Dance With A Vampire for Chapter 9

I haven't touched a sketchbook in years. What is your medium?" she asked. "Oil paint. " "What is your specialty?" my mom inquired. "Portraits. Family. Memories, " Alexander responded mysteriously. "Vampires, " I said proudly. My parents paused. "I see you have a lot in common, " my dad commented. "Raven's exams are coming up, " my mom began, fiddling with her silver bracelet. "She said you were already taking your homeschool exams?" "Yes. I've completed them. " "That's very impressive. Maybe some of your study habits will rub off on Raven, " my dad added. "Dad!" I whined, sinking in my chair. "Maybe we could finish with the interrogation after we order. " "You're right, " my father agreed. "I'm hungry. " The waiter returned with our drinks. "Ladies, " the waiter said, holding his paper and pen. "I'll take the Cricket burger, well done, " I said. "I'll have the fish and chips, " my mother said with a smile. "For the young gentleman?" Alexander cleared his throat. "I'll have the rib-eye steak. " "How would you like that prepared?" "Raw, " Alexander said matter-of-factly. My parents and the waiter looked at my boyfriend oddly. "He means rare, " I corrected. "Medium rare. " I could see Mrs. Mitchell's head lean ever so slightly out of her booth. "Yes, that's what I meant, " he said with a strained grin. "And you, sir?" "I'll have the shepherd's pie, " my dad ordered, "and the green garlic and pea soup. " The waiter took our menus and scampered off to the kitchen as Alexander glared at me. "What did you order, Dad?" I asked, horrified. "Shepherd's pie. " "Nothe soup. " "Green garlic. Why, would you like to order some? We can get the waiter. " All at once, I imagined the plate of green garlic and pea soup being placed within smelling distance of my vampire boyfriend. Alexander would wheeze; then he'd turn even more deathly pale than he already was. He'd stand up, staggering and gasping for air. We were miles away from the Mansion, Jameson, and Alexander's life-saving antidote. "NoAlexander is deathly allergic to garlic!" I panicked. "We have to stop them; they can't bring it out!"