Dun dun dun! The last chapter! :( I'm really sad right now. But really tired because It's 3:00 am and I have been finishing this up all day. But I want to thank everyone who have stuck this out with me since the beginning. Especially the faithful and wonderful reviewers!!!! You reviewers motivated me to write more and finish this story. So thank you soo much!! ( I would put everyones name who have reviewed on this story but I'm too tired, so maybe later HA) Well I really hope you enjoy this chapter. There's alot going on. It's defiantly my favorite chapter... so I guess that's saying alot. Just make sure you pay attention! lol. This chapter is 9,665 words long! The longest chapter I have written. Woo hoo.
Okay this is wayyyy too long. So.. this is my final enjoy..
ENJOY :D
I stared at the faded, bent picture of my parents and me that I took from the 'history room.' Sitting on the edge of my bed, I recalled all the events that occurred today, once again, leaving me thinking of my mother and the mess she has caused. I threw the picture behind me, no longer having the need to look at it or be depressed about my past.
I released a long sigh as I faced my reflection in the mirror; the reflection of my mother. I took the hair tie that was around my wrist and tied up my long wavy hair, which I was still looking like my mother. I ran over to my desk and brought out some eye liner, quickly applying, making my dark ruby eyes even darker. I rested the eye liner upon my desk and faced the 'new' me. I looked a little different, but I knew that if I still had my brown eyes, like my mother's, nothing would have mattered.
A soft knock came from my door. I walked over and slowly opened it, revealing a wide-eyed Collin. "Wow, a new look." He stuttered a bit. I would have laughed, but I wasn't in the mood.
"What do you want? Here to humiliate me?" I held back a growl and the urge to slam the door in his face.
"No, no. You look really—" he held his breath and shook his head. "You look really, really pretty." He breathlessly finished.
I felt the corner of my mouth turn up into a smile, causing Collin to give me one of his bright white smiles.
"That's the real Tori I know." He cupped my face in his large hands and kissed me gently on the lips, causing shivers to run down my spine. "I don't like to you see you all sad like this." Our lips met once again, but our lips departed too quickly. "Now is a lovely, handsome knight like me allowed to enter the princess's room?" I could hear him holding back a laugh while keeping a straight face.
I decided to play along. "What does this knight in shining armor have in exchange to enter my room?" I wrapped my arms around his waist; waiting for an answer. "Well, I did save you today. Shouldn't that be enough?" With a bright smile spread across his tan face, he wrapped his arms around my shoulders. "Shall a kiss be what you want?" I smiled and his lips came crashing against mine. It lasted longer than the last one, so I unwrapped my arms from around his waist and ran my fingers through his hair. We started to kiss more passionately, but he broke the kiss. His chest was rising rapidly as he gasped for air.
"Sorry." A small chuckle erupted from my lips, and an awkward presence filled the air. "Umm, you can come in." I moved away from the doors entrance and closed it as he walked in and crashed on my bed.
"Kelly told me to tell you that you don't have to go to school tomorrow." There was a slight disappointment in his voice; as if he wanted me to go. I joined him on the bed; resting my head next to his chest, listening to the sound of his heart beat.
"I want to go. Going to school will distract me from everything, which is what I need." He seemed to perk up a little; happy about my decision. "Well anytime tomorrow you want to go home, just tell me and I'll drive you." He started to play with my hair, twirling it with his fingers.
"Tori," He took a deep breath as his heart slowed. "I am truly sorry about the situation with your mother. Nobody should ever go through something like what you're going through." He kissed the top of my head before continuing. "And I hope you know that, if there is anything you need, I am here for you. I will always be there to save you when you need me." The tone of his voice started to worry me.
Is he afraid of what might happen with Aidan and me? I thought to myself.
"Collin, you don't need to explain anything to me. I know I can count on you to be here for me. Don't worry about anything; I can hear it in your voice." I looked up and met his worried hazel eyes. He smiled and kissed me on the lips.
"Don't get mad, and you need to read this with an open mind. But before I left today, your mother gave me a letter for you."His words were rushed, but I completely understood what he said, which my body tensed and I knew he felt it too. "You just need to give her a chance to explain herself." I sat up and looked away.
I can't believe he is on her side.
"Now Tori, I'm not on her side. Everyone deserves a second chance and if you still don't like what she says, then so be it. But please, just read it for me." He said with pleading eyes.
It took me a few minutes to decide whether or not she deserves a second chance to explain herself. I held out my hand, waiting for him to give me the letter. His face brightened and he reached in his back pocket, revealing a white envelope; which he placed in my hand.
"It's already ripped open." I stated. A guilty look was written all over his face.
"I just wanted to make sure that there wasn't anything written that would hurt you even more. I figured you wouldn't care." He gave a half smile; erasing the guiltiness completely from his face.
Looking down at the envelope that rested in my hands, flash backs of the events that occurred today played in my mind. But one thing displayed strongly in my head; my mother's disappointed, tired, and stressed face pleading to let her back in my life. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before taking the letter out of the envelope to read it.
It read:
Dear Victoria,
This letter may never get to you, for you probably don't want to ever hear from me again. But if you are reading this now, thank you. You have faith in me. I know the events that occurred today, you may never forgive me for, but just let me explain myself.
I wanted so badly to see you again, to touch your soft skin, to look into your bright brown eyes, to listen to your melodic voice. I didn't want to leave you and I have told you that many times. To tell you the truth, I knew about you for years; when you were living from family to family. But I couldn't do anything to let you know that I existed. I wrote you several letters actually, but they were taken away from me. I know what you're thinking, and yes, I am a higher ranking than anyone at the company, but there is someone who is a higher rank than me in the vampire world. They wouldn't let me bring you into my life. Finally a couple of months ago, I made a deal with them. I could let you know that I was still alive and bring you into my life, but I would have to devote my eternal life to the company. So I signed the paper and you were brought to me. You don't understand how excited and nervous I was. I was excited to see you and talk with you, but also extremely nervous to see how you would react.
I knew nothing was going to be the same as it was when we were a family, but I was hoping it would have happened better than it did. Forgiving me will be hard, I know that. And I know it will take time, but please, I don't want to lose you again. I will kill myself for you.
All that I ask is that you have an open mind about this situation. And I hope that you will give me a chance to see you again. Hopefully we can have a better chance to talk than we did today.
Love you, so much.
Mom.
I looked up from the letter, with Collin staring attentively at me. I folded back up the letter and handed it back over.
"Thank you." He muttered quietly. He looked at his wrist watch and smiled. "It's past my curfew; Mike is going to be upset." He jumped up from the bed and in three steps he was opening the door. He paused and turned around.
"Are you sure you feel up to going to school tomorrow?" He asked with concern but there was hope that I was going, written all over his face.
"I need the distraction. I need you." I replied. He smiled and popped kissed me on the lips. "Goodnight princess."
I did a small curtsy, "Goodnight my brave, handsome knight." He smiled proudly before walking down the hallway.
I silently closed the door and started to slip off my clothes and into my pajamas. Quickly brushing my teeth, I finally made it to my bed. With my eyes starting to close, I turned out the light which was also the switch that helped me enter the pit of darkness called sleep.
---
Sleepy head wake up! My eyes popped open to a glaring teacher. I smiled, showing Mr. Stafford that I was wide awake and ready to learn. He believed me and turned back towards the class, talking about the different types of scientific names for certain animals.
You didn't need to do that Caden. Next time tap me on the shoulder or something.
I looked over and he was silently laughing to himself. Well excuse me, next time I won't help you out Mrs. Pain-in-the-butt. I chucked my pencil at him, but he was too quick and dodged it. By the way where have you been?
I rolled my eyes. I didn't want to get into a conversation, let alone a conversation about why I have missed school.
Did you and Collin get giggy wid it? That's why you two were absent?
I chucked what was left on my desk which was a pen and an eraser. But once again he dodged both. No, we didn't get giggy… whatever you said. I had some family issues and that's all I'm going to tell you.
I tried tuning out Caden by actually listening to Mr. Stafford. He was actually a brilliant teacher, but I'm just not into school. "The scientific name for a ruby-throated humming bird is Archilochus colubris." Mr. Stafford started to write on the board, which gave Caden an opportune time to throw a note on my desk.
I flashed him a glare and he shrugged, followed by a smile.
-Is everything okay with you and Collin? You guys haven't talked all period. Is that your 'family issue'?
I sighed; he's just not the type to let things go.
-Everything is great between me and Collin. Mike and Daniel had him running through the woods practically all night, so he's a little tired. And no it's not my family issue. I don't feel like discussing it.
I tossed the note back to Caden when Mr. Stafford turned to write another scientific name for an animal on the board.
I watched as Caden read the note then at the same time we both turned around to look at Collin. His head was rested on his arm, eyes closed, and he was drooling immensely all over the desk. I wanted to wake him; to save him from the embarrassment, but I wanted him to get some sleep.
I turned back around as the note landed on my desk again.
-Yeah, I can tell he's tired. Well you don't have to talk about it, but know that if you ever need to talk, I'm here for you.
-Well thank you. Have you heard anything about your brother, or at least know where he is?
I threw the note but a little too late.
"Ms. Blaine, do you have something that you would like to share with the class?" All eyes turned towards me. I even heard Collin shuffle in his seat as he woke up.
What did you do now? Collin asked in my head.
"No Mr. Stafford, I was just giving Caden his paper that fell off of his desk." I lied. He paused to think about it, and continued the lesson.
Did you drool enough to make a moat around your desk? I turned and he was glaring at me while wiping the drool off of his desk.
Real funny. You are just so hilarious… He sarcastically thought.
I turned back around with the note placed on my desk. I rolled my eyes and opened up the note.
-Nothing is new. I just know that he is still in town and that he won't be leaving till he gets you.
A shiver ran down my spine.
My father said that he will more than likely be attacking soon and that we need to be prepared. So I think that sometime this weekend we all need to get together and figure out a plan.
-Alright, I will talk to the boys when I get home. I already know that Collin will agree to it, unfortunately. But I will call you when they all agree on a time.
The bell rang as I started to fold up the note, which I quit and just handed it to him. He mouthed the words 'bye' as I walked with Collin out of the classroom.
"What was that note all about?" He asked sleepily. I grabbed a hold of his hand intertwining our fingers together.
"Just about why I was gone for the two days and that you, him and everybody need to get together over the weekend to figure out a plan." His eyes widened in excitement. "I figured you would be happy about that." I muttered to myself.
As we opened the doors to the hallway our next class was in, Katie stepped in front of us with a smirk as wide as her face could stretch.
"I guess you two are back together." Her two friends walked up behind her, looking a little concerned. "Too bad," She placed her hands on Collin's chest, and then his shoulders. "We would be a much better couple than you and her." She spat the last word, making a burning sensation in the back of my throat; like heartburn.
I squeezed Collin's hand. "Katie, I never liked you, so get over it." He spat, followed by a small growl that I could only hear. She frowned, but then smiled before giving me a quick glance. "But Collie-kins," I really wanted to barf and punch her in the face at the same time. "You're the one that kissed me the other day." That's it.
I released the grip Collin had made around my hand and punched her in the face. Not with full strength as it could have been, but just enough to give her a black eye for the next week. We ended up on the ground with me on top of her, pulling her hair. She was screaming, but started to slap me and pull my hair also. I felt Collins grip around my shoulders as he pulled me off of her.
When I was being picked up and in the air, and she was up off the ground, I gave her a quick, swift kick in the gut.
"You whore!" She yelled while clutching her face and stomach. A random guy was holding her back, while Collin dug his fingers in my arms.
"Ha, you're the whore here bitch." I spat on her and the whole hallway started to scatter. I knew what was coming.
"Ms. Sparks and Ms. Blaine." I closed my eyes as I heard the clicking of Mrs. Stockwell's heels against the tile floor, coming closer and closer. "I would have never of thought that it would be you two getting into a fight." I opened my eyes and Mrs. Stockwell was scowling at the both of us. With the look displayed on her face, you would think you'd be dead right then and there. Thinking about what was going to happen when my family finds out; I would love to be dead right now.
Collin's grip was still tight around my arms and it didn't seem like he was going to budge anytime soon.
"I don't have anything to say to either of you. Follow me to my office." She walked past me, but stopped and turned back around. "Collin, I would like for you to come also, so you can tell me the details." She started to walk again, and we followed.
Collin finally let go of my arms, but he held onto me with one arm around my waist. There was no need for that. He thought angrily.
Well I think you should grow some balls and face your own troubles so I don't have to do them for you. I thought back.
He pulled me tighter against him, making it a little harder to walk. But luckily we finally made it to Mrs. Stockwell's office which she made me and Katie stay outside while Collin told her everything. And well, Collin told the truth and every detail.
He walked out, glanced at me and walked out of the main office. Thanks a lot, jerk.
Mrs. Stockwell called me in and instructed for Katie to go see Mr. Raymond the assistant principal. I walked in and sat down without hesitation. I needed to cool down, which at the moment I wanted to rip Katie's head off.
"Ms. Blaine, how shocking it is to see you here in my office." She sat in her big fancy leather chair and fixed some papers that were sitting on her desk. "I didn't think someone like you, who is a part of the Blaine family, would get into a fight." I clearly heard the disappointment in her voice, making me wonder what trouble I will be getting into when she called the house.
"I called your house and I left a message about you. Your parents aren't picking up their work phone so hopefully someone got the message." She took off her glasses and gently placed them on the desk. "Is everything okay with your family?" She stared at me intently. "Any issues in your home life?"
I rolled my eyes and shook my head. Luckily a soft knock came at the door.
"Come in." She replied while putting back on her glasses. I didn't dare turn around, I knew who it was. I could smell them through the door.
I heard the door click open which caused chills to run down my spine.
"Daniel and Kyle, how have you been?" She jumped from her seat to welcome them into a hug. I sunk deeper into the chair and buried my face in my hands.
"We're doing great and staying out of trouble." They all exchanged laughs and pats on the shoulders. "Well I wish I could say the same for her." I could feel their eyes burning in the back of my head.
"Yes, well I guess we should get started." I heard Mrs. Stockwell's heels click against the wooden floor as she took her seat, and heard the two unoccupied leather seats next to me get filled by Daniel and Kyle.
I peeked through my fingers, revealing a stressed Daniel and Kyle with one eye brow raised.
"Today, Ms. Blaine decided to get into a fight with another girl. I'm not going into details, for she can tell you it all." She messed with some papers on her desk before continuing. "But unfortunately I am going to have to suspend Victoria from school next Monday and Tuesday. I am also going to have her sent home today." She stated.
I whimpered from the punishment, and from the thought that this wasn't all that was going to happen to me.
"I appreciate you making it just two days and not a whole week. Trust me; there will be other retribution when we go home." Daniel exchanged a glare at me and Kyle was still looking at me with a menacing smile.
"Well I think that is all. Victoria, I hope that this will teach you from repeating this action. I hope that you know now that you can come and talk to me or any teachers or even your family if you have an issue with another student." She stood from her seat and held out her hand for Daniel and Kyle to shake. "Daniel, Kyle, it's so great to see you both. It seems like you're getting bigger and bigger every time I see you guys." She laughed, but turned to me and she suppressed her laugh. I guess it was my expression that was across my face. Well good, she deserves it. I was just trying to give Katie what she deserved.
---
The whole way home they didn't say anything to me. The silence started to kill me but we finally made it home.
"I called Kelly and Chris before we came and got you. They are on their way home." Daniel stated as I stormed up the stairs.
"Victoria." I stopped mid-step and slowly turned around. "Do you want to talk about it?" There was really nothing to talk about. A girl threw herself on my boyfriend, trying to aggravate me and he did nothing to stop her, so I had to.
I shook my head, "Nope. I'm just going to go to my room and enjoy the last few moments of my life." He laughed, "Don't worry about it; Kelly and Chris are good with these type of things. They are only going to ground you from the television and social activities for about a month."
I continued up the stairs. "Yeah, that's not bad at all." I sarcastically replied. Making it to my room seemed to take an eternity. But when I made it I crashed on my bed, not wanting to be disturbed by anybody or anything.
It started to seem that everything in my life that was good was starting to crash down on me. What did I do wrong to deserve this? Am I really better off with Aidan? I thought to myself, but quickly shook my head. Don't think like that—
I started to smell something different but familiar. It wasn't something that was here in our home every day, but I have smelled it before.
"Victoria, can you please come down here!" Kelly yelled from downstairs. I reluctantly arose from my bed, dragging my feet in the process of walking out of my room and down the hall.
"I'm coming!" I yelled back. I peaked around the wall and looked down stairs. Chris was quietly muttering to Daniel and Kyle but Kelly was nowhere in sight.
I took a deep breath and started to walk down the stairs, going as slow as I could without making it noticeable. I focused on my feet; one step after another and the soft wood flowing against my fingers as I ran it down the railing as I walked. I wasn't going to look up and make contact when I didn't need to.
The last step seemed to have come so quickly and I was facing Chris's disappointed face. "Victoria," He breathlessly acknowledged. "I'm not going to lecture you about what you've done. I'm sure you have a good reason on why you did it. All I'm going to say is that you're grounded from television, the phone, and you can't go out with your friends for two weeks." I didn't gripe or argue, I knew I deserved that; I knew what I did was wrong.
The smell I smelt earlier got stronger, but I still wasn't able to recognize it.
"Where's Kelly?" I asked. I noticed Chris shift uncomfortably from one foot to the other. "What's wrong?" We all exchanged glances with each other.
Kelly's voice appeared behind me. "I'm sure she will be fine," I turned to see Kelly walk out of the kitchen with an unwanted guest. A low deep growl formed in the bottom of my chest and I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"Victoria, please let me talk." My mother's hands held up in surrender as Kelly's arm slipped away from my mother's shoulders.
I started to clench and unclench my fists as the heartburn became worse than ever. Arising within me was a feeling of need to rip my own mother's throat out. It was like someone was controlling me, telling me that it was the right thing to do. My own thoughts were going against it.
Run away. She's your own mother, you can't kill her! My body relaxed, helping me from panicking. I have to get out of here. I thought to myself. I ripped out of whoever was gripping my shoulder and ran out of the door vampire speed.
I was already in the woods in less than four seconds; loving the superpower that I was given when I became a vampire. I knew where I was headed, but I didn't know what I was going to do when I got there.
The cabin came up quicker than I thought it would. I opened up the creaky wooden door; swiping spider webs out of the way as I walked in. It was set up the same as last time I was here with Caden. The same two chairs that were facing each other when Caden kidnapped me were sitting in the corner collecting dust and spider webs. Some of Caden's weapons that he was going to kill me with still rested against the wall in a pile. Nice job, dummy.
I walked in, a little hesitant and unsure about what could be living in here; Caden has come up on me unexpectedly before so my body was tense and ready for attack.
"Is anyone in here?" I listened as my own voice echoed back to me, but heard nothing but the same mice as before; crawling in the walls. I slowly walked in, feeling the depression seep in. Feeling the need to sit before my legs collapsed from under me, I sat in the chair Caden sat in when he kidnapped me.
The pain was creeping up on me again; creating the urge to cry. A lump formed in my throat and my eyes started to burn. I rocked back and forth in my chair, making me feel a little bit better.
Maybe I should go with Aidan… I wondered.
My head snapped up and the rocking stopped. My ears perked up like how Collin does when he hears something he's interested in. I guess I learned it from him; that made me smile.
I focused back to the noise I heard coming from outside which seemed like it were twigs snapping in half. But for some strange reason, I had no urge to get up to investigate. Instead, I started to rock back in forth, feeling better once again.
"V-baby." I kept rocking, ignoring her. I didn't react to her like I normally would have. I guess I just knew she would find me somehow and come after me.
She shuffled her way over to the seat in front of me; actually having the nerve to sit down next to me.
"I want to talk, please." She pleaded. I stopped my rocking and glared at her. I knew that I needed to keep my thoughts and actions under control so I complied.
"You read my letter." She said it more like a statement than a question, but I shook my head anyways.
"Talking to you right now," She shook her head in disbelief and took a deep breath. "--this seems like a dream." She finished. She arose from her seat and started to pace.
"Several years ago, I never thought it was possible that I would talk to you like this, let alone see you. I never wanted to lose you. Leaving you killed me, Victoria. It took three years to stop feeling for you, hurting for you. I missed you terribly and when I finally got to bring you back to my company it felt like my life was restored and fresh. I never ever wanted to hurt you. Which I know it's impossible for you to think that, but it's true. I wish I could rewind time and somehow gotten away from the company." She paused in her tracks and raced back to the seat. She slowly reached to cup my face in her hands but her arm fell to her side, followed by her head falling into her chest.
"Sometimes I just want to stab a knife right through my heart for the things I have done to you. Stab myself in the heart for how many times you had to meet a new family, go through troubling times without me, crying because you wanted me back." Her head raised and a gasp nearly slipped out of my mouth. The pain in her eyes made me wonder if she actually was just stabbed in her heart. Her face looked pained and older; more wrinkles set around her face. In her eyes she was pleading for me to forgive her, wanting the past to be reversed, wanting everything to just go away. Wanting to be able to cry and release that pain, just like me. She reached up once again and cupped my face in her hands.
"I'm so sorry." She breathlessly declared. "Please forgive me. I want to be in your life now, I want to do the things I wasn't able to do when you were growing up. Please." She begged. Her hands dropped from my face, which it was holding it up, so my face dropped into my chest.
"All I wanted was a life a mother. And you didn't give me that; you took that away from me." I raised my head to get a better look her.
"As harsh as this may sound, Kelly is my mother now. The Blaine family is my family, and this time you can't take that away from me." Her head bowed into her chest this time; in defeat.
I took a deep breath and she noticed; raising her head to focus on what I had to say next. "And if you can accept that, I think I should be able to accept you back into my life."
It took her a few seconds to realize what I said, but when she did realize she perked up. She rose from her seat took a few steps to the wall and back; crushing me into a hug.
"Oh Victoria, you don't know how happy I am right now. I feel like," She released her hug but kept her hands on my shoulders. "I feel like a new fresh, happy person right now." Her pained eyes were gradually turning upward; following her smile that was spread from ear to ear.
"Maria," I called her by her first name; it caught her off guard. "This may sew some things up for us, but not everything. I can't just forget everything and got on with things. I just want you to understand that."
She let her arms drop down to her waist and she shook her head. "I understand that it will take some time. But at least we took the first step." She smiled, which was the first real smile on her face in a long time.
She sat back down in her seat. "I know there are a lot of things that you would like to ask me. I can see it in your eyes." She nodded her head; telling me to sit down, which I complied.
"There are a few things." I lied. There were a lot of things that I wanted to know, so many questions that I would like to be answered.
"How long have you been a vampire?" I didn't want to bring up why she left me, or any of that. That was in the past right now; where I was going to leave it.
"When I went to the company, it was required that I became a vampire. They needed someone that was a family member of his or emotionally connected to your father, which I was the only one left. And I couldn't control a company full of vampires if I was just a human. So I have been a vampire for about ten years." She answered truthfully.
I nodded my head; understanding. "Were you going to tell me about your," I choked on the word. "son." I finished.
She shifted in her seat uncomfortably. "Of course, I didn't mean for you to find out about him like that. I had Victor a couple years after I left you. I really didn't mean to have him, which I know would be hard to believe. But you are my daughter, he is my son and nothing will change that now. I love you both dearly and I will never leave you ever again."
We talked for about three hours, mainly about my life. She would ask me questions about my birthdays, first days of school, Christmases, the different families I've been in. We laughed a little, if we were human, we would have cried a little. Also, her motherly instincts came in when I told her about my past boyfriends and she got upset when I told her about the fight earlier today with Katie. But most we started to talk about Collin, which she approved of him.
"I think we should go. Kelly invited me to dinner, if you don't mind me joining." I smiled, feeling a little better with our relationship. But there was still that past that catches up with me and discourages me; still making me feel like nothing will ever be right again.
I got up from my seat and she followed.
"Race ya." She gave me the mischievous grin she always did when I was a child, and in exchange I nodded before racing out the door.
---
My mother and I sat next to each other at the crowded table filled with extremely hungry werewolves. We both sat and drank a bottle of animal's blood each.
"The food looks delicious. You seem like a great cook Kelly." My mother complimented.
"Thank you. But I'm so happy you could join us for dinner; we always like company." She stated before filling her mouth with food. All the five boys, not including Collin, sat on the other side of me, Collin my mother and Faith who was quiet the whole time. Abigail and Andrew were at their grandmother's house so luckily we had enough room.
You and your mother look great. Collin slipped in my head, so I exchanged a glance with him.
Well, I forgave her and we had a nice long conversation, so yeah… I guess. I replied in thought.
Well great. I am happy to see that. I would have rolled my eyes if I wasn't at the dinner table.
"So Victoria, heard about your fight today." Mike laughed. "I heard you screwed her up good." I silently kicked him under the table, which I guess he didn't notice because Kyle nudged him in the side and they started to laugh for some stupid reason. But Kelly didn't like it, so she cleared her throat.
"Now Mike, we don't want food that's from your mouth out on the table so please swallow before you talk." She gave him the look that adults give when they aren't speaking their mind and that they are upset with you, so Mike shut his mouth real quick.
"So has Victoria been a good girl while she's been here?" My mother smiled at me, I forced a smile back.
"Oh she has been great. She helps out around the house, and she's great with Abigail and Andrew. We truly are blessed to have gotten someone like her." Chris finally spoke up, which his voice brought warmth in the air.
My mother rested her hand on top of my hand which was laid upon the table. I felt the need to take my hand out from underneath but I fought that urge. I needed to get used to being nice to my mother.
"Well you guys have been great to me. I really appreciate everything you guys have done for me, especially with putting up with all my crap." Kelly gave me one of her warm smiles that was spread across her face. She looked like she was about to cry.
Kyle got up from the table while carrying his empty plate. "Okay, I'm done with all this mushy stuff." He walked off to the kitchen while everyone followed. They all passed Kelly, giving her a kiss on the head and thanking her for dinner. The table cleared and my mother left with Kelly to help her with the kitchen. Collin returned to sit with me at the table, instead of sitting with all the guys in the living room.
"Hey." He muttered while sitting down. He kissed me on the lips, letting go too quickly. "Hey." I muttered back. We started into each other's eyes, getting lost in them; our smiles broke our trance.
"I'm so proud of you." He kissed me again, our lips meshing together. "I'm so happy that you and your mother are on good terms." I nodded my head which was the only thing I could do.
"Let's go sit with the guys." As I stood up, Collin gave me a threatening smile. But before I could say anything he picked me up like a sack of potatoes; over his shoulder. I started to smack him on the back.
"Let go—" I smacked him hard. "—of me." I finished. We walked into the living room where the television was blaring.
Someone smacked my butt as we walked into the living room, but I wasn't able to turn to look who it was. "Let me down Collin."
He laughed and threw me down on the couch, then fell on top of me. He knocked the breath out of me, so I pushed him off the couch.
He glared at me from down on the floor and I laughed one of those evil witches' laughs. He got on all fours and a small playful growl erupted from his chest. I took the pillow that my head was resting on and hid behind it.
In a split second, Collin muttered Mike's name and in a flash Mike was holding my arms above my head. "Mike, what are you doing!?" I yelled. Collin started to growl out loud exposing his werewolf teeth. My eyes widened and I tried squirm out of his grip. "Hey, you're not allowed to use other people you cheater!" I directed towards Collin.
He ignored me and pounced on me, lying on top of my wiggling legs. He started to tickle me under the arms and where my worst tickling spot is; under my chin. "No—"I gasped for air for I was laughing way too hard. "Please—" I couldn't move, and Mike was laughing at me, plus the rest of the guys. "—stop!" I managed to yell; getting their attention.
"You need to stop. Please." I begged while still laughing. Kyle got up from his seat with a mischievous smile planted across his face.
"Ha-ha, good idea." Mike muttered from behind me. "Yeah.. nice." Collin stated before giving me a kiddy-like smile.
"What…" I wondered aloud. Kyle picked up my feet while Mike still had my arms and they brought me up and over the couch.
"Mike… Kyle… what are you doing?" I wondered again. I looked at Collin with wide eyes, making him laugh. Collin simply replied, "We're going to play jump rope with you." My eyes widened as far as they could go and I started to become even squirmier; but they had a good grip.
"You can't have a human as a jump rope!" I declared loudly. "I'll get you better one from the garage!" They looked at each other and laughed which Mike replied, "Were not. Were having a vampire as a jump rope!" They both bust out laughing. "You know what I mean..." I growled under my breath. No matter how much I yelled, they just ignored me. They started to swing me back and forth, so I quickly closed my eyes and held my breath.
"Mike, Kyle I'm going to get sick!" I warned. Then they stopped abruptly and the room was quiet which I was wondering why, so I opened my eyes and saw Caden standing with a confused look spread across his face.
"Did I come at a bad time?" He questioned, looking confused. Mike and Kyle dropped me on the floor, knocking the breath out of me. I shook it off and quickly got to my feet, but also exchanged glares between the three 'little children'.
"No. Your fine, they are just being idiots." I heard a couple of chuckles from behind me.
"Well good because one of my father's skilled vampire hunters spotted Aidan about twenty-four miles from here."
My breath caught and I could feel the whole room tense. The television was turned off, or it was just me tuning it out and the chairs and couches squeaked from them getting up and out of their seats.
"What do you mean?" Daniel, the leader was the first to speak.
"Me and my father gathered up about fifteen vampire hunters to patrol around the town and just about five minutes ago one of them spotted Aidan and Alaric twenty-four miles away." He explained without hesitation. My legs felt like they were made of jello and just wanted to collapse from under me; but I didn't let them. "Also that he heard Aidan and Alaric talking about Aidan's army, they are all headed here." I guess my legs collapsed from under me because Collin was behind me, holding me up. His grip was tight around my waist, already becoming protective of me.
"Vampire speed, twenty-four miles—" Brent started rambling to himself. "—five minutes ago." He broke out of his trance and directly stared at me. "They should be here in about six minutes." I gasped and Collins grasp tightened.
It'll be okay. I won't let him take you. Trust me. He would always say those two words when I unsure about a situation and it always made me feel better… but this time it didn't help.
"Yeah I think that's a good plan." Collin agreed. They were all communicating with each other with their minds; I hate that.
"What's a good plan?" I asked. They all just stared at me, including Kelly, Chris and my mother who seemed to have come down when I wasn't paying attention.
"Mike, you are going to be with Brent and Caleb. Kyle you will stay with me. Maria, you are going to be with Collin and Victoria." They all nodded their heads as they agreed to the plan I didn't know of; this was making me upset.
"What is going on?" I yelled a little too loud; but it got all of their attentions. They all left me in the dust once again and started to scatter. Collin wrapped his arm around my shoulders and started to lead me out of the house with everyone else.
"Collin—" He kept pulling me along. "—where are we going?" Collin looked at me and smiled. "Don't worry about it my princess. The knight in shining armor will save you, remember?" His bright white smile distracted me, making me smile in return and forget what was going on around me.
He still kept pulling me along, but we were in the front yard now. Mike, Daniel and the other werewolves were transforming all around us before running into the woods.
"Victoria, we need to run really fast through the woods. And—" I was about to ask him where we were going but he held a finger to my lips. "—don't ask where were going. Please. Just hold onto my hand and you will be fine. Your mother will be right behind us." He informed me. I shook my head and he took my hand, squeezing it twice. He smiled and kissed me in a way that I didn't like. It was too uncertain and troubled, like he was hiding a scared little boy behind his big strong bad boy image.
He pulled me past the border of our lawn and the woods and we started to fly by the trees at amazing speeds. The sun was still somewhat bright, but within the trees it darker; scarier.
I could hear my mother following close up behind us; staying with our speeds.
Keep going, I need to stop. My mother's voice popped in my head, including Collin's.
Alright, you know where were going. Collin replied.
We continued to run, but Collin tugged on my arm; stopping me.
"What are we doing? Are we here?" I asked while looking around. The area we stopped at had a small clearing with trees and bushes all around it. It was only big enough for me Collin and all of the other guys to stand in.
"Stay behind me." He growled. My breathing started to increase and I could feel my body tense with fear. "What's going on?" I whispered. He growled once again, this time it erupted from his chest like a lion roaring.
I didn't want to ask again, but I was really eager to know what was going on. So I started to focus on hearing my surroundings. This was when I heard small leaves crunching in front of Collin. I grabbed onto his hand, feeling a little better.
I peaked around Collin's body and a large wolf came into view. It was Daniel because of the wolf's dark brown hair.
There was nothing that way. The others are coming from all around and scanning the area. He's around here somewhere and his army also. But they are all scattered and staying out of the way. Daniel explained loud and clear in mine and I'm sure Collin's head also.
We were too late! I knew we should have just taken the car and driven her somewhere. A growl erupted in our heads, making me cringe from it being so loud.
Collin, don't worry about it. We all can keep her safe and watch out for her.
I decided to pop in their conversation. I can handle myself! I'm not some wimpy little human anymore. The growl in Collin's chest escaped his lips and he exposed his wolf teeth; so I backed down and let go of his hand.
Victoria, you don't need to do anything. Please just stay out of the way. Daniel pleaded.
I didn't notice, but Mike, Kyle and Brent came in different directions.
They're coming. They are all getting together now. Caleb and Maria are around here and they will tell us when they are near. And Caden and his friends actually already killed a few. They will be staying out around the clearing to make sure none of them run away. Kyle explained in everyone's head.
I couldn't stand the thought of putting everyone in danger like this. It's all my fault, I should have gone with what I said earlier and just gone with Aidan; none of this would of happened.
"Tisk, Tisk, Tisk." I turned around to a see nothing but trees and darkness where the setting sun couldn't reach. Collin grabbed a hold of me and stood in front of me. "If only you came with me my dear love." He slowly stepped out of the shadows; his black side swiped hair shining from the colors of the sky. He blended in with the shadows; wearing all black. "If you came with me—" He stepped closer, making Collin's growl deepen. "—your family would have lived…" He chuckled at the thought and enjoyment of killing my family.
"Well my family—"Collin's big hand went right over my mouth, practically wrapped around my whole face, but I broke free. "—my family is going to kick your ass!" I yelled before Mike nudged me in my butt and Collin once again putting a hand over my mouth.
We started to hear chuckles all around us, in the shadows. "So this is your thing." A boy about fifteen stepped out of the shadows where Daniel came from earlier. "She's a feisty one isn't she?" He had a sinister smile written on his face; causing me to hiss at him.
Other's started to appear out of the shadows, circling all of us in. There were about nine of them, including Aidan and the ages must have ranged fifteen to twenty five; all wearing black.
"You do always pick the weird ones Aidan." I could barely hear the guy who said this over Collin's loud growling. But I peeked at the guy who said it, which he looked like the oldest one. He seemed innocent but nobody should judge a book by its cover.
"I do don't I. But this one is different. This one I will share with all of you. She can be like," He put a finger to his chin; pretending to be thinking while staring intently at me. "She can be like a community bitch." Before I could say something or react, Collin flew through the air towards Aidan and transformed into his wolf form.
"Collin, No!" I yelled while going after him. Someone grabbed me from behind and I knew it wasn't any of the other wolves.
"Say good bye to your precious family." I recognized the voice to be the innocent guy. He had a grip around my waist and picked me up; dragging me deep into the woods.
"Daniel, Mike help!" I yelled, but chaos erupted in the little clearing. I couldn't tell who was who; everything was a blur. I started to kick and punch whatever my feet and hands could reach but it wasn't hurting him.
"Help!" I yelled over and over again. Everyone was occupied with their own fight; some wolves had to have two vampires against them.
"Holy sh—"the innocent guy dropped me on the ground while screaming in pain. I started to crawl backwards so I could have my back to a tree. Recognizing the fur, Caleb was on top of the vampire while he tried scratching his way out from under him. Caleb used his big claws to scratch at his face, but the vampire started to get smart. He started to use his vampire teeth and sink them into Caleb's paws, which Caleb yelped in pain.
"Caleb." I got up from sitting on the ground and ran towards him but someone grabbed me. I kept pushing my way over to where Caleb was still fighting but this person was too strong.
"Victoria, stop. Caleb is fine." It was my mother. She dragged me off father away from the clearing and Caleb.
"Maria, we need to help them! They are outnumbered!" I ripped out of her grip and faced her. She was worried, I could tell in her face, but she was staying strong for me.
Victoria. I am fine. You need to listen to Daniel and stay out of our way. Most of these vampires are new and weren't trained to fight against werewolves. So please, stay with your mother. I shook my head, not wanting to comply but I knew it was the right thing to do. Caleb nodded his head and ran to the clearing.
"Come over here, we can hide behind these bushes." I grabbed my mother's hands and lead her a few steps away from where we were standing. The bushes were perfect; we could see the clearing but we were far enough away to be safe.
I peeked through a break in the bushes and focused on the clearing. I could see a few vampires already lifeless on the floor, some with their heads right off. Daniel rose on his back legs to tower over one of the vampires. The vampire was in an attack stance, baring teeth and all and also hissing. But Daniel didn't hesitate as he landed on top of him, scratching him, ripping his clothes and skin open. Daniel raised on his back legs once again, this time the vampire didn't do anything but raise his hands to cover himself, but he couldn't take the weight anymore and collapsed on the floor with Daniel's paws in top of his face; crushing his head. Daniel slowly backed away; making sure he was dead and gone. He then started helping Brent out with a bigger one than the one he just killed. Instead of Daniel using his usual strategy, they just attacked the vampire by biting him over and over again, finally snapping his neck in half; which I cringed at the visual.
Collin. I thought. I looked over to where Collin should be but he was nowhere to be seen. Without thinking, I got up and started to run towards the clearing. I could hear my mother following. She could see the fight was over with so she didn't stop me, which it was; except we didn't know how things were with Collin and Aidan.
"Where's Collin?" I stepped over dead vampires, even recognizing one of them as being the fifteen year old. What a shame. I thought as I stepped over him.
I made it to the middle of the clearing and glared at all of the guys in their wolf form.
"Well? Where is he?" They all exchanged glances at each other.
Right here… Collin appeared out of the shadows where Aidan appeared before the fight started. I lost him; we need to get you out of here now.
My mother walked over and stood beside me. "Come on. Let's go." As I turned to leave, my mother pushed me out of the way, causing me to fall on top of a headless vampire. For a second I thought it was me screaming but then I noticed nothing was coming out of my mouth. It was my mother. Everything seemed to move at slow motion. I looked up and the werewolves were running towards her, so I did the same. At vampire speed, I arose from the headless vampire and headed towards my mother who was on the ground with a knife through her heart.
"Mom!" I yelled for her as I ran to her, feeling like I was going in slow motion. I knelt beside her and glared up towards the woods where Aidan stared almost in shock at what was before him. A pained look expressed across his face before, at vampire speed, running off into the woods.
As I knelt down on the soft wet ground beside her, I softly slipped a lock of her dark brown hair behind her ear, revealing a pale, angelic face. She looked so peaceful, like she knew she wouldn't have to deal with her horrific life anymore; that all the pain she went through, all the deaths she had encountered, all the wrong decisions she had created that made her cringe every time she thought about them; they were soon to be forgotten. Her unnecessary breaths were short, deep and raspy like, and for some reason before she took another breath; I knew, this was her last. Her chest raised and fell for the last time and her tense body relaxed; releasing the tight grip she had around my hand. The woods were quiet. Neither a single bird nor animal made a slightest noise. I could faintly hear the deep, tired breaths of my enemies and friends surrounding me as I softly whispered her name continuously. The sun was slowly departing, but made a beautiful red, orange and yellow glow within the blue sky. It casted a glow upon my mother's face, making her look more beautiful than ever. Ignored water droplets fell from my cheeks, dropping softly on my mother's cold, peaceful face; sliding down the wrinkles that stress has created from over the years. I reached up; touching the small bottom rim of my eye, feeling small droplets of waterthat were actually tears which were coming from my eyes. The buildup of pain, hopelessness built up for so long, finally broke free. It made me feel like I was human again, that I was actually crying. I held my short quick breaths and slowly bent down, kissing the forehead of my mother and whispering the very few words I never had the chance to say since I was little. "I love you."
Well I really really really hope you enjoyed the chapter AND the story... I hope everyone who have reviewed in the past AND who haven't reviewed before should review now since it's the last chapter. lol But I really want to hear what you guys think of this chapter. I had this chapter all thought out since the 2nd chapter soo yeah. This chapter and getting your feedback is really important to me. So please just take 3 minutes and REVIEW!
Also put in the review whether you want a second Ruby Red. I have it all thought out already but I don't want to write it if nobody cares for it... you know?
-I know it's late but happy thanksgiving everyone! I hope you all had a good one.
WELL SO LONG AND FAREWELL. THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN EVERYONE!
Now review!
:D