A Heretic and Some Vampires

Chapter 8

We all chatted for a while with different people. Everyone asked me questions about myself and where I came from. Of course, I answered most questions, only avoiding family-related questions and questions that could reveal my magic.

The music for the waltz started, and Isaac bowed to me.

“May I have this dance?” He asks, smiling sweetly.

“Sure.” I smile back brightly.

He takes my hand and leads me to the middle of the floor. We begin to dance the waltz, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well Isaac can dance.

“You’re an excellent dancer,” I tell him.

“Why, thank you.” He grins as he spins me around. “You are as well. Is dancing another thing you love to do?”

“I’ve been known to dance, yes.” I smile as I blush slightly.

Isaac and I made quiet small talk as we danced, not noticing that everyone watched us dance instead of joining us.

Isaac spun me once more and pulled me to his chest as the song finished. My hands landed on his solid chest and our eyes locked. I felt myself blush deeper as Isaac tightened his hold on my waist.

Everyone started clapping, and we looked around, startled.

Kat, Andrew, Brent and the boys walked over to us.

“That was beautiful. Where did you learn to dance?” Lorenzo asked, amazement shining in his voice.

“I used to take lessons as a kid. Then my parents used to take me to an annual ball in winter for their company. And there were a few other balls throughout each year. I used to dance as well, before Tash.” I tell them truthfully.

“I’m glad to see you still love it,” Kat says, smiling.

“Ok! Time for cake.” Kat says happily. “Clem, will you come with me, please?”

“Sure.” I smile and walk with her as she walks to the back wall.

“Henry, it's time for the cake.” She says happily.

“Ok, it’s all ready to go.” He smiles as he pushes a cart towards Kat.

We walk to the front of the room as I look at the cake. On the cart is the most amazing cake I have ever seen. It seems to be red velvet with blood-red icing and Andrew’s name written in glossy black icing, along with ‘happy birthday’.

“Clem, could you get everyone’s attention, please?” Kat asks as she lights a few candles spread over the cake.

I nod and face the room.

“Excuse me, everyone!” I shout out.

Everyone goes silent and faces Kat and me.

“Thank you, my friends, for joining my family and me as we celebrate Andrew’s birthday. Please join me in singing happy birthday to the love of my life.” Kat says lovingly as Andrew joins us. The boys follow him but stand beside me as Andrew stands beside Kat.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR ANDREW. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.” Everyone sings together.

We all clap as Andrew blows out the candles. He then picks up the knife and cuts the cake, purposely touching the bottom so he can kiss Kat. The room erupted into cheering as they kiss. Even the boys cheer.

The cake was served, and it was absolutely incredible. I want to know who made it. I wonder if Henry did.

I’ve been planning something for Andrew and Kat to thank them for everything they’ve done and because I had no idea what to get Andrew for his birthday.

“Excuse me,” I say politely before going through the black door.

I plug my phone in and find the music to the song I planned on singing.

“Clem? Is everything ok, sweetie?” Kat asks as she closes the door behind her.

“Huh? Oh yeah. No everything is fine. I was just, uh. I was going to come and talk to you in a minute, actually. Do you have a mic?” I ask her.

“I sure do. In here. Why?” She asks with a smile on her face as she opens a small storage room.

“All week, I’ve been thinking of what I could do for Andrew’s birthday. And I remembered that he loved my singing. So, I’ve been trying to find a way to thank you for all you’ve done for me. So, I have a song planned.” I smile shyly.

“Oh, really? This is such a treat! I’m sure everyone will love it.” She chirps. “I’ll set up the mic for you.” She says, taking the mic out to the stage.

I get the track ready and join her on the stage as she plugs the mic in.

“Ok, it’s ready. I’ll get everyone’s attention. Are you ready?” Kat asks, concerned when she sees me breathing unevenly.

“I’m ok. Just nervous. The last time I sang like this was at the fair.” I say as I breathe out.

“Ok, well, just take a minute to calm down. Is the music ready?” She asks.

“Yeah, if you could actually press play when I give you a signal, that would be good,” I say in a questioning tone.

“Of course, sweetie. Are you ok now?” She asks, still concerned.

“Cessabit,” I say, holding my hand over my heart. I breathe out evenly and smile. “That should do it. Ok, I’m ready.” Again, I smile, and she walks out through the curtains.

“Everyone, if I could have your attention, please!” She calls out, and the room falls silent.

“I have just been informed that we have a surprise for my husband. Clementine tells me she has been trying to think of what to do for Andrew’s birthday all week. She said she wanted to thank us as well for allowing her to stay with us this year. So, she has planned a song for us.” Kat says happily, and everyone begins clapping and cheering.

I can hear the boys practically screaming, and it makes me feel better hearing them cheer for me.

Kat slips through the curtains again and gives me a quick hug.

“Thank you for this, sweetie.” She smiles before walking away.

I nod to her, and she plays the music and presses a button, which opens the curtains.

I take a deep breath as everyone watches me, smiling.

“I could stay awake just to hear you breathing

Watch you smile while you are sleeping

While you're far away dreaming

I could spend my life in this sweet surrender

I could stay lost in this moment forever

Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure,”

‘The boys are all standing in front of the stage, smiling proudly. However, I can see a hint of something else in Isaac and Dante’s faces. I’m not quite sure what it is, but the way they’re both looking at me gives me a colony of butterflies in my stomach. In a good way, though, which is something I wasn’t sure was possible.’ I think as couples begin to dance.

“Don't want to close my eyes

I don't want to fall asleep

'Cause I'd miss you, baby

And I don't want to miss a thing

'Cause even when I dream of you

The sweetest dream will never do

I'd still miss you, baby

And I don't want to miss a thing

Lying close to you feeling your heart beating

And I'm wondering what you're dreaming

Wondering if it's me you're seeing

Then I kiss your eyes

And thank God we're together

Don’t wanna close my eyes

I don’t wanna fall asleep

I don’t wanna miss a thing.”