I must've fallen asleep among the grapes, because I woke inside of my room. I was alone and dressed in the tank and sweats I wore the night before. I sighed and slowly sat up. I glanced at the clock: nine in the morning. I moaned and stretched my arms. After feeling a pop or two in my lower back, I stood and made my way over to the bathroom. There, I found an envelope taped to my mirror, my name written in fancy script. I scoffed and tore the envelope off the mirror and opened its unsealed lip.

Inside was a neatly folded piece of computer paper. Written on it, was a little note from Drake:

I apologize for not being there when you woke, my love, but I have business to attend. I will see you tonight at six for dinner.

Until then,

Drake

What's with the butterflies when I read the words "my love"? Oh, God.

I tossed the note into the trash and started up my shower. While standing under the steaming water, I closed my eyes and thought of everything that has happened since the beginning of my memory. The hurt I felt when I first came here all those years ago—the pain and sadness. Drake wasn't attracted to me then, unlike now. I wish I could go back to those days, but sadly, they would never come back.

I thought of what happened in this shower almost twenty four hours ago. My eyes flicked open, not really wanting that memory back so quickly, and I hurried through the rest of washing my body and hair. After twenty minutes of blow drying the thick mess of hair I had and getting dressed in a tee and jeans, I headed downstairs for some food.

I entered the empty kitchen with one mission in mind: breakfast. I had a twinge of a headache, and I groaned. Due to my normal nocturnal schedule, I wasn't used to the bright sunlight streaming in through the windows and the open happiness of the kitchen. I grabbed some cereal from the pantry and sat my butt down at the table with a bowl, spoon, and milk in the other hand.

After making my gourmet meal and shoving it down while reading the color comics, I stood in the entry hall for a whole three minutes, thinking of something to do besides train. I've trained harder than I have in my life in the past few weeks with Drake and King. I was getting sick of roundhouse kicks and trip-ups and right hooks. I needed a break—I deserved a break.

A thought pooled into my mind and I paused on the stairs. Being in the city made me feel . . . alive. I connected more to the human world rather than the dark of a bloodsucker's. I felt like I belonged to that world; like I should actually be with that world—which, technically speaking is true. My idea pooled larger, adding in other ideas I wanted to fulfill.

I ran up the rest of the stairs and slammed my door shut behind me. Drake was gone, all other vamps were asleep and most familiars are asleep with them. Perfect opportunity!

I searched through the few articles of clothing I had and found nothing suitable of what I intended to do. I needed to look a little BA, but also a little sexy. My eyes fell on the still untouched shopping bags from the day before. I cautiously stepped over to them and opened one up from Buckle. Inside were a three pairs of jeans and one graphic t-shirt. I opened another bag from a place I've never heard of and was afraid to try and pronounce aloud. What I found would serve purpose for what I wanted to do. I grabbed the bag full of purpose and took another bag from Hollister.

I switched my tank and jeans for the contents in the Hollister bag—tank, hoodie and ripped jeans. I tossed on a bit of makeup and shoved some blush, eyeliner, mascara, and eye shadow into a small toiletries bag. I would need it later. After a quick glance in the mirror and a small nod, I headed out of the room, down the stairs and straight to the six-garage. I looked around for witnesses. When I saw none, I silently closed the door and scanned the room for any keys hanging from the wall. In the garage was only three cars—the other ones Drake must've took with familiars. There was a Honda Civic, BMW C3, and the newest Mercedes Benz—Drake's little toy, no doubt.

I cocked an eyebrow and tested the driver's door of the Benz. Thankfully, I found it unlocked. I unlocked the backseat and threw my stuff in there. I shut the door and sat behind the wheel. I searched the console and the glove compartment and found what was the start of my lucky streak—three credit cards: Wells Fargo, Discover, and American Express, and some cash. I chuckled and put the cards and cash in the cup holder. Then, my mind thought back to 'Terminator 2' and I pulled down my visor. The keys fell to my lap and I gave a small yelp of accomplishment. I shut my door and buckled in, excitement pouring into me.

King taught me to drive a few years ago and said I was a natural. Let's hope he was right and I still know how to drive an automatic. I learned how to drive a stick with King, which was difficult at first, then became easier with practice, but I preferred automatic rather than manual.

I jabbed the garage door opener button and started up the car. I backed out of the garage carefully and pressed the device again, closing it. I was free for a few hours; naturally, I had to come back before sundown. If I accomplished everything I hoped to do, maybe I'll be able to sneak out again without anyone knowing.

God, I thought. I'll need a miracle for that to happen.

I opened the sunroof and let the heat settle on my skin. The day had just started and I had a whole city to explore: where do I begin?

. . . .

By two in the afternoon, I was in the local mall's food court, pigging out on a deli sandwich and Miss Vickie's Jalapeno Chips. Fighting instincts kept my guard up and my eyes searching. I didn't think Drake would send anyone after me, nor would anyone want to find me. Plus, he wouldn't be back until dinner which is around seven thirty. I only went to a few stores: Macy's, JcPenny's, and Payless. I wanted to spend all the cash on his card, but knew I couldn't. I put it all on credit which kept me from having to show ID and know a PIN number.

I wiped my face and glanced at the abandoned newspaper in front of me. My curiosity caused me to grab the paper and thumb through it until I found what I was looking for: excitement. Clubs were listed and the times they were opened. Several were open all day and night, but most were only nights. They all had weird names, too. Like, Orchid Lounge, Quaker Steak & Lube, and I swear to God, one was named Cheerleaders. I scoffed and continued down the list. My eyes found one of interest called Club Ice. It opened at five and closed at three. I nodded to myself, got the address and closed the paper.

After throwing away my trash, I headed up the escalator, looking for a way to kill three hours. My eyes fell upon a book shop. I automatically headed for it and was surrounded by the written word. I stood in front of the latest book shelf and looked at the titles, my brows coming down to a frown. I took a book from the shelf that caught my attention. I read the back cover and my mouth dropped. This book was about vampires! I knew all humans believed they were fictionous but this was intense. They actually wrote books about them!

"Can I help you with anything?" a voice came from behind me. I turned and saw a boy about my age with a green apron on. My assumption was he worked here since he had a fancy badge saying his name was Jarrod. His hair was a fair blonde and had eyes of the ocean. He was barely three inches taller than me, but my instinct told me he would be an easy fight since his arms weren't muscled and his body was too lean.

His eyes fell onto the book in my hand. "Ah, Twilight: the world's most famous book right now." He sounded slightly disgusted. "You know, if you're into that sort of thing, I've got a bunch of books you'll probably like over there." He gestured toward the south side of the store.

I shook my head. "Oh, no, I don't want to read anything like that."

He raised his eyebrows. "You didn't like the book?"

"I've never read it," I answered simply, replacing the book onto the shelf.

"Are you kidding me?" His eyes widened. "That's not possible."

"How so?"

"Every girl in the world has read that series," he remarked.

"Minus one."

He paused before nodding. "Wow. I can't believe you've never read the books."

"Have you?"

"I did only because my girlfriend made me."

I chuckled. "You're girlfriend forced you to read a stupid book?" I began walking along the wall of the newest books. I noticed most with werewolves and vampire on the covers; suicidal writers and readers, if you ask me.

He blushed. "Yeah, I'm a sucker for her, though."

I smiled. "That's a good thing; treat her like a princess."

"I try," he said.

I found it slightly odd how I was suddenly talking to this guy like he was a friend. It kind of warmed me, though, to talk to another teenager like this. He was normal, unlike me. He had a girlfriend whom he cherished and all I had was a pack of vampires and their king, my current lover.

"Do you have any classic books?" I asked, remembering the books from my childhood.

"Sure." He led me away from the wall and toward the back of the store, where familiar names popped out at me: Jane Austen, Ellis Bell, Nathanial Hawthorne, and Samuel Clemens. I thanked him and he left me to my selection of several novels. I chose nearly all of Jane Austen's work, Wuthering Heights, and To Kill a Mockingbird. In total, I had about seven books. Jarrod check out my items and I paid with the card again.

He gave me a smile and, "Have a nice day." I grinned and left the book store, having a small glow and happy thoughts. I talked to a guy without mentioning the last time I practiced fighting, how horrid the last ball was, or how awesome it feels to be free from a hoard of vampires awaiting me at home. No; not a mention of any of those things.

I continued weaving through people, looking at store windows and then deciding not to enter. I caught a glimpse of the candy store and didn't hesitate to check out what it had inside. To my delight it had everything from Hershey's to gummy worms. I bought two bags of the sour watermelon gummies and a foot long pixie stick full of several different flavors.

So much for counting carbs.

I glanced at a clock on the wall: three thirty. Only an hour and a half until I got to go clubbing—if they let me in, that is. I found no other store I wanted to visit and decided to return to the car. I also decided that I didn't like parking garages; they freaked me out. Sure, I can handle myself if anything happens, but King and I watched the movie P2 a few years ago and let me say that it kinda came back to my thoughts while I was walking to my car, my sneakers making small squeaks every time I stepped.

I finally reached the car and threw the stuff in the back. I started it up and made my way out of the dark place. The thought of the movie gave me the creeps, but also gave me another idea. As I drove around the town, I looked for what King called 'movie theaters'.

There! In bright red, bolded letters were the words 'Century Theaters'. I pulled into a spot on the side of the road, behind a black Dodge pickup. I checked my surroundings so I could remember where I parked and locked the car as I walked away. The building was large and had glowing signs all over the front, all saying, what I assumed were titles. I saw posters covered in thick glass along the wall and decided on the one with the funniest picture. It was called 'Tangled' and from what I saw of the picture, it was about a story I haven't heard in a long time.

I approached the box where it told me I could buy tickets. I said what King told me to say, "One for 'Tangled', please."

"$9.76, please," he said.

I handed him a ten I found in the console and he gave me coins back along with the ticket. I smiled at him and entered the building. People were everywhere, some standing in line to buy popcorn; others just lingering around. I handed my ticket to a person who was obviously waiting for it. She ripped it slightly and handed it back to me. I moved to the line for food and got a small bag of popcorn and some Buncha Crunch and went to theater number nine.

The movie started in less than ten minutes after I sat down. I noticed a few other scattered people in the theater, but I didn't pay much attention as previews began. Here I was, in an actual movie theater, watching a cute and funny Disney movie.

This is the life, right?

. . . .

A fist came down on the dining room table. "Where the hell is she?" the king growled.

Asher typed rapidly on the computer. "Wait a minute more while I find out if she used the cards and where she used them."

He had returned early so he could indulge her more. He left his work so he could come to her. And she wasn't even here! His thoughts roamed over possibilities: she was definitely not kidnapped, no signs of struggle and she could've fought off anyone. The car was gone, meaning she must've run away, but her clothes and everything was still here. He had to give her props for taking the Benz instead of the other two cars. She had taste, he had to admit.

He groaned and paced faster around the dining room.

"Ah! It seems the flower used the card at the local mall to buy some earrings, jeans, a pair of boots and food from the food court."

"Get me transportation. I want her back," his tone was dangerous, as was his body language. He had stopped pacing, but was now holding the back of a chair so tight, the wood began to crack.

Asher hurried off to fulfill the orders when Danica sleazed into the room. "Oh, did the little kitten run away?" she sneered. She approached the enraged king and snaked an arm around his back. "I say we let her go."

Drake shoved her away harshly, knocking her into the wall. She groaned and stepped away from the wall, which now had a body indent. "I like it rough."

"I don't give a flying fuck what you like or don't like, Danica. Get the hell out of my sight."

She pouted. "But, I know you don't want me to go—"

"Get out!" he roared. Danica flinched and stumbled away. Stupid bitch.

He needed Zoey back . . . now. He needed to tell her extremely important news:

The Events begin in two days.

. . . .

A | N : Shit, I know I screwed up since I haven't updated in a long ass time, but those of you who are still with me, I cherish you and thank you for not giving up on me. I'm sorry I haven't updated, but life is some tough crap that you gotta go through. Again, I'm sorry.

Reviews are welcomed, though!

:D