Journals of David Terru-Chapter 8

Journal Entry; 13 July 1977

There we were: Dominique, Grandma and I watching a movie on TV when my parents, minus my "brat" sister, walk in.

"Mom, Dad!" I got up and raced to the door to greet them with a hug. "How did the assignment go Colonel?"

"It went well soldier, thanks for asking. Did you keep the Fortress locked down while I was gone?" I saluted him and Dad ruffled my hair out of place. Boy was I glad to have them home. "Well, this must be the infamous "angel" David dreams about, and I can see why. Paul Matthews and you...?"

"...Are still here, why?"

"Carolyn! That's no way to treat a guest; whether she's a soul-filled vampire or a farmer lady down the road. I apologize for Carolyn's behavior...Nikki, right?"

"It is Paul, and I'm pleased to meet you...finally." If Mom's eyes were wooden stakes, Dominique would be a dust pile post-haste. The only folks protecting Dominique were Dad and me-the short, sour-faced Terru. And as if Mom had the gall to be shocked! "David, why the long face son?"

"Dad, Mom agreed with me long ago, if Aunt Nikki were to ever visit, she would call if she came home early. This is Saturday, not Sunday." He he, Mom grabbed her mouth and stood even more shocked. She violated my trust again, which was a common occurrence around here. "Besides, Grandma and I made a full tankard of Blood wine for Aunt Nikki's...nutritional needs."

"You're right slugger, I blew it! In the rush to get home, I completely forgot today was Saturday." Then, Mom went from wicked witch, to Emily Post. "The drill ended early this weekend and traffic all the way home was murder. Please, forgive me Nikki?"

"I always forgive you Carolyn, despite you being rude to me." Hehehe, Dominique killed Mom with kindness. The question remained: where would Dominique sleep? "Shall I go out to the loft office above the barn?"

"You'll do no such thing! Mom has graciously let you stay in her room, right?" Dominique nodded due to the fact Grandma's room had heavy curtains to keep sunlight out. "Then, that's where you'll sleep for the duration. We can move some of Mom's things into the guest room across from our room." With my sister, Dana, being gone; who was I to mess up Mom's playhouse of secrets. Grandma sighed realizing she would be sleeping on an oversized twin bed until tomorrow night.

"Okay champ, go get ready for bed. We'll see you downstairs in a bit." With Dad's request, I raced upstairs to put on my pajamas on. I tried not to run, but knowing Dominique stayed until Sunday evening was a real treat. I came back down, ready for bed.

"Ah, my handsome prince has returned!" I plopped right between Dominique and Mom so Mom would keep behaving. Then, Dominique spoke of my future. "One day, you'll destroy Dmitri Sardovsky and restore Clan Terru to its rightful place. Until then, I will watch over you until this nightmare is over!"