Walking into class, things seemed to be normal, no one stared so I was thankful for that. We sat in our assigned seats, but this time it was different. He no longer angled his chair away from me. Instead, our arms actually almost touched.
Mr. Janner arrived, wearing a colorful knit scarf, to be pulling a tall metal frame on wheels, that held an out dated T.V and VCR. A movie day - the class instantly settled. A time to whisper and go on your phone.
Mr. Janner put a tape into the VCR, to then walk over to the wall to turn off the lights. The room became darker.
My senses acted up, as the space between us became much more smaller. It was a bugging electrictity that wouldn't stop. I focused on the screen denying my impulse, to be linked with him. My fists clenched under the table.
The opening credits began, adding some light to the room. I glanced at him, out of reflex, to see he was collected.
He grinned back, an illusioned smolder created by the false night in the room. I stared forward again, for him to cross his arms.
The hour seemed very long, the movie wasn't that appealing.
Arthur stayed still in that position while I had to move. The stool was uncomfortable, and my foot fell asleep at least twice.
When Mr. banner turned back on the lights, signaling the end of class, I mewed as I stretched, to flex my fingers as well.
Arthur just watched me.
Heading to Gym, I dodged a few kids, to give a high five to a random dudette. "I will never wash this hand again!"
To end up at the place, so I turned around to look at him. I would have said goodbye, but he looked like I had just kicked him to the curb.
"What's wrong?" I asked. "Nothing. Just a memory." He wouldn't look at me. "Hey." It happened on it's own.
I reached out to touch his arm. His eyes became alarmed, as I felt the chill of his skin. I didn't pull back.
"Cheer up alright." I smiled.
He took my hand off gently, with a warning look before he left with some amusement.
While he strolled away, confident, I stared at my hand . . . I made my way into the gym, with the connection reflecting in my mind. I tried to visualize it perfectly, but all got was that quick feeling of Arthur.
I changed in the locker room, ignoring the people around me. Once we all gathered outside, we all got a racket to play badminton. Coach Chap ordered us to pair up into teams. Everyone scattered away from me, but Tike came over.
"Looks like it's you and me pal. I hope you brought a helmet." I held the racket on my shoulder.
"Oh don't worry, I got that covered!" He pulled back his sweat band, grinning. "Luck is on my side today."
With a snap, we went over to pick a court.
The sweat band actually worked. As I swung for a winning shot, Tike swiveled away just in time. At one point,
I accidentally smacked myself in the face from goofing off, but I just laughed. With some synchronizing team work, we won two games out of three.
After the coach whistled we high fived. I needed some water so instead of heading for the gym, I went off court for the fountain.
Tike followed, suddenly not hyper anymore.
"So," he said, as I went up to the faucet.
"What?" I pushed the button.
"Are you and Kirkland-" I shook my head, to get a couple of sips in.
"Not now Tike."
"Well are you?" I took off my glasses.
"No, why does everyone think that." I washed my face.
"Well it looks like it, and. I don't think it's okay." He was getting "too" personal.
I stood up straight, putting my glasses back on.
"What's not to like?" I said sarcastically.
"For starters the way he looks at you . . . it's like your on the menu."
I choked back a scoff, at the irony of that statement.
His face twisted up, offended.
"Whatever. See you Tike." I waved off, ditching him for the lockers.
Wiping the sweat off of my neck with an old towel, the whole situation began to swirl in my system. I just wanted this to be over.
I can't have this messing with my head. It's bad enough that my resolve is weakening . . .
By the time I walked out of the gym, I was cooled off. I munched on a snack bar, to see Arthur waiting by the other wall.
I went over.
"How was Gym?"
"Okay I guess." I had food in my mouth.
"Really." He was unconvinced, shifting his eyes over my shoulder. I looked over to see Tike walking away, glancing in our direction.
"Ah leave him alone." I finished up, to crumple up the wrapper. I put the trash in my pocket, to begin walking.
Arthur did, to join my side.
"It seems that the racket didn't leave a mark?" He asked innocently.
"Ha! Spying again Sherlock?" I retorted.
"You were the one who mentioned how I never seen you in gym before?" He countered.
I decided to go with the playful approach.
"Did you like what you see?"
"Hardly." So blunt.
When we came up to his car, there was a bunch of guys huddled around with excitement.
"Take a look at this beauty."
"Damn, a BMW!"
"You know, it takes a rich kid to pull this off."
They were all circled around Lovino's red convertible. Arthur went around, as I closed the door.
With the honk of his horn, we zoomed out of the lot swiftly with no casualty.
He seemed still shrewd about his brother's ride. Poor guys, I checked the review mirror.
"On Saturday," I hummed in acknowledgement, "I plan to show up early on your doorstep."
"What?" I looked at him.
"I won't drive, as planned, so Tom won't suspect a thing." He assured.
"So your just going to walk to my house?"
"Not really." He smiled condescendingly.
"Dude, stop being mysterious."
He glanced at me, like whatever.
"Is now a good time for later." I asked, using my right elbow as a leverage to hold the back of my head.
His confidence of the wheel loosened, now he drove with both hands.
"You still want to know why you can't see me hunt?"
"Yeah."
"Well," He clarified, "First of all, have you actually ever seen a person kill a living thing?"
I thought about it.
"It's not something that you waver on." He abruptly added.
"Then I'm going to have to say no."
I could only think of Mattie's failed attempt at shooting a bb gun, at the neighbor's rooster. I called him a wussie, but the fact was, we both didn't know what the hell we were doing.
"When we hunt, Alfred, our senses take over." This was clearly kind of touchy for him. "Our mind is on a single track dedicated to one thing, and one thing only, to feed the hunger of a monster . . . that's why when you asked."
He paused. "To have you want to be apart of something so, hideous . . . I just can't help but to imagine signing your death warrant."
The weather was whipping up some wind, or that could have been his speeding. The tension was brought down, but solemness filled it. All of this death that he speaks of . . . how I am constantly risking life and limb with him.
I couldn't keep my expression neutral. He worried for my life, for anyone's life. How could he be a monster?
He resolved my reaction to scoff.
"Don't ever feel pity for me Jones."
That perked my defense.
"Why would I?" I challenged.
The corner of his mouth quirked.
We arrived at my house, with a crawling stop. I grabbed my bag, for him to touch my arm.
"Tomorrow it's my turn."
"Your turn for what?"
He gave an admirable expression. "For questions of course. Your not the only one curious."
There goes his mood switch. Arthur pushed my glasses back up my nose, for myself to exit right after.
He drove off, merrily this time, while I just wondered about that boy.
It was clear that we would be together tomorrow.
I made my way out of the street.
That night Edward appeared in my dreams as a recognizable sidekick who helped me fight against the zombies of New York.
Currently we were hiding behind a broken wall, his gun working but mine was jammed.
He stopped shooting, to check on me.
"Here."
"No I can fix it!" I slammed my palm against the butt.
"Just give it to me git!"
He tried to grab it, but I refused. This led us to struggle, for a weird twist to happen. I somehow got on top of him, with his wrist in my hands. "Ha, who's the boss!"
"Your right, you are?"
He gave off a irresistible aura. "Let's make it count mate."
And with that, he leaned up.
When I woke up suddenly, I was on edge. Literally, I fell off the bed, my face ready to light a campfire.
So hot. I groaned.
My door opened. "You okay in here buddy?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." I rolled onto my side. "What's for breakfast?"
"Fried eggs and bacon"
"Yeah, I'll be down in a minute."
"Alright." He left the door open.
I got myself together, to throw on some pants. I'll put on a shirt later . . .
The room was filled with the smell of goodness as I came down. He drank coffee and red the newspaper.
I used the water from the sink as mouth wash, before I poured myself a cup as well.
"Sleep good last night?" I decided to ask.
"Yeah."
"Good." I sat in my seat to take a sip.
"How's school?"
"Great." I burped, to scratch my hip.
"That's good."
He turned the page.
I looked over at the T.v to see the news. The bacon was crispy.
"So about this Saturday." He popped the question.
I chewed.
"Are you still going to Seattle?"
"That's the plan." I swallowed. I went for the eggs next, my fork making contact with the dish.
"So your definitely not going to the dance?" He lowered the newspaper.
"Yes." I gave him a look, to dump the rest in my mouth to get up. If I was going to play this off heroically, I needed to be up for distraction.
"I'm surprised no one asked you?" He stated.
I scrub the dish. "Well, I'm not exactly, interested." I scrubbed the plate.
"In anybody?"
"Not in town." I replied.
Which made me pause, since that was slick. I smiled, to turn off the water, putting the dish in the dishwasher.
"Well if that's your choice." He answered.
I turned around to look at him. He tried to act okay, but I saw his point.
I was a REALLY attractive young man who could easily get a pretty young "girl" to be my bae but of course I had a thing for a vampire. Who was a guy . . . yeah, he didn't know, only Matt and Mom did.
"But if you do plan on bringing someone home, and you will someday," The casual fold of the newspaper," tell me before you do. I have plenty of con-"
"Oh my god dad, no!" I flustered.
"Just saying." He stood up, sending me a wink. "Just treat her right Alfred."
He turned away for his belt."
"I will." I answered, my face forlorn.
I just want you to be proud.
Phil left then, with a goodbye wave, and I went upstairs to brush my teeth and get my bag.
When the cruiser pulled away, I glanced out, to have a double take. The silver car appeared in Phil's spot in the driveway. Was he just waiting around the corner? I went over to my window, to slide it up.
"Are you the local taxi or somethin!"
"Just get in!" He replied.
That put me in good spirits. This new routine, was the marshmallow to my smore. I never wanted it to end.
I locked the door behind me, before I got in, leaving my backpack on my lap.
"Good morning."
"Morning Artie." I smiled, he was excruciating good looking.
"It's Arthur." He lazily chided, to start the engine. "Did you sleep well?"
"Uh yeah." I dreamt of you so . . .
"Did you do anything last night?" I asked.
He shook his head. "Don't you remember, it's my day to ask questions."
"Darn." I snapped my fingers.
"What do you need to know?" I did have some rich stories to tell.
"What's your favorite colour?"
"Probably brown."
He snorted. "Brown? I was sure you would say red, white, and blue."
"Well it depends on my mood, like today, I feel like brown. Warm, down to earth, and extremely lucky."
He gave me a look. "Why are you so chipper?"
"I don't know. Maybe it's the air." I gave a look back.
"Right." He was comical, to drive off.
I smiled, watching the outside become nothing but a shady blur.
We entered the parking lot, but this time he pulled back in, to ask another question.
"What music is in your CD player right now?"
"Queen."
"Well you have good taste, that's a positive."
"What's that suppose to mean?"
He smirked, to open the compartment, revealing the same CD cover.
It continued like this all day. While he walked with me to English, when he met me after Spanish, all through the lunch hour . . .
"You can't be serious, a bagel Jones?"
"The first scone I ever had came from you, this is your own fault."
The guy persisted on knowing every single detail of my existence. Movies I liked, sports I did, the few places where I had been and the many places I wanted to go, even a few books I chanced upon.
This beat the record of me talking for so long. It was all about me . . . he never once looked bored. He had a question for everything, so I was compelled to continue. I kind of liked it . . . his intrigue in me persisted my goal to understand him back.
Let's talk about you.
"What's your favorite gem stone?"
I almost blurted out your eyes, but I managed to cut myself off.
He had been flinging questions at me like I was taking a psychiatric test. The first word that came to my mind, was the answer.
"Rubies." I answered.
"Why is that?" He was falsely curious, but he would wait.
Intimidatingly, he stirred the straw of his drink.
"Because it's red."
I mean, that was kind of true. It was a cool lookin rock.
"Hm." He didn't seem to believe me.
I spffed, out of caution.
"What's yours?"
He looked down. "Sapphires." To stare directly at me.
My heart raced.
The moment ended shortly.
"What kind of flowers do you like?"
We continued on.
Biology was the same. Up until Mr. Janner walked in, Arthur quizzed me. As the lights went out, for another film, he scooted away which I breathed out silently. The hair raising spark returned, but now I was ready.
I leaned forward on the table, resting my chin on my folded arms, with my clenched fists hidden under my arms, as the irrational attraction tempted me to be close to the god next to me. I mean vampire. Arthur. I know what I mean! I didn't dare to look at him, my sight remained forward . . . but half way in, I gave in like the snap of a broken string. I looked at him, for him to do the same reluctantly. I just stared at my love interest, and his eyes were ambivalent.
This is quite a pickle, right Artie?
I smiled.
When the lights came back on, I closed my eyes. I listened to everyone get up, before I did myself.
Arthur waited patiently.
We walked toward gym in silence, but soon as it was in sight, he left for myself to go alone.
Gym passed quickly, since I dozed off the whole time, not feeling it.
"Come on Alfred!"
"Nah, you get this one."
I left him to handle the best girl team ever. When they shot, even the wind backed up, if that made sense.
Changing in the locker, I jammed up my ear buds to let it play out on the bench.
"It's time to come together.
It's up to you, what's your pleasure,
Everyone around the world,
Come on!"
The oldies radio never failed me. It gave me the strength to carry on out the door . . .
As I saw him at the sidewalk leading up to the parking lot, my stomach twisted gently to see a girl with him. She looked happy. He was pleasant. I came over, for all of us to talked together, my smile the greatest act of all time.
When she left, I felt like a boat cut from the shore with him.
Nothing to grab onto. This is why I don't fall in love.
I was done by the time we arrived at my neighborhood. Done being, I was tired of talking.
"Are you finished?" I asked.
"Not even close - but your father will be home soon."
I looked out, loving that man so much!
"I guess I should go then."
The sky was a mixture of blue and purple, with darkened clouds that finished the serene view. Everything seemed to be in a blue glaze. That gave me a sense of simplicity.
"How late is it?" I asked.
I checked the clock, not believing how long we had been together, driving around . . .
"It's twilight," he murmured, looking at the western horizon, with a thoughtful gaze.
"What's on your mind."
"Nothing."
"Come on, you can tell me anything."
He smiled, to shuffle against his seat.
"It's just that, back in the old days . . ." I wanted to ask when, "My friend and I would head out to the country side, to this certain cliff that allowed the whole valley and sea to be seen, . . . we would then watched the sun slowly go down, for Artemis to reveal herself to us with the stars, casting out the light to bring the beauty of night. . . it's quite nostalgic, even when his comments were a bit crude."
Just his expression made me wish I was the one there with him.
"Is that all you did, stare out at world." I asked, jokingly.
He chuckled, to look at me.
"When your older, the littlest of things mean much more on a grander scale . . . besides, I had forever."
What have you seen Arthur? Where have you gone?
"But it was nice right? You got to live a life like nobody could imagine."
With all that freedom.
"Perhaps."
He glance away, "But what's life without a purpose."
I inched back, with those words fumbling in my head. . .
It was interrupted by his a rude scoffed.
"What?"
"Just a complication."
I looked over, as he drove slowly to my house, but not near it. He stopped by the red section of the sidewalk, for my eyes to spot a white truck pulling up the drive.
"Charlie's around the corner." He told me, to unlock the door. I had a habit of locking it.
"What's wrong?"
He was acting funny.
"Nothing, just an opposition at this point."
His left hand gripped the wheel, sternly.
"Your not making sense. Who is it?"
"Nobody love, I'll see you in the morning." He smiled, for both of our eyes to widened. He just called me love?!
He looked away. Completely shutting down the moment. My face flared.
"Okay. I guess."
I made my way out, to shut the door. It was starting to sprinkle, or I was imagining it. As I got closer, I heard Arthur rev his engine to leave, but I stared forward. That was quite a rush . . . awkward, yet a part of me exploded with enthusiasm.
When I realized who it was, I was surprised. It was Gilbert who had gotten out, to set up a wheel chair. He glanced up, to smirk.
"Hey Hero! I brought the old cougar with me for our play date!"
That threw me off.
"I think you mean codger dude!"
"Nein, he is a beast in the sheets, but don't ask the awesome me his secrets!"
He came to meet me, to wrap an arm around my neck.
"Tell me, how is my old buddy Tike doing?"
We wondered towards the truck.
"He's got a girlfriend now."
"Really? Moving on from a catch like you?" He shook his head. "He's nuts."
"Yeah, well you know this ass of mine has been rented so much-"
He snorted. "That is a load of bunny snuggles!"
"Bunny snuggles?"
"It's BS for your tarty life, if it was real you could even rival my old man."
Right then the back seat door opened, with a cane waving out.
"I don't exactly have sand in my hourglass young man, get me out please." A calming voice chided.
"Coming right up, hold his chair will ya?"
We dislodged from each other, for him to go up to the doorway.
I grabbed the handles, to back up a bit, as Gilbert picked up! Mr. Fritz, to set him down easily.
"Kessese, light as a feather."
I moved away for Gilbert to take my place beside him.
"Hello Alfred, it's nice to see you."
"Hi." I smiled back, seeing his friendly features. He looked very wise, and comfortable like life was a glove to him.
His blue rain jacket was too big for him, and he wore stiff pants with black boots. A cap with WINNER on it, finished the look.
"Who was that with you?"
He motioned, as Arthur zoomed back down the street. Which was strange, since he could have just took the other shortcut?
"Uh, a friend of mine."
"A friend, Huh. 20 bucks on Kirkland." Gilbert mumbled showily into his ear, for Fritz to be bewildered.
"Are you close?" He asked.
"Sort of."
This was not a needed discussion, I looked at Gilbert like 'Come on'.
"It's the eyebrows."
Gilbert pretended with his hands.
I became horrified, for old Fritz to chuckle.
"Be nice Gilbert."
"Nein, not my style."
The sprinkle had started to pick up quickly.
"Do you know when Tom will get home?"
A car horn answered us. "Speak of the devil." Gilbert cackled.
