I tried to downplay its importance and hide the panic attack I was having. "Sure, it's no big deal."
"Of course it is. You are going to meet your boyfriend's parents!"
"You are supposed to make me feel better-not worse!" I whined.
"That's not what I meant. I meant it is exciting."
I felt tears welling. Any minute my eyeliner was going to bleed down to my shoes.
"No- it's a make-it-or-break-it night. I'm not like them."
"Why do you have to be like them? You are you." My mom smiled.
"The Sterlings have royal blood. Alexander's grandmother was a baroness. I'm sure they've dined with kings, queens, and noblemen. They live in mansions! They are fromRomania . I'm from Dullsville." I plopped down on my bed.
"Just relax."
"How can I relax? You have no idea what it's like."
"You don't think I do?" she asked, sitting down next to me. "Your father and I were both hippies, remember? Our parents were ultraconservative. When I first met Grandma Madison, I was in a tank top and cutoffs. I'm surprised she ever let me in her house again."
"Really?"
"It's normal to be nervous. Think of how Alexander feels. He wants you to like them, too," "You think he's anxious, too?"
"Of course he is. He probably thinks his parents will embarrass him, just like you think we will."
I felt relieved knowing that I wasn't carrying the entire burden of our meeting.
"I'm sure as soon as the Sterlings meet you," my mom continued, "they'lllove you like I do."
"You have to love me; you're my mother," I rolled my eyes.
"Let's see what you chose to wear."
"Are you kidding? Becky and I already decided on it. I can't go back now."
"I'm sure you chose something appropriate. I'll go downstairs until you're ready," I retouched, rebrushed , and fussed until my Edward Scissorhands clock flashed, "You're late!"
I flew down the stairs to find my family hanging out in front of the TV. I modeled my outfit.
"Shouldn't you wear somethingmore.,.conservative ?" my mother asked. "How about a pretty knit sweater?"
I ignored my mother's remarks.
"You look wonderful," my dad said.
"I think she looks awesome," I heard Henry say to Billy Boy.
"I think I'm going to hurl," my brother retorted.
I hugged my parents exceptionally hard. I was going to be dining with adult vampires. Who knows-I might lever come back.
A few minutes later our doorbell rang.
I was too nervous to answer, so Billy Boy opened the door.
"One moment," he said in his politest voice. "Raven- it's for you."
I took a deep breath and started for the door. Jameson stood before me, complete in his butler's uniform and gloves. "Miss Raven, your car awaits you."
My mom winked and my dad gave me a thumbs-up.
As Jameson and I walked down the driveway, I glanced back. Billy Boy and Henry were spying through the front window. Then two more heads popped into view-former hippies Paul and Sarah Madison.
Jameson led me to the parked Mercedes and kindly opened the back door.
My parents were impressed with my chauffeur and gothic limo service, even if the chauffeur was unusually creepy.
12
ROYAL BLOOD
It seemed as if it took an hour for Jameson to drive me to the Mansion. I was afraid by the time we reached its gates, dinner would be stone cold.
We parked in front of theMansion, It was quite the celestial sight. Candles flickered inside the house like a festive holiday party.
Jameson opened the car door for me.
I reached the top of the crumbling stairs, and, as if on cue, the front door creaked open. On the other side were the first adult vampires I would ever meet. At first I didn't see anyone.Then out stepped Alexander, stunning in an oversized blue silk shirt and black jeans.
"Wow! You are beautiful." He offered his hand to me and kissed me on the cheek.
Somber violin music faintly filled the Mansion.A pewter umbrella stand containing at least half a dozen parasols sat by the front door.
"Miss Raven is here," Jameson called to the second floor, and retreated to the kitchen.
"My mom takes forever."
The Mansion's air was unusually chilly, and I was shivering.
"Are you nervous?"
"Petrified.And cold."
"My mom likes the thermostat set to freezing. I'll fix that."