback by their response. How would we manage to protect them if they never believed what we said? We would have to come up with a better plan.

“Buddy…..it’s okay….You know…..We understand why you didn’t want to tell us about your visit to Dixonville.”

I raised my eyebrows in confusion.

“You guys must not bombard our love birds with questions each time they are missing, they needed some alone….time,” Aaron said making a heart with his hands.

My face reddened as I looked down. Did he always think only along those lines?

I looked up at Eva and when our eyes met I felt like I was stabbed by a dagger. Despair and helplessness were plainly visible in them.

“ Guys….Eva is telling the truth. Do you see the locket around her neck? It can protect you from evil forces. That is the reason I had rushed to Dixonville. I wanted to make Eva wear it.” I tried to explain in an attempt to reduce Eva’s distress.

“I guess we must all retire for the day. Alex, I have prepared the guest room for both of you. Please go and continue your business. I don’t think we have enough energy for your stories right now.” Aaron said and got up.

Soon after everyone went to their rooms, leaving us speechless. I tore my hair in frustration. Explaining everything to them was like banging my head against a rock. This was going to be more challenging than I had thought.

“What will we do now, Alex?” Eva whispered.

I had no answer for her but I could try to lighten her mood. I picked her up and carried her to the guest room. Then I made her lie on the bed. I sat at the foot of the bed and started massaging her feet slowly.

“Oh….Alex. That feels so good.” She said moaning with pleasure.

“Don’t worry, we will come up with something. But for now, close your eyes and try to sleep.” I said as I continued to press her feet at the right points.

For once she didn’t argue and did as I said. Within a few minutes, I could hear her soft snores. She must really have been exhausted.

I laid down on the other side of the bed and got lost in my favorite pastime, gazing at my love. The creator had sculpted her with completed perfection. She looked enchanting as usual. Before I could realize I had drifted off to sleep too.

“Ahhh!!!! No!!! Please no!!!!.....................”

I woke up with a start on hearing screams. They seemed to be coming from downstairs. I threw off my blanket but then I realized that Eva was still sleeping soundly. I adjusted the blanket around her.

I grabbed my night suit from the hook and put it on. I tied the sash as I ran down the stairs.