Uncle Vampire by Grant Cynthia D

Author:Grant, Cynthia D.
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781504013604
Publisher: Open Road Media Teen & Tween

9

Just when I think it won’t happen again, when I think it was something I imagined, the ceiling above my head cracks open and my uncle descends like night.

My body can sense when it’s going to happen. An electric current hums through the house.

I try to escape, spending the night with a friend. Sometimes the danger passes. But usually the house is still throbbing with his charge. It could explode any second. He could hurt somebody.

He comes not for Honey, but for me.

He frightened her so badly she couldn’t breathe. She’s weak. I protect my sister. When he comes I turn away from my eyes and walk down a long, dark hallway in my head, to the quiet place, where it’s peaceful and safe.

I remain there until he’s gone.

At dinner that night I read the signals with my skin. His eyeteeth lengthen imperceptibly.

“More linguine, Carolyn?”

“No, thanks. I’m stuffed. I was thinking I’d go over to Nancy’s tonight, so we can study together, if that’s all right.”

“The linguine was delicious,” Honey blurted, sensing waves ahead, trying to keep things smooth.

“I don’t want you out tonight,” Mama said. “It’s cold.”

“Richie could give me a ride.”

Papa shook his head. “He’s not using the car until he pulls himself together. We got a letter today from school.”

“Carolyn, are you sure you don’t want something else?”

“Positive, Uncle Toddy.”

“I’ll help Richie,” Honey offered. “He’s got plenty of time before the end of the semester.”

I cleared away the plates. “I could walk to Nancy’s.”

“Not tonight,” Papa said. “You heard your mother.”

“Maybe Nancy could stay over.”

“Not on a school night.”

“I never get to do what I want!”

Honey cringed.

Mama looked shocked. “What’s the matter with you, Carolyn?”

“It’s my life, not yours!” My voice was shrill.

“I’ll handle this, Doris. Go up to your room and stay there, young lady, until you’re ready to apologize.”

“Apologize for what?”

“For acting like a spoiled brat!”

“I’m not a brat! Nobody listens to me!”

My father stood up. Uncle Toddy said, “Bill.”

“Get up there and stay there until you’re ready to behave!” Papa shouted. Mama’s eyes filled with tears.

I ran up the stairs to my bedroom and slammed the door. They hate it when I’m angry. Ladies don’t get mad. No matter what they say, Honey never disagrees. I have to stay awake while she wraps herself in dreams.

I ignored her when she came in. She disgusts me.

I put on all the lights and tried to read, but my mind was listening to the noises in the house: creaks and taps and crunching sounds. I turned on the radio and exercised. I thought Honey might complain, but she kept sleeping.

The night dies slowly. The house is still. I mustn’t fall asleep. He tries to surprise me.

I am reading the Bible Gram gave me when I made my first communion. My name is stamped in gold on the cover. Yea, though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil for—

He is with me. The door opens. My uncle sticks his head into the room.

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