Chapter 4 ~Blow Me Down~

~Casper's POV~

I BEHOLD THE VISION OF TWO LOVELY ladies, their faces agog with wonder. They stand stock-still, frozen in awe, as if they've stumbled into a fairy tale. I, Casper, make my grand entrance, thundering down the stairs.

The ladies finally snap out of their trance-like state, their gazes locking onto mine with intensity. I, on the other hand, am a walking calamity – my heart racing, sweat trickling down my face, and my hair sticking out in every direction.

“Thank thee,” I stammer, trying to compose myself. I'm bursting with gratitude, but I contain myself, refraining from bouncing about or squeezing the life out of these dear ladies. Instead, I fling my arms about their shoulders, drawing them into a hearty bear hug.

I release the girls from my enthusiastic bear hug, and they stumble back, looking a bit dazed. I flash them a sheepish grin, feeling a tad embarrassed.

That's when one of them, a petite lass with curly brown hair, finally speaks up. “Dude, this place is nuts!” she exclaims, her gaze darting around the opulent room. Her voice is tinged with awe.

I chuckle, feeling a bit more at ease. “Cheers,” I say, trying to sound suave. “This here is our ancestral abode, though my parents are presently away. Do make yourselves comfortable – I shall return in a trice.” I give them a mock bow before heading to the kitchen.

As I step into the kitchen, my senses go into overdrive. Something's amiss, and I can feel it. Then, I behold the transformation: my cozy kitchen has morphed into a fantastical laboratory!

“By George!” I exclaim, taking in the sleek appliances and spooky blue lights. A low buzzing snaps me out of my trance, and my gaze lands on a hulking metal contraption.

“What in the name of Queen Bess is that thing?” I whisper, my curiosity getting the better of me. I inch closer, eyeing it warily.

Finally, I summon the courage to open it, and what I find inside is astonishing. It's like stumbling into an arctic wonderland, a paradise of chilled delights.

“Well, blow me down!” I exclaim, my eyes darting about the chilly interior. “I've never laid eyes on anything quite like it!”

The colorful array of fruits and veggies before me is astounding. I pick up a tiny orange orb, a weird fruit hybrid that looks like it's from a fantasy world.

"What an odd little blighter," I mutter, bouncing it in my hand with fascination and trepidation. "I wonder if it tastes as peculiar as it looks."

Next, I see mysterious bottles filled with colorful liquids. "Fanta? Coke? I am quite unfamiliar with such exotic beverages!" Although, I've seen people outside my window drinking them.

As I walk back into the sitting room with a laden tray, I'm struck by the sheer splendor of my surroundings. The living room has undergone a massive transformation. It's like I've stepped into a palace, with polished marble floors, stunning paintings, and glittering decor.

But what really catches my eye is the massive rectangle on the wall. It flickers to life, filled with moving pictures. "Oh blow me down," I breathe, my voice barely above a whisper.

I set the tray down on the glass table and wave my hand toward the spread. "Prithee, feel free to indulge in the offerings before you!" I say with a wink, trying to sound suave despite my confusion.

I approach the lovely young lady who had been reluctant in rescuing me from my mansion prison, holding out a bottle of Fanta like a peace offering. "Verily, I thought thou mightst be desirous of a taste of this Fanta," I say. "It is thy most favoured of all beverages, is it not?"

She blinks at me, confused, and I stifle a chuckle as her face cycles through emotions – surprise, confusion, amusement.

"Indeed, and I have procured thee yet another delightful indulgence — a confectionery upon a stick!" I exclaim, producing a small confectionery with a flourish.

Her eyes widen in recognition, and she bursts out laughing. "Oh! You mean a lollipop!" she exclaims, giggling like it's the most sidesplitting thing she's heard all day.

I chuckle along with the lovely young lady. "But how did you know I'm a sucker for lollipops and Fanta?" she asks, her voice tinged with fascination.

My fingers stray to my hair, a nervous habit. "From mine window each morn, I've espied thee," I begin, "Upon thy two-wheeled contraption, with a lollipop 'twixt thy lips, 'twas impossible not to take notice of thee as thou didst ride by each morn," I continue, hoping I don't sound like a complete cad.

Her gaze sharpens, eyes locking onto mine with focus. “You've been spying on me?” she asks, her tone a delicate blend of intrigue and caution.

A flush of heat sweeps across my face, and I can feel my cheeks turning a shade of crimson. “Fear not, no offence was taken,” I hasten to assure her, holding up my hands in a gesture of innocence.

“Verily, thy routine is most consistent, and 'twas unavoidable that it should capture mine notice.” To my relief, her countenance softens, and she lets out another merry laugh.

“I guess I'm a creature of habit,” she admits, offering a sheepish grin as she reaches for a Fanta and pops the cap.

As she takes a sip, I turn my attention to her blonde friend, who's been observing us with a sly smile playing on her lips. She's toying with a strand of her hair, and I find myself wondering what mischief is brewing in that head of hers.

“Perchance thou dost desire a goblet of Fanta, or mayhap one of these curious fruits?” I ask, gesturing toward the array of snacks with a flourish.

I offer her a friendly grin, hoping to put her at ease. “Or, if 'tis more to thy liking, I could prepare a different dish or beverage?”

She regards me with a soft, enigmatic smile, her eyes sparkling. “No, thank you,” she replies. “Fanta's just fine."

I breathe a silent sigh of relief, feeling a sense of accomplishment at having navigated this minor social hurdle.

I extend my hand in greeting. “Mine name is Snow-white Van Hellsing, though thou may call me Casper. Verily, 'Snow-white' is but a sobriquet, not mine given name,” I explain, offering a friendly grin.

The girls share a glance, their lips curling up in a secretive smile that hints at a thousand unspoken thoughts.

Fanta Girl leans back in her chair, eyeing me up and down with a mixture of amusement and admiration. “You know, 'Snow-white' kinda fits you, with your pale skin and platinum hair,” she says, her voice filled with a delightful blend of teasing and sincerity.

“You've got this whole unique way of talking that makes you stand out like a dashing gentleman at a high-society ball.” Her words send a ripple of warmth through me, that leaves me momentarily speechless.

“I'm Winter,” the girl who rescued me from my mansion prison jumps in.

“And I'm Scarlett,” adds the Fanta-loving, lollipop-munching girl, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

As we chat and laugh over our drinks, it's like we've known each other for years instead of just a few crazy hours.

Just as I'm getting comfortable, Winter hits me with a question that makes my heart skip a beat: “So, what's the deal with you being trapped in this mansion? And why didn't you just phone someone for help?”

I'm taken aback, my mind racing for an answer that won't expose my deepest secret. A "phone," she says? What is that? Clearly, I must shield these girls from the truth.

Time to use my vampiric charm. "Prithee, fret not, 'tis of no great import," I say, my voice smooth as silk. "Verily, I implore thee, trouble not thyself with the matter. 'Tis best that thou remaineth ignorant of such concerns."

"Suffice it to say, thou hast bestowed upon me a great boon in liberating me from this manor, and for that I am most appreciative." The girls stare at me, agog, as if I've suddenly grown a second head.

For a moment, I worry my vampiric mind-tricks won't work. But then Scarlett bursts out laughing. "You know what, he's got a point," she says, nudging Winter with her elbow. "It's all in the past now."

Winter looks perplexed, but she shrugs it off, a blush rising to her cheeks. "Sorry for being nosy," she says, her voice tinged with embarrassment.

I flash her my most reassuring grin. "In truth, I beseech thee, cast thine worries aside. All is well now, and there is no cause for distress," I assure her.

Crisis averted! My vampiric mind-tricks have saved the day. Now, let's hope these dear girls remain blissfully unaware of my ancient secrets...