Hi guys….so while waiting on more reviews imma go ahead with the next chap!

BTW: sorry for grammar errors or missing words…I literally stayed up almost all night writing this.

Hope you like. Enjoy. And please give your thoughts.

Chapter 5

Rivers were always my favorite places to be near at nights. The calm of the water as it swayed with its current. The way it looked when the moon light beamed over it, making it look magnificent. The Rivers are a place where I can let myself think. Or cry alone. Rivers are better to be at then in some ancient clothing store with Claire and her whacky mom. I knew Claire would make a big deal out of this stupid day…..although meeting Michael's parents, its not stupid no…..but it is nerve racking. Funny I was meeting them when im now fifteen. One more year. I said to myself. Looking at my reflection in the oval shaped full body mirror I still saw a fourteen year old, trying to be fifteen. And someone who really looks bad in pastel dresses. I sighed. Sucked in a breath then pulled the dressing room curtain back. I heard a gasp from ahead, Claire who was now at my side was cooing all over me. I love her but Good lord. "You look so pretty!" She exclaimed.

I looked at her while shaking my head. She frowned. "You don't like it?"

"I don't. The color is not my style…and the collar is way to tight." I tugged on the collar. "Claire why are we here….im not the shop till you drop kinda girl."

Claire gave me a thin small smile. "No you're not. You're my friend who is finally fifteen. I just want to treat my friend to whatever before she goes off to meet the parents of the prince."

When she put it like that I guess I had to grin and bear it. For Claire's sake. I mean she did it with me on her fourteenth birthday yesterday. I took her anywhere she wanted. Whatever she wanted it was hers. It was fun and I only wanted her to enjoy her birthday. I guess she wishes the same for me. I nodded to Claire. "Though…..can I get a better dress? This one feels like it should be on an old lady then a teenager." That earned me stares from an old woman across the room at the check out. Oops.

"Whatever my queen…" Claire giggled. "Its your day."

I glared at her. "That's not even funny."

Claire stuck her tongue out before moving to a rack with junior size dresses hanging on it. She held up a baby blue one. I made a face. She silently put it back. She grabbed another. This one was white. With ruffles across the chest and shoulders, it was long sleeves too. The ruffles were at the bottom of the dress. "Try it before ditching it."

I nodded. After changing into it I noticed it revealed my bare shoulders a bit, but not to much. Thank goodness. I made my way back to Claire with a smile. "Totally."

She curved a smile. "Lets buy it then go. I saw that new diner open up in the market place."

"Im not allowed there though."

"Your with me. Besides its not like you steal things. They should know by now you stopped doing that. Besides you look thin."

I stared down. She was right. The dress showed my curves in all the right places, trouble is that my body has became more thinner these days. I laid a hand on my tummy with a frown. "I don't look sickly thin do I?"

She gave me a look over. "Your legs are twigs. But other than your legs I think your fine. Mentioning your legs….or feet, whatever. We should buy you high heels."

"No. I walk barefoot or flats."

"Okay. Okay. Get with the 1900s already. This isn't the age where we bathe in river banks or pee in woods, or dress like a jungle peasant."

"It is when you live here. Morganville residents call this place a village when it's a town in the middle of the desert, that has lots of riverbanks. I mean Oliver calls me peasant…..when there are no such things as peasants."

"Technically we are peasants okay maybe not but we are commoners since we are ruled by a king and queen."

"I don't know. Its just sure in other places it's close to the end of 1913 but in this town…well….you just feel like your in the olden days where the called towns villages." I said, giving the lady at the register my money as we stood at the check out. The lady gave me a look as she stared at the dress.

"You sure you can afford this kid?" She asked. With a hint of laughter in her voice.

"Yes miss we can." I told her with irritation in my voice. Claire grabbed my arm, digging her nails into it in warning that I shouldn't do something stupid. Claire stared up at the woman.

"Its my gift to her."

The lady nodded. "Explains it." She said, handing back a box. I stared at the woman. "Explains what?" I asked, offended.

She stared at me. "I just thought-"

"I was too poor to afford your store? Just because im dressed like this doesn't mean im poor. It means that im comfortable with what I wear. Unlike people like you who shun other just because their not wearing a fancy ass dress!" I raged. Claire was tugging on my arm.

"Eve your making a scene."

"If your not poor then why have you stolen apples. Bread. Even some pairs." The woman urged.

"At that time I had no guidance. My mother died so my father drunk himself into depression, which made it hard on money! You got anymore questions you old bat!" I yelled. This time Claire stepped in front of me grabbed my face so that I'd look at her.

"Stop it." She calmly said. "Calm down Eve. She probably was just curious. Now lets just go."

I Was just about calm when then lady said. "Should listen to your friend. At least she has the brains to know not to fight out of your league."

I began to charge at her but was held back by Claire. "Stop it Eve!" She yelled as she pulled me out of the store. Once the door closed I huffed breaths with anger. Claire's face was red. Her eyes were on me, those eyes were filled with embarrassment and anger. Great.

"What?" I asked.

"Do you have to cause a scene everywhere we go!? Dear god Eve you shouldn't let people get under your skin like that!" She yelled. "I just wanted a normal day! With no drama! With no fights!" She continued with a shaky voice. "Its your birthday too! What if that woman had a gun or she would of called the police for your outrage back there!" She shook her head as tears formed in her eyes. "I just wanted…." She stopped as she tried to fight back tears. I held up my hands as I got close to her.

"Okay. Okay, your right I shouldn't had done what I did. I was in the wrong." I held her shoulders. She leaned her head against my shoulder as I heard her sobbing.

"I just wanted your birthday to be special…and now its ruined!" She cried. I hugged her, rubbing her back in a comfort way.

"It is special sweetie. It could never be ruined."

"Yes it is! I cant do anything right!"

"No its not. And don't you say that again. You can do a lot right Claire. I mean you were the calm one back there. If you weren't here I'd be in jail by now." I held her at arms length, wiped her tears off her small pale face. "Now stop that crying. Our food will be gross if it has tear drops on it." I cracked a joke, making her chuckle.

"Thanks. Sorry for blowing up like that." She said as we started walking. Hand in hand.

"I'd do the same thing if it was my dad who blew up and I had to drag him out….which he has done it before. It must run in the family."

Claire laughed. "I remember your mom doing that when a lady pushed you down."

I gave her a proud smile. "That was my mother. Talk about her family in any negative way or do something to her family and she'll kick your ass."

"I miss her." Claire said. She looked at me. "How do you feel about it being almost two years…."

I shrugged. "Im not sure. I guess time gets away from you when you don't have a mother to slow it down for you."

Claire nodded. "If your mother was here she'd be all over your case about getting married to young."

"Well that's why I haven't told her yet….and its been a while since I've seen her…..hence why I haven't told her." I responded. Frowning as I imagined her voice inside my heads. "Your too young!" She'd say. "I refuse to let my girl go to soon damn it! A mother has her rights!" She'd continue to hound me day in and out about. It would of driven me crazy. I slowed in my tracks, remembering the times she'd tell me not to do something, and I didn't anyway. "My little girl. You just don't listen do you. This is why I tell you to not climb trees." She scolded me then hugged me while I cried. I felt pain swell deep in my chest. I miss her hugs. I miss her kisses. "Spirit?" A voice brought my unwanted tears to a hault. I blinked them away before looking at Claire. She had a concern look on her face. "You okay?"

I faked a smile. "You bet." I started running ahead hugging the boxed dress against my chest. "Come on slow poke im hungry!" I laughed.

"Wait!" She laughed while running after me. I'll have to mask my pain for now.

Later….I'll visit the River, in the memorial of my mother….

After recoiling my past life at the River I decided to get dress for my dinner date with Mike and his parents. At the vanity mirror where I sat Claire stood brushing my hair as I stuck small earrings in my hair, which earned me a pull from Claire. "Stop moving so much." She ordered.

"Sorry sorry…..Im just so jittery." I confessed. I stared at the mirror, watching Claire stroke the brush through my hair. Claire was dressed in her white night gown that stopped to her knees. Her hair was wet from her recent bath. It covered her shoulders as she kept brushing looking dazed in thought. "So got any plans tonight?" I asked.

"Maybe. Shane is supposed to be coming over to hang out since my parents are yet again out of town." She said the last part in a bitterly voice. I understood how she felt somehow, hating being left in the dark and being abandoned by your own parents….I knew exactly how it felt, though she says different, she tells us its just business and acts that she doesn't care when she obviously does. Maybe that's why her parents let me stay here. To keep their daughter from being alone. Her parents travel a lot and she hates staying home by herself. She hates being alone. So she'd hang out at Shane's or Michael's place, mainly Shane's though, or have us come over. I saw the sadness in her eyes as she combed her fingers through my long hair. She smiled at me in the mirror. Obviously masking her pain just like I did. "Your done-Wait!" She grabbed a big barrette that appeared to act like a ribbon that was tied in a bow. She took pieces of my hair from each side then started braiding it, finishing it off with a clasp of the barrette. She took a step back before combing my bangs. Once done she took a step back as I gazed in the mirror. "Don't you look beautiful."

I blushed. "Do not." I muttered. Claire giggled as she skipped over to sit on her bed. I got up, pulled up the dress some, it went to my ankles. It felt weird but that's only because I was used to wearing my normal brown dress that stopped at my knees. Though thinking about it now I could use more longer dresses. Im just this dress isn't to formal nor to casual. "Well…im ready." I laughed nervously.

Claire made a effortful smile appear on her face. "Michael is going to eat you up!" She winked.

I felt more blushing coming on. "Oh quiet…." I stared at her as she laughed then started gazing out the window with a mouth that formed a straight line. "Are you going to be okay here?"

She looked over at me. For a moment she still had a gazing look on her face then she blinked and it was gone by the time she stood up to come walking me in the living room. "Yes. Im fine. Shane will be here soon."

"Maybe I should call this off. Tell Michael im sick or-"

"And let that hair and dress go to waste? I think not." Claire said. She went into the kitchen. I followed. I leaned against the kitchen, watching her prepare food. I frowned. "Claire….I know your hiding your feelings from me."

She laughed. "Im hiding nothing from you. Im an outgoing person who shows her emotions at anytime. You should know that."

Except for now. You want to hide it so I wouldn't cancel. I wanted to say but instead I kept quiet for a moment. "Tell me….your not upset that your parents are still gone….Even though they promised they'd be back by your birthday. Are you?" I asked. She stopped from what she was doing which was in the process of putting a pan over the burner of the small stove that must have been costly to buy. She looked at me with a face that wasn't the Claire I knew at all. This Claire looked like a fragile, hurt, young child who'd been abandon to fend for herself in this cold ruthless world. "They're business workers." She looked away. Her hair hiding the side of her face. She gently put the pan down but didn't go to turn on the stove. She grabbed some sliced bread and held the bread in her hands as she looked down at it as if it was going to tell her something important. She began, in a steady voice, making sure she wouldn't cry I bet. "I cant….I cant make them stay…. Its their job to travel. I wished they'd take me along….sometimes at least."

I recalled the time she went on vacation with them last summer. "Didn't you go on a vacation with them last summer….you know before school started back up."

Thank god its Christmas break. I despise the place. Its not like I want to go there. Im forced. "Yes. But even then my dad was on his cell phone and my mother was glued to her computer…..I ended up being sent to my grandmothers for the rest of the summer…since my parents had another trip to go on and couldn't take me…." She sighed.

"But you told us you had a great time on your summer away."

She lifted her head up then put the bread down. She looked over at me with a small smile. "It wasn't all bad. My grandma is the best when it comes to company. Plus she had a lake there so I swam all day….and some of the nights away." Before I could respond there was a knock at the door. Claire puffed up her chest as she smiled a bright one. "Looks like Mikey's here!" She cheered as she skipped to the door looking different from before. Masking. She was throwing the pain inside her to the side. Claire…. Claire was my the first friend I ever had. We met at a birthday party that a kid invited us to, he was from our care center. that's where we both bonded over red velvet cake and chocolate ice cream. That's also where we met Shane and Michael.

Shane and Michael were playing with fake swords, pretending they were pirates on a battleship.

"We're pretending to be pirates! Now go away!" Shane had said with a whine thrown into the last part. He shoved the sword towards Michael who blocked it. I rolled my eyes. "You boys don't know anything about pirates! Stupid boys!" I'd screamed before snatching Michael's sword then kicking Shane's out of his hand. They stared at me with bafflement. Then Michael started to cry. Shane was at his side in minutes. I sighed then handed him his sword. "There. Now stop being a baby. Your supposed to be a boy!" I'd pointed out.

"Gender doesn't matter! I'll cry if I want to!" He took the sword from me then gave me a small smile. "Want to be friends?"

I gave him a shocked look, turned to Claire who nodded. I turned back to him. "Sure. Lets all be friends. Im Eve Rosser….although my mama calls me Spirit."

Michael chuckled. "Cool name! Im Michael Glass! That's Shane!" He smacked the brown head, brown eyed boy on the shoulder. I laid my hand on Claire's "This is my new friend Claire!"

She gave us all a smile. "Being friends will be amazing! Right Spirit?"

I gave her a nod. "Totally!"

It didn't occur to me then but looking back on it I didn't see Claire with her parents. I just assumed they were waiting for her. Though I should of expected that they weren't at home when I went over for a play date. Even then our little Claire was all alone. In this house she calls home. "Hey Spirit." I heard a male voice from behind. Turning I saw Michael in a dress shirt, sleeves neatly rolled up stopping just under his elbow. He had on a black unbuttoned vest over his dress shirt. His dress pants were black as well, along with his fancy dress shoes. Glad I bought some new dress shoes to match this dress or I'd look like an idiot for having regular shoes on. He gave me a dashing smile. "God you look beautiful." He said as he gave me a soft and quick greeting kiss. He held out a bouquet of my favorite flowers. The flowers my mother loved as well and showed me just how beautiful they really were. They were roses, and yes roses are beautiful but the roses that me and my mother loved so much were rare ones. Blue roses. Their color was to die for once you saw them you'd fall in love with them at first sight. They also smell wonderfully good. It smells like a red rose but better. It has more sweetness, more refreshment to life, and like fresh rain drops that just appeared. My jaw stood open in surprise as he held them out to me. He smiled. "One time you told me you wanted a bouquet of blue roses from the man you first fall for. And you also told me you believe that love at first sight exist." His face grew a little red, along with the tips as his ears as he continued. "Blue roses symbolizes love at first sight….you also told me that….so umm I kind of wanted to make this bouquet our symbolization of our love…..Since we did fall for each other at first sight…at least I did." I let out a little laugh that sounded more like a shocking choke then laughing. I took the bouquet in my hands, then noticed one was not real. I pulled it out of the bouquet then rose a brow at him.

"Eve do you want me to-" Claire gestured to the roses. I gave her a smile.

"We needed a decoration for your room….could we?"

"Of course." She smiled before leaving me and Michael alone with a fake rose that stayed in his hand.

"What's with the fake one?" I asked, sliding my hand in his free hand. He grabbed my hand gently as he smiled down at me. His blue eyes were filled with love as we gazed at each other. "This fake rose." He stared. He held up the rose before we both looked at it. "Symbolizes the time I get to spend with you. To hold you. And to love you. It wont die….like this rose….don't think of it as a fake rose-." He said the last part because I was about to say something. "-Think of it as…everlasting life of love." He smiled bigger showing some of his teeth. "Like our lives will be."

I felt blushes coming upon me at all angles as he grabbed my waist to pull me closer to him, his lips met mine in a flash. I hugged his neck as I pushed my lips more onto his. Finally he pulled away for air. His face was really red, probably just like mine. "I love you." He said.

I gave him a shy smile. Those words from his mouth still gives me the shivers. He's my best friend, my boyfriend and now my soon to be husband. What more could I ever want. "I love you too." I kissed his nose before pulling back when there was a knock at the door. I held up a finger to Michael, signaling him to wait then rushed to the door. Opening it I saw Shane standing there. He was in a brown long sleeved dress shirt, a white unbutton vest over the shirt. He was wearing brown slacks and white dress shoes. His hair was parted to one side, hanging around his face. His hair framed his face pretty good. I thought looking at the spiked out ends of his hair that stopped at his neck. His brown eyes gazing at me. "Could you stop gawking!" He growled, his face grew red along with the tips of his ears.

"S-sorry I just….you usually just wear a vest and slacks….and sandals. There are rare times you actually dress up. Especially in shirts." I moved aside. He shuffled in, hands in his slack pockets. He turned to me.

"Yeah well….tell Claire to get dressed." He said. I rose a brow in wonderment.

"I want to take her out tonight….its bad for a person to stay cooped up in a house for to long. Plus she sounded down in the dumps when she came by today. Sure she can smile and play happy…but there's something bugging her. And tonight I just want to show her some bit of happiness. So go. Tell her."

I stared at him for a while till his face soured in irritation. I held up my hands then scurried off. I went to the kitchen thinking she was still there but nope. The stove was still off, the pan and bread was still there. Odd. Claire is the girl to clean up before leaving a room. I backed out then passed Michael who was now talking to Shane. I gone into our room to see her looking at the roses that sat on the bedside table beside my bed. The roses were in a ancient looking vase that had drawings all around it. At least it was a black vase. "Claire?"

She jumped a little then looked up to see me. She laughed. "You startled me. Aren't those parents waiting for you…" They are. But Claire is more important at this time.

"They are but….Shane's here. He told me to tell you get dressed…something dressy. He's taking you out."

She looked taken aback. "Where?"

I shrugged. "I could do you hair…" I offered but she shook her head. "Thanks but your already late as it is. You need to go. Im in good hands now." She got to my side in seconds and took my hand. "Shane's here. I'll know he'll take good care of me."

"He better." I sighed. "Alright….I'll be home as soon as I can." I told her.

"Don't rush it. You and Mike need the time. So now…leave." She spun me around to the door then shoved me off, with a smack on my rear which made me go further. I looked back to see her smile before closing the door. There must be something wrong. Maybe its not her parents. Maybe its….something about her? I shook my head exiling that thought since she tells me practically everything. I got to Michael's side. "She's getting ready now. Shane….take good care of her?"

He gave me a warm smile. "Planning to…. See you later." He held up his hand, Michael and I did the same then headed off to the carriage. Once inside the carriage and we were moving Michael held my hand. "I left the everlasting rose on the table."

"Im sure Claire will put it on my bed for me." I said.

"Speaking of Claire….how is she? She seemed…not herself."

"I know. She's been like that since I got back from the River and she got back from Shane's apparently." I frowned. "I hope he makes her better."

Michael grinned. "I know he will."

"Whats with the grin?" I asked raising my brow. He chuckled then cleared his throat. "Well I wasn't supposed to tell you but Shane told me that he's confessing his feelings on this date he planned."

I widened my eyes. "So it was a date…." I shook my head. "Should've known. Its so typical Shane."

Michael nodded. He pulled back the curtain of the window on his side. It revealed buildings passing by, cars that moved around us, and trees that waved at us as the wind blew in. "Hey…how did you remember what I talked about….I mean the blue rose. I was around ten or eleven when I said that to you."

Michael gave me a sweet smile. " I remember everything you tell me. Like when you were eight and you wet your pants in front of the whole class, your faces was so wet and red from how mad you were for crying."

I blushed. That wasn't my best year. "Well I hate crying….at least in front of people."

Michael nodded. "That's what you told me. I told you it was alright to cry….and you said. "I hate crying…..at least in front of people." then you sobbed even more. You were so cute back then."

"And im not cute now? Thanks." I teased. He chuckled then kissed my lips.

"Your beautiful. A small duck who grew into a beautiful swan." He said. I blushed even more and pushed him off.

"Jeez my face will be red all my life if I stay with you." I laughed. He hugged my shoulder. He stayed silent along with the smile that's been on his face since he saw me. I laid my head on his shoulder. Closing my eyes I pictured the parents of Michaels then opened them and pulled away from where I laid. "Michael…what if this is a mistake….what if your parents hate me….or want us apart. They'll think I wont be good enough for you….then their exile me for infecting their son-" The touch of his hand on my cheek made me stop in mid sentence to look at him. He was still smiling. "Aren't you at all worried!?" I asked with panic in my voice. Though it settled when he stroked my cheek. "No." He said in a soft voice. His other arm was propped up on the back of the seat, his body facing mine. He took a look out of the small back window beside us then gazed back at me. "My parents are not in control of my life. I will not allow them to make choices for me to benefit themselves. You're the girl im with. I will be with forever and if they're not willing to accept that then I will disown them as parents. I wont be king. Honestly I could care less about ruling. They should let my grandpa do it instead of me. He has more experience and has immortality going for him. So it's a win situation. But no my parents have to make me a ruler of a town full of vamps."

I bit my lip. "So your letting them control you then, if you say their making you-"

"No. no. I mean their pestering me about it and they will till I give in. though I wont. But my dad told me I will rule rather I'd want to or not….." He bit his lip then his head turned towards the window. His hand pulled back from my cheek to only go to my hand. "I don't want to rule it…but the people who live here….are good people and deserve the best so they are the only reason im doing this. Not because of my parents or I have to…" His chin rested on top of his propped up arm. His eyes shifted as he peered out the window. "And….if am forced to be a king….then I want a girl that I've loved most of my life to be with me instead of a princess I hardly know….. Plus there's not a lot of princesses out there and the princess's that I've got to know were demanding, rude, or uncaring. They would make horrid queens." He angled his head to where the side of his face was on his arm and his eyes were on me.

"But a down to earth girl like you who cares for the dead or living…. Even for some vampires is a girl for me. Respectable. Independent. Gracious. And a little rambunctious when upset. A girl who speaks up and tells people what's on her mind….that is a true queen…at least in my eyes."

I gave him a small smile before looking down. My hand grasped his. I looked at him. "Do you…really see me…the girl who talks to the dead, lashes out, bathes in rivers even though there are good bathrooms in a house, a girl who spends her times in the woods remembering her far away past…a girl who screws up on everything in school a girl who-"

His hand pulled away from mine to plop on my head. He lifted himself up, scooting closer to me in the process. He leaned close to me. "A girl who isn't afraid to tell any person off if they mess with her. A girl who does her best in school even though she hates every minute of it. A girl who has so much love in her heart that it sometimes bleeds tears as she sits alone in the woods. A girl who is isn't afraid to take a risk and bathes in the River or who doesn't care what other people say….. That's the girl I see. Im not going to pressure you into being queen….we will get married but I wont have you queen if you don't want to….but I do see you as one. So stop stressing over frivolous things. Just do as your mom always said. Keep calm-"

"And Live on…" I finished, I forgot that motto. Its been a long time since I heard that. My mom was the only one who used it so when she died….it sort of disappeared. Michael smiled. Gave me a kiss then pulled away when the carriage door opened.

"You ready?" He asked.

I gave him a small smile. "Im calm….so lets live on."

Michael chuckled.

I always loved Michael's house. It was so ancient. And big. A castle from the middle age times I think. It was always fun to run around with Michael when were here. I used to hide in the strangest places, took him forever to find me. Eventually the king got tired of us running around and told us not to play in the castle. That was the last time I saw his parents, other than parades or formal events like the ball that was held here about a month ago. that's when it all happened. "Still big as ever." I said. "Do you really need that big of a castle to live?"

"Well no. To me a small cabin house or a two story would suffice but my dad loves to just go all out….. Even though he has only one son and many bedrooms that get left empty." Michael side as he reached for the door but the door opened up before he could do it himself. The door opening revealed a old man who was in a butlers uniform. He had a furry mustache along with his eyebrows. He nodded. "Welcome sir Michael." He stood aside as we shuffled through. The huge door closed with a bang that echoed throughout the walls. "The king and queen have been waiting for a while. Is everything alright?"

"Yes. Just had stuff to do." Michael said before pulling me down the stairs and into a door that was an entering to what appeared to be a dining room. As we approached the dinner table the man and woman who were sitting stood. They looked perturbed as all get out. "Michael where were you?" Michael's dad asked sternly.

"Yes. The dinner got cold. Lateness are not acceptable at a formal dinner. You should know that. And what is that girl wearing? Her shoulders are showing…." I forgot how Michael's mom was so stuck in the time where women were covered head to toe. Michael rolled his eyes, shredded his vest then gave it to me. He smiled apologetically. I nodded. Grabbed the vest and slung it on. At least this dress didn't show cleavage. She would of fainted if it did. Bad this is I would of laughed. Though I wouldn't tell Michael that.

"Sorry for being late. We had things to do before coming."

That didn't disperse the sour looks on both his parents. They glared at us. I slowly inched behind Michael. "Well if you'd had time to chit chat about your ludicrous love lives then you had time to be here when the food was warm and ready." Michael's dad snapped. I saw Michael's jaw tightened as something shifted from those blue eyes of his. His eyes were filled with fury and anger. Michael kept control as he shoved his hands in his pockets.

"I said sorry. Lets just drop it." Michael said as he started for the chair that was probably meant for me.

"Sorry isn't good enough son." Michael's mom said then glared at me. "Shay…..how nice of you to come." Her kindness was as fake as her nails. I gave her a small smile. Not at all trusting myself to talk. Michael's mother stared at me then looked at her son. "So she's the girl you been telling us about….."

"Yes." Michael said. He was leaning on the back of the chair, clutching it hard enough to make his knuckles go white. He glanced down at me then at his mother. He looked worried. Michael's dad laughed. "This girl!? She looks to weak to be a queen. I bet she runs away at the first sign of trouble." I frowned. I wanted to say something but I couldn't find my voice. I felt mute. My fears were happening. I started to back up but Michael faltered my escape attempt by laying his hand on my back. He guided me closer to him. I bit my lip as I felt Michael's parents staring at me. Well this was just great….. They hate me….. I knew they would…I mean im surprised Michael likes me. And I have friends…. Im just a freak who should be locked up in a padded cell.

"How could my son be so damn stupid to choose a girl who tries to sneak away…..pathetic excuse for a future king." Michael's dad grabbed Michael's chin to pull him closer. "You listening boy?"

Michael's eyes stared right into his fathers so hard that I would think one of them might just explode. Michael's dad's eyes grew with rage. He must of saw something in Michael that he was not please with. He threw Michael onto the table hard enough to make him slide off the other side, shattering everything that was in Michael's path.

"Michael!" I called out. I stood there, frozen with wide eyes as I watched my boyfriend get to his feet. He rubbed his throat. Michael proceeded to walk calmly around the table, wait he was limping. When he got to my side I grabbed his hand to see a cut was made across his palm. "Your bleeding."

"No worries. It'll heal." He told me, looking up at his dad who was now angrier than he was before. Michael glared. "Why are you getting so angry? Its my life."

"But its our kingdom we are handing over to you soon!" Michael's mother said. "That girl screwed with your head! You had priorities! What happened!"

"That bitch happened." Michael's dad glared at me. I saw Michael's eyes grow wide with rage. He was the one to attack this time. He slammed his father down to the ground then held up his hand. "Michael don't!" I screamed, in fear that he might not listen to me. His arm was arched back, his fist up in the air hesitating. I gulped. "Y-You told me to not care about what people call me when we were little…..well…..now im telling you….don't care what your father says. He's only trying to get you riled up. This isn't you Michael…" I watched Michael's clenched his fist before he let his arm down.

"Your whipped boy…." Michael's dad said before punching Michael the moth making him sling his head back as he toppled off his dad and onto the floor. Michael covered his face. I rushed over to him as he staggered to get to his knees. One hand holding him up and the other covering his left eye. From a opening of his fingers I saw blood dripping. I widened my eyes. I felt Michael's body shaking.

"Michael sweetie are you okay?" I asked as I tried to check out more of his eye but he only turned the other way.

"Of course the boy isn't okay. His father just punched him right in the eye with his ring hand."

"Ring hand?" I murmured before seeing the ring myself. It had middle sized spikes on the top of it. They looked sharp. I noticed he had the same exact ring on all fingers except the thumb. I gawked in shock. I remember Michael's parents being strict and ruthless but….not like this. Michael's mother just stood there staring at her son as if she didn't even care. "Dear please the maids just wax the floor." She said.

I felt fury rage within me. She was no mother to this wonderful man. She was just a cold hearted queen. No wonder this town isn't getting better. Its rulers like them. I stood up. "How could you be more concerned of your goddamn floor than your own son!" I shouted.

"Because the floor doesn't disappoint me as my son has done." She said staring right me. I really wanted to punch her but when Michael tried to get up and faltered his hand grabbed a hold of my wrist. I proceeded to help him up, his hand still covering his eyes. And his body still trembling. "What's the matter mother. Cats got your tongue now? You should know better than to act up."

I heard Michael's breathing fast. His head was sweaty. His legs couldn't keep balance for long. He kept him up. I stared at the evil beings. "What did you do to him!" I yelled.

They shrugged. "Maybe he's finally seeing how real serious his parents are." His dad suggested.

"And panicking about it." The woman said.

"Shut up you no good imposters! Your not real king and queen! Your only pretending! Michael is more of a king than you'll ever be. And more of a man." I yelled. I got off my vest, hearing the woman gasp made me more irritated. "Their only shoulders you twit! We're in the 19th century get with the goddamn program!" I snapped before helping Michael out of the dinning area. We made it to the stair case when Michael collapsed he still had his eye covered as his breath accelerated. "Michael! What's happening!?" I felt his head. Fever. His face looked clammy, and felt sweaty. I dropped the vest. I tried to get him at least sitting so I could get him up the stairs and out of this hell hole. But his body was shaking to much. His was breathing a faster pace now. I was at my breaking point when a male entered the through the doors. He was holding hands with a woman. They were pale. Golden eyes. Vampires. I then realized I knew that woman. Amelie. When they descended down the stairs they noticed us. The man flashed to Michael's side. "Michael what happened!"

Michael was breathing or gasping for air to actually talked. "Please sir! I need help! He's been like this since his fight with his father."

"His father?" Amelie's cool eyes peered down at them. She stood there, her hands at her side, like a soldier. I watched Michael's eye that wasn't covered fill up with fear. Tears welled up in my eyes as it pained me to see him like this. I looked at the man. "Please…." I begged. "Please help him…." The man smiled a warm one then brushed his hand against my wet cheek. He wiped the escaped tear away. "He's going to be okay. He just needs his medicine."

"Medicine?"

"So Michael what did you learn?" Sam asked. Sam was Michael's grandpa, he looked exactly like him but with red hair. He was wrapping up Michael's injured eye, luckily the old bastard didn't take away his sight. Michael looked miserably embarrassed. He was placing his vest back on. When he sighed.

"I should take the stupid meds till the doc says I can get off them."

"Good. Be lucky she was there to help." He pointed towards me after he got done with the bandage. Michael's blue eyes gazed towards me. He frowned then looked down. "Im sorry that you had to be included in that fight Spirit…"

"Don't be. Now im not curious as to why you never talk about your parents to us." I said, sitting next to him.

"Yeah well they're not something to brag about." He said with sorrow in his voice. Sam then came in front of us. "My daughter wasn't the best a being nurturing." he frowned. "Must be the traits of a vampire…."

I widened my eyes. "You mom is a vamp?"

"No. Amelie my grandmother and Sam my grandfather didn't meet till later in their thirties. They got divorces. Sam was a human when he conceived my mother with another girl."

"After my daughter was born a few years after in fact I met Amelie. She changed me."

I nodded. "So what made your daughter a b- I mean a cold woman."

"When she got pregnant she wasn't up for raising kids. So after Michael was born she distant herself from him. She married Michael's dad who is a supposed leader but he's only like that because of marriage. If she'd divorced him right now…he would be nothing." Sam explained. "The man has been pestering me to persuade Michael into being the next king."

"Have you?"

"No." Michael said. "He's been doing the exact opposite."

"The boy has no business in ruling." Amelie said, standing at Sam's side. She stared down at Michael. "He's much to weak."

Michael frowned then stopped me when I was about to snap at her I stared at him to see he has a soft smile. "My grandmother is right. I do want to be king….for the people who live here. But I am weak."

"No your not! I don't care what anyone says…especially a vampire. Michael is certainly is not weak."

Sam gave me a approving smile. "My Michael where did you find this bundle of joy." He chuckled.

Michael smirked then looked down. "I guess I better take you home…."

"Stay at Claire's…..its much safer. That man….he looked at you with crazy eyes Mike."

Michael shook his head. "I have to be here. I have to protect this castle from harm."

"I'll do that Michael. You need to go. Maybe moving out is the best for all of us. Especially you with your panic attacks. If you get into another brawl with him you might actually die." Sam said. I grabbed Michael's hand as I stared into his eyes, pleading with my eyes I heard him sigh.

"Fine. I'll move. But I don't think I can live with Claire."

"Why?"

"Her parents….they'll freak."

"Her parents are away at the time being. Come on." I tugged at his arm but he didn't budge. He looked hesitant to go.

"This is my home though…." He said in a soft voice of despair. I frowned and rubbed his back. Sam grabbed Michael's hand.

"You son will come back I promise you, your still sixteen-"

"Nearly seventeen gramps." He butted in. "-so your im still your guardian. But im moving you out because there will be dangerous stuff going around here soon. And I don't want you anywhere near this."

"What are you talking about sir?"

Sam sighed then shook his head. "Nothing you two would have to worry about. Its just Mike's dad being in over his head with stuff. Go on home now. Its late. I'll bring your things to you tomorrow Michael alright. And until my say so don't come near this castle. We clear?" Sam looked stern, concerned, scared. And tired.

"Y-yes sir."

Sam nodded then headed out. As did we.

When we got home we expected to be harassed by Claire but nobody was home. Strange. It was around ten, Claire would have been here by now. Maybe its just me. I put Michael's medicine a small bag then laid it beside my vase of flowers. I unclipped my already messy hair as I walked back into the living room. Michael was sitting on the couch. Looking bruised, beaten and defeated. "You doing okay?" I sat down at the coffee table in front of him. He looked down at me with a frowned. He looked broken. Like a lost boy who fears that he will never find his way. "No….." He said before holding his head.

"You took your medicine so-" I crawled over to him to see he was crying. Silently. I leaned against him. Standing on my knees. "Hey why are you crying…."

Michael quickly swiped at his uncovered eye then stared at the ground. His hand was repeatedly clenching into a balled fist. "I never….wanted any of my friends witnessing that. Especially you….it just showed how weak I really am. Letting throw me around….."

I was just about to talk some encouragement into him when the door opened and closed. Shane and Claire entered the living area laughing but stopped when they caught sight of Michael. "What the? Who know being on a date with you could loose a man's eye." Shane joked. Oblivious to this whole mess Michael was in.

"Shut up. He didn't loose his eye. He just injured it." I snapped at Shane.

Claire who was in a purple dress that flowed to her knees cocked her head. "Did something happened at your dinner date?"

"Yeah…it sucked." Michael laughed a fake one. He smiled up at them. "My parents man….they were asses so we scram. We went to a restaurant where this guy grabbed my girfirends ass so I had to hit him…which led me to this. Hey Claire could I move in for a couple of days…my folks kicked me out." Michael was such a terrible liar. We could all tell he was smiling a fake one. His tone sounded way to forced then normal cheery. I shook my head at him.

"Why did they kick you out?" Claire asked.

Michael shrugged. "Who knows. Old folks now a days-"

"Michael….you suck at lying. So do tell us the real reason why theres a bandage on your head, asking Claire to move in and why you look like you just came from the pits of hell."

Michael's fake smile faltered. "Tonight was going to well….up until we actually got there….." His face looked pained. He got up. "I need…I need to go…" He headed for the door. I beat him to it. I stood at the door, blocking his way. "Move please…." He said with desperation in his voice. "I need to go."

I reached out my hands to take his. He backed away from me before I got to his hands. "Michael."

"Just please move!"

"No!"

"Move!"

"No!"

"Move or be moved." He yelled in face. I stared at him hard reading his uncovered eye intently as I stood my ground. "You wont touch me." I challenged. He grabbed my shoulders then shoved me into the front door. Claire and Shane started to head towards us but stopped when I told them to. I stared at Michael's good eye. "You feel better now? Or do you need another hit?" I asked bitterly towards him. He widened his right eye as he realized what he done. He looked pained. "Im….so sorry Eve! I didn't-"

"Save it. You didn't nothing wrong." I told him and pressed my finger on his lips before he got a chance at protesting more. "Claire could Michael sleep over? Possibly in your guest room?"

"Uhh…alright. I'll get the bed set up for him." She said before disappearing. Shane hesitantly followed. I stared at Michael.

"Your scared. I've been there. You'll get through this…..because you have me. I'll get you through this like you got through it with me." A few seconds of keeping him mute I heard Claire say.

"The beds done!"

"Now….im saying this because I love you. And care a lot. Go get in that bed. And go to sleep. Don't test me right now Michael Glass." I said the last part cause I saw him his eye searching for other places. I pulled back my hand before walking him to the guest room.

"You don't have to walk me you know?"

"Oh yes I do. Once I turn my back you'd be gone in a flash."

"I would not." He sat on the bed. I locked the window then closed the curtains before turning to him. He already had his shirt off. I gasped at what I saw. "Michael…how many times has he-"

I stopped myself as I let my hand trace a big scar. It looked to be like a slash wound scar from a knife. The other scars looked the same, a few looked different. They all looked terrible. There were even some on his neck and shoulders. Although the back of the neck had more burn marks then cuts. "D-did he torture you….?"

"Spirit….I-I hate to be rude…..b-but please….leave…." He said. His words were like a dagger in my heart. I watched him lay back on the other side of the bed. I silently gawked at all the scars and burns on his front side. His forearm was flung over his eyes. "If I cant go and walk then fine but please just go away….."

I felt pain swell up inside me, making me sick to my stomach. I felt unwanted tears coming but I blinked them away. "Why? So you can wallow in self pity?"

"Why….you do it all the time….." He said. I stared at him stunned. Sure my dad may have been a drunk and hit me. But I didn't do what he was going. Sure I spent time at the River but that's where I think. I cry when I really need to. Like now. I bit my lip.

"Fine…" I got up. "Guess I'll go then…." I kept my voice steady. I stared at him as I got to the door. He really is ignoring me…..pushing me away…..when I let him in…..when I didn't even want to….. "Its not fair you know…..I tell you all kinds of things about what hell is in my life but….when hell burns through in yours….you don't open up to me….."

"Its not that simple….just go…."

I stared at him. "You know…your dad was right about something….you are pathetic….and Amelie was right about you being weak…..because this is just sad-"

"God!" He yelled. "You told me to go to bed but here you are not letting me get some damn sleep! Just go away." He yelled. Which hurt. Painfully. I need to go. The River. Tears mist in my eyes as I opened the door. "Sorry." I whispered.

I quickly got changed into my brown dress and got on my sandals. I was about out the door when I saw my bag. I grabbed it. I shuffled into his room laid the bag beside him on the bedside table. I stared at his face. His arm was off of his eyes now. I sighed. I kissed his head lightly then I left. Shane and Claire were in the kitchen so I took the chance to sneak out. Once I was about ten feet away from her house I broke into a ran.

Crying in a river does you good. The river is the only one to witness your heart break. maybe I was nagging him a little more than I should but….why couldn't he cry, why couldn't he express his feelings towards me like I do! I shook my head. maybe im wrong….maybe im being selfish….I don't know anymore. I don't know what to do….

I splashed the cool water on my face. Its December and only cool out even though its winter. Its Texas I guess. I hugged myself as shivers took over. I should of just kept my mouth shut. I should of just let him cool off. God I screw things up…I deserved to be screamed at…..I was too pushy. Im so stupid. "Way to go Eve. No wonder you make people close to you leave." I muttered.

"I knew you'd be here." A voice said scaring the crap out of me. I whirled around to see Michael sitting on a big rock/bolder thingy, honestly I don't know what it is. I covered my chest more even though he couldn't see them. "Your getting to predictable. You know."

I stared at him. He stripped down to no shirt and brown faded slacks. His eye I noticed was readied. His other eye was peering at me. He had a small smile on his face. "What do you want? I thought you were sleeping."

"Yeah about that." He started, he was barefoot, he was getting out of his slacks and coming into the river. "Wow its pretty nice in here…for being a river and all."

As he came closer to me I backed away till a rock stopped me. "Shouldn't you be…asleep or something!"

"Cant. Plus all Claire would do is wake me up again. You know there's a such a thing called notes? Like leaving one when you leave."

"The whole point of not leaving one is so I don't get people following me, this is my spot, my river."

"Actually its natures."

I turned my back towards him. "Just go away. I don't want to talk to you right now. Or anyone for that matter."

"So I guess your gonna sit here wallow in self pity?"

"Yeah. I deserved it for being so goddamn strong all the time now go away." I yelled. I laid my head on the walk as I kept my tears to myself. I felt hands on my shoulders.

"Its morning. Well the sunrise is coming." I heard him say.

"Good now you can run on back to the house and leave me alone."

"Cant do that."

I whipped around then smacked him square in the chest. "Go away!" I screamed. "Why do I have to talk! I came here for a reason! To be by myself!" I yelled as I kept on smacking him and shoving him away. Thank god this water was deep. I swim only in the nude so I would have been screwed if it had been shallow. "Just leave me alone!" I yelled giving him shove as he tried to hold me. "Go vent on you own." I told him before turning away from him. I held onto the rock, laid my head onto it. As I breathed I felt myself starting to cry. No. not here. He's here. or maybe he gave up and left. good! She lied to herself. I frowned. I didn't hear anything out of him yet. Maybe….he really did leave. And I wouldn't blame him. All im thinking about is me. And my feelings. Not even considering his. I lifted my head up. do I dare look back? If I do….and he's not there….I'll know I'd be sad, even though I told him to leave and to go….I didn't mean it….he should know that….. I bit my lip. one way to find out.

I turned slowly around see he was still standing there. Staring at me. I felt a blush creeping up. "Your still here…."

"Not leaving till you do."

"But I said-"

"I know. Im just not a very good listener." He inched towards me. "Let me see your hand."

I blinked. "Why?"

"Because. I want to hold it." I hesitated at first but gave him my hand. He gently pulled me to him, the water helped him along by pushing me towards him.

"Wait…don't im naked." I warned, a little to late though. I was already in his arms. My chest uncovered and exposed. I felt red and hot all over. "Michael." He didn't budge when I tried to pull back to look at him he just kept a hold as if I'd disappear right then.

"Im sorry for last night. I know you were doing your best to help and I wasn't making it easy. I don't know why I snapped like that….I wasn't thinking but that makes no excuse to make you cry…."

He finally pulled away, holding me at arms length. "I love you. I love you a lot. I just…cant say what I feel sometimes…then I get annoyed at how I cower away." He bit his lip then let go of me completely. I covered my chest before he saw. "like now…. I cant say what I feel….."

"Then just act out of what you feel." I suggested. "the way feel right now try acting that out and see where it goes from there I guess." He gave me a long stare. He was giving it some thought. I shrugged then started for the spot where my clothes were, once on the river bank I shivered. It wasn't even a minute after getting my underwear on that I was tackled to the ground. It took me a few dizzy moments to see Michael on top of me. Looking down at me.

"Michael, the hell are you doing?" I asked, rubbing the back of my head as I sat him. He was closer to me.

"Acting out my feelings."

"So tackling me is the way to go?"

"Well I was going to sweep you off your feet but then I fell over and I happened to tackle you down too."

I rolled my eyes as I wiped dirt off his cheek. "Dork."

"Im yours though….right?"

I smiled. "As long as im yours."

He gave me a wicked smile before kissing me right on the lips.

I like the way he says yes.

He needs to do it more often.

Good lord I am so sorry for the longest chap ever! Lol I cant limit myself with this story. Arg! Lol

Well anyways I hope you liked this story, I figured Michael could have the abuse for one and Shane could have the family he always wanted.

BTW: sorry for grammar errors or missing words…I literally stayed up almost all night writing this.

Question should I do other POVs for special cases or no and leave it like the way it is?. I need to know!

Please review and tell me when you review.

-Miki-