It was really nice out; a wonderful change of scenery compared to that stuffy hotel room. I went shopping and bought a pair of jeans and a shirt that said "vampires suck". It made me laugh so I had to buy it. This was the first time I changed out of my dress, even though I was going to buy new clothes after I died, I never got around to it. I was too busy helping Mr. Crepsley not look like someone from the 1900s and I did a pretty damn good job, if I do say so myself. I walked down the sidewalk, window shopping when I thought I saw them! My family! What were they doing all the way out this way?

"Mom? Dad? Annie?" I exclaimed. The three turned around to face the crazy girl and, no, it wasn't them.

"Oh, sorry," I stuttered, "my mistake." Then, I ran in the opposite direction. I couldn't do this! I thought I moved on but I can never forget. I was going to be haunted by memories for the rest of my life! My thoughts were interrupted by something hitting my feet; a soccer ball.

"Hey you!" someone called over, "Get the ball for us!" I hit it with my knee, bounced it off my head, and kicked it over to the boys with my foot. I started to walk away but stopped when I heard them calling to me. "Hey, you!" they shouted, "You want to play with us? We're short one person!" I liked sports and soccer was fun, but I was nervous about playing with my strength and competitiveness. I agreed anyway; I made a promise to myself that I was going to be careful.

"Wow, you're good," one of the boys marveled, "and I like your shirt."

"Thanks," I laughed.

"My name's Michael," he introduced himself.

"I'm Layla," I replied.

"Pretty name," he winked, "Nice to meet you." I had a great time and I was excited that even vampires could make friends. We all played nice until one boy started knocking me out of the way of the ball whenever I was near.

"If you can't play with the boys, girly," he sneered, "go home!"

"What's his problem?" I asked Michael.

"Watch out," he advised, "Danny's a cheap player." One of the boys kicked the ball hard and it went up high in the air. I started running for it but, as soon as I got close, Danny kicked me hard in the stomach and knocked me to the ground."Layla!" Michael called to me, "Are you all right?"

"Asshole," I muttered under my breath. I was really mad; so I ran up to him and kicked his legs out from under him. I would've kept going but when I kicked him I heard a sickening crack! Danny screamed and everyone huddled around him. He laid on the ground and held his leg; the bone was sticking out of his flesh!

"I-I didn't mean to!" I stuttered, "It was an accident!"

"Stay away, you monster!" Michael warned; eyes wide. I couldn't say or do anything; so I turned and ran away. I ran back to the hotel, up to the room, into the room Mr. Crepsley was sleeping in, and ripped the blanket off of him.

"Get up," I ordered, "We have to leave!" His eyes opened and he looked at me as if I was crazy.

"What is the meaning of this?" he snapped, sitting up.

"Don't ask questions!" I spat, "Just get your things." I grabbed my stuff and waited for him, impatiently, by the door. When he finally gathered his processions and we checked out. He was more grumpy than usual because he was woken up.

We got to an old church on the outside of town to hide in and Mr. Crepsley went back to sleep. Come nightfall, I made stew because it was quick and easy. I was just dishing it when I heard a loud yawn for behind me, followed by a deep inhale.

"Mmmm," Mr. Crepsley licked his lips; sitting down across from me, "You never fail to impress, Layla." I looked away quickly as I felt the blood rush to my face. I didn't smile, though, I kept thinking about what happened at the soccer game.

"Are you ready to explain things to me now?" he asked," What happened this afternoon? Why did we have to leave town so suddenly?"

"Well…" I started, "there were these boys and…" Mr. Crepsley put down his plate and listened intently.

"Go on," he pressed.

"They invited me to play soccer and I agreed," I explained; I noticed he relaxed a bit and picked up his plate to start eating, "but one of them started playing really dirty, hitting me and knocking me down, so I…sort of…broke his leg." The vampire raised an eyebrow at me. "It was an accident!" I exclaimed, frantically, "I-I didn't mean to! I just got angry and-"

"Calm down, Layla," he interrupted, "It is all right. But it is something you must get used to. You will just have to be more careful next time."

"No," I said, miserably, "There won't be a next time; I'm too dangerous. I can't have friends anymore. If I did, they would even be real friends."

"Why is that?" the vampire wondered.

"Because true friends don't keep secrets from one another," I explained, "How can you tell a friend, 'Hey, guess what, I'm a fucking vampire!'?"

"But it is a problem every vampire shares!" Crepsley exclaimed, "Is it truly so important to you?"

"Yes," I sighed, sadly, "My friends were the most important thing in my life besides my family. You could never understand how I really feel." I felt tears brimming but I choked them back. He looked away from me in shame and sadness.

"I am sorry, Layla," he replied, "I should not have blooded you. I did not make you a vampire to hurt you. I…" I felt guilty; I didn't mean to upset him. It seems everything I do either makes someone angry or depressed.

"No," I responded; looking away to hide the falling tears, "I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to blame you but I'm just…" My eyes met with his and I could see the sadness in his gaze. "I'm just scared," I sniffed, "I don't want to hurt anyone anymore. I don't want be a monster!" I broke down, sobbing in my hands. I felt him sit down next to me and wrap his long arms around me.

"We are different from humans," he said, soothingly in my ear, "No matter how hard you try to be normal, you are not. There will always be accidents waiting to happen." I looked up at him and glared; but I smiled at the same time.

"You know," I sighed, wiping the tears away, "surprisingly; this isn't making me feel any better." He just chuckled and rubbed my back. Then he stood up and walked away; deep in contemplation.

"Wait a minute," he thought aloud, "If you are not 'normal,' then…"

"What do you mean?" I wondered; also standing.

"Of course!" he exclaimed, excitedly, "You do not have to be stuck with me all the time! Ha-ha! Why did I not think of this earlier?" It was official; he was bat-shit insane! "Layla, my dear!" he smiled widely; grabbing my shoulders, "What do you think about becoming a member of the Cirque Du Freak?" I stared at him as if he were crazy but, then, I smiled brightly.

"I'd like that."