And holding hands in the moonlight, he imagined.
Youd never be alone. Not for a moment.
Not for one moment? he asked coyly.
Well, maybe one. If you wanted some space.
Forget it, he assured me. Ive been waiting for you all my life.
Alexander kissed me again.
We wouldnt only have stolen moments like tonight, I urged. Wed be together longer.
Raindrops continued to fall against the roof as he kissed my wrist. My vein showed prominently. Alexanders attention was drawn to my blue blood vessel.
Are you ready? I asked. Were not on sacred ground, but we could go to the cemetery. We could finally be together.
Alexander paused. He stared deeply into my eyes, and so intently, I felt as if I were staring back into his soul. Then suddenly he turned away.
Its not fair, I said, clasping my hands. Sebastian wants to turn Becky and you dont want to turn me.
Alexander sat up. First of all, he doesnt. He feels strongly for herand now that hes crossed the line hes put all of us in jeopardy. He tasted her blood. He has a stronger pull to her than he already had.
It was a mistake to have brought up Sebastian. Now Id distracted Alexander from his thoughts about me.
I know, I said. Its just that sometimes
Raven, its hard enough for mewith you, as we are right now.
I couldnt push him any further. Id already spoiled his mood and the gorgeous night hed created for me. I could tell he was just as concerned for Sebastian as he was for himself.
I guess I shouldnt have let him in, he lamented.
Are you kidding? Hes your best friend. Sebastian is a sweetie, I reassured Alexander.
Hes much more impulsive than I am. Kind of like someone else I know, he said, lightening up.
Hes just fallen for the wrong girl, I said with a sigh.
Then we have to find someone else for Sebastian to fall for, Alexander thought aloud.
Thats a great idea.
He hasnt really had a steady girlfriend. Not only would this be helpful for Becky, but it would truly be helpful to him.
I was so touchednot only that Alexander was concerned for the welfare of my best friend, but that he felt such responsibility and loyalty for his own.
Another mortal? I asked. I thought about the Dullsvillian girls who had plagued me all my life. Theres a bunch of cheerleaders at school that I certainly wouldnt miss, I offered. But on second thought, I refuse to let one of them be turned before I am.
No, my boyfriend said. She has to be a vampire.
Im afraid Im short on vampire girls here, I said. But then I had a thought. But in Hipsterville, theres a whole club full!
Alexander lit up.
I know two very eligible ones. Onyx and Scarlet. One of them could be a perfect match!
How do we get them here? he wondered aloud.
That, I have no idea.
Lets think.
They are party girls, I said.
Then well have a party.
Thats awesome! I love parties. Though truth be told, I havent hosted manyor, in fact, any. No one would show up besides Becky.
It will be a small, intimate gathering.
Shall we have it at the cemetery?
Alexander disagreed. Well have it at the Mansion. That way it will be discreet and no one will find out about it.
I gave Alexander a huge hug. I was excited to be hosting a party and thrilled at the prospect of seeing Scarlet and Onyx again.
But how are we going to invite them? he finally asked.
I reached into my purse and took out my cell phone. I have them on speed dial.
After a few minutes of canoodling, I strolled outside the covered bridge to get more light from the streetlamp. I avoided a few puddles, as the rain had ceased.
I scrolled to Scarlets contact number and pressed send. The line began to ring. And ring. And ring.
Is she there? Alexander asked impatiently.
I shook my head.
Just then, someone picked up. I could hear the pounding of loud music with overloaded bass in the background.
Scarlet? I said.
Hello? I barely heard her voice. Hello?
Then the phone went dead.
I dont think she wants to speak to me, I said.
I think she probably cant hear you. That club can be deafening.
Ill try again.
I pushed redial and waited.
This time she picked up right away. Raven, is that you?
Yes! Can you hear me?
Ravenis that you?
Yes! I yelled.
I think its Ravenbut I cant hear her, she said to someone.
Scarlet? Onyx? Are you there?
The call was dropped. All I heard was my own voice shouting.
I guess well have to try later, Alexander said, resigned. He wiped off the damp bench with a tissue he had in his pocket and sat down.
If she cant hear my invite, then maybe she can see it.
What do you mean?
I sat down next to Alexander and texted as fast as I could. He peered over my shoulder, curious.
Onyx and Scarlet
Mansion Mayhem!
Mansion on top of Benson Hill only a few towns away.
Saturday Night @ Sunset
Raven
Now what? he asked.
We wait.
How long?
If she sees the message, it could be within a minute. If she doesnt, it could take days.
We dont have days.
I know.
We sat in silence, his arm around me, my cell phone in my lap. We both were zoned out when we heard a few beeps. I showed Alexander my phone.
Cant W8 2 party w/u!
X, S & O
Alexander gave me a huge squeeze, and we spent the rest of the evening pressed against each others black and pale red lips.
Chapter 10 Interview with a Vampire
The party at the Mansion was going to have to be top secret. I couldnt even invite Becky and Matt. I hated having an intimate party and not inviting my best friend. However, I had to remind myself of the motivation for the partyto get Sebastians mind off Becky and onto a vampire girl.
Becky and I sat at a side entrance to the school, she intently eating her lunch on a step while I was perched on a half wall, doodling a macabre party in my notebook.
A figure stood next to me. Whats that? Trevor said, snatching my notebook.
Wouldnt you like to know.
It looks like a sketch for a funeral.
And if youre luckyor rather, I amyou could be the guest of honor. I tried swiping it back, but he held it out of reach.
You and your friends are having some gathering where you try to bring back the dead
We call it a party, I said back to him.
A party? And when should I be there? he asked.
A party? Whos having a party? Becky asked, placing her trash into her brown lunch bag.
Uh, no one. Trevors just mouthing off.
Well, your sketch looked exactly like a party to me.
There isnt a partynot now, not ever! Cmon, Becky, lets go. This location is suddenly very unappetizing.
Trevor remained at the half wall, puzzled, as Becky and I escaped into school.