Vampire Emeritus (Part #3) ✔

Chapter 5: Booze and Blues

Being back in Caiden's room felt awkward and weird. For starters, there was no darkness anymore. The blinds were up, the curtains pulled away, and the sunshine seeped over the grey carpet. He still didn't have a roommate and I appreciated this little detail. Perhaps he wasn't a complete stranger to me.

Caiden sat at the table and typed away on his computer impossibly fast; strange letters and number shifted before my eyes as I stared at the black screen. As far as my programming skills went, I knew how to restart a computer router.

"Do you think you can do it?" I asked, unable to stand the awkward silence any longer.

Although, I was pretty sure the silence was only awkward for me. Caiden seemed lost in his own little world.

"I think I might." Caiden said, his eyes still glued to the screen. "But it's going to take time. And there are a couple of classes I have to get to today."

"Of course." I nodded quickly, afraid we were terribly incommoding him. "And I'll pay you."

"That you will." Caiden chuckled. "No way I'm hacking an ancient vampire cult for free."

The Sacred Order murdered his parents. A part of me wanted to remind him of that, to evoke anger and hatred, and to make him understand I was trying to do good here. But that would be selfish, and all I'd really do is remind him of the trauma and loss. So, I kept my mouth shut, even if that meant he wouldn't understand me.

"How have you been, Cai?"

His back slightly tensed at the use of the old nickname and his fingers stopped moving on the keyboard. It only lasted for a moment and then he continued.

"Okay." He mumbled. "I interned at an IT firm this summer, they'll probably hire me once I get my degree. I do a job on the side every now and then." A small pause. "I'm dating Angie."

I knew that. Angie has been posting their photos on Instagram all the time. She's also been liking all of my Pinterest nails pictures, so I didn't mind her overuse of the platform.

"That's great." I offered a genuine smile. "You know I'm happy for you. You look better, you look happy."

"I am happy." Caiden turned in his chair and faced me. "Chloe..."

His eyes met mine and everything we've been through flashed in my mind.

"Hmm?" For a moment, I decided to pretend dumb.

The last time he's seen me, he told me he wanted to leave campus. I wouldn't make this conversation easier for him.

"I'm sorry." He spoke and glanced at the carpet. "I was a jerk, a traumatized jerk. And by the time I've realised what I've done, you were already gone. I'm really sorry, I didn't truly want you to leave."

"What's done is done." I shrugged, deciding not to tell him it was fine yet. "I needed to get away anyway. This place was suffocating me."

"It's just..." Caiden looked around, either thinking of what to say or avoiding my gaze. "You dropped out of college."

"Yes, well, I can finish anytime." I offered a tight smile. "So, can you hack the system?"

"I think I can." Caiden nodded. "I'll start this afternoon. Should be done by morning."

"Please, you can get some sleep in the meantime." I laughed.

"It's fine, it's a challenge." Caiden shrugged. "It looks like someone really did a good job creating security. Whoever you're up against, they have a tech guy."

"Wouldn't it be nice if they only had rakes and stakes?" I mumbled.

"What?"

"Nothing." I shook my head and stood up. "William and I will stick around until you're done. Invoice me later."