Van Helsing

"But aren't you about... well, you know." Beatrice said, though she knew she must be the only one who was.

 

"Edward...?" Hannah murmured again. "No... don't go..."

 

"I don't understand," said Van Helsing. "I'm not about what?"

 

"Hannah, what's the matter?" Edward asked, taking the reigns from her hands and shaking her slightly.

 

Hannah woke with a start, sitting up straight and breathing quickly. It was just a dream.... She told herself. "How far have we gotten?" She asked normally, trying to calm herself.

 

"Well... what if something comes?" Beatrice asked.

 

"You certainly doubt my abilities, don't you Beatice?" Van Helsing laughed.

 

"What was a dream?" Edward asked. "What happened?"

 

"No." Beatrice said quickly. "I'm just worried... and a bit scared."

 

Hannah shook her head. "Are we stopping soon?"

 

"If you see somewhere that would be a good place to camp, shout it out," Edward suggested. "Are you sure you're alright?"

 

"Try not to worry," Van Helsing said. "Things will be fine as soon as we get to Rome... I hope."

 

"Yeah, I'm fine." Hannah said. I just don't want to think about that.... Edward wouldn't do that to us.... I'm sure of it. But then... no! I've got to forget this. Dreams aren't real.... She looked up to see the sun setting. Finally, I can get some alone time to sort things out.

 

Beatrice nodded. "Okay. Maybe if we go into the trees a bit more, we'll find a clearing."

 

I can't believe she doubts me so much... Edward thought. She ought to know by now that I wouldn't do anything bad to our group... I don't get it...

"Okay," Edward said aloud. "But I don't believe you, sorry."

 

A couple minutes, later, Van Helsing said, "Ah! You're right, Beatrice! This place looks perfect for now."

 

Beatrice smiled. "Mum always said I was good at geography." She jumped off Lexi and went to Sorin.

 

Hannah got off Sorin. "Van Hesling... can I talk with you... alone?"

 

"Oh really?" Van Helsing laughed to himself. He looked around him at the small clearing they had all stopped in. The air was cool and there wasn't much light as the moon was just changing places with the sun. There was a pale glow on the top leaves of the trees in a faint yellow shade, leaving the ground open to the silver light of the moon that was coming in a few minutes. I'd only worry about werewolves out here anyway, he thought. And then he heard Hannah.

"Sure," he replied, turning to look at her. "May I ask why?"

 

Edward watched Hannah go over to Van Helsing and felt a small twinge of jealousy for some reason. What could she have to talk to him about? he thought. This will be interesting.

"Hey, Jinx!" Edward called out. "Do you mind coming over here to help me and Beatrice with a fire?"