It was a cool fall night as an older girl walked home after watching a movie. She wore a lilac jacket over a blue turtleneck and lose jeans. She had snuck out of a wedding her parents had planed for a rich couple. The girl hated weddings with a passion and she was the daughter of a pair of wedding planners. She sighed as she walked under the full moon’s light towards home to be yelled at by her mother for ditching the wedding. She rolled her blue eyes. She hated weddings so why did she have to go to them?

What the girl didn’t know was that she was being fallowed down the street by a man with piercing red eyes. He smelled her blood under her veins. She had sweet smelling blood meaning she was untainted. A virgin and a pretty one. He licked his lips at the thought of such a rare treat for him. He fallowed her silently.

The girl got the feeling she was being fallowed and looked back to see if she was. Her follower hid in the shadows. “I have got to stop watching horror movies” she said softly before turning back and walking again. Her pursuer smirked so she was into horror movies. Good because she would be staring one in a few minutes.

She stopped on a corner to let a car go by. He smirked perfect timing. He went up behind the small girl as she stood there. He grabbed her and covered her mouth. “Such a sweet smell coming from you I am shocked you haven’t been tainted.” he said in a dark voice. He then smirked “But that is easy to remedy” he then forced her into a nearby ally. She tried to break his grip on her but he was far stronger then her. “Don’t fight it sweetness soon you will be better then you are.” he said as she struggled in his grip.

He then pinned her to a wall smirking as she kept fighting to break free. He pulled down the neck of her turtleneck to show her jugular. He then opened his mouth wide. She had turned her head during her attempts to break free and she screamed at the sight of his fangs. He didn’t care as he bit down on her neck. She screamed even louder as he bit down. He smiled her blood was sweet and full of her fear.

She felt dizzy after a few minutes of him sucking on her. She had closed her eyes as soon as his fangs broke her skin. She tried one last time to break free but he smirked more knowing how weak she was now. He then got hit by a figure dressed in black making him tear her throat open more. She cried out weakly as he let her drop to the ground.

The figure was not alone. With them was a woman dressed in a red shirt and black mini skirt with matching black shoes over red tights and a big man dressed in a trench coat. “So praying on the weak? Why does that not surprise me Victor?” said the one who had attacked her attacker. It was a young man by the voice.

“So what does it matter to you Larry. She was fair game alone and innocent.” said Victor coldly.

“She was probly just walking home” Larry growled. He couldn’t stand Victor and his habit of attacking the weak.

The woman knelt down next to the girl lying on the ground and checked her. “Dam she is still alive. This girl is one hell of a fighter.” she said her voice soft but firm. She gently stroked the bleeding girl’s hair. “We still have the chance to save her.” The big guy picked her up and was shocked at how light she really was.

“Larry we have got to go now” said the big guy. “She needs a lot of help.” Larry nodded and they left. Victor was enraged to know his meal was getting away and went after Larry and his friends to get her back.

Larry saw him coming on fast “Go take her to the haven I will deal with Victor.” he said to the others. “Autumn take good care of this little one.” They kept going while he stood in Victor’s way. “You have done enough damage to that girl.”

“Not even a beauty like her and she is untainted is my rarest treat then again you drink out of a bag these days don’t you Larry. Whats the matter you went good after meeting that girl Samantha. She was a good meal for me. To bad she died before I could find her to feed off of again.”

Larry growled and then took out a small gun. “This is for that girl you just attacked.” he then shot Victor in the heart with a bullet made from a melted silver cross dipped in holly water. “They were innocents who you attacked with only yourself in mind.” he said as Victor turned to dust. He then left.

He arrived at the haven. It was an old mansion on the outskirts of the city. It was rather old and run down looking on the outside but looks were deceiving. He went inside and the place was alive with activity and warmth. The haven was his home he lived here with 3 other vampires. Jack, Autumn and a little girl vampire who he never could remember her name.

In the lighting of the haven it could be seen that he was fairly young looking. He had blue eyes and short messy black hair. He wore a black hooded sweatshirt and jeans with black sneakers. He looked like a normal guy to the world.

His friends came to him “We managed to stabilize her but she is too drained of blood.” said Autumn “She is fighting it but death is ready to take her.”

“She is something else Larry. It has been a long time since we met a human with such a fighting spirit.” said the big guy.

“I know it has Jack. She is a stronger soul then it would seem.” said Larry he sighed thinking about how she must have been fighting to get lose. Jack was a tall Irish young man with intense gray eyes and fiery red heir that he kept cut short. Jack wore gray sweater and blue jeans with gray shoes

“What should we do Larry. It is obvious she wants to live but to turn her would make her like us.” said Autumn. “She fought so hard to get away from him she won’t be a feeder willingly.” She had long black hair pulled into a high ponytail and her eyes were green. She wore a red shirt, black mini skirt and black shoes.

“Looks like I will have someone to drink from a bag with.” He felt she would bring them something new and they could use a change. “Autumn can you turn her” he asked “I can’t turn someone it might make me relapse” He drank out of a bag after losing his lover three years before.

“Yes I can and I will I best do it now before she give up the fight.” She walked to the room where they had put the girl. She was laying on the bed her neck bandaged up breathing seemed painful for her. Autumn then remembered her throat had been torn open when Larry hit Victor. “Poor little sister. You will be okay in a few minutes.” she then took off the bandages. She winced at the damage done to the poor girl’s throat. She then bit down where Victor did but was very careful not to make it worse. She mixed some of her spirit with the girls weakening one.

She soon felt the girl’s soul changing under her fangs. She rubbed the girl’s hair remembering that something to comfort her would help with the change. She removed her fangs and said “I know this feeling little one.” she wondered what the girl’s name was. That was when she saw the lilac Jacket she had been wearing when attacked hanging on a hook near the door. She felt around in its pockets until she found a wallet. She took it out and felt a grin on her face. This girl liked the color blue it would seem. The fabric wallet was blue with a single purple flower on it. “You are different but I feel you are going to bring us our sunshine again.” Autumn the opened it and saw a student id belonging to the girl in the clear pocket in the front. “Francina Marie Morris. Morris that is the same name as Samantha had.” she touched Fran’s forehead “You know you sort of look like her. She had pretty straight brown hair like you except you have more body to your hair.”

“How is she” asked a voice. She looked up to see Jack.

“She’ll survive but don’t you think she looks a bit like Samantha.” said Autumn.

“Yah she does look a lot like Samantha. Just change her hair and they could pass for the same girl.” said Jack sitting down next to Autumn. “She though is not going to be lost to Victor. Larry took care of him for attacking this girl and revenge for Samantha.” He looked carefully at Fran and smiled seeing her sleeping peacefully now. She would bear the scars forever but she was among those who knew her pain.

“We best let her rest right now” said Autumn getting up. He fallowed her into the hall and saw Larry coming up it in his quiet way. In the light it was easy to tell he was worried in his way. “It is all right Larry she is sleeping now.” Autumn calmly said to him.

“Good.” He said.

“Larry I have to say this though she looks just like Samantha. she isn’t her.” said Jack knowing Larry best. “She is a different girl and most likely nothing like her except for their looks.”

Larry looked away from his older siblings of sorts. They knew his mind better then he did sometimes. Jack was better at it though. Larry was turned by Jack 50 years before on Halloween when he had seen the boy get hit by a car. Jack and Larry were like brothers and when they found Autumn wondering around after being turned they took her into the family.

Larry sighed “I know but they might be related I have to know” He had a knack for sensing these things. He went into the room and touched her forehead “You aren’t Sam I know that but you do look like she did. She loved bright colors too.” He saw the power of the vampiric genes fixing the damage to her throat but he could tell it would scar “I am so sorry Fran.” he felt himself start to cry thinking how he had caused the scar.

A small pale hand touched his. He looked and saw tired blue eyes staring at him “You did what you had to” her voice it was raspy but kind. “I don’t blame you”

“Thank you but how are you awake. I was asleep for two days after being well you get my drift.”

“You got me” she said before coughing a bit. “Hurt like a bitch but I know I am safe with you” He felt a smile on his lips. “You look a lot better with that smile on your face” He looked at her she had such a warm hearted spirit.

“You look like a dear friend of mine when I saw Victor attacking you I flashed to the night I lost Samantha. I made him tear your neck like that”

“You just were trying to undo what he did. I don’t blame you” she said sitting up and leaning against him lightly. “You didn’t know that it would cause tearing on my throat.”

“You are very forgiving aren’t you Fran” he said “Sam was not”

“She was a fool. It is better to forgive then let it simmer.” She then sighed closing her blue green eyes. “I am exhausted but I want to talk with you.”

“I understand you have questions. I will answer them when your feeling more awake okay Fran” She nodded smiling before going back to sleep against him. He took a deep breath taking in her smell. He needed to know where she was and her smell was what he needed to know her location. She smelled like cinnamon and vanilla. “Spicy yet sweet. I have a feeling that you are going to keep us on our toes.”

“I have to admit I didn’t think she would wake up so soon. Something about you made her wake up.” said a voice at the door. Larry turned to see Jack standing there with a mug of tea. “She smells like cinnamon and vanilla. I think she will be perfect for this family. Larry I am going to ask Autumn to marry me tomorrow during the meteor shower.”

“Who knew you are a closet romantic Jack. Yah she is interesting but don’t get any ideas.” said Larry. He looked at her. She now was resting easy her hair was in her face but Larry moved it gently so as not to wake her up again. She smiled a closed lipped smile and snuggled closer to his hand. He had to admit she was so cute

“Seems you do like her Larry. It isn’t a bad thing to go on with your afterlife you know”

Larry growled his fangs showing “I am fine with how my afterlife is Jack.”

“Sigh you’re as stubborn as a mule” Jack left the room and smiled closing the door. Larry didn’t know that his true love was Fran if she woke up to comfort him when she was the one who would need it soon.

Autumn leaned across the hall. “She is his mate isn’t she?”

“I know she is his soul mate and I must admit she seems a good match for him. He doesn’t know he smells like chocolate and peppermint”

“Sweet yet strong for his girl. A good smell it means he is sweet and able to protect her. They will work out together. She will break Larry’s wall down and touch his heart. He is so stubborn though she has her work cut out for her.” They went to their rooms which were down the hall.

Later that day during a thunderstorm Fran’s door opened to show a young girl wearing a worn nighty. She was surprised to see a new girl in the room. She was about to leave when Fran spoke gently “Are you okay” She had woken up again feeling a lot better.

“Just scared of the storm” she said softly thinking she would be told to go back to bed. All the others told her that. She was only five years old her turning had been accidental.

“Come here I understand.” she said gently holding the sheet up so the girl could climb in. The little girl smiled and climbed into the bed with the other vampire. “Whats your name sweetie”

“Haley” she said yawning and snuggling into Fran. She soon was asleep. Fran smiled and kissed her forehead.

“I’ll protect you Haley I promise.” she whispered before falling back to sleep her arms around the little girl.

The next night just after the sun set the mansion came to life and they found Haley’s bed empty. They rushed to find the girl fearing she had gone into the sun. It would blind the child forever. Jack, Larry and Autumn decided to check on Fran just to make sure she was were she belonged. They all smiled at the sight of the two sleeping girls. Haley had found someone to hold her when she was scared. They grinned. Fran it seemed could feel things better then they could.

“You guys wake her up and I skin you” she said opening an eye at them. They groaned. How did she do that? Fran carefully sat up not waking up Haley. “I just am a light sleeper.” She smiled her closed lipped smile at Haley who cuddled up closer.

Haley yawned and started to wake up. “Hey there thanks for letting me stay here.”

“Anytime kiddo I don’t mind. You sleep okay in here?”

“Yes thank you Miss?”

“Call me Franny Haley.” she said fluffing up that brown mop of hair on her head.

“Come on Haley lets leave Larry and her alone and go get breakfast okay pumpkin” said Autumn with a smile.

“Okay be back soon Franny” she waved and left with the older female vampire.

“She is a great kid I can tell” said Fran warmly as they left.

“I better go last time I left those two alone in the kitchen it looked like a bomb went off in there” said Jack leaving fast.

“I have a feeling he wasn’t joking was he” Larry sighed but had to admit Fran was different.

“No he wasn‘t it was a disaster it took us half the night clean it up.” he said. She giggled at that one.

“Well now you have me to help with that. Now would you mind filling me in on some things about being a vampire?”

“Sure Franny.” he said. Before he knew what was going on she grabbed his wrist and gave it a painful twist.

“Now I am only going to tell you this once. Only Haley is allowed to call me Franny. Got it” she said firmly.

“Yes now let go” he hissed and she released him.

“Good because I hate to see that pretty face contorted in pain” she had an evil side to her it would seem.

“Well it seems you get strong when annoyed” he hissed rubbing where she had grabbed him. “We will have to note that. Well the basics are simple we drink blood about once a week depending, we can eat normal food and the sun won’t kill us it just blinds us. The only thing that can kill us is crosses and holy water.” He said getting back on track. “I have a gun made by a friend that fires holy bullets. I use it on vampires gone bad. I prey never to use it on you”

“Don’t worry I have to much to lose by going bad. Haley needs a big sister who knows what is going on in her head.” said Fran moving her brown hair off her face.

“That is true you do seem to know how to make a little kid happy. why is that?”

“You never had to make a flower girl smile or make a ring bearer behave himself. Being the daughter of wedding planners I had to deal with the kids in the wedding party.”

“That sounds hard” he said as he got up.

“Trust me I hated dealing the spoiled kids and don’t ever get me started on the brides. Some of them were monsters.” she got up to but nearly fell down her balance was still fixing itself. Larry caught her as she started to fall.

“You will find your balance after your first dose of blood I drink out of a pouch they drink it fresh from the butchers shop.”

“That sounds so gross” she said shivering. He nodded.

“I think so too so you will be joining Haley and me with the pouch. You will get used to the taste.” he said as he helped her down the stairs. Haley was sitting on the counter waiting for them.

“Hey guys” she said with a smile. “Jack set out our blood.”

“Good Fran needs it to help her balance out” said Larry getting the three pouches of blood “Oh type O- this is the best” he said handing them theirs. Fran copied his way of drinking it threw a straw.

‘This isn’t that bad a bit tart but still good.’ she thought as she drank her blood. She also was looking around the kitchen. It was a warm inviting kitchen with soft blue paint and sunny yellow cabinets. The countertops were made of tan stone with a shiny finish to make it smooth.

“Franny why is your neck like that” asked Haley pointing to the scars on Fran’s neck.

“It was an accident when I was attacked Haley please don’t mention them okay” said Fran returning to her drink. Larry smiled his fangs showing in the kitchen light.

“So Fran what kind of cereal do you like” Larry asked from where he had gotten down three bowls. “Remember I told you we eat normal food.”

“Got any corn checks” asked Fran.

“Rice Checks man I never get what people see in these things” he said taking out a box of Rice Checks, a box of cheerios and a box Coco Puffs. He poured them into the bowls and gave the two girls theirs. Turned out the cheerios were for Haley. “What?” he asked when Fran raised an eyebrow.

“I thought you would like a more adult cereal” she said before munching on hers. “Haley has more grown up taste then you do” She had a smirk on her pale face.

“Brat” he said before getting his face shoved into his food by none other the Autumn. She had come in just as he called Fran a brat.

“Now Now it isn’t nice to tease people you two” said Jack from the door frame. He had in his hand a bag of clothes. “Here Fran figured you would like something to change into.” He handed the bag to her. “Just odds and ends from the thrift store hope you don‘t mind.”

“Thanks guys. I love thrift store clothes you can get a lot for the same price. Autumn you might want to let Larry out of the bowl now before he hurts you.” Autumn realized Fran was right and let him go.

“Autumn you bitch” yell Larry. Fran covered Haley’s ears as he cursed out Autumn. Once he was done she removed them.

“Watch your mouth Larry there is a child present” said Fran coldly to him. She seemed like she was ready to smack him.

“So what who cares.” he said before she put him into a submission hold.

“I was caught off guard last night punk. Want to see what I can do in a fair fight?” she said coldly. He shivered at her words and the tone she used.

“No sorry Fran” she released him smirking.

“Note to self never make Fran mad” said Autumn as she looked around the lower cabinets. “I know I left the picnic blanket around here somewhere.”

“Picnic blanket?” asked Fran. Being as she was the very new member of the family she didn’t know every thing about the family or is plans.

“There is a meteor shower later tonight we all are going to watch it” said Jack with a smile. “It is so pretty and humans never seem to notice it.”

“I do I love watching meteor showers I always would ditch the wedding to watch them if the sky was clear” said Fran. Haley giggled then tried to get away before Autumn noticed her messy hair.

“Oh no you don’t little one we are going to brush that hair even if I have to tie you up to do it.” said Autumn. The girl took off Autumn hot on her trail.

“he-he-he” Fran laughed as they ran around the kitchen “Haley come here” she said Haley ran to her and Fran sat her down firmly. “Haley I am going to brush your hair understand then we can pull it into a nice set of Pig tails” Haley nodded she loved pigtails not a pony tail like Autumn always put her hair in.

Fran took the brush and brushed out Haley’s hair and put it in neat pigtails “There we go Haley how does that look”

“They look like when my mommy made them” she said smiling at Fran. Fran smiled back at her the closed lipped smile though bugged Larry.

“Why are you smiling like that with your lips closed? We don’t care that you have fangs” he yelled at Fran.

“If you must know Larry I have always smiled like this. I have teeth missing that made my top two front teeth look bigger then they are.” she said looking down. “The kids teased me about my teeth so much I started to smile with my lips closed”

“I like your smile Franny” said Haley as she got out of her chair. “Can I brush your hair Franny?” She looked up at Fran with hope in her little purple eyes.

“No Haley I am just going to brush it my way then put it into a ponytail.” She did just that brushing the underside first then flipping it back and brushing it again. She then using an elastic band in her jeans pocket tied her hair back. “There we go” she said smiling. She then looked threw the clothing turtle necks, jeans, bras and panties those were new, and a few nightgowns. They had even gotten her a pair of slippers. “You guys are great these are just what I would have picked out well except for the under wire bras”

“Told you she wouldn’t go for under wire bras” said Jack to Autumn. Fran blushed a guy had known what kind of bra she wouldn’t like.

“True sorry Fran I thought under wire would work better with your figure” said Autumn. Fran blushed she couldn’t help her rather male figure but under wire was to annoying for her.

“I am going to go get changed. I just want to burn these things I have on I just never want to see them again.” They nodded understanding nobody would want to keep the clothes she wore when attacked. Haley got up and went to get her clothes. she could dress herself.

Fran came back ten minutes later dressed in a purple turtleneck sweater and jeans. She had pulled on a pair of black and white sneakers she had found in the hall closet. “Larry your old sneakers fit her fine it would seem.” said Jack with a chuckle.

“That explains the smell” said Fran with a laugh. Larry glared at Fran for her comment only to find her ignoring him. She had taken up the search for the picnic blanket with Autumn.

“Found it” said Fran finding it tucked in the cabinet next to the fridge. Autumn smiled at her grateful everyone but Larry loved Fran.

“Thanks Fran. I would have gone and grabbed my quilt for us to use on the lawn” said Autumn with a smile.

That was when in came Haley dressed in a cute pink sweatshirt and jeans. She smiled up at Fran who giggled. “You are just to adorable Haley” Haley giggled as Fran picked her up and swung her around a little then put her down.

“You’re a lot stronger then you look Fran.” said Jack. “Guess your vampire genes enhance what you already had.”

“Maybe but then again I was always stronger then most would think.” she said smiling at the others.

Larry finally had enough of the bonding time with his new family member and left the kitchen to go to his one haven in the haven. He went to the library to find something to do before he hurt someone. Fran had already stolen his family’s hearts. He couldn’t figure out how she was brash and rude with him. But it seemed like she was also soft and kind. He saw how she handled Haley with the love of a big sister. She joked playfully with Jack like a sister would with a brother and well with Autumn she treated her like a mother.

So why did she have to beat him up? Was she mad about him leaving her scarred up. No the night before she had told him that she didn’t hold a grudge. So why did she hate him? Suddenly he heard an annoyed growl from outside the door. He looked out to see Jack trying to tie a bowtie. He now wore a nice tux.

“Dam it how is this so hard. The Diagram makes it look so easy” he heard Jack muttering. He was about to tell him to use his clip on when his nose was hit by vanilla and cinnamon. Fran came into view and he felt his breath hitch. She looked so calm right then.

“Fran help me this diagram is confusing.” Fran rolled her eyes but went over to him.

“You don’t need a diagram you need a woman” she did a perfect bow tie with ease. “I have done enough of these over the years. Being the daughter of wedding planners you learn all kinds of things” she said. Larry felt annoyed that Jack got her good attention.

“Thanks Fran you’re an afterlife saver” Jack said with a grin at the smaller vampire. Fran only came to his shoulder at her full height.

“Don’t screw up tonight okay” she said. At his face’s surprised look she rolled her eyes. “I grew up around weddings. I know there are only five things a guy will dress up willingly for. His prom, a funeral, a friends wedding, asking the girl of his dreams to marry him and his wedding day.” She smirked at him now “And seeing as you aren’t doing four out of five it is obvious you are going to be asking Autumn to marry you.”

He smiled then felt dark eyes glaring at him. He then saw Larry looking out of the library with murder on his face. He shook his head that boy was so jealous and all Fran was doing was talking to him and giving him positive attention. He had to admit it was funny watching Larry get beaten up by Fran. She had a fiery temper when it came to Larry.

“Hey Fran could you put a jacket on Haley it is pretty cold outside and the shower will be starting in a few minutes” said Jack as the clock struck the hour.

“Sure no problem” she said with her smile. Dam it that smile made Larry feel funny inside when he saw it. Fran then went to find Haley.

“You know you could just be nice to her. She does like you to some degree” said Jack with a smirk he stood over Larry in the door frame.

“No way would I be nice to her that would be treason to Samantha’s memory.” said Larry before storming off. Jack sighed so he was still hung up on a girl who had been dead for three years now. Fran was still here and very vibrant.

He went to find Larry and when he did he had to hold in a laugh. Larry was watching as Fran got Haley to put on her jacket. “You are just to stubborn to except that Sam is gone. Has been for three years now.” he said to his childe. “She isn’t coming back Larry. She is gone. Time to except it.”

“No I can’t” he said firmly. He looked back to find Fran was now pulling on the jacket they had gotten to replace her blood stained one. She wore a dark blue Jacket that fitted just right over a turtleneck or any other kind of sweater. Autumn and Jack had picked a nice one for her the dark blue worked with her eyes.

“Why can’t you Larry? Is it because if you let go of her you might fall in love with someone?” said Jack. Larry spun around on him his eyes glowing blood red.

“Stay out of it.” he yelled at Jack. “What I do is my business”

“What is going on out here” said Fran coming out of the coat room. She looked at him her blue eyes widening as she saw the red eyes. She backed away and closed the door of the coat room.

“Great now you have scared Fran. She is terrified of red eyes thanks to Victor attacking her.” said Jack “Calm down but it would be good for you to try moving on.”

Larry didn’t want to calm down but seeing the fear in Fran’s eyes and smelling it wafting off her made him feel bad. He took a deep breath in and then let it out calming down after doing this a few times. He then opened his eyes to show they were brown again.

“Go outside Larry your sweater will be enough for you” Jack said gently shooing him away. Larry nodded and went to the back yard where Autumn was sitting with their friends Linka and Jeffery a lovely young couple of vampires that had the house across the street. Linka was of Latin decent with shiny silver eyes and short black hair. Jeffery had black hair that he spiked up and red eyes all the time it was his way of standing out in the community.

“Hey Jeffery do you think you could shift to your other eye color our newest family member is scared of red eyes.” said Larry sitting down on the blanket. Jeffery nodded and changed his eye color to green. Linka giggled she loved him with his eyes either way. They both wore jeans and cozy shirts under jackets.

Fran and Haley came out just in time to see the first star fall. This amazed Haley and the soft smile it put on Fran’s face made Larry glad he couldn’t blush anymore. Jeffery smiled at Fran taking in her looks just change her hair and eyes and she would pass for Linka.

Fran had Haley on her lap as she sat down “The sky is full of wonders Haley never forget that” Haley giggled at that one then they heard something in the bushes. Haley took a sniff and smiled.

“What is it Haley?” asked Fran as a boy the same age as Haley peaked out at them. He had messy blond hair that looked like it needed a good wash and blue eyes. He wore a ratty old jean Jacket and jeans that needed to be washed.

“Teddy I am happy you could come” said Haley bounding over to the boy. He laughed as she hugged him but Fran could see a burn mark on his hand and other small injuries that were not from accidents. She sighed she had seen it once before and had lost her nearly identical older sister to it. She gently went over to Teddy and Haley and knelt down to their level.

“Teddy is you hand alright I noticed you have a burn on it” she said gently. He looked away or at least that was what he wanted to do but Fran was so gentle that he couldn’t turn away from her soft blue eyes.

“I touched a hot pot on the stove” he lied. Fran sighed knowing it was a lie

“Lets go get you some aloe for that. It is a great remedy for burns.” she said. He nodded going inside with her. Fran took him the kitchen and found an aloe plant growing on the window sill. “This remedy is easy to get. Watch” said Fran breaking off a leaf and squeezing out the sap. “Aloe is great for burns and small cuts. It is a natural trick to fix a burn” she rubbed the sap on his burn. “There we go that feel any better?”

“Yes” he said with a small smile on his face. Fran smiled at him then realized what was going on outside.

“Come on Teddy the shower is starting.” she said he nodded and they ran for it making it to see the show as it got going. They laid down watching the stars above them. Fran was next to Larry and Teddy was next to Haley. They watched the stars falling and Fran smiled not realizing her hand gripping onto Larry’s hand. Linka and Jeffery did though and chuckled at that one. Those two were fighting fate. They wouldn’t win this battle and in the end it was how that was meant to be.

The door opened to show Jack in a tux looking ready to run for the hills. Fran rolled her eyes “Why do they always look ready to run for it” she muttered as he went to Autumn who looked surprised by this.

He knelt down on one knee and took out a small box. Fran and Linka giggled being women they knew what was going on. Larry smirked the guy was ready to lose his nerve. “Autumn I know this is sudden but umm will you marry a dope like me” he asked. “It would make me the happiest guy on the Earth” Fran and Linka both went awe.

“Of course you moron I have been hoping you would ask me since our first kiss” She said with a smile her fangs tucked in because of Teddy. Jack nearly wet himself with happiness as he took out a beautifully simple ruby ring and slipped it onto Autumn’s finger.

Fran smiled “That was possibly the best proposal I have ever seen in my life. Trust me Jack you’re the first one not to faint, chicken out or lose the ring.” That got a laugh from everyone even though Linka and Neville didn’t know her history.

“Gee thanks a lot Jack now you made the rest of us look bad.” said Neville.

“Neville asked me to marry him while having a tent stake removed from his hand” said Linka with a laugh “His father was so mad at him for not being more romantic. His mother still makes fun of him for it.”

“That tops the guy slipping the ring into the girl’s drink story.” said Fran laughing. “She actually swallowed the ring.”

“That is wild” said Linka “Hey you two going out?” She was looking at Fran and Larry’s hands. Fran yanked her hand away from Larry’s as though it burned.

“The day I date this pig headed jerk is the day it snows popcorn in December” Fran said stubbornly. Larry chuckled at that one. He had to admit she could make an insult about him funny even to him. Then he remembered she had just insulted him.

“I am not a pigheaded jerk” he said to her. Fran was now ignoring him having returned to star gazing. Haley and Teddy moved to sit on either side of her making her look like a big sister with her younger siblings. How could she look so angelic with the kids next to her? She smiled up at the stars and he noticed she had a distant look in her eyes. Her mind was some place far away. He wondered where her mind was.

Later after the shower Fran offered to walk Teddy home. He nodded taking her hand and smiled up at her. Fran seemed so kind and gentle with him. She went inside and came out with the Aloe plant and gave a look at Autumn who nodded. “This way you can treat your burn at home” she said. He nodded liking Fran more and more. She smiled at him sadly knowing his fate if she didn’t help him. “Autumn can I talk with you and Jack in private for a minute” they nodded and went inside leaving the kids with Larry.

“What is it Fran?” asked Autumn. She was still excited that she had finally snared Jack.

“I am worried about Teddy. He is not in great shape considering he is burned and cut up. I might not be the sharpest tool in the shed but even I know abuse when I see it”

“We can’t assume Fran.” said Jack before she grabbed him in a choke hold.

“You never have been on the receiving end of abuse. So never assume I can’t see the signs” she then left them standing there.

She then went outside to Teddy who was now playing with Larry and Haley. It was just a simple game of tag. She giggled at how Larry pouted when tagged.

“Told you that you act like a kid.” Teddy smiled at her as she teased Larry. He could see they had love for each other even at his age. “Ready to go Teddy?” she asked him gently holding out her hand. He nodded and took her hand. She walked with him around to the front yard. She then walked with him down the side walk when Larry called out.

“Wait we will walk with you” Haley holding his hand in her tiny one. They caught up to Fran and Teddy. Fran moved so Teddy would be on the inside of the sidewalk and not next to the flow of traffic. Haley took his hand as they walked making them look like twins walking with their parents.

They arrived at Teddy’s place and Fran’s eyes tinged red at the sight of all the beer bottles around some of which were broken. Larry could understand why she was worried about the boy this was not a good environment for a little boy to be in.

They knocked and a big man who stunk of beer opened it. Fran felt Teddy shiver “Sorry to bother you sir we just walked Teddy home after he had dinner with our family I hope that is okay” she said politely to him. He just grunted and Teddy went inside. Before the door slammed Fran silently promised to come back for him even if it meant going blind. She wouldn’t lose Teddy like she had lost Samantha.

They walked back home then but Fran was on edge. “That is no place for a child to be especially for a kid as young and fragile as Teddy” she said to Larry as they walked. Haley was asleep in Larry’s arms.

“Agreed Fran. He is such a great kid. nobody his age or any other should live there.” He said as they arrived at home. He took Haley up to bed and Fran went to find a good book to read. She knew she wouldn’t sleep from worry about Teddy.

Hours later she woke up in the library with a blanket over her she must have dosed off in while reading and someone had covered her up. She didn’t really care she had just felt a jolt of pain in her arm. She shot out of the house like a bat out of hell. Autumn and the others looked at her form as she ran and then it hit Larry “Oh no Teddy” he yelled fallowing her. Jack realized what was happening. Fran had promised Teddy that she would protect him. She knew he needed her now and was running to his aid.

“Autumn stay here with Haley. She doesn’t need to see this if it is really bad” he said to her. Autumn nodded and went to get the new medical room ready just incase.

Fran arrived first and the smell of fresh blood hit her hard “Teddy please be alive” she said kicking in the front door. Larry was shocked at how she got so strong when worried or upset. He knew she could kick his ass if she needed to.

She went in and found Teddy’s father kicking the boy with metal toed boots repeatedly. Fran’s eyes turned to blood red. Larry was surprised though by the fierceness Fran showed the man. She grabbed him and yanked him away from Teddy “You rank bastard. Does it make you feel like a big man beating up a five year old boy.” she then kicked him right in the balls before giving the man a beating like nobody’s business. Larry almost felt pity for the man. Almost.

He went to Teddy the boy was alive but his wounds were fatal. He could see that the boy’s ribs were broken and he had tons of broken glass in his cuts. Broken bottles were the source of that. He sighed before looking at Fran as she delivered a fatal blow to the bastard. “Fran he is dying”

She turned and knelt down. Her eyes quickly returned to blue. “No he is to young for that fate” she said gently stroking his hair. Teddy opened scared violet eyes. “Hey there Trooper you hold on now you hear me”

“You cam…” he said weakly as she nodded.

“I swore I would I knew what was happening Teddy. I shouldn’t have brought you back here” Just then Jack came in and saw them near the dying boy. He knew Teddy was going to die and he knew Fran had fallen in love with him the same way she had with Haley.

“I can save him Fran.” He said gently “Would you be willing to help him learn as you learn?”

“I would do anything for him or for Haley. Children shouldn’t know this kind of life.” He nodded and picked up the boy.

“Teddy I want you to close your eyes okay the pain will be gone when you wake up” The boy closed his eyes as Fran held his hand. He knew they were going to take good care of him. He felt a pain in his neck then sweet bliss.

After turning the small boy Jack handed him to Fran. “Dang he is way to light for his age” she said moving him so slightly for a better hold on the sleeping boy. “We can take the dam glass out of his body at the house. Larry can you take him? I have something to do.” she said. Larry nodded and took the newest member of the family.

“What are you going to do finish beating the bastard to death.” Larry asked her. Jack looked surprised that Fran had beaten the guy to the point that he was at.

“Try burning this place to the ground” she said “The spilled beer will help with that” The others smirked at her. Fran could be a bitch when she wanted to be. “Meet you back in the house when done.” they nodded and left her to her own devices. She went threw the house and found Teddy’s room was a closet with a ratty old blanket in it. That made her mad but she went to the kitchen and lit an old news paper on the stove and went to the back door and threw it on the ground in a puddle of beer leaving the stove on. She then took off for home.

She arrive at the mansion with the blanket which looked hand made with love. She decided to fix it up for him. She went inside the back way and found them by fallowing the smell of blood and beer that covered Teddy’s own scent. Autumn was carefully picking out glass shards from Teddy’s body with a pair of tweezers.

“Poor little guy” she said as Fran sat down beside her helping with the removal of the glass. “He is just a baby and already knows how cruel the world can be” she said.

Fran nodded quietly “You are safe now Trooper” she said to the boy.

“Trooper nice nick name Fran” she said as they pulled out the last of the glass.

“He is a little Trooper to still smile after all his wounds” she said gently stroking his hair. “Though once he is stronger he is getting a bath” she said.

“Agreed a good bath after his first drink. looks like you and Larry will have another one drinking out of the pouch gross.”

“Don’t knock it till you try it.” said Fran with a smile at her. “So how shocked where you when Jack asked you to marry him earlier.”

“I was so shocked but he was so romantic. I thought for sure he wouldn’t go on one knee in a tux with everyone there” she said looking at the ring. “I thought he would go for a diamond but he knew I wanted something different” she smiled.

“If any guy ever asks me to marry him I hope he is aware of how over done a diamond is. I love sapphires.”

“Ah a water stone lover very pretty but very different. Linka has an emerald in her ring Jeffery had to be different there. Though I had to laugh at how he popped the question while her dad pulled a tent stake out his hand.”

“Yah that is different but better then having to have the engagement ring barfed up.” said Fran “That had to be awkward”

“True that does sound odd. Hey Fran. Larry said you went nuts when you saw that guy hurting Teddy.”

“I did. I have always had a temper on me. When I saw how he was just kicking Teddy for no real reason at all I just lost control. I relived the night I saw my uncle kill my sister in my head. I couldn’t let Teddy have that fate”

“Fran, you couldn‘t stop it then but you brought Teddy to the safety of a loving family.” She saw sadness in Fran’s eyes and knew she still was hung up on losing Samantha. Larry missed Samantha as well but Fran was haunted by it. She was haunted by the memory of watching her big sister die at the hands of a man should never have laid his hands on her.

“Don’t tell Larry about me and Sam being sisters please” she said to the older vampire. “It would kill him to know I was there that day and saw what happened to Samantha.” Autumn nodded understandingly.

“You care for him on some level don’t you Fran. Or else you would not be worried about his feelings.”

“I do care for him its just he gets on my nerves.” she said “Every time I think I might be seeing a nicer side he does something to mess it up. Only time I have ever seen him being really nice was when we walked Teddy home and came back.”

“Larry has a troubled history of his own. He is scared of letting someone into his world. He loved your sister deeply and still can’t move on even though Samantha has been dead so long.” Fran nodded gently smiling at her. “Come on time for bed for us. He will be out for a while.”

Fran nodded and headed to her room and changed into a big tee shirt and pajama pants. She removed her ponytail and closed the blinds. She turned on a light before sitting down on her bed and looking at Teddy’s blanket. She could feel the love that had been put into making it. She sighed knowing he would want this back. She found a needle and some thread in a drawer. She spent most of the day fixing the blanket up repairing tears and other parts of it. She fell asleep sewing.