Page 26 of Running from Drac

My mother pats my hand, wiping her spit off with her sleeve before squirting a big glob of hand sanitizer in it. “Because she’s the one, Eddie. Look me in the eye and tell me you don’t feel it in your heart that you’re meant to be with her?”

“I don’t know anymore, Mom.”

“You will, Eddie. But you’re going to have go through this heartache first. The universe will bring you together when the time is right.”

“Mom, have I ever told you how much I hate your voodoo magic shit?”

“It’s just a palm reading, Eddie. It’s not like I broke out the tarot deck.” She gives my cheeks a squeeze. “Give yourself time to work out your feelings about her infidelity before you go chasing after her again, okay? It’s the only way you two will work.” She starts to head in the house, but stops. “Why don’t you call your friends to watch some movies? You haven’t done that in a while. It might help you clear your head.”

“You know, Mom, I think I may just do that.” I give her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Thanks.”

She shrugs. “Just let yourself heal, Eddie. You need to grow up before you can truly be ready for her.”

My parents disappear inside their house, leaving me to head into my place a little down the hill. They own a few acres and put a guest house on the land for me to live in. Eventually, I’ll get my own place, but only after I’ve started my business like I want.

Pulling out my phone, I send Wesley a few texts.

Me: Dude! SOS, I need a meetup.

Wesley: What’s up?

Me: Just broke up with Amber. You up for a Horror Fest like the old times?

Wesley: You know I’m always down for some blood, slash, and kickass monsters.

Me: Sweet. I’ll bring the alcohol. Lots of it…

Wesley: That bad?

Me: You have no fucking idea. Let me text the others and we can all meet up at my place.

Wesley: Sounds like a plan. You inviting Pippa?

Me: She’s part of the Elm Street Crew, isn’t she?

Wesley: I just thought… you know, never mind. If you invite her, you invite her.

Me: What do you have against Pippa all of the sudden? We’ve been doing this horror movie night since high school.

Wesley: I know. I know. Just forget I said anything. I’ll bring the movies and popcorn.

Me: Thanks, Wesley. See you in a few.

I shoot off another text inviting Rich and Pippa to join us, and both immediately agree, especially after I told them about my breakup.

It’s good to know you have loyal friends that will always be there for you.

A fist full of popcorn flies at my head as the room erupts into fits of laughter. We’re all drunk. Soooo fucking drunk.

“Shut up, Wesley. You’re fucking wrong. A vampire would kick a werewolf’s ass any day.”

“Werewolves can come out during the day, Eddie. Vampires can’t. They’re at a severe disadvantage. Plus, one stake through the heart and a vampire is dead.”

“One silver bullet and so is a werewolf,” I counter.

Pippa giggles as she takes another drink.

“You guys are so funny when you drink during Horror Fest. I missed this.”