Forever Alone... Or Not

Chapter 21

3rd Person

Tensions had been high between the four. Nicco hid the truth from Michael. Michael disregarded Nicco's feelings. Bethany resented Michael for treating her brother like a monster. Sariha was angry with them all: Bethany yelled at her best friend, Michael ignored clear signs of mental instability, and Nicco, well, she felt bad for him. She wouldn't admit it though. He had hidden this enormous secret from Michael in consideration of his mental health. Nicco opened his home, his heart. What did he get in return? Criminalization.

POV: Nicco

Of course, a family gathering. Why wouldn't they make Michael and Sariha mingle with a bunch of ravenous, powerful vampires? They're all rampant human killers. None of them have adapted to the new way of living: animal blood and sunblock. Those cans of "V" juice buried in my produce drawer at home aren't filled with human blood. Cows blood, I believe. Whatever it is, my family detests it. Believe me. I've had enough lectures about "displaying my superiority" from my Abuelo. Speaking of him, he's homophobic as fuck. Fuck. Tomorrow night is going to be so incredibly fun. (Note the sarcasm) 

Bethany and I talked. She was angry at Michael, being my protective big sister and all. She even yelled at him for me. Sariha was disappointed in him as well but she did not approve of Bethany's furry. Now, she was mad at Bethany and Michael. She kept to herself in Bethany's room, Michael did the same in mine. My sister and I slept elsewhere. My family knew nothing of our dispute.

I acted as usual around them. When they announced this gathering to Michael he was hanging off my arm. I didn't shy away from the touch as he did. I didn't do anything besides look at the floor. The excellently enunciated words my Mother spoke were muffled. It didn't matter if she was announcing an execution or war, I wouldn't have heard it. I was too focused on those sparks. The blood bond sparks and shivers. To think my blood bond hit me and cussed at me during a breakdown. To think the love of my life would be so disregarding my emotions. Maybe the Moon Goddess was wrong. The sparks were meant as a blessing, a sign of my soulmate. I loved them. I loved him. Now, I was repulsed. 

The tables had turned. No longer was I begging for his forgiveness, his attention, and love. Those icy blue eyes I used to adore stared up at me, begging. I ignored them. They pleaded for forgiveness. I couldn't. Well- I wouldn't.

"Nicco?" We had left my father's study and were making our way back to his room. I didn't even realize we were walking. My skin burned from his touch. I brushed his arm off and walked away, towards a guest room I was forced to inhabit. Bethany should still be in there, wallowing in an oversized shirt while shoving ice cream down her gob. No doubt she'll beckon me to join her. No doubt I'll refuse.

I could feel his eyes on my back and hear his shuffling feet. His heartbeat was...slow. Usually, it pumped blood at a continuous, non-concerning pace. Deoxygenated blood would flow through the right side, then exit through the pulmonary veins to be oxygenated by the lungs. The oxygenated blood would be transferred back to the heart to be pumped into the body. It transfers oxygen and other nutrients throughout the body, then it goes right back to the heart and it's repeated over and over again. To repeat this action the body needs sufficient energy from food and sleep. But, this isn't caused by natural malnutrition. Not even a full day of rejection and isolation and Michael's body is struggling with basic functions.

There's a chance Michael's body won't be able to deal with my rejection. What my heart really aches for is how he'll react mentally. Should I feel this worry though? He didn't regard mine at all. Why would he do that? Who would do that? But, no matter how much I validate the reasons behind this break-up I still feel guilty. The echo of his footsteps became more and more distant until I was alone. Walking in the silence of the "blood"-covered halls always sent a shiver through my undead body. The things hidden behind the expensive decorum coils around in black smoke of vindictive memories and nightmares. They swarmed me, biting and nipping their cold fangs and claws against my soul. That one night flashed within me. With the bang of my door, the smoke ceased.

"How'd it go?" As I suspected she was laying against a mountain of pillows. A green tee-shirt with faded graphics, even with the way she was laying, reached her knees. She held a pint of ice cream. It looked chocolatey and delicious. A large spoon hung out of the side of her mouth. On the opposite side of the room a tv, which was rare here, was playing something. Something crime-esque, there were actors in FBI vests slowly but skillfully navigating around corners pointing their guns at potential criminals. I should get a gun. I sighed and dropped onto the bed. My face was pressed into the sheets as I answered. 

"mphmonhon pomonhn pmon"

"I couldn't understand one word of that." Another sigh and groan bubbled in the back of my throat. Nearly cracking all the bones in my body cracked as I manipulated myself to a sitting position.

"I said 'About as well as we predicted.' Now hand that over." Without even looking she swung her arm out, and I took it from her hand.

"Okay, so... two humans have to sit face to face with about a hundred vampires. Vampires that solely prey on helpless, innocent humans. Especially little twinks with AB negative blood." My soul pinched with anger at the word, yet my heart and mind felt nothing. Those brown ever-questioning eyes opened wider with pointed brows. I rolled mine. She wanted a response. It was her way of testing how...done I am. I dragged the chocolate-covered spoon upside down again so my tongue could lick the ice cream from its crevice.

"Wow, okay. You really are done with him." I nodded slowly. Again, there was that pit in my stomach.

"Do...should...what would you do? If you were in my situation, would you forgive Sariha? Or would you reject her?" In response to my question, her eyes shifted down in contemplation.

"I don't know. I love Sariha, not just because she's my blood bond but because she's, well, her. She's Sariha and I don't know if we could live without each other." We both looked down.

"I have that same fear." The mood of the room was dark and heavy. I no longer craved the sweet, melty goodness in my hand. "Could he handle my rejection? Physically and mentally."

"Don't you think you should at least try with Michael? Explain why you had your panic attack, why you lied about being human. Then he can explain what he was feeling and why." Seeing my disinterest in the ice cream she took it back.

"Well, maybe I don't want to hear his explanation."

"I think you should."  I sighed. The room was silent for the rest of the night. 

May 30, 2022 

1,216 Words

Hey guys, I really am sorry for this wait. I know it's always the excuse, but I was so incredibly busy and stressed out. But, I have finally finished High School!!! I move off to college at the begging of August! I'm going to try my best to write as much as possible before then. So, please stick around for more updates on all my stories. Thank you!