Out Of The Dark

         It was like I was at the edge of the ocean. I didn't wait and let it caress my feet but ran straight in. I just couldn't deny it anymore. I could have danced all night.” Alyssa sighed into cell phone as she waited at the park for Dana. It was as though last night was decidedly the last night of great weather, now it was so cold Alyssa was wearing her black hooded coat, fuzzy boots and pink scarf Cynthia had gotten her for her birthday.

        “I can’t believe you didn't call me when you got home!” Jenny exclaimed excitedly.

        “I was just so tired when it was all over. When I say, all, I mean Cynthia's lecture about how I promised there would be no drama and I would leave the boys alone. I had to explain it to her so she understood that I couldn't help it. I couldn't help falling in love with Justin.”

        “What did I just hear you say?!” Dana asked standing just beside her.

        Alyssa jumped up. How did I not notice her there? “Dana!”

        “What is it? Dana's there already?” Jenny asked frantically.

        “Yeah,” Alyssa confirmed.

        “Well stay strong. I think she probably had a serious crush on him as well. If she's your friend, she'll support you. Talk to ya later.” With that Jenny was gone leaving Alyssa to face a bewildered Dana.

        “You were kidding right?” Dana asked with arms crossed.

        Alyssa shook her head. “No, I'm not.”

        “How could you? After almost being killed by one of them!”

        “He saved my life Dana,”

        “Philip was there too! If Philip had saved your life would you have fallen in love with him as well?”

        “Dana,” Alyssa sighed carefully considering what to say next. “No. At first I couldn't think about being with Justin because of what he is.”

        “So, he saves you and all is acceptable? You almost got killed by his kind. You know exactly what they are capable of.”

        “Don't categorize him with the rest of them. He's nothing like that one was.”

        “No Alyssa. He's exactly like that one. They are one in the same.”

        “No, they aren't.” Alyssa impatiently brushed her hair out of her face. “Justin would never hurt me. He loves me. I accept what he is but know most importantly that he's still a human.”

        “Do humans drink blood Alyssa?!”

        “Dana, there's nothing you could say to make me change my mind about him. I just hope you won't let this interfere with our friendship.” This was the very first time Alyssa ever saw tears in Dana's angry eyes.

        “Fine, do whatever you want.” Dana said before storming off.

        Alyssa began to go after her.

        “Let her go.” Aviva said startling Alyssa standing at a nearby tree in a white fur trimmed coat. “She probably just needs some time to think about it.”

        “How long were you standing there?” Alyssa asked.

        “Long enough, I heard everything.” she walked closer. “Justin told me about you two being a couple, so I decided I wanted to get to know you better. Maybe even become friends. There is one thing I must say don't take this the wrong way. But if your friends ever talk to me disrespectfully, I will gladly use them for a meal. Got it?”

        Alyssa was cut in two by her sharp words.  Oh, my goodness! This is her being friends?

        “Another thing, since Dana bailed on you how about we go shopping for a bit?”

        “Shopping?” Alyssa repeated reluctantly.

        “Yes, I'll drive since you clearly can't.” Aviva said walking towards her car with Alyssa following closely behind.

        “Aviva, would you mind turning the heat up please?”

        Aviva glared at her sideways before doing as she requested. “We really don't have to worry about things like heat and cold. We can internally adjust to the temperature.”

        “Like a thermostat.” Alyssa joked only to be met with another icy glare. Oh my gosh, what am I doing here?! She's even more vicious than the one that tried to kill me and here I am just doing everything she says, Alyssa complained silently as they drove to the mall. “I'm kind of surprised you actually you don't special order all of your clothes.”

        “I do but considering our difference in age you should understand why I prefer wearing more mature clothes. but as it is. During school hours I must look like an average student but only then.”

        As if you could ever look average! Alyssa thought while smiling and nodding. Slowly she slipped her cell phone out of her pocket.

        “Don't text while we're talking its rude.” Aviva ordered.

        Alyssa promptly apologized. “Sorry.”

        “So, what had Justin told you about me?”

        “He said you were like family,” Alyssa said reluctantly.

        “Did he tell you that he was the one that turned me?”

        “Yes, he did mention it.”

        “How exactly do you feel about that?”

        What is this an interview? Alyssa sarcastically thought. “I guess it’s not a big deal.”

        “How would you feel about becoming a vampire?”

        Alyssa raised her brow. “I've never thought about it but I am quite happy not being one. Not that there's anything wrong with that.”

        “You don't think there's something wrong with having to suck blood from humans to survive?”

        “It doesn't have to be human blood does it?”

        Aviva gave a slanted smile before answering. “That's the only craving, the only option. Animal blood does nothing but keep us hungry.”

        Alyssa stared off. “But I thought-”

        “You thought we didn't touch humans since we go to school?” Aviva laughed with great mirth. “We just don't eat from around here. We go hunting every night. You can't even imagine the feeling, such a rush listening to the hearts pounding right before we sink our fangs into them. Oh, just thinking about makes my mouth water.”

         Alyssa didn't miss the soft light coming from her eyes and tried to stay calm. Hadn't Justin told her not to trust Aviva?

        “If you're interested in how it's done, I'd be more than happy to show you.”

        “No!" she squeaked loudly before sputtering out her rejection as politely as possible. "Thank you but no. That's- it's- I would rather you didn't.”

        “Aren't you the one that said there's nothing wrong with it?”

        “Aviva, I'm just not interested in seeing, that's all. Bad enough I had to be on the receiving end before.”

        “Ah, yes Justin mentioned you were attacked. What a pity I wasn't there as well.”

        Unfortunately, Alyssa hadn't the slightest idea how she should take that therefore decided to sit quietly while trying her best not to say or do anything else that would excite Aviva. Maybe I should just let Justin know, she thought to herself as she could no longer control the condition of her heart. “Justin, I just thought I would let you know Aviva and I are going to the mall.”

        “You’re out with Aviva? Alright, have fun.” Justin replied flippantly.

        “You told me not to trust her.”

        “I know but she said she wanted to try getting closer to you.”

        “Yeah so she can kill me.”

        “Alyssa, she wouldn't lay a finger on you because she would have to deal with me.”

        “You would put me ahead of family?”

        “For you I would do anything. Just try to get along with her for my sake.”

        Alyssa took a deep breath before responding. “Just remember where we are going. If anything changes you will be contacted immediately.”

        “I wouldn't want it any other way. I'm very proud that you're getting along with Aviva. Just up the good work.”

        That's so easy for him to say he's not the one dealing with her ice-cold aura, she whined to herself in desperation.

                “Even after going shopping with you I just don't see it. Why did he choose, you of all people! You have absolutely no sense of fashion. This was so utterly dull.” Aviva stated pulling up to Rocket Ship. “Later.” she managed to spit out before peeling out into the street.

        Alyssa feet a tremendous relief when as she watched the car drive too far for her to see any longer. What a nightmare that was. She had though Aviva was a diva, but she never imagined she would be that bad. Slowly she walked in and up to Charlie's apartment. She had managed to sneak a text while in the bathroom, the only place she could really get away from Aviva who feels public restrooms are revolting, her exact words. Dana wanted to talk about what had happened and asked her to meet at Charlie's.

        Dana answered the door bright eyed, tightly embracing her. “I am sorry, really I am.”

        “It's okay. I'm sorry too.”

        “Since you're sorry I want to ask you to do me a favor. Is that okay?” Dana asked pulling her into the kitchen. 

        Alyssa didn't want to say no. The whole time she was shopping with Aviva she was worried that she had lost the only true friend she made at Covington Point. “Alright, what's the favor?”

        Dana grinned from ear to ear, answering in hushed tone. “Do not date exclusively. You're still young and technically you haven't given anyone else a chance. If you find that you really love him, can't live without him, you know, et cetera et cetera I will have to accept it clearly but don't you think you should know for sure?”

        “How do you know that Philip is the one for sure?”

        “I honestly don't. So, here's the thing. If I go on dates with guys, I would like for you to do the same, that way we keep our options open. Just getting to know other guys and enjoying their company.”

        What kind of request is this?! “How can I say yes to something like that? Wouldn't I look like a tramp?”

        “It's perfectly fine to date around especially if you're just hanging out with friends. It's no big really. Don't forget that you already agreed to it.”

        Alyssa knew that she could very easily say no but she didn't want Dana to get upset again. “I'll tell you what. If you can beat me at duck hunt you've got a deal.”

                “So how was it with Aviva?” Justin asked sitting beside her on the porch.

        “You really have to ask? She spent the whole time bossing me around and scaring the crap out of me. I will never do that again.” Alyssa replied looking up at the stars. Her day today started terrible and she was sure it wasn't going to end any better. Although, Justin's dinner with the family went well. To the point where my parents didn't freak out that they were outside alone. “There is something I need to tell you.”

      “What would that be?”

      “Well, um, see,”

       Justin grabbed her chin staring into her eyes, “You never speak like that. What exactly is the problem?”

        She took a deep breath. “Dana and I kind of had a fight when I told her about us. She wasn't happy about it at all.”

        “I could imagine.”

        “Yeah, so I kind of agreed to not date exclusively if she beat me in the game, I am the best at. She doesn't even like to play games, but she agreed.”

        “So, you've won!”

        Alyssa decided it was probably best to avoid looking at his expression before she replied laughing nervously. “She had this kind of freakish determination for someone who doesn't really play games. I-I don't think I've ever seen anyone play so furiously.”

        “You lost? You? Self-proclaimed the queen of duck hunt lost? Are you sure you didn't lose on purpose?”

        “No, of course not! This was totally a freak incident. I suppose it's like beginners’ luck. Hey, how do you know about my duck hunt skills?”

        “You should have refused.”

        “I wanted to, but Dana is my only real friend here. If I never met her, I would have never known that I am a witch.”

        Justin was taken back. “What? You didn't know?”

        She shook her head. “No, she told me then helped me to discover my powers. So now you can understand why I couldn't say no?”

        Justin sighed. “Since you agreed, there's nothing I can do about it. Only we need a few promises too.”

        “A few promises?”

        “Yes,” he pulled her closer to him. “No one is allowed to hold you like this or kiss you here,” he kissed her nose. “...or here,” he kissed both cheeks. “...or here.” he softly kissed her lips. “If anyone puts a hand on you there's no telling what I won't do.”

        Alyssa understood everything he said but could barely pay attention due to her racing heart. All she could really do was to think about the firmness of his chest against her, the way his kisses somehow kept her whole body warm.

        Justin eyes glowed, responding to her physical reaction. He kissed her again before burying his face in her hair. “We'll see if anyone dares to go out with you when it's clear that you're mine.”

                “I wasn't sure exactly what he meant by that but by the end of the next day it was quite clear. Not only did he pick me up for school, he also dropped me off and picked me up from all my classes, excluding English of course. That class was even more embarrassing since he decided to move to the empty desk next to my desk causing the whole room to erupt in whispers and stares. The worst was spending lunches together in the cafeteria where everyone who didn't notice his behavior all day got to watch us spend the entire lunch breaks together but to top it all off, Aviva had joined us too. Somehow, Jenny I feel exhausted!” Alyssa exclaimed warily into the computer. “Who knew dating would be so draining.”

        “Draining? Maybe, but I can't get over how cunning he really is. You do realize he thought this up i one night, right? Absolutely amazing,” said Jenny with eyes gleaming in adoration.

        “You really do resemble a chipmunk. Funny how I never noticed before,” Alyssa giggled as Jenny stuck out her tongue.

        “Hey, now that things are picking up a whole lot quicker than I ever thought it would with you two, there's something I want to talk to you about.”

        “Well, you never were one to hold back so go right ahead.”

        “How would you feel if I said that I am sorta interested in William?”

        “William! Were you before and I was standing in the way? I'm really sorry about that!”

        “Calm down, Alyssa. You're the one who's never had a boyfriend, so it was a sacrifice worth giving. I think he likes me too. We always sit together when we go out. Just the other day at the movies he commented that the arm rest was uncomfortable and lifted it. We all went to watch that zombie movie since we could never do it with you around.”

        “You're scared of them too!”

        “Okay you're right! I'm scared of them too. So as usual I hid my face in my hands but at some terrifying parts I kind of turned my head in his chest and he didn't push me away or anything. He placed him arm around my shoulder and whispered to me, 'When the scary parts come, I'll protect you.' Isn't that the sweetest thing ever! Snuggled up next to him like that felt, so good. Its’ been a long time since I've been held by a guy like that.”

        Alyssa smiled thought she felt a slight pang in her chest. “Well, I'm happy for you. It's getting late. Same time, same place tomorrow.”

        “Night.”

        What is it? Why did hearing that, make me so sad? I really am happy for her. I have Justin. I can't be this selfish. It's just that I wanted to be with him so badly and ended up falling in love with someone else. Besides, I got the feeling he didn't want me to date anyone because he was still interested. I must seem really stupid for thinking he had planned to pursue me in college. Not that it would have mattered, I have Justin. Jenny deserves a nice guy. Her luck hasn't been so good, mostly cheaters. Yes, William and Jenny make a great couple. She felt the gentle yet urgent feel of her cell phone vibrating her whole mattress.

        “Hello?”

        “Hey, Alyssa,”

        “Charlie! Hi. This was kind of unexpected. Did you call to rub it in that Dana creamed me at my very own game?”

        “Nah, I did enough of that while you were over. This call has nothing to do with games. Well, maybe just a tiny bit. While I don't know all the details about the bet you made with Dana, I do know that losing means you will date. So, how about with me?”

        “How about what with you?”

        He chuckled. “I should ask more formally. Will you join me Friday afternoon for a bite to eat accompanied by early Christmas shopping?”

        “You want me to go shopping with you?  For a gift for Dana?” she asked.

        “Something like that, so are you up for it?”

        “Of course.”

        “Wonderful. I'll pick you up at school.”

        Alyssa couldn't help it but to cringe as she imagined Justin's reaction to this. “That's fine. Goodnight.” Maybe I should warn him now, so he has time to cool down. “Justin,” she called sweetly.   She expected him to reply immediately but it didn't happen. “Justin,” she called once more.

        “No! Don't speak. Not now!” Justin commanded sharply. 

        Alyssa was taken back. Is he nearby and already heard me agree with Charlie? Is he angry? She asked herself as she turned out the lights and pulled up her teal comforter. I'll just talk to him about it at school. Her eyelids fell softly as she let go of her worrying until tomorrow.

        “Alyssa, I'm sorry I was in the middle of something.”

        “Justin,” she mumbled turning her head lightly.

        “Are you sleeping, Alyssa?”

        “Justin,” she whispers hugging pillow tightly.

        “Come to the window.”

        Alyssa immediately got out of bed with eyes still closed she walked over to her bay window.

        “Open your eyes, darling,”

        “But I'm tired.”

        “I thought you want to see me, isn't that why you called?”

        With those words Alyssa fully woke up as she recalled exactly what she had wanted to say. Her eyes snapped open to find Justin floating outside her window. His black clothing blended so well with the night if she didn't know any better, she would still have assumed she was still asleep. “You can come in.” She said opening the window.

        “I can't. The gypsy painted on your door. It protects your room from my kind as well.”

        “The hamsa? I will remove it then,” she decided turning quickly to look for her paint brush.

        “Leave it there. It's protection is always a good thing.”

        “I don't need it. I have an alarm system to protect me.” She insisted very carefully opening her door and painting over it with black paint. “There, it's done!” she exclaimed rushing over to open the window.

        He climbed in gracefully smiling softly. “You smell so good.”  He commented taking her in his arms.

        Returning the smile with a blush she was sure he couldn't see, she looked into his eyes. “Justin, your eyes are different. They have a hint of red. Are you tired?”

        “No, I'm not tired.” He looked away. “Did you call me because you missed me?”

        “No, that's not why. I just wanted to let you know you don't have to take me home on Friday. Charlie and I are going shopping for Dana's gift.”

        “Charlie.”

        “Somehow when you say his name it sounds like a bad word. It's alright. We're just friends.”

        His grip tightened around her. “He's lucky I don' kill him.”

        “Huh?”

        “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are? Charlie wants more than friendship from you.”

        “No, I don't think so.  He doesn't act anything like you.”

        “I was upfront and honest with you. He isn't. That is the only difference so I'm asking that you tell him something's come up.”

        “Justin, I can't do that. I told him I would.”

        “Are you saying you would rather spend time with him than me?”

        “You know that isn't true.” she answered snuggling her cheek on his shoulder.

        “Do you always braid your hair at night?” He asked running his hand along the braid.

        A bewildered Alyssa answered “Yes, but what-”

        Justin gently pulled her braid tilting her head up to match his glowing eyes to hers. “Tell him you had a change of plans. Tell him you will be with me. You will tell him.” He kissed her forehead. “Promise me.”

        “I promise.” Alyssa answered without a second thought.

        “Sleep,” Justin kissed her then knowing as he gently laid her on the bed he used his tricks for her to agree but he refused to sit back and watch his girl standing beside other men especially not with that Gypsy.