Devotion

        “Word on the street is that a certain gypsy and you are going on a date this afternoon.” Dana smiled broadly before taking a bite out of her salad.

        Alyssa shook her head as she quickly glanced around the cafeteria making sure Justin and Aviva weren't lurking about somewhere.  Although he had mentioned after class that he had some business to take care of during lunch she was clueless as to whether or not, Aviva was a part of that business. “Not a date. He just wanted to go out and get something to eat.”

        “In this world that's called a date.”

        “No, it isn't and besides, I had to cancel.”

        “You had to cancel? What do you mean you had to? Does this have something to do with that blood sucker?!”

        “Dana, don't call him that.” Alyssa scolded in hush a tone.

        Dana lowered her voice. “Well does it?”

        Alyssa shook her head. “No, it's just-” she paused. Why exactly did she cancel this morning? I just woke up and I knew it was what I had to do. “I have plans with Justin.”

        “What plans? You had plans before Charlie asked you?”

        Before, she briefly closed her eyes. No, not before that night when she he let Justin in. What exactly did happen then? She wondered. Let me see. Justin came in and held me in his arms. Mm, that was nice. Then I told him about Charlie, her brow crinkled. It's a little foggy after that. She tried concentrating, taking herself back into the memory. He didn't like it. He told me Charlie was interested in me. I denied it, of course. But then he… a vision of his glowing eyes jumped forward as though he were right in front of her again. “Is that so.” She muttered stiffly.

        “Would you mind telling me why you are so hypnotized by those mashed potatoes?” Dana asked pointing with her fork. “You haven't heard a thing I said, have you? You’re always spacing out.”

        “Sorry, but I just remembered something.” She replied softly as she pulled out her cell phone.

        “What are you doing?” Dana asked with a mouthful of food.

        “Charlie? Hi, it's Alyssa. It turns out my plans have been changed so it looks like we can hang out after school. If you haven't already made other plans, just text back with the reply. Thanks.” She said hanging up the phone to find a wide eyed, open mouthed Dana staring back at her.

        “What was that?!” Dana exclaimed. “I thought you had plans! Isn't that what you just said?”

        “Actually, the plans have been canceled. I only just remembered.”

        “Ah! You are going on a date with my brother! I'm so excited!”

        “Clearly,” Alyssa laughed all the while thinking of the satisfaction, she would get watching Justin's face as she pulled off in Charlie’s car. A punishment he truly deserved.

       Justin smiled triumphantly as he saw Charlie's car parked outside the Gym. Unlike ever before an unexpected feeling of guilt seemed to consume him after the events that had taken place over Charlie. From the very beginning he told himself he wasn't going to treat her like that. He wanted her to want him with all of her heart. That means no tricks. Spotting his target, he whisked in quickly behind a man entering the gym he headed straight to the locker room then casually walked out and over to Charlie.

        “What are you doing here?” Charlie asked Justin as he finished up his bicep curl reps. “The gym was the one place I like to put your kind out of my head.”

        Justin smirked. “I am more than happy not to enter a gym normally simply due to the disgusting odors but I'm here on a personal matter.”

        “And what would that be? Feeling the need to get killed?”

        “Your humor is not appreciated. I came here to tell you one thing.” His glowing eyes narrowed into slits as he spoke. “Alyssa is mine. You don't go near her or put a finger on her.”

        Charlie chuckled. “I can't believe you think you can threaten me. You do realize that as much as you may think of her as your property, she definitely isn't. Alyssa isn't your pet. She can think for herself and see whomever she chooses.” Charlie said rising from the equipment to stand directly in front of him. “That's the only reason why I haven't killed you yet. Believe me I was tempted after Dana told me she was into you. I don't have any official kind of alliance with you. So, you stay out of my way and I'll stay out of yours.”  He headed towards the locker room. “By the way, I will be asking her out again and by the looks of it you're late for your next class.”

                The shrilling ring of the bell reminded Alyssa of the trigger being pulled at a racetrack as the class seemed to race out of the classroom. She was still incredibly angry that Justin had done whatever it was that he did to make her cancel her date with Charlie. When she saw him waiting at the door, she didn't take his arm like she usually did. “Later Dana.”

        “Later” Dana replied grinning taking off ahead of them.

        “What's wrong?” He asked taking her hand in his.

        “Nothing really,” She replied looking straight ahead to avoid his stare.

        “We both know that's not the truth.”

        “We both know there are quite a few things that aren't true.”

        With her witty reply he knew she was truly upset. “What is it? What did I do that was so wrong?” he asked after quickly pulling her into an empty classroom.

        “What did you do? How could you do that to me? Take away my right to decide? I remembered what you did.”

        “It was just a suggestion.”

        “No, it was a command. When you looked into my eyes like that, I couldn't think. It was like my own thoughts were being erased and replaced by yours,” she threw her hands up. “What is that?”

        “I am really sorry I just didn't want you to go out with that,” he clenched his teeth, “with Charlie.”

        “That was never your decision.” Alyssa told him before walking out of the room.

        “Please don't be angry. I meant to tell you and apologize. There's nothing I want more than to make you happy. You must know that SooKyung. Please, forgive me.” He pled as they walked towards the parking lot.

        “Alright, I forgive you. Don't do it again,” she ordered smiling sweetly with a life of her brows. “See you later.”

        The rush of adrenalin Alyssa felt as she entered the car had soon disappeared, leaving her very shaken. Although Justin's expression remained clam, she could feel his unexpressed rage the minute she slipped into the passenger seat. He has never been this angry at me before. I hope he doesn't stay mad at me. Those thought made her roll her eyes. Oh, Alyssa! It isn't as though he didn't deserve it. How he feels right now, he deserves, she told herself. I need to pay attention to the matter at hand. She glanced over to a smiling Charlie. The heat slowly rose on her cheeks. I'm on a date with Charlie!  

        “So where are we going exactly?” She asked casually.

        “I told you, shopping.” Charlie answered, eyes focused on the road. “I was a little bit surprised when I heard your message.”

        “It wasn't right to agree then cancel.”

        “Did your plans have something to do with Justin? He didn't seem pleased we were together.”

        Alyssa shifted nervously in her seat. Why is it so hard to tell him? She wondered feeling the heat slowly rising in her cheeks. “We, um, we've kind of been going out.”

        “On dates?” Charlie asked nonchalant.

        “Yes. He's a pretty nice guy.” Alyssa commented while staring down at her gloved hands.

        “Is that so,” Charlie replied with a dry laugh.

        Alyssa shivered. His voice sounds so cold. Of course, it does! I'm telling a vampire hunter that I am going out with a vampire!

        “But you're here with me.” He smiled sweetly as he lightly chuckled.

        Alyssa couldn't help but to smile along. He looks just like a kid who sneaked a cookie from the cookie jar when him mommy wasn't looking. So satisfied with his accomplishment, meanwhile Justin is probably the exact opposite right now.

            Charlie glanced sideways watching as her soft smile slowly turn into a frown. “What's with that look?”

        “It's nothing.”

        “You're worried about Justin? Thinking exactly how mad he might be?”

        More like how hurt, she replied silently as she gave a nod.

        “I know firsthand that he is probably beyond mad. He already warned me today not to go near you.”

        Alyssa immediately searched his face. “When did he do that?”

        “During lunch break. He found me at the gym and told me that you were his and not to lay a finger on you.”

        “He said what?” Alyssa's mind was spinning. How could he try to take control of my life? It's my choice who I want to hang out with! I am going to tell him just that when I see him!

        “But let's not think about him anymore this afternoon. I just need you to focus on what we are buying Dana for Christmas. There is no better place to look than the mall. Not one of my favorite places but it's for a good cause. Dana has given me many things to be thankful for this year.” He smiled pulling into the parking lot.  “So where do we start?”

        “I think the music store is a good place to start.” She answered honestly.

        “Sounds good only, she hates my taste in music, as you know.”

        “That's okay. She enjoys taking the time to educate me. For instance, CDs are not really being used but she still buys them saying it's the principle of the whole thing. I personally think it may have something to do with her current computers condition. It is a bit dated and she’s convincing herself retro is cool.” Alyssa states as they walk into the mall. “ I digress, Rap and R&B however will always just be her friend.”

        “Once I get my business together the very first thing I will buy for her, a tablet, with a copy of Mozart in the media player.”

        Alyssa giggled. “She would kill you.”

        “No, but she'd try. Of course, I would crush her like a bug.” Charlie said in a French accent.

        Alyssa's laughter filled the store as Charlie kept making fun of the various musicians while acting out his own impressions. It's always so fun around Charlie, she thought to herself as they continued their shopping. He knows exactly how to make me laugh. We even like a lot of the same things. He's warm and caring. 

        “There's one more place I'd like to take you,” he said with his boyish smile, “The ice rink.”

        Not to mention full of pleasant surprises, Alyssa thought pleasantly. Alright Charlie let’s see all you have to offer.

                Alyssa was still smiling as they pulled up to her house. This was the most fun she had in a while. Charlie’s skating at first was as bad as his dancing but he was only goofing and soon began skating gracefully. Something they both shared in common, was taking lessons for many years. Alyssa was astonished to learn that he had once pursued it professionally but changed his mind after his partner had a serious accident.  Alyssa sighed a she recalled skating with his arms around her. He must have made an excellent partner, she thought, it’s amazing how quickly our lives change.

        “I’ll walk you to the door.” Charlie said getting out of the car.

        “Oh, you don’t have to do that.” Alyssa said as he stood beside her.

        “No, but I am,” He replied with a wink.

        Alyssa giggled. “I had a really nice time tonight.”

        “Come here,” Charlie said placing his arm against the door gesturing with his free hand for her to bring her ear closer. “I don’t want to say this too loud.”

        Alyssa brought her face closer without a second thought. “What is it?” she whispered in his ear.

        Charlie’s arm wrapped around her waist and the other left the door to hold her head while his lips lightly touched hers then went to her ear and whispered, “Me too. Good night.” before jumping off the porch straight to his car.

        Alyssa lingered there long after he had gone. I can’t believe that Charlie kissed me. Charlie kissed me. Yeah, he did. Oh my gosh! Charlie kissed me! How do I even process this? I should just go to bed and think about it later, she decided as she entered the house. I wonder what Jenny would think about this. Never mind Jenny, what about Justin?  “Justin would freak out if he knew,” she barely whispered out loud as she closed her bedroom door behind her.

        “Freak out if I knew what?” Justin asked from the corner of her room.

        Alyssa was quick to cover her scream so she wouldn’t alert the neighbors. “Justin, what are you doing here?” she asked after she caught her breath.

        “What is it I would freak out if I knew, Alyssa?” He asked slowly walking towards her.

        Alyssa’s eyes widened as she the moonlight made all too clear his blank expression and dark eyes. All she could do was shake her head in her moment of fear. Alyssa, calm down. It’s just Justin, she told herself standing taller.

        “Tell me!” he demanded gripping her shoulders.

        “What are you doing in my room? How did you get in here? And how dare you be angry that I was out with Charlie after what you did? You don’t even trust me.” Alyssa accused pulling away from him and making her way over to the window.

        “Should I when you’re making out with him right on the front porch?”

        Alyssa felt her cheeks light on fire. “I did not. I was not making out. He kissed me. I didn’t kiss him.”

        “That’s all?” Justin asked sarcastically, coldly.

        In the blink of an eye Alyssa found herself in his arms. “Yes Justin. It was really-” her words were cut short by the quick change of scenery. Justin had carried her out of her window and up until they were floating far above her house. Her heart leapt to her throat as she gripped his shirt, “Justin, what are you doing?” She choked out.

        Without a second look, Justin held her away from him with one hand and removed her hands with the other without breaking eye contact.  

        Alyssa’s eyes widened with fear as the realization of what he was about to do came to her, “No!” she cried out as her body fell through the air. “No not again! Please Justin!”  Within heart stopping moments of hitting the ground she was once again in his arms. He gently placed her feet on the ground.

        “You were terrified just now. I’m sure you’re feeling betrayed, aren’t you? Aren’t you Alyssa?”

        “YES!” She screamed to control her shaking body as she pulled away from him. Tears streamed down her face.

        “How do you think I felt after I saw you leaving with him and you let him kiss you?” He asked shaking her shoulders.

        “I didn’t. I didn’t mean to,” she sobbed grabbing his shirt. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

        Justin held her close to him then kissed the tears off her cheeks before holding her to his chest. There she stayed until she couldn’t cry any longer.

        Her body felt heavy, head felt like it was crushed by boulder and she was sure her eyes were puffy. She pulled away from him only to weakly fall back into his arms.

        He gently lifted her up back into her room and laid her on her bed. "I can braid your hair for you if you like.” He said pulling up the covers.

        She didn’t reply simply closed her eyes as he ran his hands through her hair. She didn’t know what to say so she said nothing as he gently braided her hair.

        Her eyes were closed when he kissed her cheek and whispered, “I’m sorry. I love you.”

        He was gone before he could see the tears wetting her eyelashes once again.