Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Kisses, nor any product that has come from it.

Chapter 9

Raven's Point of View

Trevor pulled into the school's parking lot. Thankfully we only missed a class or two. Don't get me wrong, I would love to stay home from school, but considering what happened last night and the fact that I didn't go home, I just wanted to be surrounded by normal people for a while... Then deal with my parents when I get home. We were still sitting in his car. I was trying to work up the courage to move, open the door, anything! "Thank you..."

He turned to look at me. I could see him out of the corner of my eye as he reached for me. It was then that I opened the car door and rushed out into the blinding sun. I didn't look back once.

I made it late to my third period class. I sat at my desk and sighed from relief. No one seemed to notice that I was gone for a while. All the snobs still didn't know I existed, and the teacher still looked at me disapprovingly, most likely because I was tardy; not because I just spent the night with the school's golden boy.

And then it hit me.

Oh my goth... My parents! I banged my head on the desk. How the hell am I going to explain why I wasn't home last night and why I wasn't there this morning. I groaned. I went through the class dreading what I would say and how I would say it.

Scenario 1: Oh, hi mom! What? Not home last night? Psssh. You're imagining things! I was here all night! Like hell that would work!

Scenario 2: Hey mom, I'm sorry I wasn't home last night, I know I should've called but I spent the night at Becky's. Yes, I did go out with Alexander last night and we met Becky and Matt at the diner. After dinner we all headed home, except I left with Becky. Yes, mom, I promise I'll call from now on. That just might work.

My hopes started to lift.

Scenario 3: Mom! I'm home! Oh, hi dad! Huh? *Police in the living room* Dead?! Kidnapped?! *Mom and dad suffocate me with hugs and tears*Not with Alexander last night? Not at home or with Becky in the morning?! Uhhh. I can explain... You see, there was a vampire last night and he tried to kill me but Trevor saved me and I've been with him this whole time so you really don't have to worry! I'm fine and so is Trevor! d^-^b

I slammed my head back onto the desk. I'm doomed.

The bell rang and I headed for my locker when I saw Becky waiting there worried. My stomach twisted into knots. Here we go.

"Raven!" Becky lit up when she saw me and she threw her arms around me in a brea hug. "I'm sooo sorry!"

Eh...? I shifted my eyes left to right. "Huh? For what?"

"That I didn't pick you up this morning! I feel so bad! Please don't hold it against me! Matt needed to come early to school today and I thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to have more time with him. I know we don't spend much time together and on our way to school is one of our only one-on-one time! But you know that if you were given the opportunity to be with Alexander for longer than usual you would jump to the chance... Forgive me? I'm a horrible friend!" She wailed and rested her head on my shoulder whimpering.

I couldn't help it, I just couldn't. It boiled within me and just bubbled over. I started laughing. I laughed histarically. It started from my stomach and somehow made its way to my head. I felt incurably... Silly. Becky looked at me and for some reason she cracked a smile and began laughing too. I was nearly doubled over, bracing the locker with one hand and resting my other on my somewhat bent legs trying to keep myself from falling over. Becky held her arms to her stomach and giggled like crazy.

She wiped tears from her eyes, "What [giggle] are we laughing [giggle] about...?"

I muffled a few giggles myself and smiled brightly at her, "I don't even know."

Trevor's Point of View

I got home from school and looked around my house in disinterest. Everything looked the same as every other house in this town. Everyone had the same style, the same taste. And it was all... Bland... I walked up the stairs to my room, put my stuff down and fell onto my bed. Raven's not bland. Her and her one-of-a-kind attitude brings life to this dull town. I smiled inwardly and rolled over onto my side and felt something jab me. Sitting up I reached into my pocket and pulled out Raven's coffin-locket necklace. Holding the pewter trinket in my hand I leaned back once more.

I know I'm not the kind of guy she likes or even wants. I'm exactly the opposite. But last night something changed. Of course being attacked by some crazy person can change everything! Then I thought of the events that took place last night all over again. I know Raven knows more than she's telling me. And I know why she's not telling me anything. She simply doesn't trust me. One act of kindness will not change somebody's mind... Or their heart.

A sharp pain stabbed my chest and it was beginning to be hard to breathe. I glanced once more to the pewter necklace and dropped it to the floor then buried my head in my pillow as my eyes began to water.

I want to protect her. I want to make sure she's safe. But I can't do that if she's never going to let me be close to her. And then there's Alexander... My heart felt hollow. That's right, they're together and he will be able to do everything I am unable to do. He makes her smile. I make her angry. She loves him. She loathes me. I'm the soccer snob, and she's the only genuinely honest person I know.

I clutched the pillow closer.

Monster Girl...

But it's only wishful thinking.