Sixteen years later, in the middle of fall, a spunky, young, 15 year old girl walks down a dirt road to school. Dressed in a black jacket, red top, plaid tie and skirt, studded earrings, 2 piercing each, and bag in hand. She wore a dog collar with the tag engraved ‘Daph’, and lock chained around her waist, she entered the court yard. Her long, brown hair waved in the wind. “Hey Daphani!” a simple, sweet looking boy appeared from the trees. His blue/green eyes glistened in the morning sun, his hair, brown and silky, his skin as perfect as a model made up face. He wore a black jacket, red sweater and plaid tie. Of course it was the school uniform. “Hey Age.” Daphani responded. Age was short for
“Want to walk to class together?” asked Age.
“Like we always do.” responded Daphani.
Daphani and age walked into the building of learning, the floors in black and red checker board style. “Daphani!” a child- like voice cried out. Out of the corner, a young looking girl in a red long sleeve sweater came running.
“Daph! You can’t believe what happened!” she started without breathing.
“Trix, don’t forget to breathe.” she told her in a calm cool voice.
Trix took a deep breath and started again, “I saw Drake this morning! He was wearing a black sweater! He looked at me and said ‘where is Daph, I need to talk to her’ and I said” continued Trix, “‘I don’t know, she’s not here yet’ and he got really close to my face and told me ‘tell me when she’s here' and I just nodded.”
she blushed furiously, “eeek, he’s so mysterious!”
“Why would he need to talk to me?” Daph questioned.
“I don’t know, he’s your cousin.” Age replied
***BDDRRRIIINNGG!!***
“That’s the bell” Trix said
then they went to class.
After school came pretty slow.
“Class was a bum, you coming to my sweet 16 gathering?” asked Daph.
“Of course, how can I miss my best friend’s birthday?” Age responded with a smile.
“Me too!” yelled Trix.
“Awesome, my two best friends are going to be there.” With soft eyes they walked through the halls. Pass the stairs, the bathrooms and the door, they were outside.
“Shall we walk home now?” asked Age.
“Indeed.” Replied Daphani. “See you Trix!”
“Bye!” she said in a kid voice. And just like that they said they’re good-byes.
“Come on Daph, lets go!” shouted Age. He was already by the gate of the court yard.
“Alright! Wait up!” she shouted back. And she ran to Age. When she caught up, the walked the dirt road together. Since 2nd grade, Age and Daphani had always been neighbors and best friends. They would go to the sunflower patch a couple blocks away and hide under the flowers. Even though they were best friends Age never knew about Daph’s secret, neither did Daph, so they’re equal.
“What do you want for your birthday, Daph?” asked Age.
“It doesn’t matter, it’s the thought that counts.” Looking up at the sky, feeling the warmth of the sun. They walked side by side until they got home.
The next day, Daphani was setting up for the gathering. She didn’t invite a whole lot of people; she only invited Age, Trix, and Drake. Ten minutes later the door bell rang. When she opened the door, it was Age; he came in a white coat, black top and jeans.
“Happy Birthday, Daph.” He said as the door flung open.
Daph smiled, “Thanks come in.” As he came in, he gave her a present.
“I hope you like it.” He said to her, very close to her face. She blushed and he walked into the other room. When Trix and Drake arrived, the party really began. They talked, ate, play games, sometimes they can play childish games like hide n’ seek, they had a blast.
“Sorry Daph. I have to leave.” apologized Trix.
“Its ok, Trix.” said Daph.
“I’m sorry, bye!” shouted Trix as she ran out the door.
She spoke again, “it is your sixteenth birthday, and now you must know.”
With Age and Drake still watching with wide eyes, Jakiline spoke again, “Now that you two are old enough, you also must know and keep it a secret.” All three of them gazed in awe of what would happen next.
“Daphani, your grandfather,” she paused and started again, “your grandfather was a vampire.” They’re eyes widened in shock.
“Drake, although you are Daphani’s cousin, you are not a vampire; you are from the human side of this family.”
She turned to Age, “Since you are practically part of this family, you will keep this a secret and be partners with Daphani.”
She turned to Daphani, “Daphani, this is a war, for that lock, before your grandfather was murdered by the vicious beast, he hid the key. That key enables you to be human; you can become a vampire like me and your father. All these years we have hid this secret from you until you are ready. You must extract the key from the beast with the help of the only person that can help you, Age.” Out of a bright light, Jakiline grabbed a pure crystallized blood sword; it was red with the handle made out of bat wings. “Age, take this sword and fight by Daphani’s side, can you take the challenge?”
Age answered, “Yes, I will take the challenge; I’m not going to let this get between our friendship.”
“Good, now I must take my leave.” She said.
“Wait!” yelled Daph. “Would you like some cake before you left?”
“No thanks. I’m lack toast in tolerant.” She answered with a smile. Then she left.
Later that day,
“Wow. I never expected this.” Daphani told them. “This lock, I have always wondered why I had it.”
“Daphani.” Age stood up in a heroic voice, “don’t worry, I will be by your side. I will use this sword to fight in your battles, that’s what best friends do.” He winked at her.
“Than you guys must get hat key from out of the beast.” Drake said.
“But how and where?” Daph asked, “We don’t even know which beast it is.”
“It is the only beast in
“Then we must find this beast and slay him.” Age boldly said
“No, we mustn’t slay him. He is a gentle creature, a fool is my grandfather to hide it in him.” Daph proclaimed.
"Than it is settled, we must keep this secret, even from Trix." He said seriously. "Your jobs are to beat that monster." Drake settled.


