Im sure he I began, but Alexander wasnt listening. Instead, he gave me a quick kiss on the lips. I opened the front door and reluctantly entered my house. I heard the sound of a car door slamming and a Mustang peeling away from the curb.
I struggled as usual to sleep. The only time Id seen Alexander this upset was when we went to the SnowBall last winter and Trevor told him the only reason I liked him was that I thought he was a vampire. Instead of hanging out in bed, I sat on my desk and stared out my window.
I hoped Id find Alexander resting against our tree or sitting on the swings. All I saw was a lonely maple and an empty swing set.
I replayed Sebastians obsession with Becky over in my mind. I imagined what would happen if Alexander and I were placed in a similar position.
Alexander was chasing me through the tombstones. The grass was wet with fresh rain, and the air filled with a gentle mist. I dodged a grave marker and then jumped over another as Alexander drew close. Fatigued yet exhilarated, I sprang over a third headstone. It caught the heel of my Mary Janes, I lost my balance, and I tumbled to the ground with a thud.
I felt a little stupefied. I sat up to find a sharp pain emanating from my right arm.
Alexander leaped to my aide. I raised my elbow. He held it softly.
Is it broken?
Just bruised.
He blew off the dirt and gently picked the wet blades of grass from my skin and examined it closely. A large gash, the size of a pencil, raced up my forearm. We both watched as blood began to fill the slender wound.
We are on sacred ground, I said, raising my wound toward his mouth.
Two fangs pierced through the break in his lips. He tried to cover them with the back of his hand.
You need me as much as I need you, I said, pulling his hand away. Its okay. You dont have to fight it anymore. You dont have to be strong.
I could see in his eyes that Alexander struggled, wondering what it would be like to finally taste my blood, as Sebastian had tasted Beckys.
Id still have to bite you. To turn you, like me.
Perhaps its time. Wed finally be together. Like Ive always wanted. Ive always needed you, Alexander.
I need you too, Raven.
He took my arm and drew it up to his mouth. He closed his eyes, and I watched as he licked his lips and opened his mouth.
Suddenly, Nightmare jumped in front of the window and I was so startled, I was lucky I didnt fall off my desk and really bust my arm.
I wanted the reassurance that Alexander needed me just as much as I needed him. That he craved me, as Sebastian craved Becky. But I knew Alexander wasnt about to make that decision lightly. And did I want it, after all? Id put so much of my thought into this magical and darkened world when right before me I was seeing vampires struggle with their lifestyle, as I struggled with mine.
At this point, I could only imagine Alexander biting me and taking me into his world. The fantasy of it thrilled me. I could only hope the reality, should it ever show itself, would be as good.
Chapter 8 Friend and Feuds
The hours ticked away painfully slowly during school. I was tormented as Becky raved incessantly about our previous evening at Hooligans. She went on about how she and Matt had a blast hanging out with the three of us, how we all could be best buds, and what a shame it was Sebastian was going to leave. She had no idea the evening had ended with a nightmareone caused by Sebastian. I was in a fog all day. I couldnt get my mind off of Alexander and Sebastians falling-out. Did they make amends? Had Sebastian left Dullsville? I begged for the sun to set as fast as it could, but it seemed to toy with me as it hung over the trees. When it lowered below the rooftops, I jumped on my bike and took off. I had no idea what I might find when I reached the Mansion.
The Mustang was still in the driveway, but the front door of the Mansion was open.
Jameson? Alexander? I called. But no one answered.
The house was eerily quiet.
I scaled the main staircase and passed a half dozen rooms until I came to Sebastians.
I tapped the door and it squeaked open.
The room was spotless. There were no signs that Alexanders best friend had even visited the Mansion. No coffin. No iPod, boxer shorts, or wallet. Not even a trace of Romanian dirt remained.
I felt as hollow as the empty room.
I ran throughout the Mansion. Alexander!
No response.
Jameson? I called.
The Creepy Man was nowhere in sight.
I entered the kitchen and found Alexanders best friend sitting alone at a rustic dinette, staring vapidly at a tiny plastic sword in his hand. His hair was unkempt, his eyelids droopy.
I stood for a moment. Sebastian wasnt talking. He didnt even acknowledge my presence.
I approached him tentatively.
Im sorry youre leaving, I finally said. Apart from the fact that you want to break up my best friend and her boyfriend, we actually got along pretty well.
Are you really? he asked, gazing up at me.
Sure. You brought light to the Mansionliterally, I teased.
But Sebastian didnt even smirk.
Ravenwhat have I done? How could I have been so recklessso selfish? A girl should never come between friends. Im sorry things didnt turn out better than this.
Alexanders still mad at you? I was hoping
Not only didnt I find true love, I lost my best friend.
It pained me to see Sebastian hurting. He wasnt as controlled as Alexander, or as menacing as Jagger. But like all the vampires Id met, he struggled with his place in the mortal worldjust as I struggled.
Ill talk to Alexander. Im sure youll be able to repair thingswith some time. When are you heading back to Romania?
Im not sure. I cant return like this. What do I say to my parents? To his? I thought I might stay nearby for a few more days.
Then youre not leaving town? I was happy at the thought.
Im not sure. I might just take a few days to think things through. And figure out how to make amends.
Does Alexander know?
We didnt talk much, he said with a nervous chuckle.
I pulled out a chair and sat by him. Where are you going to stay?
Im still not sure.
Are you planning to crash in a hotel with a coffin? I asked exasperatedly.
I thought somewhere more obscure. In the woodsor perhaps in an old barn.
We both paused with dead concern.
Nonot that barn! he corrected. Not anywhere near that barn! he said. Thats what has gotten me here in the first place.
For a moment I deliberated taking him into my house. But I knew it wouldnt work. Not only would I feel awkward getting in the middle of the two guys feud, but how on earth could I hide his coffin bed?
Id invite you to my house, I said, wanting him to know I was trying to help, but I think you might understand the massive complications in that plan.
Thats very kind of youeven after I did that to your friend? Well, both friends really