Chapter Twenty Seven
Polly awoke from a night of exquisite dreams, happier than she had ever been. She had been riding on cloud nine ever since Sam had proposed to her the night before. She had been secretly, deep down, hoping that he would, especially on Caitlin and Caleb’s wedding night. She knew that she had no real reason to expect this, given that they had barely been together a few days – and yet somehow, deep down, she still hoped for it anyway. She had never loved anyone as much as Sam, and she’d wanted him to propose to her more than anything.
Polly had gone to bed ecstatic and had dreamt all night long that she and Sam had been walking through a field of white flowers, white rose petals showering all around them, as the sun never seemed to set. She saw the two of them walking into the white light, and she awoke with the most peaceful feeling of her life, feeling so relaxed and content. She’d had the strangest, fleeting thought, that, given how happy and content she was, she’d be perfectly happy to die right now, on this day. After all, there was nothing more she could ever want from the world.
After laying with her in bed most of the morning, Sam had finally arisen, seeming as happy as she was. He’d said he wanted to celebrate, to go out and hunt for them, to find the biggest, wild boar he could, kill it, and bring it back for a special feast for them two of them that night. It was to be a celebration of their love, he’d said. And he wanted to find the perfect animal himself.
Polly loved the idea. She could use the day, herself, to get ready and prepare all the vegetables that could go with it. It would be like their own special wedding night.
Polly gave him a long kiss goodbye, knowing she would see him in just a few hours. Yet deep down, she had the craziest feeling that she might not. She didn’t understand the feeling at all – it made no rational sense. Still, as Sam turned to walk out the door, she reached out, grabbed his wrist, and pulled him back to her, and hugged him tight. She did not let go for several seconds.
“What is it?” Sam asked, surprised, looking down with concern.
Polly slowly shook her head and forced a smile, knowing she was just being crazy.
“Nothing,” she said. “I just love you.”
Sam leaned in and kissed her, and then turned and walked out the door.
That was when Polly felt it. Her first pang.
It struck her so hard in the stomach, she keeled over from the unfamiliar sensation, having no idea what it was. Just as she tried to stand, it hit her again.
And again.
Finally, Polly realized that something was wrong. She sat on the edge of her bed, in a sweat, wondering what on earth it could be. After several more pangs, she had the craziest idea. Could it be possible that she was pregnant?
She knew that two vampires could not get pregnant. But then again, Sam was no ordinary vampire. And neither was she. She also knew that vampire pregnancies manifested quickly, usually within 48 hours. Could it be possible?
Polly quickly ruffled through her drawers, and finally found the ancient locket her great-great-grandmother had passed onto her. She remembered her words, from centuries ago: if a vampire is pregnant, then her reflection will show once – just once – in this ancient mirror. If you see yourself, for the first and only time, that is how you will know.
Polly wiped the dust off the heavy, silver locket and slowly opened it, her heart pounding. Part of her knew she was being ridiculous, given how unlikely it was. But another part of her had to know.
Polly looked down and stared into the mirror.
She saw herself, staring back, with a startled expression. It was such a shock to see her own image in the mirror – she never had before – and at the same time, her heart raced to know that it was really true. She was pregnant.
Another pang suddenly struck her, but this time, Polly jumped up in joy, screaming, ecstatic. Pregnant. Her. With Sam’s child.
She didn’t think she could be any happier – but now, her joy tripled. She couldn’t wait until she told Sam the news. He would probably keel over in shock.
And Caitlin. She had to tell her. And all the others.
No. She had to tell Sam first. And he wouldn’t be home for hours. Now, those hours felt like an eternity.
Pregnant. Her!
She shouted again in joy, hardly believing it. She would have to keep this a secret, at least until tonight. But how could she!? Keeping a secret was the hardest thing for her – and this was the secret to end all secrets.
Polly got excited thinking of seeing Sam tonight. She would spring the news on him over dinner. She would dress for the night in her nicest fineries, wear the nicest oils, and surprise him. She thought of the most beautiful dress she owned – an all-white, silk dress – and suddenly realized it needed to be washed. She ran to her closet and pulled it out, examining it, then grabbed her washing wrack and soap, preparing to head down to the lake.
Suddenly, the door opened, and in marched Scarlet and Ruth. And then Polly remembered: earlier that morning, while she was half asleep, Caitlin had woken her and made her vow to watch over Scarlet carefully while she took off on her mission. Polly, of course, had been thrilled to agree. She loved Scarlet, and, after all, there wasn’t much to do: those two could hardly be more safe than within these castle walls, the most heavily guarded compound Polly had ever been in. Polly would hardly need to do a thing, except entertain them for a few days.
Polly was bursting with excitement, and was dying to tell Scarlet the news. But at the last moment, she stopped herself, holding her tongue, knowing she should tell Sam first.
But as she looked down, she noticed tears in Scarlet’s eyes, and was suddenly concerned.
“What is it, love?” Polly asked, kneeling down and wiping a tear off her cheek.
Scarlet started to cry. “Mommy and Daddy left me.”
“Oh sweetheart, they didn’t leave you. They only went away for a day or two. They’ll be back before you know it. In the meantime, you have me. Right?”
Scarlet nodded.
“And we’re going to do all sorts of fun things together. You and me, and Ruth and Sam. It’s going to be like one long party.” She put on a big smile. “Okay?”
Scarlet slowly nodded, wiping away her tears.
“Now I just need to run down to the lake for a minute to wash these clothes. I’ll be back within the hour. You and Ruth just sit tight, and I’ll be back before you know it. Just stay inside the castle, okay?”
“No!” Scarlet snapped back, suddenly fierce.
Polly was taken aback by the strength and authority in her voice. For a moment, she felt as if she were talking to an adult warrior. She wondered where that power came from, and wondered what other powers this child carried.
“I’m not staying here!” Scarlet yelled. “I’m going with you! I’m not going to leave your side. And neither is Ruth.”
Polly was stunned. She didn’t quite know what to say. She had never seen Scarlet act this way before. She didn’t like the idea of their coming to the lake. Not that there was anything to worry about; but still, she had promised Caitlin. And the safest place in the world was right here, in this castle.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” Polly said, more firmly “but I made a promise to your Mommy and Daddy, and you need to stay here. You must stay inside the castle, where it’s safe. But I’ll be back within the hour, okay?”
“No you won’t,” Scarlet said to her, matter of factly. “I’ve already seen your future. You’ll be dead within the hour,” she pronounced.
An icy chill ran up Polly’s back, and her hairs stood on end. It was the most terrifying thing anyone had ever said to her. And coming from Scarlet, it was so authentic, stated as if it had already happened. It took Polly’s breath away, and she had no idea how to even respond.
But she didn’t have a chance. Suddenly, Scarlet turned and strode away from her, with Ruth, out the door, and slammed it behind her. The walls shook, and as they did, Polly couldn’t help feeling as if her fate had just been sealed.