The Awakening (11 page)

“But what did Elizabeth mean he‘d play with my mind? What does she think he’ll do?”

“She seems to have a feeling he means to split you and Gavin up or upset your daily life in some way. I’m not sure some of the messages are not very clear. Elizabeth keeps getting the names muddled up. I’m not sure if she is talking about you and Daniel or Alec and Bethany. She seems quite distressed.” Annalise explained.

“What should I do? Stay out of his way? He’s only supposed to be here for a month. Do you think I should mention this to Gavin?” I said feeling flustered.

“Remain civil but keep your distance. Just tell Gavin that Daniel gives you an uneasy feeling and don’t tell him about Elizabeth’s warning or visiting me for now. I’ll do some research on Daniel and see what connections he has and whom he has been mixing with in America. I’m sure it’s not a big deal but just be careful.” Annalise said “I’m sure Elizabeth is looking out for you but her voice is not clear and I can’t quite understand everything she is saying. Maybe in time the messages will become clear. It maybe she is still living in the past and does not realise times have changed. She can sense Daniels darker side and is worried. Don’t worry too much Lauren remember you are safe and I’m here. I’ve known the family for many years although I’ve only meet Daniel a few times and I’ve never encountered negative feelings or heard of reckless behaviour.” She hugged me, gave me some crystals for well-being and drove me home.

Once home I felt exhausted and went straight to bed, surprisingly I slept soundly and awoke in the morning to the sound of my mobile ringing. I looked at the display and it was Gavin “Hey babes. Morning. You ok?” I said as I answered the phone.

“Yeah, I’m fine was just checking you were ok. You seemed a bit distant yesterday.”

“Yeah, Yeah I’m good thanks. It’s just I’m not sure about Daniel, he seems a bit loud,” I said realising as I spoke that it sounded like a rubbish reason to dislike someone but Gavin laughed.

“Daniel can be larger than life, he’ll grow on you. He seemed to really like you, he said I’d definitely found myself a great girl and I better watch out or he’ll take my place.” Gavin laughed again but I felt uneasy “Lauren it’s a joke.” Gavin said with a chuckle, as I didn’t reply.

“Yeah I know sorry the phone just went funny for a second. What are you guys doing today then?” I asked.

“Me and Daniel are going to go play some pool and catch up with a few of the guys. Is that ok? Do you want me to come and see you this morning we’re not meeting till 2?” Gavin said.

“Course I don’t mind its fine. I knew you’d want to spend some time together you haven’t seen him for ages. No doesn’t worry about coming over today, it’ll give me a chance to catch up with some stuff. I might go and visit my mum and dad today,”

“You sure you don’t mind,” Gavin said sounding relieved. I could picture him checking the Sky Sports channel and planning a morning of football as we spoke.

“Course I’m sure. Have fun I know how much you have been looking forward to Daniel visiting. I’ll perhaps see you after work tomorrow.”

“Yeah I’ll definitely see you tomorrow. Have a good day. Love you,” Gavin said.

“Yep love you too.” I replied and hung up the phone.

I felt relieved that I wouldn’t see Daniel today and it felt nice to have a day to myself and do some normal things. I called my mum, arranged to go round for Sunday dinner, and then spent a few hours, tidying up and checking things out on Facebook. Once online, my chat box popped up and it was Sophie.

Sophie: Hey, how was the family gathering at Gavin’s?

Me: Not bad, not sure about the immensely popular Daniel though.

Sophie: Oh why? Gavin seems to love him.

Me: Yeah they are very close, but he’s one of these guys that is good looking and knows it. I find him a bit too cocky.

Sophie: Oh, right. How longs he staying?

Me: About a month, I think, but hopefully I won’t see him that much; you have a good weekend?

Sophie: Yeah was good, didn’t do much, but went out for dinner with Chris last night, which was nice.

Me: That’s nice; well we’ll have to perhaps get together next weekend.

Sophie: Yeah definitely, we’ll all meet up for a drink. How about Saturday afternoon?

Me: Yeah that will be good. I’ll text you in the week and arrange a time, have a good week.

Sophie: Ok cool, I’ll email Charlotte and Vicky on Monday at work too.

Me: Yeah sounds good, see you Saturday. X

I had a lovely afternoon round my parents, got home just after 9 pm, and decided to get ready for bed. I was just turning the lights off when my phone rang I smiled as I looked at the screen and saw Gavin’s name lit up. “Hey Lauren; Just thought I’d say hi.” He sounded a bit drunk and very happy. “Hiya didn’t think I’d hear from you again today. Had a good afternoon?”

“Yeah it’s been great so nice to catch up with everyone and Daniel has been on top form. I just wanted to say goodnight really and see you tomorrow.”

“Yeah I’ll see you tomorrow. Oh by the way spoke to Sophie on Facebook and we’re all going to go out Saturday afternoon.” I said.

“Oh cool that will be nice. Right going to go it’s my turn to shoot. Night Lauren; Love you.”

“Yeah, night Gavin. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

Monday dragged as they often do and work seemed to go on forever, when I got back Gavin was stood at my flat door with some flowers. “Hey what you doing here?” I said, as I kissed him and took the flowers.

“Thought I’d surprise you, as I didn’t see you yesterday. Work ok?”

“Yeah you know same old stuff.” I opened the door, we went inside, and Gavin told me about his night out with Daniel. I felt bad for not telling him about visiting Annalise but hoped nothing more would happen about Daniel and we could carry on as normal. The week passed by quite normal, I had work and Gavin had a few days off to spend with Daniel. They went to London for a couple of days and generally caught up. Saturday morning came round and Gavin surprised me by saying Daniel wanted to come out with us all that afternoon and was looking forward to meeting our friends. I felt anxious that he was going to meet everyone. I was also concerned that I would have to spend an afternoon with him, because I couldn’t think of a good enough excuse for him not to come.

I felt nervous instead of feeling happy about seeing my friends. We arrived at the local pub just before 2 p.m. as the guys wanted to watch the big Manchester United game and we got some drinks and settled around a large table. Daniel was going to meet us a bit later as he was busy. The others questioned Gavin about the new addition and joked about who was better looking him or Daniel. I just prayed that all my friends would find him arrogant or annoying and he wouldn’t have to socialise with us again. Everyone was having fun and enjoying a gossip and the football match Wayne Rooney for Manchester United had just scored and everyone was cheering when Daniel appeared. “No need to give me such a warm welcome.” he said with a smile catching my eye.

“You didn’t tell me he was hot!” Charlotte said in my ear with a big grin on her face.

“Well I don’t really think he is. In fact when I met him he seemed quite arrogant and stuck up.” I said in a hushed voice. I looked up at him and for the first time actually took in his whole appearance. He was about 6 foot which was slightly taller than Gavin with the same broad shoulders and medium build, he had a similar shape face and skin colouring as Gavin and they were obviously related but he had dark hair and pale blue eyes and currently had stubble which gave him a slightly rugged look.

“I’m definitely going to make sure I get to chat with him later, in fact now is as good a time as any.” She continued and winked at me before getting up and introducing herself.

I felt my spirits plummet and took a large sip of my drink when I looked up Daniel was looking straight at me and smiled and I felt myself shiver. Daniel seemed to slot himself into the group with great ease, everyone was joking and laughing, and the afternoon slipped into evening. I had managed to keep my distance from him and spent a large amount of time catching up with Sophie and Vicky. I was just coming back from the toilets when Daniel appeared and stopped me “I get the feeling you are avoiding me,” he said with a glint in his eye.

“No I’ve been catching up with my mates. I haven’t seen some of them for a while. You having a good time?” I asked politely and glanced over his shoulder to see if I could spot Gavin.

“Yeah you have a nice bunch of friends. Very welcoming especially Charlotte,” he said with a grin “Yeah well we like to be welcoming,” I replied unenthusiastically and made to move away but he grabbed my arm.

“Lauren I do want us to get along you know. I get the impression you aren’t too keen on me.”

“No that’s not true.” I replied in a hurry and then thankfully Vicky came towards us and he dropped my arm and I rushed back to our table and the comfort of Gavin.

Later as everyone was starting to make their way home Gavin pulled me towards him and hugged me “It’s been a great evening.” he said in a slightly drunken voice and kissed my hair “Everyone really liked Daniel and do you know what he’s thinking of staying longer than he first thought. That’s good news isn’t it?”

“Um yeah, that’s great. Come on let’s get home, you staying at mine tonight?”

“Yep just need to make sure Daniel has a taxi number. Come on let’s say bye.” and Gavin pulled me outside. Everyone hugged and waved goodbye and went their separate ways. We were the last ones left as Gavin wanted to wait for Daniels taxi to arrive. With a sense of relief it only took a few minutes and I quickly said goodbye and started to walk away but Daniel pulled me towards him. “What no hug from my sort of cousin in law?” he said and wrapped his arms around me. I tried to laugh but it came out as a strange murmur and Daniel grinned at me and then let go and patted Gavin on the shoulder and stepped into the taxi. As me and Gavin began to walk to my flat, he said “You really aren’t keen on him are you?”

“It’s not that it’s just he makes me feel a bit on edge. I’m not sure he’s too happy with me knowing all your family stuff and I get the impression he doesn’t trust I will keep it quiet,” I said. What I’d said was true and I longed to tell Gavin about the strange warning from Elizabeth but decided now was definitely not the time. “He was a bit surprised about all the witch stuff but he’s not worried you’ll tell people. He knows I trust you and my mum and dad do too so that’s good enough for him.” Gavin said as he squeezed my hand.

“Ok I’ll try to get along with him a bit more, just for you.”

That week I got an excited Facebook event invite from Charlotte. As it was nearly Halloween, she was organising a party. She lived with her parents in a large house and they had said she could have a party as long as nothing was broken. They were going to their neighbours to keep out of the way but said they’d be back around midnight to make sure it didn’t end up to raucous. Charlotte’s parents were lovely and I could imagine her mum was actually quite disappointed that she wouldn’t be able to join in. I laughed as I read the details as the key point was fancy dress and she’d said she already had her sexy witch costume picked out. If only my friends knew the truth me and Gavin could arrive costume free and just put on a show. By now, I’d learnt quite a few spells although my Latin pronunciation was causing a few problems and I always felt a bit silly sitting in my flat rambling away to myself. I called Gavin as I clicked I would attend on the Facebook page. “Hey you ok?” Gavin said as he answered.

“Yep I’m fine. You been on Facebook today?”

“No why?” he replied sounding puzzled.

“Charlotte is having a Halloween party. We’ll be ok no fancy dress costume required.” I laughed, “What do you reckon. You could get your fangs out and I’ll take my spell book and conjure up some real magic.” Gavin laughed before saying,

“Oh my god! Is she? I always find Halloween a bit weird. It’s the one time of year I would like to say surprise and show my true self.”

“Really. I wonder if any vampires ever do go out normally and just pretend it’s a costume?” I said as I pictured all sorts of scenarios.

“I’m sure some have but it’s pretty dodgy. If anyone noticed something was odd it could cause all sorts of problems.”

“I bet it’s something Daniel would do.” I said sarcastically before thinking maybe I should have thought that rather than saying it aloud.

Gavin just laughed, “Yeah he probably would. He’s always been a bit rebellious. I’ll ask Charlotte if he can come along. It will be fun.” 

“Oh ok…Well I had better go speak to you later. Love you.”

“Yep speak to you later Lauren.” I hung up and mentally told myself off for mentioning Daniel. I would now have another evening of his company, which I could have done without.

The party came round quickly and I smiled as I put the finishing touches to my costume. We had decided to go as a witch and vampire as I found it hilarious that this was the only time our friends would actually see us as our real selves. I was just putting on some black lipstick and making sure my fake eyelashes were glued down when Gavin appeared behind me and kissed my neck. “You look amazing.” He said smiling

“You look pretty hot too.” He had put white face paints on and smudged grey around his eyes, which made them, look even bluer than normal. He had a cape on and white shirt and had some plastic fangs in his hand. “Show me your real fangs.” I said smiling as I touched his face. For the first time ever I really wanted to see.

“Really!” Gavin said looking doubtful.

“Yep come on. Do your thing.”

“Well ok.” Gavin said looking a bit unsure. His face changed slightly and the fangs protruded and glinted in the light. I stared at him mesmerised and feeling strangely excited. I reached up and kissed him and felt the sharp point scratch my lip; I tasted blood.

“Wow those things are sharp.” I said as I licked my lip.

“Are you ok?” Gavin said looking alarmed and quickly returning to normal.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry. You know I think it’s really kind of sexy.”

“Do you? Well maybe we should bin the party and have some of our own fun.” Gavin grinned grabbing my waist and pulling me towards him. I was just about to reply when Daniel appeared.

“Am I interrupting something?” he said laughing, “Woohoo. You are looking hot Lauren.” I felt myself blush furiously and tugged at the hem of my dress suddenly feeling unsure about my outfit but Gavin playfully punched Daniels arm and pushed him towards the door.

“Come on we better get going.” As we all left the room I felt an icy draft cross my shoulders and a whisper ‘Lauren beware;’ I shivered and turned around but no one would be there. I tried to ignore it, grabbed Gavin’s hand, and plastered a smile on my face.

At the bottom of the stairs, Alice was waiting and was beaming. “You lot look amazing. Right let me take a picture.” We grouped together I was in the middle with Gavin and Daniel on either side and smiled. “Oh that looks brilliant. Definitely one to go on Facebook. One more for luck.” She said before the flash went off again. She turned the camera round for us to see. I had to admit it was a good picture. Daniel was a devil, which seemed to suit him and I actually thought my outfit looked quite good even if the dress was a tad short. I had a black dress on which had spider decorated lace sleeves and tights which were also covered in spiders with cute little ankle boots. I had purple lined eyes and long fake eyelashes with purple tips and black painted lips. My nails were also fake and painted purple and I had a black and purple pointy hat. Alice was giving us a lift and just before we piled into the car, she gave me a gift bag. “Open it Lauren. It’s to go with your outfit.” I opened the bag and took out a small box. Inside was a spider brooch that was covered in tiny black and silver gems and had amber stones for eyes.