• The bell rang all too quickly for lunch and I realized I would have to sit with Collin. George walked me to lunch. Right to my table actually which was surprising. “Hey Collin was up?” He jostled Collin around a bit but he didn’t react. Though I knew that he was wishing the ‘nuisance’ would leave. “Well see you around Brooke!” He called already out the door. “You too.” I sighed and sat down next to the twins. Collin sat with Alex across the table. As usual we had the table to ourselves. Miranda and Madeline were talking to Alex though she wasn’t paying much attention. Oh so she gets to zone out but I don’t? I heard that. Her voice in my head and she smiled from across the table. Get out of my head! I shouted loud and clear for her to hear. Why? Because I said so! Give it a rest you two! Collin’s voice spat. Fine. By the way if you never want to see me again it’s fine with me. “Collin!” I hissed aloud offended. “What?” He shrugged. “I would never.” “Well the way you acted this morning was pretty outrageous.” “I had the right to be shocked!” He was just being absurd now. “Well I think you acted pretty racist!” “To who? You or that other “dark side” of you.” I shouted. “To both!” “Ugh!” “You are certainly getting on my last nerve Collin!” I screamed. Everyone in the lunchroom was staring now. We were both standing defensively. Some how he had pushed the bolted table aside. I don’t know who started it first but everyone began chanting ‘fight, fight, fight’.

    Lets take this outside. His voice sounded in my head. “I’m sorry Collin let’s just eat lunch outside.” Everyone bought it when we took our lunch and headed out. I dumped mine in a nearby trash. I wasn’t very hungry anymore. We walked to the courtyard and took the same positions. “Where were we?” I asked slyly. “You were telling me how I was getting on your last nerve.” “Oh yeah.” I growled. I charged at him first, ready to knock out his front teeth but he pounced like last night, graceful as a cat. He had me in the same position as last night again. I could stop myself from having a panic attack. It was like something was telling me I was going to die. I let out a shrill scream. He was off me immediately. And he ran to find Alex, was my guess because she showed up a few minutes later and asked, “What in the world did you do to her?” “Nothing!” “Well you must have done something because she’s having a severe panic attack idiot.” “I’m so sorry he cried.” I wanted to comfort him even though he had down such horrible things to me but I couldn’t get up. I tried and tried but I couldn’t move. I was in some sort of shock. “Can you hear me Brooke?” Alex asked frantically. Collin paced at my feet with a dark look on his face. I couldn’t seem to talk. It was like my words were buried under piles of sand. “What do we do? We can’t just leave her here.” Collin asked. “I don’t know.” “Well you’re supposed to be the smart one here!” Collin yelled. “You’re the one who did this to her not me.” Alex screamed back “Now what did you DO!” “I told you,” He pleaded, “Nothing!” “What happened before she screamed?” “Well…um…I kind of pinned her to the ground…but only because she charged at me first.” He rushed. “Of course, you put her into shock. Don’t you remember what Sylvan said?” He nodded. Who was Seylan? “You can’t touch her for, well, it’s never been tested Collin! It may be forever.” His jaw dropped as if to say something but he didn’t. “So she’ll be fine?” He gulped. “Yeah but you should leave.” He was gone in an instant. “Brooke I’m sorry. Can you hear me now?” In a few moments the sand was lifted and I sat up. “Yes Alex. I can.” I choked out. “You should get some rest. I’ll take you home.” “But…” I began to protest but her voice echoed in my mind like Collin’s had the night before. Sleep. I fell into unconsciousness.

    I woke up from a dream similar to my previous ones but more startling. I sat up with tears streaming down my face screaming. I quickly stopped. “Rise and shine sleepy head. Of rather rise and dark since it’s one a.m.” Collin whispered from across the room. My breathing became more rapid in his presence. “Calm down would ya? You’re gonna give me a heart attack, if you don’t give yourself one first,” He chuckled. “How long have you been here?” I spat. “Oh, three or four hours maybe.” I gasped. Collin watching me sleep? Talk about awkward. “You know you really scream a lot,” He laughed. I threw a pillow at him but he caught it with ease and lightly tossed it into my arms. “That’s your fault.” “Is it? So you dream about me. How fascinating.” Collin leisurely walked towards my bed. “I don’t dream about you. I have nightmares about you.” He stopped shortly but then sat calmly down at the edge of my bed. “And what do these nightmares depict exactly?” “Well,” What should I tell him? “Mainly you turning into a… a…” I stuttered. “Vampire?” He offered. “Yeah and well… um… you really don’t want to know.” “You can tell me.” He reached his hand out to comfort me but then remembered this afternoon’s incident and tugged it back. Shame and hurt flared in his eyes and then he added, “Really. You can tell me.” I sighed and continued, “In every dream you kind of hunt me down and, um, kill me.” “To be expected.” “Usually if someone doesn’t get turned, which is rare, they become incredibly tormented. What happened today when I um…held you down Is an example. You body will now go into somewhat shock whenever im around you because I bit you.” “But your sitting right next to me and I’m fine.” “Yes, well it gets easier over time in some cases.” “I’m confused.” “Never mind forget that I said that. You have school tomorrow so get some sleep.” “You do to.” “No I don’t I’m leaving at dawn for Brazil. I can’t be tempted by you. It just puts you in more danger by the minute.” Collin began to get up but I wrapped my arms around his neck in an embracing ‘don’t go’ hug. He happily relaxed but my body went rigid. Again I couldn’t move but this time I could just barely move my lips. After a few minutes he said, “You know you can let me go now.” “I can’t,” I stated flatly. “Oh yeah.” He started to reach for my hands to pry them open. “If you touch me it’ll make it worse.” “Well that sucks.” “Yup oh and just to make you hate me I’m going to the dance with George Davis.” Collin’s eyes flickered but he kept cool. “Well, that’s…interesting.” “Relax and try to, well, rest.” Somehow I changed positions and fell asleep resting my head on his lap.

    I slept till around noon. When I finally woke up Collin was not there. He had tucked me in right side up in my bed. I was drowsy and I looked as if I had been lying in a coffin for six years. Luckily the shower got me going, especially when I didn’t realize it was still cold. My mother greeted me downstairs once I had gotten dressed. “You look better honey!” “I feel better mom. When can I go to school?” “We can leave right now but I’m not sure you should…” “Good, let’s go.” I dashed out the door.

    Please let Colin still is here. Please let Collin still be here. “Have a good day at school honey, and call me if you don’t feel well.” “Yeah love you.” I kicked the door closed and dashed to lunch. Come on come on, I thought. My stupid legs wouldn’t push any faster. Then the lunch area was just in reach. “Hey Brooke!” George called out and ran in front of me. “Hey.” “So what are you doing this Saturday?” “Um, George, nothing but I really got to go.” “Oh, come on Brooke! How about I pick you up to go to the movies at seven?” “Sure, whatever, got to go. See you later!” I ran into the lunchroom. But once I reached the table it set in. George had just asked me out on a date. What the heck? This Saturday? At seven? Wow! I must be prettier than I think. Wait where’s Collin? Oh, no! Collin left because of me! I sat down and put my face in my hands. “Oh man more drama? Why can’t George just deal with you when you get like this? Plus I heard about the date. He just screams everything in his head! No one is conciderate around here.” Collin dropped his tray on the table and took a seat next to me. “I’m so glad you didn’t leave but seriously! Who would think that they go to school with a vampire?!” I gave a meaningful look across the table at Alex. “Yeah Collin!” She slapped him on the shoulder. We all laughed except Collin who sat pouting. You didn’t leave because you would miss me right? You couldn’t stand to see me end up with George, I thought knowing that he’d hear. True, his voice echoed. How could I live with him like this? Well maybe if there were fewer secrets there’d be less trouble and doubt. Maybe I wouldn’t be as scared of him. If I could just get him when he’s full vampire then maybe he’d explain what... “No Brooke I won’t let you put yourself in that kind of danger.” He stated flatly. “Did we miss something?” M&M asked. “No, and did you hear that I’m going on a date with George and he will probably kiss me.” Collin’s eyes turned black. “Jealous are we?” I toyed. Alex snickered from across the table. “No, it’s just a shame that… well it’s annoying. He doesn’t deserve you.” His eyes returned to blue. “Please don’t do this right now Brooke. I’ve got to go.” “Wait,” I called. He turned around and stood as still as a statue. I ran over to him and whispered in his ear, “Tonight, on my roof… after ten, meet me.” I knew Alex would hear but I didn’t care. I walked back to the plastic lunch table with a sigh. The lunchroom was nearly empty now. Even Miranda and Madeline had left. Alex stared intently. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea. He doesn’t have self control like I do.” “What ever.” I dumped my tray in the trash and walked towards the door. “Arrogant.” She muttered under her breath. I snickered and scanned the crowd for George.

    “Where is he?” My clock read 9:59. “Oh well.” I pushed open the screen on my window and climbed out onto the black roof. The stars were out tonight, unlike the moon that’s view was clouded. I could see the big dipper but the little one was missing a few stars. They twinkled on and on filling the sky with mini diamond facets. I checked my watch again this time it told 10:01. “I swear if he doesn’t show soon I’m going to…” “What? I can’t be fashionably late?” He was sitting next to me gazing up. I smiled at him warmly. He smelled wonderful. Like caramel and butterscotch mixed together. I inhaled deeply to the point where I was dizzy. “So I’m guessing you didn’t ask me to be here to gaze at the stars.” “Yes, but you already know that.” I sighed. “Well it’s more fun to play twenty questions aloud. Isn’t it?” I nodded and he waited for me to start. “Let’s start simple. Hmmm. Is it true that when you’re fully a… vampire that your eyes change to black. Especially when there’s a full moon or you’re angry right?” He nodded. “You’re very observant.” “I can’t really explain much to you but this might make you feel better.” He turned his neck towards me. I could just make out a thin bite mark on his almost luminescent skin. “When? How?” “It happened over summer vacation. You know the big hiking trip we went on?” I nodded. “Well it was just about dawn when I heard some rattling from the bushes. I woke my father up and he went to check. When he didn’t come back I woke my mother and sister up to go check. They went outside… and well… that’s when the screaming started. I was weak then but I put my fears aside and jumped out of the tent. Alex, weak like me, was cowering against a tree while my mother and father were lying cold on the ground… dead.” I shivered. “There were two of them. I later found out that their names were Seylan and Gabriel. The first one stared at me intently and began to laugh while the other one inched towards Alex smiling. But they were perfect. Their eyes gleamed black with sharpness, and Seylan’s hair shown a deep chocolate brown while Gabriel’s was a perfect rustic color. Though I was surprised, then, that their clothes were so different than their features. They were barefoot and wore tattered, worn jeans with simple white short sleeve shirts. They didn’t even look like they had been hiking at all. I was so frozen with fear it made it easy for them.” He scowled. “For some reason they left Alex and I alive only for us to discover what we had become.” He studied my reaction worried that I’d be shocked but I kept calm. “I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I am too.” “So you just came back? Why didn’t you leave? You’d be better off.” “But Brooke you should understand that we… I hate what I am. But there’s no changing that fact so I’m trying my hardest to ignore it.” He sighed. “But you can’t. And I know that. It’s not why I asked you here any way. I just wanted to let you know that I’m your friend and I always will be no matter what you are.” “But that’s just the point!” He stood up easily and paced around the roof. I watched and waited for him to speak. “I can’t stand to be around you… to put you in danger like this. Do you know how edible… how good you smell? If something were to happen to you I’d never be able to live with myself!” Collin moaned. “I could crack all the bones in your body just by hugging you. You can’t even out run me. I run times faster than a cheetah on every drug imaginable. Even if you could get away I can hear and smell miles away. It’d be like tracking down something right in front of you.” “I’ve got to go.” “Wait,” I hollered. But he was out of sight. Good night. My ears rang as I climbed back through my window. I dressed quickly into my pajamas and dragged myself into bed. I pulled the covers over my head and pushed my MP3 ear-buds into my ears. One of the songs Collin and I used to listen to was playing. Am I more than you bargained for? Yeah, Oh I’ve been dying to tell you anything you want to hear, cause that’s just who I am this week. Lie in the grass next to the mausoleum. I’m just a notch in your bedpost but you’re just a line in a song. Slowly tears stained my blanket.

    “Get up. Get up. Get up!” Someone shook me violently. “What?” I moaned still trying to shake off last night’s dream. Slowly my vision became less blurred. “Alex? Why are in my bedroom?” “I’m taking you shopping unlike your no fun mom.” “Now get dressed! Miranda and Madeline are waiting with their dad in the car.” “Ugh! Aren’t Saturdays for sleeping in and eating pancakes at twelve when you wake up?” I whined as I hobbled to the bathroom. “No they’re for people like you who need to get off their butts and get dresses for the back to school dance. Especially people who have super hot dates also picking them up the night before!!!” She called when I shut the bathroom door in her face. I opened it a crack and sarcastically added, “Could you hand me my faded blue jeans and green t-shirt?” That was the wrong question to ask Alex. Instead she shoved a turquoise v-neck short-sleeved shirt and black mini skirt through the door. “I’m not wearing these.” I stated. “If you don’t I won’t buy your dress for you. And I’ve seen your bank account. It has a little something called nothing in it.” Though I hated it she was right. I was broke. Plus she was probably going to pick out some expensive designer dress that only she could afford. After all there had been a rumor that there was a rather large life insurance on their parents before their untimely death. “Fine,” I mumbled.

    I tugged the brush through my tangled hair sparing no time. All though she still dragged me out before I could eat anything. I figured that the quicker and more relaxed I was the faster it would go. I slid into her silver mini cooper with an extremely fake smile on my face. They were so consumed with their conversation on her cell in the back seat about fashion and such that they didn’t even notice. The conversation went something like this. “Did you see Janice’s shoes yesterday……………I know I am like absolutely jealous………………………totally who does she think she is…………………………..true………………….yeah………….you are totally sticking up for her.” Then Alex would hand the phone to M&M and they would say, “…………………………you’re right…………………….I hear yaw sister…so how did it go on Friday………………………..really……………………………………….he said WHAT…………………….I’m sorry but he is totally wrong for you……………………….she will???...................................I have to call her ttyl bye!!!!!!!!!!!” Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep. “Hello??” They chatted nearly the WHOLE ride!! Miranda and Madeline’s father dropped us off with a fake smile on his face matching mine. The minute I pushed through those large glass entry doors I new it would be horrible. The mall was packed with people filling every slot and store. It was a pure blur of color. They made me dizzy just watching.

    The first place we stopped at was The Dress Emporium. It was an emporium all right. Dresses filed everywhere on silver racks with plastic draped over them. I felt awkward just standing there but not for long. Alex dumped about fifteen on me and M&M dropped about twenty. It was practically a fashion show. I’d try on a dress and walk out for Alex and them to see and they’d discuss with lots of, “Mhmmm, yes I like that to. Look at that. No, no, no.” We had gotten through well, do you really I’m going to count, dresses when they said, “Perfect, I love it!” It was a light blue strap dress that hung a bit past my knees. Next they swept me off to several boutiques, jewelry stores; make up salons, and hat stores. But we only ended up with a dress, single crystal earrings, and white ballerina flats.

    “At last,” I sighed as I flopped down on my bed with a tub full of chocolate ice cream. Then I realized what time it was. My digital clock said 6:40. “Oh man, he’s gonna’ be here in twenty minutes!” I gasped. I ran to the bathroom and touched up my make up. I ran back to my room and slipped a little back jacket over the already stylish outfit Alex had made me put on. But it was too late to do anything else because the doorbell rang. “Bye Mom!” I hollered knowing that she’d hear and not care. I tugged open the door. George was standing casually waiting for me too say something. “Well, let’s go!” I said cheerfully. It was a short ride to the movie theater, which his mother took us to. She watched me carefully in her rearview mirror in a way that made me feel self-conscious. But we were there so I happily jumped out and let him escort me through the popcorn lines and to our seats. We talked a lot about things like school and gossip and secrets but none of it really interested me any more. Though I still laughed at the appropriate times and awed and ‘reallyed’. Mainly for his sake I never really told him what was on my mind. I mainly faked it. Also because he would think I had gone insane. At this point I was lost in thought. “Oh look Brooke, the movie’s about to start!” He whispered. I hadn’t seen the lights go down or the previews go by. “What are we seeing again?” “It’s called ‘I’m Sorry I Can’t’. It’s supposed to be a vampire love story but also very gory.” He rushed because the person above us was shushing. Oh great. I thought.

    Just like he had said it was very gory and disgustingly mushy… and very dramatic. I even surprised myself when I screamed and huddled in his lap. “Are you okay?” He asked worried. “Yeah… uh sorry,” I was worried he’d push away but instead he leaned closer and pecked me softly on the lips. Even though I didn’t expect it, it still didn’t feel right. Where was the magic? What about the tingle? And what happened to the feeling that this was the one? The feeling that I’ve heard so much about in movies. He was perfect for me. He was average, good looking, sweet, and sensitive. Why did this feel so wrong? “I feel much better now.” I sighed shoving the other thoughts out of my head. The rest of the movie I couldn’t bear to watch. It was partly because the lead vampire looked identical to Collin but also because it was so dang scary. Vampires weren’t that scary. Or so I’ve heard. So for the rest of the movie I hid my eyes in his arm.