The Awakening (18 page)

“Of course not, I just genuinely haven’t had time to give it much thought. A party sounds like a great idea, I’ll speak to my mum,” I said.

“Oh Lauren it will be lovely. Please let me help out, if your mum would like to give me a call or anything,” Alice gushed. “Of course I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes or anything, but I would love to help and it would be so nice to finally meet your parents and of course all your friends. Plus, I’m longing to meet the very interesting David.” Alice continued.

“Mum, Mum calm down. Poor Lauren will go off the idea with you going on at her,” he said with a laugh. “Right come on let’s get a bite to eat and chill out.” and Gavin led me in to the kitchen.

“Sorry about my mum, she’s been really looking forward to seeing you again. I think she might have been Facebook stalking you,” he laughed.

“It’s so nice to have you back, and thanks for being cool with my mum and stuff.”

“Look, stop apologising.” And I reached up and gave him a long kiss.

“I’m glad to be back. I’ve really missed you. I just needed the break. I needed to sort things out, but I’m cool with it all now. Actually I’ve been thinking of doing some more witch training, I got a real kick out of doing it at work with David that time, filing is much more interesting when you are just sat having a chat and the paper is doing all the work,” I laughed.

“I think the party is a good idea, everyone can have a good time, get back together, and have some fun. I’ll call my mum and we can work on a guest list.” The rest of the afternoon whizzed by I spoke to my mum, a party was agreed, and we spent the afternoon coming up with venue ideas, guest lists and music choices and with Alice’s intervention and insistence on paying for something also plans for helium balloons, food and special cocktails.

The next few weeks flew past I felt happier than I had in months. I finally felt settled and no longer felt that my witch status was a burden and knowing all about the vampire population no longer troubled my mind. I’d even got round to visiting Annalise again who loved my David story and although not all of it was a huge surprise to her she also didn’t know many half breeds so was looking forward to meeting David. With Annalise’s help, I enjoyed learning some new skills and showing them off to Gavin or David and learning more about my witch family tree. I’d had some weird dreams again, but instead of feeling worried, they made me feel safe, as it seemed that Elizabeth’s spirit was at rest and she just enjoyed tuning in every now and then. The day of my party arrived, I was spoiled all day, with a special breakfast courtesy of Alice, gorgeous flowers and a beautiful necklace from my mum and dad and Gavin had bought me a new outfit to wear for the party.

We arrived at the party a little earlier than the start time to do the finishing touches. The room looked brilliant, helium balloons in lilac white, silver, and matching tablecloths and flowers decorated the room. The barman was busy making the signature cocktails to be handed out to my friends and family as they arrived, the caterers had just left, and the food was laid out and smelt gorgeous. I couldn’t wait for the music to start and everyone to arrive. “Hey. You ok?” Gavin said pulling me into his arms and kissing my forehead. “Looks good doesn’t it.” he continued, surveying the room. “And so do you my gorgeous witchy girlfriend” he finished with a grin.

“It looks perfect. I can’t believe how much effort ours mum’s have put in or how well they are getting on. Everything is amazing and thank you for my dress I love it.” I smiled and kissed him back. Gavin traced a line across my tattoo and beamed. 

“You are in my dreams Lauren. I’m so glad we managed to sort things out. I love you.” Before I could reply the door burst open and six or seven of my friends came into the room, laughing, chatting, and looking fantastic and the party began.

Over the next half hour the room filled as the music started. I went from group to group chatting, laughing and dancing with my friends and I was the happiest and most relaxed I’d felt in ages. I marvelled at the fact the room was a mixture of humans and vampires and smiled as I gazed around the room noticing Nathaniel flirting shamelessly with Vicky, Rebecca chatting animatedly with my mum, and Marcus propping up the bar with my dad. Everyone was having fun and taking photos to instantly upload to Facebook and it was fantastic to dance and chat to my three best friends Sophie, Charlotte and Vicky. My sister was having a fab time too as I’d said she could invite a few of her own mates and she was happily dancing and flirting with some of the younger guys from Gavin’s Sunday league football team. I noticed David was getting grilled by Alice and Annalise. Just as I was going to rescue him, he gave me the thumbs up from across the room and looked happy enough so I left them chatting as I knew how excited Alice had been about talking to him as she’d been fascinated by his families story.

I was at the bar getting another drink when a shiver went down my spine and I knew Daniel must have arrived. I knew he was coming as Gavin and his mum had asked if it was ok if he came, as they wanted us to get along and put the past behind us and start on a clean slate. It was just odd how he was the only one of Gavin’s family that had this strange effect on me. I usually only got an odd feeling when I first met an unknown vampire, but with Daniel it always seemed to happen. I wondered if it was just because of all the business with Elizabeth or whether it had anything to do with her strange instinct that we had crossed paths in a previous life. Nevertheless, given how everything had got a bit out of control in the previous few months it was hard to separate my feelings from what I knew and what I felt. I wanted to get on with Daniel as he was a close family member and I had come to the conclusion, that if everything had been normal, we would have actually been quite good friends. We liked the same music, films and had a similar sense of humour. I also felt guilty, as it was largely due to me that his move back to the UK hadn’t happened and he had returned to America with no plans to relocate. I plastered a smile onto my face and turned around “Hey you made it. Nice to see you. Good flight?” I said and gave him a brief awkward hug.

“Hi. Yeah flight was fine thanks and I wouldn't have missed this. It’s not every day a girl turns 21 and I would like to say thanks for asking me.” he smiled and handed over a small gift box “Happy birthday Lauren. Hope you’ve had a fab day. The place looks lovely and so do you. Love the new hair colour it really suits you.”

“Thanks. Well the decoration in here is mostly down to Alice as I’m sure you could have guessed.” I said with a shy smile gesturing around the room. “Thanks for the present you didn’t need to get me anything.”

“I couldn't turn up empty handed it’s your birthday.” At that point, Gavin appeared and hugged Daniel and chat turned to his flight, work and football and I got distracted by other friends and was soon enveloped once more onto the dance floor. A little while later my mum called for everyone’s attention and embarrassingly a huge cake was brought out and everyone sang happy birthday. “Make a wish.” everyone shouted.

“I don’t need to, today has been perfect, and I’m just glad you could all make it. It’s been brilliant. Thank you all so much.” I shouted and smiled. As I looked up, I saw Daniel watching me and again felt a shiver but couldn’t dwell on it as my mum appeared at my side hugging me tight and getting a bit emotional.

“My baby is all grown up, I can’t believe it,” she said.

“Ah mum don’t be daft,” I said and hugged her back. “Today has been brilliant, thanks so much.”

“You are very welcome Lauren, I’m a very proud mum you deserve it.” She hugged me once more and I then re-joined my friends for more laughing and dancing.

Eventually the party began to wind down and the DJ shouted one last song and Robbie Williams Angels started and people began coupling off and a few people started swaying and singing in groups. Gavin appeared at my side and we began dancing “Tonight has been brilliant and I really think it’s a fresh start and next year will be the best yet.” I said as I snuggled into Gavin’s neck. 

“I’m so glad you have had a good time and thank you.” Gavin said and kissed me gently.

“Thank you, what do you mean?” I replied puzzled.

“For everything, for being amazing and understanding and most importantly being you.” he said.

“I think you’ve had a few too many drinks but thank you.” I said and kissed him back and smiled. Just then, I felt a tap on my shoulder and Daniel appeared.

“May I cut in?” he said smiling at Gavin.

“Course, see you in a minute Lauren.” Daniel took one hand and held me delicately. Neither of us spoke for a moment but the awkwardness and his proximity to me prompted me to break the silence.

“Thanks for the gift, I’ll open it back at the house.” I mumbled.

“Are you going back to Gavin’s?” he replied staring at me intently.

“Yeah, I’m staying there tonight and then going for dinner tomorrow with my mum, dad and sister.” I replied, wishing the song would come to an end, as I could feel my skin tingle where our bodies were connected.

“You’re still not sure about me are you?” he said suddenly taking me by surprise.

“Um, well it’s not that. It’s just you know, it’s all a bit strange.” I stammered and felt my cheeks blush. “I can’t quite explain it, maybe it’s because of Elizabeth I don’t know, but I sometimes just feel like I’ve met you before.”

“Mm,” he replied and gently kissed my forehead sending a shiver through my entire body and making my cheeks burn. I was just about to reply when the song ended and the DJ shouted.

“That’s it folks have a safe journey home.” and the DJ lights went off and main lights went on. I blinked at the sudden brightness and sprang away from Daniel who looked at me quizzically.

“Forget I said that last bit,” I said. “We’ll be fine just got to get used to you again.” I continued with a slight smile, but Daniel stepped towards me and whispered in my ear.

“Lauren I feel like I’ve met you before too.” and then he wandered off. The chatter of the room seemed to rush back towards me and for a split second I was surprised to see everyone milling around but I quickly regained my composure, found Gavin, and instantly felt safer and calm.

Eventually everyone had said his or her goodbyes, taxi’s and lifts arrived, everyone left, and I returned to Gavin’s house. Once back at the house we all settled in the living room, relaxed, and chatted about the evening and rest of the weekend’s plans. After a while, I decided to go upstairs to quickly get changed into some baggy trackie-bottoms and t-shirt, had brushed my hair out, and was wearing it loose. I was just getting a drink in the kitchen when Daniel appeared with the gift box he’d given me earlier. “You haven’t opened it yet,” he said. “I could take that personally you know.” he continued with a playful grin and slid the box across the kitchen counter. I picked it up and turned it over in my hand.

“You know earlier, I think we should just forget that conversation. I don’t want things to get all weird again. I feel really happy at the moment and I don’t want anything to spoil it,” I said.

“I know Lauren. I’m not here to ruin your life. If that’s what you want that’s fine, but I do feel some connection too and I thought you should know,” he said looking at me seriously.

“Ok right, well I know and that’s that, I don’t want to hear any more about it. It’s probably just some weird vampire and witch thing anyway.” I said drawing a line through the air with my finger signalling the end of the matter. Daniel laughed.

“Ok, Ok I won’t mention it again I promise. I am happy that you and Gavin are back together Lauren you are a great couple. Now open your present.” I looked at the box, tore the paper off, and then opened the lid of the box. Inside was a beautiful locket and chain. I opened the little door and inside was a small picture of me that I’d never seen before and on the other side were three stones Amethyst, Amber, and Moonstone. “It’s beautiful Daniel” I said. Genuinely surprised and touched “How did you know about the stones?”

“I got a little help from Annalise, she said that those three are the ones you use the most.” Daniel replied with a shy smile I’d never seen before. “I wanted you to have something special and that meant something.”

“I love it. Thank you so much.” I said as I carefully lifted it out of the box.

“Shall I help you put it on?” Daniel asked. “Yes please.” I replied, as I walked around the kitchen unit and moved my hair to the side. Daniel placed the chain around my neck and did the clasp and then laid his hands on my shoulders and smiled. As I looked up I could see our reflection in the mirror on the opposite wall and smiled back as I was so touched by the thoughtfulness of the gift. But suddenly I felt my vision go blurry and the images in the mirror seemed to change. The reflection seemed to move and warp and then settled. I could clearly see our faces but everything else was different. The hair and clothes had changed and noise was rushing at me from somewhere and I could feel my chest getting tight as though I couldn’t breathe properly. “Lauren, Lauren. Are you ok?” I heard a voice saying. “Lauren can you hear me?” I tried to reply but I felt paralyzed. “Alice come quick Lauren has passed out.” I heard the voice saying, but this time it was quieter and further away and then I couldn’t really hear anything.

Suddenly a light was shining and I could hear laughter and felt someone holding my hand, but I couldn’t see anything other than the light. Had I died? Was I going to heaven? Thoughts flooded through my mind as I tried to move or speak. I felt paralyzed and light but in no pain and I could hear a distant drumming sound which I realized was my own heartbeat. I couldn’t even tell if I was lying down or sitting up but the laughter seemed to be getting louder and then abruptly the light disappeared and I was in a crowded hall with music and people dancing. I looked around and realized I was in a grand house with lots of dark wood paneling and large ornate fireplaces and soft lighting. At one end of the room were three large arched windows with enormous decorative curtains pulled back with gold rope and beyond this I could see a large garden with a fountain in the middle and beautifully manicured hedges and lawns. There were crowds of people I didn’t recognize and I realized all the woman were in large dresses with tight corseted waists and wide floor length skirts and most of them had their hair piled up in fancy buns with decorative pins or wore large hats with feathers or bows. The men were wearing suits with small bow ties and many had bowler hats, they mostly had slicked back hair with
generous moustaches twisted at the ends. I wondered if I was dreaming and was just taking everything in when I suddenly realised someone was talking to me and turned to see who it was.

The person talking appeared to be Daniel, but was dressed like the other men in the room. “Emily come on let’s dance.” the person said in a strange accent that was unlike anything I’d heard before and took my hand and whisked me into the middle of the hall. I allowed myself to be moved by this man and found I knew the dance steps and recognised the music. What was happening and who was Emily? Before I could begin to understand what was happening a light blinded me again and my chest ached and I felt faint and breathless. When the light had faded, I was in a different part of what appeared to be the same house and felt fine again. We were in what appeared to be a living room, a great fireplace was the focal point with a large ornate mirror above it, and there were three floral patterned sofas in the room in a u shape around the fireplace. At one end of the room were again three arched windows and they lead out to a stone balcony and views of the garden beyond. I was again standing with the person that looked extremely similar to Daniel. “Emily I’m so glad you came and you look beautiful tonight. I see you are wearing the necklace I sent.” the person said while standing in front of the impressive fireplace and leaning on a mantelpiece swirling a glass filled with what looked like red wine. I found myself walking towards him and reaching out to touch his face, my hand gently traced his cheek and he looked momentarily surprised. I had half expected my hand to go straight through him like a ghost, but he was real and I wondered what on earth had happened to me. Again, I began to wonder if I had died and tried to formulate a sentence in my head but felt confused and mute. “Emily, are you ok? You seem pale and worried.” the person said and gently kissed my knuckles. “I um, I’m not Emily” I stammered but the words never seemed to leave my mouth as I could feel myself being pulled back and felt dizzy and light.

I screwed my eyes shut expecting the bright light again but instead found myself at the edge of the room watching who I knew to be Emily and, the so far unnamed, mystery man. It appeared that time had passed as the clock on the mantelpiece had changed and drinks and some food had appeared in the room. As I watched I suddenly realised that Emily looked similar to me, we had the same shaped face and colouring and I began to feel uncomfortable as I sat paralysed a few feet from them. Emily suddenly spoke startling me. “Drake, I shouldn’t be here, my father will be disappointed. He does not trust your motives and seems to think if I come here I’ll never return home.” She sounded annoyed and terse, but as she spoke she reached out and held the man I now knew to be Drake’s hand and smiled warmly and gave a little laugh.

“Well I could imprison you but I feel that would not be well received although for my benefit would be very enjoyable.” he smiled back and his eyes twinkled. “Emily I have something to show you.” Drake said reaching for a small box on the mantelpiece that I hadn’t noticed before. I saw Emily’s surprised expression and her hands went to her mouth “Emily I love you and am asking if you would be my wife. I want to share all this with you.” he said gesturing with his arms around the room. “My life is lonely without you and I know your father will never allow you to live with me here without me making my intentions clear and doing the honourable thing. Of course I will ask his permission but I needed to ask you first.” Emily looked dazzled and blinked back tears. “Emily my darling please say something. You are the only one who knows me inside and out and loves me regardless. You know my secret and I can really be myself without fear of persecution. We have already shared so much and I want to share the rest of my life with only you. I love you.” he reached for her chin and lifted her face as the smile on his face began to fade his skin paled and his eyes darkened. I saw Emily stare at him in surprise, but she didn’t seem shocked at the change in his face. I realised fangs had appeared and his eyes were almost black. She gently reached up, stroked his cheek again, and then gently kissed him. I suddenly felt a pain and realised I was leaving the room; I tried to shout out. What was her answer? Who exactly were they? Were they my descendants? However, I was being pulled back and everything went black and then my eyes opened and I was back in Gavin’s parents’ home with people crowding round me.

I could hear multiple voices but nothing seemed to be making sense and I couldn’t focus properly. “She’s coming round, she’ll be ok. Alice, give her some space.” I heard someone saying. My head felt cloudy. I felt a bit achy and my chest felt tight. As I moved, I felt stiff and slowly opened my eyes and tried to move my legs.

“Give me a minute.” I managed to mumble and slowly sat up feeling confused.

“Lauren perhaps you should stay lying down.” I heard Alice say with panic supressed in her voice and I felt her hand on my shoulder. The look in her eyes made me feel even more confused. What had happened? I’d only fainted hadn’t I?

“No I’m ok, its fine. I need to move. Alice its ok I only fainted.” I said a bit clearer and managed to pull myself upright. I realised I was in the family living room on the sofa and it looked like everyone was still there with the addition of Annalise who looked concerned. I suddenly noticed Gavin was absent as Annalise approached me. 

“Lauren my dear you didn’t just faint. How are you feeling?”

“I feel ok. Bit stiff, but fine. What’s going on? You are all freaking me out.”

“Lauren you were talking whilst you were passed out. Do you remember anything? Are you sure you are feeling ok?” she said in a calm voice but concern and worry where clearly shown in her eyes.

“That didn’t answer my question Annalise. What’s going on?” I said, growing agitated.

“I’m sorry Lauren. I will explain but can you just tell me do you remember anything?” Annalise said in her usual calm tone but her eyes betrayed her clam exterior as they looked alarmed.

“Ok. I was having a weird flashback or a dream I’m not sure. I was in a grand house and everyone was at a ball. There were two people called Emily and Drake but I’m not sure I really understand as Emily looked like me. There were bright lights and it was all very confusing, but I feel fine now.” I tailed off as I saw Annalise look even more concerned.

“What is it? What did I say? Why do you all look so worried I’m fine just feeling a bit stiff? I guess I blacked out and bumped my head.” I said feeling nervous. “Do you know what the dream means?” I continued as I started to feel panicky and my chest tightened.

“Lauren you said you loved Daniel. You kept asking for Daniel’s help. You have finally uncovered your link to him and it is an unbreakable bond.” Annalise said.

“What do you mean? Unbreakable bond.” I said feeling panic spread across my body “Where’s Gavin? How long was I passed out?”

“It’s been a few hours Lauren. Daniel has had some flashbacks too and Gavin got a little upset but he’s ok we’ve tried to reassure him. You were in some pain for a short time. A lot has happened this evening. We’ve managed to piece it together, as Daniel seemed to be experiencing some of the same flashbacks as you and could relay the information. Are you sure you are feeling ok now?” Annalise said gesturing to Daniel who was sitting quietly on the other side of the room looking ashen.

“I don’t understand Annalise. What has happened? You aren’t making any sense. I feel fine. A bit shaky, but fine. It’s you lot making me feel worried.”

“Lauren you died and Daniel brought you back to life as Drake did for Emily. You relived many experiences from their life and it had a devastating effect on you.” Annalise held my hand and looked me directly in the eye.

“But I only saw two or three things it was mostly just dancing and talking. It was only minutes not hours and I feel fine. I didn’t die.” I said feeling myself begin to cry.

“You will be fine Lauren but a lot has changed. Daniel was sometimes connected to you but was conscious and saw many flashbacks so we understand some of what has happened. For a short time your heart stopped beating.” Annalise said calmly as she wrapped her arms around me and I sobbed and tried to piece together what had happened.

“What do you mean my heart stopped beating?” I don’t understand. “I said as I removed myself from Annalise’s arms.

“The flashbacks you experienced where you connecting to the past. Many years ago Emily died in a fatal accident and Drake saved her. In the present day as you experienced that flashback you also died. You heart stopped beating. I can’t quite explain why you experienced this connection but its effect was dire. I don’t know if your heart would have started beating again by itself or not, but Daniel intervened and brought you back to life.” Annalise explained as Alice carefully sat next to me and held my hand. I glanced around the room until my eyes rested on Daniel who for the first time looked insecure and troubled. As I looked at him he meet my gaze and my heart began to thump wildly and I quickly dropped my eyes.

“How did Daniel save me? Am I a vampire?”

“No, no Lauren. You are still very much human. The blood and venom in a vampire can act as a healing agent, but it is frowned upon by the council. It is not something vampires practice and it is why I was so concerned when you awoke. Daniel’s blood is in your system and this is one of the reasons you will be forever bonded. You are still the same girl Lauren this will not change your DNA in anyway.”