The crew got on their bikes, Laddie riding with Dwayne and Star riding with David. Paul offered for me to ride with him, but I refused, riding with Marco instead. They revved their engines and sped down the boardwalk. After almost hitting multiple civilians, they drove down a set of stairs onto the sandy beach. I squeezed my eyes shut in fear I'd fall off, but to my surprise, I didn't.

The crew drove across the sand like it was nothing, heading off below the boardwalk, driving between the support beams. From there, we found ourselves in the forest on the outskirts of town. After jumping over logs and swerving around rocks, they stopped on the edge of a cliff, barely missing the edge.

Marco got off his bike and helped me off after him; the others followed suit. David led the group down a long set of stairs that was attached to the side of the cliff, shaking as the wind hit it. We made it to the bottom and went through a tunnel that had an off-limits sign in bold letters.

After a short trek, we entered a giant cave of sorts. Paul lit a torch and then lit the tin garbage cans strewn throughout the space. At the center was an old fountain, cracked in two. There were posters, furniture, and random trinkets spread about. It looked almost like a little kid's fort.

"This used to be a hotel back in the day. When the big one hit San Francisco in 1906, the ground opened and this place took a header … right into the crack," David explained with a smile. "Now it's ours."

"And it's a wonderful place." Marco smiled.

"Yes, it is," David agreed, placing his hand on Marco's shoulder. "The boys and I have to go hunt. We'll take you along once you're settled, but for now, you can stay with Laddie and Star."

The four headed back the way we came. I sat by one of the lit garbage cans as Star led Laddie up to a curtained area; most likely a bedroom. After a short time passed, Star returned alone, sitting down beside me.

"Are you okay?" Star asked.

"Not really," I muttered, shaking my head. "This all feels like…"

"A nightmare?" Star finished, looking off into the far end of the cave. "I felt the same way at first."

"Are you a full vampire like them?" I asked.

Star shook her head. "No, Laddie and I are half vampires. We're still part human because we haven't consumed human blood, but my resolve is waning. I'm honestly not sure how long I can hold out before I lose control and join them."

"Can I ask who turned you and Laddie?" I asked, meeting Star's gaze. "If that's not too much to ask."

"No, you're fine. I'd run away from home and one night, David found me lying on the beach. He offered for me to stay with him and his crew until I got on my feet, but a week later, he tricked me into drinking his blood mixed with wine," Star explained, sighing. "I was furious when I found out and refused to become a full vampire like the rest of them. I tried to leave and figure it out on my own, but then Laddie was brought into the fold, and I couldn't abandon him."

"Did David turn Laddie to keep you from leaving?" I asked.

Star shrugged. "I'm honestly not sure, but I wouldn't be surprised."

"Were you two ever … a thing?" I asked.

"You mean together?" Star asked as I nodded. "No, I never loved David. He likes to be in control, and he knows he can do that with me."

"This whole situation makes my head spin," I muttered, rubbing my temples with closed eyes.

"I'm sorry," Star said, my gaze returning to her. "I'm sorry about your friend."

"Yeah, so am I. If I had just stayed with her…"

Star shook her head, squeezing my hand. "Then you would've died too. David saw something in you and saved your life. It's not the most glamorous but it's better than dying."

"I guess so," I said, noticing a battery-operated clock on the wall. "I better get going before my parents' worry."

I rose to my feet, Star grabbing my hand tight in hers. "You can't go home, Dawn. If you plan to fight your bloodlust as I have, the longer you surround yourself with your parents … the more likely you'll lose control. If you go back, you may do something you'll never forgive yourself for."

"I'm their only child. I can't just leave. I have to go back," I insisted, trying to pull my hand from Star's and failing.

"You can't, Dawn," Star said, shaking her head once again. "If you go back there, you'll kill them. A broken heart is better than an unbeating one, trust me."

"But I …" I began, tears coming to my eyes. "I never got to say goodbye."

Star looked to where Laddie was resting and then turned back to me. "I'll take you home so you can grab some clothes and leave a note for them to find, but we must hurry. The sun will rise in a few hours' time, and we may not be full vampires, but the sun is not fun to be stuck in."

"What about Laddie?" I asked.

"He's a deep sleeper and we shouldn't be gone long. Come on, let's go say goodbye."

Star pulled me out of the cave and back up the steps, stopping at the top of the cliff. The bikes were gone, leaving no way for us to travel.

"My house is all the way across town. How are we supposed to get there and back before the sun rises?" I asked with frustration.

"I've never done this before, but I think I can do it," Star said to herself, turning to face me. "What's your address?"

"Um, it's 143 Haggly Lane, but how are we going to get there?" I asked.

Star shook out her arms. "This is going to be a bumpy ride, so loosen up, and if you're afraid of heights, close your eyes."

"What are you…"

Star came up behind me and grabbed my waist. I peered back at her with confusion as a weird feeling came over me. I looked down and realized my feet were no longer touching the ground. I began to freak out as Star told me to breathe.

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying my best not to hyperventilate. I could feel the wind through my hair as we moved, the sounds of the city slowly getting louder. I dared to open one of my eyes to find the houses zooming underneath us, and after I got past the initial fear, it was actually kinda cool.

I pointed my house out to Star as she lowered us down into the backyard, away from any lights or prying eyes. When we landed, she let go and I caught my breath with a slow-forming smile.

"That was … fun," I whispered.

"Well, once you practice, you can do it too. Full vampires can fly for longer at a much faster speed, but us half vampires can still travel a pretty good distance," Star said, looking at the house. "Do you know what you're going to grab? I may be strong, but I don't want to hinder our flight."

"Yeah…" I muttered, remembering why we were there. "I know."

We walked over to the backdoor as I grabbed the key from under the mat. Once inside, we headed straight upstairs to my bedroom. I grabbed a pretty-sizable backpack and began shoving clothes into it. Once it was bursting at the seams, I handed it to Star, who slid it over her shoulders.

I found another bag under my bed and filled it with things that brought me joy. Family photos, a stuffed animal, my favorite blanket, a heart necklace, and my favorite perfume I spent way too much money on. I slid the bag over my shoulder, and we headed out of the room, closing the door for a final time.

Star led the way as trekked back to the yard. We were about to leave when I realized I forgot to leave a note. I quickly ran back into the house and tried to think of something that would lessen their worry. I didn't realize I was crying until the paper was wet with tears.

I wiped my face and finished the note, running back to Star. By the lightening sky, we both knew there wasn't much time and that we had to go now. I looked back at the house one final time before nodding to Star to tell her I was ready. She grabbed me by the waist, flying up into the sky. As we headed back to the hideout, the note I wrote replayed in my mind over and over again.

Dear Mom and Dad,

I'm leaving. With Brenda missing, I need something to get me out of my slump and I've met someone who will help me do just that. Don't worry, I'll be okay. I just need some time to discover what I want out of this life. I love you both and I'm sorry.

Love,

Dawn