L I A M I loved my mom. I loved her so much, but sometimes she was just too much. Like her being on my case about Emily wasn’t enough, after telling Emily I would be there for her birthday party a week ago, my mom suddenly has a bad feeling about it. "A birthday party? At a vampire's house?" She repeated, her fork halfway to her lips, the piece of chicken on it forgotten. Her eyes, usually warm and filled with love, were now sharp and calculating, dissecting me from across the dining table. "Yes, mom," I said, trying to keep my voice even. The lasagna on my plate suddenly tasted sour. "It's just a party. With other kids from school." My father remained silent, but I could feel his intense gaze on me. "Do you know who will be attending this party?" My mom asked, her voice taking

