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Elora is 12

Elora

I stretched on the couch, watching some war movie with Theo and Lucifer. It's been quiet for a few hours, a lazy Saturday. It's rainy and miserable outside, hence me cuddled up in a blanket. Everyone else is somewhere around the house, doing their own thing.

My knees and ankles popped as I stretched, earning me an uneasy look from the two.

"Fuck, was that your neck?" Theo widened his eyes at me.

I smiled, "No, it was my knees," I stretched them and they made another small pop.

Theo pushed his head back, cringing at the noise. "Stop that! You'll break yourself, then Duke will blame us."

I pushed my eyebrows together and looked between both of them, "You mean you guys don't pop your joints?" I asked. I know they're vampires, but I thought it was kind of a universal thing.

"No! That's disgusting," Theo eyed me.

I giggled, pushing my neck to the side and making more pops, then again with my knuckles.

"Elora!" Felix warned from his office.

I cringed, stopping my popping. "Oops." I shrunk back in my seat.

"Humans concern me. Especially you." Theo looked back at the TV.

I got up, still wrapped in my blanket and sat next to Lucifer. He looked down at me, slightly raising an eyebrow. "Can I have your hand?" I asked, holding my palm out.

He gave me a skeptical look, but held is hand out anyways, looking back at the TV. Lucifer doesn't say much, but he's a big softie. Unless he's mad, then he's silently angry.

I pushed his knuckles down, trying to get them to pop. I pulled on his fingers, twisted them, and pulled them back. But he didn't pop. I kept trying harder, knowing there's no possible way I'll hurt him. They have to pop! They say I'm concerning, well their knuckles don't even pop.

Lucifer glanced down at me, "What are you doing?" He said in his usual low whisper.

I used both my hands to push his knuckles down, "Trying to pop your knuckles," my voice came out strained.

"Its not possible, Elora," Theo laughed.

I gave up, glaring at Lucifer hand. "That's gross, what do you do when your neck hurts?" I asked. I can't believe there's no satisfactory 'pop' whenever they move a certain way.

"They don't," Theo rolled his eyes. "You think we're gross? Humans sleep half the day, then sweat and pop the other half. Disgusting."

My mouth dropped open, "I don't sleep half the day, I get my full eight hours. And I don't sweat," I squinted at him.

Theo chuckled, "Yes, then you nap twice a day. I don't understand it. You just close your eyes and die for a few hours," he shook his head.

Vampires don't sleep, like ever. It weirds me out completely. While I'm sleeping, they're still up doing whatever it is they do. When do they get to recharge? "So you've never had a dream before?" I asked, suddenly curious.

Theo shook his head, "No."

I frowned, feeling sad for them. Imagine a life without dreams.

"What do you dream about?" Lucifer asked me, I looked up at him, not realizing that he was even listening. He looks genuinely curious, his black hair falling just above his eyebrows.

I thought for a few seconds, "Lots of things. I can't remember most of them, it's really frustrating, only remembering bits and pieces," I thought. "I keep having a dream I have a pet elephant, but it flies away like dumbo. I'm not sure if it's a good dream or a bad one yet."

"What about nightmares?" Theo asked, "You talk in your sleep sometimes. Nothing coherent, but you always sound scared. Duke usually comes and shakes you a bit so you'll snap out of it," he gave me a pointed look.

Nightmares? I do have a few... but I don't want anyone to know about it. One of them is when I'm little, back in a damp cardboard box. Cold in the rain. No food, no bath, no love. That's it. It's more of a memory than a nightmare. I barely remember actually living on the streets like I was, but that nightmare always brings me back.

The other is from the day I cut my hand. The look on all their faces, especially Quin's. I've been hurt a few times since then, getting small cuts and scrapes. They're much better now, but Quin always leaves the house.

"I don't know," I shrugged, looking at the TV, ending the conversation.

I still held Lucifers hand, as I started falling asleep.

~•~

"Point proven!" I opened my eyes, seeing Theo happily standing over me.

I rubbed my eyes, sitting up from where I'm laying alone on the couch. "Huh?" I asked tiredly.

"You sleep! All the time," he dragged. "Especially lately, you must be going through a growth spurt again," he mumbled.

"Probably, my ankles hurt," I stood up, following him into the dining room.

Quin makes dinner every night. They survive on blood, which I assume they obtain while I'm at school. But they still like the way actual good food tastes, so they cook. Obviously so I don't have to eat alone either.

I sat down next to Duke and Eugene, my stomach growling.

"You'd think we don't feed you," Eugene eyed me.

I shrugged. They make me self conscious about normal human sounds. "I can't control it, it has a mind of its own," I rubbed my tummy.

Quin walked over with a plate full of food, "Ah yes, it clearly just said 'give me steak!'" He smirked, setting the plate down in front of me.

I smiled, "It thanks you," I joked.

Duke laughed, "Do you still want to try out for the track team on Monday?" He asked.

With a mouth full of food, I just nodded.

"Do you have everything you need, running shoes and what not?" He asked.

I swallowed, "Yup, I have everything. It should be fun, I'm already faster than most of the boys in my gym class, so I'm not worried about making the team."

Duke smiled, "You are? How is that possible, your short for your age," he teased.

I rolled my eyes. I've heard that too many times. "Short but fast," I took another bite.

"Wanna race?" Dane smirked, joining us at the table.

"Obviously I'm not as fast as you," I gave him a funny look.

Dane shrugged, "It was worth a try. You sounded so cocky, I thought I'd humble you."

"You can just watch me smoke the other students at track meets," I suggested.

It was quiet as everyone got their food. I silently ate my dinner, my mood turning sour for no apparent reason. My tummy hurts a bit, but it's not because I ate too much. I picked at the mushrooms in the noodle salad. Ick.

"Did you get those documents to the office?" Felix asked Quin.

I tuned them out as they started talking about business stuff. I swear, that's all they ever talk about at dinner. I don't even know what it is they do, but I know they own their own business- in the human world.

Several minutes went by, and I just played with my mushrooms.

"Is something wrong?" Quin looked between me and my plate.

I followed his glance. I got annoyed, "I don't like mushrooms," I cringed at them.

He pushed his head back, "Eat around them, there's only a few."

I rested my cheek on my fist. But they ruin the whole noodle salad. I'm the only one who actually needs real food here, and he puts my least favorite food in the noodle salad. I glared at the mushrooms.

Duke used his fork and plucked all the mushrooms off my plate, "There, get rid of the scowl," he narrowed his eyes at me.

"I wasn't scowling,"

"Stop arguing, Elora," he warned, giving me a sharp look.

I let out a huff of air, angrily eating my noodle salad. Okay- the mushrooms didn't ruin it, but I'm still frustrated.

"Tomorrow, you're going outside for at least half an hour," Theo chuckled. "I think being inside all day makes you cranky," he teased.

I glared at him. "I'm not cranky. I don't like mushrooms."

"One more complaint and you're going to bed," Felix demanded, not bothering to look up from his laptop.

I sighed, continuing to stare at my plate. I peeked up at him a few times, just to make sure he wasn't glaring at me.

Felix hates any kind of disobedience. I'm usually in a much better mood, but I don't know why I'm so irritated. I've had moments like this the past couple days, but luckily there were all at school, and I kept it to myself.

A couple years ago I went outside to play when Felix specifically told me not to, I guess I saw a pretty bird and chased it. He gave me a quick swat on the hand and sent me to bed. I cried for hours. Looking back now, it didn't hurt, and I kind of deserved it. I know that I don't like being in trouble though, especially by Felix. He's still scary.

I finished eating my food, and cleaned my plate in the sink. I looked at the freezer, remembering the chocolate ice cream Eugene got at the store. That sounds good.

I stood by the counter, thinking of my master plan. If I just ask for ice cream, they'll say no. Felix is already irritated at me and will say I don't deserve it. I walked over and stood behind Eugene. They're all so tall that even sitting they're taller than me. I have long-ish legs, but I'm still short. That's okay, I have plenty of time to grow.

"Why are you lurking?" Eugene turned and tilted his head at me.

I folded my hands in front of me, "I was just wondering if you wanted ice cream. Remember the ice cream you got the other day?" I asked, hoping he'll take the bait.

Eugene chuckled, getting up from his seat at the table. "You little master manipulator," he cleaned his plate, and I stuck to him like glue, hoping he'd give me ice cream. He opened the freezer, pulling out a bucket of chocolate ice cream, wiggling it a bit as I stared at it wide-eyed. Yum. "Next time, don't be so obvious, you're a horrible liar," he grabbed two bowls and started scooping.

I grinned, watching in awe as he scooped my yummy treat. I love sweets. "It worked, didn't it?" I looked up at him.

Eugene smirked, "This is for Felix?" He wiggled the second bowl.

My shoulders dropped and disappointment filled my whole being. I genuinely feel like crying. Over ice cream. I blinked between him and Felix, not knowing where I went wrong.

Felix was typing away at his computer, unaware of how lucky he is.

I stuck my lip out, "But that's my ice cream," I pouted.

"Jesus, Eugene, give her the ice cream," Duke sighed.

Eugene laughed, "From across the room she gets you with that!" He shook his head. He slid me the bowl of ice cream, "Felix doesn't like ice cream," he winked at me as we ate our dessert.

"You're mean," I narrowed my eyes at him, knowing he was messing with me. How rude, to play with my emotions like that.

"You'll grow up tough, you're welcome."

~•~

I tossed and turned, my side hurting badly. I don't feel sick, but every time I fall asleep, the pain in my tummy wakes me up.

I opened my eyes, glancing at my window, seeing its pitch black outside. My clock says it's just past two in the morning. I rubbed my eyes, feeling annoyed.

I got out of bed, practically crawling to the bathroom to go pee. I'm in my fuzzy pajama pants and a t-shirt, my feet bare and my hair in two long braids that Duke did for me after my shower.

I groggily sat down and did my business. I looked down, and froze. I squinted my tired eyes at my once white undies. "Hu?" I mumbled, seeing the red stain on them. What is that? Is that blood? I quickly grabbed toilet paper and wiped myself, seeing more blood on the paper.

I stared at it for five whole minutes, my mind racing and my heart thumping in my chest. Why am I bleeding? From there? I wiped again, just to be sure, and I saw more blood.

I'm sick. I don't know too much about anatomy, but I know I should not be bleeding from my privates. Tears welled in my eyes, as I pondered how long I have to live.

I cleaned up the best I could, frantically pulling my undies and pants back on. I washed my hands quickly and bolted out the door.

I need to go to the doctor! I'm dying.

I ran as fast as I could down the long halls of the castle and down the stairs, "I need to go to the hospital! Duke!" I screamed, panicking.

Once I got to our huge dining room I saw them all sitting in the dim light, papers and their laptops around them. So this is what they do while I sleep. Boring.

Duke was standing up, looking just as panicked as I am. Everyone else looked alert, but they stayed sitting down.

"I'm dying, I need to go to the hospital right now!" I stressed, grabbing Dukes hand and trying to pull him towards the door to leave.

Duke didn't move, "Wait, Elora, why do you think you're dying? Are you hurt?" He asked, his eyes roamed my face.

I sighed, not having time to explain this. I need to go to the hospital so they can fix me. "I have internal bleeding! Let's go!" I pulled him again.

Duke started to walk with me towards the door, "What? You coughed up blood?" He sounded concerned.

"Duke-" Dane started.

I pushed my eyebrows together, "No, other end!" I explained.

Duke stopped walking, stopping me with him. I turned and looked up at him through tears eyes, "Let's go! This is serious!"

Duke sighed, looking much less concerned now. But he looks very uncomfortable. "Stop, you're not dying, Elora," he tilted his head to the side, giving Dane a glance I couldn't read.

Quin got up from the table and headed to the front door, "Good luck with that," he chuckled, leaving the house.

"What?" I squeaked out, in full panic mode. Why is everyone acting weird? This must be serious.

Dane turned his chair so he was facing Duke and I. "What's happening is completely normal, you don't need to go to the hospital," he said calmly.

Eugene and Theo were fighting back laughs behind him, both of them with their hands casually placed over their lips. What's funny about this?! My heart pounded, "Are you crazy?! I'm bleeding out!" I threw my hands in the air.

Felix was watching the interaction like it was a movie. He didn't look amused, or angry. He was just paying attention. Same with Lucifer.

"Calm down, Elora," Duke said, but it didn't help the panic.

Dane leaned forwards, resting his elbows on his knees, "Listen," he said loudly, making my eyes snap to him. "You're menstruating, or on your period. Did you learn about that in school yet?" He said calmly.

I shook my head. A period is what goes at the end of a sentence. And I have no idea what the other word is. "Is it bad?" I asked.

He softly smiled, "No it's not bad. It means that your body can have a baby now and-"

My face paled, "I'm having a baby?!" I clutched my chest, feeling my throat close on itself. I can't be having a baby, I wasn't visited by a stork. I'm too young. I didn't ask for a baby. I am a baby!

I coughed, my chest aching. Why can't I breathe? I tried to draw in air, but nothing got past my throat.

Duke grabbed my shoulders, lowering onto his knees, "Elora, look at me," he said calmly. I looked up at him. "You're not having a baby, you're not sick. You're most definitely not dying. All girls go through this, I should have prepared you for it, but I forgot," he gave me an apologetic look. "I need you to breathe, sweetheart," his pupil changed sizes.

Like I was suddenly puked back up from drowning, I sucked in a breath of air, my burning lungs instantly soothed. I took deep breaths, thankful that I can breathe again.

"I thought we agreed never to do that?" Theo mumbled, but I heard it.

"It was an emergency," Duke responded lowly.

Duke looked away from me, behind him at Dane. "Wanna try that again? Much clearer this time, please," he snapped.

Dane stood up, walking over to me, "I'll explain in the car, we have to go to the store and get you some things," he grabbed my hand.

"Like what?" I asked.

I walked with Dane out to his fancy car, "Well, you're bleeding, so there are products that soak up the blood so it's not messy," he opened the passenger door and I sat down.

~•~

Half an hour, an awkward conversation, ten minutes in a 'feminine hygiene' isle at a 24 hour convenience store, and enough embarrassment to last a lifetime later, Dane and I were back home.

I understand what's happening now, and I hate it. Dane explained everything to me, and helped me pick out 'pads and tampons' which basically sound like torture devices. I have to bleed and be in pain like this once a month... basically forever.

I tiredly walked into our house, a plastic bag with my embarrassing things in hand.

"Back from the hospital so soon?" Quin joked, earning a glare from me.

"Shut up," I snapped, walking back up to my bedroom.