chapter 9

In eighteen years of living, I had never felt so sweaty when I was in a car with the air conditioner on. My palms are so moist and slippery that squeezing hands is so easy.

In eighteen years of living, I had never felt so sweaty when I was in a car with the air conditioner on. My palms are so moist and slippery that squeezing hands is so easy.

I breathe heavily, as if oxygen is slowly being sucked out of the car. My anxiety and worries increase by one percent every second. I didn't even dare to look into the driver's seat beside me.

The atmosphere in this private vehicle is no better. It feels like there's a secret bomb ready to be detonated anytime. My body that feels cold inside and hot outside doesn't help at all.

Really not the right time to catch a cold.

For the millionth time in these few minutes, my heart cried out all kinds of curses for Saga the stupid vampire of all time, who now has a situation similar to mine.

After the rest of Saga's motorcycle was loaded into a patrol car and we were escorted into the vehicle, we were taken to the police station. We basically got an extra lecture from the law enforcement uniforms in gray.

Of course, that isn't the worst.

After being interrogated and examined, it turned out that the motorbike driven by Saga didn't belong to him or one of his family members. Instead, it belongs to one of Saga's friends.

That's where the forerunner to the dynamite axis was created.

The police forced us to call our parents or guardians to immediately come to the police station. Saga's friend, the owner of the motorbike, was also called.

Worse, since coming until then returning, my grandfather's expression didn't change at all.

Flatly.

Again, that wasn't the only thing that bothered me. When Grandpa got out of the car and entered the police station, and then realized who was in the room, he suddenly froze for about three seconds.

At that time, Grandpa stared at Saga adoptive parents who had dark skin with narrowed eyes. “Adrian's family, huh? I hope your son doesn't say anything to my granddaughter.”

I just looked at them with confusion. I wanted to ask Saga, but he was looking down at his father's side and not looking at me at all.

“Take it easy, Mr. Yadi.” Mr. Adrian replied that time in a cold tone. “Even if Saga says something, it must be reality. Not a forced illusion.”

His words gave me goosebumps. Suddenly I was worried. I was afraid my guess about what they were talking about would be a good fit.

My world is one step that makes no sense.

After receiving reprimands and sanctions here and there, we were all allowed to go home. Grandpa marched into his car and I followed while jogging. He didn't even look or glance at Adrian's family again.

And here I am now, a few minutes later, in a car that feels stuffy when it really isn't.

When we got home, I immediately held the car door; intend to open it and come out. However, Grandpa's cold voice stopped my action for an instant.

“Your parents will fly here tonight and will get here tomorrow morning. Before they set foot on the floor of this house, you can't leave the house. In the least.”

I tremble. I bit my lower lip skittily.

I just opened my mouth to speak, but Grandpa preceded me. “They and I will explain to you. All. Now, come in!”

I came out with my feet almost jelly and accidentally closed the car door rather hard. I ran to get to my room and closed the door until it thudded. My heart is racing. I closed my eyes while controlling my breath slowly.

I walked slowly to the bed, then sat there feeling tense. I took the smartphone from my pocket with a trembling finger.

When we were at the cafe with Saga, we exchanged cellphone numbers. We decided to notify each other if there were important matters concerning the world of attachment that I should know.

In this case, Saga must be aware of the development of our efforts in uncovering the mystery of the implementation of Barbara the Family Prisoner.

Although I don't feel we have tried for it.

On the fourth ring tone, the phone is picked up. Saga greeted from across there in a low voice.

(What's up?) Saga asked suspiciously.

My hands were still shaking, so I gripped the edge of the mattress tightly.

“My parents will fly to Bangka tonight,” I whispered tensely.

(What exactly is it for?) Saga went tense.

I bit my lower lip again. “My grandfather said … he said they all would tell me … everything.”

(That's great!) Saga exclaims muffled.

I should have beamed or something, but instead I was constantly tense. The problem is that it's not about them giving me birthday surprises and so on. I have been waiting for their honesty for nearly a decade and a half in my life.

I don't know what else I'm going to chat with Saga in the middle of adrenaline that has nothing to do with this death. So, I hung up with the words "see you later", and Saga replied with "let me know later".

I have decided to make the fool Saga become my real friend. Maybe too fast, but he has kindly opened my eyes to other lives besides humans.

Also, he had helped me—at least tried—to tell me who I really was.

I wondered if I really wasn't an ordinary human.

Who am I?

That night I couldn't sleep. In the middle of the night my stomach became nauseous and sore. I crept out of the room into the kitchen. Because I hadn't cooked anything all day—initially as a form of rebellion because of Grandpa's treatment of me—so, I decided to cook instant noodles with eggs.

Noodles with egg … that's my main expertise in terms of cooking. Less than ten minutes later, I was sitting cross-legged in front of the living room table.

I turned on the television and changed the channel to a program that shows old Hollywood movies. I turned down the volume, then started to stir in the instant noodles that I had given sauce, soy sauce, and additional sensational chili powder, BonCabe.

Next, I watched the film with a calmer feeling while trying not to burn my own tongue with hot sauce.

Grandpa didn't come out of his room, so I assumed he was okay and maybe he was asleep. Or instead secretly watched me from the crack of the keyhole in his room.

At one o'clock in the morning, with my stomach no longer screaming for food, I turned off the television and washed my bowl.

After that, I became sleepy. So, I decided to sleep while waiting for my parents to arrive.

Early that day I dreamed of the vampire Saga being one of the actors in the drama Vampire Diaries.

—·—·—

“Barbara!”

Sunlight peered in from the ventilation gap above my window. A knock on the door woke me. I stretch like a lazy cat. I looked at the watch that was past fifteen minutes past eight.

“Wait a minute!” I said hoarsely.

A knock was no longer heard, but because of that I froze. I turned quickly toward the door. No doubt, that was my mother's voice!

I got up in a hurry and ran to the bathroom connected to my room. I showered as fast as I could with my heart beating fast again.

My heart returned to feeling full of anticipation.

After about fifteen minutes, I was standing in casual clothes and a simple brush. I didn't forget to use cherry flavored lip balm. My long, curly hair is still half wet. However, I don't have time to dry it using a blow dryer.

Feeling like you were going out on a date would be embarrassing enough without having to maximize it.

I took a deep breath and opened the door to my room.

Dad, Mom, and Grandpa's faces immediately filled my distance in the living room in front of the bedroom. My heart is rather petty. I took my place on the single couch with a sharp look at all three.

I cleared my throat. “Hi, Dad. Mom.”

My father huddled. “What did you do yesterday?”

I looked at Dad with confusion. I thought Grandpa told him about this!

“I went for coffee to a cafe with Saga!” My voice suddenly snapped. I was afraid they would drop my real dream.

My mother sighed. Sharp eyes softened. “Barbie, about the phone call yesterday, you didn't mean it, right? Saga must do some kind of trick so you can believe it.”

“Trick.” My voice is flat. I followed my father style; crossed the arms. “If it's a trick, why do you have to bother coming here?”

My father's face turned angry. “Do you want to die, Bara?! We try with all our hearts to keep you alive! Why you should—”

“—breaking the agreement?” I continued coldly. “I don't know what your motives are, really. But, Dad, I can't take it anymore. Stop this time limit. I'm not a kid anymore, for God's sake! Until when are you guys going to keep this up?”

They were silent, but Dad and Grandpa still looked angry.

“Barbie …,” my mom started.

“Stop, Mom. Stop it,” I said heartily. “Tell me, is it true that I'm not human?”

They are all frozen now.

“Tell me!” I shouted in frustration. “Tell me it's just fiction!”

“You aren't our daughter.”

In eighteen years of living, I had never felt so sweaty when I was in a car with the air conditioner on. My palms are so moist and slippery that squeezing hands is so easy.

I breathe heavily, as if oxygen is slowly being sucked out of the car. My anxiety and worries increase by one percent every second. I didn't even dare to look into the driver's seat beside me.

The atmosphere in this private vehicle is no better. It feels like there's a secret bomb ready to be detonated anytime. My body that feels cold inside and hot outside doesn't help at all.

Really not the right time to catch a cold.

For the millionth time in these few minutes, my heart cried out all kinds of curses for Saga the stupid vampire of all time, who now has a situation similar to mine.

After the rest of Saga's motorcycle was loaded into a patrol car and we were escorted into the vehicle, we were taken to the police station. We basically got an extra lecture from the law enforcement uniforms in gray.

Of course, that isn't the worst.

After being interrogated and examined, it turned out that the motorbike driven by Saga didn't belong to him or one of his family members. Instead, it belongs to one of Saga's friends.

That's where the forerunner to the dynamite axis was created.

The police forced us to call our parents or guardians to immediately come to the police station. Saga's friend, the owner of the motorbike, was also called.

Worse, since coming until then returning, my grandfather's expression didn't change at all.

Flatly.

Again, that wasn't the only thing that bothered me. When Grandpa got out of the car and entered the police station, and then realized who was in the room, he suddenly froze for about three seconds.

At that time, Grandpa stared at Saga adoptive parents who had dark skin with narrowed eyes. “Adrian's family, huh? I hope your son doesn't say anything to my granddaughter.”

I just looked at them with confusion. I wanted to ask Saga, but he was looking down at his father's side and not looking at me at all.

“Take it easy, Mr. Yadi.” Mr. Adrian replied that time in a cold tone. “Even if Saga says something, it must be reality. Not a forced illusion.”

His words gave me goosebumps. Suddenly I was worried. I was afraid my guess about what they were talking about would be a good fit.

My world is one step that makes no sense.

After receiving reprimands and sanctions here and there, we were all allowed to go home. Grandpa marched into his car and I followed while jogging. He didn't even look or glance at Adrian's family again.

And here I am now, a few minutes later, in a car that feels stuffy when it really isn't.

When we got home, I immediately held the car door; intend to open it and come out. However, Grandpa's cold voice stopped my action for an instant.

“Your parents will fly here tonight and will get here tomorrow morning. Before they set foot on the floor of this house, you can't leave the house. In the least.”

I tremble. I bit my lower lip skittily.

I just opened my mouth to speak, but Grandpa preceded me. “They and I will explain to you. All. Now, come in!”

I came out with my feet almost jelly and accidentally closed the car door rather hard. I ran to get to my room and closed the door until it thudded. My heart is racing. I closed my eyes while controlling my breath slowly.

I walked slowly to the bed, then sat there feeling tense. I took the smartphone from my pocket with a trembling finger.

When we were at the cafe with Saga, we exchanged cellphone numbers. We decided to notify each other if there were important matters concerning the world of attachment that I should know.

In this case, Saga must be aware of the development of our efforts in uncovering the mystery of the implementation of Barbara the Family Prisoner.

Although I don't feel we have tried for it.

On the fourth ring tone, the phone is picked up. Saga greeted from across there in a low voice.

(What's up?) Saga asked suspiciously.

My hands were still shaking, so I gripped the edge of the mattress tightly.

“My parents will fly to Bangka tonight,” I whispered tensely.

(What exactly is it for?) Saga went tense.

I bit my lower lip again. “My grandfather said … he said they all would tell me … everything.”

(That's great!) Saga exclaims muffled.

I should have beamed or something, but instead I was constantly tense. The problem is that it's not about them giving me birthday surprises and so on. I have been waiting for their honesty for nearly a decade and a half in my life.

I don't know what else I'm going to chat with Saga in the middle of adrenaline that has nothing to do with this death. So, I hung up with the words "see you later", and Saga replied with "let me know later".

I have decided to make the fool Saga become my real friend. Maybe too fast, but he has kindly opened my eyes to other lives besides humans.

Also, he had helped me—at least tried—to tell me who I really was.

I wondered if I really wasn't an ordinary human.

Who am I?

That night I couldn't sleep. In the middle of the night my stomach became nauseous and sore. I crept out of the room into the kitchen. Because I hadn't cooked anything all day—initially as a form of rebellion because of Grandpa's treatment of me—so, I decided to cook instant noodles with eggs.

Noodles with egg … that's my main expertise in terms of cooking. Less than ten minutes later, I was sitting cross-legged in front of the living room table.

I turned on the television and changed the channel to a program that shows old Hollywood movies. I turned down the volume, then started to stir in the instant noodles that I had given sauce, soy sauce, and additional sensational chili powder, BonCabe.

Next, I watched the film with a calmer feeling while trying not to burn my own tongue with hot sauce.

Grandpa didn't come out of his room, so I assumed he was okay and maybe he was asleep. Or instead secretly watched me from the crack of the keyhole in his room.

At one o'clock in the morning, with my stomach no longer screaming for food, I turned off the television and washed my bowl.

After that, I became sleepy. So, I decided to sleep while waiting for my parents to arrive.

Early that day I dreamed of the vampire Saga being one of the actors in the drama Vampire Diaries.

—·—·—

“Barbara!”

Sunlight peered in from the ventilation gap above my window. A knock on the door woke me. I stretch like a lazy cat. I looked at the watch that was past fifteen minutes past eight.

“Wait a minute!” I said hoarsely.

A knock was no longer heard, but because of that I froze. I turned quickly toward the door. No doubt, that was my mother's voice!

I got up in a hurry and ran to the bathroom connected to my room. I showered as fast as I could with my heart beating fast again.

My heart returned to feeling full of anticipation.

After about fifteen minutes, I was standing in casual clothes and a simple brush. I didn't forget to use cherry flavored lip balm. My long, curly hair is still half wet. However, I don't have time to dry it using a blow dryer.

Feeling like you were going out on a date would be embarrassing enough without having to maximize it.

I took a deep breath and opened the door to my room.

Dad, Mom, and Grandpa's faces immediately filled my distance in the living room in front of the bedroom. My heart is rather petty. I took my place on the single couch with a sharp look at all three.

I cleared my throat. “Hi, Dad. Mom.”

My father huddled. “What did you do yesterday?”

I looked at Dad with confusion. I thought Grandpa told him about this!

“I went for coffee to a cafe with Saga!” My voice suddenly snapped. I was afraid they would drop my real dream.

My mother sighed. Sharp eyes softened. “Barbie, about the phone call yesterday, you didn't mean it, right? Saga must do some kind of trick so you can believe it.”

“Trick.” My voice is flat. I followed my father style; crossed the arms. “If it's a trick, why do you have to bother coming here?”

My father's face turned angry. “Do you want to die, Bara?! We try with all our hearts to keep you alive! Why you should—”

“—breaking the agreement?” I continued coldly. “I don't know what your motives are, really. But, Dad, I can't take it anymore. Stop this time limit. I'm not a kid anymore, for God's sake! Until when are you guys going to keep this up?”

They were silent, but Dad and Grandpa still looked angry.

“Barbie …,” my mom started.

“Stop, Mom. Stop it,” I said heartily. “Tell me, is it true that I'm not human?”

They are all frozen now.

“Tell me!” I shouted in frustration. “Tell me it's just fiction!”

“You aren't our daughter.”

My father's words slapped me. I laughed doubtfully, then paused. Waiting for further explanation.

“Bara, you are not our daughter.” Dad repeat. “We are both vampires.”

My heart can't beat any more than this. I looked bitterly at Mom and Dad. My gaze turned to Grandpa.

“I'm your grandfather, Bara. One hundred percent.” Grandpa confirmed in a tired voice.

My lips almost trembled. “A-Am I an ordinary human, then? Do I have to be changed like … like Saga?”

Dad stared at the ceiling blankly. My eyes are filled with tears … can vampires cry?

“Barbara, you aren't ordinary human being,” my mother said sadly. My heart is searching again. “Please still think of us as your parents. We love you more than the responsibility given to us.”

My tears have dripped once, but my forehead wrinkled.

“Responsibility?” I asked, not understanding.

Dad finally looked down at me. He sighed. “Yes, Bara, responsibility. Your own biological parents handed you over to us. They asked us to look after you.”

I still don't understand.

Grandpa opened the sound. “Your parents were killed, Bara. Their killers have been eyeing you since you were born in this world.”

My heart started to mess again. “Why?”

My grandfather couldn't answer. However, Dad took over answering my question.

“Your biological parents … your father is a vampire, and your mother is a wolf-shifter. You are a wolvire, a wolf-vampire. However, that isn't so important.”

For me, it was very important and surprising. However, as my adoptive father said, that wasn't the most important thing.

“You have the blood incarnation of god, Bara. You have a holy blood. All immortal beings want that blood. We do our best to make you live like a normal human being by limiting your movements, so that you and the enemies out there don't realize who you are. If not, your life is at stake.”

Which almost explains the treatment of my adoptive parents all this time to me.

I'm not a vampire, not a wolf-shifter.

I am both.

My father's words slapped me. I laughed doubtfully, then paused. Waiting for further explanation.

“Bara, you are not our daughter.” Dad repeat. “We are both vampires.”

My heart can't beat any more than this. I looked bitterly at Mom and Dad. My gaze turned to Grandpa.

“I'm your grandfather, Bara. One hundred percent.” Grandpa confirmed in a tired voice.

My lips almost trembled. “A-Am I an ordinary human, then? Do I have to be changed like … like Saga?”

Dad stared at the ceiling blankly. My eyes are filled with tears … can vampires cry?

“Barbara, you aren't ordinary human being,” my mother said sadly. My heart is searching again. “Please still think of us as your parents. We love you more than the responsibility given to us.”

My tears have dripped once, but my forehead wrinkled.

“Responsibility?” I asked, not understanding.

Dad finally looked down at me. He sighed. “Yes, Bara, responsibility. Your own biological parents handed you over to us. They asked us to look after you.”

I still don't understand.

Grandpa opened the sound. “Your parents were killed, Bara. Their killers have been eyeing you since you were born in this world.”

My heart started to mess again. “Why?”

My grandfather couldn't answer. However, Dad took over answering my question.

“Your biological parents … your father is a vampire, and your mother is a wolf-shifter. You are a wolvire, a wolf-vampire. However, that isn't so important.”

For me, it was very important and surprising. However, as my adoptive father said, that wasn't the most important thing.

“You have the blood incarnation of god, Bara. You have a holy blood. All immortal beings want that blood. We do our best to make you live like a normal human being by limiting your movements, so that you and the enemies out there don't realize who you are. If not, your life is at stake.”

Which almost explains the treatment of my adoptive parents all this time to me.

I'm not a vampire, not a wolf-shifter.

I am both.

I breathe heavily, as if oxygen is slowly being sucked out of the car. My anxiety and worries increase by one percent every second. I didn't even dare to look into the driver's seat beside me.

The atmosphere in this private vehicle is no better. It feels like there's a secret bomb ready to be detonated anytime. My body that feels cold inside and hot outside doesn't help at all.

Really not the right time to catch a cold.hhb

For the millionth time in these few minutes, my heart cried out all kinds of curses for Saga the stupid vampire of all time, who now has a situation similar to mine.

After the rest of Saga's motorcycle was loaded into a patrol car and we were escorted into the vehicle, we were taken to the police station. We basically got an extra lecture from the law enforcement uniforms in gray.

Of course, that isn't the worst.

After being interrogated and examined, it turned out that the motorbike driven by Saga didn't belong to him or one of his family members. Instead, it belongs to one of Saga's friends.

That's where the forerunner to the dynamite axis was created.

The police forced us to call our parents or guardians to immediately come to the police station. Saga's friend, the owner of the motorbike, was also called.

Worse, since coming until then returning, my grandfather's expression didn't change at all.

Flatly.

Again, that wasn't the only thing that bothered me. When Grandpa got out of the car and entered the police station, and then realized who was in the room, he suddenly froze for about three seconds.

At that time, Grandpa stared at Saga adoptive parents who had dark skin with narrowed eyes. “Adrian's family, huh? I hope your son doesn't say anything to my granddaughter.”

I just looked at them with confusion. I wanted to ask Saga, but he was looking down at his father's side and not looking at me at all.

“Take it easy, Mr. Yadi.” Mr. Adrian replied that time in a cold tone. “Even if Saga says something, it must be reality. Not a forced illusion.”

His words gave me goosebumps. Suddenly I was worried. I was afraid my guess about what they were talking about would be a good fit.

My world is one step that makes no sense.

After receiving reprimands and sanctions here and there, we were all allowed to go home. Grandpa marched into his car and I followed while jogging. He didn't even look or glance at Adrian's family again.

And here I am now, a few minutes later, in a car that feels stuffy when it really isn't.

When we got home, I immediately held the car door; intend to open it and come out. However, Grandpa's cold voice stopped my action for an instant.

“Your parents will fly here tonight and will get here tomorrow morning. Before they set foot on the floor of this house, you can't leave the house. In the least.”

I tremble. I bit my lower lip skittily.

I just opened my mouth to speak, but Grandpa preceded me. “They and I will explain to you. All. Now, come in!”

I came out with my feet almost jelly and accidentally closed the car door rather hard. I ran to get to my room and closed the door until it thudded. My heart is racing. I closed my eyes while controlling my breath slowly.

I walked slowly to the bed, then sat there feeling tense. I took the smartphone from my pocket with a trembling finger.

When we were at the cafe with Saga, we exchanged cellphone numbers. We decided to notify each other if there were important matters concerning the world of attachment that I should know.

In this case, Saga must be aware of the development of our efforts in uncovering the mystery of the implementation of Barbara the Family Prisoner.

Although I don't feel we have tried for it.

On the fourth ring tone, the phone is picked up. Saga greeted from across there in a low voice.

(What's up?) Saga asked suspiciously.

My hands were still shaking, so I gripped the edge of the mattress tightly.

“My parents will fly to Bangka tonight,” I whispered tensely.

(What exactly is it for?) Saga went tense.

I bit my lower lip again. “My grandfather said … he said they all would tell me … everything.”

(That's great!) Saga exclaims muffled.

I should have beamed or something, but instead I was constantly tense. The problem is that it's not about them giving me birthday surprises and so on. I have been waiting for their honesty for nearly a decade and a half in my life.

I don't know what else I'm going to chat with Saga in the middle of adrenaline that has nothing to do with this death. So, I hung up with the words "see you later", and Saga replied with "let me know later".

I have decided to make the fool Saga become my real friend. Maybe too fast, but he has kindly opened my eyes to other lives besides humans.

Also, he had helped me—at least tried—to tell me who I really was.

I wondered if I really wasn't an ordinary human.

Who am I?

That night I couldn't sleep. In the middle of the night my stomach became nauseous and sore. I crept out of the room into the kitchen. Because I hadn't cooked anything all day—initially as a form of rebellion because of Grandpa's treatment of me—so, I decided to cook instant noodles with eggs.

Noodles with egg … that's my main expertise in terms of cooking. Less than ten minutes later, I was sitting cross-legged in front of the living room table.

I turned on the television and changed the channel to a program that shows old Hollywood movies. I turned down the volume, then started to stir in the instant noodles that I had given sauce, soy sauce, and additional sensational chili powder, BonCabe.

Next, I watched the film with a calmer feeling while trying not to burn my own tongue with hot sauce.

Grandpa didn't come out of his room, so I assumed he was okay and maybe he was asleep. Or instead secretly watched me from the crack of the keyhole in his room.

At one o'clock in the morning, with my stomach no longer screaming for food, I turned off the television and washed my bowl.

After that, I became sleepy. So, I decided to sleep while waiting for my parents to arrive.

Early that day I dreamed of the vampire Saga being one of the actors in the drama Vampire Diaries.

—·—·—

“Barbara!”

Sunlight peered in from the ventilation gap above my window. A knock on the door woke me. I stretch like a lazy cat. I looked at the watch that was past fifteen minutes past eight.

“Wait a minute!” I said hoarsely.

A knock was no longer heard, but because of that I froze. I turned quickly toward the door. No doubt, that was my mother's voice!

I got up in a hurry and ran to the bathroom connected to my room. I showered as fast as I could with my heart beating fast again.

My heart returned to feeling full of anticipation.

After about fifteen minutes, I was standing in casual clothes and a simple brush. I didn't forget to use cherry flavored lip balm. My long, curly hair is still half wet. However, I don't have time to dry it using a blow dryer.

Feeling like you were going out on a date would be embarrassing enough without having to maximize it.

I took a deep breath and opened the door to my room.

Dad, Mom, and Grandpa's faces immediately filled my distance in the living room in front of the bedroom. My heart is rather petty. I took my place on the single couch with a sharp look at all three.

I cleared my throat. “Hi, Dad. Mom.”

My father huddled. “What did you do yesterday?”

I looked at Dad with confusion. I thought Grandpa told him about this!

“I went for coffee to a cafe with Saga!” My voice suddenly snapped. I was afraid they would drop my real dream.

My mother sighed. Sharp eyes softened. “Barbie, about the phone call yesterday, you didn't mean it, right? Saga must do some kind of trick so you can believe it.”

“Trick.” My voice is flat. I followed my father style; crossed the arms. “If it's a trick, why do you have to bother coming here?”

My father's face turned angry. “Do you want to die, Bara?! We try with all our hearts to keep you alive! Why you should—”

“—breaking the agreement?” I continued coldly. “I don't know what your motives are, really. But, Dad, I can't take it anymore. Stop this time limit. I'm not a kid anymore, for God's sake! Until when are you guys going to keep this up?”

They were silent, but Dad and Grandpa still looked angry.

“Barbie …,” my mom started.

“Stop, Mom. Stop it,” I said heartily. “Tell me, is it true that I'm not human?”

They are all frozen now.

“Tell me!” I shouted in frustration. “Tell me it's just fiction!”

“You aren't our daughter.”

In eighteen years of living, I had never felt so sweaty when I was in a car with the air conditioner on. My palms are so moist and slippery that squeezing hands is so easy.

I breathe heavily, as if oxygen is slowly being sucked out of the car. My anxiety and worries increase by one percent every second. I didn't even dare to look into the driver's seat beside me.

The atmosphere in this private vehicle is no better. It feels like there's a secret bomb ready to be detonated anytime. My body that feels cold inside and hot outside doesn't help at all.

Really not the right time to catch a cold.

For the millionth time in these few minutes, my heart cried out all kinds of curses for Saga the stupid vampire of all time, who now has a situation similar to mine.

After the rest of Saga's motorcycle was loaded into a patrol car and we were escorted into the vehicle, we were taken to the police station. We basically got an extra lecture from the law enforcement uniforms in gray.

Of course, that isn't the worst.

After being interrogated and examined, it turned out that the motorbike driven by Saga didn't belong to him or one of his family members. Instead, it belongs to one of Saga's friends.

That's where the forerunner to the dynamite axis was created.

The police forced us to call our parents or guardians to immediately come to the police station. Saga's friend, the owner of the motorbike, was also called.

Worse, since coming until then returning, my grandfather's expression didn't change at all.

Flatly.

Again, that wasn't the only thing that bothered me. When Grandpa got out of the car and entered the police station, and then realized who was in the room, he suddenly froze for about three seconds.

At that time, Grandpa stared at Saga adoptive parents who had dark skin with narrowed eyes. “Adrian's family, huh? I hope your son doesn't say anything to my granddaughter.”

I just looked at them with confusion. I wanted to ask Saga, but he was looking down at his father's side and not looking at me at all.

“Take it easy, Mr. Yadi.” Mr. Adrian replied that time in a cold tone. “Even if Saga says something, it must be reality. Not a forced illusion.”

His words gave me goosebumps. Suddenly I was worried. I was afraid my guess about what they were talking about would be a good fit.

My world is one step that makes no sense.

After receiving reprimands and sanctions here and there, we were all allowed to go home. Grandpa marched into his car and I followed while jogging. He didn't even look or glance at Adrian's family again.

And here I am now, a few minutes later, in a car that feels stuffy when it really isn't.

When we got home, I immediately held the car door; intend to open it and come out. However, Grandpa's cold voice stopped my action for an instant.

“Your parents will fly here tonight and will get here tomorrow morning. Before they set foot on the floor of this house, you can't leave the house. In the least.”

I tremble. I bit my lower lip skittily.

I just opened my mouth to speak, but Grandpa preceded me. “They and I will explain to you. All. Now, come in!”

I came out with my feet almost jelly and accidentally closed the car door rather hard. I ran to get to my room and closed the door until it thudded. My heart is racing. I closed my eyes while controlling my breath slowly.

I walked slowly to the bed, then sat there feeling tense. I took the smartphone from my pocket with a trembling finger.

When we were at the cafe with Saga, we exchanged cellphone numbers. We decided to notify each other if there were important matters concerning the world of attachment that I should know.

In this case, Saga must be aware of the development of our efforts in uncovering the mystery of the implementation of Barbara the Family Prisoner.

Although I don't feel we have tried for it.

On the fourth ring tone, the phone is picked up. Saga greeted from across there in a low voice.

(What's up?) Saga asked suspiciously.

My hands were still shaking, so I gripped the edge of the mattress tightly.

“My parents will fly to Bangka tonight,” I whispered tensely.

(What exactly is it for?) Saga went tense.

I bit my lower lip again. “My grandfather said … he said they all would tell me … everything.”

(That's great!) Saga exclaims muffled.

I should have beamed or something, but instead I was constantly tense. The problem is that it's not about them giving me birthday surprises and so on. I have been waiting for their honesty for nearly a decade and a half in my life.

I don't know what else I'm going to chat with Saga in the middle of adrenaline that has nothing to do with this death. So, I hung up with the words "see you later", and Saga replied with "let me know later".

I have decided to make the fool Saga become my real friend. Maybe too fast, but he has kindly opened my eyes to other lives besides humans.

Also, he had helped me—at least tried—to tell me who I really was.

I wondered if I really wasn't an ordinary human.

Who am I?

That night I couldn't sleep. In the middle of the night my stomach became nauseous and sore. I crept out of the room into the kitchen. Because I hadn't cooked anything all day—initially as a form of rebellion because of Grandpa's treatment of me—so, I decided to cook instant noodles with eggs.

Noodles with egg … that's my main expertise in terms of cooking. Less than ten minutes later, I was sitting cross-legged in front of the living room table.

I turned on the television and changed the channel to a program that shows old Hollywood movies. I turned down the volume, then started to stir in the instant noodles that I had given sauce, soy sauce, and additional sensational chili powder, BonCabe.

Next, I watched the film with a calmer feeling while trying not to burn my own tongue with hot sauce.

Grandpa didn't come out of his room, so I assumed he was okay and maybe he was asleep. Or instead secretly watched me from the crack of the keyhole in his room.

At one o'clock in the morning, with my stomach no longer screaming for food, I turned off the television and washed my bowl.

After that, I became sleepy. So, I decided to sleep while waiting for my parents to arrive.

Early that day I dreamed of the vampire Saga being one of the actors in the drama Vampire Diaries.

—·—·—

“Barbara!”

Sunlight peered in from the ventilation gap above my window. A knock on the door woke me. I stretch like a lazy cat. I looked at the watch that was past fifteen minutes past eight.

“Wait a minute!” I said hoarsely.

A knock was no longer heard, but because of that I froze. I turned quickly toward the door. No doubt, that was my mother's voice!

I got up in a hurry and ran to the bathroom connected to my room. I showered as fast as I could with my heart beating fast again.

My heart returned to feeling full of anticipation.

After about fifteen minutes, I was standing in casual clothes and a simple brush. I didn't forget to use cherry flavored lip balm. My long, curly hair is still half wet. However, I don't have time to dry it using a blow dryer.

Feeling like you were going out on a date would be embarrassing enough without having to maximize it.

I took a deep breath and opened the door to my room.

Dad, Mom, and Grandpa's faces immediately filled my distance in the living room in front of the bedroom. My heart is rather petty. I took my place on the single couch with a sharp look at all three.

I cleared my throat. “Hi, Dad. Mom.”

My father huddled. “What did you do yesterday?”

I looked at Dad with confusion. I thought Grandpa told him about this!

“I went for coffee to a cafe with Saga!” My voice suddenly snapped. I was afraid they would drop my real dream.

My mother sighed. Sharp eyes softened. “Barbie, about the phone call yesterday, you didn't mean it, right? Saga must do some kind of trick so you can believe it.”

“Trick.” My voice is flat. I followed my father style; crossed the arms. “If it's a trick, why do you have to bother coming here?”

My father's face turned angry. “Do you want to die, Bara?! We try with all our hearts to keep you alive! Why you should—”

“—breaking the agreement?” I continued coldly. “I don't know what your motives are, really. But, Dad, I can't take it anymore. Stop this time limit. I'm not a kid anymore, for God's sake! Until when are you guys going to keep this up?”

They were silent, but Dad and Grandpa still looked angry.

“Barbie …,” my mom started.

“Stop, Mom. Stop it,” I said heartily. “Tell me, is it true that I'm not human?”

They are all frozen now.

“Tell me!” I shouted in frustration. “Tell me it's just fiction!”

“You aren't our daughter.”

My father's words slapped me. I laughed doubtfully, then paused. Waiting for further explanation.

“Bara, you are not our daughter.” Dad repeat. “We are both vampires.”

My heart can't beat any more than this. I looked bitterly at Mom and Dad. My gaze turned to Grandpa.

“I'm your grandfather, Bara. One hundred percent.” Grandpa confirmed in a tired voice.

My lips almost trembled. “A-Am I an ordinary human, then? Do I have to be changed like … like Saga?”

Dad stared at the ceiling blankly. My eyes are filled with tears … can vampires cry?

“Barbara, you aren't ordinary human being,” my mother said sadly. My heart is searching again. “Please still think of us as your parents. We love you more than the responsibility given to us.”

My tears have dripped once, but my forehead wrinkled.

“Responsibility?” I asked, not understanding.

Dad finally looked down at me. He sighed. “Yes, Bara, responsibility. Your own biological parents handed you over to us. They asked us to look after you.”

I still don't understand.

Grandpa opened the sound. “Your parents were killed, Bara. Their killers have been eyeing you since you were born in this world.”

My heart started to mess again. “Why?”

My grandfather couldn't answer. However, Dad took over answering my question.

“Your biological parents … your father is a vampire, and your mother is a wolf-shifter. You are a wolvire, a wolf-vampire. However, that isn't so important.”

For me, it was very important and surprising. However, as my adoptive father said, that wasn't the most important thing.

“You have the blood incarnation of god, Bara. You have a holy blood. All immortal beings want that blood. We do our best to make you live like a normal human being by limiting your movements, so that you and the enemies out there don't realize who you are. If not, your life is at stake.”

Which almost explains the treatment of my adoptive parents all this time to me.

I'm not a vampire, not a wolf-shifter.

I am both.

My father's words slapped me. I laughed doubtfully, then paused. Waiting for further explanation.

“Bara, you are not our daughter.” Dad repeat. “We are both vampires.”

My heart can't beat any more than this. I looked bitterly at Mom and Dad. My gaze turned to Grandpa.

“I'm your grandfather, Bara. One hundred percent.” Grandpa confirmed in a tired voice.

My lips almost trembled. “A-Am I an ordinary human, then? Do I have to be changed like … like Saga?”

Dad stared at the ceiling blankly. My eyes are filled with tears … can vampires cry?

“Barbara, you aren't ordinary human being,” my mother said sadly. My heart is searching again. “Please still think of us as your parents. We love you more than the responsibility given to us.”

My tears have dripped once, but my forehead wrinkled.

“Responsibility?” I asked, not understanding.

Dad finally looked down at me. He sighed. “Yes, Bara, responsibility. Your own biological parents handed you over to us. They asked us to look after you.”

I still don't understand.

Grandpa opened the sound. “Your parents were killed, Bara. Their killers have been eyeing you since you were born in this world.”

My heart started to mess again. “Why?”

My grandfather couldn't answer. However, Dad took over answering my question.

“Your biological parents … your father is a vampire, and your mother is a wolf-shifter. You are a wolvire, a wolf-vampire. However, that isn't so important.”

For me, it was very important and surprising. However, as my adoptive father said, that wasn't the most important thing.

“You have the blood incarnation of god, Bara. You have a holy blood. All immortal beings want that blood. We do our best to make you live like a normal human being by limiting your movements, so that you and the enemies out there don't realize who you are. If not, your life is at stake.”

Which almost explains the treatment of my adoptive parents all this time to me.

I'm not a vampire, not a wolf-shifter.

I am both.