Dhampir in Disguise

by gempire

As usual the summary is inside to avoid spoilers of previous stories.

7. Chapter 6

Disclaimer: Twilight it the property of Stephenie Meyer

This chapter is dedicated to Noble, Fadewind, Bibika94, Alexsandra, Lsb123, Alphabloodwolf, and Skysthelimit7507

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We travelled home on Saturday once the sun was peeking above the horizon. The atmosphere was subdued, especially compared to the air of camaraderie we had shared on the drive up to the mountains. It was odd to feel so low. After a hunting trip I was usually my most buoyant in the days that followed. However worry lay heavy on my mind.

I was worried about Grace. Will said that Tony had brought her back in a blood drenched sheet and that seemed to indicate to me that Grace was alive, in one form or another. How would it affect her relationship with Tony if she became a vampire? A shameful thought passed through my head for the merest fraction of a second and I was glad that there were no telepaths near to read my secret shame. What if Tony had lost control in their moment of passion and had bit her and that was the reason for the change? That thought was wrong, Tony would never do such a thing, especially to Grace, and that was why I felt ashamed.

I was also worried about Tony. How would it affect him if Grace did indeed become a vampire? There were certain factors that may harm their chance of future happiness that I would rather not think about at present. There was also the question of whether Grace would survive the transformation given her underlying heart condition, what if it wasn't strong enough to carry her through the inferno of the change? Tony would be devastated and no amount of comfort would appease him for the death of one's imprint is the greatest pain imaginable. Would it feel as if his imprint had died even if she did survive a vampire?

It was such a dire situation and I was cursing my rash decision to move so far away and cut all ties. Thanks to my temper and the thoughtless actions of my mother I had left the family, determined that if they wanted rid of me I would be gone. Now I wanted to comfort Tony, but was he in need of me yet? What if I got there and everyone was fine, that Carlisle had been there and had saved Grace from whatever injury and she had survived human.

I had to know what was happening at home!

"Am I mistaken in my belief that we will shortly pass a supermarket?" I asked.

"There's a Walmart about a mile down the road." Mal stated, answering me promptly as if I had not been silent with him for the last hour.

"Would you be averse to stopping there? I must phone home and I would rather buy a prepay phone for that." I stated.

"You really don't want to contact home do you?" Mal asked as he changed lane ready for the turnoff for the superstore.

"No. But I must check on Grace and Tony." I replied.

"You could use my phone again." He suggested.

"Thank you for the offer, but I would rather them have a number I can dispose of later." I stated.

"Once you know everything is fine?" He asked.

"Yes."

"You know you could use this as an opportunity to mend bridges." Mal said softly.

"No." I said, shaking my head. "I am not ready for that. If Tony requires my presence then I will go to him, but I will stay away if all is fine."

Mal was silent as he pulled into a parking space, then he turned to me giving no indication that he intended to leave the jeep.

"What did Essie do to you?" He asked.

"She betrayed me." I stated.

"How?"

"Does it matter?" I demanded irritably for nobody understood the betrayal I felt when they learnt the reason for it. "She betrayed me and I can never think of her in the same light again. That is why I must keep my distance."

"Ok. I get that she's pissed you off, but I can't see what would make you never want to see your mother again. I know I'd give anything for a chance to see Mam again. I'd do anything just to feel her cold hand stroke my cheek as she sings me to sleep. She had such a nice voice, all lilting and light. She was taken from me and I think you shouldn't give up on Essie just yet. You'll regret it when you can't see her cause she's been ripped apart before your eyes."

"Oh Mal! I am being utterly selfish in not considering your feelings in all of this." I said as I knelt up in my chair and pulled his head into my shoulder to embrace him. "I should not burden you with my woes when they chafe the wounds that ail your heart."

Mal's arms went around my waist and we embraced for a while as he composed himself. I stroked his hair and kissed his head, hoping that I was being sufficiently comforting for him. I had not intended to make him fretful, to open the wounds of the past, but I had and I knew not how to appease him. All I could do was embrace him and hope that he find some comfort.

"Oh god, I forgot how good it feels to be so close to another half vampire." He whispered. "All that wonderful warmth you can't get from the humans. And there's no hunger, none of the burn that's always a risk when you get too close, no matter how well you feed. When you begin to lose yourself to your senses it can take over."

"Yes." I replied sadly. "Then you have to draw away without warning."

Mal pulled away from me and gave me a curious look.

"Sounds like you're speaking from experience." He stated.

"When I was with Simon I thought that kissing would be fine, but I soon realised that kissing his throat was not the best idea for I felt the pulse beat beneath his skin. It was the first and only time I have ever wanted the blood of a human when they have no open wounds." I stated.

"From the few times I've been with humans it does make me wonder how the full vamps manage it." Mal observed.

"Because they love the woman in question and would not even consider such an act if they had no faith in their own control." I reasoned.

"That's a good explanation." Mal said with a smile, and he brushed his fingers against my cheek. "So, you wanna buy a phone or what?"

I shook my head in amused exasperation as he grinned at me and we climbed from the jeep. We walked into the store and headed straight to the electronics section. I chose the cheapest phone I could find, although I did check that the network was available in this general area and also around the college. The boy behind the counter was most helpful indeed and I paid with my credit card.

"Would you care for a bite to eat?" I asked Mal. "My treat."

"What kind of food?" He asked carefully.

"How about we buy some bread rolls, ham, some other little things and we could picnic somewhere means the day is so warm."

"Why not?" Mal said with a smile.

I smiled in return and we bought some little morsels suitable for a picnic and took it back to the jeep. Mal stated that he knew of the perfect place for us to stop and I trusted his judgment as he pulled out of the parking lot.

I set up my new phone as we moved. With Mal's permission I used the travel charger that had been free with the phone to give it some power before I used it to phone Tregarran for news on Grace.

Mal pulled into a little parking lot and there was a sty that led into the meadow. I unplugged the phone and brought it along with some of the food. Mal carried the rest of the food and a blanket for us to sit on. The meadow climbed gently to where it looked out over a valley that seemed untouched by man. It was a nice place to settle to eat and chat.

After we had set out the blanket I phoned home first since it was more important to learn of Grace's fate than to eat. I was glad that Will answered once more.

"Any news?" I asked without preamble.

"Liza?" He asked in a way that made me more than a little suspicious.

"You know it is I. How is Grace?" I said curtly.

There was a pause and I frowned, sure that the phone was being handed to someone else.

"Liza? Don't hang up." Mother said quickly. "Grace is gonna be fine, once the venom's done it's work."

"What happened?" I whispered, unable to hold my tongue whilst caught up in worry for my friend.

"Not really sure. Some woman shot her and Tony had to change her or she would have died. He did good, and he's with her now or I'd hand the phone to him. I mean he'd like to hear from you, but he's…well he's worried right now." Mother babbled slightly as she was caught in her own worry.

"I know." I replied. "I feel it."

Mother was silent for a moment.

"That's why you phoned?" She asked.

"I felt Tony's distress. I had to inquire of his safety."

"Well I'm glad you're checking up for his sake Liza. You're a good sister." Mother said and I almost sensed her next sentence before she said it. "And on that note I'd like to…"

I hung up and turned off the phone before she could finish.

"Something upset you?" Mal asked.

"I have all the information I want, there was no need to talk further." I said primly as I placed the phone on the blanket.

"Is Grace ok?" He asked.

"For the most part. As ok as a person can be when undergoing the change." I said mournfully.

"Oh." Mal said sadly. "How's Tony holding up?"

"He's looking after her." I stated.

"But how is he?" Mal insisted.

"I couldn't talk to him." I said sadly.

"Why?"

"Because it was for the best. Perhaps if I phone in a couple of days after the time of transition then I will be able to speak with my twin." I said.

"I guess that's a good plan. But wouldn't you rather be with him?"

"I would, however I would not make it before Grace's transition was ended. Even if I caught a plane it would be cutting it fine. Besides, Tony will be preoccupied with Grace through the transformation and the days following whilst he starts to tutor Grace on our ways. What input can I give that my family cannot? Besides, if Tony truly needs me I will know."

"Through your twin connection?"

"Yes."

"Well I guess you know best." Mal said with a shrug.

"You do not agree with my stance?" I asked with a frown.

"I just think that you might regret not being there for Tony at this time. What if he thinks you don't care about him cause you can't be with him at this time?" Mal said, phrasing it carefully so that I would not think he was accusing me of being heartless.

"Tony knows I care for him."

"But speaking as a casual observer it looks like you care more about saving face and keeping your pride intact than being there for your brother. I know that if I had a brother I'd be there for him in a shot."

"Really? Were you there for Mother when she needed you?" I demanded in my anger, and immediately regretted what I had said.

"I was there until I couldn't take anymore. When she condemned Trinity's parents to death for bearing dhampir I had flashbacks to when the Volturi killed my own parents. I could see the lonely years stretch out before Trinity and she didn't even have Essie and Tobias to ease the burden. She'd grow up and wouldn't have my choice to leave the Volturi; she'd be stuck there forever. I was right about that." Mal sighed. "Maybe it was wrong of me to run away, but after that I just couldn't cope and if it was anyone I was letting down it was Tobias not Essie. He was the one who needed support, but I wasn't able to give it to him."

"Everyone gave up on her apart from Father and Jane." I said softly, informing him that he wasn't alone.

"Jane? Burn you with her mind Jane?" Mal asked incredulously.

"Yes."

"Wow. I always thought her friendship was pretend, that she was doing it for Aro. Guess I was wrong about that one." He said with a laugh.

"It is hard to be sure with the Volturi but Jane has proved herself to be a true friend." I stated.

"And I didn't by leaving." Mal surmised.

"You had more reason to find offence in Mother's behaviour than Jane did. To Jane she did not like apathetic Esther-Marie for she was boring and not fun as Essie had been. You had the more personal grievance of reliving something you would sooner forget. Besides, one could almost state that in the moment Esther-Marie condemned that couple to death you were observing the fall of your saviour. You had held Essie up on this pedestal. She was the one who saved you, who had protected you, forgiven you when you had misread signals. She had erred, but to err is to be human and you could forgive her that, because she had always maintained a core of ethics that you admired. Then she broke them and that was almost as bad to you as if she had died. Possibly it was worse." I suggested.

"Yeah." Mal said despondently.

"Shall we change the subject?" I asked after a moment of silence.

Mal nodded.

"Very well, for there is something I just realised. Something that led to my not meeting you the next day and showing my gratitude to Malcolm instead." I observed.

"What's that?" Mal asked.

"I thought you had a class this morning?"

"Ah, right. It's a supplementary course that our psych tutor wants us to take." He explained. "The classes are every fortnight because it's only a short course and they can fit more people on it running it that way."

"I see. I was beginning to worry that you were forsaking your studies for this trip." I said.

"Nah. Just haven't got studies this Saturday, but I will next Saturday morning." Mal stated with a nod of his head as he made a ham roll and bit into it.

"Why did you decide to come to college?" I asked as I made myself a sandwich.

"To get good qualification and hopefully a good job." He replied after swallowing.

"But you could have forged the papers." I stated.

"Yeah, but that seemed deceitful." Mal replied. "Besides, it's good to have the knowledge to back it up."

"Why an American university? Would you not rather Oxford or Cambridge, possibly Aberystwyth?" I asked, trying to recall British universities.

"Those unis are all well and good, but Britain really is hard to settle unless you can get by on livestock, and then you have to keep ahead. The authorities get suspicious when you have so many sheep go missing once a month. It's only so many times you can pin it on poachers. I did get a slaughter licence and trained as a traditional slaughterer slash butcher. It meant I could get a bit of extra blood, especially for the organic farmers who wanted their produce one hundred percent traditional. But then they started noticing that I wasn't really aging and I got crabby when someone wanted to keep the blood for black pudding. That's when I started travelling, went around Europe, but avoided Italy. Then I just wanted to get away from it all, to have the space to run and I came to America. But it's hard for us dhampir to do the whole nomad thing, we need a few home comforts where all a vampire needs is clothes, and even then it's so they don't cause a stir when they cross paths with humans."

"Thus you decided to go to college." I stated.

"Yep. And I had this whole plan of sailing through college without any hindrance and that's put off course on the first day by another little dhampir who's so steaming she can't even walk straight." He said with a laugh.

"Sorry to have complicated your life." I said with a chuckle.

"You're worth it Liza bach." He said, and hugged me.

"Thank you." I replied and kissed his cheek before I sat back. "Well this food will not eat itself." I observed, realising we had been sat here for half an hour and had hardly touched it.

"Then let's get cracking." Mal said with a grin and we began to eat.

Our picnic was nice and the food good despite the fact that it was all mass-produced rubbish.

"Perhaps you could come with me when I return home." I stated as a thought occurred to me.

"What?" Mal asked as I pulled him from his own thoughts.

"Would you not like a reunion? Besides, the range at home is much better and I can have the cooker all to myself." I said happily.

"I think I've missed half the convo here Liza." Mal stated.

"I was thinking of how much better I could make all these foods from scratch." I explained. "I would very much like to demonstrate."

"Hang on, who are you more like in the kitchen?"

"Mother." I said in a deadpan.

"Oh…great." Mal said carefully. "That would be…something to look forward to."

I giggled.

"I inherited Father's culinary skill." I stated. "Besides, you ate my breakfast."

"Well what I could get into my mouth." Mal said. "I decided to eat it in the common room so I didn't have to double back to wash the plate and a big group of girls came in. They all wanted to try some. They all liked it. It was amazing, but meant there was less for me which was a shame cause it was good." He laughed. "I should have realised the connection when I tasted your pancakes. The only other ones I've ever tasted that are that good were Tobias' ones in Volterra."

"Perhaps I could make some tomorrow before we go to the laundrette." I suggested.

"That would great." Mal said with a smile. "And since most people will still be hungover it's not likely they'll come nick some."

"The more for us." I said with a smile.

"Yeah, cause there's one thing you'll notice as you get older, your appetite increases. It's kind of weird when you think about it. You think you'd need the most energy for the early years, when we're doing all that really fast growing, but I never liked human food much. It was only when I stopped growing that I started to appreciate food more."

"Yes, I know what you mean. I think I started cooking as a means to become more interested in food. Food tastes better when you have worked hard to prepare it. Or more likely I have put so much effort into the food it would be a waste not to eat it. However I have noticed an improvement in how food tastes this past ten years and also the amount I desire to eat." I paused a moment as I thought. "Perhaps our appetite is more because although we are not growing or aging, our bodies are constantly regenerating, stopping us from growing older and ensuring that we heal quickly when injured. This must take an inordinate amount of energy, hence the increase in our appetite. We can not receive everything we need from blood, but we do need blood too."

"And you were trying to go without it." Mal said in mock rebuke.

"That was foolish of me." I said seriously. "I was being stubborn, wanting to bury everything about me that had to do with my family."

"And you were doing it backwards." Mal commented.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"If your intention was to cut anything about your mam out of your life then wouldn't it be better to not feed your human side and become a complete vampire?"

"It's harder to ignore human hunger since it nags at you after a couple of hours as opposed to a couple of months. Besides, I am known within the vampire community, if I am to hide from my family it is better to do it as human."

"You're known?" He asked.

"Well I am one of the 'famous Cullens' am I not?" I replied, using his own words.

"Yeah. But it's one thing to be part of them and another for the vampires to actually know you." He observed.

"I am the daughter of Tobias Seruvus, one time lure of the Volturi, and Essie Black, the Volturi Wolf Child, of course I am known. It is unavoidable really."

"I guess that would carry some weight." Mal conceded. "Shame that their fame comes from being Volturi though."

"It opens doors, but then one can alter the perception once people come to know you." I stated.

"I guess." Mal said with a sigh. "Have you had enough to eat, we really should head back to the college if you want to sort out whatever with your roommate before she's otherwise engaged."

"Yes. That would be wise." I said with a laugh and we gathered up our litter and went back to the jeep.

Learning that Grace was on her way to becoming a vampire seemed to give me a reprieve. It could end in disaster once her heart stopped beating, however Grace had a window of hope. Tony had a window of hope and although I was still very much worried for him I was able to let go of some of the gloom that had taken hold of me since learning of the possible tragedy that had befallen my twin. It was up to fate now and beyond hoping for the best there wasn't much I could do.

It allowed me to talk in a more lighthearted manner with Mal. Since both of us had such chasms in our past we were as yet unwilling to traverse, we discussed films we had viewed and thought were truly terrible that held some appeal because of this fact. We found that we shared a liking for a lot of the same films. We even admitted, after some beating about the bush, that we had a soft spot for 'The Pink Stiletto'. Not so much the film itself, but the memories of happier times that surrounded it.

I was surprised by how eager I was to learn of my parents in the past. They had been there for Malachite in a way they were unable for Tony and I. I thought that should I ever meet the famous Malachite, after the initial thrill of knowing a telekinetic had warn off I would not want to know of his past with my parents. I thought I would be jealous, but I was oddly intrigued to hear of all they had done for him to make his upbringing in Volterra all the more bearable.

I was beginning to question my anger toward Mother, perhaps I was being unreasonable, however Mal had been an orphan and had been thrust upon Mother and Father at first. His being raised by them was an accident, as much as it was accident that Tony and I grew up not knowing them. It was the result of our lives being beyond our control, but now it was different. This was a choice Mother and Father had made and they had not considered how Tony and I would feel in all of this. How their timing might have been better…

That was thought that caused my anger to ignite. It was the timing of their decision that had hurt so much. Was had they chosen to announce their intentions just as I was embarking on a life so far away from home? I would have been more than happy to include myself in this new development, had it happened when I was not hundreds of miles away and in no position to attend. If I were excluded from the majority of it, I would not be there at all.

"Liza?" Mal said softly.

"Yes?" I murmured.

"We're back at the student lot." He informed me.

"We are?" I asked, looking around in shock.

"Yeah. You dropped off." He stated. "Snoring your head off you were." He added with a grin.

"I am famed for my snoring." I joked, although my voice was somewhat groggy. "How long was I asleep?"

"About half hour." He said. "I tried keeping you awake, but I'm that boring I put you to sleep."

I laughed at his joke as I sat up straight and stretched out my body.

"I think all those late nights are finally catching up with me." I observed.

"Then maybe an early night is in order." Mal suggested.

"Or at least a quiet one." I conceded. "One that does not include drinking alcohol at all."

"Very wise." Mal said with a nod of approval.

"And I would like my wits about me should I receive bad news." I said as I pulled the new cell phone from my pocket and switched it on to see if I had any missed calls.

I had several missed calls and three voicemails, but they were timed not long after I had phoned and I knew it was merely Mother imparting news I had no intention of knowing about. I deleted the messages without listening for I would rather not know the news that would break me and make me unable to check on the welfare of my good friend Grace.

"They could have been important." Mal observed.

"No." I said. "That was Mother attempting to appease my wrath, but nothing she can say will undo the fact that she did not consider my feelings in her plans."

"Well you know, sometimes parents have to think of themselves." Mal pointed out.

"But there are times their selfish thoughts lead to situations that cannot be reversed and for this reason I am unable to forgive her."

"Well I sure wish could figure it out." Mal said. "I mean, what kind of selfish act could she perform that's irreversible? Did she get a tattoo that didn't meet with your aesthetic approval? Too many piercings?"

"You are making fun of me." I said with a glower.

"I'm not." Mal snapped. "I want to understand what's happened between you and your mother, but nothing is irreversible. Nothing selfish, unless you're talking about something reckless, but then Essie's perfectly ok so it can't be that."

"You will not understand if I tell you." I said sadly. "No one understands my view in this situation. They think I am being 'melodramatic Liza' yet again, but they have no idea of how this has awakened my old fear of abandonment. Of being un-needed. Of being replaced."

"Replaced? By what?" Mal asked.

"Nothing. As of yet." I said and sniffed slightly, seeking out a tissue in my purse to blow my nose. "You will not understand."

"Try me."

"Please! I can not lose you too." I whispered.

I felt Mal's eyes upon me for a very long moment. It was growing uncomfortable being there in his scrutinising gaze. It seemed an eternity before he placed his hand to my shoulder and tapped it gently.

"I wish you'd trust me." He said. "But I guess we don't know each other for complete trust yet. Maybe you're frightened that I'll rationalise your fear and you'll start to forgive Essie. I know when you feel utterly betrayed by someone it's hard to let go of the anger and start to see things from their point of view. I won't push you on this one because I hope that you'll come to trust me enough to tell me."

"I will tell you when I am ready, but I fear…"

"I know. But I won't turn my back on you, whatever it is. Maybe I'll be angry at first, I can't promise I won't be, but I will hear you out. I'll listen to whatever you have to say, no matter how absurd, and maybe I can help you through it. But of course that will depend on whether you want help or not."

"Do I want help?" I asked.

"Well that's up to you to decide." He said with a shrug. "Now it's getting late and I think we need to head back to our dorm house if you want to get your things from your room."

"Oh yes, I almost forgot." I said, drawn from my moment of self-pity. "Are you certain you don't mind me intruding on you once more?"

"Liza, you're not intruding. I'm happy for the company to tell you the truth. Most of the rest only want to talk to me when they think I can help them with their studies, and it's not like I can really let them get to know me. Do you know how long it's been since I had someone I can talk to and not have to censer myself?" He asked.

"It is marvellous to be able to do that again." I sighed.

"Yeah. And you've had what? Four weeks at it? I've had four years." He stated darkly.

"Then you have much socialising to make up for my friend." I announced as I tapped his arm grandly. "Let us waste no more time."

"Well socialising I'll do, but no going overboard."

"No alcohol." I promised.

"Then let's go get your stuff and we can decide what we want to do."

"That sounds good." I agreed.

We left the jeep and carried our hiking equipment the few miles back to our building. It was hardly a walk of great endurance to us dhampir. It was two in the afternoon by the time we reached the common room and we parted briefly while I went to my room to prepare an overnight bag and my laundry for the morning.

"You're staying in his room?" Dove asked.

"I will be sleeping on the air mattress." I stated as I put the deflated mattress into my basket for ease of transport. "He will insist that I take his bed and he use the mattress, but twice now he has given up his bed for me and if things are to remain equal between us then it is my turn to take the alternate means."

"I guess it's only fair." Dove said with a shrug.

"It is." I stated.

"So what are you going to do anyway?"

"We are going to study, then watch some telly, possibly take in a film. I have discovered he holds the same penchant as I for vampire movies." I stated, and I left the moment long enough before I gasped as if in recollection. "And that reminds me, your Simon Leighton is something of a dreamboat."

"What?" She asked, I had caught her off guard.

"Have you not seen the sequel to 'Our Dark Mistress'?" I asked.

"Why would I watch the sequel when the first one was such a dud?" Dove demanded. "Kat Perez is the worst thing to happen to the film industry in my opinion."

"Well I advise you put your opinion aside and watch the sequel. Not only is it a better movie, but your Simon is the lead." I said excitedly.

"Simon is the lead? Opposite Kat Perez? Oh my god!" Dove exclaimed as her face lit up in wonder.

"Suddenly Miss Perez is not such the blot on the Hollywood landscape." I teased.

"Well she's still a bad actress, but to get in as her lead male?" Dove marvelled. "So is he her love interest?"

"No. He is her son." I stated. "He is a dhampir." I added with a strange relish.

"One of those bat thingies? Ewww! How bad does he look?" She asked, wincing slightly.

"Watch and judge for yourself." I said with a slight smile as I wondered what Dove's reaction would be if she knew she shared a room with a real life dhampir. "Or you could consider this statement. From viewing this film I can see why you would find him so appealing, so he is not too hideous."

"I guess." Dove said. "But he's really the lead?"

"There is no love interest for poor Sildravi, but her son Nedras falls for the mortal Aleena, causing much friction between mother and son." I explained.

"And Simon is Nedras?" Dove asked in confirmation.

"Yes."

"Who plays Aleena?" She asked.

"Candace Michelle." I said promptly.

"Oh my god! I've slept with a guy who's played Candace Michelle's love interest?" Dove declared as if she had climbed to the summit of Everest.

"So it would appear." I said dryly.

"I hear she sleeps with all her leads, and I got him first." Dove mused.

"I doubt you were his first." I pointed out, for I knew full well who was the first girl to bed Simon and the dire story behind the incident.

"Well I know I'm not his first, but I had him before Candace." Dove said with a shrug.

"Yes." I said, feeling a sudden wave of bitterness and I no longer liked this game.

"I mean it's obvious the first girl he had was his princess." Dove said authoritively and I felt a stab in my heart to think that the list of his conquests was growing, but his Princess was yet to know him.

"How can you be sure?" I asked, managing with great difficulty to filter the bitterness from my voice. "It's not often that a person's first is the love of their life."

"Ok. Then what if she's the one that got away?" Dove asked with uncanny insight that had me question if she were not something of a telepath. "Or maybe there was a good reason they couldn't be together in the past, but one day in the future they can be?"

"That sounds like something out of a fairytale." I said unable to stop my bitterness sounding through this time.

"But isn't it great to think they can come true?" Dove asked cheerfully, ignorant to my tones.

I considered for a moment then smiled.

"Yes. It would be most divine indeed if such a thing were true." I mused, then I recalled that Mal was waiting for me. "Now I should really prepare my things for overnight and I will see you tomorrow."

"Ok." Dove said, "But then I want a full report."

"A full report?" I asked with a frown.

"On everything you did at the cabin and anything you do tonight. I want details." She stated firmly.

"There is nothing to report." I said with a shake of my head. "It will bore you, honestly."

"I'll be the judge of that." Dove said with a smile and I knew she would nag me until I told her in detail what Mal and I had done.

"It will bore you." I said with a shrug as I packed up the last of what I would need.

"I can do with a good sedative." Dove countered and I rolled my eyes as I gathered up my belongings and went to the door.

"I will see you tomorrow afternoon."

"Ok." Dove replied. "But do you maybe want some help? Those things look heavy."

"But they are not." I stated.

"Are you sure?" She persisted.

"Yes." I said as I opened the door. "Goodbye."

I left and moved swiftly along the corridor lest Dove offer her help again. I knew that she did it so that she could accompany me to Mal's room in order to subject him to questioning. I wanted to save Mal from that is it was at all possible, or at least until we got our story straight on what did happen.

Should I mention the kiss? Would he prefer it if I did not? Should I have stated we have a familial connection we had not realised, and if so what was that connection? There was so much we had to discuss before Dove managed to corner us.

Mal opened the door as I reached it.

"Listening out for me?" I asked as I stepped through.

"Yeah." He said. "Thought you might have your hands full."

"Not really." I assured him as I placed my basket on his desk. "I am stronger than I look." I added as I placed my overnight bag on the floor. "Now I will have no arguments, I have put you out enough so it is only fair that I sleep on the air mattress."

"What air mattress?" He asked.

"This one." I said, pulling it from the basket. "It is the one I used before I wore out the patience of Dahlia and Erin."

"Well if you're really sure about it then I won't stop you. But really I don't mind sleeping on the floor. Like I said, I've slept worse places." He said with a shrug as he sat down on his bed.

"So you did. Would you care to elaborate?" I asked, unsure if I was welcome to sit beside him.

Mal paused for a moment.

"Later on maybe. Let's get this room in order first." He stated.

"Very well." I said, and patted his arm. "Besides, there is something else we must discuss that is somewhat urgent." I added as I rolled out the mattress ready to inflate it.

"What's that?"

"What we tell Dove." I replied, before I began to inflate the mattress by mouth.

"About what?"

I held up a finger to request a moment while I inflated the mattress.

"About what we did together this weekend." I said as I inserted the stopper into the valve and placed the mattress into the corner between the bedside cabinet and the wall.

"Why do we have to tell her anything?" He asked with a frown.

"Because if we say nothing she will concoct her own scenario." I stated as I placed a sheet over the mattress and arranged my pillows and blankets. "So it is batter that we say something. However, we need to agree on our story, on what we should tell her."

"How about we tell her everything?" Mal said a little sarcastically.

I giggled as I sat down on the air mattress and pulled a bear into my arms, it was around medium sized and it had the threadbare look of a toy well loved. It was Mal's and I should have asked if I could hold the bear, but it just seemed to cry out to me to be hugged.

"I think that may go against the law." I said. "Of course if we sought permission…" I mused.

"I wouldn't want to give Dove nightmares." Mal said seriously. "So what did we do up in the mountains?"

"We hiked. There was a trail that you favour and you wished to show me it. We hiked to the top of the peak where we had the most brilliant view and on the way back down we were lucky enough to spy a bear. We were down wind from him and had a good place to hide and wait until he'd gone on his way. Then we returned to the cabin where we watched Dark Revenge before going to sleep. You were a gentleman and allowed me to use your bed while you slept on the sofa and then we came back the next day."

"That sounds boring." Mal observed.

"Yes. And I hope it will be enough to prevent Dove enquiring of anything in the future." I said with a smile.

"Then we had a boring time." Mal agreed.

I waited a moment to see if he would ask about mentioning the kiss, but he didn't bring it up and I decided not to either. He had obviously decided to forget it and that was probably for the best. To bring it up now might cause an uncomfortable air between us for the rest of the day.

"So, shall we do a little studying now?" Mal asked.

"Yes." I agreed.

We studied for the next four hours, and strange as it seems we managed to exist together in the silence. It wasn't an obtrusive silence that sucked at the ears demanding to be filled. It was an easy silence, one of working minds and I thought it was a good sign that this friendship could work that we could exist in a state of silence and study without needing to fill the void with endless chatter.

Around seven my stomach rumbled and we both looked up from our studying, our eyes locked for a moment and I felt somewhat embarrassed. Then we simultaneously broke into laughter.

"Well that settles it." Mal said, as if we had been holding a conversation. "My minds starting to get a bit mushy, and I was thinking it's about time for a break."

"This would be the perfect juncture." I agreed.

"So why don't we pack the studying in for tonight, go grab some take away and then watch a film?"

"That sounds wonderful." I agreed as I began to pack away my work. "What food did you have in mind?"

"Chinese?" He suggested.

"Yes." I agreed.

We left to find the Chinese take away and ordered what was advertised as a meal for two, although judging by the amount of food it could have comfortably fed four. I suppose it was a blessing that Mal and I are both dhampir and can handle a little extra food.

We also stopped at the mini-mart and bought some soda, I was pleased with myself that I did not even think of the alcohol. I had no need of it for the company of Mal was pleasant. It made me question why I had ever thought Malcolm was of decent sorts, I had never truly liked him and had to bathe my brain in alcohol to think I was having fun with him. I felt rather foolish that I had not realised sooner.

"Hey Liza, so you are out then?" Someone called from behind and I turned to Cheryl, a girl from another building who had often accompanied my former group through her dalliance with Gobbo.

"No." I said. "We have merely come to buy some food and then intend to have a movie night."

"Bore-ring!" Cheryl declared. "You should come out. It's not so much fun without you."

"I'm sure my absence makes such a difference." I said dryly.

"And Mal's not out either." She stated. "It's just so boring this week."

"Perhaps. But I would be embarrassed to show my face too if I were Malcolm." I said coldly. "I have acted in an unbecoming manner these past few weeks and I must make up for it. Therefore I intend to eat my food, watch a movie with my good friend Mal Rodgers and then sleep without letting a single drop of alcohol to pass my lips."

"Well I guess I can't force you." She said with a shrug. "Guess I'll see you around."

"Yes." I agreed before turning back toward my building and I began walking with Mal beside me once more.

"Nice girl." Mal observed once we were out of earshot.

"Yes." I agreed.

"Guess your story hasn't got around yet." He observed with a slight frown.

"Not to everyone it would seem." I said with a sigh. "And I know not whether it's a good thing or a bad thing."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I would hate to think that everyone is gossiping behind my back, while at the same time I am fed up of everyone assuming that I should be with Malcolm. We were hardly a couple so why should I be with him?" I demanded.

"But you were always together and always singing his praises." Mal pointed out as we entered our building.

"That is true." I said sadly. "Why did I do that?"

"Doesn't matter now Liza, you know the truth now, and you can put all that behind you." Mal stated.

"I hope I can." I said forlornly.

"Although I do have one more question about it." He said.

"And what is that?" I asked wearily.

"What would you have done if it was Malcolm we bumped into tonight?"

"I would have ignored him and treated him as if he no longer existed." I said and then I shivered.

Mal locked eyes with me once more as a look of worry crossed his face.

"Did you just feel that?" He asked.

"The shiver up my spine that suggest there is a vampire near?" I whispered.

Mal nodded.

"I think we better not go out again tonight." He said, his eyes carefully scanning the darkness.

"I couldn't agree with you more." I said, willing my body to calm. "Let us go to your room, we will be safer up there."

"Too many witnesses to pass?"

"Yes." I stated. "Although a vampire with a purpose would soon take care of any witnesses, but they could not be certain of the security arrangement for the building, and such a thing would be too much bother for a couple of dhampir. Not to mention the fact that they would be drawing so much attention to our world that they would soon find themselves a pile of dust."

"At least the Volturi are good for one thing." Mal mused.

"Actually the V…" I began.

"Liza. Mal. I thought you guys were having a quiet night." Dove said, coming up the stairs behind us and cutting off what I was saying.

"We went out to get some food." I stated.

"What have you got?" She asked as she and Dermot kept pace behind us.

"Chinese." Mal replied.

"Oh great." Dove said. "Same as us. Why don't we pool it all together and split it? We could all watch a movie together. I really want to see Dark Revenge."

"We saw that one last night." Mal said.

"Was it any good?" Dermot asked.

"Yeah." Mal conceded. "But I'd rather watch something else tonight."

"I'm sure we could agree on something." Dove said as we reached our floor.

I glanced at Mal, giving him a questioning look as I wished yet again that I had my brother's telepathy so that we may discuss this briefly before answering. I had no objections, but if Mal did then I would side with him since Dove wished to alter our plans.

"One movie won't hurt." Mal observed, and it was strange to hear his voice sustained in that American accent.

"Yes." I agreed and turned to Dove and Dermot. "We would be glad to join you."

"And we'll even watch Dark Revenge again." Mal said with a shrug. "It's not that bad."

"But the question is how all four of us will watch it when all we have is a small laptop screen." I mused.

"How about the common room." Dermot suggested as we stepped through the doors to find that it was empty.

"You got it on DVD?" Mal asked.

"Yeah." Dove replied and she put her hand into the shopping bag she was carrying to pull out the case.

I took the food bags from Mal and placed them on the coffee table directly in front of the television whilst he made use of his height and inserted the disc into the side of the TV.

We dished out the food onto the kitchen plates. A month in college had lessened my panic somewhat. Besides the paper plates would be nowhere near big enough to hold everything we wished to eat.

By the time we had shared out the food and had our sodas poured the DVD had run through all its messages and had reached the menu screen. Mal stood once more to press play then he settled beside me with his plate on his lap as the movie began. We were too busy eating during the first half of the film to hold any form of conversation, but it was nice to have more company. I realised that I would not be able to do this with Malcolm, had I suggested we spend time with my friend then he would have insisted that Trick and Gobbo come along and they would bring people and it would soon turn into a party, rather than a nice get together.

Not long after Simon had disguised himself as a human Dermot snorted, then burst out laughing.

"What?" Dove asked.

"I just realised something." He chortled. "Mal, you could play Nedras' brother."

"Excuse me?" Mal said carefully as I too felt a caution take me over Dermot's observation. Did he suspect? Even in jest, did he suspect?

"You just look a lot like the guy who plays him." Dermot said. "At least now he's got rid of the vamp make up."

"Looks nothing like him." Dove murmured.

"Huh?" Dermot exclaimed, looking at her.

"I said, Mal looks nothing like Simon." Dove said grudgingly, her cheeks going red beneath her makeup.

"You know him?" Dermot asked in shock.

"Well I am a Hollywood brat. He was an extra in one of Mom's movies. Talked to him now and again, he's nothing special." Dove said breezily, although it was clear she was covering.

"Your Mom's an actress?" Mal asked with interest and I realised he was trying to draw attention away from Dove's revelation of knowing Simon before it could descend into argument.

"Yeah." Dove said, happy that the subject was moving away from Simon.

"Is she famous?"

Dove rolled her eyes.

"It's Fatima Marlow if you must know." She said sourly.

I felt my mouth fall open as Mal made an impressed sound and Dermot almost choked on his soda.

"Fatima Marlow?" He gasped. "You never said."

"What difference does it make?" Dove demanded. "She's just Mom to me. I mean I grew up on film sets, actors are really nothing special. They're just people. She's no different from any of your parents."

Mal coughed to hide his sudden flutter of giggles and I nudged him slightly in the hope that he would hold it together. This was hardly something to strike him as funny. Surely he had heard humans state something similar in the past and not have this reaction.

"I had no idea it was her." I said. "Although now I know I can see the resemblance. It is something about your cheekbones and the spacing of your eyes."

"People do say I look like her." Dove agreed. "Hence the savage hairdo. Mom would never go for something like this and was a bit annoyed that I covered up my red hair. She thought I was ashamed of it, but that's not the truth at all. I just want to make my own way in the world, and not get things handed to me cause I'm the daughter of Fatima Marlow and George Kay."

"Oh my!" I gasped. "You are Hollywood royalty."

Dove shrugged.

"What difference does it make? I just want to earn things on my own." She said proudly.

"I understand." I said softly. "My parents are enormous within the academic world and I am expected to follow in their footsteps, but I would happily become an elementary school teacher, and help mould the minds of children when they are still young and accepting."

"Yeah." Dove said despondently.

"So where does the Bradshaw come from?" Mal asked.

"It's my Gran's maiden name. It stops the press being able to trace me."

"They'll never find you." Dermot said fiercely as he hugged Dove and kissed her forehead.

"Thanks." Dove said with a sigh as she settled against his chest.

Dermot embraced her happily; oblivious to the fact that Dove's eyes trailed back up to the screen and she winced, dropping her eyes quickly. I looked at the screen to find it was the place where Nedras and Aleena share a night of passion as they hide away from Sildravi who seeks to kill the mortal woman tearing her family apart. It had been somewhat difficult for me to watch since he was my Dear Boy, but I contented myself with the fact that it was only acting. Surely Dove would see this too, she could not possibly be so enamoured by Simon while she had Dermot to love her this evening. Obviously I had underestimated the true extent of her crush on Simon and that made me feel sad.

I was thankful when the film had ended and was more than happy to ensure Dove and Dermot that they could retire, and Mal and I would see to the mess in the common room. I felt the questions building within Mal as Dove and Dermot said their goodbyes and left for my room.

"So, how much do I look like Simon?" Mal said in a teasing manner as we gathered up the plates and empty cartons.

"Not that much really." I stated. "You are both tall, although you are taller than him by four inches, and you both have green eyes, but his are more a turquoise sea-green while yours are like emeralds. A lot like Uncle Hunter's in fact."

"Yeah. My eyes being like Hunter's saved my life." Mal said with a grin. "So any other similarities?"

"You both have brown hair, but he has the tendency to dye his and wear it short and spiked whereas you wear it long and messy." I stated. "Other than colouration you are nothing alike."

"Compiled quite a list there I see." Mal observed.

"You were the one who requested that I compare and contrast." I pointed out feeling somewhat agitated.

"Yeah." He agreed. "I just wanted to start somewhere that wasn't too controversial."

"What do you mean?"

"I think Dove knows Simon." Mal said carefully.

"She said she did." I replied.

"Yeah, but I think she might have… might have…"

"Slept with him?" I asked. "Yes she did."

"What? How do you know?" Mal asked in shock.

"She told me." I said without emotion.

"And you're ok with it?" Mal asked, watching me carefully.

"More so now than when I first found out." I stated. "But I can hardly comment on it to her. And I think we should save the rest of this conversation for private." I added quickly as I heard people on the stairs.

"Ok." Mal agreed and we finished tidying up in silence before we returned to his room.

I went to sit on the air mattress but Mal retrieved his toiletry bag instead.

"Thought I'd get my ablutions out of the way before we settle down." He observed.

"That is a good idea." I agreed.

I retrieved my toiletry bag and took that long route all the way to the girls' bathroom. I tried to be quick whilst still being thorough, then returned to Mal's room. I knocked on the door and I heard him turn the lock before he answered and he was already in his pyjamas. I smiled to think that he would be so shy, but said nothing as I entered the room.

I changed into my pyjamas whilst Mal busied himself with tidying a few papers on his desk. I did wonder if he had been in many situations where communal changing was involved. As far as I knew he had not attended school therefore I had to conclude he had not. That would be why he had some aversion to it now. Unless there was another reason he didn't wish to change in front of me. I could think of none and so put it down to the fact that he had little experience in changing in front of people.

Once I was changed and had placed my dirty clothing into my laundry sack I sat cross-legged on the air mattress once more and took the teddy in my arms. He really was delightful to hug and I wondered for a moment why I had not thought to bring one of my own to college. Then I remembered that I had thought it childish at the time. Silly me.

"So you want to tell me now?" Mal asked, sitting down beside me on the air mattress rather than the bed as I thought he would.

"What did you say when I told you I was in school with Simon?"

"That you couldn't of been cause he's so much older." Mal replied with realisation.

"Yet I could inform you that I attended high school at five and you would know how that is possible. How would I explain that to a human?"

"I guess you wouldn't be able to." He conceded.

"No." I shook my head.

"Does she know that you know him?"

"She thinks I spent my childhood travelling with my parents. She knows not that I am from Olympic Pines, as is Simon. I did partially tell her of him, of an older man that I adored but was unable to declare the full extent of my feelings to him because he was so much older. She went on to tell me of a similar experience, but she wasn't as shy as me and actually bedded the one she adored. It took all my will not to fall to pieces in front of her when she said his name. Then I inadvertently made mention of my Dear Boy again and she wanted a name, I said Sasha Ulyanov."

"Who's that?"

"Remember I spoke of a vampire who confused my adolescent heart?" I inquired.

"Yeah."

"That was his name." I stated, unready yet to mention that it was an alias used by Alec of the Volturi.

"Oh, right." Mal said carefully.

"I have no idea why I said his name, but it was the only one I could think of quickly, for there have been very few boys I have loved. At least loved enough to consider as possible companions."

"And this all happened when you were seven?"

"Yes."

"And you haven't had a boyfriend since then?"

"I've had a couple of boyfriends, but it has never gone further than kissing. I have always been in complete control of the situation. Especially with Kai who I dated mainly to prove to him that he did not wish to date me." I said with a laugh.

"Now that one you're really going to have to explain." Mal said with a grin.

"Kai is the youngest son of Aunt Susie and he has fancied me since I was eight and he ten. Of course back then it would not have done for there to be anything between us. But this summer he decided to ask me out and I agreed. We ended the summer on good terms, but Kai now knows I am not the one for him and he can move on to be with whoever he belongs with." I explained.

"So you helped him get over you by going out with him?" Mal asked carefully.

"Yes."

"Interesting method." Mal mused.

"Sometimes it's the best method." I stated.

"So did you go far with Kai?"

"No." I said. "Merely kissed. He did stray with his hands now and then, but it was when he was lost in the moment and it did not feel like the violation I felt when Malcolm touched me. Not that Kai ever tried to go that far. I am still a virgin for I am saving myself for my Dear Boy." That last bit was automatic I had said it so often, but as I said it I realised I had not meant to in front of Mal.

"Simon." He stated.

"Yes." I confirmed, for that is who I called 'Dear Boy'.

"Why are you saving yourself?"

"Because I promised him that as soon as I was ready to go all the way I would track him down and we would consummate our love." I stated as I realised I was retreating to safer ground because if I had a mate in mind then I would never have to raise the question with Mal and ruin our friendship.

"He's not waiting for you." Mal stated.

"He would have had I not commanded him not to." I said, speaking into the bear's head. "I really wanted to be with him when I was eight, but it was impossible. I could not do that to him for what would it do to him should he ever find out? He vowed he would stay celibate for me, but I knew that would be ten years and I could not ask that of him. I wanted him to know exactly why we could not lay together but without putting his life on forfeit and so I walked in his dream and told him everything."

"Walked in his dream? But I thought you didn't have any powers." Mal observed.

"I don't, but Mother does. She transported me into Simon's head and I was able to explain everything to him fully and that gave him the freedom to go off into the world."

"So why haven't you gone to find him?" Mal asked. "You're eighteen now. You already wanted him back then, I doubt much has changed on that front. Why put it off?"

"Because I lost touch with him."

"If you wanted to get back in touch it would be easy enough to do."

"What if he rejects me?" I asked. "Or he has a serious girlfriend?"

"Then you'll know you can move on. Is it fair on you to be hung up on a guy and deny yourself some life experiences? You got two choices, you can either track him down and know one way or another whether he still wants you or if it's time to move on. Or you can spend the rest of your life infatuated with him while you refuse to acknowledge anyone else as having potential because you're hung up on your Dear Boy."

"What you speak is the truth, but I will have to steel my confidence before I seek him out." I murmured.

"Or you can just let him go." Mal stated as if it were something simple.

"Either way it will take some thought." I said.

Mal nodded.

"How about you?" I asked carefully. "Have you ever?"

"I'm thirty four Liza, what do you think?" He asked.

"My great-grandfather was over a hundred when he lost his virginity." I said with a shrug.

"But he was born back in the days when people expected you to stay 'pure' until you were married and then he was a vampire, and I know it's different for them. We still have some influence from our hormones and sometimes they can rule your head."

"Yes." I agreed. "Is it wrong if I ask you when you first made love?"

"No. But I think you might be disappointed in me if I answer it." He stated.

"Try me."

"I was eight." He said.

"What?" I asked in shock.

"See. Said you'd be disappointed." He observed.

"More shocked than disappointed." I corrected. "How did this come about?"

"Well it was about a year after I'd left Volterra, well longer than a year since I'd left on my seventh birthday. It was summertime because I'd left the pub at ten and it was still light, but since I was walking home with a group of humans it took me a lot longer than usual. I was glad to get up onto the common, knowing that once I was in the lanes I could ghost home to the farm where my bed was waiting for me. At least that was the plan. But I got waylaid."

"How?"

"By the vampiress suddenly there in the road, glowing under the moonlight. She was wearing a white dress and looked so ethereal that if I hadn't known what she really was I would have thought she was an angel or an elf. She hadn't met a half vampire before, but suddenly she was very interested in me and she led me to what looked like a concrete block up on a small hill just off the mountain road. It was an old air raid bunker that humans didn't enter because it was full of detritus and the smell of dead sheep. One had fallen down there apparently and had gone unnoticed. Once we got past the rubbish it wasn't so bad, there was air conditioning down there and she'd made it into a nice little lair. It even had a comfy bed, but I didn't think that was too strange at the time since all the vampires I knew up until then lived in buildings.

"When I got home the next morning Brendan was so worried about me, he was about to call up a search party. When he found out where I'd been he wasn't happy and told the vampiress to get off our territory. He wasn't so sure about our rights, but when she went after me he decided to bluff it. She moved on, and Maggie arrived not long after. She said that it sounded like the vampiress was a black widow. As in she sleeps with her prey before feeding. Guess I'm lucky my vamp blood was strong enough to put her off eating me." He joked.

"And lucky for me too." I said with a smile as I placed my hand on his.

"Yeah." Mal said with a smile, but then frowned. "Of course if it had been a few years later I wouldn't have gone anywhere with her. You have to be so careful of vampires you don't know."

I nodded my head.

"Anyway, it's getting late now. Shall we turn in for the night?"

"Yes." I agreed, for the hour was growing late and we were starting to drift into a conversational area that was best saved for another time.

"And do you want to hang on to Loki for tonight?" He asked casually.

"Loki?" I inquired.

"My bear." He said, indicating it with a nod of his head.

"Oh. He is ever so cuddly." I said, cuddling him once more.

"Then you can have him for tonight." Mal said, tapping my shoulder.

"Thank you."

"I'll just go turn the light off then and we can sleep."

I nodded.

Mal looked as if he were about to say something else, but then rose to his feet.

I climbed beneath the covers of the air mattress and curled onto my side pulling Loki into my chest as Mal switched off the light. There was the sound of his movement across the floor before he got into his bed.

"Goodnight Liza." He whispered.

"Goodnight Malachite." I replied.

Mal chuckled in the darkness.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"That's what Tobias always used to say. With Essie it was always Mal, and most of the time with Tobias too. But it was always 'goodnight Malachite'. It kind of stuck in my head cause it rhymes." He chuckled. "I guess you find weird crap funny when you're a child."

"Yes." I mused.

"Goodnight." He whispered.

"Night night." I murmured as I settled down further and allowed myself to drift to sleep.

It was the shout that awoke me and I sat up quickly and banged my head. Being a dhampir and of such short stature this was a rare occurrence and it caught me by surprise for a moment, before I was able to assess the situation fully. I peered up to find the ceiling was but two feet above the air mattress. I could not fathom the reason for this at first. Not until I felt an odd pull in my stomach that was akin to that you felt on an elevator during that brief moment of weightlessness, but now it was sustained and I almost dreaded turning on my side in order to view the room.

I found it hard to accept what I was viewing for everything appeared to be floating off the floor and I realised that Mal was the cause. Obviously Mal was the cause for there were no other telekinetic people about, at least none that I knew of. The cause of this sudden outburst of spontaneous levitation appeared to be a bad dream as Mal thrashed on his bed, fighting what fiend I knew not.

The only thing I knew for certain was that it pained me to see Mal suffer so and I wished to help him from the dream. However I knew that if I were to wake him quickly there was a danger that everything would come crashing down to the floor. Now how to navigate this room?

It took but a moment for me to calculate that I would make the leap to the bed without hitting the ceiling. I lowered myself from the air mattress and found that I descended to the floor slowly. Whatever kept the inanimate objects air-bourn did not appear to affect me. Or perhaps it was merely because I willed myself to the ground before I stepped the few paces to where the bed floated.

I pushed away from the floor and I had to grab at the bed lest I travel into the ceiling. It appeared that the gravity was all over the place in the room and it frightened me somewhat that Mal was this powerful. However, I pushed my fear aside for Mal required my assistance.

"Mal." I whispered gently into his ear as I wished like anything I had the dream walking ability. "Malachite, it's ok, there's nothing here to hurt you." I added, gently stroking back his sweat drenched hair.

His face slackened slightly as if in confusion.

"I'm here." I continued, taking his hand lightly in mine. "I'm here to help you so you can just allow everything to float gently back down."

"There's no down." Malachite gasped.

"There is a down. Can you not feel the pull? Allow it to take you, but gently now, you do not wish to crash."

Mal's face creased in concentration once more as everything in the room began to descend gently back to the floor. The bed touched down with barely a bump and Mal's face smoothed into the visage of peaceful sleep.

"That's better." I whispered as I ran my hand gently over his wet forehead.

Mal frowned, his eyes opened and it took him a moment to focus on me.

"Liza? What happened?" He asked, sitting up and rubbing his head.

"You awoke me with a yell and I found that everything was floating." I explained.

"They were? Great!" He said and banged his head back against the wall as he sat against it. "This is so embarrassing."

"Why?" I asked, "You were having a bad dream and you were acting out in defence against whatever was attacking you."

"I suppose." He said, although he still looked embarrassed.

"Are you afraid that I would see this as some form of telekinetic incontinence?" I asked.

His look confirmed it.

"Why should you view it as such? From what I've heard your gift is most powerful indeed and is linked to your emotions. Of course there will be times when it spills forth, but that's nothing to feel embarrassed about." I said in soothing tones as placed a hand to his arm.

"Has it ever happened to you?" He asked.

"I have no power so the question is redundant." I stated.

"Then you can't know what it's like. Knowing you've lost control." He said bitterly as he dropped his head.

"You do not need some extra sensory gift to lose control." I stated softly as I encouraged him to look up. "I have lost control of my senses and have made bad decisions that have proven almost life threatening. Besides, floating a bit of furniture about the room is not as embarrassing as sharing the feelings your brother is experiencing when he gets to know the love of his life for the first time."

Mal regarded me for a moment as he determined whether I was making fun, then he smiled slightly as he gave a hoarse laugh.

"Guess you trump me on the weird there." He observed.

"Then why the embarrassment?" I asked. "Are we not friends? This is something we can share for who else can understand but us?"

Mal nodded.

"You were having a bad dream." I stated again. "Would you care to discuss it?"

"Can we have breakfast first? Or do the laundrette thing. I just need a moment to get my head on straight."

"We will do as you suggest for I can hardly demand you talk immediately after I tried to evade the subject last week." I said softly and kissed his forehead for there was something within me that compelled me to comfort him, some maternal instinct I had never felt before. "I must go shower, I suggest you do the same for you are a bit yuchy at the moment. That is the correct word?"

"You even managed to get the 'ch' right." Mal said with a nod of his head. "Most people just say yucky."

"I pride myself on my knack of languages, and I never mispronounce if I can help it." I said primly.

"Or when you're drunk." He pointed out.

"When I am drunk I can not help it." I said, tapping his nose playfully with my finger. "Now go shower Mal bach and we will go do our laundry."

"Right you are Aunt Eliza." Mal joked and I giggled as I jumped from his bed and gathered my overnight bag in order to go shower.

It was quite the treck to the girls bathroom and I wondered why they did not work to create some form of unisex arrangement in all three bathrooms since the shower cubicles was such that you had complete privacy. I knew that there were some girls housed in Mal's corridor and they had my sympathy to have to take this route whenever they needed the bathroom.

I made my ablutions quick yet thorough and as I walked through the halls with my hair still wet I wondered if I should dry it, or leave the sun do the task for me. My hair would be wild, that was true, but it would save time in finding out what haunted my friend so, in the hope that I could be of some help.

I was quick in placing my dirty clothing into my laundry bag upon returning to the room and it was obvious Mal was surprised to see me so soon.

"To the laundry." I announced.

"You're keen to get this dream out of me."

"If I don't know what troubles you I can't help you." I said softly, looking into his eyes; he was sitting and therefore at the same eye level as me. "And I want to help you Malachite, for we dhampir must stick together."

Mal nodded.

"Shall we go to the laundry? Then once our clothes are cleaned and dried we can adjourn to the park where we can discuss your dream."

"Will there be ice cream involved?" Mal asked carefully, although it was clearly in jest.

"I will buy you the biggest cone available."

"Then let's go wash our clothes." Mal stated.

We laughed as we left with our laundry baskets to embark on our new Sunday routine.

---

Thank you for reading

Please review

Gemma x

Ps You may start getting alerts for 'Renesmee lost' over the next couple of days, I'm not updating it, I'm just reposting the chapters after giving them a thorough going over. All that's changed is the bad spelling and some of the worst grammar offences, but the story itself is exactly the same.