CHAPTER 21: Gift

**ALICIA**

“Are you sure you are okay?” My mother kept on asking after what happened to me. I was discharged from the university clinic yet he kept on telling me to visit the hospital.

If only I could tell her what really happened, then she would be more in panic. Luckily, the bite mark from Ross’ fangs disappeared in my wrist. I haven’t seen Akihiro since the morning so I am not sure of what truly happened.

All I know is that Ross is human. He walked to our house without getting an invite.

“Auntie Alexa, don’t worry too much. She just needs to eat something to increase her blood count.” He showed my mother a paperbag. “I bought her a lot of foods. And, she just needs exercise.”

My mother sighed. “Still, I cannot help but to worry. It’s the first time it happened, Alicia. I am sorry for being busy with work that we forget about you. I promise to give you more time soon, sweetie. It’s just these days, we are getting more and more dead bodies.”

“You are being dramatic, mother.” It was my brother, getting inside my room, and now they are all gathered to check on me, except my father. “She’s not a kid anymore. She’s now twenty. And, it’s still her birthday. We should celebrate it before it ends.”

“It’s okay.” I shook my head. “It’s not important. What I want for my birthday is that we are all healthy and safe.” I hoped for that, but considering everything I know, danger awaits us.

“Aww, you are so sweet. Come on…” My brother hugged me. “We prepared food for you so let’s go down now. Oh, father is here, too!” He reacted after hearing the engine in the garage.

“Let’s go!” Ross called me and we all went down to the kitchen.

“Happy Birthday, Alicia!” They all greeted me.

My father is holding the cake while my brother is popping the balloons. Ross is taking a picture while my mother is singing a happy birthday song for me. It’s a picture of a perfect family that I don’t want to lose so I am going to do everything to keep them safe.

“Aww…” I cupped my mouth in surprise. I know they have something for me yet I am still overwhelmed that I started crying. “Thank you so much!” I hugged them all as they caressed my back.

“You are so ugly when you cry. Can you please stop?” Ross teased me while he was recording my face. “It’s not like this is your first birthday.”

“Whatever! Stop recording!” I yelled at him. “You should be thanking me!”

“Huh? Why would I do that? It’s not like you save me or something. You should be the one thanking me because I stuck with you since first grade. No one wants to be friends with you—ouch!” He reacted when I threw him the pillow.

“Kids, stop that!” My father said in a serious voice. “You are in front of the dining table. Come and let’s eat now. The food will be cold. You also need to open your gifts from us.”

“Really? I have more gifts? Dad gave me a family heirloom. Are you going to give me the same?” I asked my family.

“You don’t even wear the hairpin.” My brother responded while we started eating.

“Oh, I kinda don’t want to wear it because I might lose it.” I pouted. “It’s a family heirloom, but surely…I will wear that in certain occassions.”

“Cool! I want to see it.” Ross said while he is chewing chicken. I looked at him, he’s still the same. I felt relieved right now.

“How about you? What’s your gift for me?” I snorted. “Don’t just eat here without giving me a gift.”

“Well, I am healthy and safe. Isn’t that your wish for your love ones on your birthday, so I guess that’s enough.”

That made me sad for a moment, remembering everything. I hadn’t talk to Akihiro and I don’t know if he’s going to kill me. What’s more shocking is my blood, I wondered what else can I do to use this?

“Dad, how’s the case?” I couldn’t help but ask. “I heard they found the body. Is it an animal?”

“You know if we are in a fantasy world, I would probably think it’s a vampire.” My brother joked.

“What if it’s a vampire?” I immediately said which made them stopped. “We cannot rule out that. There’s a possibility that—”

“Woah, where are you getting that? Was it because you are creating a film about vampires? I am telling you that you should stop that.” My brother said. “Especially now…I cannot believe your club is reenacting what happens in the town.”

“But, it can be a platform for awareness, Alexus.” Mom added. “Through the film, you can educate them on what to do.”

“About vampires?” Ross raised his brow. “They aren’t real. So, it’s useless.”

“I think it’s about defending ourselves from those serial killers.” I responded. “Thanks, Mom and Dad. That’s a great help.”

“Do you want help? Akihiro would surely get mad again if you will not finish it.” Ross clicked his tongue. “Well, he’s always mad.”

“You are talking about the grandson of the governor, right?” My father said. “I cannot believe he’s joining your club when he is from the night class.” There was something in his tone that I wasn’t sure of. “Is he nice to you?”

“Dad, she always tells me that Akihiro is giving her headache. Don’t ask her about being nice.” My brother shook his head.

“Ah, so he is that evil president of you club.” My mother teased me. “He seems nice, though. I have met him several times during our operation.”

“Operation? What do you mean?”

My mother seems to be caught off guard with her own words. “I mean, he’s with the governor whenever we have some cases about missing kids.” She explained. “It seems like the governor is training him to be the next governor.”

That’s suspicious. Akihiro, what really are you? Are you an enemy or an ally?

“Do you believe they don’t have anything to do with this?” I raised my brow.

“What? Like the governor is commanding those serial killers? That’s not a very good accuse when you don’t have proof—”

We were cut off when the doorbell rang. I felt my heart beating so fast again.

“Who is…it?” I stammered. “Don’t open it, Dad. I am not expecting any visitors.” I started to panic.

“Don’t worry, Alicia. I think it’s my assistant as I invited him to eat so we can also talk about something.” Dad said as he stood up.

It was too late for me to stop him from opening the door.

“Aaaaaah!”