I was walking around and I heard some girls talking. I had to investigate. He smiled broadly.
Becky seemed to buy his excuse, but I knew better.
You scared us to deathwell, at least me, she said. Im so glad its just you.
Im sorry, he said. Truly. Id never want to make your heart race. Unless it was for a good reason.
Flirting time was over. Youre lucky Beckys father didnt find you. He has a shotgun, I warned.
He rarely uses it, Becky said. You must be tired if you walked all the way from the Mansion. Can we get you a drink?
No I answered for him.
Sure! he said over me.
I took my bike from Sebastian and the three of us headed back to Beckys house. In Sebastians presence, she was no longer afraid and didnt cling to me in any way.
Becky offered us fresh lemonade. Becky had the best lemonade Id ever tasted; her mother made it from scratch. Both Sebastian and I gulped it down and asked for seconds.
Its time we go, I said.
Sebastian wasnt ready to go. He wandered around her kitchen, examining every picture and decoration.
Where was Alexander when I needed him? If he had a cell phone, I could text him immediately. Instead, I tried to ring the Mansions line. If Alexander was painting, his music was probably blaring. It was true. The phone rang endlessly.
Even Jameson didnt pick up.
No voice mailreally frustrating, Sebastian said.
Arent you in town to visit Alexander? I asked.
Well, yes.
Then why arent you two hanging out?
We dont spend every minute together. Were guys.
When Becky and I got together, we spent every minute in each others company. But guys? Sometimes when Henry was over with Billy, one would be on the computer while the other was playing video games. I often wondered why they got together in the first place.
Still, I wasnt crazy about Sebastians behavior. It didnt seem to be bothering Alexander, however, if he was creative enough to paint. And for all I knew, Alexander might have needed the space.
We better be going, I finally said to Sebastian.
I can drive you both back if youd like, Becky offered.
You can drop Raven off first, then me, he said.
Becky will drop us both off at the Mansion, I instructed. Then we can tell Alexander where weve been.
After Becky drove us to the Mansion and I placed my bike against the gate, I grasped Sebastian by his sleeve and pulled him toward the front door like a scolded child.
See you tomorrow at Hooligans, Sebastian called back to Becky.
We met Alexander in his room as he was washing out a brush in a small bucket.
Did Sebastian let you in? Alexander asked.
Well, yes, but
Did you go into town? he asked Sebastian. It did me good to get some work done.
Yes, I had a great time seeing the sights, his best friend answered.
Alexander was euphoric from painting. I hated to spoil his mood by telling him where Id found Sebastian.
Im really such a lucky guy, Alexander said. My best friend and girlfriend are here and Im almost finished with my new project.
He pointed to a covered painting resting on the easel. But this one is for me.
Sebastian clearly wasnt going to tell Alexander what hed been up to. I strongly suspected that if Alexander found out Sebastian had been lurking in Beckys barn, he might throw Sebastian out of the Mansion. I didnt want to snitch on him, but I wasnt about to keep secrets from Alexander.
I had a major dilemma on my hands.
I gazed at Alexander, who was relishing his creation and his friends. Alexander was so peaceful, I couldnt bear to tell him Sebastian was stalking Becky or that Trevor was saying I was two-timing him. But then Sebastian surprised me.
I happened upon Becky today when she and Raven were together, Sebastian confessed.
Happened upon? Alexander inquired.
AlexanderIm hooked. I just wanted to see her one more time.
He flew into her barn when Becky and I were getting my bike, I said lightly. Nothing serious.
You cant be sneaking around her house, Alexander reprimanded. Thats immature. And dangerous.
Sebastian frowned.
I was the queen of sneaking in places. I wasnt any better than him.
No more. Ive washed my hands of love. Sebastian seemed to sense that this was upsetting his best friend. Well stay in for the rest of my stay and play Medieval Mayhem. I wont see her anymore. Not now, not ever.
But we are supposed to see her and Matt tomorrow at Hooligans, I said.
Well, I suppose one more time wont hurt, will it? Alexander said.
Sebastians face lit up. Ill have on my game face.
Chapter 7 Videos and Vampires
The following afternoon, Becky, Matt, and I were hanging out on Dullsville Highs soccer field waiting for practice to begin. Sebastians fascination for Becky indelibly stuck in my mind. Matt and Becky were nestled together by the home-side goalnot even the threat of an opponents score could break them apart. As my best friend gazed up at her beau adoringly, I realized Id never imagined Becky with anyone but Matt. He was the first boyfriend she ever had and I never doubted that someday theyd be married, live a quiet life in Dullsville with a couple kids, and have the proverbial white picket fence. Even a handsome and love-struck vampire so far hadnt turned her head away from her one true love.
Sebastian had fallen for a girl who could make him happyif only she liked him back. I was hoping that that would never happen. Not only didnt I want Becky to become a vampire, but I didnt want her to be with anyone besides Matt. But I felt empathy for Sebastian. He didnt choose his amorous fate.
As the two lovebirds snuggled, I sat alone thinking about my own relationship with my boyfriend. We had bigger challenges that faced us on a daily basis besides an immortal paramour. It was as simple as the sun and as complicated as immortality.
Alexander was my soul mate. But was our love strong enough to face the inherent struggles of our two different worlds? If he didnt turn me, would that ultimately come between us? Could we live mortally together while he lived eternally alone?
As I watched Becky and Matt cuddle, I felt my love for Alexander was not a choice. It was otherworldly.
Alexanders life would surely be easier if he were dating a vampire. He wouldnt be in a position to make a life-altering decision. Perhaps I was putting too much pressure on him for my own needs. He didnt want to turn Luna, so why would he want to turn me?
And would my life be any easier if I were with someone mortal? We could see each other by our lockers, share classes, and hang out at school dances. But I lived in Dullsville, where no mortal was like me. Even if Alexander hadnt moved into the Mansion on Benson Hill many months ago, I would never have found anyone here to love. I viewed my lonely, mortal world before I met Alexander as far more difficult than the challenges I faced by falling in love with a vampire. The insecurity of Alexanders and my future was better than the certainty of my unhappiness without Alexander.