The Dawson Clan

The sky was clear, with scattered blue clouds adding to its beauty. Birds flew around as if to welcome the warmth of the sun. Beetles circled the flowers as if they didn't care about the two people watching them.

A young couple sat in a garden filled with beautifully blooming flowers and enjoyed this natural beauty. They were sitting in a long chair facing the garden. Clara Huston rests her head on the broad chest of her lover, Maxy Walter. The wind caresses her face, causing Clara to close her eyes occasionally. The soothing scent of her lover seems to be a sleeping flower for her. Meanwhile, Maxy, noticing that Clara is sleeping on his chest, gently caresses his girl's flawless face. She is getting rid of the hair that hid her beauty.

"Ugghh ... sorry, Max, I fell asleep. It's so cozy in here," Clara said with a blush on her face, so Maxy couldn't resist kissing her. Slowly but surely, he brought his lips closer to the girl's face, a warm and soft peck landing right on Clara's forehead, making the girl's face blush.

"It's already noon. We'd better go home. Besides, I must accompany my mother to buy some fabrics for our wedding."

Clara pursed her lips, looking unhappy to hear they had to part while she still enjoyed their company. Exhaling softly, she finally smiled at the man who always made her feel comfortable beside him. To have a fiancé who was as perfect as Maxy, there wasn't a single woman who didn't think she was a lucky woman.

Maxy Walter was the son of a respected family in their village. Their village was called Tussand. It was a prosperous and peaceful village where all the inhabitants lived in harmony with each other. He was also a man of good looks and unquestionable kindness. He was a romantic and caring man who made Clara fall in love with him.

"I love you," she said, leaving Maxy stunned momentarily before he finally revealed his charming smile.

"I love you more, Clara," he replied and hugged her tightly as if he was afraid he would lose her if he let go.

They hugged for a long time until they were forced to part when they remembered the activities they had to go through the day. They walked hand in hand to the girl's house.

"You must take care of your health. Remember, you'll be my wife in two months," Maxy whispered in Clara's ear as they arrived at Clara's house.

"These words should be addressed to you. You're the one who eats late. You can't be like that. You have to take care of your health," the girl replied with a serious look.

"All right, I understand. Now go inside," Maxy ordered, and Clara nodded. She waved to Maxy just before she stepped through the door of her house.

Inside her house, Clara walked with an occasional whistle as she remembered her happiness. Of course, she was pleased, considering that she would be married to the man she loved the most in two months. At first, Clara wanted to go to her room. But she stopped when she passed a room. She abandoned her intention and decided to take a quick look at the condition of the person who owned the room.

She was shocked when she didn't find her in her bed. The bed looked messy, indicating that someone had been lying there moments ago. Fear began to creep up on her but faded when she saw the figure sitting in a chair right on the balcony of the room. Smiling briefly, she approached the person.

"What are you doing here? Come back and lie down. It's hot in here," she said as she knelt before the person who was none other than her grandmother. Her grandmother, who still looked beautiful even though she was in her seventh year of life, signaled how meticulous she had been when she was young. Perhaps Clara's beauty was inherited from her grandmother. Many people who know her grandmother's younger days say that Clara's face resembles hers. Unfortunately, her beautiful grandmother always looked pale and weak due to a disease she had suffered for a long time, so Clara was always worried about her beloved grandmother's condition.

"Whenever I see sunlight, I always think of that person," said the grandmother, whose name was Cleo Huston.

"Hm, remember who? Grandpa?" Clara started to get interested in the direction of their conversation, which made her think about accompanying her grandmother for a while. Cleo shook her head slowly, her eyes still fixed on the sky.

"If not Grandpa, then who, maybe Grandma's first love?" At first, Clara had only intended to tease, but Cleo's reaction of a slight smile made her realize that her guess was correct.

"So it was Grandma's first love? Tell me about it, Grandma. I'm so curious," she chirped, holding Cleo's wrinkled hand.

"Only your mother has ever heard this story, so I guess I should tell it to you." Her voice was soft but still clearly audible in Clara's ears. Cleo gently stroked Clara's head, and a feeling of comfort immediately spread through her body; only with this touch could Clara feel how much her grandmother loved her.

"Once... many years ago, when I was your age, this village was visited by a very charming man. I had never seen such a handsome man in my life. His hair was black as night. His irises were red like blood. His skin was white like porcelain. His eyes were sharp as an eagle's. His body was tall, well-built, and athletic as if everything he possessed was a true form of perfection." Cleo stopped her story. Clara swallowed her saliva and began to get excited about her grandmother's story.

"I fell in love with him at first sight. But unfortunately, I couldn't be with him." Cleo lowered her head, sadness in her eyes, which had been sparkling with the story of her first love.

"Why can't you be together? Was Grandma set up so you couldn't be with him?" Clara asked, and Cleo just shook her head.

"He's not human."

Clara was stunned this time, her eyes wide. "Not human. Is he a ghost?" Once again, Clara tried to guess, and for the second time, Cleo just shook her head.

"A blood-sucking creature usually called a vampire."

Not only stunned, but Clara was also now so shocked that she didn't realize she was standing up from where she had been kneeling in front of her grandmother.

"I-I've heard rumors about vampires, but from what I've heard, they are horrible monsters. Their appearance is ugly, and they don't hesitate to kill people."

Cleo smiled slightly. "Well, there's nothing wrong with those rumors. The monsters they are talking about are indeed vampires. Or rather, humans were turned into vampires who couldn't control their thirst for blood, so they turned into killing machines. This man was different. He was a pure-blood, noble vampire whose family members were said to be as beautiful as gods and goddesses. And yes, I believe it after seeing this man, whose looks are unmatched by any human".

Clara knelt in front of her grandmother again and held her grandmother's wrinkled hand.

"He came to this village because it was still part of his territory. At that time, the village chief tried to talk to him and make peace. As a result, an agreement was made. He allowed the villagers to occupy this village, and the forbidden forest became the boundary between this village and his territory. This agreement was quite disadvantageous to the villagers. However, many trees in the forest could be used as a source of livelihood. Many plants and animals can be used for food." Cleo paused again, but the smile on her lips made Clara even more curious to hear the rest of the story.

"The forest became a forbidden forest. No one dared to go near it, especially since there were rumors that the man frequented the forest. I, who was blinded by love, ended up acting recklessly. I often sneaked into that forest with only one purpose to meet him."

"And did you succeed in meeting him?"

Cleo shook her head, and a sad look returned to her face. "Unfortunately, he never appeared before me. I gave up and never went to that forest again. Then I met your grandfather and finally married him. But until now, I always think of that man whenever I see sunlight."

"Why is that, Grandma?"

Cleo smiled again before she finally let out her quiet voice again. "Because vampires can't stand sunlight, their skin burns when exposed. That's why they only come out at night."

Clara gave a short "ooh."

"It's a pity that we're not allowed to enter this forest, even though I've heard that plants are growing there that can cure various illnesses."

Who knows how many times Clara was surprised by her grandmother's words. "Is it true that the plant can cure various diseases?" she asked enthusiastically.

"Not only diseases but even serious wounds can be healed with this plant."

"What is the name of the plant, Grandma?"

Cleo was stunned as if thinking or perhaps remembering something she had forgotten. "I don't know the name," she replied.

"Then the characteristics of the plant, do you know them?"

"I've heard rumors from the villagers that it's a wonderful flower with deep purple petals and a fragrant scent. Even more fragrant than roses," Cleo explained, which somehow made Clara's eyes light up.

"Never mind. Let's finish this conversation. Grandma wants to go to bed, and you will help your mother prepare dinner."

Suddenly Clara looked up at the clock that sat beautifully on the room's wall, then pursed her lips. "It's only 3:00, Grandma. It's still a long time until dinner. Okay, let me help you lie down."

Clara helped Cleo out of her chair. She picked her up and helped Cleo lie down on the bed.

"Sleep well, Grandma. I'll bring Grandma some food when it's time for dinner," Clara chirped, to which Cleo returned a warm smile.

Clara went back to her room, lay down on the soft bed, and somehow the story of her grandmother kept ringing in her head. Not the one about the handsome vampire, but the one about the medicine that could cure various diseases. She thought her grandmother's illness would be cured if she could get the plant.

After a moment of hesitation, considering that it was forbidden to enter the forest, Clara finally got up from her sleep. She loved her grandmother very much and had decided to go to the forbidden forest to look for the plant. It was still early afternoon, and it would be another two hours before the sky would turn dark. That is a good sign, considering that the creatures called vampires would only appear at night. Clara was desperate to sneak into the forbidden forest, which was said to be inhabited by blood-sucking creatures called vampires.

The distance to the forest was close. It only took about 20 minutes. Clara arrived in front of the woods. Clara shuddered in horror, just looking at the forest from the outside. The cold wind blowing inside the dense forest made her hair stand on end. But for the sake of her beloved grandmother, she bravely began to step into the woods.

Dark was the first word to describe the forest. It was so quiet that even the sound of insects seemed to be lost on Clara's ears. The towering trees and the many wild bushes added to the horror of the forest. However, Clara did not waver from her decision to search for the legendary medicinal plant.

She scanned the forest, looking for a plant that had the characteristics her grandmother had mentioned.

"Where is it?" she murmured, hugging herself against the cold she could barely stand. "The plant resembles a purple flower and smells very fragrant. Come on, where is this medicinal plant?" she muttered again.

Suddenly, a strong wind blew, and the back of Clara's eye caught something flashing quickly behind her. Clara immediately turned her head in the direction behind her, but nothing she didn't find any figure. Even though she was starting to get scared, Clara continued her steps.

Again the wind blew, and a glimpse of it flew by again, quickly caught by the back of Clara's eyes.

"Who is it?!!" Clara shouted, her voice shaking with fear.

Her eyes began to glaze over. She was starting to get scared. She focused her vision on the back and sides, ignoring the front. When she finally turned her head forward, a sudden drowsiness struck her, and amid her fading consciousness, she caught a glimpse of a person dressed in black standing in front of her. After that, she did not know what happened to her.

Clara blinked, adjusting her vision to the sunlight hitting her irises. She looked around and found herself in an unfamiliar room. She scrambled to her feet.

"Uukkhh..." she whimpered spontaneously, feeling pain and stinging around her groin.

"Aw, what's happening to me? Why does it hurt so much?" she mumbled, which could only be heard by her as there was no one else in the room. She tried to stroll, but her attention was distracted when she saw a purple flower lying not far from the door. Looking at the plant, she remembered the incident when she had tried to look for the plant in the forest. But strangely enough, she didn't remember anything after that, not even why she was in this strange-looking room.

Clara picked up the plant with a beaming face and staggered out of the room. Once outside, Clara finally realized she had fallen asleep in a hut near the forbidden forest. She thought that maybe she had been attacked by a wild animal in the woods and someone had saved her life. She tried to think positively about this strange event.

Step by step, she waded forward until she reached the front of her house. She ran into the house, ignoring the pain she felt. However, her actions stopped when she saw many people inside the house dressed in black with expressions of grief and sadness.

"Clara, where have you been? You've been missing for three days. We were worried about you." A beautiful middle-aged woman said it as soon as she saw Clara's figure—a woman who was none other than Clara's biological mother.

"I've been missing?" Clara mumbled in disbelief.

"Yes, where have you been the last three days?"

Clara said nothing, her eyes still blank. Then she raised her right hand, holding the legendary herb. The sight of it made her mother stunned. She knew what plant her daughter was holding because her mother, no less than Cleo Huston, had once told her about the magical medicinal plant.

"You... did you go to the forbidden forest to find this plant?" her mother asked angrily.

Clara just nodded. "It's for grandma," she replied sadly, seeming to realize what was happening in the house when she saw a large picture of her grandmother on a table with a bouquet. Clara could no longer hold back her tears.

"Grandma is resting peacefully now. She won't be in pain anymore."

The medicinal plant Clara was holding fell to the floor, and her mother picked it up, realizing how precious it was.

"When did Grandma die?"

"This morning. The funeral just finished," her mother explained, causing Clara's body to go limp. Her fight was in vain. She was too late to save her grandmother.

***

A month had passed since the incident in the forest. Clara kept thinking about what had happened to her, but seeing nothing strange about her body, she decided to stop thinking about it.

She also decided to stop crying over her grandmother's departure. After almost a month, she often spent time in her grandmother's room because she could not accept that her grandmother was gone forever. She realized it was time to wake up from her grief, especially since she was only a month away from her wedding.

"Clara! Maxy is waiting for you. Come out quickly, are you still dressed up inside?"

Her mother's voice made Clara realize she was putting on makeup in her room. She had promised to go out with her fiancé today. Clara felt her face was ashen these days, so she decided to put on some makeup to cover it up, even though she usually didn't like to dress up.

After feeling that her appearance was perfect, she left the room to meet her fiancé. A smile appeared on Clara's lips when her eyes met Maxy's.

"You look amazing today," Maxy said, blushing at Clara's beautiful face. "Are you ready to make beautiful memories today?"

Clara just nodded, and then they waltzed off holding hands, making Clara's parents blush and relieved to know their relationship was going well and getting more romantic. For Clara's father, however, his daughter's marriage was necessary. Maxy came from a prominent family in the village of Tussand. Although Clara's family was also quite famous, he thought that if the two main families got together, they would become one big family respected by all the villagers.

Clara and Maxy decided to go to their favorite place, no other than a park whose beauty always managed to hypnotize them. They were about to arrive at the park when something strange happened.

In the grip of his hand, Maxy felt that Clara's hand was icy, and suddenly her body was about to fall. Maxy quickly caught her, and his actions were right because Clara almost fell if Maxy hadn't noticed her in time. The makeup that adorned Clara's face could not hide her increasingly pale face, which suddenly made Maxy anxious to see her.

"What's wrong with you? If you're sick, you should have refused my invitation," Maxy said with an annoyed but worried look. Noticing that Clara's body was getting weaker and her face paler, Maxy picked her up and took her to one of the most famous healers in the village for treatment.

When the couple arrived at his clinic, the doctor carefully examined Clara's condition.

"How is she?" asked Maxy with a panicked look. He watched in amazement as the doctor furrowed his brow without saying anything as he checked Clara's pulse and heartbeat. Maxy's concern was heightened when he saw the shocked look on the doctor's face as he checked Clara's stomach.

"What's wrong? She's fine, right?" Maxy asked again with a worried tone that turned into an anxious one.

"Are you two married?"

Instead of an answer, the healer asked a question that stunned Maxy momentarily.

"Not yet. We're getting married next month," Maxy answered truthfully.

"Hurry up and get married before her belly gets too big. It'll be a big problem if the villagers find out your future wife is pregnant out of wedlock."

That's how Maxy felt at the moment. He thought the doctor's words were impossible. How could Clara be pregnant when they had never even had sex?

"Hurry up, get her out of here, and get your wedding over with. I'll try to help you by keeping the pregnancy a secret," the healer said with a sharp look at Maxy. In the village of Tussand, old customs and traditions were still very much alive. A woman who became pregnant out of wedlock was considered a source of disaster and was severely punished. If the man who impregnated her was not responsible, the woman would never marry for the rest of her life and would be ostracized by the entire village.

"At least let us stay here until she wakes up, I beg you," Maxy begged with a sad face, causing the healer to let out a long sigh and nod reluctantly.

Ten minutes later, Clara finally opened her eyes. She found herself in a very unfamiliar room, which made her get up from lying. She looked around, and the relief she felt was immeasurable when she saw the figure of her fiancé sitting not far from her.

"Max, where are we?" she asked, confused, but he just looked at her sharply without making a sound. Confused by her fiancé's attitude, Clara went over to him.

"Max, did something happen?" she asked again, realizing her fiancé was acting strangely. Maxy had never ignored her before.

"Who?" That was the only word that came out of Maxy's mouth, making Clara frown uncomprehendingly.

"What do you mean? I'm ..."

"Who's the guy that got you pregnant?"

Clara's eyes rounded perfectly. "W-what do you mean?"

"Don't act like you don't know, you're pregnant, and I'm asking who the father is?!!!"

Maxy could no longer contain his emotions. Tears streamed down Clara's face as she heard Maxy yell at her for the first time.

"I don't understand what you're saying. Please don't scare me like this." Clara's tears flowed even harder, especially when Maxy's face turned red with anger.

"I thought you loved me. I thought you were a good woman who could take good care of the trust I put in you. I didn't expect you to betray me like this. I'm so disappointed in you."

Maxy just walked away, ignoring Clara, who was sobbing even more.

***

It was a busy day at the Huston home. Everyone was preparing for the arrival of Walter's family, who had announced that they would be visiting today. No one knew why the family suddenly suggested a family meeting because they didn't say anything. As for Clara, she had a bad feeling. She felt something terrible would happen at the intersection between the two families.

The long-awaited moment they finally arrived. Walter's family arrived at the Huston residence. Maxy's figure was seen coming, which made Clara even more anxious, especially when she saw the man's sharp gaze on her.

"It is an honor to have you visit. We are very pleased." Those were the first words out of the mouth of Harry Huston, the head of the Huston family when the two families were in the same room.

"We came here to ask for an explanation from your daughter," said Bram Walter, the head of the Walter family and Maxy's father. His voice had such emotion that he didn't even care about manners.

"My daughter's explanation? I don't know what you mean."

Harry stared at Bram, then turned to Clara, utterly clueless about the situation. Clara just lowered her head while wringing her hands. She was terrified at the moment.

"Looks like Clara didn't tell you about her pregnancy."

Not only Harry but all the members of the Huston family were wide-eyed. All eyes were now on Clara, who was already sobbing with a trembling body.

"What do you mean you're pregnant?" snapped Harry with an angry look at his daughter. Clara squeezed her hand even harder, and her sobs made it clear that she was terrified. Feeling that his question was ignored, Harry walked over to his daughter, who was still face down. He gripped her body tightly. "Answer me, Clara, what does it mean you're pregnant? Are you pregnant?"

Clara didn't dare look at her father's face, which was frightening because of his anger. Clara was stunned until she slowly nodded her head. Everyone was amazed by Clara's reaction. Her mother covered her mouth in disbelief as tears streamed down her face.

Harry let go of Clara and turned to glare at Maxy. "You need to take responsibility for what you've done," he told Maxy, only to be met with a sarcastic smile.

"Sorry, you should have asked your daughter who got her pregnant because I never touched her," Maxy replied quickly and confidently.

Anger was building inside Harry. He gripped Clara's body tightly again, making her grimace in pain. "Who got you pregnant? Wasn't it Maxy?!!!" He snapped at Clara again, making her shake even more. "ANSWER CLARA!!!" he shouted, which managed to stun Clara.

Clara finally dared to look at her father's face. She trembled even more when she saw her father's reddened face. He was furious. "No Maxy, I don't know what happened. I'm just surprised I'm pregnant suddenly," Clara replied hoarsely, her sobs not subsiding. Harry felt that his daughter's answer had destroyed the pride and honor of the family he had worked so hard to protect.

"We are very disappointed in your daughter. Everything is clear, and our intention in coming here is to cancel our children's engagement and wedding plans.”

Harry heard it. However, he pretended not to hear and did not move from where he stood. It was as if his lips didn't want to say anything in response to Bram's words.

"We have nothing more to discuss. Please excuse us," was the last thing Bram said before he and his family got up from their seats. They walked away.

Clara was surprised when a ring suddenly fell on her lap. She looked up and saw the disgust in Maxy's eyes, which had always radiated love and affection for her.

"I do not want to wear this ring anymore. With it, all ties between us are completely severed. Goodbye."

He walked away, leaving Clara with a million wounds in her heart and a devastated Huston family.