VLAD: Return of Dracula

"Thank you for coming!"I say, waving to the customers as they exit the museum.

Mr. Van Helsing comes down the stairs, buttoning his suit jacket as he does.

"How was the tour today?"he asks with a charming smile.

"The kids had a great time of course, there were a few people who asked about Dracula, but I kindly directed them to the suggestion box."I smile as he approaches me.

"Excellent! What are you in the mood for love? Chinese? Pizza?"he questions, gesturing me to follow him.

"I could definitely go for some pizza."I chuckle, following him.

......

Evan had stopped at a Pizza place he said he used to frequent and picked up a pie, we were now at a nice park at one of the picnic tables.

"So, let's talk Dracula."he says, sitting the pizza down between us.

"What were you thinking about for the display?"I ask.

"Just something simple you know. Maybe you could talk about some of the books written about him, I'm sure I can dig up a few artifacts that are from around the same time as the books in the archives."he says, opening the pizza box.

"That's a good idea, but I don't think the people want to know about his artifacts. They'd want to know more about his love life."I say, going into my bag and pulling out a thick book.

"In this book the author wrote about a centuries long love between him and a human girl."I say, handing him the book as he puts on his sunglasses.

"Oh. Right, I've read this one."Evan says, sounding a bit disappointed.

"...w-well we don't have to if that's not what you want. I'm just going off the suggestion box."I say.

"Hey, if that's what the people want we shall give it to them."he says as he takes off his suit jacket.

Instantly, I see a large, black key hanging from a chain around his neck.

Time slows again as I look at it, and I begin to hear the familiar whispers.

"The key.."

"Bring..me..the..key.."

"..um, so what artifacts do you have from the Dracula era?"I question as I pick up a slice of pizza.

"Relics. Some jewelry confiscated from criminal vampires."he says as he leans against the table, tucking his necklace into his shirt.

"Really? I'd love to see them when you get the chance."I say before taking a bite.

"Of course, you're going to help set up the display tomorrow. Considering you are the resident Dracula expert."he says.

"I'm so excited! I'll go home and read up some more information on him."I smile.

"Of course. Just don't get to into it you know. He is only just a myth."He says with a charming smile.

I chuckle, feeling my cheeks flush as I look down.

"So, darling. What made you get into vampires so much?"he questions.

"I mean, even before the Van Helsing's revealed that they were indeed real surely you had to think they were?"

"Of course I did! There's too much history behind vampires for them not to be real. But again, all I've read was that it was started by a singular man that contracted the disease."I say, causing him to sigh.

"..there's a book you haven't read about Dracula, you know."he says.

"I doubt it."I respond, making him chuckle.

"I know you haven't. I own the only copy."

My eyes sparkle with curiosity and he chuckles as he sees my expression.

"I'll loan it to you. But you must return it immediately the next day. It's more valuable than my entire collection."he says, making me smile.

"You're too kind. What's it about?"I question.

"..it's um, a fictional story written in the early 1800s. Sort of a biography."he says, looking at his hands.

"A biography of Vlad Dracula?"I say in shock.

"Somewhat."he chuckles, seeing my excitement.

.....

Evan smiles as we pull up in front of my house.

"Here you are love."he says.

"Thank you so much for dinner Mr. Van Helsing. And I can't wait to start setting up tomorrow!"I say as I open the door.

"Of course. And please, call me Evan."he says, making me blush.

"Okay. Have a good night Evan."I say as I step out of the car.

"Goodnight Lilith."he smiles before I close the door.

He pulls off and I immediately screech with excitement, running towards the front door.

...