Chapter 9: Carnival Night

I woke up the next morning a man on a mission. I did my daily routine and went downstairs. Zoey grabbed my arm and stopped me.

"Hey! What…?" I began.

"Slow down dude, you almost ran me over. What's the big rush anyway?" she asked eating a piece of toast. I sat down beside her and glanced around making sure mom wasn't around.

"There's a possibility that there's more vampires in town." I whispered. Zoey's eyes grew wide.

"Seriously? Does that mean..?"

"I don't know yet. I'm hoping that maybe there's a link to Riley in there somewhere." I said.

"I do too. I really want happiness for you bro." Zoey said.

"Thanks. I'm off to school to track down these two new students." I said and walked out the house. The whole ride to school, all I could think about was how I was gonna get them to admit what they were. Boy does this bring back memories.

I pulled into the school parking lot and went inside. I saw Katie who was being ogled by Drew talking to Marisol as usual. That seems strange; I could've sworn that he was dating Bianca. Oh well, can't afford to worry about that now. I've got two vampires to find. But before I could get too far the bell rang. Damn foiled again.

The whole time I was doing my work for class, all I could think about was Kyle and Blake. Why did those names sound familiar? I know I know them from somewhere. When the bell rang I shot out of the classroom and down the hall. I spotted them talking to Owen.

"Hey guys." I said in a cheerful tone. Ugh how I hated happy people at the moment.

"Hi Zane; I was just talking to Kyle here about go-carts. We have a lot in common." He said happily.

"Oh, I would never have thought that someone so fashion forward as you would like getting down and dirty." I said hoping he'd crack.

"Yeah, I get that a lot; with my feminine looks and high voice. My father used to work in his own garage." He said his voice sounding like high musical notes. It was enchanting.

"Oh how nice." I said disappointed that he didn't budge. I paid close attention to them as they talked to Owen. When they left we went to lunch.

"So I was wondering if you wanted to go to a movie tonight." Owen said as we grabbed our trays. I didn't see where this was going until we sat down. I looked around and noticed that K.C., Drew, Pauly, and Adam weren't sitting with us.

"Uh, I'll get back to you on that. But what's up with them?" I asked. Owen glanced over at their table.

"I honestly don't know. They've been hanging out with my brother for quite a while now. Every time Tristan and I go to see what's going on they get an attitude. It's weird." The gang all arrived after that.

"Dude they're acting totally strange. And word in the halls is that Drew dumped Bianca for Katie." Connor said sitting down.

"Yeah; I was totally shocked when she called to tell me that." Marisol said. I looked over at Drew to see him getting up to follow Katie over to our table.

"Here you go." He said pulling out her seat for her.

"Wow, such a gentleman." She said as she sat down.

"Anything for you." He said as he gave her a kiss and walked back over to his table. The rest of the gang hand already shown up and the girls were squealing with glee.

"He is so sweet. I wish I had a man like that." Marisol said.

"Uh, you do. Mo totally has the hots for you." Imogen said. I watched as they bickered back and forth and then watched Drew's table. I saw them all tense up when Kyle and Blake walked into the cafeteria. Drew immediately got up and came to our table.

"Um, babe you wanna come sit with us?" he asked hesitantly. A wave of confusion crossed her face.

"Uh, I actually want to sit with my friends." she said as Kyle and Blake sat down. Drew thought for a moment and decided to sit with her.

"Okay, not that that wasn't weird or anything but, let's talk about those disappearances that have been happening lately." Marisol said. I heard about those, my mother was talking about them all last night and told Zoey and I to be careful. I wonder if there are more than two vampires in town. I was brought out of my daze by the sound of Imogen talking.

"I've seen it. Well glimpses of it anyway. It looked gray and had four legs. I believe it was a bear." she said.

"Well whatever it was I hope they catch it soon. We don't need anyone getting hurt." Connor said. I caught Drew wince at his statement.

"I'm sure the issue will be resolved soon." Kyle said. If I didn't know any better it was if he just knew that everything was going to be alright. Another check for him being a vampire. Graclynn came over to us looking a little depressed.

"What's wrong Lynn?" I asked.

"It's Adam. He's been acting so weird lately." she said.

"I haven't noticed anything." Drew said with his eyes on Kyle.

"Of course not; you've been so wrapped up in ogling Katie. My twin telepathy has even been off track." She said as she slumped onto the table.

"I'm sure it's nothing. Probably just boy stuff." Blake said. Graclynn looked up at him hopeful.

"You think so?"

"I'm sure. Maybe he's found a girl. Who knows?" he said.

"Maybe you're right. It's just that we used to be so close and now we're like drifting apart." Graclynn said sadly.

"Well don't worry; you'll be back to making fun of each other and trying to ruin each other's lives soon." Connor said. We all had to laugh at that. Owen then tuned to me.

"Anyway I was wondering if you wanted to go a movie tonight?" he asked. Well I suppose it wouldn't be a bad thing. It's not like it's a date or anything. Maybe everyone else will want to go too.

"I'd love too. As long as it's action. I could use some explosions in my life right now." I said. Imogen looked over and with a sad expression.

"Aww nooo! I was hoping all of you could come to this carnival that's in town. It's gonna be great." She said. I had to think for a moment. It did sound like a great idea.

"Will there be roller-coasters?" I asked.

"No, but there will be bumper cars. It's such a rush. I do it all the time." She said. Well I know what I'm doing tonight.

"Let's go to that then." I told Owen. He looked slightly hesitant and then smiled.

"Sure, it could be fun." He said.

"We'll be there too." Blake said as he held Kyle's hand. Good, maybe I could do some spying while I'm out there.

"Great this will be the best group outing ever!" Imogen squealed. I couldn't help but laugh at her silliness.

While I was at home getting ready Zoey popped into my bedroom. I smiled at her as she took her usual seat on my bed. She seemed pretty happy these last few days.

"So what's with the big smile?" I asked.

"Oh nothing. I met this guy. He's so sweet and charming. He can sing and everything. It was kind of a love at first sight thing." She said. It kind of pained me to see her so happy, but I'd live.

"Good. Is he hot?"

"Unbelievably hot. But I fear that something is up with him." She said.

"Really? Like what?"

"Um I don't know. He's skin seems really hot. He's very protective. And one time I swear I heard him growl at someone. Now that freaked me out a bit." Wow, this guy has issues.

"Well, if you like him, go out with him. But if he freaks you out, drop it. What's Meagan think of this?" I asked.

"Same as you do. But this guy is like the best thing ever. I feel like that girl from that movie. The one where that guy really loves her despite that scar on her face." She said.

"Well he should considering that he's the one that gave her the scar." I said.

"That's besides' the point. Have you been interested in anyone lately?" I turned around to look at her. Was she serious?

"Uh, no. And I don't plan on it. I still have feelings for Riley. Even though he's gone…" I interrupted her. "I still miss him. There will never be anyone else like him." Zoey got up off the bed and walked over to me.

"It's been months. I hate to see you go through this. I'm happy that you're finally going back out and having fun, but you need to let it go. I wish he would come back too. Just to see you light up. But you also seem to have a bit of a glow with Owen around too." She said. I looked at her like she was crazy.

"What?"

"Don't play games. I see the way he looks at you. The boy is smitten. And you don't seem to notice that because of your feelings for Riley. Let yourself be happy bro. Besides he's really cute. Don't let your past affect your future." She said and walked out of my room. Ugh, what does she know? I continued to get ready when I heard the doorbell ring. I ran downstairs and opened the door to see Owen standing there.

"Wha- what are you doing here?" I asked.

"Well I decided that I might as well pick you up. No sense in you taking your truck when we were going to the same place anyway." He said. Zoey peeked around the corner and smiled.

"Oh okay. You didn't have to do that." I said.

"No it's okay. I wanted to." He said. I walked out the door and headed for his car. It was a pretty sweet '69 GTO.

"Nice ride." I said as I got into the car.

"Thanks. Tristan and I rebuilt it." He said as we headed for the carnival. I relaxed into my seat as what Zoey said lingered a tad bit too long in my mind.

I had to admit, this place was really cool. I cool feel my adrenaline steady boiling under my skin. I had to do something drastic and soon. The perfect image of Riley was slowly starting to fade.

"You ready to have some fun?" Owen asked. I nodded my head as we headed to the bumper cars. Being bumped back and forth wasn't really adrenaline worth, but it was still fun. The gang was having a great time. We all talked and ate. Imogen explained how her new camera worked. It was all innocent and fun. Drew of course was there with his boys and Katie and Jenna. Owen was right. It was as if they owned the place. I smiled and waved but go nothing in return.

"Wow, what's their deal?" Marisol asked.

"I don't know. The boys have been acting weird for a good few days now. Maybe it's a secret." Connor said while eating a hot dog.

"Yeah maybe. So Marisol how're you taking the break-up?" Owen asked.

"It still hurts, but hey you can't help who you fall for. I just feel that as long as K.C. is happy with Jenna then I'm happy. Besides, Mo is like my big teddy bear." Marisol said as Mo appeared behind her.

"Did someone say 'teddy bear'?" he presented a stuffed bear to her.

"Aww how sweet. Thanks honey." Marisol said. I watched their lovey-dovey act. It was so sugary. We continued our conversation and went to have some more fun. As we were walking over to the Farris wheel, I noticed someone staring at me. I looked over and squinted my eyes. It was Josh.

"Hey you. Haven't seen you in a while." He smiled at me.

"Same here. I kind of lost your number. I had a bit of a wild night that night. So if you could just give it to me again." I said with the sweetest look.

"Sure." He said as he wrote it down on a piece of scrap paper.

"Zane who's your friend?" Owen asked through gritted teeth. Hmm odd.

"Uh Owen. This is Josh, Josh this is Owen." I said.

"Nice to meet you." Josh said and held out his hand.

"Same here." Owen said. To break the awkward tension I decided to say something.

"We were just on our way to the Farris wheel. Would you like to join us?" I asked.

"Farris wheel, not really my thing." Josh said.

"What's wrong? Afraid of heights?" Owen asked as if he were challenging him.

"N-no. It's just…"

"You're afraid. Just admit it."

"Okay guys, let's take an easy here. It's okay if you don't want to come with us. We'll just meet you back down here." I said.

"Yeah." Owen replied and put his arm around me. Now this was getting really weird.

"No I can handle it. No problem." Josh said and took my hand guiding me away from Owen and into the line for the Farris wheel. This night just got weirder.

We were up pretty high. The entire time Josh looked nervous. I knew he shouldn't have come on here. But no, Owen had to challenge him.

"Hey Josh you don't look so good." I said.

"Okay, I do have a fear of Farris wheels." He said. Owen scoffed.

"Then why'd you get up here?" he asked.

"Because I thought I could handle it. As long as it doesn't get stuck I'm good." He said confidently. Everything was going swell until we reached the top and we got stuck. Josh turned completely green. And I didn't think that was possible for his caramel colored skin.

"Wow you look sick. I hope we get down soon." I said.

"I feel horrible. I'm ruing your time. This is an extremely bad date." He said as he put his head on my shoulder. Okay another awkward moment. Owen just looked repulsed. The ride eventually started up and we got off. Once we were safely on the ground Josh nearly flew to the bathroom.

"Poor thing. I hope everything's fine." I said.

"He's such a cookie. He can be all hard in the beginning but put him in some milk and he'll crumble." Owen chuckled. I actually laughed at that.

"Wow, you shouldn't say that. He couldn't help it." I said as I regained my composure.

"Yeah right." Owen said as he put his arm around my shoulder again. I slightly and politely brushed it off.

"Aww I can't put my arm around your shoulder?" he asked with a pout.

"That's kind of a boyfriend move. Don't get me wrong, I think it's sweet but I think you're taking it the wrong way." I said.

"But you do like me am I right?" I nodded my head. "Okay so I don't see the big deal."

"Look, now is not the time for this." I said as I went over to a table. I watched Kyle win Blake a big eyed stuffed dog from some carnival game.

"Why?" Owen asked.

"Because everything is going well for me right about now. And I don't want that to change. You're sort of my rock right now." I said. "I'm not as whole as I seem to be. You can't just patch me up and hope that I don't break because I will. And I'm really hoping that you can understand."

"Let me guess, you still have feelings for him." He said. I felt another wound open up at his words. "Look, I get that what he did was heartbreaking. I feel that it was incredibly wrong too. But I'm not gonna make the same mistake. I promise." He said. I leaned my head on his shoulder for support. Man did he smell good. It was like a mixture of pine cones and motor oil. I know a weird mixture, but hey it is what it is.

"Okay, I'm just gonna go. I feel terrible for doing this. I hope you can understand." Josh said. I quickly removed my head from Owen's shoulder to look at him.

"It's fine. I understand completely." I said.

"I don't." Owen said. I just looked at him. "Seriously, this softy thinks that he can just waltz in and take you from me. Well that's not happening." Owen walked up on Josh. I got up and got in between them.

"Okay that's enough, time to go." I chuckled nervously. When I put my hands on Owen's chest I felt a brush off heat. "God, you're burning up. How do you feel?"

"I honestly don't know. Come on, I'll drive you back to your house." He said as he grabbed my hand.

"See ya around Josh." I said as we walked to Owen's car. The drive home was silent.

"Ugh, God I feel horrible." He said.

"If you're feeling sick, I'm sure my mom won't mind you spending the night." I said.

"Thanks, but maybe its best that I go home. My dad will take care of me." He said as we pulled up to my house.

"Feel better." I said as I exited the car.

"Thanks, I'll call you as soon as I can." He said and drove off. Something was wrong. I could feel it. The strange looks he got from Drew, K.C., Blake, and Kyle were very weird. I have a strange feeling that something big was about to happen.

A/N: Whew! I know it's been a long time. My computer was broken and with the economy nowadays… ugh. But here's chapter 9. It took a minute to write. But I wanted a cliffhanger. Zoey's chapter about meeting her mysterious beau will come soon. So enjoy and plz leave reviews. I love them. And I'm working on the other parts of this series too. XOXO Shadowbeauty.