Chapter 172Things to Say

We had to go downstairs, so I left my room and headed for the stairs. It was a mistake to come back here... I love my mother, but I wasn't part of her world anymore. Was I?

So confused.

"Amy?" Nuru grabbed my arm.

"Yes?"

"You said one thing that wasn't in my dream. 'Headmaster' I'm not sure what it meant, but I almost forgot to say it."

Deep in thought I continued to walk downstairs. Mom had made a really nice simple dinner. IN a way it wasn't really special, but little details in the scent made me realize she did spend a lot of time on it. Pasta with meat and vegetables. I knew it was easy to make, but I could smell the fresh herbs she cut for it. Once upon a time it was one of my favorite meals.

Nuru looked at me with forlorn eyes, she knew of my inner turmoil.

In an odd jump of thought I realized my inner dialog was turning dangerously Gothic. Something I should surely avoid. Still, it wasn't easy for me. I didn't want to make my mother fear my every moment or feel the guilt I felt at drinking blood.

But could I keep this secret?

We sat down at the table, my mom looked a bit nervous but then again, so did I. So many things had happened that I couldn't tell her and I wasn't sure where to begin. Nuru sat down quietly, she felt it wasn't her place to start.

Mom put food on everyone's plate, the only sound. It only served to punctuate the silence even more.

Mom tried to speak. "So, eh.. .Amy?"

The moment I dreaded. "Yes?"

"Is Nuru your girlfriend?"

I just gazed at her, open-mouthed with surprise.

SHe blushed. "I'm sorry, I didn't know what else to think. Strange noises from your room before I called up. It's alright if you like girls, you know. But if that is what's bothering you, you can just tell me."

I sighed. I had to tell her, otherwise it would drive her crazy. She cared about me so much. "It's not that... I'll... I'll try to explain."

Nuru nodded softly, giving me some strength. "Mom, you know that I read a lot, and sometimes it feels as if I've tumbled in one of my books. But what I'm going to tell you is true."

She nodded seriously. "I'm listening."

"I've become a vampire."

She blinked, looked at me with a disbelieving look in my eyes, tensing up but then relaxed. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and tried to think for a moment. When she opened her eyes again she nodded. "I guess it makes sense of some things. Go on?"

"It's hard to explain, it's not like the movies. I'm not afraid of crosses or garlic, but the sun does hurt me and... eh... I don't eat anymore."

She gasped. "Drink blood?"

I nodded.

"Kill?"

I shook my head. "No, never kill. I just drink a little, I don't need much to live."

She looked from me to Nuru and gazed at her neck. "Did you drink her blood?"

I gulped. "Once."

"I..." My mother hesitated and shut up for a moment. "No, wait. I can't even begin to imagine what kind of life you're leading now Amy. I kind of understand now some of the things that Janus said to me and why. Unfortunately this doesn't explain the disappearance of your dad but I do know you have your own path to follow."

She smiled at me with a tear in her eye, its glistening beauty so alluring. "You can't live here, I understand that. It would make things too difficult. But... You're always welcome here or anywhere else I am. And I would love to go clothes shopping with you like you've obviously done lately."

I didn't know what to feel, happy or sadness. It was hard to decide between my emotions.

I guess there was only one thing to say.

"Mom... Thanks."