Believers
Jack Scott sported a full head of long brown hair, and a permanent grin as he crawled all around the house. Jeremy had a hard time keeping an eye on him for his mother, and every once in a while he would get hit in the back of the head with a wooden spoon. Every time His four year old brother had gotten into trouble again. He just knew that by the time he returned to work he would have brain damage.
The sound of a loud harley roared outside. Jeremy grabbed his troublesome brother and walked to the screen door. Most houses had their windows and doors shut, but not the Scott household. The house was too hot from his mother’s cooking, and the kitchen was right next to the front door. They had renovated and turned the living room into the kitchen.
Elise Scott was the best cook in town. Her pies and cakes won at every fair, and at Christmas time she went into overdrive. She baked goodies for almost everyone in town, even Mr. Fullshire.
Mack Rider got off his bike and began to unstrap a gift wrapped box.
Jeremy walked outside, balancing his brother on his hip.
“Merry Christmas.” Mack called out to Jeremy.
“Merry Christmas what are you doing here?”
Mack laughed, “You can’t tell I brought you a gift?” He turned around and held the box out. “You’re so ungrateful though, I ought to take it back and use it myself.”
“What is it?” Jeremy stared at it suspiciously.
“See, ungrateful.” he walked past Jeremy and opened the screen door. “Mrs. Scott! You have any of those cinnamon rolls this year?”
“Not yet!” she could be heard calling back. “You tell Jeremy not to keep that child out in the cold.”
Jeremy sighed and walked back inside, Mack followed. He set Jack in a play pin and sat down on the couch across from Mack. The present sat on the coffee table between them.
“Open it.”
Jeremy opened the package. Inside were these four small electronic looking balls. Jeremy picked one up and looked at it.
“It’s a light source.” Mach explained. “Actually it’s built to be portable sunlight, to help plants grow. Greenhouses all over the country use these everyday just to feed the population.” He took the ball from Jeremy and pressed on the side.
A small menu came up with a series of settings. Mack tapped the side again and the menu disappeared. “But to vampires, this is deadly. Lethal in fact, if they contain the right wattage. As these do.” He put the ball back in the box and closed it. “You’re green, you’ve never been against a vampire before. These are a guaranteed kill if they come near it. If any of you get in trouble just turn it on and stay there, they wont be able to get near you.” He shrugged, “Of course if you stay too long you’re going to get sunburnt.”
“What’s that?” Jeremy looked at Mack as if he was making it up.
“Just practice using these at night, when no one is around. They are simple to use, but in a panic you will be glad you’re familiar with them.”
“There’s only four and there’s six of us.” Jeremy looked at the box.
“Aaron is getting some of his own, so there will be eight in total. You’re not my only stop you know. I get to play Santa Claus this year.”
“Well would Santa Claus like some cookies? Or maybe stay for some pot roast for dinner?” Mrs. Scott leaned into the room from the kitchen.
Jeremy and Mack glanced at the baby monitor sitting right next to them.
“That would be wonderful Mrs. Scott, if I’m not imposing.” Mack tried to pretend nothing was different.
Jeremy felt scared though, and it wasn’t because of any vampire he’d have to kill.