MY SUGAR MUMMY IS A BEAUTIFUL VAMPIRE

The room fell into a heavy silence as everyone processed the unsettling news about Rose's condition. The air was thick with worry and confusion. Nana, her face etched with concern, was the first to break the quiet.

"I hate to say it," she began softly, "but I'm starting to doubt we can find answers here. We're out of our depth."

Reggie nodded slowly, his eyes distant as if looking at something far beyond the room. "You're right, Nana. We might not find answers here, but..." he paused, meeting each person's gaze in turn, "there's somewhere that should know everything that's going on."

The others leaned in, curious and hopeful. Reggie continued, his voice growing stronger. "We have to remember, compared to some of our kind, we're relatively young. If we really want to figure out exactly what's happening to Rose, maybe it's time we visited the old heads again."

"The old heads?" Blake asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"He means the ancient vampires," Randal explained, a hint of awe in his voice. "Vampires who have lived for centuries, maybe even millennia. They've seen it all, experienced it all."

Gunther nodded in agreement. "This is obviously beyond our experience. The ancients ones might be our only hope."

A tense silence fell over the room as everyone considered this option. Blake looked at Rose, lying pale and still on the bed, then at Celena, playing quietly in the corner, blissfully unaware of the gravity of the situation. His heart ached at the thought of leaving them, but he knew they needed answers.

"Where are these ancient vampires?" Blake asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Reggie's expression was grim as he answered, "In the vampire city. It's... well, it's not an easy place to get to, or to be in if you're not used to it. But it's our best shot at helping Rose."

After a long moment of collective thought and hushed discussions, they all agreed: a visit to the vampire city was mandatory, and it needed to happen immediately.

As night fell, they began making arrangements for the journey. Blake approached Nana, his eyes pleading. "Nana, I know it's a lot to ask, considering what has happened between us..."

Nana chuckled, interrupting Blake. She rubbed her palm on her head before she stared at Blake. Her eyes softened as she spoke.

"Oh, honey," she said, her voice warm and reassuring. "What happened was in the past. I mean, it's been like what? Two years?! Besides, I completely understand why you went as far as you did. Truthfully, I'd do the same for my husband, Reggie, too."

She reached out and patted Blake's arm gently. "So you should stop carrying around that guilt and move on from the incident. We've got bigger fish to fry now, don't we?"

Blake nodded, a weight seeming to lift from his shoulders. He took a deep breath, relief evident in his posture.

"Thank you, Nana," he said softly. "Your understanding means more than you know."

Nana smiled, then her expression turned more serious. "Now, what were you about to ask me? I assume it has something to do with this vampire city business?"

Blake straightened up, focusing on the task at hand. "Yes, it does. I need your help. Could you stay back and take care of Celena? I can't bear the thought of taking her into an unknown situation, and there's no one I trust more with her."

Nana pulled up to Blake in a warm smile. "Of course, Blake. Celena will be safe with me. You focus on finding answers for Rose."

Blake thanked Nana warmly for her understanding and willingness to help. Part of him felt bad for apologizing for what he did to her now that he needed her help. It was selfish of him and he knew it. Then again the only reason he never confronted the matter was because everyone appeared to have moved on. What was the point of reopening old wounds?

Reflecting on their relationship, he acknowledged how they had grown distant over the years. Much of this distance had naturally occurred when Nana and Reggie got together. Their once close bond no longer felt appropriate, especially after Blake's reunion with Rose. The dynamics had shifted, and they had both silently accepted the new boundaries.

As he looked at Nana now, Blake marveled at how much she had changed. She was no longer the wide-eyed islander girl, a foreigner navigating the complexities of the big city. Nana had adapted quickly, fitting seamlessly into her new life. She had grown into a confident woman, starting her own family and carving out her place in this world that was once so foreign to her.

The gap between them now felt both natural and a little melancholic. While their paths had diverged, Blake was grateful that in times of need, their bond still held strong enough for her to offer her support without hesitation.

Now relieved that Celena would be in good hands, he set off to find Dr. Martina, knowing he needed to discuss arrangements for Rose's care during his absence.

As he approached the kitchen, he heard the animated voices of Celena and Dr. Martina. His daughter was enthusiastically recounting the events of her birthday eve, her excitement palpable in her voice. Blake paused for a moment, not wanting to interrupt the cheerful conversation.

When there was a lull in their chat, Blake cleared his throat softly to announce his presence. Both Celena and Dr. Martina turned to look at him.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," Blake said, offering a small smile. "Dr. Martina, could I have a word with you? It's about Rose."

Dr. Martina nodded, her expression turning more serious. "Of course, Blake. Celena, dear, we'll continue our chat later, alright?"

Celena nodded, giving her father a curious look before skipping off to find Nana.

Once they were alone, Blake addressed Dr. Martina. "I apologize for the short notice, but you know we're facing some urgent matters. I need to leave for the vampire city, and I'm concerned about Rose's care while I'm gone. It's a lot I'm asking but I was wondering if you would be willing to stay and continue monitoring Rose's health? Your expertise could be crucial if her condition changes."

Dr. Martina's brow furrowed slightly as she processed Blake's request. Blake could see the slight hesitation. She probably had things to do in the big city after all she left her work to come here. He hated that he was putting these good people in a tight spot.