Her New Moon

24

After they lowered the casket, Driana lingered, watching over Ms. Berold. She used her powers, entering Ms. Berold's vision. A smile made its way to her face at the photo her mother held. It was a photo Casimir had taken on the day of Driana's birth. The newborn baby lay in the bassinet, asleep. The baby clutched Ms. Berold's finger while Casimir rested a hand on the edge. Once Ms. Berold left, Driana waited until nightfall. Swiftly, she dug up the dirt, reaching the casket. Once the cover was open, her eyes closed as memories flooded through. Sniffing, she raided it empty. Placing everything to the way it was, she hurried home.

"Isn't it late to go on a shopping spree?" Paul humored, waiting for her on the porch.

Driana shrugged. "They had great deals." She opened the door, setting her stuff on the bed. "I'll work on putting these away. You do whatever."

Paul sat on the chair, resting his head on his propped arm. "Wish I could do the same."

The girl snorted a laugh. "Your dad wishes that, too. Tell me, how did you manage to find what you need?"

"Easy," Paul scoffed. "I remember where I placed them last."

"Of course." Rolling her eyes, she continued stuffing the wooden wardrobe cabinet. Rain began to pour from the sky. "Is that piece of gum you used to patch the hole in the wall still there?"

"Pft! I patched it up last week." He sighed. "It would've lived for three years."

"It's been that long?" Driana gasped. "Gross." The girl hung pictures on the wall, reminiscing each of them. "Remember the Halloween party?" She waved the frame in her hand.

Paul crossed the room, his steps lighter than the rain. Grabbing the photo, he chuckled. "Yeah, I do! Good ol' Paula. I kept the wig. Dad freaked out, thinking a rodent died on the floor."

Driana giggled. "I was Darian. Dressing up like a boy was super easy. I borrowed your clothes and beanie. You still owe me another skirt."

"My thighs are thicker than yours, boo boo," Paul spoke in a girl's voice.

Shaking her head, the girl completed her tasks. The interior slightly replicated Driana's old bedroom. It brought her comfort. It was the closest she had to home. A place she was no longer able to live in. Paul tidied the floor, clasping his hands as he finished.

"Well, that's all the dirt," He told her. "I'll be outside."

Driana knitted her brows. "Why?"

"I figured you'd want a moment to yourself," Paul explained.

Driana thought for a moment, shaking her head. "It's raining. What host would I be letting her guest become soaked?" She pointed to the bed. "You go on and sleep. Don't worry, I can't hunt with no scent available."

"Alright," Paul complied, wiping his feet before lying in the bed. "What do you want to talk about?"

"I don't know," She answered honestly. "I guess we can talk about the council."

Paul bit the inside of his cheek, resting an arm behind his head. "Billy's still on edge. He's worried that you might have no self-control. Harry says as long as you haven't bitten anyone. So, you're safe. Quil's grandfather hasn't spoken much about the situation. He believes basíʔ exists in those who grow or learn to become evil." He turned to face Driana. "You're doing fine, in my opinion."

"I bet it's cause I'm a defective vampire," Driana huffed, crossing her arms. "We noticed my sense of smell isn't as strong as yours. Maybe that's why I can get myself under control." Her hand reached for the shell necklace Jared gave her a year ago. 

Paul sat up, eyeing her fidgeting hand. "What's that?"

"This?" Driana revealed the necklace she kept hidden under her shirt for months. "Jared gave it to me on my birthday."

Paul chuckled in disbelief. "Did he tell you what this is for?"

Driana shook her head.

"It's a form of protection," He explained. "It prevents danger or what you believe is bad." He tapped the necklace. "I reckon it's working for you."

"Maybe that's why I can't smell great," Driana guessed. "It's been limiting scents." She touched the necklace, staring at Paul. "I want to try taking it off."

Paul raised his hands. "You sure?"

"I don't think you smell that horribly," She assured, removing the jewelry. "JESUS!" Gagging, she placed it back on. "Did you shower with a dog last time?"

"Hey! Don't think I didn't get a whiff of you," Paul frowned. "It's like you swam in a pool of cologne." He shook his head back and forth. "Talk about a quick trip to the perfume department."

Driana chuckled. "The necklace does work." She glanced at the clock before staring at the window. The rain hadn't lifted. "Get some sleep. Hopefully, I'll catch a fresh scent tomorrow."

Dawn came upon them, the sky turning a different shade. Paul stretched, yawning as Driana locked the door. He sleepily leaned over the railing, and Driana shook him awake. The boy stood straight, waving his hand in dismissal.

"I wasn't sleeping."

Driana snorted a laugh. "Sure."

Relying on Driana's sense of smell, they followed the scent. The girl noticed a cougar gnawing on hide meat. The trail of blood enticed her. Her pupils widened, wasting no time in attacking the cougar. Paul shouted her name, worried she'd get hurt. However, the predator had no chance against the superior likes of Driana. The cougar's growl went unheard by biles of blood as the girl ate. Satisfying her hunger, she stood up. Her nose caught another scent, and she tracked it. Surprisingly, it was a bear with open wounds. She frowned, choosing to end its misery.

"Thank the Creator you aren't human," Paul spoke. "You'd have emptied my wallet if this was your appetite."

"I'm still faster," Driana scoffed. She smirked, running from Paul.

Paul rolled his eyes, chasing her. It was mainly fear and worry that motivated him to catch her. They spent a while playing a game of tag. Believing Paul tired himself out, Driana slowed down, smirking in victory. Proving her wrong, Paul laughed, tackling her to the ground. Driana chuckled, removing a leaf from his hair. Paul wiped the blood off her chin. The world stopped for a moment, and their lips met again.