“Do you bring all your dates here?” I asked.
“Are you afraid?” he asked.
“I used to play here as a child. But during the day.”
“This cemetery is probably the most lively place in town.”
The rumors were true. Alexander did come to the cemetery in the dark.
The creepy gate was locked to ensure uneasy access for Dullsville’s vandals.
“We’ll have to climb,” he said. “But I know how you like climbing gates.”
“We can get in trouble for this,” I pointed out. “But it’s okay to sneak into houses, right?” he asked. “Don’t worry. I know one of the people.”
Dead? Alive? A corpse? Maybe a cousin of Jameson’s worked the graveyard shift—literally.
Alexander turned away as I struggled to get over in my tight spandex dress.
After we both dusted off, he took my hand and led me down the middle path, where gravestones were lined up for miles. Some of the grave markers signfied a plague that devastated in the 1800s. Alexander walked briskly like he knew exactly where he was going.
Where was he leading me? Who did he know here? Did he sleep here? Had he brought me here to kiss me? And would I become a vampire?
I slowed down. Did I really want to be a vampire? And call this my home? For all eternity?
I tripped over the handle of a shovel, which sent me tumbling forward. I started to fall into an empty grave. Alexander grabbed my arm in the nick of time.
I hung over the empty grave, staring down into the darkness.
“Don’t be afraid. It doesn’t have your name on it,” Alexander joked.
“I think I’m supposed to be home,” I said nervously, brushing graveyard dirt off my dress.
But he led me further into the cemetery with his strong hand.
Suddenly we were standing atop a small hill beneath a giant marble monument.
He picked up some fresh daffodils that had blown away and replaced them tenderly at the foot of Baroness Sterling’s monument.
“I’d like you to meet someone,” he said, looking at me gently and then at the grave. “Grandma, this is Raven.”
I didn’t know what to say as I stared at the marker. I had never met a dead person before. What was I supposed to say—“She looks just like you”?
But of course, he didn’t expect me to say anything as he sat down on the grass and drew me next to him.
“Grandma used to live here—I mean in town. She left us the house and we finally got it after years of probate. I always loved the Mansion.”
“Wow. The baroness was your grandmother?”
“I visit her when I feel lonely. She understood what it felt like to be alone. She didn’t fit in with the Sterling side of the family. Grandpa died in the war. She said I always reminded her of him.” He took a deep breath and looked up at the stars. “It’s beautiful here, don’t you think?” he went on. “There aren’t many lights to block out the stars. It’s like the universe is a huge canvas, with sprinkles of light that twinkle and glisten, like a painting that is always there, just waiting to be looked at. But people don’t notice it because they’re too busy. And it’s the most beautiful work of all. Well, almost—”
We were silent for a few minutes, gazing at the heavens. I heard only his soft breath and the sound of crickets. All first dates should be as wonderful as this. It totally beat a first-run movie.
“So your grandma’s the lady that stared out the wind—uh, I mean she, well…”
“She was a wonderful artist. She taught me how to paint superheroes and monsters. Lots of monsters!”
“I know.”
“You know?”
“I mean, I know it must be hard for you. But I like vampires, too!” I hinted.
He seemed to be thinking of something else. “I traveled so much, and since I was home-schooled, I never had the chance to fit in anywhere.”
He looked so lost, so soulful, so lonely. I wanted him to kiss me now. I wanted to let him know I was his for all eternity.
“Let’s eat,” he suddenly said, climbing to his feet.
He placed five black candles in ornate votive holders and lit them with an antique lighter. He unpacked a bottle of sparkling juice and crackers and cheese and spread a black lace tablecloth over the cold grass.
“Have you ever been in love?” I asked as he filled my crystal goblet.
Suddenly we heard a howl and the candles blew out.
“What was that?” I asked.
“I think it’s a dog.”
“It sounds more like a wolf!”
“Either way, we’d better go!” he said urgently.
I started to shove everything into his backpack.
“We don’t have time for that!” he said, grabbing my hand.