Deadly Intent
Violet Tyler
Loving Eliza - Smashwords Edition
Published by Violet Tyler at Smashwords
Copyright © 2010 by Violet Tyler
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
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This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Edited by Stephannie Beman and Sara Marie Bodenstein
Cover Photo images Copyright Shutterstock LLC. All rights reserved – used with permission.
Chapter One
The Same Nightmare
Every night the dream is the same. I dream of him. I see him in the light of the full moon, standing on the edge of an old town. He is the most exquisite boy I have ever seen. The wind caresses his short dark brown hair. His tall slender frame leans against the post, and there is a deep sorrow in his cool blue eyes that my mind cannot comprehend. He knows nothing of happiness.
I am drawn to him. Irresistibly and mercilessly drawn to him. I do not know why he is there. All I know is that I find myself at the same place every night.
My heart pounds as I walk up to him. He’s expecting me. I know he is. He turns to face me. A tiny smile forms on his lips, showing me the dimples on his pale cheeks. We don’t say anything to each other. I look into his eyes, hypnotized by their power. His hand cups the side of my face as he leans forward to kiss me. My body sings with joy as our lips meet. No one has ever kissed me this way before.
I will do anything for him. He is mine and I am his. No one will ever come between us. Our love will endure until the end of time.
When the kiss ends, I slowly open my eyes. This is the part where the dream turns into a nightmare. I suddenly see him for what he is. His mouth opens wide as he bares his fangs. Images of many who’ve died at his hands flash before my eyes. And now, he seeks my death as well.
I gasp as I sit up in bed. Sweat runs down my back, and my long brown hair sticks to my face. I breathe deeply to calm my racing heart. I get out of bed and turn on the light in my bedroom. Every night it’s the same dream. And every night I wake up, terrified.
I groan as I sit in the chair in front of my dresser mirror. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in seven months. That’s when the dream started. I don’t know what prompted the dream or why I keep having it. All I know is that it is driving me crazy. My green-blue eyes have bags under them. I have a hard time eating or concentrating in school. My senior year of high school should be the greatest year of my life, but instead, I find myself so preoccupied with my dreams that I can’t seem to enjoy it at all.
The cool April breeze passes through my open bedroom window. Despite the fact that I’m sweating, the breeze makes me feel cold instead of refreshed. I walk over to the window and close it. I turn back to my mirror and stare at my reflection. I don’t know how to explain it, but there is something different in my expression than when I woke up this morning. Is it that my lack of sleep is finally catching up with me and making me look unusual? Or is it that deep down inside, I know that my life is about to change?
Yes, I decide. Everything I know is about to change. He’s coming. The vampire in my dream is coming, and he’s coming for me.
Chapter Two
Elizabeth’s Plan
On my way to Beaver High School the next morning, I go to pick up Elizabeth Hammond. I usually drive my mom’s car to school. We hate to ride the school bus, so we take every opportunity to avoid it when we can. Elizabeth is a wonderful friend. She has shoulder-length light brown wavy hair and dark brown eyes. Elizabeth and I have been friends since we met in summer school for gym class last year.
On this particular morning, she looks especially excited.
“Hi, Cara!” she greets as she hops into the passenger seat of the car.
“What’s up?” I reply as I back out of her driveway.
“I want to fix you up with a boy I met in math class. I would go after him if I didn’t already have a boyfriend,” she says.
I smile. She loves playing matchmaker, and it looks like I’m her next victim. Well, I shouldn’t say “victim.” She does do a good job of selecting the right people for her friends. Last year I was dating my ex-boyfriend, so I wasn’t interested in being fixed up with anyone. But now that that relationship has been over a year, I am secretly pleased to hear that she wants to play matchmaker again.
“Who is he and what is he like?” I ask, trying to sound casual.
“His name is Todd Russell, and he’s a really nice boy. I can ask him to meet me at my locker after school so I can give him my class notes from yesterday. He missed class yesterday because he had a dentist appointment.”
“Wow! This is really sudden.” I like the idea of meeting him, but today just seems like it is too soon. I am wearing a plain, old t-shirt and jeans and my hair doesn’t look as good as I would like it to.
“You look great.”
“What are you? A mind reader?” I laugh. Sometimes I think she knows me too well.
“Todd will like you. You two will make a wonderful couple. Then we can go on double dates.”
“Aren’t you jumping the gun a little bit? I haven’t even met the guy yet, and you’re already saying that we’re girlfriend and boyfriend.” I find a free spot in the school parking lot and park in it. Deciding it’s time to change subjects, I ask, “So, what are you and Brad doing this weekend?”
“He’s going to go to a rock concert with his new friend, Nate Shedrick on Saturday, so you and I can hang out on Saturday, if you want.”
“Nate? Is that short for Nathaniel?” I ask as we get out of the car.
“Yes,” she replies, flinging her backpack over her shoulder. “They just met a couple weeks ago. Apparently, Nate just moved to Ohio.”
“Oh.” I nod. “It must be tough being the new person at school. It’s good that Brad is helping Nate fit in.”
“Yeah.”
The first bell rings, announcing that school will start in five minutes, so we hurry into the school to get ready for our first class.
***
The day passes by too fast. Of course, my thoughts are on Todd Russell.
At lunch, Elizabeth assures me that he agreed to meet us at her locker after school. “So it’s all set,” she concludes.
“When are you going to fix me up?” Danielle Allen asks jokingly as she joins us at the lunch table in the cafeteria.
Danielle has short blond hair and brown eyes. I met her through Elizabeth. Danielle and Elizabeth have been friends since the first grade. At first, things were tense between me and Danielle because I was the new friend who suddenly took a lot of Elizabeth’s time, but after a couple of months, Danielle and I became friends too. Danielle is dating Justin Larimore, but she’s not too happy with him.
“Are you and Justin having trouble again?” Elizabeth wonders. She bites into her pizza. “I love pizza day.”
I grimace. “There’s no way I could eat cafeteria food.” I pull out a sandwich from my paper bag.
“Justin is so demanding with my time,” Danielle complains. She doesn’t even bother eating her salad. She just stares at it and moves a tomato around with her fork.
“Why don’t you just break up with him?” I ask. “He’s given you more grief than he’s worth.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” she sighs, clearly loving the attention. She’s the kind of person who needs to be the center of attention all the time. That is probably why Elizabeth was never her best friend. “Justin wants to spend all his time with me,” she continued. “I want to go with you two to the movie tomorrow night, but he wants me to go with him.”
“Maybe we’ll meet you there,” Elizabeth replies. “Then we can all sit together.”
“That’s a great idea,” I admit. “That way, you can spend some time with us while being with him.”
“Why won’t he go on a double date with you, me and Brad?” Elizabeth wonders.
“He doesn’t like Brad,” Danielle replies. She sets her fork down and pushes her salad away. “He thinks Brad is too bossy.”
I try not to be obvious as I roll my eyes. If you looked up the word “bossy” in the dictionary, you would see Justin’s picture. “Maybe you should just dump Justin and move on. I’m sure Miss Matchmaker over here can fix you up with someone else by next weekend.” I finish my sandwich and drink my apple juice.
Danielle seems to think about it. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
“Think about it,” I suggest. “There’s got to be someone better for you than Justin.”
“Oh, there’s Todd,” Elizabeth interrupts.
She points to the guy with the blond hair who’s sitting at a table across the cafeteria. He laughs at something his friends are saying. My heart pounds in anticipation. I have to admit that he is good looking.
The bell rings, signaling the end of another lunch period.
As anxious as I am to meet Todd, I am also nervous about it. But even as I enjoy this new situation, in the back of my mind, I’m aware that something much more profound is about to happen. And no matter how much I want to ignore it, the storm clouds gathering on the horizon are coming closer my way.
Chapter Three
The Trouble With Justin
When the school day finally ends, I tentatively head to Elizabeth’s locker. Other students are quickly grabbing the books they need to take home for homework, and then they head out of the school. I run my fingers through my hair again. I want to make a good impression for Todd.
Elizabeth walks up to me and smiles apologetically. “Todd can’t make it. His teacher asked him to stay late so he could help someone with math. He said to tell you he was sorry and that you can stop by anytime on Saturday afternoon at the Beaver Burger where he works and meet him there.”
The Beaver Burger is a fast food joint in Beavercreek. I’ve only been there three times because Elizabeth and I prefer to eat tacos and subs. I don’t recall ever seeing Todd work there, but I don’t usually pay attention to the employees when I go somewhere.
“I’m only going there if you go with me,” I insist. I am nervous enough about meeting him without having to approach him by myself. If Elizabeth is with me, it would help break the tension.
“Sure. We can go on Saturday. He seems really interested in meeting you,” she says as she dumps her books in her locker. She shuts the door and grins. “I have no homework tonight.”
“You’re so lucky. Hey, why don’t you do my English assignment for me? You’re so good at writing.”
“No way! I’m going to sit in front of the TV tonight and relax.”
I chuckle as we walk up to my mom’s car. I unlock the car doors.
“I just don’t feel like it, okay?”
We paused at the sound of Danielle’s voice. We glance over at Danielle and Justin who are walking to his car. Danielle looks miserable.
“Let’s rescue her,” Elizabeth says.
I nod and we head over to them.
“Hi, you two,” I greet cheerfully. “Justin, that’s a nice shirt. It brings out the green in your eyes.” I found out that if anyone flatters him, then he usually agrees to whatever they want.
He smiles. “Thanks, Cara.”
I shiver in disgust. He gives me the creeps.
“Danielle, Mrs. Reinhardt is looking for you,” Elizabeth lies. “I guess you forgot that she wanted to discuss the grade on your test. She asked us to find you.”
Danielle puts her hand up to her forehead. “Oh no! I better go see her.”
I have to admit that Danielle is good at playing along.
“Fine. I can go to the sports store by myself,” Justin reluctantly replies. “I don’t have time to wait for you to finish talking to your teacher.” He walks to his car and drives away.
I shake my head. “What do you see in him?”
She shrugs. “I used to know. Now I just want to get out of this relationship, but I don’t know how to.”
“Just tell him it’s over,” Elizabeth says.
“I tried that. He laughs and says I don’t know what I want.”
“What a creep.”
I silently agree. Getting involved with him was the worst thing she ever did, but it’s pointless to mention that to her.
“Would you like to eat some tacos with us?” Elizabeth offers.
She smiles. “That’d be great. Thanks for bailing me out.”
“Yeah, well, now you owe us one.”
I chuckle and we get into the car.
Chapter Four
The Boy In My Dreams
I’m a bundle of nerves by Saturday. I want to meet Todd. He is working at the Beaver Burger today, and Elizabeth agrees to go with me there so she can ease the tension. I drive up to her house, and I notice the white Lincoln in her driveway. That car doesn’t belong to her family, so I know that someone is visiting her. My heart pounds in anticipation. Maybe Todd got the afternoon off and decided to meet me here.
I check my reflection in the rearview mirror. My hair was pulled back with a barrette and I wore a pink shirt to bring out the rosy colors in my cheeks, so I looked better than I had on Thursday. I wanted to make a good first impression.
I get out of my mom’s car and take a deep breath. I can do this. I walk up to the front door and press the doorbell.
Elizabeth answers the door with an apologetic grin. “I’m sorry. I had no idea Brad and his friend were going to come over.”
I notice Brad sitting on the couch in her living room. He has a scowl on his face. When I hear a beautiful melody playing on her piano, I glance at the pianist. I gasp in shock. Another image floods my mind...
I see him in the light of the full moon. He is the most exquisite boy I have ever seen. The wind caresses his short dark brown hair. His tall slender frame leans against the post, and there is a deep sorrow in his cool blue eyes that my mind cannot comprehend. He knows nothing of happiness.
My dream. He is the boy in my dream! A wave of apprehension comes over me. “Who is he?” I whisper to Elizabeth as I grab her arm.
“Oh, this is Nate. Nate, this is my best friend, Cara Stivers,” she says, wincing. “Are you alright?”
Ned glances over his shoulder and his eyes meet mine. You want me.
I blink. Did I really here him send me a message? But before I have time to think about it, I begin to relax. There is something hypnotic in his stare. He is so mysterious and enchanting. My heart pounds excitedly. This is the moment I have been waiting for. My love has at last arrived.
Suddenly, Brad jumps off the couch and storms past me.
She rolls her eyes at him as he walks out the front door. “He’s in a bad mood today.” She sighs and follows him outside.
I swallow the nervous lump in my throat. Now Nate and I are alone, and I don’t know what to say.
To my surprise, Nate stands up and says, “I’m going to get something to drink,” and heads to the kitchen.
Of all the possible things he could have said, this is the last one I expect. I stand dumbly in the living room for a minute. What should I do now? Glancing around the empty room, I consider my options. I don’t want to intrude on Elizabeth’s conversation with Brad. I also don’t want to follow Nate to the kitchen because then I’ll look like a fool.
Then I recall the book that I had lent Elizabeth to read. She had told me she was done with it and that I could have it back. So I walk up the stairs to the second floor where her bedroom is. I see the book right away. I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, so I am anxious to read it. I sit on her bed and thumb through it for about ten minutes before I decide that I should just go back downstairs and wait for her to come back inside. No one has returned to the living room, so I am still alone. I sit on her couch and start reading chapter one. I might as well enjoy my time while I wait for her to show up.
“Would you like some water or soda?” someone asks me.
Startled, I look up from my book. My eyes widen as I realize that Nate is talking to me.
“I…uh…” Again, he surprises me. I didn’t expect him to talk to me after his rude departure earlier. I had assumed he was going to avoid me.
“I’m sorry about before,” he says, as if reading my thoughts. “I guess I got a little nervous when Brad and Elizabeth left. I must confess that I tend to be shy when it comes to meeting new people.”
His words immediately put me at ease. I smile. “Elizabeth mentioned you. She said you recently moved here. You go to Brad’s school, right?”
“Yes.”
“Where did you move from?”
Before he can answer, Elizabeth and Brad enter the house. I can see that they worked things out.
“We’d better go to that concert,” Brad says to Nate.
“Okay.” Nate puts his cup of water on the table.
I briefly note that the cup is still full. Obviously, Nate wasn’t thirsty after all.
As Brad and Nate leave, Nate glances over his shoulder at me. He doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t have to. I know I’ll see him again. He’ll make sure of that. A thrill of anticipation races up my spine. I can’t wait for our next encounter.
Elizabeth breathes a sigh of relief as she shuts the door behind them. “Finally! I never thought they’d leave.”
Turning my attention to her, I ask, “Why did Brad come by here anyway?”
“He said he wanted to introduce me to Nate. Not that I believe that one.”
I raise my eyebrow. “Is there trouble in paradise?”
“He’s upset because I forgot yesterday was his birthday. It was an honest mistake.”
“That’s a switch. Usually, it’s the boy who forgets birthdays.”
“Yeah. I’m not going to hear the end of this for awhile.”
“Let’s pick up a card and flowers after we meet Todd. That’s what boys do when they forget things.”
She laughs. “We need to go. Todd has a break in five minutes, and we’re running late as it is.”
By the time we walk into the Beaver Burger, my mouth is dry and my hands are shaking. My mind is partly on Nate, but mostly, I’m worried about what Todd will think of me. Although I am deeply attracted to Nate, I figure it is wise for me to keep my options open.
We go up to the counter. Todd is making french fries, so he doesn’t see us yet. I have to admit that he is good looking, but he has the “boy next door” type of good looks. Nate’s good looks are dynamic. With Nate, a girl has to stop everything she’s doing and admire him. Really, there is no comparison between the two when it comes to physical attraction. Nate wins. But I realize there is more to a relationship than physical attraction. I’m also interested in personality.
As soon as Todd sees us, he smiles and waves.
I blush and wave back.
“Are we too late for your break?” Elizabeth asks.
“No. You’re on time,” he replies. “Would you two like something to drink? I’ll buy.”
“Sure.”
We tell him what we want to drink.
“Isn’t that nice of him?” she whispers in my ear so he won’t overhear.
I watch him fill up the cups. He is nice. Of course, Nate had offered to get me something to drink. So far they are both appealing.
He hands us our drinks and we find a booth. I sit next to her so I can face him.
“Do you like working here?” I ask. I sip my soda, barely aware of its flavor.
“To be honest, I can think of better things to do on a Saturday afternoon, but I like working here enough so that the day goes by very fast,” he replies.
“Todd’s working so he can buy a car,” Elizabeth adds.
“It’s not going to be a new car. It’s just something to get me around while I’m in college,” he says.
“I think that’s great. I mean, that you are saving for a car,” I reply.
“Thanks.” He grins. “But enough about me. Elizabeth tells me you like to read. What kind of books are you interested in?”
I blush. I didn’t realize that Elizabeth told him about me. I guess I should have known she would since she told me about him. “I like science fiction and fantasy.”
“She loaned me a really good science fiction novel about a deadly virus that breaks out in town,” she states.
“That sounds like something I’d read,” he responds. “What is it called?”
“Viral Code,” I say. “I haven’t read it yet, but Elizabeth says it’s good.”
“It’s awesome,” she adds.
“I should read it so we can discuss it,” he notes.
My heart pounds excitedly. I would like to see him again.
We continue to make small talk. It’s the kind of semi-formal conversation people have when they are meeting each other for the first time. We stick to general topics like our hobbies and favorite teachers and subjects at school. Then we talk about our families.
“I have a younger brother,” Todd says. “He’s 14.”
“It must be nice to have a brother,” I wistfully respond. “I’m an only child.”
“That’s not a bad thing, you know,” Elizabeth adds good-naturedly. “Matt can get on my nerves, especially when he finds my diary and tells everyone what’s in it.”
Matt is her ten-year-old brother.
“Now that’s embarrassing,” he agrees. “Maybe it’s a good thing I don’t keep a journal.”
I smile. “But as much trouble as brothers and sisters can be, it’s got to be better than being an only child. It can get lonely.”
“I think the grass is always greener on the other side,” she says.
Todd notes the time on his watch. “I have to get back to work. I’m glad you two came by. It was nice meeting you, Cara.”
I hide my disappointment. Todd is easy to talk to, and I really enjoyed getting to know him. “I’m glad I got to meet you too.”
“Can I have your phone number?”
“Okay.” I write down my number on a napkin and hand it to him.
“Thanks. I’ll see you in class, Elizabeth. Bye.”
As soon as he’s behind the counter again, Elizabeth eagerly asks, “What do you think of him?”
“He’s a great guy. Very down-to-earth.”
“I knew you’d like him! You two would make a terrific couple.”
But what about Nate? I know I’ll see him again. Where does Nate fit into this? And what does that mean to Todd?
***
That night something odd happens. I don’t have the dream of meeting Nate at that clearing on the edge of a small town. After all those nights of having the same dream, the dream suddenly stops. Instead, I dream about normal stuff like forgetting where my locker is at school. How odd, I think the next morning when I get out of bed. Somehow meeting Nate caused the dream to stop. I know he has something to do with it. After all, he is the subject of that dream. I shiver as I wrap my robe around my body. Why do I feel as if my entire world has just changed? And has it changed for the better or for the worse?
Chapter Five
My Date With Todd
The next morning after church, I tell my parents about Todd and Nate while we eat a late breakfast. I don’t go into much detail with them because I’d rather discuss those boys with Elizabeth, but I tell them enough so that they get an idea of what Todd and Nate are like. Maybe I’ll want to talk to them about these personal topics when I’m older, but right now, I just feel weird about it.
“I want to show you what I found out about our family tree,” my mother announces when breakfast is over.
She takes our dishes and put them in the kitchen. We eat in the dining room for every meal.
I groan inwardly. My mom is always talking about our family tree. It’s her big hobby. Sometimes I wish she would find something else to spend her time on. I suppose I should be more interested in my ancestors but I’m not. The way I see it, the things that happened to them are in the past, and I would rather live in the present. This is one of the reasons why I don’t do well in history class.
“Humor the poor woman,” my dad says, grinning.
I return his smile. “I will.”
Dad dreads these family history “lectures” as much as I do, but we both make it a point to listen to her.
I follow Mom to the computer in the fourth bedroom, which is the room we call “the office” since it has the computer, fax machine, second TV and desk in it. We sit down, and I wait for her to open the family tree maker program she bought last year. She is so excited by this. When she’s working on our family history, her eyes light up like a Christmas tree. That’s why I do my best to encourage her. I know this makes her happy.
“I discovered a new ancestor on my side of the family,” she begins as she pulls up the information on the computer. “Her name is Daphne Smith, and she lived in New Salem, Massachusetts during the Salem Witch Trials. That was a terrible time in this country’s history. People were extremely superstitious and feared that witches lived among them. Daphne was accused of witchcraft and sentenced to be hung on September 22, 1692, but she disappeared.”
I yawn as she connects to the Internet so she can click to a website on the witch trials. I briefly recall one of my history teachers telling me about those trials, but I wasn’t paying much attention. Like I said, I think history is boring.
The phone rings.
“Cara, Todd’s on the phone,” my dad calls from the living room.
I silently thank Todd for his timing. “Mom, do you mind if I take this call?”
“No, I don’t mind. I can tell you more about this fascinating part of history another time,” she replies.
I jump out of the chair and run to the phone. “Hi,” I greet. I try not to sound too anxious to talk to him. I have to admit that I am glad he decided to call me.
“Hi Cara,” he responds. “I was wondering if you would like to take a bike ride in the park and then go to a movie? I know it’s short notice but my boss just gave me the day off. It turns out one of my co-workers got back from vacation a day early.”
“Just a minute.” I ask my parents if I can go on a date with Todd, and they say I can. “Yes, I’d like to do that,” I say when I’m back on the phone.
“Great.”
It turns out we live two blocks from each other, so he decides to ride his bike over to my house. All this time he’s been so close to my house and I had no idea he even existed.
My parents are thrilled to meet him. They like to be involved in my life, but they also know how to do it without embarrassing me in front of my friends. They only make small talk with Todd for a couple of minutes and then we go.
“Your mom and dad seem nice,” Todd comments as we hop on our bikes. “I’m glad you were able to go out with me today.”
“Me too.” I smile. I like his honesty. I can tell that he’s the kind of person who won’t play games with me. I hate it when people expect me to read their minds.
We have a nice ride in the park and the conversation between us is light-hearted. Mostly, we discuss our classes. I discover that our favorite subject is English and that we can’t stand Chemistry. We have a lot in common, and it feels as if I’ve known him for years. We ride our bikes around the calm pond. The sun is warm. It is the perfect spring day to be outside. After circling the pond three times, we sit on the bench.
“Do you want to feed the ducks?” he asks. “I brought some slices of bread along.”
“Sure. I haven’t done this since I was a kid,” I admit. “It brings back good memories.”
“I’m surprised we didn’t run into each other before.” He hands me a slice of bread. “I had no idea you live so close to me.”
“We probably passed each other on the street and didn’t realize it.” I throw a slice of bread on the ground. As soon as the ducks realize we’re giving them pieces of bread, they swim around us. I laugh. “They really enjoy this kind of thing.”
“Sometimes if I’m having a bad day, I’ll come down here and feed them. Just watching them takes my mind off my troubles.”
“It’s hard to imagine you having a bad day. You seem like the kind of person who’s always in a good mood.”
“Everyone has a down day every now and then. I guess the key is to focus on the good things we have. Then the rest doesn’t seem so bad.”
I think about what he says. “I like that philosophy.”
“Do you have any particular movie you’d like to see?”’
I mention a movie that Elizabeth and I had wanted to see but didn’t because Brad ended up taking her to it. After we drop our bikes off at our houses, he drives me to the movie theater in his dad’s truck.
We are waiting in line to get some soda and candy when I see Danielle and Justin who have just entered the theater.
Danielle looks relieved to see me there. She immediately heads over to us.
“Not to spoil our date or anything but I have to warn you that Justin isn’t a nice guy,” I whisper to Todd.
“Hi, Cara!” Danielle greets. “I didn’t know you were coming here today.”
“I didn’t either until a couple hours ago. This is Todd. Todd, this is Danielle and Justin.”
Todd smiles. “Hi.”
“Oh, hi Todd,” she replies. “Elizabeth said lots of good things about you.”
I shoot her a warning look. I don’t’ want him to know that we were sitting around the lunch table talking about him.
“We need to go. The movie’s already started,” Justin interrupted.
“No, it hasn’t,” she argues. “It won’t start for another ten minutes.”
“What movie are you seeing?” I ask, trying to cover up for Justin’s rude behavior.
It turns out that they are going to the same movie that Todd and I are going to.
“Hey, that’s perfect,” Danielle cheers. “We can sit together. We’ll make it a double date.”
I know she’s been wanting to double date for a long time. I glance at Todd to see what he thinks of the idea. He nods his agreement. “That’s fine with us,” I reply.
“Danielle, I need to talk to you,” Justin says.
“Can’t it wait until after the movie?” she asks.
“No.”
She sighs. “Okay. We’ll be right back.”
He drags her to a corner where they appear to be arguing.
“I can see what you mean about Justin,” Todd comments.
We order our drinks and candy and wait for Danielle and Justin to finish their argument. By the time they do finish talking, it is already fifteen minutes into the movie. Danielle walks up to us while Justin sulks in the corner.
“I’m sorry. We can’t watch the movie,” she finally tells us. “Maybe next time.”
“Sure,” I softly reply. “Maybe next time.” Now I understand why Elizabeth and Brad got fed up with trying to double date with them.
She leaves with Justin. I shake my head. I can’t stand him.
“Do you still feel like watching the movie?” Todd wonders.
“You don’t mind?” After all, it was my friend and her boyfriend who caused us to miss the beginning of it.
“Not at all. I know what the movie is about so missing a couple of minutes isn’t a big deal.”
“Let’s see it then.” I grin, grateful that he’s so good-natured about the whole thing.
The movie is so funny that we laugh through most of it. After it’s over, he drives me home. I’m disappointed when the date comes to an end.
“Would it be alright if I called you this week?” he asks me as he parks in the driveway.
“That’d be great,” I reply, my spirit soaring at the thought that he likes me enough to want to call me again.
As he drives away, I realize that during my date with Todd, I didn’t even once think of Nate.
Chapter Six
The Break Up
That night Elizabeth calls me up. “Do you remember Nate?”
“Yes. I met him yesterday,” I reply.
Actually, I’d met him in my dream, but I don’t tell her that. She will think I’m crazy. I sit on my bed and push aside my homework. I don’t usually get around to working on it until Sunday night, but I am always glad for a good distraction.
“Nate called me this evening,” she says excitedly. “He thinks you’re cute. He wants to see you again.”
Now she has my full attention. “Are you serious?”
“Would I joke about something like this?”
“No. I know you wouldn’t. But what about Todd?”
“Go out with both and decide which one you like best. There’s no reason to pick one right away.”
“That’s true. But I’m going to have a hard time choosing. They’re both intriguing.”
She sighs wistfully. “You are so lucky. You have two boys after you at the same time.”
“Yeah. And for the past year no one’s been interested in me,” I remind her.
“Anyway, the reason I called is because Nate, Brad and I were wondering if you’d like to go on a double date this Friday. We’re going to the mall.”
The idea of meeting Nate again sends a thrill of pleasure through me. “Of course, I’ll go.”
“Great. Then I’ll tell Brad it’s a plan. Speaking of phone calls, did Todd call you yet?”
“Yes, he did. And we went out today.”
“Really? Give me the details!”
I tell her what happened, especially about the encounter we had with Danielle and Justin at the movies.
“When is she going to dump that jerk?” she groans.
“I hope it’s soon. He’s not good to her at all.”
“But at least you had a good time with Todd. I think it’s so romantic to have two boys after you.”
I blush. I have to admit that it is flattering. I know I’ll have to choose between them. I decide that I’m going to have to enjoy this while I can.
***
I have a hard time sleeping that night since I’m lying in bed and replaying my date with Todd.
I manage to fall asleep around midnight. The next morning, I pick Elizabeth up for school as usual. We talk about Nate and Todd.
“Personally, I think Todd is the better choice,” she confides. “But it’s up to you.”
We enter the school and immediately see Danielle who is standing by her locker arguing with Justin.
“Wow, this looks serious,” I mutter under my breath.
“I know that sometimes she doesn’t like him, but now it looks like she hates him,” she responds.
Justin throws his hands up in the air and walks away. He has a scowl on his face as he comes toward us. We try to pretend that we didn’t just witness their fight, but he knows we did.
“She’s impossible!” he complains. “I can’t believe you are friends with her.” Then he continues down the crowded hallway.
I raise my eyebrows. I wonder what that was all about. I can see that she is just as curious as I am. It doesn’t take us long to find out. As soon as Danielle sees us, she approaches us, her face red with anger.
“I’ve had it with him. I just broke up with him,” she informs us.
I gasp in surprise. Although I witnessed their argument at the movie theater yesterday, I didn’t expect her to actually end their relationship. “What happened?”
“He’s too controlling. Everything has to be done his way all the time. There is no compromise. I couldn’t take it anymore.”
“Did something bad happen this weekend?” Elizabeth asks.
“Yeah, he wouldn’t let me watch a movie with Cara and Todd. Tell her how he was acting,” she says to me.
“I already did. Last night on the phone,” I tell her.
“See? That’s another thing! I can’t talk to you two on the phone because I’m too busy talking to him all the time. It won’t be like that anymore. From now on, I’m going to do what I want, when I want and how much I want.”
I nod. “Good for you. I think things will be much better for you now.”
“Me too,” Elizabeth agrees. “You did the right thing, Danielle.”
***
While Elizabeth, Danielle and I eat lunch in the cafeteria the next day, Justin walks up to us.
“Can I talk to you alone?” Justin asks Danielle.
She shakes her head. “No. I don’t have anything else to say to you.”
Elizabeth shoots me a ‘I wish I wasn’t listening to this’ look.
I nod my silent agreement. This is awkward. I figured he would try to get her back, but I didn’t think it’d be this soon.
“Look. I’m sorry, okay? We should have seen the movie with Cara and Todd yesterday. I didn’t realize it meant that much to you,” he says.
I shift in my chair, feeling uncomfortable. It is so weird being talked about as if I’m not even there.
“It’s more than that and you know it, Justin,” she retorts. “My mind is made up. We’re through.”
“Just give me a second chance. Please.”
“Why don’t you leave me alone?” She stands up. “I’m out of here. Sorry, Elizabeth and Cara,” she says before she leaves the cafeteria.
He turns to us. “How was I supposed to know she thought I was too controlling? I thought she was happy with me?”
I force myself not to roll my eyes. Instead, I grab her left over lunch and stuff it into my lunch bag.
“No offense, Justin,” Elizabeth kindly begins, “but Danielle obviously doesn’t want to work things out. The least you can do is respect her wishes.”
“I need a second chance. I can make things right,” he says.
“This is more than I can handle.” I groan. “I’m going to find Danielle and comfort her.” I might sound rude, but after months of Danielle’s complaints about him, I can’t take it anymore. On my way out of the cafeteria, I throw my brown bag into the trash. It doesn’t take me long to find her. She’s sitting by the door outside school. I sit next to her. “If he keeps bothering you, Elizabeth and I will get Brad and Todd to beat him up.”
She laughs as she wipes the tears from her eyes. “Thanks. I needed that.” Sighing, she pulls her knees up to her chest. “I wish he would get on with his life and forget about me.”
“Maybe he will.”
“With the way he is, I doubt it. He won’t listen to reason. I don’t know what I’ll have to do to get him to leave me alone, but I’ll figure something out.”
I hesitate to ask for clarification on her statement, so I don’t. Still, I can’t deny the ominous feeling that crawls up my spine.
Chapter Seven
The First Death
Todd calls me up the next evening. I am pleased to hear his voice. Although we go to the same school, we haven’t bumped into each other. Our schedules are completely different. I secretly prefer it that way because if things don’t work out with Todd, I would feel too awkward if I had to see him all the time.
We talk for a good half hour before he mentions the reason for calling.
“I got my work schedule today,” he explains. “Unfortunately, I have to work Saturday and Sunday. I had asked my boss for one of those days off, but I didn’t get it. I was wondering if you can go out Friday?”
I almost say yes, but then I remember my plans to go on a double date with Elizabeth, Brad and Nate. Yikes! I never thought I would have to tell him about Nate. I sigh. How in the world should I tell him? Taking a deep breath, I say, “Actually, I’m doing something that night. You see, I made plans with Elizabeth to go on a double date.” There. I said it. I release my breath and wait for him to respond.
“Oh,” he replies. “Okay.”
“I’m still interested in you,” I quickly state. I don’t want to stop dating him. “It’s just that I met Nate at the same time Elizabeth was telling me about you and… Well…”
“Hey, it’s okay. You’re allowed to see other guys,” he assures me.
“Thanks for understanding.”
“Will your parents let you go out on a school night? I have Thursday evening off.”
“Sure. I can go out then. I have to be home by eight.”
“Great.”
So we make plans to go out to dinner. After I get off the phone with him, I call Elizabeth. I tell her about my conversation with Todd.
“Todd is such a nice guy,” I tell her. “He’s nothing like Justin.”
“Speaking of Justin, he’s been calling me all evening,” she reveals.
“Why?”
“He wants me to convince Danielle to give him another chance.”
I roll my eyes. “Doesn’t he ever stop?”
“I used to think Danielle was exaggerating about how awful he is.”
“Me too. I knew he was bad news, but he’s acting worse all the time. What did you tell him?”
“I told him that I’m not going to talk to her for him,” she says.
“And he keeps calling?”
“Yes. He’s not giving up. I’m surprised he hasn’t called you yet.”
“I don’t think he knows my number. Thanks goodness.”
“Please stay on the phone with me for a while so that he can’t reach me. Maybe he’ll quit calling if he keeps getting the busy tone.”
I groan. What will it take for Justin to give up on getting Danielle back?
***
The next day at school, I am sitting in my science class—the last class of the day, trying to stay awake, when the principal makes a special announcement.
“It grieves me to have to share with you that one of your classmates, Justin Larimore, was found dead this morning. I know many of you were friends with Justin, and I realize this is a shock. If anyone needs to talk about this, the school counselor and some of the community pastors will be available after we’re done here, or any time this week by appointment. Come by the counselor’s office. The funeral will be Saturday at Community Baptist Church at 3 pm. Justin’s family would like anyone who wishes to attend to do so. Please join me in a moment of silence.”
I shake my head in shock. Justin is dead? It’s hard to believe I just talked to him yesterday. As much as I didn’t like him, I never wanted him to die.
As soon as it’s time to go home, I jump out of my chair, grab my books and run to Danielle’s locker. Elizabeth is already at the locker.
“I can’t believe it,” she whispers, pale. “He kept calling me. What if he needed help and I was too busy talking to you to answer his call for help?”
I swallow the lump in my throat. “You didn’t know. None of us knew.”
“I wonder how it happened.”
Todd walks toward us. “I’m sorry to hear about Justin.”
“Thanks, Todd,” I reply.
“How are you two doing?” he asks.
“I’m in shock, but Elizabeth feels awful. He kept calling her last night.”
“I feel responsible for his death,” she adds.
“You didn’t kill him,” he assures her. “Try not to be so hard on yourself.”
I shiver. “It’s going to be horrible seeing his corpse in a coffin.”
“I can probably talk my boss into letting me go to the funeral, if you’d like some support,” he says.
I am about to tell him that there’s no need for him to go since he didn’t know Justin, but I realize that I would like him there with me. “I’d appreciate that.”
“I’ll see what I can do, and I’ll call you tonight to let you know what he says.”
Danielle walks up to us, tears in her eyes. “He’s dead,” she whispers, as if in a trance. “I can’t believe he’s dead.”
“He kept calling me last night because he wanted me to get you two back together,” Elizabeth informs her. “I didn’t agree to it though. We feel so bad for you, Danielle. It must be horrible to hear he’s dead, even if he is your ex-boyfriend.”
She shakes her head. “You don’t get it, do you?”
“Get what?” I ask.
“I’m not upset. I’m relieved. Now he can’t bother me anymore. He’s finally out of my life.”
I refrain from speaking. What can I possibly say? Of all the reactions I expect her to have, this isn’t it. How can she not feel a little sad over his death?
“Are you going to the funeral?” Elizabeth asks.
“No,” she says. “I’d feel like a hypocrite if I went. Funerals are for people who are sad over the person’s death.” She throws her books in her locker and shuts the door. “I’m going shopping. Does anyone want to come with me?”
“Aren’t you even interested in how he died?”
“Not really. I’m sure it’ll be all over the TV and internet soon enough. I’ll find out then. Well, I’ll see you later.”
We stare mutely after her retreating figure. What was that all about? She feels like shopping after finding out about her ex-boyfriend’s death? I look at Elizabeth and Todd in amazement. I can see that they are just as baffled as I am by Danielle’s strange reaction.
***
Todd calls me later that night and tells me he can go to the funeral. “I have to work tomorrow night though. I had to trade places with a girl at work, so I’ll be working her shift.”
“I’m glad you’ll be there,” I say.
“I better go. I have to help my brother with his science project.”
Before he hangs up, I ask, “Todd?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you. For everything.”
He pauses for a moment. “It’s the least I can do. I just feel bad for you.”
We say good-bye and hang up.
I leave my bedroom and walk into the living room where my parents are watching TV. Of course, the big news item is Justin’s death.
“Hi, sweetheart,” my mom greets.
I sit beside her on the couch.
She puts her arm around me for support. “We’re about to find out how he died. Are you sure you want to see this?”
I brace myself. “Yes, I’m sure.”
On the TV screen, I see a picture of Justin’s high school picture. He looked so happy.
“He put up a good fight,” the newscaster reports. “Whoever attacked him had to be strong. But as much of a struggle as Justin put up, the killer won. The killer used a weapon, and apparently, the weapon had two tiny needles on it. He used those needles to drain all the blood from Justin’s body. For this reason, we are calling the murderer the Vampire Killer.”
A shiver runs up my spine. Vampire Killer? It sounds gruesome.
“Where did they find him?” I ask my parents.
“In the bushes outside of Danielle’s house,” my dad replies.
I swallow the lump in my throat. Is it possible that he was on his way to talk to Danielle when he was attacked? And is it possible… No, I won’t think it. There’s no way it could be her. No! I force the thought out of my mind. I know Danielle better than that. She’s not a murderer. She can’t be. Can she?
Chapter Eight
Dating Nate
Despite the sorrow overshadowing us, Elizabeth and I decide it will be best if we go out with Brad and Nate on Friday as planned. There is no reason why we shouldn’t continue living and doing things we enjoy.
“Staying home isn’t going to bring him back,” I remind Elizabeth. I am driving her home from school on Friday afternoon. “Besides, there’s no way you could have known he’d go to Danielle’s. You aren’t responsible for his death.”
“I know. But I can’t help but wish I had stayed on the phone with him.” She sighs. “Alright. I’m going to force this out of my mind and have some fun tonight.”
I drop her off at her house and promise to return at seven. The time until I get to her house seems to drag on forever. I style my hair five different ways before I finally settle on pulling my hair back with a barrette so my curls softly frame my face. I try on three different outfits before deciding on the short sleeve pink frilly shirt with my blue jeans. I didn’t go through this much trouble in getting ready for my date with Todd, so why am I going through such great lengths to impress Nate? Because he’s so mysterious. Todd is down-to-earth, and I know he’ll accept me as I am. But with Nate, I feel like I need to earn his acceptance.
Glancing at the clock, I see that it is time to drive over to Elizabeth’s home. Everyone agreed to meet at her place and then go to the mall. By the time I get there, Nate, Brad and Elizabeth are waiting for me in her driveway.
I smile and hop out of my mom’s car. “Hi.” I walk over to Brad’s parents’ red minivan where they are talking.
“Hi, Cara,” Elizabeth says.
Brad nods. “Hey. I hope you don’t mind going to the mall in the minivan. My dad won’t let me take the Camaro.”
“That’s fine,” I reply. “Hi, Nate,” I shyly greet.
“Good evening.” His voice is barely audible, but there is an undeniable sexy quality to it. It flows over me like a warm spring breeze. His blue eyes meet mine and I can’t look away from his hypnotic gaze.
“We’d better go,” Brad states. “I have to have the van back by midnight. My parents are really big into the curfew rule.”
Nate looks at Brad, and I am finally able to blink. I shake my head. That is weird, I think. I had never experienced such a deep connection with anyone before. My attraction for Nate is overwhelming.
Elizabeth and Brad sit in front so Nate and I get the back to ourselves. We don’t say much on our way to the mall. Mostly, we listen to the songs on the radio. I’m not paying attention to the songs though. I’m too nervous to do that.
At first, everything is going along well between us. We get to the mall and check out the pet store, which is Elizabeth’s favorite store since she loves animals. She pets some of the bunnies, sighing wistfully the whole time. “Things are so simple for them. They just sleep and eat, and occasionally, they want someone to pay attention to them.” She paused. “Justin had a rabbit. It was white with a black spot on its left leg.”
I glance sadly at her. She really feels terrible for hanging up on Justin.
“Justin is the boy that died outside of Danielle Allen’s house,” Brad informs Nate. “Cara and Elizabeth are good friends with Danielle. Justin was Danielle’s boyfriend.”
“How did he die?” Nate asks.
“Someone made two tiny puncture wounds in his neck.”
I try not to gag as I recall the images on TV. “It was horrible. No one should die that way.”
“Wow,” Nate whispers. “Do they know who did it?”
“No, and they don’t have any suspects either,” Elizabeth replies.
“Standing around here and discussing it isn’t going to solve the crime,” Brad says. “I don’t understand why you girls are so upset about this. It’s not like Justin was a nice guy or anything.”
“Brad!” she admonishes.
“Oh come on! You know it’s true. I’m the only one who’s honest enough to say it.”
“He may not have been likable, but he was still a human being.”
“No one could stand him. I bet Danielle’s glad he’s no longer around to control her. Whoever killed him did her a favor.”
“That is the most insensitive comment I’ve ever heard,” she snaps as she leaves the pet store.
He groans. “Me and my big mouth. Now I have to run after her and apologize. Sorry, you two,” he tells Nate and me. He runs after her.
I start to protest that they can’t leave me alone with Nate. I mean, what am I supposed to say to him? I glance over at Nate.
“It looks like it’s just us,” he says, grinning. “Would you like something to eat?”
“Sure. We might as well have a good time even if they don’t.”
We head over to the food court and grab a bite to eat.
“I hope you don’t mind that I was forward in asking your friend to fix us up,” he states.
We sit down at a table overlooking the rest of the mall. The food court is on the second floor, so we can see people walking around on the first floor. He takes a sip from his soda. “I wanted to get to know you better, and I didn’t know how else to do that.”
I blush. “Actually, I’m flattered.”
“I felt this connection between us when we met at Elizabeth’s. How is that for strange?”
“Oh, I don’t think it sounds that crazy. If you want to hear something strange, I’ve been having dreams about you for seven months now.”
“Oh? Anything good?”
I debate whether or not I should tell him, but there is something about him that compels me to bear my soul to him. Just as he did in the dream, he continues to draw me into his unspoken power. “I dreamed that you were a vampire. I told you it was bizarre.”
“A vampire?” He chuckles. “Now that is a good one.”
“I know. I mean, I met you in the day and here you are, drinking soda and eating pizza. You are an ordinary person like anyone else.”
“Just an ordinary person. But enough about me. What about you?”
I fiddle with my napkin. “What would you like to know?”
“Let’s start with the basics. What is your family like?”
“It’s just me, my mom and dad. We’re your typical family. I wish I could tell you something exciting about us, but with my dad’s love for fishing and my mom’s love for genealogy, there’s nothing worthwhile to mention.”
“They are your parents. That makes them interesting.”
My eyes meet his again. He is so easy to talk to. I feel like I can tell him anything.
“Where does your dad fish?” He bites into his pizza and listens to me as I relate everything I know about my dad’s favorite hobby. When I finish, he says, “You mentioned that your mom is interested in genealogy. Does she tell you anything that she finds out about your ancestry?”
I am pleased by his attention. He must really like me if he wants to know so much about me. My heart pounds with excitement. I realize that I like him too. “Well, the other day she told me about one of my ancestors who was supposed to be hanged at one of the Salem Witch Trials but disappeared before it happened. Apparently, she survived and had a child because I’m here today.”
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