Thanks to those who reviewed. Sorry if I'm posting slow lately, been busy.

When I walked out of the building, I made sure that Kelly got on the path home before leaving. My cheeks were still warm despite the cool gentle breeze hitting it as I walked. I still can't believe what she had said! Do I really have the 'hots' for him? He's old, he has barely any hair, he has a scar, dry humor, and he frightens me so much. Then again…he looks pretty handsome and brave wit that scar. And his hair, it's so cute when he runs a hand through it. As of age, he doesn't look too old…he's funny in a way…and maybe he scares me because…

"Larten!" I yelped as I slammed into a tree backwards. I had been going down a path, staring at the ground, when I saw feet. When I looked up, the moonlight casted on him made him look creepy yet cute. In result of such a thing, I slammed into the tree close behind me.

Amusement and curiosity glittered in his eyes. The moonlight made that very clear. How much had he heard?!

"Good morning, Sam." He greeted me, feigning innocent. Now I knew he had heard every word. After all, he had been under us when we were on the roof, coughing to stop me from becoming Kelly's blood brother…sister…sibling…whatever!

"How are you this fine night, my lovely assistant?" My cheeks turned a light pink.

"I-I am fine." I managed to stutter, trying to get some twigs and leaves from my hair, which I had forgotten to put up again. "You, sir?"

He stepped forward, closing what little distance was between us. "I am fairing just perfect now." His voice was so gentle, so kind, which was something very rare. Then he did something I would have never even thought he'd do; he started to take the leaves out of my hair. This action caused our bodies to touch, making my face blush darker. "You look so beautiful in the moonlight, Sam…" I wasn't sure if he was being serious or if he was teasing me.

But clearly, this was all too much for I got another nose bleed.

He chuckled at this and stepped away just as sudden as he had stepped closer. He was back to his normal dry cold self. "You should probably clean up before the show tonight."

"Huh?"

"You will be assisting me with Madame Octa tonight, in less than an hour. Come and I will help you get dressed." He took me by the wrist, his gentle side show once more. I felt like I was dealing with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde!

As we walked through the paths, I stared up at him. He held onto my wrist, clearly intending to guide me all the way back to the Cirque but I didn't mind. This gave me the chance to think. My long hairs flew with the wind, I noticed, and try as I might, my lips kept parting as if it shock. I must have looked like I was being kidnapped or something.

Obviously he cared about me. He had to, or else he wouldn't have taken me in and brought me to the Cirque Du Freak. The question was…how much did he care for me? Besides Evra, Kelly, and H.L., he was my only other friend. No, he was my first friend as a half vampire. I thought about Steve but quickly pushed those thoughts away, not wanting to become depressed.

Would I ever be able to tell him this? I mean, would I be able to tell him that he was one of my good friends? Or would I have to keep up the act of being an annoyed student who hated him for stealing her chance to become a woman quickly?

…He was more than a friend. Kelly was right; I do have the hots for him. I really like him…a lot. But why would he want me? I'm a child froze in time, slowly, painfully slowly, thawing out into a woman. He could get someone else…anyone else. I looked away, feeling anger at him once more. Why did he have to change me?! Why did I have to run off?! Why did my mother have to arrange a marriage for me?! Why…
My thoughts ceased for we had stopped walking. We were in a tent, a very bright one with costumes; no doubt the make up tent. I felt a cold wash cloth hit my face, washing away the blood that had dripped on my lips and chin. Mr. Crepsley was the one helping me clean off.

"Now then…we want you to look scary but beautiful." He searched around and smiled, throwing me an outfit. My face went pink; it was a short dress just a few inches above the knee, dark red, with see through sleeves. "Get dressed."

Next chapter: The show, the aftermath, the leaving. Quick call to the family, then book 3. Review please!