Chapter 13 Desires and Emptiness
Gabriella's dream: Four- year- old Gabriella painted a new picture. Suddenly her mother enters her chamber and bends down on her knees.
Mother: Come here! Come on, baby girl. Where are you? Huh? Did you hide yourself again? Here you are! Aw, you're a sneaky one, right? Yes you are!
Gabriella: Mommy, when will Daddy be back?
Mother: You know that when it comes to his job that daddy has no time to play.
Gabriella: I-I know, but you know that I wanted to give him something, you know?
Mother: What would that be, sweetheart?
Gabriella: You know, when I was with aunty Cathy we painted some pictures, you know? And-and I made one with me and you and daddy on it.
Mother: Wow, that's great, sweetheart, you wanna show me now?
Gabriella: Yay, I will get it. Wait here for me, mommy!
Mother: Of course, sweetie. Always.
Gabriella turned her back to her but when she turned to smile at her mother the place where she sat on before was empty. Suddenly she felt scared, angry and alone. The happy, sunny garden transformed into complete darkness and emptiness.
Gabriella: Everyone leaves me. No one loves me enough to stay with me. Why? Why does everyone leave me?
Many faces appeared above her and looked down at her. Sharpay spoke:" I cannot believe that I once was like you. Now I'm all the more glad to be a vampire. Don't think that you can be one as well. From your looks no one wants to know how your blood tastes." Gabriella's cheeks started to redden at her humiliating comment. Jack's face appeared:" All my friendly words and gestures weren't real, you know? You're just the key to having more humans as allies for the war. It makes me look like I am a real generous person who lets a human-being stay at his home. The best way to gain more popularity. But when our army is strong enough, we won't need you anymore." Then Troy's face appeared:" How cute, you really had a crush on me? Well, I can tell you that I won't ever end up with you, not even in a million years. But you won't be there then anyway so I don't have to worry about that. You know I just kissed you at the club the other night because I wanted to find out how it feels to kiss as a vampire a human and I can tell you, it was simply gross! And the best is that it was your first kiss, right? How hilarious and sad! I feel sorry for the next one you're going to kiss and slobber up all over. Anyway, if you may excuse me now, I have a date now with that hot redhead waitress. Don't wait up for me, baby!" Gabriella cried now and desperately wanted to escape from that cold and cruel world. But then another face appeared. It was Angelika's:" Gabriella, I am deeply sorry. I know that everyone told you that I'm a traitor for changing sides and going to the Weres. But can you see now why I did that? Because they treated me the same way as they do it again with you. Listen, I know that it must have looked like I am the bad one, but it was just because they manipulated you right from the beginning." Gabriella didn't know what to think or believe in anymore. Everyone just left her again. She felt so unloved. Unwanted. But Angelika looked with her bright, glowing face like an angel, representing hope and strength. Should she believe her? Angelika saw Gabriella's teary expression change, she listened. Without any hesitation she spoke up again:" I know how it is when everyone just leaves you alone even though they promised to stay with you through thick and thin, forever and for always. I wanted to stay with Troy together as well, but one day someone told me the truth about him and his clan. Dracula and all the others just want to be the mightiest and in favor for that they would do everything. That's why I changed sides before they were able to kill me!" Gabriella was confused now:" But why did they want to kill you?" Angelika smiled a sad smile:" Because some allies wanted a treat for being allies. But of course the mighty and generous Jack didn't want the other human-beings to notice that the vampires feed others with human-beings that's why he took me into his clan to make it look like I am a part of the family and when everything looks bright and shiny and no one pays attention to me anymore, I am useless." That was the word which affected Gabriella the most. Now Angelika got her full attention. Angelika knew that and continued:" But I can help you, Gabriella. We can help you." Gabriella didn't understand whom she meant with "we". Angelika explained:" The Werewolves. We are like a family who look after one another. Our pack wouldn't let you in because they are behind something but because we have so much love to give to those who need it the most. You can be finally yourself and won't have to worry about being left alone!" Gabriella looked at her feet, insecure whether she should believe her or not. Angelika knew in which vulnerable state that naïve, little girl was in and smirked when Gabriella seemed to believe her. Angelika held her hand out to her and spoke again:" Come with me, Gabriella. I'll take you to a better place where you can find you peace." Gabriella took her hand and let the light surround and embrace her. Leading her into sweet surrender.
Angelika opened her eyes and smirked. Because of Gabriella's naivety Angelika was able to gain the full control over her human body. Slowly she made her way towards the big mirror in the back of the room. She felt so weak and delicate in that human body. Now she had to accomplish her mission. And for that she had to wear something sexier than that long, pink and old fashioned nightdress. After she found a short, silk black nightgown she silently walked out of her room. She wasn't sure where to go but right with her first guess she reached Troy's chamber. With small and soundless steps she approached his bed where he laid topless.