Chapter 8

I was running back to the Cullen mansion at top speed with AD on my back. I wasn't really desperate to find out if any of the girls liked me; I just loved going so fast. If any of them did like me, it would probably be for my now perfect vampire face and body; not for personality or anything. However, I was pondering if I really cared for that. It was my thought that the one I really wanted was the girl from my dream (A/N: See chapter 4).

I let AD off at the door. I checked my watch; it was 10:30. I found myself getting caught up in all the detail I could see in the watch. I quickly remembered what I had wanted to do. I figured if I passed a bunch of them and listened in on their thoughts as I walked by, I'd find out if they liked me or not. I noiselessly moved past Amber, Sara, Samantha and Tarleen. How did he turn out to be so good-looking, thought Tarleen questioningly. Even with the vampire venom you'd think it'd be impossible.

I ran over to the main house just to do a few laps around it. I loved running fast. I decided to see if Mya liked me at all. I ran into the house to find her watching a movie with her friend Meghan. I opened my mouth to say hello, but I couldn't do it because I knew if I breathed in I'd want Mya's blood. Another reason I couldn't say hello is because I—a perfect-bodied vampire for gosh sakes—was nervous and afraid.

I was afraid of two things. First, I was afraid of rejection; I knew what that felt like. Rejection felt like a cold, rough spike being shoved straight through your chest, but I could live with it. Second, I was afraid of her blood; if I killed her, I couldn't live with myself. I just sat down on a chair at the table.

I began to think that no matter how old I get, I'd never have the courage to ask a girl out. I couldn't even say hi to the girl for Pete's sake. I just sat at the table in silence. I saw that the movie had come to an end. I just sat there like a statue. What's with that weirdo, thought Meghan critically. Mya's thoughts were silent.

***

It was the next day. I thought that it might be a good idea to try asking Tarleen out. I knew she thought I looked good so I figured I'd give it a shot. I walked over to her; she had become separated from her 'pack' as I called it. "Hi," I said nervously. Again with the stupid nerves.

"Hi," she said; an unreadable expression was on her face. That was probably the first time she had talked to me when it had nothing to do with school. "How are you," I asked; I hate these damn nerves!

"Pretty good," she answered. "How about you?"

"Good." I barely managed to choke that out. I'd be sweating if I were still human. Also if I were human, she wouldn't even look at me, let alone talk to me. "I was just wondering something."

"What is it?" These popular people were different in the way that they seemed so confident; it was like they knew everything; they looked totally omniscient.

"I was just wondering if… if—"

"If…?"

"You'd maybe like to go out some time."

"Sure, what time?" She seemed like she knew what I was gonna say before I said it.

"Um, how about tonight?"

"Okay, when?"

"How about six for dinner? I know I don't eat, but you do."

She giggled a little at my nervousness. "Sure, I'll see you at six."

***

I got dressed in the best clothes I could find in the closet. I wondered what this would be like to be on a date with a girl. I walked two houses down to where Tarleen and Amber lived. Amber answered the door. She looked at me for a second. "Tarleen," she shouted into the house. "The door's for you!"

"I'm coming," I heard Tarleen say from inside a room in the house.

She came out in a beautiful black and white dress. "You look great," I said upon laying eyes on her.

"You don't look so bad yourself," she said with a giggle. "Well let's go."

To be continued…