Hiya Guys!
In this chapter you get a little sneak peak at what's in store for this story in the future! I really do hope that you'll like the new character addition! I know I do ;)
Bon appetit!
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE TWILIGHT SAGA
"Take my hand" The creature says with a slithering smile on his lips; sending silent promises of mischief.
My gut is telling me to run but still there is a part of me that wants to reach out to the beautiful creature standing before me. And like a fool I listen to it. I place my warm hand in his cold one and feel an itching sensation creep along my hand all the way up to my neck. This is wrong, terribly wrong. It grips my hand tighter when it feels me trying to retract it out of fear. Before I had the chance to speak up and tell it to let go, it was already dragging me behind it, yanking my arm almost painfully. The creature picked up the pace almost at an inhuman speed, which I shouldn't normally been able to follow. But my legs, instead of giving out they were running faster, keeping up with the creature. I could feel the branches scratching my skin, leaving red marks all over my bare arms and legs. The wind was howling in my ears, so loud almost to the point of deafening. It was a cold night, the moon was high up in the sky, releasing the bright energy it had been storing up all day, waiting for the night to arrive so that it could shine brighter than the sun.
"P- please slow down, you're hurting me" I stammered breathlessly.
"Hold your tongue! Something is about to happen soon, very soon. You need to witness it. You are one of the chosen ones" He replied after finally stopping. I yanked my hand away from the creatures grip. "W-what are you talking about? What's going on? where are we?" I asked, utterly confused. I looked around at my surrounding, discovering that we're standing on top of a cliff. The water was just below us, a few steps and I would be taking a dive into the cold relentless water. Which was, after I thought about it: unsettling. I backed up a few steps but was stopped by the creatures hand again.
"Do not move!" he glared at me. "Let go of me" I yanked my hand out of his grip once more, with determination. "Spunk. They're going to like you little one. Such fire." He was studying me, letting one of his cold fingers glide along my cheek. "Pity for you" he tisked.
"What the hell is going on here" I demanded. My words angered it. "You do not take that tone with me! Just because I can not harm you here, does not mean I won't out there. So it would be wise of you not to test me little one." It's eyes were blazing with anger, and it's jaw clenched.
"Out there? where are we?" I asked a little milder this time, not wanting to anger the thing before me.
"This my dear" it replied waving his arms around; gesturing to the dark surrounding."Is what the inside of your head looks like."
"What?" I asked even more confused than before.
The creature was rubbing it's temple with his long slender finger, obviously annoyed. "How is it that even the simplest of information rattles your brain, my dear?" It continued. "Are you truly that ill-witted?"
"Hey don't talk to me like that" I snapped. It looked taken aback by my words, but instantly recovered it's usual bored expression. I started to speak again but it interrupted me.
"This is a dream my dear if you haven't figured that out yet. I could not reach you any other way. We're in one of your memories I presume, which of them I do not know." It exclaimed.
"Who are you?" I asked the creature. It regarded me for a couple of seconds.
"You mean what am I?" It cocked, what I suppose was an eyebrow. "You mortals have no real word for what I am, but you may call me Dream-Walker."
I regarded the creature ones more and with that, debated my sanity. I wanted desperately to wake up or if not that, at least move away from it a couple of inches. I shook my head back and forth, murmuring this can't be happening to myself.
"Oh I assure you it is." It smirked? I couldn't even see if it was a smirk. It had such a complicated face, pale and saggy. It had sadness etched plainly across it's face. Its body was unnaturally long and gangly and its back slightly hunched. It almost looked like the creature was floating on clouds of fog, which was truly terrifying and slightly interesting. I had a childish urge to wave my hand between the open area of its feet and the ground to actually prove that it was floating.
"What does Dream-Walker even mean?" I sighed annoyed.
"It means my dear, that I can reach whoever I want, whenever they are sleeping. I can be your worst nightmare or your greatest fantasy. But as you see I prefer the first one. See my dear, somebody is very interested in you, well not you in particularly more like your kind." it paused, waving at me dismissively which pissed me off beyond belief.
"What the hell are you talking about? My kind? and who are "they"?" I shook my head back and forth, my words losing their edge by the second. "I'm so confused. I just want to go home"I continued weakly.
"Okay, let me explain this so that your puny human brain understands. I was sent into your dream for reasons you have no business knowing, yet that is." He started; walking around me, regarding my with it's empty eyes."Somebody wants you out there in the real word, bad enough to make a deal with me. Which is quite stupid for I demand a great deal in return, but if you are willing to do anything for my favor, then I will give you the one thing you desire in return, and I do mean anything. As I was saying, somebody out in the real world wants you, well your blood. I was sent in here to The Vast to find one of you." it continued.
I nodded slowly, processing everything it had said. I was trying to come up with a reasonable explanation to all this, but came up short. "The Vast?" I encouraged it to continue.
"It's what I like to call the dream state. You see everyone has this idea that the dream state is individual for each person, that it's like jumping to different minds, but it is not. All the dreams are like endless spiderweb of roads connecting to each other, all you have to do is follow them long enough and they will take you to the persons subconscious you desire. But you" It said, pointing a slender finger in my direction. "Were hard to find, someone used very powerful magic to shield you from walkers."
"Magic?" I laughed while shaking my head." Okay buddy. I think someones been sniffing to much crazy glue. I think it's time for me to wake up now."
"Do not patronize me my dear. For I have no tolerance for ignorance." It warned.
"I'm sorry, I just don't understand. I don't usually dream like this, there's always at least some puppy's and chocolate involved." I looked at it confused. "Hold up! what do you mean my kind? what am I?" I rubbed my eyes gently, trying to get a grip of the dream. But was it really a dream? It certainly didn't feel like it
"You are a sweet thing aren't you?" It reached out to touch my face again, but I backed away before the cold fingers made contact.
"Not really" I snapped.
It let out a gurgle sound, which I presumed was a laugh.
"I can not tell you what you are my dear, but just know that there are very few of you." The sickly creature replied. "My end of the bargain is met. All I had to do was find one of you and deliver the name to the men who hired me. It was unfortunate for you that I stumbled onto you first. Pity though, such a spark " it clicked it's teeth. "Oh well, until we met again little Kimberly James." It leaned in to kiss me on the cheek, which I stood perfectly still for. It's cold lips brushing my cheek surprisingly tender and instead of stopping there it let its nose glide along my cheekbone breathing me in. It whispered a few intangible words into my cheek.
It backed away looking at me the entire time; waiting. I felt a weird sensation course through my entire body snapping my bones, leaving me weak and breathless. "W-what's happening?" I asked dazed.
"It's time to wake up little one." It replied.
I began to stir, finding myself confused and disoriented.
"Kim, you have to wake up now." said a gentle voice.
"Huh" I replied groggy. Yawning while rubbing my eyes.
"You really do make it a habit to be unconscious in school, don't you?" said the voice with a hint of humor.
"Well it's hard not to." I replied not fully awake or present. I stifled another yawn and tried to focus on my surrounding, especially the voice. I gazed around and saw that I was laying down on a bench outside the school building, and that's when I remembered where I was and why I was there.
"There you go. I thought I would never be able to wake you up. Seriously I was debating against throwing water on you or slapping you. Neither seemed that tempting." Said Jared, while scratching the back of his neck.
"I bet, choosing between meeting my fury when I do wake up, drenched or looking like you abuse women. Hard choice." I stretched my arms over my head in content. "I can't believe I fell asleep, I've been really tired lately" I continued; covering my face with my hands.
" Didn't get that much sleep last night, huh?" He asked. I just replied with a shrug. He looked down at his watch, frustration etched on his face. "We have to go. My class started like twenty minutes ago." he sighed.
"Oh shit! What time is it?" I asked worried. I can't be late again! Mom is going to psycho murder me, like blood and even some brain matter splattered on the wall.
"It's 12.45"
"Crap!" I scrambled up, searching for my non-existing bag, stopping abruptly when I remembered that I left it in my locker. "Calm down crazy, it's only twenty- minutes." Jared waved his hands trying to steady me.
"You don't understand! Mom is going to kill me if I mess up in school again." I shrieked. "Goodbye sunlight, goodbye college, goodbye new clothes" I mumbled.
"You're so dramatic" Jared huffed and shook his head.
"Yeah well I was cooked in my moms baby-oven so it's kind of a given that I'm a little bit on the crazy side." I replied.
"Do you always ramble this much?"
"Pretty much" I shrugged.
"C'mon then, let's go. After you my dear." Said Jared gesturing with a wave for me to move forward.
I shuddered at the emotion of horror that coursed through my body when he said those two words, my dear. My body willed me down to earth but it was to late, I was already gone. It was a dream, a really vivd and strange dream. No it wasn't and you know it. You're just afraid. But that didn't make any sense, why would I be scared of something I knew nothing about. Easy, because everyone fears the unknown. You're over thinking again, let it go.
"Kim. Hello" Jared was waving his hand across my face while stretching out the word hello.
"Uh, yeah sorry. What did you say?" I said; trying to shake the uneasy feeling off.
"Nothing, just that we have to go to class." He regarded me intensely. I knew he wanted to say something but for some unknown reason he held his tongue.
When I stepped into the classroom the teacher just gave me a nod in the direction to the seat in the front, not even giving me a second glance or asking me why I was late. As I took the seat given to me, my mind started to wander back to the dream I had. Such a strange dream. I don't normally dream that vivid or much for that matter. Now that I think of it, I don't usually dream at all. I kept coming back to what the thing had said, something about "my kind". It felt familiar, like I've heard it somewhere before. As much as I tried to shake the uneasy creeping feeling off, I couldn't. Even if it was just a dream, my subconscious was trying to tell me something, I just couldn't figure out what. The thing said that something was coming, something big and that scared me because a part of me believed it.
The rest of the day went by slow, minutes seemed like hours and I felt extremely fatigue when the school day finally ended. I walked over to my locker, opened it and gathered my belongings eager to get out of there. I stopped abruptly when I felt the crackling sensation, that usually meant that someone was staring at me. I turned around looking for the pair of eyes that were glued to me, and noticed that it was Liam. I waved and smiled sheepishly at him, hoping that he understood that I was apologizing for the scene Jared caused in the cafeteria. He answered with a weak smile and held up his arm; as if he was urging me to wait for him, which I did.
"Hi" He mumbled.
"Hi. I'm glad I noticed you because you're actually just the person I wanted to talk to" I replied.
"About what?" He asked worried.
"I just wanted to apologize about the whole Jared thing, again I'm really sorry. He can be a bit overprotective sometimes, or at least I think so." I rolled my eyes.
He breathed out a sigh of relief before he started." I thought you were mad at me for the way I acted. Yelling and flirting with you. I swear I thought you were single, I really didn't mean anything by it." he cleared his throat in an awkward manner. Which succeeded into making me feel embarrassed as well.
"Why would I be mad at you ?" I replied stunned, not quite seeing his logic. "I am single?"
"I don't know. I just wanted to make sure that you weren't offended."
"You didn't mean anything by it, it was just innocent teasing, right?" I continued.
"Yes. No. I mean kind of!" he mumbled nervously. "But still I wouldn't want it to affect your relationship"
"What relationship?" I frowned.
"Yours and Jareds?" he said slowly, stretching out each word.
He thought there was something going on between us? something more? I guess we were a little flirty but Jared pretty much flirts with everyone, It's his nature I guess. I never really noticed it before, but he was always extra sweet to girls. Always winking, and smiling extra big in there direction. Oh who am I kidding, of course I noticed. Because it was painfully obvious that he turned on his charm when any girl was around, well any girl except for me that is. I've always wondered why that was. But then I remember who I am and reality dawns me.
No we're not like that. We're just friends." I said with a hint of sadness in my voice.
"But you want more, don't you Kim" He realized. "You like him don't you?" he accused.
"I-I hardly know the guy." I replied, a hint of blush staining my cheeks.
"Love doesn't work that way and you know it. It doesn't have to take a year of commitment to finally like somebody. You can fall in love in a matter of seconds, that's why it's called falling." He pointed out abruptly.
"Well it's not like that" I uttered annoyed. I didn't like that he saw through me that easily. "We're friends, and that's it."
"If you say so" He said doubtful.
"I do." I nodded in absolut conviction.
"I don't think he got that memo."
I was beyond confused at this point. "What do you mean" I frowned.
"Oh c'mon Kim, It's so obvious!" He exclaimed frustrated.
"Care to explain?" I continued, annoyance taking over my once steady voice.
"He likes you" He gave a dull stare, which screamed "duh". " Why else would he care if I flirted with you?"
I frowned and shook my head at his silly comments. Absurd. I think Jared just liked feeling needed. He liked playing the hero, which I guess all guys do. I just happened to be a girl that screamed "help me, take care of me", and anyone with a heart would react to that, even if it just was out of sheer politeness.
"No, I think he just likes playing the hero to the damsel in distress."
"Oh so my flirting put you in distress?" He asked teasingly.
"Oh very much so! All that slime, simply gruesome. I was actually holding out for a hero to come and rescue me from your slobbering mouth." I grinned, my mood light.
"Oh I'll show you slobbering!" He teased; trying to reach out to me. " Come here, damsel. Let me kiss you" He leaned in, slobbering all over the place while making multipal kissing faces and noises.
I squealed in horror and jumped out of his grasp as quickly as I could. "Stop!" I laughed and soon enough, he was laughing with me.
"Hey Kimmy?" a voice interrupted us. I broke away from Liam to find out who the voice belonged to. It was Embry, a very pissed Embry. His anger was clearly directed at Liam. He was glaring at him with more contempt than I thought was possible. If I didn't know him I would have wanted to back away and get as far from his reach as possible. I glanced back at Liam and discovered that Liam was returning the glare with a disgusted look of his own. They just kept staring at each other; like they were waiting for one of them to loose the contest and be forced to walk away. I felt an odd compulsion to tap dance in front of them just to break the unnerving staring and direct the attention onto me.
"Ok-ay,"I broke the silence. "Liam this is Embry, an old friend of mine. Embry this is Liam, a very new friend of mine" I began, gesturing back and forth between them.
"I know who he is" sneered Liam.
"Good" replied Embry through gritted teeth.
The tension between them was undeniable. The air around them seemed to crackle and sizzle. Why did they hate each other so much?
"Do you two know each other?" I asked gently.
"No" they both snapped simultaneously. Strange.
"Ok - ay…. So what's up?" I tried steering the conversation away from the awkward tension between the two.
It took Embry a while to break hateful eye-contact with Liam. But after a while he finally directed his whole attention towards me and while doing so, his gaze turned softer.
"I am simply a messenger my lady" He feigned a British accent, like we used to do when we were kids.
"Oh no, I'm not doing it" I said determined.
He looked at me with those puppy eyes that made my gut wrench.
"You evil son of a.." I growled. "fine!" I uttered defeated.
"Well, serve your lady if you must, and deliver the message peasant. Before I grow weary and send you on your way" I replied through gritted teeth, hating him every second while doing so.
"As you wish my Lady." He started with a smirk. "Lord Jared is awaiting your arrival by the lady's automobile. He wishes to tell you to quicken your arrival seeing as he desperately yearns for your company."
I start to feel the familiar blush stain my cheeks. But this time I didn't care who notices, his words were like melody to my ears. I glanced back at Liam and saw the confused look on his face.
"This is something we used to do when we were kids. Used to drive our parents insane, seeing as they didn't understand when we were insulting them." I laughed.
"Oh" he replied curtly.
Sensing the obvious discomfort, I tried to think of something to say. Anything, but nothing came out so I just smiled instead.
"I'm sorry Liam, I really have to go." I hugged him again.
"I promise. But Kim are you sur-" He started, his eyebrow squinted with worry.
"C'mon Kim, let's go." Embry interrupted aggravated, dragging me with him by the hand.
"I'll see you tomorrow Liam" I shouted and waved as I was being pulled out of the building. He let go of me when we made it out of the building. I was a little mad at him for how he treated my friend. But mostly I was annoyed because I didn't know the reason for the anger between them.
"What was all that about?" I huffed annoyed.
"What was all what about?" he replied feigned oblivious, but really knowing what I was talking about.
"The daggers you were sending in Liam's direction!" I shrieked.
"What daggers?" He asked still unaffected.
"Don't play dumb with me! there was some serious tension between you two. Like really hateful tension"
He shrugged nonchalantly. "I just don't like the guy, and it's really none of your business."
I started to respond but caught myself. It was true. It wasn't really any of my business and he was initialed to his opinions, even if they were stupid. So instead I scoffed and kept walking until we reached the school parking lot. And there he was, just like he said he would be. It was strange how happy I was to see him, I missed him more than I thought. I actually had to physically stop myself from jumping into his arms when we got closer.
"Seems like my assistance is no longer required. Laters" Embry exclaimed, walking towards the building again.
"Bye Embry" I shouted. He waved but didn't look back.
"I missed you" He said, a soft smile curving his lip.
"Oh really?" I tried playing it cool, but failed miserably.
Before I had the chance to say anything else he swept me up in his arms and held me close, burying his face in my hair. "Yes. really" He mumbled softly.
Friends hugged right? Completely normal. He was just an affectionate person.
"What are you doing here?" I asked him, after he set me down.
"I was hoping for a ride home" He replied sheepishly.
"Oh" I answered disappointed, my predicaments true. So it wasn't me he wanted to see, it was my car.
"But mostly I wanted to talk to you" He started slowly. He was scratching his neck again. I wonder if that's his nervous tell-sign.
"Oh?" I gulped.
"Yeah, maybe we can talk about it in the car?
"Of course." I replied. "Hop in"
I walked around him, hoped into the car and waited for him. When he did enter the car, I put the keys in the ignition and drove off.
"Did you find one?" Asked one of the pathetic human.
I had to restrain myself from hurting the men who stood before me, frightened. They were simply just so pathetic, absolutely worthless. But still I had to remind myself that they held the one thing I desired most in the world. That thing alone kept me from breaking their fragile little necks. But that thought only made the anger in me burn even more ferociously. I hated being weak and controlled and right now was exactly what I was, but I would under no circumstances let them know how much power they had over me.
"I did. Not easily though, but you are certainly going to enjoy her. Such delicious spark in this one." I hissed. Such shame, I thought. She was a beautiful creature, pity that her days were dwindling by the second.
"Good" The men nodded, obviously excited, by the fact that they were practically jumping up and down. I sneered at them, which stilled them almost instantly.
"I held up my end of the bargain. I expect the same courtesy from you. Do not cross me, for you will not live to regret it" I glared at the men, not even trying to hide the distaste I held for them.
"We have the thing you want, a deal is a deal. You will get it, I promise you that" The oldest of the men answered. I stared him down, urging him to weaken his stance to show him that I am the one in command, not them. They had no true power here. This was my realm and they'd best know it.
I floated closer to the man who had just spoken, so close that I was only an inch away from his face. But still he held his ground. He reminded me of the stunning brown-haired creature. She had beheld such strength even though she came from such a fragile race. Such mouth-watering bravery. But this insignificant human did not tempt me in the way she did, rather he disgusted me, which most humans did.
"It's a she?" asked one of the other men.
"You doubt me?" I snarled; glaring at the now scared man.
"No, no, no. I-I just.. I-it was told that the heir of Adarian was a boy" replied the quivering man.
"Adarian birthed four children, three sons and a daughter. It was out of sheer coincidence I found her first." I hissed.
"A female child? How rare. It's said that it only happens once every couple of centuries." The older man replied chocked.
"She held his scent, which means she carries his blood. It's the blood you're after is it not?" I snapped aggravated.
"Y-yes. That's all we need" the men replied.
"So she will do?" I glared at them. The three men all nodded simultaneously eager. One of them even smiled, but it was dark and twisted.
"How was she?" wondered the older man.
"Strong, beautiful and deliciously sweet" I replied with a slithering grin. The men seemed pleased by my sentenced, almost euphorically so.
"It's good that she's strong, our culture values strength above all else" Said the third man.
What do you know of strength? I thought. You are the weakest of the three. Such a pathetic mind you have, un pure and sadistic. You pray on the innocent and weak for the sheer pleasure it brings you. You have no true power and if you believe that harming your spouse will deliver it to you. Then you are sadly mistaken. I wish to show you real pain and suffering. Not the pathetic excuse for beatings you give your wife and offsprings.
"We've waited long for this, almost to long. Those left of us, were starting to doubt and give up" said the older man.
"I hold no interest in your ritual, tiny mundane. My only desire is to collect what is rightfully mine." I hissed, floating around him.
"Y- yes. Yes, of course." said the oldest earthborn. The mundane held out his hand towards me. I saw the golden medallion immediately and snatched it out of his grip.
The men regarded me, startled but quickly collected themselfs.
"May I ask, what it does?" asked the old earthborn. The three men had all stepped closer, regarding me intensely, waiting for the answer which would never come.
"No you may not" I hissed. "It's not wise to possess knowledge of things that were not meant for your kind." I changed my form so that I grew three feet taller, now towering over them. This managed into frighten them to take a few steps back. The nodded in agreement.
"What is the girl's name?" asked all three of them
"Her name is Kimberly James" I snickered.
"So what did you want to talk to me about?" I asked him. Why was I nervous? I had that feeling in my stomach again, like something big was about to happen. I tried to calm myself, I even counted to teen, which was just a waste of ten perfectly good seconds. I let go of the steering wheel with one of my hands so that I could run it through my hair.
He hadn't said anything yet, and it was making me even more nervous. Eventually I couldn't handle it anymore.
"Jared?" I whispered.
"Sorry, I'm just nervous." he replied. I turned to look at him and saw that he was deep in his thoughts.
"Nervous? why" I asked, smiling a little.
"I was wondering if you wanted to hang out"
I was dumbfounded. Why would such a simply request between friends be such a hassle? "Yeah sure. I don't have to work today so why not. What did you have in mind?"
He took a few moments, pondering over his thoughts before he answered. "I hadn't really gotten that far." He frowned. "Maybe we could just chill at your place?"
I nodded and sent a tiny smile in his direction. It wasn't long before we arrived at my house.
"So here we are. At my house, where I live" I dragged out each word, which succeeded into making me sound like a complete retard.
"Kim, breathe" He chuckled. "Are you nervous?" he teased.
"Me, nervous?" I scoffed. "You're the one who's nervous, not me" I mumbled quietly to myself.
I took the keys out of the ignition and stepped out of the car. I dreaded each step that brought me closer to the front porch. That was until I felt Jared's hand wrap itself around mine. I looked down and was meet by the view of our hands intertwined, and as expected they fitted perfectly. Finally after a few failed attempts to get the key into the lock, I finally did it. But to my defense, it was Jared's fault. He kept rubbing his thumb along my hand in a very distracting manner, making it really hard to focus on anything but his gentle caress. Still, totally platonic. I dragged him inside the house with force, actually eager to get him alone for a change. I gave him a tour, shoving him the kitchen, the living room and then finally my room.
"So yeah, this is my room. I could have sworn that I hated it a couple of days ago but now somethings changed" I smiled, glancing around. I took a few anxious steps into the room; sat down on my bed and watched him gliding around. He stopped at my desk, glancing at the books that I was currently reading. He let one of his fingers trace the title of the book; a tiny smile curving his lips.
"You like Harry Potter?" He wondered.
"I love them. They were kind of my childhood in a nutshell." I stared at the books, drifting away.
I thought about all the times when I was little that I sat by my window overlooking the forest, reading my books. I've always loved supernatural things, loved the mystery and thrill behind them. I even remembered waiting anxiously by the mailbox with my little pigtails, for my acceptance letter to Hogwards but of course it didn't come. I loved the characters. They were so brave and loyal and I kept thinking that maybe, just maybe I could have what they did one day.
"So you like Sci Fi books?" He asked curiously.
I nodded "I like anything involving supernatural things" I carried on.
He walked around the room slowly, touching everything while he did so. He stopped and took a seat by the windowsill and looked at me questionably.
" What do you like about the whole "Abnormal" thing" he wondered. "I mean what's your preference on transcendental beings?"
"I guess I'm into witches, defiantly ghosts and shape shifters. I think they're the most interesting thing to read about."
"Shape shifters?" he carried on intrigued.
"Yeah you know. They're the ones who can transform themselves into becoming something different. It's usually just animals like wolves, dogs and rats" I smiled.
"So you like the whole idea about shape shifting?" He asked. He was leaning forward now, resting his elbows on his knees.
"I find it fascinating, I always wondered what it would be like to switch. Would it be disorienting or liberating. Or maybe both? To be able to become an animal, that's pretty amazing. Just think about the things they must hear! and smell and see." I exclaimed passionate. "To feel the leaves and twigs crush under your paw, to smell the rain minutes before it actually falls." I continued dreamily.
"But what about the whole process? don't they become monsters? I mean aren't they monsters?" he mumbled, uncertainty written plainly across his face. "They're an abomination"
I shook my head slowly. " I don't believe that. If they don't hurt anyone, why would they be? Everybody has good and bad inside them, doesn't matter where you come from, how you were raised or what you are. There's both sides in everyone, I believe that anyone or anything that listens to the good part is honorable. Besides I actually prefer animals, they're loyal creatures and aren't necessarily driven by greed or jealousy to do evil things, like most humans. They only hurt to protect or to survive." I shrugged. " Well that's my interpretation of what they might have been like if they actually existed." I continued, blushing over my obviously passionate speech.
"I like how you look at things" He smiled.
"What, with actual common sense?"
"No with childlike hope."
"Well you can't walk around like a pessimist, you'll get frown lines. " I teased.
"That's a good point" He laughed.
"So" I cleared my throat. " Can I get you something to drink? Tea, water or juice?" I asked
"No thanks, i'm fine." He replied.
Yeah you most certainly are, I thought. No don't even go there Kim. I cleared my throat; and tried to think of something to say. I wondered if there actually was an awkward silence or if I was just over thinking his quietness.
"Why did you wanna know?" I asked.
"Hmm. Know what?" He replied breaking out of his daze.
"About shape-shifters" I continued. He looked at me for a couple of seconds before he answered, his gaze penetrating.
"I like how you talk about things you're passionate about" He replied with an easy shrug and a cute smile.
"Yeah I can get a little bit carried away sometimes. My mom says it's one of my annoying qualities." I blushed.
I lifted myself off my bed and started walking over to my desk, looking for something to turn my attention away from him. But trying to move away from him only made him move closer because a few seconds later; he was walking over to me.
"You're mom really says that?" He asked surprised, almost a little angry.
I nodded before I started."Mom and I, we're complicated. " I turned my gaze away from him and started to fiddle with one of the pens lying on the desk. I didn't really want to talk about it, but yet there was a part of me that actually did. Was that even possible, to be that split?
"Complicated? How?" He frowned.
He moved closer towards me, until he was standing directly behind me. I turned around and saw him staring at me.
I gave an easy shrug. "We just don't get along. It's like we don't fit, we're not compatible. It sounds awful talking about your mom that way but still it's the truth" I gave him a sad smile. "I just always felt like we aren't real" I mumbled, slowly drifting away.
He looked at me stunned. " I don't understand" He finally sighed after minutes of struggling with his thoughts.
"How can you? Even I don't truly understand it" I whispered. "It's just a feeling I get sometimes. Like it's all a trick, almost fog like. And sometimes I feel like the fog is clearing." I shook my head in obvious confusion over my own words. Where did that come from? "I have no idea what I'm saying" I rubbed my temples.
"I get that sometimes" He shrugged.
"You do?!"
"Yeah, like I can't get a grip, almost like I'm loosing ground." He continued.
I shook my head, annoyed by him guessing wrong." No that's not what I mean." I whispered. " You just don't understand" I saw the confused expression on his face and decided to drop the subject.
"So what do you wanna do?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation away from my previous mental unstableness. "We can watch a movie? or maybe go on a hike?"
"Do you really wanna go hiking" He said cocking a disbelieving eyebrow at me.
"Not even a little" I replied so fast it caused me to laugh.
"Movie then?"
"Movie" I nodded in approval.
I led him to the living room and directed his very nice ass towards the couch. While he sat down; I went over to the shelf by the Tv where we kept the movies.
I rummaged through the very large collection of movies. "So what are you in the mood for?."
"Ladies choice" He smiled.
"Oh no you don't! None of that crap with me buddy"
"What crap" He asked amused.
"You know the "southern" hospitality, give you my pin because we're going steady crap"
"Do you even know what you're saying?" He laughed.
"Yes, well kind off! I'm changing the rules. It's officially mens choice" I replied determined.
"Hey that's not fair, you're ruining my charm. Plus you can't just do whatever you want" he pointed out.
"I don't see anybody objecting" I gestured around me. " Change approved!"
"Hey! don't I count as someone?" He cocked his eyebrow.
"No not even a little. I think the orange in the kitchen is higher up on the food chain than you are. Things under fruit don't get an opinion" I giggled.
"Why you little-" He started towards me, his arms stretched out and trying to get a grasp of me. Anticipating his intentions, I backed away with a warning gleam in my eye.
"No. No. No. Don't. You. Even. Dare" I emphasized each word.
"Why don't you stop me. After all I'm just a weak little fruit. Wait no I'm sorry, I'm below fruit. Right." He teased, his eyes gleaming with devilish intent.
"That makes no sense."
"You're the one who said it, not me."
He took a slow step forward, his body hunched in a way that looked almost animal like, which was completely hot. And right now the animal was hunting, unfortunately for me. I was the prey. We danced around the room a little, walking slowly waiting for one of us to pounce. When I took one step back, he always took three steps forward. After a few minutes he got tired of staling and just leaped. I saw it coming and dodged his attack, giggling the entire time. This only seemed to ignite his determination even more and so he tried again. He faked a left, causing me to run right, succeeding in making me collide into him. I was met by a rock hard wall, which I later discovered when I looked up was actually his chest.
I placed my palms upon his chest, in an attempt to steady myself. He backed us up until my back was entirely flat against the wall and then placed his palms on the wall. Trapping me. Oh god how he felt good, all wrapped around me like a shield. All of my instincts told me to rub my body up against him and just run my fingers through his hair. To crush his lips against mine, to nibble and lick the bottom of his lip to see if it feels as plump as it looks.
I inventorially let out a strangled sigh at that thought. Please kiss me, I thought. Just please please do it. My whole body was on fire and bubbling when I saw him slowly dip his head down towards mine. I was practically jumping up and down in expectation for the desired contact to happen, but instead was met by disappointed when he only stroked his cheek against mine. But tough a part of me wanted him to do more, another wanted to purr in satisfaction by this type of contact. His tiny whiskers were chafing my skin, but I didn't care because the sting felt good, like really really good. I leaned my head back against the walls, closed my eyes and hummed in appreciation. He replaced his cheek with his lips and started leaving a soft trail of kisses on my cheek. When he reached the spot right beside my ear, he whispered. "Am I still lower than fruit?". I swear to god my eyes almost rolled back into their sockets.
"N-no, you're by the vegetables now." I managed to squeak out through my heavy breathing.
He inched himself even closer, making it hard for me to gather my thoughts. I wanted him to back away and yet, I wanted him to come closer, how messed up was that. His entire body was pressed flush against mine, making it so I could feel every inch of his rock hard body against mine.
"Oh really, we'll just have to change that now won't we?" He replied in a seductive voice.
I actually whimpered. "T-that's going to be hard. Very hard." I replied shaky.
"I think I'm up for the challenge, after all I'm also hard"
I burst out laughing. I looked up at him and saw the horrified expression on his face and laughed even harder.
"You have such a dirty mind Kim"
"Oh god, my stomach's cramping" I uttered breathlessly in-between giggles.
He grinned. "Serves you right for mocking my misuse of words."
"Well it's expected. Vegetables aren't exactly known for their inspiring intellectual conversation." I teased
"How would you know? Do you speak Vegetable?" He insisted.
I laughed. "No because there's no such thing!"
He feigned an insulted gasp. "How dare you say such things about my native language."
"Oh shut up before I feel the urge to hit you." I laughed.
"No please don't, because your punches may cause itchiness" He scoffed unimpressed.
"Don't patronize me… Y-you. Idiot face" I forced out after having a very difficult time stringing my thoughts together.
"Oh you're words wound my fragile heart" he feigned insulted again. "With that impressive vocabulary of yours, one would think you were related to us fellow veggies."
"You're so annoying" I exclaimed. But still I couldn't keep that tiny smile bubbling up inside of me keep from rising to the surface, and he noticed.
"No I'm not, you think I'm adorable"
"No I don't" I lied.
"Admit it or I will have to torture you." He raised an eyebrow.
"Never" I shrieked.
"Okay, don't say I didn't warn you"
He picked me up as if I weighed nothing and flung me down on the sofa and then his hands practically attacked me.
"No" I panted in-between giggles. "Get off, that tickles"
"Say it! And I'll stop" He urged. "Say it!"
"Fine!" I exclaimed extremely frustrated after a few minutes."Y-you're-"
"What the hell is going on here?" Interrupted a very shocked voice.
Mom's home.
I started to push Jared of me but he was already getting off and standing up.
"Mom" I cleared my throat. " This is Jared, he's a friend from school." I fidgeted with the hem of my shirt, embarrassed beyond belief.
She arched a brow in disbelief but was thankfully a little polite to him. " I know who he is, Hi."
"Mrs. James" He replied politely; stepping forward to extend his hand. Mom ignored the hand but instead of being insulted, Jared just shrugged it off.
"Isn't it time for you to head home Jared?" said mom with an edge to her voice.
"Mom!" I shrieked embarrassed over her very curt behavior. "We were actually going to watch a mov-" I started to interject.
"No, it's fine Kim." He interrupted. "I should go home"
"But Jare-" I started.
"No really it's fine, mom's probably expecting me anyways." He interjected.
"Fine, but let me at least drive you home" I said apologetically.
"No, there's no need. Really"
"If you're sure" I said slowly.
"Positive." He grinned.
"Okay. I guess I'll see you tomorrow." I frowned.
He pulled me into a hug and whispered to me. "I had a really nice time." He kissed me on top of my head before he let me go. He turned towards my mom, who was looking rather disgusted by him, no freaking clue why.
"It was nice meeting you Mrs. James." He said before he walked out of the door.
Mom nodded, her face stern. I could feel the anger boiling up inside of me, what was all that about? Why did she treat him so coldly, she just meet the guy jeez!
"Mom!" I whined. I expected her to look sheepish over the way she'd treated Jared, but she didn't. Instead she looked pretty pissed and of course as usual her anger was directed at me for some ungodly reason.
"Kimberly what was he doing here?" She asked sternly, emphasizing the word he with mild disgust.
"We were hanging out after school." I replied angry. "Why is that a problem?" I mocked
"Yes! I don't want you to hang around that boy anymore"
"What? why not?" I asked confused
She looked at me, her anger fading but being replaced by a new unknown emotion I couldn't quite decipher. "Because that boy is dangerous"
Now my confusion had transformed into shock. Why would she say that Jared is dangerous? She talked to him for like five seconds, that's not possibly enough time to make that assumptions, unless…. She knows something I don't. I tried shrugging moms words off but there was something… off about him. I should trust mom's judgement right? But the thing is, I trusted neither of them. At least my lack of trust in Jared was justified, I've only really known the guy for a couple of days. But he didn't seem dangerous, he was a nice guy.
"Why would you say that?" I wondered.
Now she looked nervous. Her eyes never directly landed on me when she said. "I just don't think he's good enough for you honey, that's all"
"You're lying" I realized. "Why are you lying to me!?" I narrowed my eyes at her. "What do you know that I don't?"
"I-I'm not lying" She stuttered. "It's just, I've heard things about the guys he hangs out with." she carried on.
"What guys?" I frowned. "And how do you know who he hangs out with?"
"He's with Sam, Kim" She looked sad now, like she pitied him. "He's gone" She mumbled so quietly I almost didn't catch it.
"He's gone? why is everyone speaking in riddles around me?" I screeched annoyed. She broke out of her daze and gripped my arms so tight, there would probably be bruises afterwards.
"Promise me Kim!" She panicked. "Promise me you won't get involved with that boy"
There was something in her eyes that truly terrified me. She looked so small and completely freaked out. Something about Sam scared her completely and my mom wasn't usually a woman of fear, she was always so strong and brave. An infuriating woman who always held her ground. I didn't like this side of her, it was like this with dad. I remember how scared she was right before he left. I was just a little girl back then but I could still remember the sounds of a lamp falling over, her screaming at him to get out and him trying desperately to her and himself calm down. She looked so frightened from where I stood by the door crack. I remember feeling this strange urge to walk over to her and wrap my tiny arms around her waist, to offer her some kind of comfort but I couldn't let her know that I was there because she thought I was sleeping. Maybe Jared reminded her of dad? No that can't be it. Jared was nothing like him, I think. But still there was something she wasn't telling me. A part of me wanted to run to Jared and ask him if he truly was dangerous but another wanted to run away from him. God, why was everybody confusing me today!
"Mom." I started gently, easing the hatred in my eyes to a mild distaste while slowly taking her hand awe from my now damaged arm. "I can't do that. I don't know why you're scared of him. You're not giving me anything to go on"
Now she was fidgeting with the hem of her shirt, she looked so small standing there.
"I'm not scared of him" she was looking at me now with conviction shining bright in her eyes. "I'm just cautious."
I groaned in frustration. She was distracting me, her answers always raised another thousand questions, which she deflected like a pro. Why couldn't she just give me a straight answer. Was it to much to ask just to be treated as an adult? I was tired of this little game we were playing, so I decided to simply give up.
"Whatever mom" I sighed in fake defeat.
"Good" She nodded, still a little in daze.
I felt a little guilty for lying to her, but technically I wasn't lying. I never said I would stop seeing him, if she happens to think that I would, then well that's not my fault. Maybe a little but still, it helped stop the guilt that was slowly rising. I wanted answers, and I wanted them now. And I know just the place to get some, I just simply needed to fall asleep.
So finally we're getting somewhere with the story!
Please review and tell me what you thought about it ;)
Again! Thanks for all of those who review, it meant the world to me!
Hugs and Kisses