I kicked the curb outside Shirley's ice-creamery. My boots skidded off, and I swore as I scuffed the toe. I kicked again, and it didn't even hurt. Damned boots.

I stomped in, wrestling with change in my hoodie pocket.

"Double-choc double scoop...please." I asked the pimply kid behind the counter. His name tag read: "Hello! I'm in training."

I paid for the ice-cream, and picked the cone up in my right hand. Instantly, the top scoop of ice-cream fell off, landing with a soft splat on the white-tile floor.

Hello-I'm-In-Training glared at me. I bolted out of the store, angry tears spilling from my eyes. I threw the melting ice-cream into a trash can, and darted through Dullsville's main mall.

I turned into my street as a black Merecede's drove away. I broke into a run-but not even purple New Rocs can catch up to an accelerating car.

I let myself into my parents home and trudged up the stairs. Billy-Boy, my brother, awaited me with gleaming eyes at the top.

"I've got something for you. It's from Weirdo Butler."

Jameson.

I ignored him, pushing past to get to my doorway. Billy-Boy held up the red envelope. I didn't even glance at it.

"Dearest Raven, my love, meet us at the Haunted Castle tonight so we can talk about zombies and ghouls and-"

I slammed my bedroom door in my brother's face.

He hammered on my door as I slumped down at my desk, staring at my Hello Batty figurines.

"Rave?" Billy-Boys voice sounded uncertain.

Not six hours ago had such a letter come I'd be fighting him for it, screaming and kicking and biting. Now, I just didn't want to know.

He opened the door.

"Get lost, Nerd Boy!" I shouted. I threw an UglyDoll at him, and tossed myself onto my bed.

"Witch-girl, what's wrong?" He asked. I peered out from under the pillow. He looked at me. "Sheesh, Raven, what's-? Did something happen with you and Alexander?"

Confusion shot through me. Billy being concerned?

I sighed. "Would you just leave me alone...Please?"

It was Billy's turned to be shocked. He hardly ever heard me say please.

He put the letter down on my dresser and looked at me from the door. "If you...like, need me, I'm in my room."

I glanced away, and he closed the door. My own freaking brother trying to shoulder my obvious grief. Where was Alexander-my boyfriend, my vampire boyfriend Alexander? it should be him who was here with me.

But he was with Luna, fellow vampire, and his once to be Covenant bride from Romania.

I lay back down, drawing the covers over my head.

And began to cry.