Page 34 of Beasts

“That's really nice. I'm happy for you guys.” I nod my gratitude and put my phone away.

“Does anyone want to go watch a movie?”

Chapter twenty

Sunlight

I'm nervous at the idea that Oliver won't be able to perform with me. The last thing I need is for him to pull out because he can't bear to be around me. Since most of our scenes are together, we're already being told to sit in the corner of the hall and discuss our lines, rehearsing them until we get them down. It seems like Oliver already has them memorized, and I'm quite impressed.

Every now and then, while he says a line, he'll lean over and touch my knee, but then he will retract himself soon after. It seems like he's gone further backwards. He also seems completely distraught, rubbing his face with his hands and growling at himself.

“Alright everyone, listen up,” Mr. Fasoli announces, capturing the attention of the hall. “The practice hall will be available daily for the next two weeks, at this exact time. Unfortunately, the performance date has been moved up by a week, now set for two weeks from now. I apologize for the change; other classes need the hall for a science week.” Mr. Fasoli’s disdain for the hall being used for science instead of drama is evident in his tone. “Please ensure you have a soundtrack and practice your lines, songs, and everything else needed. In the week leading to the performance, we aim to run the entire play at least five times – that’s every day up to Friday night. Also, remind your friends and family to purchase tickets soon for charity, as they’re selling out fast.”

He then turns his attention to us. “Will you two be ready to present your duet by next week? I want it to be perfect for the play.”

Oliver, still seemingly on edge, responds with a hint of sass. “You’ve used most of my songs in the play already. You doubt this one won’t be perfect?”

Mr. Fasoli replies, “Mr. Pierce, it’s not about my desire to include your piece. It’s about when it should be played in the play, which I can only determine once I’ve heard it.” Mr. Pierce? Where have I heard that before?

Later, as Oliver walks me home, I can’t help but notice something peculiar about him, or rather, about what he is.

“So, vampires can go out in the sun?” I inquire, curious about the anomaly.

He gives me a look that suggests I’ve piqued his interest. “Not typically, no.”

“But you’re out in the sun right now.”

“Most vampires live in a communal household. It’s safer that way, ensuring no accidental exposure to sunlight. However, I’m a bit of an exception. I don’t live with my family because I don’t need to avoid the sun like other vampires.”

“Why is that?” I ask, curious about his unique ability to tolerate sunlight.

“I'm not sure, one day I just tried to go outside, and it seemed like I was able to go out in the sun without the usual severe effects. It still kind of hurts, but it’s not lethal,” he explains.

“It hurts to be in the sun?”

“Kind of. It feels itchy, really uncomfortable,” he says, slightly shrugging.

“So that’s why you prefer staying in the attic. It’s darker there.”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“Are there any other vampires like you, who can go out during the day?”

“There was one I met. He could only be in the sun due to a very unusual circumstance.”

“What was the circumstance?”

“He wouldn’t disclose it. If I knew, maybe I could figure out why I can withstand sunlight. He seemed almost normal, more human. His wife is human, actually. He didn’t have any visible difficulty with it. To an outsider, he would just pass as human.”

“That must be something in his tea,” I joke. Oliver halts and gently touches my face, a contemplative look in his eyes. I can sense his internal conflict. I’ve already reassured him that I wouldn’t fear him if he bit me, yet he remains hesitant, fearful of causing me harm.

Arriving back at the house, I notice dinner being set on the table - just takeaway tonight. With Oliver not cooking, the meal choices seem to be simpler. I find myself seated next to Byron and Hunter, two housemates I haven’t interacted with much due to their frequent comings and goings. They appear deeply engrossed in their own conversations. I glance around, realizing that Seth is absent. I'm guessing Nolan has noticed as well because he's not eating. So my mouth to him, ‘Where's Seth?’ And he looks up at me, shaking his head. I guess he doesn't know either. He takes out his phone and starts to text. My phone ends up buzzing in my pocket, so I pick it up.

‘I haven't seen him since you guys came back from the mall yesterday. He disappeared shortly after that. I haven't asked the others, just in case that's something to worry about.’

I look up at him. Firstly, I'm not sure how he got my number, but additionally I'm really worried about Seth, ‘He's a psychic. Surely if there was a problem, he would have known it was coming?’ I text back. Nolan puts his phone down and nods his head. I suppose he agrees. But I don't understand, where is Seth?

I hear voices in my head, and I assume it's a dream, except when I move around my bed they’re just getting louder. I open my eyes and check my phone. It's nearly one in the morning. What on Earth is going on downstairs? The arguing is quite loud and I can definitely hear a lot of voices, so I decide it's time to check it out myself. I slip a pair of jeans back on and pull over a large jumper. Sneaking out into the hallway, I try not to make too much noise, just in case there are guys who are able to sleep through this ruckus. I don't peek my head too much around the edge of the hallway area before I can see down the stairs. I catch a glimpse of Hugh and Nolan who are being blocked off from the conversation by a man. What is this guy? Some kind of bodyguard?

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