Sorry for the wait i had major writers block. thanks to all who reviewed. and Enjoy!

Disclaimer: no not own

Chapter 10: Lies and Secrets.

Aunt Dottie and uncle Bob where a little peeved that the decorations where left out all night and that they had to put it all away, but they soon forgot all about it when they caught sight of how feeble I looked the next morning.

"There is no way your going to school, you look as sick as a dog." Gee thanks aunt Dottie. "I'll get the thermometer." She hurried downstairs. I sighed, the only ones who know about last night where Gregory, his parents and me sort of. Anna and Rudolph where trick-or treating with Tony last night. Halloween is the only time they can go out and be somewhat normal with out people getting suspicious. I tried to move my right arm, but it felt as heavy as stone. Come to think of it, what did Freda do? I looked at my arm, it had been re-bandaged in white gauze. I was tempted to look when aunt Dottie came back in.

"Here you are, how did that happened?" Oh shoot, she saw my arm.

"Oh, I fell last night, when I was hooking up the strobe lights. Its nothing but a scratch." I had gotten better about lying, seeing that I have to keep the most important secret ever. Case in point dating a vampire perhaps.

"You sure? That looks like too much gauze for a simple scratch."

"Well it was bleeding a little, but its better to be save than sorry." I explained. Aunt Dottie bought it, then took my temp.

"Huh, normal. Maybe its Tetanus."

'No its not, I had my vaccine a week before I came here."

"Your still not going to school, don't want to run the risk of an infection. Believe it or not that school is not the cleanest, and it doesn't have an adequate wellness center. But other than that its had good teachers." She added quickly.

"Aunt Dottie?"

"Yes?"

"Can I go get a shower now?" I felt like I really needed one, and it would help calm me down.

"Not until you have had something to eat. Just because you don't have a temperature now, doesn't mean you wont get one later so just stay in bed and sleep." She stated matter of factly. She got up, then she remembered something. She went over to my window and pulled the blinds and curtains closed, making it way darker in my room then she left. I stared after her. I turned on my lamp. She had an odd way of thinking. Usually when a person who doesn't have a temperature they get sent to school. As I said, my family is just strange.

I must have took a nap, because I woke up to the smell of bacon, eggs, sausage, pancakes, and French toast. Man she went all out for this. Maybe I should get sick more often. Aunt Dottie brought up a plate on a tray for me. I had some difficulty eating, seeing that I'm right handed. When I finished aunt Dottie gave me the clear to take a shower. She then took the tray and left. I sat up and swung my legs over the side of the bed carefully. I stood up, but nearly fell back down. Gods I was so dizzy. I held onto the wall for support. I shuffled over to my closet. I chose a tank top and flannel pants, not really looking at them nor caring if they matched. I thought I heard the door to the attic open ever so slightly. Eh its an old house. I closed my closet door and stumbled into the hall. I made my way over to the bathroom.

When I got to the bath room I shut the door and locked it. Its just a habit that I have. I got a towel and set it aside. I walked over to the shower and turned on the water. Suddenly I decided against a shower, I do feel really dizzy. A nice bath will do just fine. I adjusted the water and put the pug in. After a few minutes I turned off the water. I undressed and began at take off the gauze. At first I didn't look at it but my curiosity enticed me to, and I instantly regretted it. The cut had this blueish tent around it and it looked like it was pulling at my skin. The cut oozed a bit of blood, which I wiped away. I was going to have to clean my arm last.

"Now that is different."

When I got done with my bath, I redressed the cut and got dressed. I brushed out my hair and opened the door. I made my way over to my room. I opened my door, and stepped inside.

"What are you doing up?" Gregory was in the shadows.

"I had to go take a bath, it helps calm me down. And what are you doing up? Its daylight." I sat down on my bed.

"I wasn't going to leave you." He sounded tired. I looked in his direction.

"Then where were you?"

"In the attic." He stated simply. He cautiously walked over to me, as if he was watching ever move he made. "How are you feeling?"

"A bit better." I sighed and held my arm. "Its just so heavy."

"Yes, mother does have a way with healing." He sighed. He still seemed…detached.

"What's wrong Gregory?"

"I almost hurt you, I tried to bite you. I can never forgive myself." His fist clinched.

"Gregory, I understand, but I forgive you."

"Why? Why forgive the person who tried to hurt you?"

"Because I love you." I looked at him. I saw him flinch slightly.

"You still do?" He whispered hoarsely.

"Of coarse I still do." I gave a small smile. He finally looked at me. His eyes where a brilliant blood red. His parents must have made him go hunt last night. I looked into his eyes, I mentally shuddered. They pierced my very being, holding me in their grasp. Suddenly he kissed me. It wasn't the normal kiss I was used to, this was fill of guilt, suffering, and need…and kinda forceful. He pulled me against him.

"I promise I will protect you, no one will ever hurt you." He looked at me in the eyes. I looked at him. "Now, time for you to sleep."

"Same for you." I smirked. He smiled and ruffled my hair.

"Of coarse."

Hours later I tossed and turned but I couldn't sleep. My arm felt like it was pulsing with pain. I clutched my arm. What ever Freda did, it was only to numb the pain. I looked at my clock, it was barely past noon. Finally I let the pulsing pain lull me to sleep.

When I woke again, it was nearly seven in the evening. I got up shakily and slowly went down stairs. I went into the kitchen. Tony was just asking uncle Bob about the McAshton coat of arms. Uncle Bob thought for a moment.

"Well, I guess you can come to work with my on Saturday, then you can ask Mr. McAshton."

"Really? I can?" Tony was ecstatic.

"Sure." Uncle Bob went back to the newspaper. I walked up to them.

"Can I go to?" I surprised my self with how weak I sounded. Uncle Bob looked up.

"Are you sure about that Ember?"

"Yes, I'm sure." I nodded.

"Alright, then." Uncle Bob sighed.

(Epic time warp.)

When Saturday arrived, I woke earlier than normal. I sat up and went to my closet. I got dressed, carefully minding my arm, which was healing but not fast enough. I slipped on my boots and went to the bathroom. After I brushed my hair and teeth, I looked at my reflection. My skin was paler than normal and there was rings of purple under my eyes. I looked physically sick. I wasn't getting enough sleep and I knew it. I shuddered and went downstairs. Uncle Bob was sitting at the table. He looked up.

"Well your up early."

"I guess I am." I unconsciously held my arm. Uncle Bob raised his eyebrow.

"Dottie told me what happened. Are you sure you want to come today?"

"I'm as sure as I'll ever be." I cringed, stupid arm.

"Ember, just let me take a look at that cut alright?"

"It's fine, uncle Bob."

"Fine, fine." He got up and went upstairs.

Half an hour later he came down with a tired looking Tony. After Tony ate breakfast, we all got in the Land Rover and drove off to the McAshton's.