A Bittersweet Memory

Wow, I'm surprised! Ten reviews and all I have up are two chapters...well...three chapters right now to be exact. All the same, thanks to all those who have reviewed my story, I really appreciate it! Some shout-outs before I begin:

Catwater- I'm pleased to hear you're enjoying the story! And don't worry, you'll see how Ember dies...my ideas tend to differ from other people's point of views.

Stackles- Heh, well, looks like we think a like...story ideas, I mean. As for Ember being a ghost, she's not a ghost yet in my story. And in this one, they're about the same age. It'll differ later on, you'll see. I'm not confusing you, am I?

Wolf-blades-wings- As I mentioned in the description of the story in chapter one, this actually takes place before my other Danny Phantom fanfic, which I'm also working on. Mrs. Wakeman has a friendship with Jack and Maddie and she tends to have a grudge against Vlad. If I'm confusing you, please let me know.

Linkmaste- thanks for your support!

I love all your reviews! Keep them coming! You guys rock! And now, here's chapter 3!

A/N: Flashbacks are in Italics.

Chapter 3

Ember sighed, leaning against Vlad as they walked side by side in silence, their hands still entwined. "Are you going to tell me what that was all about?" she asked, softly.

Vlad let out a heavy sigh. "It's a bit complicated to explain, Ember. A long story, really. You wouldn't want to hear it," he replied, looking a bit bored. As a matter of fact, he looked like he didn't want to talk about it, either.

Vlad closed his eyes, trying to forget about Maddie. But the memory of her turning him down was still fresh in his mind...

He stood still as Maddie crossed the science lab room to meet him. "You wanted to ask me something, Vlad?" she asked, sweetly.

"Um, yes. I was just wondering if you'd do me the honor of being my date for the senior prom?" he asked, innocently.

Maddie's smile vanished and a frown took its place. "I'm sorry, Vlad. Jack already asked me, and you know I can't turn him down. Please, understand."

Vlad nodded, letting out a defeated sigh and watched her leave.

"Vlad?" Ember's gentle voice broke his thoughts.

His eyes snapped open and he turned to face her, a fake grin on his face. "Sorry, Embs, I must have dozed off their for a few minutes," he fibbed.

Ember nodded, returning the smile. All of a sudden, she was beginning to feel a bit out of place, uncomfortable if you wish to call it. "I-uh-maybe you should just walk me back to my house, Vlad," she suggested, carefully.

Vlad's smile faded, and he was frowning slightly. "If that's what you want. I'll be glad to walk you back," he shrugged.

They walked back to Ember's house in silence. "Well, here we are," he announced, a bit hesitant. Before Ember's hand even reached the doorknob, Vlad grabbed her hand and whirled her around to face him.

"Vlad?" Ember asked, a bit surprised.

A smile crossed Vlad's face as he pulled her closer towards him. "Thank you, Ember," he spoke softly.

A blush crept across Ember'scheeks as she smiled back. "For what?"

He didn't respond. Instead, he pulled her even closer and pressed his lips against her in a passionate kiss. Ember's eyes widened and her blush deepened when he finally broke the kiss.

She stood still as she watched him start to walk away.

"Bye, Embs! I'll pick you up at seven tomorrow night!" he called, waving at her.

Ember leaned against the door and sighed heavily, waving back at him. She let her hand fall to her side as she closed her eyes, resting her head against the door. There was a part of Vlad that confused her, but the other part, the part that she had met just now, made her realize she had fallen in love with him.

Completely fallen in love with him...

To be continued!

Reviews greatly appreciated!