Read Online Uncle Vampire by Cynthia D. Grant - Free Book Online Page A

dear.”
    Then we ate. Richie and the boys sat at a card table, watching the football game. Or perhaps it was a different game. Someone got hurt and was carried off the field while the crowd stood and cheered and the announcers agreed that they hoped he wouldn’t be paralyzed forever.
    After dinner we had Aunt Marion’s homemade pies, which she presented with a flourish, like a magician. “We’ll have these,” she announced. “You can put the others back in the freezer.”
    A generous offer. But let’s look closer: Put them back in the freezer —whence they came. Mama’s pies weren’t fresh and homemade; they were store-bought and frozen.
    We’d thrown away the boxes. How did Aunt Marion know?
    Gram and Gramps got tired and had to leave early. Grammy hugged me and said, “Pretty soon you’ll be able to drive me.” Grampa gave me a whiskery kiss. Richie helped them into their coats and took them home.
    Honey played the piano. I made another pot of coffee. The men and boys played dominoes. Aunt Marion talked and Mama listened. At last it was time for our guests to go.
    After they left we cleaned up the kitchen. Honey and Uncle Toddy did the dishes. She went on and on about what a terrific day it had been. I had to wonder: Where was I?
    Richie helped Papa put away the chairs, then asked to use the car, but Papa said no. Our guests were gone and the show was over. My brother slammed the door on his way out.
    I took some coffee to Mama, who was reading in bed.
    â€œAren’t you sweet,” she said, “but I’m falling asleep. Did you have a good time?”
    â€œYes. Did you?
    â€œOh, yes,” Mama said. “It was a lovely day.” Her eyelids drooped, her book fell shut. “Now I’m so tired.”
    I’d given her coffee with caffeine all day. Which proves the power of the mind: Whatever you believe is true, is true, if you believe it.

9
    Just when I think it won’t happen again, when I think it was something I imagined, the ceiling above my head cracks open and my uncle descends like night.
    My body can sense when it’s going to happen. An electric current hums through the house.
    I try to escape, spending the night with a friend. Sometimes the danger passes. But usually the house is still throbbing with his charge. It could explode any second. He could hurt somebody.
    He comes not for Honey, but for me.
    He frightened her so badly she couldn’t breathe. She’s weak. I protect my sister. When he comes I turn away from my eyes and walk down a long, dark hallway in my head, to the quiet place, where it’s peaceful and safe.
    I remain there until he’s gone.
    At dinner that night I read the signals with my skin. His eyeteeth lengthen imperceptibly.
    â€œMore linguine, Carolyn?”
    â€œNo, thanks. I’m stuffed. I was thinking I’d go over to Nancy’s tonight, so we can study together, if that’s all right.”
    â€œThe linguine was delicious,” Honey blurted, sensing waves ahead, trying to keep things smooth.
    â€œI don’t want you out tonight,” Mama said. “It’s cold.”
    â€œRichie could give me a ride.”
    Papa shook his head. “He’s not using the car until he pulls himself together. We got a letter today from school.”
    â€œCarolyn, are you sure you don’t want something else?”
    â€œPositive, Uncle Toddy.”
    â€œI’ll help Richie,” Honey offered. “He’s got plenty of time before the end of the semester.”
    I cleared away the plates. “I could walk to Nancy’s.”
    â€œNot tonight,” Papa said. “You heard your mother.”
    â€œMaybe Nancy could stay over.”
    â€œNot on a school night.”
    â€œI never get to do what I want!”
    Honey cringed.
    Mama looked shocked. “What’s the matter with you, Carolyn?”
    â€œIt’s my life, not yours!”