The Rapture

Glancing at the clock. It's already 2 AM. I Clutch Arlo's phone, and quickly type a text to Mia: "So sorry it's so late. I'll call you tomorrow and we can meet up."

As soon as I hit send, Mia's call blasts through the car's Bluetooth system, her frantic voice a stark contrast to the sleek calm of Arlo's car. "Is Evie there? Evie, talk to me! I can't sleep until I hear your voice. You better not have killed her. I know where you live, you son of a...."

I cut her off, my voice a mix of exhaustion and relief. "I'm fine, Mia. And you didn't lie about where I have been, I've been clubbing all night with Arlo, the 'mystery guy.'"

The tension in the car thickens as we wait for Mia's response. I can practically hear her heart slowing down to a normal rhythm as she processes my words.

Finally, she speaks, her voice firm but laced with worry. "I don't care how late it is, or that it's a Thursday at 2 am, and I have work tomorrow. You both get over to my house now, and we are talking about this dinner, your lies, and what the hell is going on. And we are doing it now."

The line goes dead, and a moment later, Arlo's phone chimes with a text message containing Mia's address. He punches it into the GPS, and the car surges forward, turning to go towards Mia’s apartment.

Arlo glances at me, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "You have some fierce friends, Evie. You sure she isn't a vampire?"

I can't help but chuckle, a wave of warmth washing over me. Mia's fierce loyalty, even in the face of my unexplained disappearance, is a comforting reminder that I'm not entirely alone in this new world.

I watch the city lights blur past us as Arlo expertly navigates the late-night streets. The adrenaline rush from the club has worn off, leaving me feeling drained and vulnerable. I close my eyes, trying to gather my thoughts, to prepare myself for the confrontation that awaits us.

Anxiety fills my stomach. I've dragged Mia into this mess, and now she's caught in the crossfire of my lies and secrets. The thought of facing her, of explaining the unexplainable, fills me with a sense of dread.

Then thinking about the look on my parents' faces when they realize I've been lying to them. The disappointment, the betrayal, the fear... it's a heavy burden to bear. And I know, deep down, that I deserve their anger.

I open my eyes and glance at Arlo, his profile illuminated by the dashboard lights. He seems so calm, so collected. Does he truly understand the weight of what we're about to do? Or is he simply using me as a pawn in his twisted schemes?

I push the thoughts aside. I can't afford to doubt him now. I need his help, his guidance, his protection. But I also need to remember that I'm not a helpless victim. I'm a vampire now, with powers and abilities I'm only beginning to understand.

I straighten my spine, a newfound resolve taking hold. I won't let fear control me. I'll face my parents, I'll face Mia, and I'll face the consequences of my actions. And I'll do it with the strength and courage that Arlo has awakened within me.

The car pulls up in front of Mia's apartment building. It's a modest brick structure, a far cry from the opulent world I've just left behind. But it's also a sanctuary, a place where I can hopefully find some semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the confrontation that awaits. It's time to face the music.

"Ready?" I ask Arlo as the buzzer sounds from Mia's apartment building and the door clicks. He just shrugs his usual stoic self. We climb the stairs to number 237, Mia flinging the door open before we even knock. Her eyes light up as she takes in Arlo, his chiseled features and intense eyes having an effect. I hear a whisper "Wow, Evie," as we walk in, "your friend is a looker."

A sleek Siamese cat weaves through Mia's legs, letting out a soft meow. It immediately heads towards Arlo, rubbing against his legs and leaping onto his lap as we take seats around the kitchen table, demanding attention. Arlo starts stroking the cat's silky fur.

"Wow," Mia exclaims, "she normally hates men. Like me. as she gives a playful dagger look to Arlo."

Her apartment is small and cozy, nothing fancy. A reminder that Mia and I didn't grow up with a silver spoon. Likely, one of the reasons we bonded at the private school, we attended together from 5th grade on. Mismatched furniture, thrift store finds, and a few personal touches make it her own. Settling around the kitchen table, I can practically feel the energy crackling between Mia and Arlo. I see Arlo's aura, of red and violet reaching out to envelop Mia in a calming embrace. I tense up, my protective instincts kicking in. I know how susceptible humans can be to auras, especially one as potent as Arlo's. I kick him under the table and warn, "None of that, Arlo. No Jedi mind tricks on my friends."

Confused, Mia looks at me. "Okay," she says, "I think we need to start from the beginning."

I look at Arlo, a silent plea for help in my eyes. He offers a reassuring nod, a silent agreement to let me take the lead.

"Mia," I begin, my voice wavering slightly, "I had a huge fight with my parents."

The words tumble out, a torrent of pent-up emotions flooding through me. "They want me to work at Ventris General, just to make a ton of money. All they cared about was how much I was going to make and how wealthy we all would be. I wanted to be a doctor to help people, not to become some rich socialite! Then they went on and on about how I needed to give up my silly dreams of saving the world, and my independence, all for their selfish ambitions. They said awful things, Mia. Things I never thought I'd hear from them."

I can feel Arlo's gaze on me, a mixture of concern and curiosity. But I keep my eyes fixed on Mia, desperate to convey the depth of my hurt and betrayal.

"I stormed out," I confess, my voice cracking. "I didn't even think, just ran out into the pouring rain without a care in the world."

The memory of that night flashes before my eyes: the cold rain stinging my skin, the tears mingling with the downpour, the feeling of utter despair as I stumbled through the deserted streets in my white gown.

"I ran into Arlo, like actually just ran right into his chest, hard" I continue, my voice barely a whisper. "I slipped, hit my head, and passed out. When I woke up, I was in his apartment."

I glance at Arlo, a flicker of gratitude in my eyes. "He took care of me," I explain, "made sure I was okay. We talked for hours, and I lost all track of time. When I finally went to call you, I realized I didn't even have my phone. That's when Arlo let me borrow his."

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "I'm not sure I want to go back to my parents' house, Mia," I admit, my voice heavy with uncertainty. "You live on your own, your own rules. I think I need to grow up and stop relying on them as much as I do. Though granted, I didn't go about it the best way."

The silence at the other end of the table is deafening. I can practically hear Mia's mind racing, trying to process this bombshell of information.

Finally, she speaks, her voice soft but firm. "Evie, are you sure about this?" she asks. "It's a big step. Are you ready to be on your own, adulting isn’t really about your own rules. It isn’t always fun and games?"

I hesitate, the weight of my decision pressing down on me. But deep down, I know it's the right thing to do. "I have to be," I reply, my voice filled with a newfound determination. "I can't let others control my life anymore." Looking at Arlo as I say these words of resolve.

Mia sighs, a mixture of resignation and understanding in her voice. "Okay," she says finally. "I'll cover for you over these two nights. But I can’t have your parents just dropping in on me and you not here.

I look at Mia, “I am going to just tell them the truth that I have been staying at Arlo’s and will continue to live with him until I can find a place on my own.”

Mia says, her voice laced with concern. "I don't know what's going on, but something tells me there is more to this story."

I swallow hard, a shiver running down my spine. "I know," I whisper.

Mia just gives me that look of disappointment, the one that makes me want to crawl into a hole. I tilt my head away from her gaze.

"Evie, you know I love you and will always be here. Whatever 'more' is going on, you can tell me."

I can see the skepticism in Mia's eyes, even though she's being kind to Arlo. She doesn't trust him, not one bit. I look at Arlo and tell him, "Please get some food for us all to share."

He returns my request with a worried glance, but I stare at him more sternly, reminding him how well I did at the club. I'm not going to kill my best friend just because he isn't watching.

As Arlo leaves, I look at him and say, "We'd like some California rolls and Rainbow rolls to start. Then I want a Pad Thai, spicy."

I look at Mia, who has wide eyes at the crazy 2 am order. "I danced a lot," I explain with a shrug. "Now, what do you want, Mia?"

Mia responds with, "I could go for some Madras curry right now." As Arlo notes our orders and leaves, Mia looks at me. "Where the hell is he going to get that order this late?"

I just chuckle at her. "Well, maybe he'll go to Japan, Thailand, and India. No idea, don't care, as long as it tastes good and warm when it arrives. This should give us some time to talk without him.

Mia chuckles as I continue, “Mia, he's a good guy. I know I know I do not have the best track record and tend to gravitate to the bad boys, but he has never done anything or made any advances towards me. He's just taken care of me."

Mia just looks at me and goes, "So you're Florence Nightingale, huh?"

"Maybe," I reply with a smirk.

She mentions, “Well, he may not be as attractive as Jodie Comer, but I can see the appeal," she continues, "You both have chemistry. Though I am not sure he isn’t a bad boy."

Then she looks at me again, believing that Arlo should be long gone by now, getting our impossible order. Mia's face changes again to a more serious look. "So now tell me what is going on? You haven't joined a cult, have you?"

I try to defuse the situation a bit, "None that I'm aware of, though I do start working nights at the hospital in a few weeks."

Mia, clearly relieved I'm not in immediate danger, leans in with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Okay, spill the details," she demands, her voice a playful whisper. "Does he have any birthmarks? What's his last name? Where does he come from? Why is he so overprotective?"

"Birthmarks? Hmm, not that I've noticed," I answer, trying to keep up with her rapid-fire questions. "Last name? Where's he from? No clue. And as for why he's so overprotective... well, let's just say things got a little crazy when I met him, and he's been looking out for me ever since." I offer a vague smile, hoping to deflect Mia's curiosity without revealing too much.

Mia nods, still lost in contemplation. Then, her gaze drifts to my attire, and a playful grin spreads across her face. "So, where do I find an outfit like that?" she asks, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I thought you grew out of your goth phase in high school. Can't say I'm disappointed, though."

I look down at my black and red sequin top and leather mini skirt. "Well, Arlo got this for me," I admit with a sheepish shrug.

Mia's eyes roll dramatically. "He isn't a good guy," she declares, bursting into laughter. "He's spoiling you rotten!"

I look at her and smile, "Yeah, maybe he is."

She grins back, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, maybe he'll be your Mr. Grey. You don't know his last name yet, so maybe..."

Mia breaks the silence, a hint of wistfulness in her voice. "It's been too long since we've talked, Evie."

I chuckle, nudging her playfully. "Mia, you were literally at my graduation this week. We talked for hours!"

She rolls her eyes, but a fond smile graces her lips. "Yeah, yeah," she concedes, "but a lot seems to have changed since then, starting that night. You need to keep me updated more often."

Just as I'm about to respond, Arlo reappears, his arms laden with steaming takeout containers. The tantalizing aroma of spices fills the air.

"Wow, that was fast," Mia exclaims, her eyes wide with surprise. "Where did you even find all this at this hour?"

Arlo sets the food down on the coffee table, a sly grin playing on his lips. "I have a friend who's a chef. He specializes in Asian cuisine."

Mia raises an eyebrow, a playful suspicion in her voice. "Hmm, a chef who cooks at 2 AM? Sounds like he might be part of the mob. Did he also owe you a favor?"

I laugh, shaking my head. "Don't be ridiculous, Mia."

We eagerly tear into the styrofoam containers, the food doing nothing to subdue my hunger. The California rolls are perfectly crafted, the Madras curry is fragrant and flavorful, and the Pad Thai is just the right amount of spicy.

"Remember that time we snuck out to that bonfire party in high school?" Mia asks, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "And your mom caught us sneaking back in at dawn?"

I burst into laughter, the memory still vivid in my mind. "Oh my god, yes! I thought she was going to kill us."

"Or that time we tried to dye our hair purple and it ended up looking like a swamp monster threw up on us?" Mia adds, giggling.

We continue to reminisce, the laughter echoing in Mia's small apartment, a warm counterpoint to the chilling reality that lurks just beneath the surface of my new life. We share stories of awkward first dates, disastrous DIY projects, and countless inside jokes that only best friends understand. For a few precious hours, it's as if nothing has changed, as if I'm still the same Evie, the girl who dreamed of becoming a doctor and shared her hopes and fears with her confidante.

But then, Mia's alarm blares, shattering the comfortable bubble we've created. I glance at the clock, my heart sinking as I see the time: 5:30 AM. The sun will be rising soon, a stark reminder of my newfound vulnerability.

Mia groans, burying her face in a pillow. "Ugh, I can't believe I have to go to work with no sleep," she complains. "But I'll see you tomorrow at your parents' for dinner, right?"

I nod, a nervous flutter in my stomach. "Yeah, we'll be there."

Mia stretches and yawns, reluctantly getting to her feet. "Alright, I need to shower and get ready."

Arlo and I exchange a look, both of us eager to leave. I'm anxious about facing my parents, about the lies and secrets that hang heavy in the air.

We say our goodbyes to Mia, promising to talk more soon. As we step out into the pre-dawn chill, I can't help but shiver, both from the cold and the anticipation of what the day will bring.

Arlo opens the car door for me, and I slide into the plush leather seat, a wave of exhaustion washing over me. As he starts the engine, the first rays of sunlight peek over the horizon, painting the sky with streaks of pink and orange. I avert my gaze, a primal fear stirring within me.

Arlo, sensing my unease, reaches over and takes my hand, his touch surprisingly warm and comforting. "Don't worry, Evie," he says softly. "You're safe with me."

I squeeze his hand, a silent acknowledgment of his reassurance. As we speed away from Mia's apartment, the rising sun a distant threat in the rearview mirror, I can't help but wonder what the future holds. One thing is for sure: I know I'm not alone.

As we speed back towards Arlo's apartment, the first rays of sunlight begin to paint the horizon. A wave of panic washes over me. "Arlo, the sun!" I exclaim, my voice laced with fear. "It's rising! Aren't we going to burn?"

He chuckles, a reassuring hand reaching out to squeeze mine. "Relax, Evie. The car's windows are tinted with UV protection. We're perfectly safe."

I glance out the window, noticing the subtle shift in the light filtering through the glass. It's dimmer, and less intense than the natural sunlight I'm used to. A wave of relief washes over me.

"So, the sun won't kill us instantly?" I ask, still a bit hesitant.

"Not instantly," Arlo confirms. "But prolonged exposure will weaken us, and eventually, it can be fatal. That's why we prefer the night."

I nod, absorbing this new information. The world of vampires is full of rules and limitations, a stark contrast to the freedom I once enjoyed as a human.

A comfortable silence settles over us as we continue our drive. But my mind is still racing, filled with unanswered questions. I turn to Arlo, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"Arlo," I begin, my voice soft, "what's your last name?"

He glances at me, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Thorne," he replies. "Arlo Thorne."

The name rolls off my tongue, a strange mix of elegance and danger. It suits him, I think, a perfect reflection of his enigmatic nature.

"Arlo Thorne," I repeat, savoring the sound of it. "It has a certain... ring to it."

He chuckles, his eyes twinkling in the dim light. "I'm glad you approve," he says. "Now, get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

I lean back in my seat, closing my eyes. The exhaustion from the night's events finally catches up with me, and I drift off to sleep, the name Arlo Thorne echoing softly in my dreams.