Is my neighbor a vampire

Chapter 1

Rude

***

Leila thanked the taxi driver as she stepped out of the car with her one huge black luggage and a medium-sized black and gray traveling bag waiting at her side. The driver closed the door of the car, just humbly smiled at her, then drove away after she had paid a few bucks.

She stretched her limbs to at least ease her outstretched arms from the long drive. She was oblivious to the things around her as she stared at the small bungalow house she inherited from her loving grandparents from his father's side, Emilio and Josefa Mercado.

Her mind was clouded with flashing memories she had with her loving late grandmother, who would run towards where she was the moment she had stepped out of their car, while her late grandfather would just smile – while watching them.

Good old days.

That was what she was thinking while looking at the old house.

It was a single-story house with a slope roof that was made of concrete, glass, and bricks – and the colors were mixed of gray and white. It was a modernized version of bungalow houses. It had gray vinyl windows from both sides of the house. It also had a small veranda surrounded by white railings and a front porch.

The front yard was covered with grass and the big shady maple tree was still standing proudly. The whole house was surrounded by a wood fence colored with white and gray paint.

She was glad that the housekeeper maintained it as if it had never been years since she last saw it.

Leila smiled sadly as her tears swiftly flowed to her cheeks because she just missed her grandparents so much – especially that the house also carried the memories of her dad, who died more than a decade ago.

Her grandparents were so loving and caring that their family always loved to take their vacations at this house. When her father died, she never stepped foot on it again. After two years, her grandparents died.

She sighed and shook her head lightly – wiping away her tears.

"Too much of being emotional, Leila. Think of the good and happy things, girl. Don't let your horses down." She lowly whispered to herself as she was wiping her tears away.

Her forehead creased when she saw a huge mansion just beside hers. She remembered her grandparents' house was deserted and the nearest house next to hers was one kilometer away – not to mention the huge trees in between. Her grandparents loved nature, so they choose one which was so close to the forest.

The Sacred Place Village, which was where she was right now, was surrounded by a virgin forest anyway. The community living there was just a family of fifteen – more or less. Some of their relatives flew to the city to find a better job like everyone else.

She shrugged at that thought.

Leila was just so glad. Now, she finally had a nearest neighbor.

She stared at the huge mansion – it was a three-story, she guessed, because of the gigantic concrete fence with thorny vines at the edges.

She cringed slightly as she thought of the possibility that whoever might try to climb on it would surely be torn and full of wounds after.

The mansion was to her taste anyway, it was like a gruesome-like mansion, but she loved how intricate and classic the design was. It also had a huge balcony that surely created a relaxing ambience.

She was hoping to get a chance to be friends with her neighbor – whoever it was.

Her forehead creased when she saw a silhouette on the balcony, then it vanished for a matter of seconds. Her spine covered with chills as she remembered the horror movie, she had watched with her seven-year-old stepbrother, Darcel, last night.

"Oh, my goodness' gracious!" Leila exclaimed horribly when a cold hand, held her arm.

She was horrified that she flinched – causing her luggage to fall together with her travelling bag which was placed just above it.

Her widened eyes dropped towards the lady who was confusedly looking at her.

"Cristine! Oh, my gosh, you took me by surprise." She shockingly stated.

Her heart was still thumping hard as she was trying to calm her nerves.

Cristine was the fifteen-year-old daughter of their housekeeper, Carina. Her mother was paying them to keep her grandparents' house clean – especially when she finally decided to move in.

"Sorry. I was calling you twice already, but you haven't noticed me." Cristine shyly answered while helping her with her luggage.

That conversation kept her mind at ease – forgetting the goosebumps she felt a while ago while looking at the huge, weird mansion just beside hers.

"Finally, you're here!" Carina giddily exclaimed and welcomed her with a warm hug.