It appeared that Merton wasn't the only student at Pleasantsville high to have fallen under Emma's spell. As the two of them made their way to the science labs, still talking animatedly, it was difficult not to notice the attention that Emma was getting. Most new students were generally ignored for at least the first week and Goths were hardly high on the popularity ladder, yet half of the male population of Pleasantville was drooling as she passed. Several boys stopped and openly stared while others sneered loudly 'What's that Dingle dork doing with a girl like that?'

Merton hung his head embarrassed and wondered. 'What is she doing with a dork like me? With all of these other guys staring at her she's bound to end up with some handsome young buck!'

He was snapped out of this depressing thought when, to his and everyone else's amazement Emma linked her arm in his and whispered to him: "At least you can spell dork." He grinned broadly at her as he led the way into the lab.

The advanced chemistry class was practically non existent. Aside from Merton there were only two other members and neither of them could be described as 'handsome young bucks' Wilson's acne was so bad that he looked like a giant spot with glasses and Harvey had so many allergies that each week he seemed to have developed a new rash. The two of them wheezed and spluttered in terror as Emma and Merton entered. 'Well," He thought cheerily, 'At least I'm the most attractive guy in this room'

"Hi, I'm Emma." Emma beamed at them, extending her hand in a greeting. Neither of them took it, but not out of rudeness. The two had turned bright red in the presence of a pretty girl, Wilson was actually hyperventilating. Harvey rubbed his back soothingly and addressed Merton.

"Um Merton, did you tape Buffy last night?" He asked, a hint of desperation in his voice. "I got caught up in my new Vampire role playing game and I foolishly left my Mom in charge. She taped the Wrong channel"

"No!" Merton lied incredulously, not wanting Emma to think he was a nerd.

"Oh I did." Emma told Harvey. Merton's head snapped towards her and his jaw dropped in surprised admiration. 'She likes Buffy to! That's it, I'm in love!"

"It was a repeat though, they were showing one of those 'best of things'"

The four of them spent the few remaining minuets until the teacher arrived talking about vampires. Emma seemed very knowledgeable on the subject.

"There very romantic, don't you think?" She said as Merton nodded vigorously so she continued. "they're nothing like the Hollywood 'I vant to suck your blud!' stereotype."

"Oh absolutely!" Merton enthused, "Look at Dracula. He was so in love that he denounced his god and tracked his beloved into her next incarnation."

"Just what I was going to say." Emma smiled at him. Her eyes once again stared deep into his and Merton felt a warm glow pass through his body. Merton Dingle was in love.

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"Which one?" Merton asked in a panicked voice holding up two identical black shirts.

" They're exactly the same Merton." Tommy replied exasperated and sunk back onto Merton's bed. They had been at the lair for over an hour now in which time Merton had tried on every item of clothing that he owned.

"Right!" Merton admitted, "Maybe I should try the red one again!" He muttered. Haphazardly he threw the other two onto the bead, covering Tommy in the process. As Tommy untangled himself Merton was delving into the pile of clothes again. Reams of black material flew into the air as he searched.

" Merton," Tommy called soothingly but with a bite of impatients " Will you calm down, I'm sure Emma won't mind what you're wearing."

"You think she's not interested in me" Merton said, his head jerking up. He looked stricken.

"No.." Tommy began but Merton cut across him wailing.

"You're right! What was I thinking asking the most beautiful girl in school out on a date?"

"So it's definitely a date then?" Tommy asked cautiously, not sure weather or not Emma knew it was a date. He'd got the impression when Merton had asked her to the factory at lunch , that Emma thought it was a 'friendly' event. Especially as she'd asked Tommy and Lori what time they were coming.

"well not a 'date' date," Merton admitted from the floor, making quotation mark symbols with his hands. "But I still want to make the right impression"

"You will," Tommy assured him, "You said it yourself , you get on great. She's into all the same stuff as you know, gothic vampires and all of that junk."

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The girl stormed off down the alley. It was quite late but that didn't bother her. She'd much rather take her chances in the dark and menacing Pleasantville alleys than get a ride home with that jerk. 'I can't believe I fell for him!' She scolded herself mentally. She felt so embarrassed and so betrayed. Tears of anger welled up in her eyes and she kicked a nearby trashcan out of frustration. Stinking rubbish and a very startled cat spilled out onto the ground with a crash as she sank onto her haunches and wept.

"Are you alright?" A sudden voice called softly.

The girl sprang to her feet startled as the dark figure moved towards her.

"I'm fine" she muttered then, thinking how rude she'd just sounded added "Thanks"

"You're sure?" The voice was filled with concern. The speaker sounded foreign. The girl recognised the accent.

"You're English aren't you?"

"What gave me away?" The stranger laughed softly. The girl joined in slightly embarrassed that she'd asked such an obvious question.

"What brings you to Pleasantville?" She smiled. Moving closer to get a better look at the figure.

"Family stuff" It admitted but didn't go into further detail.

"So you're staying with relatives?" She asked but before she's finished there was a whooshing sound and the stranger was gone. "Hello?" She called puzzled.

Suddenly she was caught in an impossibly tight grip. She struggled for a moment then opened her mouth to scream but a cold hand covered her mouth blocking any sound. Something sharp dug painfully into her neck and the weirdest sensation crept over her. She suddenly felt very light headed, as though she were floating away. She could feel her pulse slowing as she slipped into unconsciousness.

The vampire let the body slip to the floor and licked its lips.

"Don't you people ever stop talking?" It muttered rhetorically. Stepping over the body it slipped silently into the shadows.