Changed

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Changed A novel

By Venus Ranieri

This novel is dedicated to everyone who inspired me to dream my dream and for putting up with me when I got “writers block”. This novel is also for all my readers, past present and future.

Acknowledgments To start off I would like to thank my Mom and Dad and of coarse my little sister, Alex. Without you I wouldn’t be the same crazy unwise, silly, senseless, irrational, wild, stupid, outrageous, outlandish, ridiculous, bizarre, peculiar, weird, eccentric, odd, zany, person I am today. I also want to thank my best friends in the entire world who supported me and even urged me on to finish this. That includes Emily Angstadt, Kim O’Brien, David Tedesco, Julie Marron, (my very first reader), and Christine Passintino. All of you inspired this story to go from fictional to fiction. Last I would like to thank every one who made this book a reality. Thanks go out to my editors including Diane Elia, Christine Passintino and all the other people in my life who went through the seemingly endless amount of papers and fixed my endless amount of grammatical errors. Thank-you. Thankyou, THANK-YOU!

Note that body of this version is unedited

2008 Venus Ranieri

Prologue Have you ever wished that you could make it so something never happened, like a get out of jail free card? I have. My name is Melody Sea Summers, I’m named after my Dads mother, and I’ve never met her or my Dad for that matter. My mom never talks about him, EVER. Whenever I would ask she’d say he left two days before I was born. Then on my 8th birthday she got a mysterious letter in the mail with no return address and when she read it she started crying. She never told me what the letter said so I went and looked in the trash and read it my self, all it said was that my father died. I’m not upset over it, the way I see it is that I’m better off without him in my life. Mom and I have done just fine on our own. So you

can imagine my surprise when I found him sitting in my Balcony Room on the day of my sixteenth birthday or, as I like to call it the day that my life went down the drain. The day that I started the Change…

Chapter One Morning of my 16th birthday Monday March 27, 2020

“Happy Birthday Melody!” Mom shouted, startling me awake. When I finally opened my eyes I saw her holding a small box wrapped in brown paper and an even smaller green box. Must be my birthday present. She handed me the boxes and I tore apart the green one first, a $50 Book Emporium gift card. Yes, I love it there, and I love books. I wonder what I should buy. My personal library (5,000 books) was overflowing.

You might think why do I have so many books well it might have something to do with the fact that I’m addicted to romance novels. Yes, I admit I have a problem but they’re so good, and oh so romantic. “Thanks Mom!” I smiled. “Wait, there’s more open this,” she tossed me the brown box. I quickly ripped off the paper and slid my finger over the velvet of the jewelry box. Inside was the most beautiful necklace I had ever seen. It was a delicate silver chain with a real seashell that had a real diamond in the middle. “Its beautiful, I love it thanks Mom.” I said beaming. “I’m glad you like it its one of a kind and made just for you by Fredickas’ .” Fredickas’ is the best jewelry store in the California area, they specialize in one of a kind hand made pieces and also antique jewelry. “Really?” This must have cost her hundreds or more. “Yup, you only turn 16 once right?” She came

over and helped me put it on. “ I cant believe that you’re sixteen already, these years are just flying by.” She said all emotionally. Let me tell you a little something about my Mom, for one she doesn’t act like she’s a mother at all. In fact she actually reminds me more of one of my peers then as my mother. Well except my peers cant ground me and take away all my credit cards. “Kay’, I kind of have to get ready for school…” I said hoping shed get the hint and leave. “Opps,” her hand covering her mouth as she giggled. “my bad, see you downstairs.” She closed the door and I got to work. I jumped into the shower and dried off in ten minutes, my fastest time yet. I got to work on combing my hair until it looked great, which is a wavy curl at the most. I miss my straight hair but that’s the price to pay for over salted and chlorinated hair. Once that was done and I wasn’t dripping anymore I put on my tank-top dress with my bathing suit underneath. I pulled on my pink flip-flops, grabbed my Gucci sunglasses and my backpack and I went down stairs to kiss my mother good-bye before

running out to get a ride from Rebekah in her pink BMW convertible, a 16th birthday present from her mom. As I was closing the door my mom shouted out for me to come home right after school. I shouted okay and threw myself into the passenger seat of the car. Lets get this day over with. After a 15-minute drive we pulled into the golden gates of Golden Valley Prep. It is the best school in the Hollywood area, and the only private school that doesn’t require uniforms. “Happy Birthday Melly!” Shouted someone I’d never met before. I guess my balloons gave it away. “Yo! Happy Sweet 16th Mel,” Jon whistled at me. “Thanks,” I shouted back without turning around and kept on walking. I’ve never gotten this much attention in school before. I should have said it was my birthday months ago. Like when I needed a date for homecoming… Just then second bell rang and the hallways started to clear out as people reluctantly head off their homerooms. I just slid into my seat in Science when the late bell rang. Whew, I made it. Biology was such a drag. Today we did another lab about flat worms. Those thing just won’t die, no

matter how many times we cut its head off it just grows right back! After class I headed off to my next period, drama. ********************************** “Good MORNING, my darlins.” Ms. Blumberg’s shrill Texas accent greeted us as she entered the classroom her self. “Good morning Ms. Blumberg.” We all replied robotically like we do every morning. Ms. Blumberg took attendance before asking us to take out last night’s homework. Luckily I had finished all the homework for this semester back in October, so my desk was clear of papers as the other kids rummaged around their backpacks for their homework. “Who here can tell me were we left off yesterday with our script?” I raised my hand. “Yes Melody?” “We were running through the revised script for ‘Sandy Waters’ and talking about when tryouts for the play are going to be.” I recited. “Very good, and who else can tell me what the main story line of the play is?”

I sunk down into my chair and listened to others response. “Sandy Waters is a love story where the two main characters, Sandy who is a native to California and Nick who is a guy who comes to California from a small town in New Jersey and they hate each other at first but then like each other and yeah.” Mali Walkers, the most popular girl in school, said from her seat. It sounded like she had said said,“SandyWatersisalovestorywherethetwomainchar acters,SandywhoisanativetoCaliforniaandNickisaguy whocomestoCaliforniafromasmalltowninNewJerseyan dtheyhateeachotheratfirstbutthenlikeeachotherandye ah.” She has a tendency to mush all her words together. Which can get annoying sometimes but she’s a really good actress when she tries to talk normally. “Yes, and as we were discussing this years spring play auditions will be held in room the Reed Auditorium, and the final list and call backs will be posted on rooms 410, this room, and 888.” I cant wait for tryouts, I think this is finally my year to get the lead… I got lost in my daydream and before I

realized it class was over, I vaguely remember talking about the difference between dynamic characters and the importance of facial expression. “Tonight’s homework is to work on the facial expressions we talked about in class. That is all, and before you go remember to smile like the worlds watching because you never know who is.” Just as she finished the bell rang signaling the end of class. The rest of the day was okay, Honors English was easy as always, Geometry felt like it went on forever and ever instead of 45 minutes. Its not like we are ever going to need it, I mean come on when are you going to use proofs? If they give you an answer then why do you have to list the statements or theorems? I mean seriously! Before I knew it was the end of 3rd period aka Honors Biology, not my favorite class but not my worse. Instead of heading off to English I left through the Café (what we call our lunchroom) exit and walked briskly to the parking lot where I waited in Rebekahs car. Seconds later she exited the building through the science center and made her way over to the car.

“Hey! Wait how’d you get into the car?” she asked as she slid into the drivers seat, and started rooting through her purse for her keys. “Looking for theses?” I asked her as I jingled her car keys in front of her face. She grabbed them out of my hand and jammed the keys into the ignition and started the engine it up. Her oversized movie star glasses slid down to the bride of her nose and she continued to push them back up. When she finally started the car in gear she revved the engine and pulled it out of the parking lot and onto the street that led away from campus and into the sunny streets ahead. “So what did you do to get out of class?” I asked as I dug out my matching glasses to shield my eyes from the sun. “I did what I had to do…” she said cryptically. The wind was blowing our hair all around and my frizzy mess of curls was everywhere. Of course Rebekah’s hair was straight. She has to straighten it everyday otherwise her hair would look like mine.

We are commonly mistaken for twins even though we aren’t, but I can kinda see the similarities. I’m just the flirt and she’s the brains, little miss AP classes. Together we’re unstoppable! “Do I even want to know?” She just shrugged, “ I guess that answers my question, tell me it wont come up as a cut, we already have like 10 and its only March!” I begged her. “It wont come up as a cut, I promise.” “Okay, well lets get this show on the road.” We drove the rest of the way with her radio blasting as we headed to our private beach. We pulled into the makeshift parking lot. We unloaded our surfboards and the picnic basket and started walking to the gate. I pulled away the shrubs that covered the hole we made in the fence. Once we emerged on the other side, I fell in love with our beach all over again. My mind drifted off to the day we found it when we were six years old. “Earth to Melody!” She said waving a hand in front of my face. “I’m sorry Beck what were you saying I kinda zoned out for a second.”

She sighed before repeating herself, which she hates to do.

“I SAID what do you want to do first?

Surfing, Tanning, Picnic?” “How bout’ we go for a nice swim?” I asked hesitantly. Rebekah has never really liked swimming she’s more into surfing and wind boarding or anything with a higher risk factor or more entertaining. Don’t get me wrong I’m just as adventurous as her if not more; I just like to relax, take a breather sometimes. This is one of those times. She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. “Fine, go for your swim.” She finally said. “Alright, I’m just gonna swim to Old Man Silvers. Sure you don’t wanna come?” “Nah,” she said shaking her head. “I’m going to work on my tan.” We both burst out laughing at our inside joke. Since we live in the 90210 district its sunny all year round causing our tans to never go away. What doesn’t make sense to me is why we have so many freaking tanning salons when we live like 10 minutes from the beach! Rebekah laid down on her blanket and started

applying lotion to her face and back, sunblock 75 of course. “See you later alligator.” I shouted back at her as I ran into the 80-degree crystal blue water. My new plaid bikini caused little resistance as I swam across the waters surface. As I swam up into the nook that held old Man Silvers lighthouse I felt all my stress melt away and a sense of peaceful happiness overwhelmed me. Old Man Silvers lighthouse is painted classic white and blue with peeling paint. I bobbed in the water looking at it, even though it doesn’t work its still a landmark. Why you might ask, well that’s because of what lies under the water. Under the water lies Old Mans Silvers pirate ship. Which is why no one is allowed to swim here and second is because… well because this is Area 94, the top-secret location where they have pirate ships all over the world. There is a gate all around the area that is disguised to look like a gigantic coral reef. No ships are allowed within a hundred yard of the reef. It works for us because no ones allowed in this area either so we get all this to ourselves. There aren’t

even sharks here so its safe to swim. I swam all the way to the beach were I ran in to the lighthouse to get my scuba gear that I put there last night for the purpose of exploring the ships. Once I was all strapped in and ready to go I walked backwards until I was able to dive down and turn over. Today I was exploring Nicholas Petersons boat, circa 1850. The ships name was rusted but still slightly visible it said The Maria. I slowly circled the boat until I saw it; an open window, my ticket in. Once I got inside I saw that I was in the main bedroom cabin/office area. What drew my eye was a chest in the corner. The lock had been rusted open so I pulled open the top and rummage around inside. Inside were old photographs and gold coins and a necklace that looked almost identical to the one that I got for my birthday. The necklace was the same except for the fact that there was a pure white pearl in the center and the initials M.R were engraved on the back of the shell. That’s odd I thought my necklace was one of a kind. Oh well, just a coincidence I guess. I continued to go through the chest for another 5

minutes, after that all I found was an old box with a dragon ruby in the center. I looked down at my oxygen gage, I am almost out of oxygen. I stashed the box in my mesh bag. I left through the same window and slowly began my assent to the surface. I swam back to the lighthouse so I could stash my S.C.U.B.A gear and get back to Beck. “Hey!” I called out to Beck when I got out of the water. “Finally!! What took you so long?” She threw me a towel. “I discovered a new ship today-“ “Is this the one with the mermaid on the front?” she said interrupting me. “No, it’s the one with the dragon, and it says Maria on the side.” “Oh that one, you find anything?” I was so excited to share my discovery with her. “Never mind I’m starving, lets start the CELEBRATING!” “Okay.” I guess my discovery will have to wait till later…

Rebekah gave me the look you know the one that says, I’m up to no good. She grabbed the Champagne (its normally apple cider but we decided to get the real stuff, you only turn 16 once right?) and began shaking it. Somehow she got the cork out and I got sprayed with a 400-dollar bottle of bubbly. After the foam ran out I was sticky and, well sticky! There was only three glasses left anyway. We laid out the blanket and took out our picnic lunch. Eel Sashimi and California Rolls…yum! As we ate our lunch we reminisced about old times. “Hey remember when we were twelve and that kid, Mike I think his name was, anyway he told everyone in class that you were going out?” Beck said chuckling to her self. “Yeah I remember.” I said flatly. “What about that guy who called you like 36 times in one day!” “Ha, thanks for reminding me, NOT! But I think that was also Mike. He was creepy.” “Was? Try still is he gives me a look when I see him in the halls.” I admitted. “What kind of look? Is it a lovesick puppy dog look that all the guys seem to give you? Or was it I

hate your guts and your heart will be mine, kind of thing?” “I’m not sure I was kinda hard to tell, I think it was both. Anyway you wanna catch some waves?” “Sure, come on.” We went and retrieved our boards out of the sand and ran into the warm water. We didn’t talk much in the water. I floated in and out of my concentration zone catching waves and looking at the fish under the crystal blue water. I could see a couple of clown fish and some crabs scurrying around on the sand below. I looked over the wall of coral that prevents boats from getting in. Over the horizon I saw dolphins jumping in the air. Despite the perfect day my mind kept drifting back to the necklace I found, for some reason it felt different then mine. There’s something about it, something hauntingly beautiful. When we finally got out of the water it was after 2:30 pm. School is over in twenty minutes and we’re a ½ hour away from my house! My mother is going to kill me. We shoved all of our garbage into the picnic basket, wiped off our boards and threw all of our stuff into

her backseat. Before we knew it we were on the 210 heading home. Unfortunately we got stuck behind a long line of unmoving cars. This is the downside of living in the Hollywood area, traffic can end up adding an extra hour to a 30 minute drive. Sure enough right after I started to complain my phone started to ring. “It’s my mother.” I told Beck. I hesitated picking up the phone that was playing the jaws theme song. I got over my nerves and picked up the phone of the last possible second. Darn my goody-goody conscience! “Hi Mom!” I chirped into the phone. “MELODY SEA SUMMERS!” Uh oh I’m in trouble. “Where are you? I told you to come home right after school! Where are you? You should have been home 20 minutes ago-“ “I’m sorry Mom, me and Beck went to the beach to catch a few waves after school. I totally forgot! Now we’re stuck in traffic on the 210 and-“ Now it was her turn to cut me off. “It’s okay- I’m sorry I blew up at you.” She took a deep breath to calm down. “Okay just call me when

you’re 10 minutes away from the house.” “Okay I will, cross my heart, hope to die stick a needle in my eyes and all the other shit.” “Melody!” My mother said aghast. “Watch your language missy. See you soon, tell Rebecah to drive carefully.” “Okay, I will, love you.” I snapped the phone shut. Then it started to ring again. I glanced at the screen it was a text from my best (guy) friend Nate. Text Message from NATE<3 Hey! Happy Birthday Mel! C u l8er for dinner … -Nate Aww! I’m so excited for our dinner “Date” tonight. I wish it was a real date but no alas, Nate only sees me as a bud with boobs. I still remember the day we met. It was the middle of January of third grade and I had just moved here from Florida. Our story goes like this… “Class we have a new student joining us all the way from Florida. Her name is Melody. Lets all give a

nice hello to Melody.” My second grade teacher announced to the class. “Hello Melody!” The class chorused. I waved to everyone. I felt like the lamb standing in a pack of wolves. I was directed to the open seat next to a boy with sandy blond hair and pretty blue eyes. “Hi I’m Nate.” The little boy next to me said. “I’m Melody.” I held out my hand for him to shake. “I like your bracelet.” He said admiring my Juicy bracelet. “I like your’s too.” His was blue like his eyes. “Wanna switch?” He asked me. I nodded my head and we exchanged bracelets. Best friends ever since. I have to admit it’s a blast to be friends with him. His parents are Matt and Diane Stevenson, the famous actors, so I get to tag along to all their red carpet events as Nates “date”. Nate has one other thing going for him; he’s the hottest guy in our entire school. Girls throw themselves at him all the time, but he doesn’t even notice. What I love about him though is the fact that he doesn’t act all cocky or walks around the school like he owns it.

Even through he technically does, well only the science wing of Hills Preparatory High School, the most prestigious school in the 90210 district (they make us say that when ever anyone asks where we go to school). “So what your mom say?” asked Beck. “Nothing really, she told me to tell you to drive carefully.” I practically had to shout so she could hear me over the wind and the music. She laughed, and then turned to look at me for a second turned the music down before turning her eyes back to the road. Which was starting to move again. “What’s wrong with you girl?” “I don’t know,” I sighed. “This morning my mom was acting really odd, almost depressed. Then she said she had something to “tell me”- I mean seriously what could be so important that she’d be ‘all we need to talk,’ plus I think I heard her crying outside my door this morning.” I exclaimed. “Weird.” “I know.” Nodding my head in agreement. “What do you think it’s about?” She asks while

applying Chapstick on her already moisturized lips. It’s her habit; she hates to have chapped lips so she religiously applies Chapstick. “I honestly have no freaking idea.” I couldn’t explain why my stomach was in knots the whole way home. I called my mom when I was 10 minutes away from my house. Before I knew it I was in my driveway walking through the door into my house, if you count 4 floors 8 bedrooms, 3 and ½ baths, and 5 acres a house. I slammed the door shut behind me. “MOM I’M HOME!” I shouted from the doorway. “I’m upstairs in the balcony room!” The intercom sputtered. (Yes we have an intercom!) This must be important, she only goes up there when she is really nervous about something or stressed out. I took the stairs two at a time but paused when I reached the balcony’s door. The Balcony room is our entire forth floor. It has a sheltered roof with a hammock and a fireplace and a grill and even a Jacuzzi. It overlooks the woods behind our house making it so that if you look one way you see the woods, and you can see the ocean below the cliff to the left. It was a breathtaking sight; it always makes

me feel like I am on the top of the world. I eventually got enough courage to open the door; I walked in and sat across from her on the couch. “So Mom what did you want to talk to me about?” “I want to talk about our family,” she replied her face grimly serious. “What are you talking about mom? Is Granny okay?” I inquired. My grandmother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. “No, no Granny’s fine, I wanted to talk about your father.” “My father?” My voice came out sounding squeaky and shrill. “Do you know anything about him?” Her question surprised me. She never talks about my father, since he left us two days before I was born. I bit my lip debating whether or not I should tell her that I know about the letter? Honesty is the best policy after all. “Yeah, I know he died when I was eight. “ I admitted guiltily. “The letter, I knew I shouldn’t have lied to you…

See the thing is honey, he is dead but he’s also in the room with us right now. He has something to tell you…” “Mom,” I told her calmly. “How can he be DEAD if he is in this room!” Now, I‘m starting to worry. “Mom are you sure you’re okay, maybe your just stressed, I should book you a day at the spa-” “I’m fine,” She practically shouted at me. “I’m fine,” this time she repeated it her normal tone of voice. “I’m sorry I did this too you Melody, please forgive me, I-I didn’t know…” She broke down into sobs. “Mom you’re scarring me.” All of a sudden there’s a knock at the door. The handle twists and the door creeks open. In stepped a man who looked around mid twenties, twenty-five at the most. With dark brown hair, black eyes and really nice cheekbones. He was easily the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. “Who the hell is he?” I accused as I defensively crossed my arms over my chest. “I am your father.” The man said, his Russian accent unmistakable.

“You are not my father.” I practically spit out my voice acrimonious. “Actually he is,” My Mom stood up next to the stranger who just changed my entire perspective of my life in less then a minute. “What kind of joke is this? He can’t be my father! For one thing you just said he was dead!” I said pointing my finger at my mother. I looked at the stranger who was apparently my father standing before me. “This cant be happening, it just cant, I’ll close my eyes and then when I open them it will all be just a dream, just a nightmare…” I said to myself as I backed away from my so-called parents. “Melody please,” her eyes pleading. “Don’t make this any harder then it has to be.” “I’m sorry mother if I’m making this hard on you, excuse me if I FREAK out when I find out my fathers still alive. Why are you here anyway?” I said turning to glare at the stranger. The resemblance was startling. We had the same hair and face, but not the same eyes, mine were a greenish brown like my

moms. We were near the same height, he was around 5’10 like me but the way he carried himself made him seem that he was at least 6’1. The whole time I was staring at him, his black eyes never strayed from mine. “Actually we have some ill-fated news to discuss.” His voice glossy, making me feel calm and secure. No I cannot let him get inside my head, I need to stay alert and ready. This stranger isn’t going to win me over as easily as my mother. “Who say ill-fated anymore? No one that’s who. “Well what is it? I have places to be, people to see.” I said crossing my arms over my chest. “Who are you to come barge into my life? You don’t get to just come and go as you please. Do I look like a welcome mat?” “Melody, you are gravely delusional if you think for one second I ever wanted to leave. I am Vladimir Renaldo and I am your father, like it… or not.” “This is all so confusing, one minute everyone thinks your dead and the next you’re in front of me. If your dead, then none of this is real-it cant be.” I ranted.

“It all will make sense when I tell you the news-” “Then tell me already!” I shouted. “The truth is Melody, I’m a vampire and you will be soon. You are a new type of vampire and you have a choice to choose between becoming one of us or staying human for the rest of your normal life.” Silence. My brain was overloading with the information. The room began to swim and I couldn’t see. I lost my balance and fell to the floor. Seconds later everything went BLACK.

Chapter two I woke up in my bed. My head hurt like a bitch, and my eyes felt like they were on fire, literally. My stomach felt like I had swallowed a brick. I sat up in my bed and I remembered my horrible dream about a man who said he was my father. And then he told me I was a vampire! Can you believe it? Crazy I know! I’ve got to stop drinking cocoa before I go to sleep. I always have these bizarre dreams. I couldn’t remember anything about last night. I threw on my robe and my fuzzy slippers before I made my decent down stairs. When I arrived downstairs I shuffled into the kitchen to have Roberta cook me breakfast like she always does. Even though she’s the “help”, she’s like my second parent and my confidant. “Morning Ra-“ I stopped mid sentence. “You’re not Roberta.” I said pointedly to the man sitting at the granite countertop. I felt my stomach drop and my blood pulsed quickly beneath my skin when he turned around. I was face to face with the man from my nightmare. The man- my supposed father was sitting at the table drinking a glass of wine. “What

are you doing here?” “Good morning Melody, how’s your head?” From the look on his face you’d think he actually cared. I cautiously sat down across from him at the island. I decided to break the silence. “What are you?” “Didn’t I just go over this, I am your father Melody like it or not.” He said impassively. “You know that’s not what I meant.” I sighed tired of all this nonsense. When did my life get so crazy? “I don’t now what to think anymore, if this is real- which I don’t think it is by the way.” “Well let me refresh your memory of the events of yesterday.” He said chuckling under his breath. “I am going to lay this out as simply as I possibly can. I am a vampire, and by default so are you.” “This is NOT possible- it can’t happen to me. Vampires don’t exist- magic doesn’t exist. How, what, why? Wait am I even possible?” My whole life is a lie! Rebekah is going to die when she hears this. “We’re going to discuss this sooner or later you know.” I could tell by the way he said the word it, exactly what he is talking about the events last night. “It’s your choice Melody, sooner or later?”

“Sooner I guess.” If this is going to happen might as well get it over with. “So,” He rubbed his hands together wickedly. “Do you have any questions for me?” “Okay, where are you from?” “Russia, but of course. Next question.” “Uhmm…How old are you?” It was bothering me that this man who sat before me could be my father even though he looked barley 22. “I am 673, and still going strong. Good memories, great memories actually and not so great as well.” His eyes twinkled as he recalled past memories. “It was my birthday yesterday.” He said proudly. “Congratulations?” I was unsure about what to say. “Thank you, keep asking questions, this is fun.” “So… What’s going to happen to me now?” “You are a very unique case. There is only one other child who was born with a vampire and human parents. We aren’t sure what path you will follow. As you know vampires aren’t born we are made.” I nodded in agreement. “You are this acceptation. You

have mutant DNA mixed into your normal DNA strands, when they cross over during meiosis. The mutant strands of DNA stayed dormant until you reached a certain stage in your development. Which is your 16th birthday, which happens to be yesterday. It marked the beginning of a change. The chromosomes will spread and eventually take over your human chromosomes. Completing your transformation into an adult vampire. The process should be complete in two years on your 18th birthday.” He waited a minute to let it sink in. I took a deep breath and I tried to relive the events of last night up until the time that I fainted. “You said that I had a choice, that I could choose if I wanted to complete this transformation or stay human. Well I choose human.” I told him in the calmest voice I could muster. “I’m sorry Melody but that’s not how it works. Yes you are correct when you remember that I said you had a choice- and you do- but unfortunately we cannot use it on you until the day of your 18th birthday. Only then would it work. I think you’ll grow to like being who you are. You shouldn’t be afraid,

embrace it! Rival in every moment. Live life-” “I don’t want to be a vampire! Why couldn’t you be a mer-person instead at least they’re pretty. I don’t want to kill anyone, or drink blood or say goodbye to the sunlight forever. Because forever is a really long time.” I ranted. “But it’s a wonderful experience, you will gradually get all the abilities as normal vampires do: lightning fast speed, being able to see in the dark. Holding your breath for long periods of time, even developing fangs and your eyes will change color.” He continued on as if I never had my little outburst. I sighed, and gave up trying to fight with him. “Will my eyes turn black like yours?” I asked him. “Maybe, you see we vampires have a form of government whom we call them the Pons or Chosen ones. They are the ones that pass judgment on those of us who cannot control themselves and have to be,” he paused for emphasis. “ Detained.” Without them we’d probably have people walking around with holy water and wooden steaks trying to drive them trough our hearts. They choose only the strongest

vampires to join them.” At least they have a civilized form of government. “Our eyes tell our rank within our community. Those with blood red are equal to the common folk, middle class I believe you call them nowadays. The ones with black eyes have special abilities, but are not good enough to be of good use to The Pons. They call us the upper class since we have the second highest rank. We are back up for the army, if ever a need for us arose. Yellow represents any vampires with extremely strong abilities and are the royal officials of our government. Many are thousands of years old. Many of us choose to wear contacts to hide our eyes but black eyes can commonly be mistaken for dark brown. You on the other hand, are wild card, we will have to wait and see.” His smile seemed genuine, and I felt my barriers braking down. Ever so slightly I began to accept whom I was-am. “What about the sun? Will it be able to burn me, can I still go out in it?” I thought out loud. “The sun will not hurt you if you are careful. That means you have to apply suntan lotion before you leave the house every morning.”

“What if I forget to apply it one morning?” I have a tendency to forget things sometimes. “That would be a problem. Unprotected we can stay out in the sun for two hours, 4 hours even with sun block on. Any longer and it starts to pull away our skin and turns the exposed areas black. I don’t recommend it, very painful.” “Eww, sorry I asked.” Just imagining it in my head made my stomach turn. I keep staring at his wine. My throat ached I’m so thirsty I want to drink an entire carton of orange juice. “Would you like to have a sip?” he asked following my gaze to his glass. I nodded my head vigorously. The bottom of the glass scraped across the island. I lifted it to my nose and swirled the contents around like I’d seen my mom do thousands of times before. I cautiously took a sip of the dark liquid. It tasted salty and warm as it flowed down my throat. I placed the glass back down surprised to see that there was nothing left. “What was that?” I asked Vlad. “Did you like it?” he said answering my question with another question.

“Yes, more then anything I’ve ever tasted. What kind of wine was that?” “We call it blood lust, because it is a nice robust red wine mixed together with a trace of human blood.” “What? I just drank blood? Real blood!” I was disgusted at myself yet at the same time my bodymy very being ached for more. This is surreal- it’s happening to fast my birthday was only yesterday and today I like to drink blood. “It was mainly wine, not a big deal. It’s only natural after all.” He assured me. “I don’t want to think about it – what about the “Powers”, if they do exist what’s yours?” I asked him changing the subject. “Mine, well I am a shape shifter, I can change into any animal I want.” “Really? That’s so cool! Can you show me?” I asked, judging by the gleam in his eye he couldn’t wait to show me. “Of course. Now what will I turn in to? A bear- no too dangerous, an elephant-too huge. I know!” He snapped his fingers. “ How about a wolf?” He said

ending his two-sided debate with himself. “Sure, I love wolves they’re my favorite animals. I thought you would have said bat cause’ ya know you’re a vampire and all…” I said lamely. He just gave me a pointed look before continuing on. “ Close your eyes please.” “Why.” I said being stubborn. I don’t totally trust him yet. “Melody, stop being stubborn, fine don’t close your eyes – but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Just then a brilliant flash forced me to close my eyes. When I pried them open I saw a white artic wolf sitting in front of me. “AWW!!” I knelt down to pet the wolf- I mean my dad?” “See I told you I could do it.” The wolf said. I backed away, was that suppose to happen? “You can talk?” “Yes, wait for a minute please.” Another flash of light enveloped the room and when I opened my eyes gone was the cute wolf. Replacing it was my father. “Impressive right?” he said grinning.

“Definitely cool.” How’d he do that? I hope my ability is as good as that if not that one. Just then my phone started vibrating in its little charging cubby on the counter. I reached over to go get it, the screen announced that I had 6-missed call and 10 texts. I scrolled through my inbox and missed calls. “Shit,” I muttered under my breath. 5 calls were from Nate and 3 of the texts. The others were from other friends wishing me a happy birthday. I totally missed our dinner last night; Nate’s going to be so pissed. I quickly sent him a text to let him know what was going on.

Chapter three I spent Wednesday at Beck’s. I had to get out of the house. Vlad was leaving tonight, and I didn’t really want to have any more conversations with my ‘father’. At Becky’s we did all our normal sleepover stuff. Played Rock-The-Crowd until twelve A.M. since we had to go to school in the morning, ate some fresh baked cookies. Made prank phone calls to John and Joe the annoying (but extremely HOT) twins. I never told her about the events of last night. She wouldn’t believe me, at least not yet. I’ll tell her later, when I can prove it and make her understand somehow that I’m not a monster. First I just have to convince my-self… I stepped out of the car, turning around to say thanks to Rebekah. “I’ll call you later okay?” “Duh, we have school tomorrow anyways. Tell your Mom I say hi.” She said before speeding out of

my driveway. I could still see the rubber marks she left in the street. That girl is going to get that car totaled one day. I turned and continued to walk up the driveway. I stopped at the door to rummage around in my purse for my keys. Finally I found them after I emptied the contents of my purse on my doorstep. The door made this creaking sound as it opened. My shoes clicking on the tile as I made my way into the living room area. “Mom! I’m home!” My voice echoing loudly off the walls. “Melody, is that you?” Moms voice shouted down from upstairs. “Yeah, it me- where are you?” I went to go hang up my West Surf jacket in the closet. “Upstairs. I’ll be right down,” was her reply. I stood awkwardly in the foyer. It felt weird to be back here even if I only left for the weekend. Its like I can smell him here- all around me… I got so nauseous I thought I was going to throw up- oh No here it comes. I quickly ran into the bathroom to “toss my cookies” in the pearly white toilet. I flushed and

whipped my mouth on a tissue, in order to abstain from staining the nice new towels that Roberta had just washed. I unlocked the door to the bathroom; I wonder what’s taking her so long… “AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!” I screamed. “Don’t do that to me Mom, you scared the sh- stuffing out of me.” “Sorry sweetie, I heard you in the bathroom, are you okay?” “Yeah I’m fine- I just ate something that’s all.” And the fact that the smell of our house make me yak, yeah I’m fine. “Okay, if you’re sure. Vladimir told me to give you this.” She said handing me a small yellow box. “And that he’ll be back soon.” “Oh yeah dear old dad…” I made a point of throwing the box carelessly on to the table. “Melody, I know this is difficult to understand, I myself found it shocking in the beginning-“ “Oh yeah and when was that mom? When did you fid out about him being a vampire? How long have you known and not told me?” I was loosing it and there was nothing I could do about it. It felt as if

a dam had just broken and all my bottled up feeling from the past couple of day exploded out of me. “I knew since the night your father and I first slept together. He told me, so we could prevent this situation from ever occurring.” “So what your really saying it that I was a mistake?” Tears began stinging the corner of my eyes. “Unfortunately yes, we knew that there would be to many complication trying to bring a child into this world. But when I found out I was pregnant, my first thought was to have an abortion, but by then I was already showing and I felt so attached to you. The very thought of getting an abortion scared the crap out of me. I already loved you. When I got my first ultrasound done and I saw you there, I knew I would do what ever it took to keep you. I didn’t give a damn about what the consequences were. So your father and I made a plan that he would leave and have his government send me a letter saying that he had been killed in a skydiving accident. So we severed any connections so they couldn’t find out about you. Then when you were only nine months old your

father had sent me a letter, warning me that they, whoever they were, were coming to see you. He warned me that if they thought you were his they would take you away and do what was necessary…” The inflection in her voice was wobbling as tears started sliding down her face. “So I made a plan to forge adoption papers, and I did it too. True to your fathers’ word, they came. Asking questions about you and Thank God they believed the papers. I guess I never thought how you would be affected. I am so sorry for doing this to you. I just-just loved you so much I couldn’t just let them take you away.” She said sobbing as she embraced me in a big maternal hug. “I forgive what you did. I love you too.” I said wiping my face on my sleeve. “But mom I’m scared.” “I know baby, but everything will be fine, you will be fine. Why don’t you head upstairs and wash your face.” “Okay,” I went over to the table a picked up the little yellow box. “Is it all right if Nate comes over tonight?” I asked her. “Sure.” She said as she smoothed out her

blouse. I ran the stairs two at time. When I got up to my room I tore apart my closet looking for the perfect outfit for tonight. Everything needed to be perfect if the ‘Get Nate to fall in love with me’ plan to work. I finally settled on my black shorts and a checkered button down shirt. Next I tackled my hair, I wet it then slathered some anti-frizz and smoothing lotion into it. Before I went to go blow-dry it I brushed my teeth. By the time I was done it was eight O’clock and the doorbell was ringing downstairs. I rushed down the stairs to get to the door before my mom could answer it. I took a deep breath before I opened the door. Nate had a big blue box and a single red rose. Sometimes he was just too sweet. God I wanted him to kiss me passionately and tell me he loved me, and always had. Then I came back to reality… “Hey,” a broad smile breaking out across his face. “Hey yourself.” I mentally kicked myself ‘Hey yourself’ that was just brilliant Melody. Could I act any more brain damaged? Say something you fool!

“Everything’s ready downstairs. I just have to get the popcorn.” I walked briskly into the kitchen and took the bowl out of the cabinet and made the popcorn. When it was ready I placed it in the bowl and added lots of salt and butter. It’s the only way we can eat popcorn. When I finished I walked down stairs and saw Nate sitting on my leather couch looking hot as always. “I’m back!” I shouted huskily. “Yes I can see that, and now I think I’m deaf in one ear. You made the arterially clogging popcorn?” “Is there any other kind?” I countered. “Yes, but who in there right minds would prefer that over this?” We cracked up laughing. I picked up a napkin to dry my eyes. “Okay so you get the movie?” “Yup, the guy had to look for it in the back. It’s their only copy.” “Yeah, toss it over.” I couldn’t wait to see Titanic...again. I just adore Leonardo DiCapprio and the whole doomed lovers, plus it’s my favorite movie. I’ve seen it a total of 21 types. I admit I have a problem.

“But first you have to open your birthday present.” He said as he picked up the box and handed it to me. His expression was similar to that of an egger puppy dog. I ripped into the wrapping paper like a wolf and when all the paper was off I removed the lid. After shuffling away some tissue paper I gingerly removed the boxes content. It was the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen. The color was a dark violet with a light yellow piping and yellow flower embroidered on the silk. “I’ll be right back.” I told him as I rushed into the bathroom to try it on. Unfortunately I jammed my foot into a wall. OWWWWW!!!! I wanted to scream but instead I hobbled the rest of the way into the bathroom. When the door was shut I let out a stream of very unlady-like words came out of my mouth. After the pain decreased to a bearable amount I but the dress on. I stared at my reflection in the mirror. The dress had a plunging neckline a stopped a little past my knees and had a long slit up my thigh. “Wow,” I said admiring myself in the mirror. In this dress I looked, dare I say it… hot. With a newfound

confidence I threw open the door and I strutted into where the T.V was feeling great. The silk hugged me in all the right places and it felt like air on my body. “You like?” “I-I love!” Nate stuttered. “You look wow-Wow that dress looks- you look great.” Aw. He’s all tongue-tied, how cute. “ I don’t know where I can wear this though.” “Well you can wear it to the New Years Eve party, but the real reason I bought it was so you could wear it to my parents new movie premier.” I jumped up and down excitedly. “And when is that going to be?” “Next year around this time. They don’t start shooting until August.” He informed me. “Is Kira going too?” I inquired. “I think so. You can as her at school Monday.” “Okey-dokie artichokey.” I really hope Kira is going that way I don’t feel to weird about going. Last year she totally saved my ass when I had no idea what to wear to my first premier. I called Rebekah and she introduced me to Kira. One her friends from Kindergarten who just happens to be an up and

coming designer. She’s a knockout also; she has really pretty straight black hair and bright brown eyes and fair skin with a smattering of freckles. At first I thought she was Chinese but then she told me her mom is really Irish. I always wondered why she had freckles. So she’s half and half, like me except I don’t think being two different species count. “Thanks for my present I love it. Truly, its beautiful.” I leaned down and kissed him lightly on his cheek. He smiled and held my stare for a little longer then normal before getting up to turn on the movie. As we got settled in our warm blankets and watched the opening credits roll onto the screen I thought about the future. What would I be like in a year? Would I be able to sit this close to a human without killing them for their rich pounding blood? What if I couldn’t control myself and I snapped and killed someone because I couldn’t…control myself. I’m changing already, I can hear his blood pounding in his heart and flowing through his bloodstream. My mind drifted to how easy it would be to snuggle up close to him and just break the flesh. He was so trusting, so

oblivious to what I was becoming. I could never live with myself if I did anything to harm him. I had to warn him about me, before it was too late. “Nate, there’s something I have to tell you.” “What is it?” “Before I tell you, you have to promise me that you won’t think I’m crazy, and you cant tell anyone. Ever.” I said looking him straight in the eyes. “Sure anything.” So I told him everything. It poured out of me like an overflowing river. I told him about the surprise visit from my Dad, the news that I was becoming a vampire. About the freaky things that have been happening lately and I told him about the vaccine that they’re working on. Along the confrontation with my mom earlier today and what is going to happen to me as I go through the “change” and my newly developed taste for blood. When I was finished I was sobbing and his skin was as white as a sheet. He hesitantly reached out to brush a tear off my cheek. He flinched when fingers touched my skin. Then he did something even more unexpected. He pulled me close to him and held me as I cried out all my fears,

all my confusion, all the pain , most importantly I cried for my soul because not so deep down I could feel it dying. When I stopped crying it was past midnight and Nate’s shirt was drenched in tears. Since we are only sixteen we are not allowed to drive from midnight to five in the morning, not that we ever really follow the rules. I admit that I don’t want him to leave, not now not ever. “Don’t go.” I begged. “I don’t think it would be smart for me to stay with you… Your Mom is very trusting but I think sleeping over would be pushing it too far,” he reasoned. “I need you Nate. I promise nothing bad will happen to you. My mom will understand. Please!” “Okay I’ll stay here, but this is a one time only thing.” He looked at me for a second as if he was memorized my face. Like I was something that could disappear. “I have to make a phone call.” “Sure, I’ll go upstairs to get you something to sleep in.” He was already punching numbers into his phone. I ran upstairs careful not to make a sound as I walked up the stairs. Once in my room I rummaged

around for one of Nate’s old T-shirts that borrowed over the summer. I pulled on my GO GREEN! Tank top but I decided to leave my shorts on. When I returned downstairs Nate was turning off his phone. “Here’s your shirt sorry I don’t have any shorts that would fit you.” I explained. “Thanks.” I turned away as he got changed. Once finished we laid down on the couch together and just as I was drifting off to sleep he whispered in my ear. “Melody, I will love you no matter what happens even this. We’re best friends forever,” he told me passionately. “Yeah, same here…” I couldn’t keep the disappointment out of my voice. Why couldn’t he see how much I like him? Sometimes boys are just plain idiots. I could feel his muscles tightening around my body for a brief second like a hug almost. Just as I was dosing off to sleep he kissed my cheek and within that second I felt a jolt of electricity rush through my body. I want so badly to tell him that I loved him, but I don’t want to risk our friendship. If I

was a normal girl that would be all I had to worry about but know I also have to worry about the fact that I could very well kill him, unintentionally of coarse but kill him all the same. Then a miracle happened it was like my prayers were answered. Nate turned to me around and kissed me. I mean he really kissed me, the kind of kiss that makes your foot pop and your head feel faint. It was short and sweet and amazing that I was disappointed when he pulled away from me. He got up off the couch a happy grim on his face. “Night Melly,“ he gingerly kissed the top of my forehead and went to lie down on the other couch. He was out with in minutes and I was just lying there with a stupid grin on my face replaying our kiss over and over and over again. Once I managed to settle down enough to fall asleep I kept tossing and turning all night. In my nightmare I felt as if I was burning. I was on fire and I was running down a stone hallway. I couldn’t see what I was running from. All I could tell from the black shapes was that they would kill me. I tuned around to see my attackers face when all of a sudden I saw these blood red eyes racing towards me. I woke up in

a puddle of sweat. I turned to see if I woke Nate up, but he wasn’t there. Instead there was a note on the coffee table. Melly, Sorry I had to run home to get changed before your mom came downstairs and saw me. I had fun. See you later in school. Nate “UGH!” I grunt before flopping back onto my pillow. Time to go through another day of hell…

Chapter four “MELODY!” I was vaguely aware of the voice that was screaming my name, like a torturous alarm clock that you cant find. When all you want to do is sleep, and then you have to actually get up to find the alarm. It ends up being under your bed in the furthest corner, you know the one that is almost impossible too reach and when you finally do you want to slam it against the wall for waking you up and if you add to that that the fact that it was the last Friday before spring break. It was time to go to school, and I never did my biology homework. I can not believe I feel back asleep after waking up this morning. What a great start to this wonderful day. I trudged upstairs from the basement, squinting from the sunlight that was flooding the hallway. I slowly shuffled my feet into the kitchen. “Hi Mom,” I replied nonchalantly to my mother who was sitting at the table sipping her espresso and reading the LA Reporter.

“Good Morning lazy bones, you better hurry if you don’t want to be late.” She told me sternly. My mom is a biggie on punctuality, which I was never good at. No matter how hard I try I never seem to have a watch (except my cell phone which seems to run away from me all the time) and my inability to keep anything organized for more then a day. “How was you’re night?” she questioned in the way she does when she knows something. I’m on to her mind games, sorry Mom not this time. “It was fine, Nate got me a dress, and then we watched Titanic.” I told her coolly. “Well if that’s all then I guess I imagined seeing him running to his car this morning.” Oh shit, I am so dead, I’m deader the dead. She is going to kill me, revive me, and then kill me again. I knew he should have parked his car around the corner. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I told her, lying to her face. I’m not giving up that easily. I reached for a croissant and shoved it in my mouth. I gave her a little wave before scampering out of there as if someone had lit a match under my butt. I took

the stairs two at a time once in my safe zone (aka my room) I shut the door and locked it. I glanced at my clock its digital numbers flashed 7:20 AM- 7:20 AM- 7:20 AM! “I’m going to be so late…” I rushed to get dressed and accidentally hit my toe against my dresser. “OWW!” I cried out in anguish. A small package was now on the ground. “Where’d this come from?” I asked myself out loud. That’s another thing about me, when I’m alone I like to think out loud it helps me sort out my thoughts. The little yellow box intrigued me; I had no recognition of when I got it. I threw open the top and examined the contents. A shriek of surprise escaped my lips. Lying in the canary yellow silk was a key chain, but it was what was on the keychain that was special, a car key, with the Porsche insignia on the top. There was a note attached to the bottom.

Dearest Melody. Happy sixteenth birthday! I know

that this wont make-up for all the times I’ve missed but hopefully it’s a start. Please be careful, you may not be human but you’re not immortal…yet. Thinking of you and I will be seeing you soon. Vladimir Renaldo I must admit that I like this guilt thing. I would have tried it a while ago if I could get a Porsche. Just because he got me a car doesn’t mean I’ll call him Dad. He can’t just win me over like that. My phone started vibrating on my desk. I knew by the way it was playing “Material Girl” it was Rebekah. “Hey Becky!” I chirped into the phone. “Hiya so you want a ride or not?” No doubt she wanted to get to school early to see her new boyfriend Henry. After 261 days of flirtatious flirting he finally got up the nerve to ask her out. A feat that was impossible for other guys (and there were plenty

others) who were interested. Henry was kind of shy in a cute way but somehow knew just about everyone in school, which is how come he has been our class president since 6th grade. I actually set them up a while ago in 8th grade when he told me how much he liked her at Sally McNally’s end of the year pool party. They’re so cute they make me gag. In a good way of course but there’s only so much ‘darling’ and ‘baby’ and lets not forget ‘sweetie’ that a girl can take. I thought about this for a second, like there was a choice. “Sorry, I’m not dressed yet but big news on last night, meet you at the usual tree?” I asked her. “Yeah, text me when you get there. I can’t wait to hear the details, all the details.” She told me excitedly. Not all of them… I cant tell her about the part when I spilled my guts to Nate bout’ the whole not being human thing. “See you in a few bitch.” She said faking bitchiness. Honestly, Becky is the nicest person I’ve ever met, but surprisingly she plays the ‘bitch’ very

well, almost too well. Hmm maybe I should investigate that. I quickly threw on a bright blue tank top and a black mini-skirt and my favorite pair of black high-tops, and two inches of lip-gloss venom later I was ready to go. I grabbed my new car keys and lazily threw all of my books into my backpack and dashed downstairs into the garage. Waiting there in the middle of the 3-car garage stood the most beautiful car I’ve ever seen. The color was a midnight black and the windows didn’t differ, they looked dark enough that they could block out all light, which was probably their use come to think of it. The piping was all done in red leather, same with the seats inside. I love this car. I inserted the key into the ignition and brought the beauty to life. It purred like a kitten. I opened the garage door and carefully pulled out of the driveway. When I got out on to the street I let out a sigh of relief and floored it down the road leaving skid marks on the street in my wake. I hit no traffic on the back roads on the way to school. Making it there in 5 minutes a new record. This baby goes up to 250 mph. I’ll never go that fast, but it’s cool to have the option if I wanted to. I slowed down as I

made the turn in to the school entrance and for a second it felt like time stood still. All eyes were on my car; through the tainted windows I could se people whispering and outright staring at the car. I could get use to this. I parked the car in my parking spot. Last year both Rebekah and I applied for parking spots since we can drive without parents when we turn 16. I’m so glad that new law passed last year in congress. Otherwise we would have had to wait a whole year to get our partial license, and that would have been murder. I slowly opened the door and stepped out of the car, careful to lock the doors behind me. I briskly made my way to the tree where Beck, Henry, and Kira were waiting for me. “Nice ride Melody.” Kira told me as she greeted me with a one-arm hug. “Thanks, I just got it.” I informed her. They all looked genuinely impressed, but I could tell that Beck was jealous, not of the car, she could buy one if she wanted but of the attention I was getting, not on purpose, that just her nature. “Sorry for not calling you Beck, I couldn’t text you while I was driving.”

“Yeah, sure no problem. I got you a latte, I wasn’t sure if you had time to get your morning fix.” She replied assertively. “THANK YOU THANK-YOU THANK-YOU.” I practically fell over I was so happy about the prospect of coffee. I grabbed the cup out of her hands and burned my tongue as I chugged down a huge mouthful of burning hot latte. “So dish girl, I wanna’ hear all the details. Beck filled me in on your little rendezvous with Nate last night. Spill, we got 10 minutes to first bell anyway.” Kira begged me. “Okay well he came over, gave me his birthday gift and--” “What he get you.” Kira asked nosily, her Manhattan accent slightly detectable even though she tries to hide it. Just then Henry lightly draped his arm over Beck’s shoulders and I could see her eyes light up and shine in a way only he could make them. They looked so happy and I knew that I had made the right decision in holding off in telling her about the change. He winked at me to let me know that he owes me big

time for this. And right he is, I just need an idea of when to use the favor… “ As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, he got me a dress,” I reiterated. “It is this magnificent violet color and has yellow flowers embroidered onto the silk.” I added the details that my previous answer didn’t include. “Okay get to the dirt, is the plan ‘Get Nate to fall in love with you’ moving forward or did we hit a bump?” I could tell that even though Kira and Beck were engrossed in our conversation Henry was basically falling asleep right there. “Well, he kissed me.” I admitted bashfully. They did exactly what I knew they were going to do, they screamed high-pitched girly screams and jumped up and down rushing up to hug me. All the while causing a scene. For the second time that day I got to experience how it feels to have hundreds of eyes watching you. “Guys you’re causing a scene.” I told them through my teeth. Of course they ignored me and continued making a hullabaloo. Finally they stopped, but only because the first bell

sounded and we had to get to class before we get a detention. We said our good-byes at least until lunch. Henry and I went left to the Robinson science wing for biology, while Kira and Rebekah headed off to the English wing for, you guessed it, English. “So how was your date?” I snooped. “Oh my God Melody it was great!” He said beaming. Henry is the only guy I know who can say OMG without sounding gay. “What did you do on this wonderful date?” I asked prodding for details. “We went to the beach and then we had a picnic as we watched the sun set. It was beautiful, then she kissed me-” “SHE KISSED YOU! Kissed you, kissed you?” “Yeah, she didn’t tell you?” He asked sincerely. I can’t believe she didn’t tell me, how could she not tell me something like this? After all the help I gave her to make just be able to kiss him, not including convincing her to make out with him. Oh she is so dead later, were going to have a talk about this later. “No, but no biggie. I’m sure she was going to she just got caught up. That’s all.” I said trying to conceal

my hurt. “Okay, hey did you get the genome homework? For number three what was the phenotype?” “That was easy it’s BbCC. So the offspring would have Blue eyes and curly hair.” “Thanks miss smarty pants.” He said smiling, his greenish eyes sparkling in the sun. “Come-on we’re going to be late.” We made our way into the fancy new classroom. This term I would have Biology, Drama, English, and French. Then after we come back from spring break we go to our classes for next term. The way our school works is that instead of eight forty-five minute classes of each subject we have two hours and only four classes. Next year we will have to pick what we want to specialize in, for our collage entry exams. I think I’m going to specialize in English and Science. Kira is too, so we will most likely have the same schedule next year. The best part of our day is that were only in school until 2:30. We took our seats and listened about genome sequences and phenotype ratios and mRNA, tRNA, and some thing about mutations. After class I headed

to Drama, English, and finally ended my day with French. I almost jumped out of my chair when I heard the last bell ring. SPRING BREAK is finally here. I legged it to Becky’s car not even bothering to wait for Henry to catch-up so we could meet at Beck’s car so they could have their baby talk session before going their separate ways. I got there just as she was. “Hey,” I said warily. “Hi.” Was her cheery response. I guess its now or never, I just have to get it off my chest. “Why didn’t you tell me about the kiss?” I questioned her. “Oh he told you?” She asked her face impassive. “Yeah, he did, what I want to know is why you didn’t tell me about this? We’re best friends Beck and last time I checked best friends tell each other these kind thing.” My voice one octave below a scream. “Sorry Miss. Busy-Body, I wanted to keep one part of my life away from prying eyes at least for one day. Besides I was going to tell you during the camping trip on Thursday.” “Fine.” I huffed leaning against the car and

crossing my arms. In the distance I could see Henry and Kira making their way to the car. “Fine.” The conversation was over, for now at least. “Hiya!” Greeted Kira as she and Henry reached the car. Henry nodded his greeting. “So how is my beautiful girl?” Henry smirked, in the background Kira and I made gagging sounds and pretended to be choking on their sweetness. As we were laughing I felt a hand tap me on my back. I spun around and almost fainted when I saw Nate standing there. His godliness radiating out of him, attracting the eyes of every female in the proximity, not that he would ever know it. “Hi,” I said breathlessly. “Hey,” he was so close that I could feel his breath against my cheek. He absentmindedly ran his hand through his hair. “I have your shirt from last night.” He held out my oversized Heart2Heart shirt from the foundation I started back when I was twelve. “Thanks,” I said snatching the shirt out of his hand before my friends saw I never got to the part

where Nate “slept-over”. “Nice ride.” He nodded over to where some freshmen were ogling my car. “Yeah, birthday gift from my ‘Dad’.” I said nonchalantly. “Well, I’d love to stay and chat but I have to do some hospital opening thing in an hour, and you know the traffic is murder.” I nodded my head in agreement. “I’ll call you when it’s done so we can… talk.” Lowering his voice when he said talk so I could get the hint it was about the events of last night. “Okay, see you.” I said as he kissed me lightly on the cheek before quickly turning away and jogging to his car. “So what was that about eh?” Kira asked. Rebekah was as oblivious as always cannodaling with Henry next to the palm tree her car was parked under. “I’ll tell you later. What I miss with the lovebirds?” “Lots of lovey dovey talk.” She informed me while sticking out her tongue. I couldn’t blame her as cute of a couple as they were sometimes they go

overboard at the lovebird stuff. “So you want a ride home?” “Sure, I don’t think this will be done for a while and I already missed the bus.” “Come-on, Bye guys!” I shouted at our friends who were whispering intently into each other’s ears. I doubt they even realized we left. We quickly crossed the six feet to my car. “Wow, nice ride.” “It’s kind of cool,” a goofy smile playing out in my lips. We got into the car and it roared to life. I did a K-turn and maneuvered my way out of the crammed parking lot with ease. “So how’s your book coming along?” Kira is an amazing writer she already has been on the New York bestseller list for her first novel. ‘The so called best times of our life’ a journal type book all about what high school is really like, the struggles and the excitement. She never told anyone but she secretly bases all the characters on real people, so mostly everything she writes is true just with different names. I could never actually write a 200-page book.

It’s just too much work. Besides I’ll be famous for my Nobel Prize in Marine Exploration. “It’s coming along but lately I’ve been in a rut. I can’t think of new topics to write about,” she admitted bashfully. “Well why don’t you write about racism in schools? You can do a who spin where someone named Isabella joins the school and she African American and you her some teachers gossiping and saying racial slurs against student then Kim can save the day by exposing this problem and making the world a better place for all.” I am such a genius how do I do it? “That’s actually a really good idea I think I might just use that one, I can’t wait to get home and write it up before I forget.” She said already going off into her head pre-planning what she wants to write, the style, etc, etc, etc. “So re you going to come camping tomorrow?” “Yeah, my Mom said I could go. She keeps trying to use this is an excuse to buy a tent and all the camping equipment. Even though I keep trying to explain to her that in LA camping means a beach

party and sleeping in shacks on the beach. In Beds, and she looks at me like I’m the crazy one crazy.” She blew a piece of hair out of her eye. “Parents, you cant live with them, and you don’t exist without them.” She got a good chuckle out of that one. I pulled in through the gates of Kira’s mansion. It reminded me of the white house. “I’ll see you 6 PM sharp missy.” “Kay, see ya later.” She said getting out of the car and jogging up to the door. I drove home listening to my favorite country music station. Singing along to the songs and admiring the scenery all the way back to my house. I parked my car in the garage, and unlocked the door into the house. My mom wasn’t home s always and I went up to my room and started on the homework we were given over break. Three hours later I had completed my English paper on the connection between nightmares and the minds capability to play them out in real life. Along with punnet squares packet on Di-hybri and incomplete dominance crosses. In that moment I felt like I was back in my old lackluster life.

March/30/ 2022 Dear Journal, It’s been a long time since I’ve used you. I’m just so overwhelmed that I’m going to journal out my frustration. This weekend has been crazy!!!! Dear old dad’s back and he bought me a Porsche as a sorry that you’re turning into a vampire gift. I must admit I thought I was dreaming at first but this is no dream it’s my real life wretchedly. I’m scared about telling the rest of the gang. I don’t want them to think that because of this I’m any different from before oh whom am I kidding? I’m a bona fide monster with a very nice car…. I don’t think I can do this. I can’t tell them, what am I going to say? “Hey guys guess what I’m turning into a vampire.” Not going to go very smooth. I can picture it now. Local girl locked up in mental institution; thinks she’s a vampire. I’ll never

live it down and I don’t do white, it doesn’t go with me (it’s too bland for my taste). Anyhow that’s all for now. I got to go pack for camping trip tomorrow. Lions, and tigers, and VAMPIRES oh my!!! MeLLi <3

Beep! Beep! Beep! Wake- Up. Today’s the camping trip, Wake up Melody. Big Day! Beep! Beep! Beep! Wake-up. Today’s the camping trip, Wake-up Melody. Big Day! I tossed the covers over my head to shut-up the blasted alarm clock. On the screen was my face repeating the same alarm that I recorded last night. Who ever invented this sure came up with a good product. No one can sleep through this thing. I put my thumb on the off screen and yawned while I waited for the scanner to recognize my fingerprint and turn off. “Fingerprint Recognized. Good Morning Melody. Today is March 31st, Time: 12:32 pm.” The automated computer voice chirped through its speakers. The floorboard creaked underneath my feet as I went through my morning schedule. After I brushed the morning breath taste out of my mouth, and was dressed in shorts and a tank top I headed down the stairs and poured my morning, I mean afternoon cup of coffee. The beginning of the day passed in a blur, working on revising Kira’s new book and going over my Checklist for our camping trip.

Camping Trip Checklist Socks…Yes Shorts…Yes Sweats…Yes Bathing suit…Yes Blankets…Yes Towel…Yes Toothbrush…Yes Marshmallows…Yes I was all set and ready to go on the camping trip. I just had to wait for Kira and Beck to come pick me up so we can get this show on the road.

Chapter Six December 31st, 2020...

I woke up in a puddle of sweat for the umpteenth time in the past couple of month it’s always the same dream. I feel as if I am burning but that isn’t what the danger is. I’m on fire and I was running down a stone hallway. I couldn’t see what I was running from. All I

could tell from the black shapes was that they would kill me. I tuned around to see my attackers face when all of a sudden I saw these blood red eyes racing towards me. Then I always wake up. This night was different as soon as I woke-up everything felt different. Someone was outside on my balcony. I could hear wings fluttering I didn’t have to open the blinds to know that ten yellow eyes would be peering out at me. I sulked over to the door to let them in because they will walk in anyway. AS badly as I want bolt the door shut so they can’t get me I couldn’t ignore the smell on the other side of the door, they smelt, well like they haven’t showered since they were turned. The difference between their sent and humans was that they stood out more because they’re there but you cant hear their blood rushing through their veins the blood stilled but the heart beating not to pump but to help us blend in amongst normals. Over the past couple of months I have discovered most of my skills like my ability to run so fast you can barley see me, or my new night vision, which comes in handy. My most astonishing ability has to be the way I can hear people’s harts beating

and the blood rushing through their bodies, and how I can hear conversations that are happening miles away. The chosen ones has decided to visit me, thanks for the warning. On my way to the door I noticed the irritating blinking red lights on my clock, which read 2:39 AM. Without so much as acknowledging my presence they stalked into my room as if they owned it, as if they owned me. I wasn’t exactly prepared for their reaction when they saw me. Mutterings of astonishment were their versions of hello. Did I honestly look that bad? Well okay maybe I did, but that’s what they get for waking me up in the middle of the night. “Nice to see you all again.” I said politely. My arms dangling awkwardly at my sides. I wasn’t sure what else to say or to do, their presence always made me nervous. They all just stood there motionless staring at my face, which they did very well since they didn’t even need to breath anymore. What is wrong with them? Am I seriously that repulsive or- or the winning lottery numbers were tattooed on my face. I began to feel extremely awkward, and was about to turn around and walk out

of my room before they could stop me. That was the moment that my father decided to step in and actually make this party move, even a little more then their normally slow glide. “Melody, I advise that you go look in the mirror.” His words soothing and calm but I could sense the fear and apprehension in the words. I did as I was told, and quickly ran to the mirror. My breath caught in my throat as I saw my reflection. I stared at the stranger in the mirror. She looked just like me, unless you count the fact that her eyes were the brightest shade of violet I have ever seen. “Holy…” The rest of my sentence faded away as I realized I was starring at myself. Now I understood why they were starring before. Instead of my eyes being one of the normal colors, red, orange, blue, or yellow, these were like no other color I had ever seen before. The violet was light in the rim and darker in the center; I looked closely and saw stripes of yellow running through my eyes as well. They reminded me of the dress Nate gave me for my 16th birthday. I stared at my reflection my features improved from this new trait. My cheekbones seemed more

prominent and my face seemed to have a ethereal glow to it. If I had to say do I would thing that I looked pretty. “I guess I really am unlike any other vampire.” I said this to myself but the Chosen ones seemed to think that I was addressing them. The oldest Chosen One, Simon I think his name is spoke to me. His voice low enough that even I had to strain to hear his question. “Are you to say that this just happened?” “No. I was just like acting shocked for the dramatic effect! Of coarse it just happened.” They are really staring to get on my nerves, with their Higher than thou act that they have perfected over the centuries. Tonight was the New Years Bash, and I needed all the rest I could get before the craziness started. “So lets get back on topic and you can explain why ya’ll had to come all up in here and scare the shit out of me with the popping up out of nowhere. I mean seriously couldn’t it have waited until the morning or later tonight?” I yelled. “No need to get riled up Miss.” I heard a voice say from the back of the group. His voice was as rich

as Heresies chocolate bar. “And who the heck are you?” I said to the mystery guy in the back of the room. I was seriously getting annoyed at all these people barging in and telling me to calm down. “Melody, this is Mason. He has come a long way to help you so try to be polite, maybe even nice.” My father asked me. The way he said Mason’s name you’d think that he was the King of England or something. “Pleasure. NOW get out of my room!” With that I stormed out of my room and ran upstairs to the balcony room and just before I could drift off to sleep on the couch a voice rang out inside my head. “We need to talk tomorrow. Your room, 10 AM don’t be late we have a lot to discuss.” Then just as suddenly as it came the voice died away. What the fuck is going on? I must be going crazy. I decided that the voice was just because I was overtired. I fell into a deep sleep and dreamed about Nate, and our first magical kiss on the couch. I was just at the part where we stated to make out when a voice rang out in my head again. It was the same

voice from last night. Am I still sleeping? “WAKE-UP Melody!” What the hell is going on? “GET DOWN HERE NOW!” The voice screamed in my head. Get up where? “Are all Californians this dumb? Your room, remember the message last night?” I guess I wasn’t dreaming after all. “Chip-Chop, we’ve got a lot to talk about.” Then the voice died away. I was left alone in the privacy of my thoughts once more. Reluctantly I got off the couch and trudged down stairs to the guy waiting in my room, for all I know he could be waiting there with an ax to murder me with. After quickly brushing my teeth in the spare bathroom. I went to see what fate had in store for me today. I walked into my room with as much grace and authority I could muster, quickly scanning the room for the voice inside my head, literally. Boy did fate have a twisted sense of humor. Instead of the axwielding murder I expected, the boy standing in front of me looked like a god. He was maybe a year older

than me, his eyes the lightest blue possible with gold and black specs. His iris was a light purple like mine. I got a chill just looking at them. When he saw I was staring he looked away and moved closer to close the five foot gap between us with just one step, granted it was a big one but it was still impressive. “Hello Melody, its nice to properly meet you at last.” He took my hand and raised it to his lips slowly kissing it. His lips barely passed over my skin but it felt as if the spot where he kissed me was on fire. Not just any fire oh no, a passion fire. My cheeks blushed, my hands got sweaty, my heartbeat was like a racing hummingbird, my knees locked together and for a moment I felt as if I was going to pass- out from the intensity that was flowing between us. I looked up from my floor, where my eyes had found shelter from his eyes. As I looked up I realized that it wasn’t just his eyes that were beautiful. His features were perfect, cheekbones, nice smooth lips; he possessed a quality that made me feel as if I’d seen him before. He was tall with broad shoulders, the muscles in his arms rippled as he flexed them absentmindedly. “Okay, well since you seem to know me why

don’t you tell me your name?” “My name is Mason. We met last night.” He said slowly as if it would somehow trigger my memory. Oh, so this is the ignorant jerk from last night. “I resent that, I am not ignorant. If you must know I was quite embarrassed by being called forth, like that.” “Did I say that out loud?” I asked Mason. “No, you didn’t, I can hear your thoughts-” “Hold up you can read my thoughts?” “Yes, and you can read mine, its because of our connection.” “Connection?” I questioned. He slouched down in my writing chair; somehow he still managed to look regal, making me feel inferior to him. “The Chosen Ones have decided it would be good if I was here to help your transition into a vampire.” “Well why you? What makes you so special?” Was it really necessary to pick him? What can he teach me, he’s like my age? “Allow me to explain. We are the same, you and

I. We have a lot more in common then just our different eye colors. My mother was a vampire and she was married to human and they had me, making me ½ human and ½ vampire just like you. Unfortunately when the Chosen Ones discovered that my mother had me, they gave her an ultimatum. It was either her life or mine. She chose to accept the punishment for what she did and staged her disappearance. Leaving me with my Dad and my 2 other older brothers from his last marriage where his wife died from Cancer. I only found out two years ago what I really am. So know that I completed the Change I’m here to help you.” He looked at me again with his eyes, as if trying to memorize my face. I swallowed back lump in my throat. “So what your saying is that we are the only two half- breed vampires on Earth!?!” I tried to keep my voice calm, but I was ecstatic that there was someone, even if that someone was Mr. Snooty, who is like me. “That’s why we can hear each others thoughts.” “Wait, I cant read your thoughts though.” “Have you tried?” “No-”

“Well what are you waiting for, try it out.” “Wait- before I do, you have to answer one of my questions.” He nodded his head in agreement. “ Why did you accept the “Mission” from the Chosen Ones? I don’t need a babysitter and I’m sure I could figure this all out on my own.” “At first I didn’t- then I saw you last night and I thought I could make it worthwhile.” His eyes gleamed malevolently. “You are annoying already, and you haven’t even been here more then ten minutes.” I sighed exasperated. I can’t believe I’m stuck with him as my “mentor”. “Not the response I was expecting.” “At least you’re not staying here.” He gave me a look like he knew something I didn’t. I don’t like secrets unless they’re my own. So I took a deep breath as a preparation tactic for what I was planning on doing. I cleared my mind of everything except my goal. Reaching out with my brainwaves into his. At first it felt as if I slammed into a brick wall. I stayed focus and tried again, this time I went right through into his subconscious. It was whirl of all his

memories, they overwhelmed me, and I felt joy, sadness, loneliness, and anger. In the furthest place I felt something darker looming. Once I found the answer to my question I quickly slipped out of his mind and back into mine. “You are N-O-T staying at my house!” “Ah- ha! I knew you could do it.” He shouted exuberantly. “What? I read your thoughts, whoopdiefreakindoo.” “This is amazing, I wonder what other things we can do.” “Can we get back to the fact that you’re staying here?” I absentmindedly started to rub my temples, something I only do when I am very stressed. “I am going to be staying here until you complete your change when you turn 18.” He said explaining the situation in greater detail then I was able to get out of his subconscious. “Oh well in that case- GET THE HELL OUT OF MY ROOM.” He wanted to be annoying, and intrude on my life then I wasn’t going to go down with out a fight.

“Tsk-tsk, what horrible manners you have.” That was when I chucked my pillow at his head as hard as I could. Of course with his lightning fast reflexes he dodged out of the way, and my pillow hurdled into my glass candle and it shattered all around the room. “So- is the strength new too, or did you really mean for that to be my head?” He asked cockily. A lazy smile spreading across his perfect face, I had to put my hand on the dresser to prevent my knees from wobbling. “No. Yes. And aren’t you going to help me clean this up?” I was already scooping up the bigger fragments of glass that fell on the floor. “Interesting, your power is emerging even quicker then mine did.” His eyes observing me with the same intensity that Peter uses to observe the specimens in biology. Right before we start to cut into their vulnerable flesh- kinda like what Mason could do to me if he really wanted. “No, I like the view from up here better,” Against my better judgment I blushed. “Perv,” I muttered under my breath. “Ouch, I guess I deserved that, I guess I’ll just

take my bruised male ego and cower in the corner.” He left me to clean up the rest of the broken candle in semi-peace. He is kinda cute, if you go for that whole sexisthigher than thou thing. It’s not like Nate and I are even a real couple… My mind flashed back through recent memories of us together. Walking in the park, driving on Melrose, going to all the stars homes, dinner on his boat, movie nights like the one for my birthday. Then recently I have barely seen him. A friendly hug in the halls, hurried texts at obscene hours, but that was really the extent of our communication. “So you don’t have a boyfriend?” Masons voice made me jump throwing all the glass bits that I had just picked up sprawling all over the room, again. “What, wait how,” I was grappling for words. “Don’t you know? I can READ your mind I can hear what you’re thinking.” He said enunciating each word, as if I was mentally impaired. “I am surprised that you haven’t been snatched up yet. I thought that you and that Nate fellow I kept seeing in your memories was your boyfriend.”

“Well, believe it buddy. I’m not exactly the pick of the crop around here. Why you might ask? I’ve always had too much fight for any of the boys at my school. They all go for the head cheerleader, not the, well me.” Laughing! He was laughing at me. “That’s a good thing these American boys are all crazy to throw away a catch like you.” I couldn’t help but notice how his eyes lit up like flames dancing on water. “We need rules,” I told him conclusively. “And I need a,” I held up my hand to cut him off. Surprisingly he listened. “First, No going inside my head whenever you what. You can go only if you need to contact me. And you better be about to get staked through the heart, otherwise I might just have to do that anyway.” I made the mistake of looking into his eyes, my breath stop short in my chest and I had to gasp for air. “Second, this is my room, as in NOT yours so no coming in here when I’m not home. Third of all-” “You sure love rules, and your cute to think that I’m going to listen to them, but I’ll try since I don’t

want you mad at me for the next two years.” “FOURTH rule, DO NOT INTERUPT ME!” I bellowed. “Break any of them and well let’s just say that that pretty face of yours wont be so pretty anymore.” He chuckled at my threat, as if it was said in good humor. To bad for him I was serious. His face fell when he realized this, “ You’re serious?” His eyes twinkled with something that resembled respect. “Deadly.” I stared dead-eyed at him, my eyes never wavering; I could almost feel the electricity passing between us. “I best be off now, the Chosen Ones are down stairs waiting for a full report on the ‘situation’. I’ll see you at the New Years Eve party.” “Okay.” I said just a bit to cheerily to be considered polite. He glided over to the balcony, where he turned one last time to face me whispering so softly I could barley here the words that came out of his mouth. “By the way- I like girls with a little fire. The next two years will be very interesting.” With that he used his

hands to lift himself over the railing landing gracefully, and as quietly as a mouse. I heard the engines of a car screech then they were gone. His last words echoed in my ears. “You have no idea.” “No idea of what Honey?” I jumped at the sound of my Mothers’ voice. “Nothing- It was nothing I was just talking to myself that’s all. So what are you doing here?” I asked her turning away from the balcony, trying to regain my composure. “Looking for you of course! It’s already 1:30 and you haven’t even begun the to get ready. You have an appointment with Paul today. Remember? Party? Tonight?” “Yeah, I remember. I’ll be right down.” She handed me a piece of yellow paper. “I took the liberty of writing down all the things I need, and you, need to do before the party tonight.” “Okay thanks.” I said practically shoving her out the door. I quickly pulled on my favorite denim shorts and a black tank top, a pair of shades, and some Mascara

and blush later I was already busting out the door. I quickly glanced at the list before I go into my “car”, the black Ferrari. 2pm-3pm 3:15pm-

Get hair done by Paul (straight) Pick up dresses from Armani

3:30 3:30-3:45

Pick up Becky

pm 3:45-5

Go to the spa for mani-pedi

pm 5-6 pm 6-6:15pm

Go out for late lunch at LaCascada Call party planner make sure

6:15-

everything’s running smoothly Get home!!!!!! And get ready

8pm 8pm- 2

PARTY TIME *not to self- AVOID MASON!!!

am

After I got my hair done, straight just like my Mom wanted I went to go pick up Becky. I pressed the buzzer to gain entry to her driveway. I waited patiently as the gates squeaked and slowly opened enough for my car to get through. I drummed my fingers on the steering wheel in time to the music.

My favorite band, The Unstoppable played their new hit called Acid Kisses. Soon Becky came stumbling out of her house with her new Betty bag and her oversized sunglasses. She wasn’t looking where she was going and. “Uh,” She collided with my car. “Sorry Mel, I wasn’t paying attention to where I was walking.” Smiling apologetically. We made our way down my to-do list and after we had gotten everything checked off we headed back home. “So, whats the plan? Are we both going to your house or am I being dropped off?” I knew that she wanted to come over and hang out before the party, like we use to. I couldn’t risk having her see Mason roaming around my house. “Sorry Beck. I, I cant.” I told her lamely. “Ever since the, you-know-what,” she whispered under her breath. “Its like you have no time or importance for us anymore. You don’t stay after to help with the decorations for Prom, or for Habitat for Humanity. Are you forgetting about your old boring, human life already? Cuz forever is a long time to go

without friends. One of these days we’re going to have a talk about this, about whats going to happen, or is happening to you, okay?” “Yup, sure.” Nodding Nonchalantly. “Fine, drop me off at Freds. I feel like going shopping.” “Okay,” I made the turn onto Melrose Ave, pulling up to the massive gold door that mimicked the one in NYC. “Just don’t forget about the party.” “Yup, see you soon.” She got out of the car slamming the door so hard that it shook the car. I pushed her negative energy out of my mind concentrating instead on the party. My adrenaline coursed through my veins and my very being hummed with excitement. I pulled into the garage amidst the semi-organized, chaos taking place all around the house. I shuffled inside, barely avoiding a man carrying a box of desserts. Hurriedly I took the stairs two at a time, locking myself inside the safety of my room to get ready. I carefully slipped into my dress. It was the same one that Nate got me for my birthday. Now it matched my

new eyes and managed to look even better on me then it did before. If I do say so my self I looked as close too beautiful as I can get. I examined myself in the mirror hanging in my closet. “I agree.” Came a voice behind me, flowing softly through the room surrounding me like a warm, familiar blanket. Then I turned around and saw him, standing there with that smug look on his face. I never thought I could dislike and like someone as much as I liked him. “Mason, what are you doing here?” Can I get any privacy? I really hope he wasn’t watching me get dressed. “Relax, I didn’t see anything.” It was as if he read my mind, oh wait he can. I keep forgetting I have to share my brain with an imbecile. “I didn’t think you were one for name-calling.” His eyes were gleaming with mischief. “Mason, you can’t do that.” I scolded him as if I was talking to a five year old. “Doing what?” No way he is not playing innocent with me.

“Don’t play innocent with me. I know you’re reading my thoughts. That’s breaking rule one remember. I don’t go inside your head in return you don’t go into mine.” I don’t play by the rules, Melody. Besides I like to annoy you. That’s too bad STOP GOING INSIDE MY HEAD! With all my might I pushed his presence out of my head. He stared at me shocked. “Wow! That was incredible! Do it again.” “No.” “Fine, but just to let you know there’s no way in hell that im’m going to leave you alone or stay out of your head.” Great. I thought sarcastically. “You have a guest at the door.” He said unhappily, turning around to leave. “I’ll see you later.” His voice hypnotic, drawing me in to him. Before I knew it I was standing in front of him. My face tiled up t him, I felt my eyelids slowly drifting closed and my body clinging to his. A soft growl escaped my lips. Then the trance was broken and I was left alone in my room. Mason mysteriously

vanished, I was about to go look for him but then someone knocked on my door…Nate. I inhaled his sent of something spicy, and a little sweet. The perfect combination. Crap what was he doing here? “Come in.” I shouted at the door. “Hey Beautiful.” “Hey yourself.” He looked as great as always. Tonight he was wearing a black dress shirt, with a fireworks tie. Hanging over his arm was his dress jacket, which he casually threw down on my bed. Leaving only the single red rose in his outstretched hand. “A beautiful rose for a beautiful lady.” I accepted the rose, lifting it up to my rose to smell the sweet pollen, my new appreciation for all the different scents that came together so perfectly to create one of the greatest aphrodisiacs in history. “Thank-you.” I went into the bathroom to fill up the vase. When I came back Nate had his finger in his mouth. I already knew what happened. I could feel my vampire nature taking over. My very being hummed with the need for his blood, I needed his blood, I had to have it.

“Melody?” When he looked up he saw my eyes, “Mel- your eyes their red.” He exclaimed in horror. His features afraid, but then turned to understanding. “Blood,” I hissed at him. “I need blood.” My eyes fixed on the wound, I licked my lips, I could feel my mind reaching out for Nates, sending him feelings of relaxations and trust. “Here, drink mine.” His eyes glazed over as if in a trance. He offered up his hand, The blood dripping down his finger. I licked the wound, lightly at first, then hungrily like a baby wolf that hasn’t feed for days. His blood was so good. Warm, sweet, and familiar. I kept drinking and drinking. Semi-aware that Nate had fallen unconscious, I continued to drink anyway. Nate moaned in his sleep, moving closer to me. I could feel his life force failing, as something big threw me against the wall. A predatory hiss escaped my lips. “What the Hell do you think you’re doing?” I turned to face my opposer. Surprise, surprise it was Mason. “I’m saving you from doing something that you’re going to regret.” His face emotionless. He lifted Nate over his arm, walking out of the room and

slamming the door behind him, lying Nate down in his room. In a second he was back, folding my crumpled frame into his arms. I broke down crying, he slowly stroked my hair. “Melody, it’s okay.” “But it’s not okay. I almost KILLED him. I lost it, my mind lost control and instinct took over. I didn’t mean to hurt him but I did, I can never forgive myself for that.” I said in-between sobs. “But you didn’t kill him.” “I would have, I only stopped because you threw me against the wall.” “Its only natural, you’re a hunter now, their the prey.” “Maybe I don’t want to be the Hunter.” “ You don’t get a choice.” His voice gravely. “Well I do, and I choose not to become a monster, even if that makes me the prey,” with that I walked over to the door. I was about to open it when Mason jumped in front of it. “Where do you think you’re going?” “My mothers party, she’s depending on me.” I lied.

“Not yet you’re not. You are going to stay here until you wont go straight into my room to finish off Nate.” I growled at him, and then sighed. “I can still smell his blood,” What kind of monster would do that to somebody that they love? Downstairs the doorbell rang, I could here glasses clinking and people sweating it out on the dance floor. “So whats with this party?” Mason asked trying to distract me. “My mothers done it every year since I was three. It’s the start of the party season for the New Year. It’s always in the backyard, we invite everyone, and I mean everyone. From lawyers to the hottest stars, they all meet here to ring in the New Year, and get drunk. We set up a big inflatable movie screen and watch the ball drop. It’s our tradition.” I smiled at the recalled memories. “Sounds like a fun tradition.” He replied flatly. “What about you? Any fun family traditions?” “No, nothing fun, my family isn’t into the whole fun thing.” “That’s to bad.” The conversation hit a dead-

end. “Okay so what motto do you live by?” I said trying to steer the conversation in a direction, any direction. “When you cant die, you’ve got nothing to loose.” “That’s interesting.” “Fine, what bout yours? Wait let me guess, the grass is always greener on the other side?” “Actually there’s two,” he raised his eyebrows interested. “The first is, If you want something done, ask. If you want something done right do it yourself. The second is Carpe Diem.” “That explains so much.” He chuckled. “What are you trying to say?” I countered defensively. “Exactly what I mean.” “Whatever, I don’t even care. So have your eyes always been that color or did they change too?” “They changed, they use to be dark blue, almost black. Even when I was human there was something different about me.” His voice kept drawing me in, there was something

dark about him but at the same time light. Like he had a perfect valance of good and evil. “I have an idea!” He exclaimed. “Oh great let’s hear this one.” My voice dripped with sarcasm. He stuck his tongue out at me. “Three year old.” I muttered under my breath. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that.” In the low light of my bedroom, his eyes seemed to glow. “The game is a strategy game. You have to guess how many people outside will be drunk at midnight.” “Okay, who goes first?” “Race you for it?” His eyes gleamed with excitement. “From here to the old tree house in the woods.” “Fine.” I smiled. “Fine.” “I’ll count. Ready set- ” I never got to finish my sentence because Mason was already over the balcony, making his way through the crowd. I followed suit, and ran as fast as I could. I caught up to him in a few seconds. Cheater. Hey I waited for you, but now you can eat my dust.

With that his voice left my mind and he raced ahead of me. I guess chivalry really is dead. We were neck and neck the entire way. Letting myself run free using my power, felt so good, so right. Unsurprisingly, Mason still beat me but not by much. “Mason?” I shouted into the black trees. “I’m up here! Come on up!” He shouted back down. “I cant there’s no ladder.” “Climb up the tree.” “What? I can’t climb up that high, are you nuts?” “Melody, just concentrate and climb up the tree.” I stepped up to the tree trunk. I shut my eyes my nails gripping into the bark. I made the mistake of opening my eyes and looking down. I lost my grip and fell the 5ft that I had climbed. “Its okay, just try again.” I hesitantly went to the tree and began to climb, this time I didn’t open eyes until I held what was left of the rope ladder for the tree house. The roof of the tree house had eroded after all these years and let

me with a magnificent view of the ocean and the beach. Spread out on a picnic blanket was appetizers and bottles in ice. Probably Champagne, or wine. I thought. This was the most romantic thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life, much better then anything I ever read in any of my trashy romance novels. “You did all this, for me?” “Yup, do you like it?” “I love it!” “Good,” His smile was so sexy and sweet it made me want to curl up into his arms and stay their forever. “What’s all this for?” “Lets just say it’s a get to know each other dinner. But first you have to make a guess of how many people downstairs will be drunk on the stoke of midnight, since I got here first I get to guess first.” He sniffed the air. “ I think that 700 of the people downstairs will be drunk.” “Well I think that it’ll be more like 705.” “Fine, may the best win.”

“Don’t worry she will.” “Wow someone’s confidant.” “Shut-up,” I playfully shoved him. “Just ask me a question,” “ Okay my first question is what are you afraid of Melody.” I thought about it for moment. “ I guess I’m afraid of losing my mortality or liking the fact that its losing my soul. I like my life as it is right now. Okay now it’s your turn, same question. “Never finding The One, my soul mate.” He paused, “or finding her and then in the end loosing her.” “How’s that search going for you?” He looked at me with flirtatious eyes, “I have a couple of candidates. Ones above all the rest.” “Really?” I couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. “Yeah she’s cute, and interesting. We really connect.” “She’s a lucky girl.” “Jealous?” “No, I’m just saying, if these are your get to

know each other dates then your real dates must be amazing. So who is she?” “That’s for me to know and you to find out. He poured me a glass of wine; I could smell the metallic blood that was mixed into the red wine. He handed me the glass. “To new possibilities,” we clinked our glasses together. “That are beyond what’s possible.” “To happy endings,” I added. Just then the countdown started. 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-21-HAPPY NEW YEAR! Our glasses clinked and we downed the contents faster then I could say Happy New Years. He gently removed the empty glass from my hand. Suddenly he started leaning closer, and closer to my face, until his lips were only centimeters from mine. My breathing disjointed; all I could focus on was how close his body was to mine. He pulled me to him, his arms snaked my waist closing the extremely small gap between us. His lips touched mine and I felt a spark, no it was more like a bolt of lightning hitting me. We stayed like that for a while, the passion in our kiss building into something even stronger. I needed to be closer to him, my lips

roamed over his neck, finding what I was searching for I bit down. The blood that came from the wound was much more satisfying then Nates had been. I only sucked a little, enough to activate the sexual receptors in my brain. When I pulled back I licked my lips and Mason pushed me against the tree. His fangs biting into my unprotected flesh, slowly drawing blood from the wound. I moaned with pleasure, and arched my back, trying to get closer to him. Then reluctantly he pulled away. He silently scooped me up in his arms, and made his way to the edge of the tree house. “Mason, what are you-” I never got to finish the sentence because he took a running leap off the side of the tree house. The drop took all of three seconds and we landed with a thud on the soft earth. I couldn’t help myself from screaming on the way down. “Put me down!” I tried kicking and punching him but my attempts were futile. He didn’t even wince from the force of my attacks, instead he just held me tighter. I could hear the slow beats of his heart, and once I realized he wasn’t letting me go I began to

relax into him. It felt like we were two pieces of a puzzle, each fitting perfectly next to its right match. I don’t think I will. Besides I like holding you, it’s the only time I can talk to you without you running away from me. Masons voice was as rich as maple syrup. He kept running until he reached the spot below my bedroom’s balcony. His heart beat never increased above twenty beats per minute. When he put me down I smoothed out my rumpled dress and ran my tongue over my lips for bugs. After I was clear I smirked at Mason walked over to him and slapped him across the face. He placed his hands over the spot where I slapped him, his face faking shock, “ What was that for?” “For not putting me down,” I smiled at him, his laughing smile slid off his face once he saw my teeth. Oh god what now? “Why are you starring at me like that?” “Your fangs have grown in.” “What?” Sure enough when I touched my teeth I felt two elongated ones in place of my eyeteeth, the ends razor sharp. “Oh. My. God!” I let out a scream

that would have put the girls in scary movies to shame.

Chapter Seven Masons hand was covering my mouth so quickly I barley saw him do it. Luckily the music was loud enough that no one at the party heard me. That would have been a tough one to explain. Too bad it

wasn’t Halloween, I’d fit in perfectly. “Shhh…” His hand still firmly on my mouth, “okay I’m going to let go now. Promise not to scream?” I nodded my head vigorously. He released his grip on my face and I gulfed down lungful of air. Although realizing that I wasn’t in need of any extra oxygen. “Why are you upset about this?” His voice confused “This is good, it means your maturing.” “It is anything but good!” I sobbed hysterically, “I’m a monster, a horrible uncontrollable hormonal vampire. And you know what? IT SUCKS!” “But it is!” I threw my hands up in the air in defeat. “Mel, this is normal you have to accept how you are.” I turned on him jabbing my finger at his chest. “Lets get one thing straight right now kay’?” When he didn’t respond I continued with my rant. “First off I have a choice, I get a choice. You know what choice I’m going to pick? Human. I choose to stay human. I enjoy living, laying in the sun for unlimited numbers of hours and not having to worry about my skin melting off my body!” Referencing to my two least

favorite things about the change. “As soon as I turn eighteen I’m going to be injected with the vaccine to reverse all of this,” my hand traveling the length of the body. “What vaccine are you talking about?” “Vl- my Dad, told be that he created a vaccine that would essentially reverse the entire string of the vampire disease, returning me to my normal, human self.” “Do you really want to leave all of this? Think of everything you would be leaving behind.” “Yes…No. I don’t know.” I replied, ”I don’t know anything anymore.” “I’ll let you think about that for a minute. Br right back,” He chimed as he ran off into the woods. “Wait!” I called out after his feeling shadow. Ugh I hate it when he does this. I glanced up at my balcony more then twenty vertical feet. I guess I can just…jump. I bent my legs and pushed off the ground with so much force that I landed on my roof instead of my balcony. Opps! I peered over the edge of the roof and saw my balcony. I walked right off the room and landed with a thud on my balcony. That was fun,

and who knows when it may come in handy. I walked through my French doors and fell down on my dove comforter. Suddenly I sat up and sniffed the air… Nate. I could smell him on the other side of the door. “Nate, I know you’re there. Come in.” The door knob turned and the door creaked open. “Hey,” Nate said stepping into my room. “Hi,” I marveled at my wonderful conversation skills. “How are you feeling?” He cleared his throat, “I’m fine. Really.” He told me convincingly. “Listen I’m so sorry about…earlier-” “Don’t be, it was one of the best times of my life. I felt really good.” Okay, Eww! “That’s not the point, I almost killed you.” “But you didn’t, so you’re not evil you cant be. I love you.” What did he just say? “It’s true I love you Melody.” Okay so he did say that. By the time I had calmed down Nate had walked over and sat down on my bed. It was as if I saw what was happening in slow motion,

he was leaning to me and then his lips met mine and it was… nice. His lips were smooth and moist, and his kiss was comforting but there was no spark. Not like there was when I kissed Mason, Nate was my best friend and I loved him but I didn’t love him. “Happy New Years Mel,” his voice whispered in my ear he leaned forward to kiss me and I tuned away. “I think you should leave.” I told him scooting away from him on my bed. “Why?” His hurt surrounded me as if it was suffocating me. “Did I do something wrong?” “No. Its not you, it’s me,” I cringed at my lame break-up line. “I just don’t- I just need to get some sleep okay?” Finally he got the message and got up to leave pausing in the doorway. “See you later Melody.” He shut the door behind him. The curtains rustled and Mason stepped out, “About time.” “How long have you been there?” I ask him lying back on my bed. “Long enough to see that kiss, and you reject the

poor fellow.” “Nate is a nice guy but…” “He isn’t the right guy for you, I know.” I looked at him incredulously, them remembered he was privy to all of my innermost thoughts. “So… I want to show you something.” “Like?” “Like this,” he took out a Swiss army knife. “You know the myth that vampires don’t bleed?” “Yeah,” acknowledging the ancient Roman myths that vampires’ blood evaporated when they were made. “Well we do.” He placed the razor sharp knife close to his hand and slid it down his palm. His blood burst from the cut and spilled down his hand and onto my floor. His blood smelt like passion. Something musty and it was completely intoxicating. I could feel more then see the changes happening throughout my body. My teeth elongated into my pointy fangs and the rim or my eyes turned red. I watched, mesmerized my the sight of his blood. He retrieved a silver flask that was catching the blood. I watched as his skin began to heal itself, first turning

into a scar and then disappearing all together. In the end the only residue was the blood on his hands. He pushed the silver flask to me. “Here, I want you to keep this.” I could hear the sound of his blood slashing on the inside of the flask. “Why?” “Drink it when you feel tired, or drained. That way you wont waste all of your supply.” He cast his eyes to the mini-fridge that occupied the corner of my room, inside it was filled with blood packets, like the ones they hook up to patients in hospitals. All I have to do is pop one of them into the microwave for a couple of second puncture the top and viola, vampire Capri-Sun. “So what was going on with Nate before?” “Oh nothing he’s just living on the bite high.” “Bite high?” “Yeah, it’s like a drug high except better, it makes you feel as if you can do anything, which yes is dangerous. In Nates case it caused him to fall in love, with you.” “Oh,” I sighed and fell back again onto my bed. After all these years of lusting after him wondering

what if, it turns out it was never anything real. Now my problem is that he thinks he is in love with me. Great, just great! When did my life turn into a soap? “Don’t worry, once the endorphins from your bite exit his system he’ll go back to acting normal again.” “What about us?” “You mean about what happened back at the tree house?” I nodded, I tried to fight the blush that was seeping across my face. “Well it’s a little bit different when two vampires, or half vampires, exchange blood. See it kind of bounds us to each other for eternity.” “Eternity?” I squeaked. “Yeah, well for normal vampires. It may only last for us until you complete your change completely.” “Eternity?” I kept repeating as if letting the severity of the words sink in. “Yes, forever until the end of time.” He chuckled. “Your mine, forever.” I adverted my gaze from his, desperate for a change of topic. “So school starts again in two days, right?”

Mason asked me. “Yeah, so?” “Just wondering,” his words may have said just wondering but I knew he was more then wondering, he was planning. I tried to slip into his mind but as always he was expecting this and blocked me. “No cheating, you’ll find out soon enough.” his eyes gleaming in the light. “So… what now?” “Well I think you should go down to the party and get your friend Rebekah before she dies from alcohol poisoning.” “I meant between us.” I stood next to him looking up into his eyes. He leaned down to his the top of my forehead lovingly. “For the first time in my life, I honestly have no idea what we are going to do. For now don’t worry about it too much.” He lent down and kissed me. Let me tell you something if I had to rate this kiss from one to ten, it would be ∞ (infinity), that’s how amazing this kiss was. He left me standing there, my lips still warms from the friction caused by his lips on mine, after a minute or so my mind started

functioning normally again. I leapt off my balcony landing gracefully on the earth and made my way over to the blasting music. Becky was easy enough to spot she was dancing in a new skin tight silver dress, obviously trashed. I walked up to her and smiled at me. “What are you doing?” I said directing her away from the middle of the dance floor. “What does it look like I’m doing?” She was slurring her words and her eyes were cloudy. “I’m dancing with out my best friend, because she ditched me.” The hurt she was trying to disguise was still clear to me. “I’m sorry, I can’t.” “Can’t or won’t?” I thought about what she was saying for a moment, “Both.” She tore herself out of my grip, “But I want to tell you.” “BFF’s remember? I’ll love you no matter what kind of trouble you get yourself into.” I bit my lip, careful to make my fangs stay in my gums. “Fine, I’ll tell you.” she giggled drunkenly. “But you cant tell anyone promise?” Why not hey she’s so

drunk chances are she wont remember half the things that I tell her anyway. “I promise, so what’s the secret?” “Not here, lets get you home first okay?” “Sure just let me get my keys..” She rummaged around in her purse and I had to catch her before she fell over. “No way are you driving home.” I grab her keys from her hands. “Hey! I’m perfectly fine.” her words were slurred and she was teetering in her high heels precariously. “Come on, lets get you home,” I directed her through the crowds of people and on our way out I left a note for my mother on the fridge. Her car was parked in my neighbors driveway, so at least we didn’t have far to go. Let me explain something to you about Beck, when she’s sober she’s perfect but sometimes she tends to be a mean drunk. For example she is slapping my arm repeatedly and I can’t say anything or it may get worse. Since I’m driving if we get into a car crash she would be the only one killed and then the questions would surface and I’d be in a lot of trouble, catch my drift?

“Rebekah, stop hitting my arm.” I told her in my voice that I reserve for the stubborn kids I baby-sit. Surprisingly she stops hitting me but then starts pouting and sulking. Her fidgeting is distracting, “Beck you want to know the big secret?” She shifted in her seat and rolled her eyes dramatically, “No duh I want to know.” “Okay well… what I’m about to say might sound insane and crazy but it’s legit.” “Spit it out already!” “I’m a vampire.” I shouted over her. “WHAT?” That seemed to have sobered her up, there was no slur to her words and the fogginess in her eyes was gone. “It’s not possible… is it?” “Well since here I am in the flesh sitting next to you I’m going to have to say yeah it’s most definitely possible.” “I can’t believe it…” She stared at me. Is it shock on her face? Disgust? Understanding? Fear? “I’ll prove it to you.” I smiled at her and willed my fangs to come down. “But. You. Huh?” She stammered. “I told you I’m a vampire.” She sat there in

stunned silence, while I stared off at the lights of the traffic around us. “Do you think I’m a monster?” “Of course not Mel, I could never think that.” She let out a sigh and I smelt the familiar smell of fresh blood coursing beneath her skin. I pushed the thought out of my head and took a sip out of Masons’ flask. We were off the highway now and I was speeding down her block. “I thought you had to be dead to become a vampire isn’t that how it normally works?” Good question. “Well I guess for you to understand I would have to tell you everything from my birthday to now.”

Chapter Eight As we walked into her house I told her everything, from my Dad showing up to Mason’s arrival and every miniscule detail in-between.

“Nate told you he loved you!” As she opened her refrigerator and pulled out carrot sticks and ranch dressing. “Out of everything I just told you you’re shocked by that?” I shook my carrot at her menacingly. “Well yeah, you turned him down after how many years of pining over him? Oh that’s right five years of your life that you wasted being in loovveee with him.” “I was not in loovveee with him, I had a major crush on him that’s all. And who wouldn’t? He’s about as hot as the center of the earth.” “Okay so I’ve got a bunch of questions to ask you.” She asked me as we took the stairs two steps at a time. The winding staircase brought us all the way to the third floor where Beck’s room is located. She removed the key from around her neck and unlocked the door. “Wow,” a gasp escaped my lips. Her room had forgone a radical change from the last time I was here. “I was just here last week when did you have time to redecorate?” Her rooms’ theme of the week was French Rivera. A replica of the Eiffel Tower, the

room filled with blacks and violet colors. “You don’t think it’s too much? Anna redecorated without consulting me…again.” “No. No it’s very…” I took in the silk bed sheets and eyed the canary yellow door. “Was that door always there?” “No, Anna-” “You mean your Mother.” I corrected her. “Anna, decided that the Zen was better when the lounge and the sleeping area are separated.” “I’m kinda afraid to go in there.” I laughed as I swung the door open to reveal the whitest room that I had ever seen. “God that’s white.” “Shocking ain‘t it?” The walls, rugs, couches, flowers, and picture frames were white. The pictures in the frames were candid black and whites. “Very…” The light reflecting off the white room was becoming too intense for me to handle. “You mind?” I asked walking out of the lounge and back into her bedroom area. “Oh sorry, I didn’t realize the light would bother you.” The akward silence had returned as we sat there on

her bed, avoiding each other but we were both thinking the same thing. ‘What now?’ “does that mean you glisten in the sun or do you shrivel up when light touches you?” “Don’t you think you’d notice if I glistened or shriveled up in the sun?” Mocking her comical view of the vampires of literature science fiction. “Eh, good point,” she shrugged. “So nothing happens to you in the sun?” “Only if I say out in direct sunlight for more than six hours without applying suntan lotion.” “What happens if you forget?” “My skin starts turning black and melting off of my body.” Becky’s face scrunched up her face in disgust, “Eww.” “I know.” “What do you do about, you know… diet?” “You mean blood?” She nodded her head in agreement. “You know the whole ’vegetarian’ diet? Doesn’t work, only human blood will let us survive or we wither away until there is nothing left of us. “So you get this by asking or taking?”

“Both. We ask and then we take.” Chapter ? I stood with my cell phone in hand, “OK, Mason,” I cautioned, “You have one minute to convince me that I shouldn’t call my dad and convince him to sent you back to England.” “Relax Melody, do you always have to say that when I pop in?” When he said pop in what he really to say was, fly or jump or sometimes just appear out of nothing. That’s what Mason’s ability is he’s super strong and faster than any other vampire along with having the ability to read my thoughts (which is not normal since he can only read mine). The most interesting thing about him is the fact that he can literally pop out of thin air. Its like he can travel to anywhere in the world just by picturing it. “I know but- come on Mas! Do you really have to just pop up out of the blue? We can read each other’s thoughts and talk inside each other’s head don’t you think that you would send me a warning! Or is that to

hard for Mr. I’m so much better than you to do?” I couldn’t help it now I was starting to yell. “Hey you know what,” his blue eyes that resembled flames dancing on the water flashed. His harsh tone softened. “ I’m sorry… It’s just that this is all so new to me too ya’ know. You’re not the only one who’s changing.” “ News Flash Mas. You already are a vampire! You went through the change already.” Ever since my Dad (Vladimir Resonldo) told me I was going too become a vampire life has been full of challenges. It’s still hard since Mason and I are the only known vampires’ who are or in Masons case were half human and half vampire. It’s been hard since my I found out what I was changing into almost a year ago. My 17th birthday is in 2 weeks and I’m having the party that I didn’t get to have for my sweet sixteen. “ Well yes- initially you’d think that I completed the change but it seem that I am still human- well sort of human.” “What do you mean sort of still human? I thought you completed the change when you turned

18 two years ago?” Okay now I was seriously confused. “Well… not exactly. Since I’m the first to go through the change they thought that I was done when I turned 18 which is when I discovered my ability, or at least what they thought was my ability until now.” He said solemnly shaking his head. “ What about the Vaccine? Does it change it?” “What!” I was still cooling down after my little outburst. “Nothing. It’s just that hell, I never want to cross you.” I placed my head in my hands, “sorry, I don’t know what came over me. I- I just… lost it.” “Don’t be sorry that was brilliant, it was amazing, it was superb it wa-” “It never should have happened and it wont happen again.” I said interrupting him. He glanced down at his watch, “we are going to be late our plane is scheduled to leave in 20 minutes!” “Well what are you waiting for, lets go.” We ran downstairs with our luggage in tow. I threw the strap over my shoulder and we ran as fast as we could

with 50 pounds on our back. Oh why did I have to pack so many clothes? I glared at Masons light canvas backpack. Which had to weigh like 25 pounds. Maybe he’d want to switch… Not going to happen Melody! He said in my head. Damn. I guess I’ll just have to suck it up. Yeah, maybe you’ll get faster. I flipped him off. Hey Mel can you run faster? I hate him. ******************************* Up ahead I saw the Airport come into view. Out in the moonlight were weary travelers, tourists and those who were happy to be home from vacationing without their blackberries. My eyes started to tear when I saw a family of three with a teenage girl around my age. We slowed to a walk as we entered the airport. We don’t want to draw any more attention on ourselves. What with me in my red carpet outfit and Mason in his usual posh look. His choice of clothes made him look like a movie star in his white oxford and black dress pants and his skinny black tie. As we made our way through security I

heard people whispering about us, wondering who we were, where we were going. Mason directed me to a golf cart and once seated zoomed down the flight areas and outside a door where the airplane runway was. I always wanted to know how to get down here. The cart stopped in front of a small jet. “What is that?” I pointed to the plane. “Our plane…” his voice was drowned out over the roar of the engines. “WHAT? I CANT HEAR YOU.” I screamed. I said that is our plane. His rich voice entering my thoughts. Are you serious? That is our plane? Yes, Mother sent it for us. She says hello by the way and hopes that when we are done we’d come and visit for tea. I don’t know what to say. Sure. I guess that would be great. Great. We boarded the plane, which had the royal family insignia on its side. Cute. The inside of the plane was just as I expected it to be, fancy, expensive, and elegant. I gingerly sat down on a leather

couch/recliner. “I can get use to this.” I told him rubbing my hands over the supple leather. “Good, makes it a lot easier if you don’t fight me every step of the way.” I smiled and pulled the blanket up to my chin and looked out the window as we took off to our still unknown destination. I looked at the moon and I felt hope. Somehow I knew that my parents were alive and they were looking at the moon or the sun. Either way I knew they were alive and that this was all going to turn out okay and we can go back to our semi-normal lives. Carpe Diem, live everyday to the fullest, and that is exactly what I plan to do. When this is over we will all go home and we will celebrate my 17th birthday and enjoy what’s left of my spring break. I drifted off to sleep over an ocean. “Wake-up Melody!” Mason yelled in my ear. Ow! “ I smell coffee.” I grumbled from the couch. I opened my eyes a little to see a mug of what smelt like my favorite blend. “Give it.” I told him. “Oh you want this?” He said taunting me with the rich aroma. I nodded eagerly and reached out for

the mug. “No I don’t think you can have it until you say the magic word.” He said pulling it out of my reach. “Are you serious?” I asked him. “Deadly. I don’t joke about manners, little lady.” In a southern drawl. I chuckled at his lame attempt at a joke. Some people weren’t born to be funny. “Fine. Please. There I said it now give me the coffee and no one will get hurt.” I begged him for the coffee without I cant function. Yes I’m addicted I admit it. He handed me the coffee. “Good you need to learn manners anyway.” I slurped my coffee. I’m very, very sorry your majesty.” I wonder why he hates it when I call him by his title. Since he is a prince from England it is only correct after all. “You are the biggest pain in my arse you know that right?” “Yeah so long as I’m the only pain in your arse.” Our moment was interrupted by a voice that came out of nowhere. “ Good Morning Mason and Melody.”

Why am I last? “ Who is that?” I whispered to Mason. “It’s Simon the oldest vampire leader the President of Chosen Ones.” He replied. “Lets get down to business shall we? Here is what we know for certain. Melody, your parents are somewhere in Paris. We think that your parents are underground because we cannot find your father or mother with our tracker. So we want you to pose as a honeymooning or a backpacking couple.” “This could get interesting.” I muttered. “As I was saying, Mason, you cannot let anyone discover your true identities. We are not sure if they will recognize you two, and we can’t risk that.” “What about everything else?” I asked. “That Melody is up to you. Good luck. Try not to get yourselves killed because your mother is going to kill me if you die Mason. ” That was the last thing he said to us before ending the call. “Well that was fun.” I said sarcastically. “But I do agree with the fact that we need a plan for what we do when we get there. Which we needed to have like 10 minutes ago.” “No plan Mel.”

“What do u mean ‘no plan’ do you want me to die? We NEED a plan Mason.” I ran my hand through my hair trying to untangle my curls. “Chill- you just have to trust me okay I know what I’m doing-” “How do you know what your doing? Has this happened before, do you do this every week? No, you don’t. So fine I’ll trust you for now. BUT I want it going on record that I think we need a plan.” “Good to hear it. You might want to sit down and buckle up, I do believe we are landing.” He looked me up and down.

“You don’t happen to speak

French do you?” “Yeah, quite well, don’t you speak it too?” I asked him. I mean how can he not know it he lives in Europe and he should just know it. “No. I tried it never stuck I can speak Italian, Spanish, Russian, and Swedish. So you’re going to have to be my translator. ” “HA! Finally something I can do that you cant!” I teased. “Yeah, you are so superior to me and I should bow down and kiss the ground you walk on.”

“That would be nice…” I rubbed my hand together evilly. “No. Not going to happen. Give me a refresher course what do I say if there’s an emergency?” “L’aide means help, but I doubt that they’ll do anything.” The plane started rocking as I looked out the window we were getting closer and closer to the ground. We were in France! One of my favorite places in the world, not that I’d ever been there, but it was on the top of my list for places I’d like to go. Below I saw the mesmerizing sight of France sprawled out below me. When we finished going through checkout and security (I think one of the guards tried to frisk me Ooh-la-la) and stepped out onto the busy streets in Paris. As we walked outside to call a cab Mason asked me how to say things in French, “How would I say, stay back or I’ll bite your necks open?” “I don’t know if I should tell you this but it’s, rester en arrière oui va decrier voter culvert.” “Good to know.” “Mason please refrain from terrorize the

natives.” “You ruin all my fun.” He pouted. I held my hand up in the air to signal a driver we were waiting for a cab. A Black taxi came to stop in front of the curb and we got inside. It smelt of cigarettes and stale coffee. I quickly rambled off to the grubby driver. “Pour la Côte d’Azur Hotel, Fast!” I shouted to the driver. “Where did you learn to speak French so well?” Mason asked me once I sat down in the seat. “I know it wasn’t from school since we’re in the same French 1 class.” “Well I’ve always wanted to go to France…so I taught myself.” “Really? That’s impressive.” “Thanks.” I said flatly. “So… what do we do when we get to the hotel?” “I was thinking we’d unpack and get settled in then maybe go out for lunch and then do some sightseeing.” “Lunch sure but after that we have to go save my parents!”

“Sure, I guess we can do that too.” Yup, this vacation is going to be anything but fun and easy. I guess I can see the sights after I save the world, well my world. “Melody, don’t worry.” He said smiling at me, “Everything is going to be fine. I promise. When this is all done we can see all the sights.” “I hate it when you do that.” “Yes I am aware of how you do not like it when I get in your head.” “Fine as long as you know…” The cab came to an abrupt stop. “Come on Melody, lets go.” He said grabbing my arm as we got out of the cab. “MERCI!” I shouted out to the cab driver before he sped away in a puff of smoke. So much for manners, but what can I expect from the French. If only Californians spoke French and the city was as beautiful, then it would be the same place only warmer. We walked up the cobblestone driveway and up the stone steps. I was careful not to get my heel stuck in the cracks. A bell chimed as we walked

through the door. “Hello Luc.” Mason said greeting the young man behind the check-in counter. “Salut Mason, long time no see!” The man said cheerily. Luc was very attractive, high cheekbones, freckles, and the same dimples like Mason. When I looked at both of them closely the resemblance was uncanny they looked like twins or brothers. Only their eye colors and accents were different. They broke apart from their “manly” hug. That was when Luc noticed I was in the room. “Ma chérie! Mason who is this beautiful girl?” He said winking at me. “Salut Luc, Je m’appelle Melody.” “I like this one Mason. A French beauty non?” I giggled at his flattery he was definitely a charmer. Then he shot off into rapid French that even I had trouble understanding. I nodded at the appropriate times. I thought he would never stop talking until Mason interrupted. “Actually she’s American,” Mason added. “Well either way I approve, Cousin.” Only with

his accent it sounded like coy-sen. Oh, well that explains the resemblance and how they know each other. Interesting… “Thanks,” Mason said blushing. “As much fun as this is can we have the key to the room now?” He said his hand outstretched. “Oui! My apologies, here you are.” He replied placing the key in Masons hand. “Have fun.” “Thanks,” Mason muttered before pulling me toward the elevator. “MERCI LUC!” I shouted over my shoulder before the elevator doors closed. He inserted the key into the key whole where the last button for the 23rd floor should have been. “What’s with the key?” I asked him puzzled. “It’s the only way to get to our suite.” “Oh. What about the room key, is it the same one?” “No I have that key in my pocket.” “Well, when’d you get that? Luc only gave you the one key.” “Its my families apartment so I have my own copy of the key.”

“Nice…” The elevator chimed again and it opened up to a huge living area, and kitchen. In the far corner I saw an ancient spiral staircase. I wonder what’s up there. “Welcome to my humble abode.” His voice dripped with sarcasm. “Nice.” “Nice! All you can say is nice?” “I’m a girl of little words.” “You always have to watch out for girls like those, I heard they’re the most dangerous of all.” “You never know what they have up their sleeves,” I added going along with the joke. “ How about you tell me where my room is, so I can unpack.” I said it as a statement instead of a question. “Up the staircase the last door on the left.” His voice muffled because of the fact that his head was already snooping around the fridges contents. Boys! “I resent that stereotype thank you very much.

I’m not just a boy I’m a hungry boy.” He growled. “Is there a difference?” I called down as I started my assent up the stairs. Mason was to busy shoveling food down his throat to answer. When I reached the second floor I found myself looking at two doors both on the left. I wonder which is my room? I picked the door the farthest on the left first. I opened it up to find an amazing bathroom. It had a steam shower the European toilet thing, the one that cleans your butt. It also had either very big Jacuzzi or a small pool. I couldn’t decide, but as nice as the bathroom was I was pretty certain I didn’t want to sleep in it so I exited the bathroom to try the other door. “Ahh!” I exclaimed as I saw that this door opened up to my room. The walls were painted a golden color and the beds sheets were blue and purple, silk I noticed when I plopped down on it. This I could get use to. There was a soft knocking on the door. “Yes?” I called out. “I see you are enjoying the bed.” Mason said opening the door.

“Indeed I am, its so soft, when I die I want to be buried on silk sheets.” He chuckled at my joke. He plopped down on the bed and threw his backpack in the closet. “Mason, why did you just put your backpack in my closet?” “This is my room too, that isn’t going to be a problem-” “YES! It is most definitely a problem.” I said interrupting him. “There is no way I’m sharing a bed with you.” “That’s to bad, you can sleep on the couch if you want…” “What is WRONG with you?” “Wrong with me? With me! Were just sharing a bed nothing else. I think you’re over reacting.” “No, I’m not, don’t you see this as a problem-us sharing a bed?” Okay so I’m not one of those girls. The kind that are afraid to even look at guy without a shirt on, trust me I’m not. For some odd reason sleeping in such close proximity to him freaked me out. “No.”

Are all boys this stupid? “No, I don’t think it was a problem. Plus I’m not stupid.” That would be a yes. “Well of course it’s a problem! Any brain working in there? Or did it stop working when you changed, just like everything else?” What now baby! “First of all you I think you may have anger management problems. Second, we already have slept together and nothing happened then, so I don’t see why you are freaking out.” “Yeah but that doesn’t really count because you were dreaming and we weren’t really sleeping only our bodies were.” “I’m too much of a gentleman to try anything you know that.” His eyes twinkled with mischief. Yet… his voice popped into my head. “You know how much I hate it when you do that.” I scowled. “Yes I am aware of how much I bug you. You know you can block me from getting in your head.” “No, I cant. Trust me I’ve tried but you always break through my barrier, EVERY. SINGLE.TIME!” My voice

raising in frustration. A smile broke out across his face, “ That is brilliant Melody.” “What is brilliant?” “Nothing.” He said all to quickly as he paced back and forth across the door. “Liar…” I muttered under my breath. “I’m not lying per say, just with holding information.” “Fine.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “Fine.” I walked over to the window that overlooked the busy street. “Oh my God! It’s Angelina Jolie!” My distraction worked, he ran over to the window like a little puppy, it was pathetic actually. I took advantage and jumped into his mind with his defenses down I didn’t get electrocuted like I normally do. “I don’t see her.” His face deflated. “Why didn’t you tell me?” I yelled at him. “Tell you- you little minx you did that on purpose.” He said after putting the pieces of the puzzle together.

“Why didn’t you tell me I could project my thoughts so they appear in a different language?” “Do you have to ruin all my fun?” Oui! “Aha that means yes! I know a little bit of French.” “That’s great Mason.” I casually guided him to the door. I pushed him out the door, which was hard even with my newfound strength. As soon as he was out the door I shut it in his face and locked the door. “Melody!” Mason pounded on the door. “What? Did you say something?” The tables have been turned. “Melody open this door right now. This isn’t funny,” he continued to pound on the door. “You are so lucky that this door is an antique, or I would break it down.” When I didn’t open the door he muttered curses under his breath. “Fine, I’ll sleep on the bloody couch.” Yay I win! I could hear him stomping down the stairs, and for a second I kind of felt bad. It is his room after all. Oh well…

Chapter 14

THE FIGHT I want to turn away and run screaming, to fight, to do anything. I know I cant but I can still dream, this is all my because of my stupid destiny. I don’t want to die, at least not now, now that I have my whole family, and Mason. My heart pangs for him, I’ll never get to say good-bye. I open my eyes to see a blur of brown and fury racing towards me. In Brittany’s hand a stake is raised the sharp point gleaming in the dim lighting. I wonder if my death will be painful. Will I die immediately or will she prolong it so I suffer? I pray to anyone who will listen, that it won’t hurt. She is upon me now; the stake penetrated my chest with the extreme force at which it is traveling. I hear a scream and I am unsure if it came from me. The pain that is wracking through my body was impossible to endure. The stake didn’t hit my heart, but managed to puncture one of my lungs. I can feel the blood oozing and trickling into my lungs. I cough and some of the blood travels up my throat and lands in a

spray on the ground around me. My throat burns with the feeling of blood, metallic and salty. My own blood makes me want to retch and I do, more blood comes up and I gag. I distract myself by escaping into my mind. I imagine I am in Australia, the blue water gleams crystal blue, and the sun warms my skin. I’m lying on my back in the sand Mason is besides me. He leans over me and kisses me lightly on the lips. It feels like a bolt of lightning shooting through me. Every fiber of my being longed for him hungered for the wild passion that boiled just beneath the surface. A thought pokes into my mind; I’m going to die a virgin. Despite my pain I laugh. A clatter from the hallway causes me to open my eyes and return to my unbearable reality. I look up and see Mason standing in the doorway. “Melody?” His voice was frantic, and filled with panic. My eyes are unable to focus on his face, so beautiful, so sad and stricken looking that I want to cry. He hurries over to where I lay on the cold marble floor. His hand caresses my cheek and tears flow from his eyes.

“Please, don’t cry.” I whisper to him. My time here is nearly up. I panic not wanting to waste any of my precious time. “I’m going somewhere better, but wherever I end up I will never stop loving you. You are one of the best things that have ever happened to me. I will always be with you, in your heart.” I use the rest of my strength to grasp his hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. He grips my weak hand and holds on tight. “Melody, I love you, and I promise you I will see you soon.” His eyes light with sadness but filled with determination. “Mason, don’t joke about something like that. You cant leave, my family will need you, and you haven’t fulfilled your destiny yet either. You know that, as much as I do.” In the background a sadistic laugh rings out across the room. Echoing off the walls, reverberating the cackle. “How cute the lovebirds final words to each other. I just adore tragic ending, and consider this your curtain call.” Brittany’s eyes were as cold as her heart. I’m sick of her and her attempts to ruin my life. If I’m

going to die her then she will to. “Why is it so hard for you to get over the past and just leave us alone? Why does she have to die?” Mason asked pleading with the devil herself. “Mason, Mason, silly naïve Mason. It’s all your fault that she has to die.” Her she goes into another one of her stupid monologue rants. “She never would have had to die if you never left me. We were perfect together we could rule our kind. Bring our race back into the world, and together we would take our rightful seats as rulers of the undead race.” Mason shot me a pointed look, “She’s bonkers!” He whispered to me. “Tell me about it.” I winced at the pain, which was caused by my innocent chuckle. I shook my head clearing it of the mean thoughts, “This isn’t the time for mockery. Just drag me in front of her before she turns around. When I yell ‘now’ shout something at her, anything.” “Why?” “Please just do it. I don’t have much time.” I snapped at him. “Okay,” he said hesitantly. I felt bad about

yelling at him. I can’t imagine this all being easy for him. He gently scooped my up and carried me over to her. Positioning me on the floor. I glanced down at the stake that was protruding from my chest. “Hey! Crazy bitch, turn around. I’ve got some ideas about what I think about your plans.” Brittany turned around her eyes glowing red with anger and she crouched down to my face.. “What did you call me?” Her acid breathe hot on my neck I didn’t think twice about what I did next. “Now!” I shouted to Nate. Brittany twisted her head around to see what the commotion was. I didn’t waste any time. I ripped the stake out of my chest and drove it into her rib cage, I felt a sickening crunch as the bones broke and the wooden stake plunged into her heart. I heard her agonizing scream as she staggered to free her self of my grip, trying to rip away the stake but I held on strong. She dropped onto the floor, her body convulsed once, before she was still. I nudged her body to see if she was really dead. Her lifeless body remained unmoving. It seems that she had finally found her eternal resting place, whether it

be in heaven or hell, preferably hell I didn’t care as long as she couldn’t hurt anyone else I loved. I finally relaxed, ecstatic that it was over. I glanced down at my wound; my blood was slowly clotting but not fast enough to save me. I had already lost too much blood. Which was still trickling out of my wound, adding to the pool that had been created on the floor. I fulfilled my destiny; I stopped Brittany from exposing us to the humans and now all I want to do is sleep. I had almost no energy left after what I just did. Mason hurried over to my side, holding my body close, I winced as he lifted me into his arms. Outside the rain had stopped and I could see a rainbow forming in the sky. Breathing became harder and the blood in my lungs was filling still. I had mere seconds left until I passed on to the other side of the rainbow. Talk about metaphors! I relished in the quiet of my mind. Masons voice no longer able to penetrate my thoughts. “Mason I love you,” My voice was feeble and diminutive. “No. You aren’t going anywhere we’re not saying goodbye yet.” Tears streaking his cheeks, I wished I

didn’t have to leave him and everything I love at least not yet. “I have to go, this isn’t good- bye not really I can always visit you from where I’m going. You know what’s funny a few months ago I would have given anything to be normal and be able to die, now I would give anything to be immortal.” I tried to laugh but instead tears flew down my cheeks. “I love you, with all my heart. I think you are the most generous, loving, caring person I have ever met. I will never forget you, your smile will follow me for eternity, and your eyes will penetrate the darkness, and light my way. Your smile will warm my heart, that long ago stopped. My heart is yours forever more.” His almost poem touched my heart; I wanted to hold him tight and never let go. My thought was closing up and I had to struggle to breath. I could see the world fading away, a bright light was obscuring my view of Masons face. The only thing I wanted to see before I passed on was his face. I heard a voice telling me to let go, to walk into the blinding light. I was too tired to fight anymore and I just…let go. I took my last breath of air cherishing

Masons scent of something spicy and sharp. My favorite smells in the entire world, my soul moving further and further away from life and closer to the light. Before me were displayed images of my life, my mother and me at the beach for the first time. Nate and I playing in the park, the eighth grade dance. My first day of high school, the past two years of my life flashing by in vivid images, football games, movie nights, sleepovers with Beck and Kira, the play, my stolen kisses with Mason under the moon light. I paused in front of the light. My hand reaching out to the light, it went right into the light, disappearing onto the other side. Mystified I recalled my hand out of the light. It glittered like it was covered in sparkles. The light called me too it, welcoming me. I looked back at the images that were playing in the background. I knew it was time to go, I couldn’t stay here in-between the two dimensions for much longer. “Good-bye.” I whispered to my old life before reaching out and walking into the light. I felt blind for a moment but then I was in a beautiful area, white everywhere, instead of looking empty or cold this

room seemed to radiate light and warmth. Before me stood a man, he was handsome dressed in an exquisite suit. “Melody Sea Summers?” He asked me. “Yes that is me.” There was no pain anymore; the wounds were gone from this new image of my self. “Welcome, to the NSOYL a.k.a the next stage of you life. I will be your guide, my name is Charles.” The man, Charles explained “Hi Charles, I’m Melody but it seem like you know that already.” “Yes, here at NSOYL we like to be prepared for our visitors, try and help them not feel so…lost.” “Okay, well at the moment I don’t know how I should feel, so many different things have happened this past year I don’t know how to act about anything anymore.” I admitted. “So, this is kind of like a waiting place for the dead?” “Very rightly so, just think of this as the check-in desk of your new life.” “Alright so what happens next? Do I go to Heaven or Hell or do I just cease to exist, or am I

doomed to wander the earth forever?” “Well what happens next is up to you we have two options, the first is that you step into the elevator,” He pointed to a gold elevator that said AFTER LIFE in nice bold cursive letters. “And go to the last place, where you either ascend or descend.” “Okay, by any chance do you happen to know where I would…. go to?” “No.” “ I thought not.” I said solemnly. “Moving on to option number two.” I hope option number two will be better then number one, otherwise I don’t think I’m ever going to leave the check-in desk. “We can bring you back to life-” “ I want that, I choose that just please send me back!” I entreated. “You might want to hear the catch before you agree to this option.” “Figures, alright lay it on me.” “If you choose to go back, you wont remember anything about your past life, we will send you back, but you have to be at least ten thousand miles away from where you lived before. We can make it seem

like you were in a car accident give you a new identity, that way you can start over, and live out the rest of your life.” “If I go back I’ll forget everything and everyone?” “Yes, that’s correct.” “Including the fact that I’m turning into a vampire?” “Sadly, yes. If you choose to go back, you’ll turn into a vampire.” “Great.” I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest. Charles crossed the expansive parlor until he came to where I was standing, lightly placing his hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry I know how hard this might be for you, but this is the way, most don’t get a choice. The fact that you’re getting one is impressive. You have admirers in high places.” “Isn’t there another option?” I begged, my eyes filled with sorrow, my throat tight, as if something was lodged in there. “ Melody, you have to decide or you’ll disappear, your soul will simply cease to exist. So there that is

your third option. You have two minutes, not to rush you or anything.” “Thanks,” I said sarcastically. I don’t know what I want to do, go back or move on? Either way, I loose everyone I ever cared about. Why does this have to be so darn hard! I shouldn’t have to die I’m still a child, technically. If I go back I’ll have no one, nothing, and if I move on there’s the chance that I’ll go down not up. I watch the second hand ticking away the seconds of my life. I only have 30 seconds, 29,28,27,26,25,24,23,22,21. My mind raced trying to decide my fate in only mere second. “Ten seconds, 9,8,5,4,3,2.” Charles counted down, as if this was the new years ball dropping. “Okay, I choose to go to last stage.” I shouted over his counting. “Congratulations, Your elevator awaits.” The doors of the elevator creak open, I almost expect the Jaws theme song to be playing as I tentatively approach the gold doors. “Thanks Charles.” I say as the doors close and I wave good buy to my last chance to escape from whatever happens next. I look around the elevator, I

hear grinds clinking and churning, and we slowly start to move. I can’t tell if I’m going up or down. I sit in the nice love seat that is bolted to the ground. I wonder how long I’ll be stuck in here? I yawn, my muscles tired from my death. The air feels heavy, and I decide to take a little nap. I close my eyes and try to drift off to sleep. After a few minutes I drift into a dream. I’m in my room, the full moon beckoning me to come outside. My friends and family outside in the backyard, the scream “SURPRISE”. Stepping aside so I can see the banner that reads in big blocky handwriting, HAPPY SEVENTEENTH BIRTHDAY! “Surprised?” Mason says stepping up to me to rub my shoulders, there is a slight chill in the air. “Yes, this is the best birthday party ever!” I tell him, wrapping my arms around his neck as he sweeps me up into his arms and kisses me firmly on the lips. “I told you I would never leave you.” He whispers into my ear. “What do you mean?” “This, all of this is real, Melody. I brought everyone into our dreams so you could say goodbye.”

Tears fill my eyes; I can’t believe this is real! I’m getting the chance to say goodbye, wait“If you’re here, and this is real, but I’m still dead then this isn’t goodbye. I can still be with you.” I exclaimed happily. “Yes we will always be in each others dreams, but this is when you say goodbye to your family and your friends.” “I knew it was too good to be true,” my shoulders slugging unhappily. “Go on and say goodbye.” Mason said giving me a little nudge to where my parents and my friends stood. Nate stepped up first, embracing me in a tight hug. His eyes red from crying and his shirt was wrinkled. “Hey, Mel. I’m sorry you had to die to save us all. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I just wanted to say, that I love you and that you are the best friend a guy, no wait that ANYONE could ask for. Here I brought u something.” He pulled out a white dress; it was a one shoulder that went all the way to the floor, with purple on the neckline and the brooch

on the shoulder was of a dolphin. “It’s beautiful thanks.” I reached out for the dress, when I touched the soft fabric it disappeared. “It looks even more beautiful on you, a real angel in Armani.” He laughed but I knew it was forced. I looked down, and saw that the dress had magically replaced my bloody clothes; my shoes had also disappeared leaving me barefoot. “Yeah sure, if I’m an angel well then I want to know what the opposite is.” He hugged me again, “I’ll be seeing you.” “Not to soon I hope,” I said. He laughed as her retreated t the back of the line. Next my parents reached me. My mothers’ eyes were puffy and filled with tears, which were trickling down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry honey, this is all my fault if I had been more careful, you wouldn’t be…” She choked on the last word. I ran up to her and hugged her tight. My mother felt so fragile, so old. I stroked her hair soothingly. “It’s not your fault, I’ll be fine. I saved you and Dad and the rest of the world from an evil dictator.” “I know but I shouldn’t have to burry my baby,

my baby should burry me. I don’t want to say goodbye. Dammit! We’ll fight this I’ll go to the Pons myself and demand that they get you out of here.” “No, Mom. This isn’t a fight.” I grabbed her hands in mine. “This is good, I’ll always be with you and this way if I go back eventually you will die and I’ll be stuck on earth forever. Think of this as a vacation, this isn’t permanent, nothing ever is. So don’t cry, okay? For me, please Mom. I love you.” “I love you too sweetie, I’ll know that you’ll always be with me.” She broke her embrace and kissed me on my forehead before stepping back, and letting my Dad come and say goodbye. Vlad stood there awkwardly, his eyes cold and cloudy. I was unable to read his expression. The look was grim but I wondered if his remorse was genuine or manufactured. “Thank-you Melody, you will live on in our stories as the bravest vampire in our history, and as the best daughter that anyone could ask for.” He reached in and hugged me it was awkward but nice. As he pulled away he whispered in my ear, “ We’ll meet again.”

“Wait what?” But he didn’t hear me; he was already across the yard with my mother. I wonder what he meant; after all he is an immortal. Next Kira walked up the pathway to where I was standing. “So this is the secret you were hiding from me?” Her smile light but I could see the hurt in her eyes. “So, now you know. I was just afraid that you would think I was a freak.” “It’s okay, Beck told me everything. I don’t want you to leave.” She sobbed, tears streaming down her cheeks. “You… are … such…a great…friend.” She told be, her voice cracking. “I brought you my new book.” She held out a copy of Dates, Fakes, and Crazy Days: A Sequel to The So Called Best Times Of Our Life. “Ohmygosh, you used our picture for you’re cover?” I glazed down at my face, preserved next to my best friends in the world. “Yeah, there’s more open the page.” Carefully I opened the book the pages smelt fresh and crisp as I turned them to the first page. In cursive writing stood the words; This book is dedicated to my best friend Melody Sea

Summers: Friend, confidant, editor and superhero. She gave her life to help us all, and we’ll never forget her. Her voice in our hearts we will seize the day! I reached out and hugged Kira so tight I thought she might suffocate. “Thank you so much I love it.” I’ll be watching you, just not in a creepy way. Keep writing because I doubt that there be anyone quite as talented as you wherever I’m going.” I told her tears streaming down my face, their saltiness stinging my cheeks. Next and last was Rebekah, her mascara was running down her cheeks in big black blobs, and she was shaking uncontrollably sobs racking her small frame. I hurdled myself into her arms, clinging to her neck. “Don’t you ever die with out saying goodbye.” She whispered harshly into my ear. We laughed together, our voices mingling into one joyous sound. “I’m sorry, I don’t know how I would have survived without getting the chance to say goodbye. God I missed you.” I say hugging her again. “You saw me a couple of days ago.” She said smiling. “I know but I feel like we haven’t talked or hung

out in forever, it was killing me,” I paused reconsidering the words. “Sorry bad wording.” I laughed trying to lighten the tense atmosphere in the dream. “You are so brave, Mel. I don’t think I could do any of the things you have accomplished this year, especially death.” She told me. “I’m not that brave, I’m scared.” “Don’t be. You going all the way to the top floor.” She assured me. “Too bad, I wont know anyone there.” I said solemnly. “Even if you don’t, so what? You are the nicest vampire/human that ever existed. Except maybe me.” She laughed, trying to make me smile. “ Really I didn’t know you were a vampire?” I grinned toothily. “See you just can’t hide those babies,” She said pointing to my mouth, where my incisors had lengthened. “I’m going to miss you so so so much. I mean who else is going to help me pick up cute guys or help me shop for clothes?” “Wait what so you mean cute guys, you have

Henry remember? Plus you’ll have Kira, she has much better fashion sense then I ever will.” “Yeah, but it wont ever be the same, and I’m keeping Henry guessing. Plus you promised that you would try out for cheerleading this year?” She whined. “ You know I can’t even do a cartwheel, this is you just procrastinating. You have to let me go, move on and all that. Besides if you ever need me I’m only a shout away.” “Okay, I’m going to be calling some favors in, now that my best friend is an angel I expect some good luck every now and then.” “I’ll be listening.” “Plus this isn’t good bye, I am human after all. I’ll die, and then we’ll be best friends the three amigos all together. Unless you know they create an immortal vaccine, or a vampire bites me.” “Yeah, so I’ll see you later alligator?” I ask her, as if were in the parking lot at school. “In, a while crockadile.” She winked and we hugged tight before we separated, but not for forever. If there is anything I learned from all this it’s

that nothing is forever. Mason came and escorted me to a pedestal that had appeared where my house was. Once I was on top, I waved good-bye to my friends and family. A sound woke me up, shaking me from my dream. I glanced around the elevator my eyes squinting under the florescent lights. The grinding and churning had stopped. I waited for what seemed like eternity for the doors to open and show me my fate. I looked down happy to see that my dress was real. I ran my hands over the fabric, soothed by the memories of my dream. The doors began to creek open and I got a glimpse at my fate. A blinding bright light leaked through the crack in-between the doors. They sprang apart and I was blinded by the full effect of the light. Once my eyes adjusted I stood before an expansive area of green grass. It looked so perfect that I thought it was fake. I took in my new home the grass squished beneath my feet, I look for the edge thinking that maybe heaven really is on a cloud. There were houses, parks, and malls, everything I could ever need. Past me walked a couple with a newborn baby. In the distance I could hear waves

crashing down, this wasn’t earth it couldn’t be. Could it? Down the street a car was coming into view. As it came closer I saw that it was a white limo. Next thing I know they’re going to tell me I have to go to school. The limo stopped in front of where I was standing. The door opened and a hand beckoned me inside. I didn’t know whom it belonged to. Hesitantly I got into the car. As soon as I had sat down the door automatically closed and we zoomed off. Houses, cars and kids passed by in a blur. We stopped at the golden gates that fenced off the massive mansion. I never thought that heaven would have social classes, or that I would be dropped off at the mansion in a limo. The door opened again and I turned to my silent passenger. A wide hat covered his features. “Who are you?” I asked the mischievous figure. “I think we went through this once before.” The voice said. I know that voice, but it can be… “Dad?” “Very good you’re catching on faster, and this time you didn’t even faint.” He removed his hat so I could see his face.

“What are you doing here?” “I’m in charge of this world. This little piece of heaven.” “I’m confused am I or aren’t I in heaven?” “You are, but we had to split everyone up because on earth people die and come here. Here nobody dies so we quickly out grew the original heaven. I’m in charge of this Heaven.” “But you’re a vampire?” “I am but so are you and were both here. We never conformed to the normal vampire lifestyle. Therefore we were granted the chance to life here in this utopia.” “Okay, so that explains why you said that you would see me soon. So do I live here?” “Welcome home.” We go out of the car and walked to the gates which we walked right through. I turned back to him. “Does this mean that I can visit everyone back on earth?” “We’ll talk more about it later, lets just get you adjusted first.” “Okay.” I said looping my arm through his as we

walked into our new home. So what do you think of this ending suggestions are appreciated !

#SYMBOL 211

\f "Symbol" \s 12#Venus2008