((Author's Note: This is based on the Halloween 2011 Episode. Enjoy!))

High school is supposed to be the best four years of a person's life.

Yeah right! To whoever actually believes that junk; April Fools moron!

Having no ride home due to my truck being in the shop, no bus that has a route that goes by my house, and my parents both working until after five, I have to walk home from school. None of my friends, or rather Iris, can't drive yet either, having not gotten her license yet.

It's only sprinkling a little, but it's freezing, and despite my love of the rain, I hate the cold. I'll trade Christmas for summer break any day…well, maybe. I shiver as chills go down my spine and droplets slide down my nose, in between my blue eyes. My hands are in my jean pockets, and I wear my black jacket that I got as a cheerleader for the football team-the one with a Sweet Amoris High School red and white logo- over my well-fitting and complementing, yet plain camo tee. The hood is down, squished between my spine and my teal backpack, and my brown, highlighted golden brown hair frizzes and curls some from the wet weather. Since it is October, my hair is a bit darker than it would be during warmer days.

I listen to my MP3 as I walk, a powerful rock ballad by the band, Scarlet Letter, plays:

"…I will not,

Bow down,

Just to feel like you might love me!

I will stand,

And scream out,

I demand you hear the real me!

I demand to hear the real you now!"

This is one of my favorite songs. It meant despite how others might want you to be, you need to always stay true to who you are, even if it means giving up those "friends" that want you act like someone else. I wish more people were like that at Sweet Amoris, but if you're not in the in crowd, you're classified as no one at all. Sure, there are some nice girls hanging around; Violette, Melody, and Iris being three of them, but often Iris is working with her dad at his shop, Melody helps run the Student Council, and then Violette just doesn't like to hang out period. Even if I hang out with them sometimes, it's never at the same time as with the preps, and by preps, I mean Amber and her followers.

I have practically been labeled an outcast at school because of them. No matter what, they always get their way, and whatever Amber, her royal pain says, her subjects loyal subjects follow without objection. Thinking of that wannabe pop diva infuriates me. Ever since I moved her she's been nothing but a thorn in the side. What I wouldn't do to get her alone without her minions to back her up, and show her how to really pick a fight. Specifically what happens when someone picks a fight with me and has the audacity to not only gang up on me, but walk away like nothing happened and then do it again the next day.

I am reminded of the day before the exams when she and her pets stole my food. How I sneaked my water bottle out of her bag and put some laxatives in it. I smile as I remember her rushing to the girl's bathroom like a hurricane; the look on her face had been priceless and she was in there for a good three hours. After the exams, I paid Peggie to sneak in and record of her torture for me. I watch the video sometimes still today; the bottom of Amber's legs twisting together behind and underneath the stall door, her screaming and groaning sickeningly. Yes; it borders the line of being a sadistic maniac, but she had it coming.

To this day, she still doesn't know what happened, blaming it on bad cafeteria food.

My romance life? Not so good either.

When I first came to Sweet Amoris, so had one of my friends from my old school, Ken. He was sweet and all, but he could be a stalker at times as well. I never even once got a date in while he was here because he literally never left my side. Once, at the end of school, I was chatting with Violette and saw him walking ever so slowly on purpose, glancing back behind him and right at me. Even when I stopped talking and had to walk back that way to leave, he kept on doing it, all the way until I was outside and made a mad dash for the nearest busy street.

Like I said; nice guy, but a stalker.

After he was gone, I had more freedom to talk with other guys, but none of them seem to like me much. I was too unpleasant for Nathaniel when it came to Amber- who, wouldn't you it, happened to be his sister, I was too friendly and 'girly' for Castiel, and I was too curious and for Lysander. I can't seem to do anything right by any of them. Believe me, I've tried anything in my power just so I can only befriend them- I'd always been one of the guys normally anyway, but nothing goes right. Lysander didn't seem to mind me much, but it wasn't like we were the best of friends.

I wish Jade went to Sweet Amoris. I haven't seen him since spring, and he was amazing. We had a lot in common, he was the sweetest boy I'd ever met, and he accepted me for who I was, faults and all.

Jade...My hand wanders over to one of the small compartments on my backpack. In it is the lovely preserved flower he gave me for my hair, as a gift. Maybe he'll come back next spring, when the gardening club needs new plants and equipment. At least, I hope so.

Hmph. Now I sound like a stalker.

I'm walking into the rougher neighborhood of town now without realizing it too deep in my own thoughts. A cat sending a trash can toppling over snaps me out of it, and I pull out my head phones in order to stay vigilant. I hear a voice ahead of me as two punks on skateboards zoom past, nearly running me over.

"Come back here, you little pests! If I ever see you again, you best be prepared to get the whopping of a lifetime!" The voice was scratchy and rough, but obviously a woman's.

Walking a bit farther, I find an elderly lady, holding a cane and bending over to pick up a bunch of groceries that have fallen out of her bags. I head over to her and squat down, "Here, ma'am, let me help you." With that, I begin picking up her items and carefully putting them back in her bags as she stands up and rubs her back.

"Ma'am?" she laughs, "Well, I know I'm old when people start calling me ma'am." I finish and stand up. "Thank you, youngin'."

"You're welcome ma'am."

"Say, while you're here, would you mind helping me carry these back home? The rain's getting worse and I'm afraid I'll be drenched to the bone before I get home. My street's not too far."

I nod, adjusting my grip on the bags and I hold them around my wrists. The lady and I talk as she gets out an umbrella and holds it above our heads as we go. Within about fifteen minutes, we're at her house, and, as she predicted, the rain begins to worsen. Never doubt an old person's ability to predict what will come, I think.

I place them where she tells me to, on a small, wooden table by the front door, and turn to leave, "Goodbye, ma'am. Have a nice day."

"Thank you, dearie, but wait, you can't go out now. At least let me get you some warm tea for your help," she smiles and laughs, "I don't get much company often as it is. Won't you join me?"

It is raining pretty hard out there… "I'd hate to impose-"

"Oh, it's no trouble at all. Get in here, sweetie." I walk back in as the woman gives me a tour of the photos on her walls, many of her now passed husband, until we reach her kitchen. Soon, I'm holding a hot cup of mint tea with honey and sugar in it. It's delicious and sweet. I feel my core heat up instantly, and the tingling of my chilled fingers begins to leave.

"Mmm," I say contently, my eyes closer in relaxation, "This is wonderful, thank you."

"My pleasure, dear. You know, there aren't many young people like you out there these days. None who'll stop to help an old wrinkled bag of bones like myself back home, much less spend some time with her," she chuckles., "You're fella must be very lucky."

I shake my head, "I don't have a boyfriend." My shoulders rise in a slight shrug, "The way things are looking, I doubt I ever will."

"Don't say that. You're pretty, you're young, you're a sweetie, and if you come over to visit me more you'll know how to cook too," she says with a wink.

I smile back at her, "Never fails though. I can't do anything right when I try to be myself," I explain to her all that has happened and the different relationships I have with the guys at my school, most all of them negative. "I don't want to change for anyone. I am who I am," I finish, taking the last sips of my tea.

For a moment the lady thinks, she stares at me for a minute and eventually heads off into some other part of her house, returning with a little chest. Opening it, she reveals that it is filled with pieces of beautiful jewelry, ranging from pearl necklaces to antique broaches. "I've been on many travels when I was your age, and I always had the same troubles when it came to men. I want you to pick one object out of here and it's yours to keep. Maybe you'll be able to catch a young gentlemen's eye with one of them."

I nearly gasp, "Ma'am…It's very kind of you, but I can't. These are your treasures. I can't just-"

"Just pick one," she states in a gentle, but authoritative tone, "Sweetie, I'm too old to head out and mingle, but you can. My children are already married and my grandchildren are either too far away from here or, let's be honest, don't care about an old crow like me. Heck, my whole family wants to put me in one of those nursing homes. You're the best company I've had in ages. It would do well for this soul to know a part of me has passed on and can help another youngin'."

He eyes bore into mine. I still hesitate, but she pushes the box closer and frowns some. I'd hate to seem rude, so I begin to search. Finally, I find a dulled silver ring with a small blue gem in it. There is graceful carving engraved in the metal around it. The woman's eyes brighten as she sees my choice.

"That is a very special one, child," she curls my fingers around it, as if she knows I'd change my mind about keeping it, "Very special indeed." She glances at the clock. "Oh! Look at the time! It's already 4:30. I can't have your folks worrying about you now. Best be on your way." We both walk to the door as she continues, "You will visit me again sometime, won't you?"

"I will, I promise," I say as I walk out. As if by magic, the rained has cleared, although the clouds still gloom overhead. Turning around, I wave to her, "I thank you for the tea and gift!" She waves at me, smiling, before she closes the door back and retreats into her home.

My house isn't too far from here. I make it back home and into my room right at five. I slip on the ring and look at it. It really is beautiful.

It's a Thursday and I don't have any homework, so I have plenty of time to read and relax before I begin to study for a history test I have Friday morning. It's around 11:40- I've always been a night owl- when I reach into my backpack for my notes.

I search. And search some more. Then start all over and search again. Then again…

My notes are not here.

Crap! I must have left them at school in my locker! Like lightning, I put on my jacket- this time an older one that was dark blue and a little thinner- and my tennis shoes, move quickly but quietly down to the first floor so I won't wake up my parents, and then grab my bike off of the front porch and race down the quickest route to school. I do not notice how the gem in my ring shines in the moonlight.

I make it there at 11:57. Thankfully, the school is almost always left unlocked, in case of emergencies like this. I move down the hall with my flashlight, moving with a light tred in the by off chance event a teacher or janitor is still here. I don't have to worry; the high school is completely empty.

I have just made it to my locker when 12:00 strikes. Midnight. My ring glows even brighter and I shriek in surprise as I'm nearly blinded by the light. Opening them, all I can see are swirls of pink and blue-violet that leave me dizzy. WHOA! What's that? What's going on?

"Somebody help!" I scream into the void. Finally, everything goes dark.

I open my eyes and find I have a massive headache. Rubbing it, I find myself lying on grass. The stars shine bright and the moon is full, casting an eerie light around me. "Holy cow, what was that?" I ask to the wind. …And where am I?

Where am I indeed? I'm in some type of cemetery, with outdated, poorly cared for tombstones surrounding my every view. There is a castle a small ways away, plants climb the walls and towers. It appears to have been abandoned for centuries, and it scares me a little. Trees, most without leaves, sway in the breeze and Ivy plants crawl up stone. I've never seen this place before. I don't know where I am. I must be dreaming.

Not wanting to stay around here for too long. I begin moving. I seem to face tombstones at every corner. All of the dates of death are around 1858 and 1860, while the birth dates never are the same. I have trouble reading the names. What happened to them? It's very gloomy here. It's so silent and I've yet to see anyone else. I've never felt so alone before.

When I walk far enough, there's a forest, but it's so sinister looking. There is a path, but not a sound can be heard from either person or animal. Not knowing where I am still, I make the decision to avoid it. It might be huge and I could easily get lost, which wouldn't be the smartest move on my part.

I'm turning around to head back and find another way out of the cemetery…only to come face to face?...with a bat, flapping its wings in front of me. "Hey! Hi!" it speaks cheerfully.

I shriek and am so shocked, I fall on the ground on my butt.

"Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to scare you!" it says almost bashfully.

A-A talking bat? Now I know I'm dreaming.

"What are you doing here? I haven't seen anyone for centuries!" it inquires.

"I don't know…I was at school, and then…and then I ended up here." …Wait…CENTURIES?

"Weird."

"Yeah." What's weirder is that I'm talking to a bat.

"I hope you aren't too scared. This place has a very dark history, and the atmosphere has become dark and gloomy over the years. So I can understand if it's not very reassuring for you."

"Yeah, there are tombs everywhere…and they aren't in very good condition," I say as I get to my feet and brush myself off.

"It's because of an epidemic that hit the village below," he leads me to stone fence and I find the cemetery is on a high hill. Below us is a rundown town with buildings that have all but fallen apart. "There were no survivors," he says sadly, "and because the village is isolated, no one came to help the villagers. It was around 1858 I think."

That would explain the dates on the tombs.

"There isn't anyone to take care of the tombs either, except me, but my little wings can't do much. And there are too many!"

"Y-yeah…I can imagine…"

"There is only one tomb that is still in good condition, that of Mary Magdalaine. It's in a strange place…but very peaceful at the same time."

"I haven't seen anything like that, unless it's a little further into the forest…"

"Yes! It's over there! Mary Magdalaine was buried a little further away; there wasn't any more space in the cemetery."

"Oh…I see. I'm going to go get a closer look."

"You're leaving already? Oh…come back and see me soon please!" it says in a pleading voice. It looks like it's about to cry.

"Thanks, and don't worry, I promise I will!" That seems to calm the little guy down some.

I advance silently through the woods until, as said, I come upon a single tomb in an open clearing in the forest. The moon shines down through the opening free of branches. I can see satin pink tulips growing out of the earth around me. The death on the tomb says 1860, but with its condition I wonder hopefully if perhaps Mary had survived the epidemic.

"It's sad huh…Every time I come here, I want to cry…" the bat's voice says behind me softly.

"Whoa!" I yell, and then I pout at him sourly, "Stop popping up like that without warning!"

"Sorry, but as you said you wanted to see Mary's tomb, I wanted to follow you. Actually, what's your name? I forgot to ask you."

"My name is Silya," I reply, "Silya Beeodess."

"My name is Black! It's nice to meet you!" he glances back at the tomb, "You wouldn't want to come back to the cemetery would you? This place makes me sad; I don't like to stay here."

"Yes, let's…" I say. I'm starting to feel a little sad too, as if I had known the girl all my life, which is a silly thought. It's as if she was a good friend who left all too soon…Perhaps, if she were alive, she and I could've been friends.

As Black and I retreat back to the cemetery, he speaks, "You know, there is a whole story behind the tomb of Mary."

"Oh yeah?"

"Do you see that castle?" I nod, "Her lover was the owner and when she got sick, he went to neighboring countries to find a cure. The only cure he found was to transform her into a vampire, because vampires are immortal."

"Vampires? Vampires are a myth,"

"You're talking to a bat," he says flatly, "Your point is invalid."

I'm about to open my mouth to say something before catching myself…I hate being proved wrong.

"Anyway, Mary was too weak to travel, so he went alone to be bitten and then be transformed…but he came back too late…She resisted the illness longer than the others, and if he had arrived a day sooner she would still be here…it's really sad…"

I don't know what to say. I can only think how horrible the boy must've felt. I know I would feel like I failed to protect the person I love. Instead of saying anything, I ask, "Are you saying there is a vampire living here?"

"He isn't mean!" Black nearly shouted, trying to quell any fear I might have, "But he isn't doing so well at the moment. He is always around the tomb of his loved one, you should go see."

I hate myself for being quick to judge, and so harshly at that, but I take it that this guy isn't from the crappy love story of Twilight, so my chances of being eaten are high, "I…I'd prefer not to…"

"It's ok, he won't hurt you! He was in love with a human, so he doesn't touch humans! Go see him; it would make him feel better to see someone! He's been alone for a long time!"

Don't I know how that feels…and I instantly feel guilty for saying no in the first place. Besides, if he does hurt me, nothing would happen. It is only a dream after all. "O-Ok…where can I find him?"

"He is usually close to Mary's tomb. He must have left to eat something before, that's why we didn't see him, but he should be there now!"

I shove thoughts of hoping he's had enough to eat out of my mind as I trek back to her tomb, this time alone. I return to find no one and almost sigh in the relief I've been holding. No one's here...I'm going back to see Black.

Just as I turn, a man's voice says sternly, "What are you doing here?"

I sharply turn back around and almost gasp. I didn't even hear him coming, nor did I sense his presence, which normally is a good trait of mine.

The man seems about my age, maybe a couple years older. He wears a Victorian outfit a tawny pair of pants and vest, a dark brown belt, boots, and overcoat that comes to his mid thighs, and a parchment colored blouse with a cravat. Above the cravat is a small, golden broach with a ruby in the center. His belt buckle has the same style. His eyes are a piercing, brilliant red. His hair is long and brown, just barely darker, falling to his waist, like my own, save for a couple parts that had been cut to a shorter length, ending at his chest. I can imagine him and Lysander sharing fashion ideas.

As I take in his appearance, his eyes narrow, "I asked you a question…"

Given his bluntness, I finally work up the nerve to speak. I stand a bit taller and lift my chin slightly, his short temper annoying me. "I don't know. I came here without wanting to, and Black told me to take a look around here." I fold my arms across my chest, trying to appear more defiant than I really feel.

At the mention of Black's name, he relaxes. He calms down very quickly and soon I follow suit, though I am still suspicious. "And what's your name?" he asks, taking a step closer.

"I'm Silya Beeodess," I say, resisting the urge to step back.

"My name is Dimitry."

I bow my head to him slightly, as a gesture of politeness. "It's nice to meet you."

"…What is your blood type?" He asks the question so suddenly, I almost gape at him.

"I don't know."

"That type of information is important…"

"Sorry, I never paid attention to it…"

"I thought I smelled an unfamiliar odor here…It's not the first time you've come around this tomb, right?"

Is he implying I stink? It takes all my self-control in order not to nag about how rude he's being. Even if he is a vampire, he can still use some manners. But I push that away as I think maybe I've hurt him by coming to Mary's tomb. He did love her after all, from what Black said anyway, so perhaps he thinks I might mess up something. I am a stranger and this is his home.

"Yes, I'm sorry, I didn't want to disturb anything."

He raises an eyebrow, "As long as you don't touch anything, I don't see a problem. She would be happy to have visitors…" His voice drifts as he looks at the tomb with a melancholic air.

"Say are you…are you a real vampire?" I ask. Not out of fear, but of curiosity.

"Excuse me?"

I frown some, "I mean a real vampire that drinks blood? And if you say you're from Twilight, I swear, I'll head to the nearest library and use the whole series to hit you with in disgust."

He smiles some and shuts his eyes gently, "What if I was a real vampire? Would that scare you?"

When he reopens his eyes and looks at me, it sends me moving away a few steps, "Depends…"

"…Don't go, I won't hurt you."

I stop, but I'm ready to run in a moment's notice if he attacks me. I'm on the track team in the spring, as well as the swimming team, so I know I'm fast. If he is a real vampire though, would I be able to outrun him? I've read enough novels to know better.

"To answer your question, yes, I'm a real vampire. The only one that is left here. I promised my partner never to hurt humans, and I've kept that promise. The only blood I drink is that of the forest animals."

"Your partner…was it Mary? The girl this tomb belongs to?"

"Yes…She looked a lot like you…" He looks at the tomb again, "Would you mind leaving me alone? I don't feel very well."

"Yes, of course…" I understand how he feels. Typically, I like being alone when I'm upset too, "…It was nice to meet you." I say again.

As I leave, I wonder what's wrong. I know he must still be grieving over Mary, but the way he looked at me…Could it be something else? And if it involves me, what will happen then?

"So, did you meet the vampire?" Black asks me as I exit the forest.

"Yes…it is a bit imposing, but he seems nice."

"I told you!"

"He didn't seem to be very well…"

"Oh! He must have been hungry…He doesn't eat enough, seeing as he only eats animals. It's not easy for him."

Wow. My occasional chocolate cravings seem nothing in comparison to his hunger. "I want to do something to help him. Any ideas?"

"You could try and catch an animal?"

"To give him after? I don't know if I can do that…" Not only am I unlikely to catch one, but I have a weakness in my heart for anything cute and fluffy.

"It's important to try!" he flies off, leaving me with that.

For a while, I head back to the castle and sit on the steps, huffing and drawing pictures in the dirt with a twig. Catch an animal…right, easy peasy.

Will I ever find my way back home? Will I ever wake up?

"Meow."

I turn my head upon hearing a noise and see a black cat tilting its head at me, waving its tail in the air.

"Here, kitty, kitty," I say gently, closing my eyes slowly and not opening them until after long periods of time. It's a trick I learned from volunteering at the local animal shelter: If a cat returns the gesture rather than staring at you and never blinking, it means they trust you enough to come closer. Even then, it's best to move slowly.

To my surprise, the cat actually moves toward me, rubbing its head against the back of one of my hands. I stroke and pet it before picking it up in my arms. I begin to walk back down the forest path to Dimitry. Ok…I can do this…but the poor kitty seems so nice…

Dimitry is standing near the tomb, like earlier; I don't think he's heard me approach, so I take this time to just stand there. The kitten has begun to purr in my embrace. It's just so cute, and the purring is absolutely adorable.

I…I can't do it… I think, nearly breaking into tears. The cat is just so innocent. It's just not right… I let the cat go, and it purrs against my feet before scurrying back in the direction of the castle. I watch it go, knowing, or at least hoping, I made the right choice.

"For a minute there, I thought you were going to give me the cat to eat…" I turn to see Dimitry standing right in front of me.

I lower my head guiltily and blush a bit. "You saw me?"

"I can smell the blood of a human from miles away, so when they are close to me…"

"…I'm sorry, I thought I could help you…but I guess not…in the end…"

He lifts my eyes to meet his with his fingertips, then lets go, putting his hands behind his back. "It's not filling enough anyway. I appreciate more the fact that you didn't want to give it to me. It shows you have a heart."

"Thank you…and again, I'm sorry."

"I'm repeating myself, but, would you mind leaving me alone?" He turns his back to me quickly, "I made a promise and I wouldn't want to attack a human that smells as sweet as you…"

I blush some more and nod rapidly, "Yes, of course. I'm going!"

When I leave, I can't find Black anywhere, so once more I'm forced to dwell on how I will get home. Thinking of nothing and quickly growing bored, I examine the tombs in the cemetery again. I pause at a large group of them that belong to small children. These tombs are really sad…no one is here to take care of them…"

An idea pops into my head.

Soon, I'm collecting all of the flowers I can find around that I know from spending time with Jade and hanging out in the Gardening Club. Pink bells, White Pompoms, and Wild White Roses fill my arms. I sit back down, crossing my legs together, and I make a small pile of bouquets. It's slow going at first, but soon I've made enough to place one on a tomb of every child's.

Finished! I hope, wherever they are, the people who these tombs belong to are happy! I think grinning, placing the final bouquet on the last tomb.

I hear Dimitry's voice behind me, "What you're doing is very nice."

I turn back and look at him, "Thanks…I thought you wanted to stay alone."

"I saw you walking back and forth from Mary's tomb, and I was a little intrigued," he smiles at me gently, "She would've done the same thing…You really look like her."

"You're talking about Mary?"

"Yes…She had a kind soul and if she could see what this place has become, she would be saddened. She would have tried to make the cemetery more…alive." His face takes on the distant, saddened look again, and his eyes begin to shine with tears.

I can't believe what I do next, but I take his hand and give it a reassuring squeeze, "You must really miss her?"

He looks at me, his muscles tensing at my touch, by his face compassionate, he manages to fend off the tears and smile, "Of course, but I think that people who leave us wouldn't want us to pass our life crying. I take care of her tomb to preserve her memory, but I'm taking advantage of my eternity the best I can."

"You aren't alone then? I mean, besides Black?"

"I haven't found a companion. I must be the only vampire in the region. But I'm always hoping for someone to come and want to stay."

Is it my imagination, or did he tighten his grip on my hand ever so slightly? Either way, he seems sad…

"Will you come with me? I want to give you something, to thank you for decorating the cemetery."

"There really is no need for that…"

"I insist," he cocks out his elbow for me to take his arm, like a gentleman would and grins, "Please." I nod and return the smile, placing my hand on his arm, and he begins leading me back to the castle.

Once inside, he releases me and steps away, "This is my castle. Wait here, I'm going to get you something." He leaves before I an open my mouth to answer.

"Alright…I'll wait here…I guess?" I look around at the furniture in the room. I'm currently standing in a parlor. The furniture has been kept clean and tidy, despite the age of the place. Portraits of noble ladies and lords line the walls. A fireplace in set in the very back wall; although it's not unlit I can see ashes from a recent fire. Everything is very magnificent in here, practically enchanting.

A few minutes later, Dimitry comes back, cradling something long and soft looking in his arms, along with a few other items set on top of it. It takes me a moment to realize it's a dress, with accessories to match perfectly. He grins at the look at my face and hands it to me carefully, "It's not much, but I would rather you have this dress then let it sit around and collect dust."

All I can do is look in awe at what I'm holding. This would put any of Leigh's designs to shame. The underskirt is an ivory white and reaches just past my ankles, tiny lace frills on the very bottom of it. The second skirt over that, coming up to my mid thighs, is a beautiful shade of crimson, also with crimson lace on the end of it and an ivory lace design sewn on top of it that looks like a bunch of graceful, lovely curves and swirls, beginning where the dress starts at my bosoms and ending at my waist. Fingerless, satin gloves that end at my elbows have a similar design to the top half of the dress. There is also a frock overcoat that is brown on the outside and crimson of the inside, with golden buttons. It ends around my mid-calves and then a second part comes down a little farther underneath that. The heels are a darker crimson and have a type of rosette design on them. The necklace is very intricate, with strands of small, shiny, black metal chains connecting to two small rubies that hang vertically from one another.

It is the most amazing outfit I've ever seen in my life.

After I'm ushered to try it on, I step out of the wash room and give a little spin, which causes Dimitry to give me a loving, caring smile. "It suits you perfectly."

"Thank you very much! It's so beautiful! Really!"

He lowers his head toward me, "It's my pleasure. I'm sorry, I would've liked to stay longer, but I really need to eat…Come back and see me later, I'll have something to ask you."

"I'll come back later then."

Dimitry and I separate. Before I know it, I find myself in the forest, humming and singing happily. The fear I felt before has left me, and I willingly explore, hopping over a brook, sniffling wildflowers, staring at the stars when I can see them.

Eventually, I head back to the cemetery to go find Black and see what he thinks of my new look. Dimitry find me instead and waves me over.

"What did you want to ask me?"

For a moment, there is no response, "Well, would you accept to…" he hesitates and flicks his eyes away.

"To…" I implore.

"No-nothing, it would be too inconsiderate on my behalf…" He starts walking away, but I won't accept it and catch up to him.

"Well, now that you've brought it up, I would prefer that you finish!"

He stops so suddenly, I almost bump into him. He still doesn't look at me, but up to the sky, as if weighing the positive and negative sides before speaking. "Would you allow me to drink your blood?" he asks quietly, still not looking at me.

Dumbfounded and a little stunned, it takes me a moment to regain composure and say something, "I thought you only drank blood from animals."

"That is true, but like I said before, it's not nourishing enough for a vampire, and over time I'm getting weaker and weaker…"

For some reason, this scares me more than his drinking my blood would. ….Could it be possible that Dimitry might grow so weak, he'll die? Dream or not, I refuse to let that happen. He's become a good friend of mine over this short time and…and why ignore it? I've grown attached to him. He's not like the others back home.

I may very well be in love with him…

He says something else and looks at me sorrowfully, "I must admit, seeing you in those clothes bring back…painful memories. The mission that I tried to complete for Mary that I wasn't about to finish…"

"I see…Is it painful?" I would gladly give the dress back if it hurts him to see me in it.

"I don't know…"

My mind already is made up and I'm about to pull his sleeve so he'll look at me again, so I can tell him I'll let him drink…But then I think, What if the pain wakes me up? I would like to stay, at least a little longer.

It's a selfish thought. A horrible, selfish thought and I know it. But what if I never come here again? It's a sad place, yes, but I'll miss Black and Dimitry so much…

Taking a breath, I take his hand. He looks and me with a questionable look, and I return it with one of determination, saying that I can be strong, that I can handle being bitten.

"You accept?" he asks, a little shocked.

"Yes."

"Very well then, thank you…" Soon, I find myself backed up against an old wall, one of Dimitry's arms around me and pressed to the stone, his other hand holding mine. Now it's he who gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. He whispers into my ear, "This is going to hurt some…Before I do anything, are you certain?"

I whisper back, placing my other hand on the crock of his elbow, "yes."

He hand grips my tightly as he bites down on my neck, his face concealed by my hair. I hold back a breath of surprise. The pain is almost like a shot, but more dull and persistent. I'm certain he only drank my blood for a few minutes, but it felt longer. He doesn't drain enough blood to transform me though. When he removes his fangs, he licks clean the new wound gently, wiping away the remaining blood and softening the new openings in my skin.

Finally he pulls his head away to look me in the eyes, holding a serious gaze. "…I would like you to stay with me."

I stare back at him. Not knowing how to respond yet again. What of my family? What of Iris, Melody, and Violette? Can I really leave them behind and the life I wanted before now? I hold his gaze, which seems almost pleading, but at the same time possesses a strong sense of love. Immediately, I want to answer his need. Anything to see him smile.

I'm about to give him my answer when the headache I had upon my arrival returns. I find myself sliding down the stone wall and onto the ground, and then I feel Dimitry wrapping his arms around me, calling my name worriedly. I open my eyes and all I can see if fog and his fuzzy image. My headache's worsening now.

"Dimitry! What's happening?" I cry out.

I see Black appearing behind him, crying. Maybe he was hiding this whole time, watching us. Somewhere in this mess, I hear him say "goodbye"…

I black out.

When I wake up, I'm in my own bed. Daylight pours through my windows. Looking at my desk, I see my notes lying on top of it.

It was all just a dream…

No, not quite, for when I stand up out of bed, I find myself clothed in the crimson dress and accessories. Prodding my neck, I still feel the marks given to me by his bite.

This saddens me more than if it had been a dream. It means Dimitry was really there. He was really holding me for those last few moments. He might really, truly love me.

And now, I might not ever return to him…

To be continued?