ENJOY!

I needed to talk to someone. Someone that understood what I was going through. Someone I could tell my whole story to without leaving a single sordid detail out. I needed to talk to Luna.

I knew this plan was crazy. First of all, I had no idea where Luna was. She could be in Romania or as close as Hipsterville. As complicated as it sounded, I knew how to find out where she was just by making a phone call. I shut myself in my room and took out my cellphone. I dialed the numbers I had long since memorized and held the phone up to my ear.

"Coffin Club. How may I help you?"

"Hey Romeo, it's Raven. I need to speak to Jagger."

"He and his sister are in the back. They said something about staying a few days before handling some family problems and don't want to be disturbed by anyone."

"Just tell them I'm coming to see them."

"I'll see what I can do. Anything else you need?"

I took a deep breath before speaking again. It had been three hours since Alexander left, plenty of time to make it to their first stop. Vampires have to travel by car as far as they can and only get on a plane when it's absolutely neccessary to prevent anyone finding out what they really are and to stay out of the sun. "Ya. One more thing. Is Alexander Sterling there as well?"

"Ya. He and his family just stopped by to ask for directions to the Potterhouse Cemetary. Said something about seeing the grave of a relative. Said it was in a masoleum."

Perfect. "Thanks so much. Did they say how long they'd be in town?"

"Just the weekend. Look, I need to go. People are getting impatient for their drinks. Bye."

"Bye. Oh by the way. Next time they Sterlings come in, give them a round of Executions on me. Put it on Jagger's tab."

"Sure thing." I could hear the smile in his voice. "Bye kid."

"Bye."The line went dead. I knew where I needed to go to talk with Luna and get advice on what to do. I also knew where to find the love of my life. All I needed to do is get my parents to agree to let me see Aunt Libby. I had friday afternoon, saturday, sunday and even monday since it was labor day weekend.

Rather then pack at the last minute, I stayed up late getting everything crammed into my Emily The Strange suitcase. I finally got to bed around one in the morning. I woke up feeling groggy but determined. If I could leave today after school, I could spend the whole evening with Aunt Libby so she'd be out of the way for the rest of the weekend. She always felt guilty about leaving all the time if she didn't get to spend at least one evening with me.

I put on a red t-shirt with black designs and a pair of worn, dark denim jeans along with my red converses. Wearing red would put mom in a good mood and dressing appropriately would put dad in a good mood. I sat at the table, full of energy with my hair put back into a ponytail. "Morning!"

Mom was taken off guard. "Your hair's all put back. It's out of your face for once." She smiled approvingly at my choice of clothing.

"I thought I'd try something different. I have a question. I was looking through all Aunt Libby's postcards yesterday and I really miss her."

"That's not a question that's a statement." My dad smiled.

"Well the question is...I was wondering if today after school...if I could...I don't know, visit...her?"

Mom looked like she was really thinking it through. Dad looked indifferent to the matter. Mom was the one that decided what I could and could not do. It had always been that way. "Well, I suppose that would be fine. It is labor day weekend after all. You could head over this afternoon and come back monday afternoon. I'll call today while you're at school and make sure it's okay. I'll text you when I get an answer. Go pack before Becky gets here."

I smiled. "I already did."

She gave me a look of faux disaproval and continued eating her breakfast. After I had choked down a bowl full of mom's discusting oatmeal, I decided to wait outside. Becky came pulling up within minutes. She didn't look very happy when I climbed in. "What's with the frown suzy sunshine? I thought you were always in a good mood."

"Matt told me something last night that really upset me and we got into a bit of a fight."

"You and Matt? Fight? I just can't see those words going in the same sentence. Go on and tell me and then I've got some good news."

"Well...okay. After you left, Matt said Trevor was planning to swoop in on you in your time of need and take Alexander's place as your boyfriend because he really really likes you. I said it might be best to give Raven some healing time because she's hurting and he said you needed to stop taking Sterling back. He's hurt you by leaving more than once and it's time you wise up. He said that, not me. So I told him never to say that again and he sighed and we went back to watching our movie."

"You call that a fight? Anyway, I can see Matt's side (as hurtful as his side is) and I sometimes think the same thing. But that doesn't matter anymore."

"Why not? What's your news?" Curious.

"I'm visiting my Aunt Libby for Labor Day weekend. I called and Alexander is in the same town. His family decided to make a family trip out of going back home and he'll be there all weekend. I know the mansion is sold and there's no way he can come back but I still want to see him. I get to leave as soon as school lets out. Well, as long as Aunt Libby says yes. My mom is asking today."

She was silent at first, trying to process the plan no doubt. "Are...you sure you want to do it that way Raven?" She whispered quietly as she parked in the school parking lot. "I mean, he's gone and it might be best to stop...chasing after him. Fate is clearly telling you to stop wanting him. I sometimes agree with Matt when I say Trevor might just be a better option for you. When I say better, I mean a...healthier option...for you."

After I had a few moments to process what she said, I got out of the truck and walked towards the school without a single word. I found it very easy to concentrate in school but at the same time, very difficult. My mind was on hyperdrive lately. Trevor tried to talk to me several times but I ignored him along with Becky. When the final bell rang, I saw my mom pull up in front of the school. I dived in the front seat.

"Hey honey. Sorry I didn't text you, it took me till almost time to pick you up to finally get a answer from her. It's a yes. She really needs to answer her phone."

I giggled but it had an edge of hysteria. How could Becky say that to me? I know what I'm doing! I know who I love! Trevor is just a friend! Not even that! He's trash, He's trash!

"Raven? Are you okay? You look like you're gonna cry."

I took a deep, calming breath. "Ya. Everything's fine. I think I just might have something in my eye." I pretended to try to blink it out. We were silent for a long while. I noticed that my suitcase was already in the backseat and we were on our way to the bus station. "Mom?" I finally said.

"Yes honey?" She kept her eyes on the road but I knew she was listening.

"If a boy you liked was moving away and he was your boyfriend...and if you knew he liked someone else who still lived in the area he was moving...and you knew you had a chance to see him again after he left...would you go or would you face facts."

"Well let's see...would this boy happen to be Alexander?"

"Well...ya."

"What girl?"

"...Luna."

"Did he tell you he liked her?"

"No...well, not exactly. I can just see the way he looks at her when she had visited last school year."

"First off, if this trip is just some clever scheme to have a secret meeting with Alexander before he leaves for Romania then...well I guess bravo. You did a great job getting this trip planned. You've honestly got a gift for acting. Aunt Libby would be proud."

"Don't think of it that way. I don't know if I can meet with Alexander. I really want to see Aunt Libby and if she takes me to see him, that would make a great weekend. You're not mad?"

"You're growing up. You are technically old enough to move out so I can't say much about this decision. But if you honestly want my advice, I can see why you worry about it and I want you to keep a clear head and an open mind when I say...If Alexander is moving and you both know he loves someone else...well...don't you think chasing after him is only making you miserable? What will you do when he's actually gone forever. I can't afford for you to fly to Romania regularly to make sure he's stayed faithful."

I sighed. "I'm honestly making myself miserable aren't I?"

She nodded with a simpathetic expression. We pulled into the bus station and she helped me get my suitcase onto the charter bus. After a long goodbye hug, she left and I settled myself into a seat at the back of the bus before checking my text messages. There was one from Becky, one from Trevor, and one from an unfamiliar 's read,

You're probably already on the bus heading for your aunt's. I just wanted to say I'm sorry we fought. I hate it when we get into fights. I know how much you love Alexander and I guess you honestly need this closure. XOXO, Becky

I smiled, glad I had a chance to patch things up with her.

I'm sorry too. I know what I'm doing and I'll try to keep an open mind and a clear head. XOXO, Raven

Trevor's message shocked me. It was so paniced, it worried me.

Please don't leave Raven! I didn't mean to freak you out! Becky said you were leaving to go to your aunt's! You're not living with her forever are you? I'm sorry! I won't ever kiss you again, I swear! -Trevor

I fought down a hysterical laugh and typed a reply at light speed.

Relax Trevor. Take a chill pill. I'm just visiting my Aunt Libby for the weekend. I'll be at school tuesday. I really am not mad at you. I'm on the bus right now. Maybe we can text till I arrive at the station. :) -Raven

The unknown number was just a blank text. It must have been a typo or something. I looked at the person's signature at the bottom of the message. 'NightOwl'. I laughed at it. Someone who likes the night too. My revel was short lived because I got a reply message from Trevor.

Sorry for freaking out like that. I guess you're laughing yourself silly about my text with everyone on the bus. -Trevor

No worries. There are only three people on this bus besides me. Two old people at the front who are only talking to eachother and the bus driver himself. I'm all by myself in the back. -Raven

I'm sorry, must be boring. You dropped your charm bracelet at school. I'm holding onto it right now. I'll give it back when you get home. -Trevor

Crud! I love that bracelet. My mom gave it to me freshman year. She gives me a charm for every A I bring home in math. -Raven

There's only six. None of my business. I stink in math too. If I wasn't on the soccer team, I'd not be graduating. The coach gives us connections. -Trevor

Six huh? I thought there was seven. Nvrmnd. I usually get B's in math anyway. -Raven

The charms are cute. They're pictures of apples and little A's and one that says Math. I guess it's rather appropriate considering what you had to do to get them. -Trevor

lol. -Raven

I miss your laugh...sorry. You probably hate hearing how infatuated I am with you. I'll help set things straight at school. We'll tell everyone we had a big fight and you got back together with Alexander who then left for his creepy castle in Romania. -Trevor

Don't make me hurt you. -Raven

How? You're an hour away by now on a bus heading for the gothic capital of America. But at this point, I don't doubt anything you claime you're capable of. You're starting to get out of your obsession with the color black. Red really suits you. -Trevor

I see the city limits. The bus station is a few minutes away. ttyl -Raven

Have fun. ttyl. -Trevor

When the bus pulled in, I saw Aunt Libby from my window. She was wearing her bellbottom jeans and a green halter top with gysie sandals and a flower in her hair. I ran as fast as one could who was being weighed down by a two ton suitcase and flung myself into Aunt Libby's arms.

"Raven! It's so nice to see you again!" She broke the hug and had me step back a couple steps. "Just let me look at ya. "Oh, you look so grown up!" She pulled me back into the hug then pulled me away again, keeping me at arm's length. "But I thought you always wore black. What brough on the change."

"If I'm being honest...I don't know. It just...I don't know, sort of happened I guess..." I couldn't remember for the life of me why I had switched my preference from black to red. I only remember that the shift started shortly after Trevor came into my life...

"Come on, come on! Let's get back to the apartment." We shoved my suitcase into the trunk of her flower power vintage beatle and headed for her place.

Aunt Libby lived in downtown Hipsterville in a cute, bohemian apartment. Everyone in Hipsterville is very eccentic, but if you had to pick the neighorhood that stood out the most, it was definately Aunt Libby's. Aunt Libby's green townhouse apartment was one of the many that took up the whole block in a fabulous aray of colors ranging from blue to green to purple to pink. Everyone living in these was either artsy, or a vegie lover, or actors, or environmentalists, or all four just like Aunt Libby. I think the only think that ever puts me off about coming here is the fact I'm not allowed to eat meat. She does, however, permit tons of junkfood as long as it's meat free.

I felt a huge smile light up my face as we drove down the familiar street. Many neighbors waved as they recognized the car. After we pulled in, the neighors in the blue house next door came to say hello. "Hey Ella, hey Tim. This is my niece, Raven Madison. She's my brother's eldest kid."

Ella was a tall, slim woman with blond hair that looked like she could model but chose to dress plainly in paint splattered overhalls and Tim was a short, old man who was not only bald but had on gardening gloves and a garden shovel in his hand. Tim looked quiet and shiftly and possibly senial but Ella shook my hand and dove right into her greeting. "It's so nice to finally meet you Raven." She had a Romanian accent. That sent a surge of enthusiasm through me. Maybe she'd met Alexander one night in Romania while she was clubbing or modeling for one of Alexander's father's many art companies.

"You're from Romania?" I asked.

"Raven," scolded Aunt Libby. "Do you have to assume everyone is Romanian because of their accent. You watch too many vampire movies."

"No. It's perfectly alright." Ella smiled widely with a smile right out of a toothpaste comercial. "I am from Romania actually. I grew up there and moved to America a year ago when I was eighteen to pursue my art career. No female artist can catch a break in Romania. Well, no artist for that matter. Everyone only wants to buy their art from the Sterlings." She said their name in distaste.

"You know the Sterlings?" I asked, ready to spend all afternoon grilling her until I found out how much she knew of them before they came to open an art branch in Dullsville.

"How do you know them?" She seem to reavaluate me as someone who got around a lot more then the adverage person to know who the Sterlings were myself.

"I'm dating their son actually." I said prowdly. "Alexander Sterling." I added to assure her I wasn't lying and knew exactly who they were.

"Wow." She raised her perfect eyebrows over her violet eyes. Man! How do you run into people this perfect who don't realize their true calling is to model? "I wasn't aware they had a son." There was something about the way she said it that made me think she was lying. I gave Ella another meaningful look but let it slide. I'd talk to her on my own later an see what she knew about the Sterling's son that I didn't.

"Ya. Alexander's family came to open a branch of their company in my home town and when they left back for Romania, Alexander stayed behind along with the butler. I ended up meeting him on Halloween night and one thing led to another and we were dating."

"That's cool." She looked like she wanted the conversation to end. "Anyway, it was nice seeing you Raven. Call me if you wanna carpool to yoga tonight Libby. Come on daddy, it's time to get your pills in you and take a nap. She led the bewildered old man inside by the arms.

"See you Ella." Libby called and helped me bring my suitcase inside. "I'm sorry, I forgot all about yoga tonight. You wanna come with me Raven? I'm sure I have a pair of black sweatpants for you."

"No that's okay. I'm just so tired after school and then the bus ride...I just wanna crash really. I was thinking you and I could do a ton of stuff tomarrow morning."

"That sounds a lot better. Give you a chance to get settled." Instead of sitting my suitcase on the couch, she walked back towards the hall. "I finally cleaned out that spare room. You're welcome to have it. Right now, there's only a futon and a dresser but I hope it'll do."

"That actually sounds great." She opened the door to a room with a red futon with a black comforter and pillow set and a wooden dresser.

"Sorry. If I knew you liked red now, I wouldn't got a red comforter."

"No it's great. I like black still too."

"Well then I guess that's all settled. Feel free to stick all your clothes in the dresser and make it your own. I'm gonna make us some supper before yoga."

She left me to get unpacked then. I giddily unzipped the suitcase and began putting all my clothes into the wooden, three drawered dresser and piling the top with my Olivia Outcast Journal and all my jewelry and makeup. After placing my scare bear plushie on the bed against a pillow, I headed for the kitchen, feeling satistfied that the room was truely mine.

I smelt veggie burgers (which taste scarily like the real thing) and saw Aunt Libby's famous dip platter on the table. It had tortilla chips and a trio of cheese dip, salsa, and that white dip I can never remember the name of. After I shoved a chip loaded with all three dips in my mouth, I forced down a burger and practically a whole gallon of coke. When the dinner table was cleaned off and all the dishes were washed and dried, the sun was just beginning to set.

While Aunt Libby got ready for yoga class, I spent a good fifteen minutes straightening my hair and putting on my makeup. Red lipstick had fully replaced the want to wear black lipstick. I decided to wait till Aunt Libby was gone to change to keep her from getting suspicious. She gave me a quick hug, grabbed a green medicine ball and was gone. I ran to the room and threw on the red dress mom had bought me and put on black fishnet stockings with red fishnet, fingerless gloves that went to my elbows. I put on my knee high black converses and headed out the door with my purse. After locking up with the key Aunt Libby kept hidden in the porch light, I was running down the street as fast as I could.