His main addiction though, was watching films. He couldn’t get enough of them and purchased DVDs ten or twenty at a time from the local store. They took him away from his own thoughts and he completely immersed himself in their magic. He fell in love with Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn and Scarlet Johanssen. He was thrilled by action adventure films, caught up in dramas and fascinated by documentaries and war movies. The comedies made him laugh until his head hurt; his favourite being the slapstick of Laurel and Hardy.
He could not believe the level of freedom available to film makers. Things that would have been considered scandalous or immoral, most certainly involving long prison sentences, were now considered normal mainstream entertainment.
Isobel, Jacques and the others remained in the cellar with him, still unconscious in their crates. Guilt stabbed at him, that they still slept whilst he lived his life, but he could not bring himself to risk their lives trying to wake them up. And then, if he did make the decision, which of them would he choose to revive first? No, better to wait until a more clear-cut solution came along. Alexandre didn’t know it, but just such a solution would not be long in presenting itself.
*
Back in January, Ben had returned to school with warnings of absolute secrecy ringing in his ears. Madison was paranoid.
‘For a start, nobody would believe you and for another thing ...’
‘Okay, okay, I know!’ Ben protested for the umpteenth time. ‘You don’t have to go on about it. I’m twelve, not two. I do know how to keep a secret you know. What d’you think I’m gonna do? Rush up to my mates and say, guess what? I’m living with a vampire!’
‘Sorry but yeah, Ben. That’s exactly what I thought you might do. It’s tempting to think, oh I’ll just tell Dan, he won’t tell anyone and before you know it, you’ve got half the school camping out in the garden, pretending they’re vampire slayers or something.’
‘Cheers for the vote of confidence. I’m not a complete moron you know.’
‘Sorry, Ben. I know you’re not. I just worry, that’s all. And it’s better to be over-careful.’
‘God, it really isn’t.’
She smiled at his expression. ‘Okay, I promise I won’t mention it again.’
‘Hmm.’
That conversation had taken place over three months ago and it was now a dark and gloomy April afternoon. Madison sat curled up in her favourite spot – the comfy window seat in the library. Ben was still at school and Alexandre was downstairs somewhere, so she had opened the shutters to let some forbidden light in through the glass.
As far as Madison knew, Ben had been true to his word and not mentioned Alexandre’s existence to anyone. Madison too, had kept the knowledge to herself, but anyway, she had no contact with anyone else, apart from the odd moody exchange with Esther and Morris who went about their business paying no attention to what she did.
During all this time, Travis had never called round once. Madison felt bad for not contacting him after her awkward rejection of him on Christmas Eve, but she couldn’t think about that now; there were too many other things on her mind and it was easier not to. She’d ring him soon and make amends. He was a good friend and she didn’t want to lose him.
Keisha and Lois occasionally rang, and they were still on at her to have another party. Maddy kept fobbing them off, saying she’d come and visit soon, but she didn’t really mean it. That world seemed far away now. She was happy and secure in her new life.
She put down her book and stared out of the library window. The sun tried and failed to put in an appearance between the thick scudding clouds. Today the wind was king, snatching at the new green leaves on the shivering trees.
Suddenly, a flash of white lightning forked its way over the dark green lawn and Madison jumped as the loudest clap of thunder shook the house from its eaves to its foundations. Now, big splats of rain dropped from the darkening sky, exploding like marbles against the window pane. Maddy rested her forehead against the cold glass and stared out into the unexpected storm.
She remembered the last thunderstorm. It was on the day she had been suspended from school and had argued with her foster parents. The day she’d thought her life was finished. Now look at her. In charge of her own destiny, caring for her brother, money in the bank and nothing to worry about ever again. Well, she knew that wasn’t strictly true. There was plenty to worry about, she just wasn’t going to think about the other four vampires in the cellar. She would enjoy the one she had.
Maddy strained her eyes to see through the wall of rain. It was pelting down, but she thought she saw lights in the distance coming up the driveway. Yes, car headlights streaming through the rain. She wondered who it could be. It was too early for Ben to be coming back from school.
Madison wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone. Her house had become a secure haven against all outsiders. She’d turned into a bit of a recluse these days, not wanting to engage with anyone other than her brother and Alex.
A taxi pulled up onto the driveway and a large black umbrella emerged. She got up from her cosy spot, pulled the shutter closed and headed out into the entrance hall.
Madison opened the front door. The man wore a smart navy three-quarter-length coat over his suit but the umbrella still shielded his face. His shoes were black and shiny, speckled with small blobs of rain. He turned away and shook his umbrella before closing it and turning back to face her.
‘Madison! It’s good to see you. I must apologise for arriving unannounced.’
She stared into the smiling face of Mr Vasey-Smith and was immediately transported back to the supermarket, where she had first set eyes on the solicitor and when her life had begun to change. Such a lot had happened since then.
She hadn’t given Trevor or Angie too much thought since she’d been here, even though they had given her and Ben a home for three years. Any respect and gratitude she had had for them, disappeared the minute they had let her and Ben go for the price of a nice house and a bit of cash. On the one hand, she was glad they hadn’t kicked up a fuss, but she also felt let down by their quick abandonment, especially of Ben. She had thought Angie, at least, had loved Ben like a son.
All these thoughts flashed like unwelcome intruders through her mind as Mr Vasey-Smith stood on the doorstep in the rain. She stood back to let him in.
‘Hi,’ she said. ‘Um, how are you?’
‘Very well, thank you.’
‘Come in,’ she continued. ‘Do you want a drink or something? I can make us some tea. Or I’ve got a cold drink …’
‘Tea would be just the thing,’ he replied. ‘No sugar. Thank you.’
Soon they were sitting in the lounge sipping their tea and eating biscuits. Madison wondered why he had come. She hoped there wasn’t a problem. She suddenly felt apprehensive.
‘Is everything okay? I mean with the house and everything. We can still live here can’t we?’
‘Oh yes, of course,’ he replied. ‘The house is yours, as long as you live in it. Nothing’s happened to change that.’
‘Oh, good. For a minute, I thought you’d come to tell me it had all been a mistake and I had to go back and live with Trevor and Angie.’
‘No, no. Goodness no. What an unpleasant thought.’
On hearing this, Madison relaxed a bit.
‘No,’ he continued. ‘I just happened to be in the area and thought I’d pop in and see how you’re doing before catching my train back to London. Have you and Ben settled in alright?’
‘Yeah. It’s been great. Ben loves his new school.’
‘Good. That’s good. Everything else alright? No problems at all?’
‘No. We’re fine. Thank you,’ she replied. It was quite nice to see the man who’d helped change her life for the better. She was grateful he’d actually taken the time to come and see how they were. It was more than her foster parents had done anyway. ‘Ben’s happier here than he’s ever been and we really feel at home. It’s great. Everything’s great.’
She realised it actually was. Happiness had crept up on her and made itself at home.
‘Not too lonely here for you? It’s a big place. You’re not rattling around too much?’
‘No. It’s completely amazing having all this space to ourselves. We’ve spent loads of time exploring.’
‘Find anything interesting?’
Maddy smiled to herself at this question. He’d send her off to the nuthouse if she told him what she’d actually found here.
‘There’s a lovely river at the bottom of the grounds,’ she said. ‘And there’s a weird little tower you can climb up and see around for miles.’
‘Ah, one of the estate’s follies.’
‘Yeah, it’s amazing. Kind of like a lighthouse with no light. And I love the little chapel here. It’s very beautiful.’ She heard a car door slam. ‘Oh, here’s Ben. Morris sometimes picks him up from school, but I’m seventeen in a few months so I’ll be able to take my driving test and drive him myself. I can’t wait. Hang on, I’ll just go and tell him you’re here.’
She walked out into the entrance hall to see Ben stripping off his wet coat. He hung it on the peg, but it slipped off and lay in a soggy heap on the floor next to his muddy shoes and school bag.
‘Hey, bro, we’ve got a visitor,’ she said loudly.
‘Can I just get some nosh? I’m starving. Who is it?’
‘Do you remember Mr Vasey-Smith, the solicitor?’
‘Yeah, cool. Hang on I’ll just get a packet of crisps and I’ll come in. You in the lounge?’
‘Yeah,’ she replied. And then she mouthed to him. ‘Remember, don’t mention Alex.’ She pointed down at the cellar.
Ben rolled his eyes and zipped his mouth closed. He pulled a rude face and went off into the kitchen. She returned to the lounge.
‘Everything alright?’ the solicitor asked her.
‘Yeah, he’s just always hungry when he gets back from school. He’ll be in, in a second. He’s such a gannet.’
‘That’s teenage boys for you. How are the Foxtons?’
‘Oh, Esther and Morris are okay.’
‘Good, good. Aaah, Ben! Very nice to see you again.’ He stood up and extended his hand. Ben put some crisps in his mouth and wiped his hands on his school trousers before shaking hands. He finished chewing before speaking.
‘Hello. How are you?’
‘Very well, Ben. I just thought I’d pay you a flying visit to see how you’re both doing. I’m glad to see you so happy and settled. Madison tells me you like your new school.’
‘Yeah, it’s good.’
‘Have you made many friends?’ Mr Vasey-Smith sat back down.
‘Yeah, they’re all pretty sound,’ Ben nodded and sat next to his sister.
‘Horrible weather though isn’t it? They didn’t forecast this thunderstorm. It’s blowing a gale out there.’
‘Mmm,’ Madison and Ben both agreed.
‘Well,’ the solicitor stood up again. ‘My taxi is waiting outside and so I’d better get going. Sorry I couldn’t stay long but I really don’t want to miss my train.’
‘It was nice of you to come and see us,’ Madison said, relieved he was going. She liked him but found it hard going, trying to make small talk.
‘So,’ he said, putting his coat on. ‘Have you had any friends to stay with you yet? Shown off your new residence?’
‘Umm, no, not really. We had a party when we first moved in. But it turned out to be a bit of a nightmare.’
‘Yes, hosting events is not for the faint hearted,’ he smiled.
‘Yeah. I won’t be having any more parties for a while.’ She saw the solicitor out into the stormy afternoon. His taxi waited on the driveway, the cab driver immersed in a newspaper.
‘Goodbye, Madison. Thank you for the tea and conversation.’
‘Thanks for coming.’
He climbed smartly into the cab and closed the door, giving Madison and Ben a short wave through the rain-stained window. Ben went back inside to watch TV and Madison stood in the doorway watching the taxi’s red tail lights disappear from view as the wind whipped her hair and the rain lashed her face.
After Vasey-Smith’s departure, Madison went downstairs to see Alexandre. She knocked on the new door at the bottom of the cellar stairs.
‘Come in!’ she heard him call. She turned the knob and walked into his lounge. He lay on his front on a rug on the floor, watching yet another film. ‘Madison,’ he laughed. ‘You have to watch this film with me. It is … what is your word? Hilarious. These gentlemen are dressed as women and they are fleeing from …’
‘Yeah, Some Like it Hot. Great movie, but can we watch it later?’
‘You look worried. What is it? Is it the man who was just here? Did he do something?’ Alexandre looked suddenly fierce. ‘Do you want me to find him?’ He turned off the television and leapt up.
‘Slow down, chill. No, there’s nothing wrong - I don’t think. It was the solicitor, Vasey-Smith. You know the one I told you about. The one whose company tracked down me and Ben, about Harold’s will and everything.’
‘What did he want? There is a problem with the will?’
‘No, nothing like that. That’s what I first thought, but he said he just wanted to see how we were getting on.’
‘But that is kind. That is a normal thing to do. You are young and he was concerned.’
‘Yeah I know. It’s just, I told him about a party I had and I still feel like I’m this irresponsible child and he’s the disapproving grown-up. And I’ve just had a thought, maybe Esther or Morris mentioned you were here and now he might think you and me are … you know.’
Alexandre looked taken aback. ‘I find I still cannot get used to your straight talking.’
‘Believe me Alex, that ain’t straight talking. If you wanna hear straight talking you should meet my mate, Lois.’
‘Maybe in a few years when I am more acclimatised. But if this Vasey-Smith thinks these things, there is nothing you can do about it. Are you worried for your reputation?’
She laughed. ‘No, not really. It’s better he thinks I’m a slut than I’m living with a vampire, right?’
‘Uh, a little less straight talking if you please. Come. Watch the rest of this film with me.’
‘I think you’ve already watched a century’s worth of films. Your eyes’ll go square.’
‘Really? Square? This can happen? He put his hands to his eyes and looked doubtfully at Madison.’
‘Really. Too much telly equals square eyes. Everyone knows that.’
His frowned for a moment until he saw the smirk on her face.
‘Yes and too much lying equals death by tickling. Everyone knows that.’ He grabbed her around the waist and began tickling her under her arms until she squealed for mercy. He ignored her cries. ‘Sorry, Alexandre, are the words I am looking for,’ he said, unrelenting in his tickles.
‘Sorry, sorry! Alex, I’m sorry. Stop, please.’
‘Now, will you please watch this film with me? He lay back down on the floor and beckoned her over. As she lay down, he hit the remote and Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis resumed their antics on screen. Alexandre smiled at Madison. Her heart did a front flip followed by a back flip and she forgot all about Vasey-Smith.
*
‘I can’t believe I haven’t brought you here before,’ Madison said as they queued to get into the large grey building. A blue neon sign glowed above their heads, couples held hands and groups of youths jostled each other and joked as they waited to get tickets for the fairly tame action movie that Madison had decided wouldn’t be too hardcore for Alexandre’s nineteenth century tastes.
‘So this will be like watching it at home, but on a bigger screen?’ he asked. ‘What is the point of that? What difference does a bigger screen make? Why would you watch with a group strangers? If you have the choice, surely it is better to watch in the comfort of your own home?’
Two and a half hours later Alexandre emerged from the cinema with
a look of wondrous rapture on his face.
‘Enjoy that did ya?’ Madison asked, knowing it had probably been the most amazing sensory experience of his life.
‘But I had no idea you could experience something so … so ...’
‘Intense?’ she offered.
‘Yes, yes. Intense. Unbelievable! It was completely thrilling, as if I were there myself.’
‘It wasn’t that good, mate,’ a young lad called out. He and his mates laughed at the awestruck Alexandre. Maddy stuck the Vs up at them and led Alexandre out of the cinema by his arm.
‘But that plane journey at the end was terrifying. I do not think I am so keen to travel on an aeroplane anymore.’
Madison laughed. ‘It’s just a film. Apparently flying is the safest way to travel.’
‘Hmmm,’ Alexandre didn’t sound convinced.
*
When does day turn into night? And when does night turn into day? Is there a single severed second where it switches from one to the other? Or does it just shift gradually by degrees? Alexandre knew the answer to all of these questions. His body knew just when shimmering daylight would fade into black sanctuary and when the cool darkness would again be shot through with bright danger. He knew these things. They defined him.
The days grew longer and this meant more confinement. His patience became as short as the nights, and his temper bubbled beneath a surface of forced calm. As soon as the sun set each night, he came slamming out of the cellar and out of the house, before returning to see her. He needed to be in the open air for at least an hour, to shake off the claustrophobia that pressed in on him.
Madison tried to think of things to amuse him during the day, as he hardly ever slept, but it was difficult. After his initial love affair with films, he grew fed up watching television. The internet gave some kind of distraction and ate up the hours, but he found the sheer volume of information could be quite overwhelming. Reading books was always pleasant, but no substitute for living a life.
June came along and the nights were so short, he could only venture out between the hours of nine thirty at night and four thirty in the morning - a mere seven hours out of every twenty four. On the twenty first of the month, the longest day of the year, Alexandre left the house at dusk and did not return until 1.30am Madison paced inside, her stomach in knots, worrying about his whereabouts and his fragile state of mind. When he finally returned they sat together at the kitchen table. His mood was morose.