Bitter Reality

The News

So, everyone decided to stick around to chat. I rolled my eyes as Raoul, Mom, and Dad went off in different directions. I found Aggie, and started to make small talk until she squealed. “I haven’t told you yet!” I wore a blank expression. “About what?” Something hit me. “Oh, now I remember. What was it that you needed to tell me?” Aggie looked like she might be ready to burst with excitement. “One of the vampire males at our school starting flirting. Do you know what this means?”

I widened my eyes and screamed, taking Aggie onto an invisible trampoline. “Shut the front door! There’s no way, Aggie!” I stopped jumping, and looked around. Everyone had gone silent, and was staring at the both of us. I blushed a little bit. “Sorry to interrupt you, everyone; just a bit of exciting news.” A scoff sounded from the group. “Just a little exciting?”  A few chuckled, and they all turned back to their conversations. I stared at Aggie. “Who was it? Don’t leave me hanging after what you just told me.” She huffed. “It was Victoria’s son; Joseph.”

My mouth hung open. If a vampire male flirted with you that would mean that you’ve been asked to be his mate forever. A female could turn him down, but until she found a mate, he would keep flirting. If you’re taken, then the male gives you a gift, most commonly a piece of jewelry with a ruby, to show that you’re his until you’re married. In many ways it’s much like an engagement ring, but she wears his gift before he asks to marry. That way, you can see if you’re mates for eternity. Joseph Adams was a well-respected male among our clan. The fact that he flirted with Aggie means a lot. If he picks her as a mate, and she agrees, then she’ll be the next queen of the clan.

I hugged Aggie, and we both squealed in a little-kid fashion. “I’m happy for you Aggie. But if you’re going to be the next queen…” I trailed off, looking away humorously. Aggie rolled her eyes. “This poor clan would be the laughingstock of Idaho. No, wait, the laughingstock to the entire U.S.” I laughed. “Then you’d better let Joseph teach you a thing or two about leadership.” She laughed with me, and someone cleared their throat.

I turned to the person, and my jaw dropped. I immediately stepped aside, and let Joseph go to Aggie. He flashed a pure-white smile, and gazed at my best friend with aqua blue eyes. “Hey Agatha, you look beautiful.” Pink dusted her cheeks. “Thanks, Joseph; that’s really sweet.”

Out of nowhere, I saw Raoul in the crowd. He was looking at Aggie, and hurt danced in his eyes as he watched Joseph flirt with her. I turned back to Aggie to get her attention. After I broke up their flirt session for a second, and whispered in her ear. “Aggie, take a look at my big bro. I think he likes you.” She stared at Raoul, and then turned back to Joseph. “Hey, I’m going to talk to one of my friends; see you later?” Joseph nodded, and watched her leave, abandoning me with Joseph. I turned to him, and nervously chuckled and waved to him. He waved back, and left. I frowned. It wouldn’t be too horrible if he flirted with me.

“Hey; your name’s Julie, right?”

I turned around, and saw a male vampire. Like almost all males, he had black hair. He had light blue-ish eyes, and perfectly straight teeth. I nodded to him, and he held out a hand. “I’m Benjamin, but most people just call me Ben.” I nodded. “Just about everyone calls me Julie.” Ben smiled. “I think I’ve seen you around school.” I shrugged. “I don’t know; I don’t really pay attention.”

Before he could say something, Aggie was right behind me. “Hey, we’ve been looking for you. Your mom says it’s time to go.” I nodded to her, and turned back to Ben. “See you later, Ben” He waved. “Likewise.” Aggie dragged me away, and stopped at the entrance. “Who was that? He was kind of cute.” I giggled. “You and your cute guys. That was Benjamin, but he said we can call him Ben.” She nodded, and stepped outside. The moon was shining bright overhead. “Dang; how long have we been here?” I shrugged, and checked my phone. “About two hours, actually. Surprising how time flies when you’re having fun.” Aggie murmured in agreement, and Raoul met us at the door with our parents. “Agatha, I think you might want to get back to your family.” She nodded to my father, and walked back into the crowd. No doubt she would be heading home soon. Almost everyone would. The rest would stay at the hall; it doubled as the clan house.

My mom turned to me and my brother. “You two will have to shift and get back to the house; your father and I will be taking the car.” I groaned. “I don’t want to have to go all the way back there.” Raoul elbowed me. “It’s alright; I can carry you.” I sighed, and shifted forms. My brother was already there, and took a hold of me in his talons. I hissed softly. Now don’t get any ideas here. Try to eat me and its light’s out for you. The falcon rolled its eyes. Do you really think Mom and Dad would let me eat my little sister? I tried to shrug, but I didn’t exactly have shoulders.

Raoul flapped his wings, and we soared into the air. My breath was taken away as I saw the entire forest. My brother started to fly higher, and then dove, wings plastered to his side. The wind raced past me as our speed increased drastically. As we passed the top of the forest, I could see wolves running on the ground. Werewolves; they always like to run through the forest, acting like they own it. Soon the trees covered them, and Raoul got us home as soon as Mom and Dad got the door open. I switched forms, and walked straight back to my room. I softly closed the door, and whipped out my laptop. I usually kept information about when I see werewolves. Call me paranoid, but I want to keep a lookout. Turns out, there had been a lot gathering close to a clearing lately. The heck was that about? I shrugged.

I sighed, and took out my phone as it buzzed. It was from Aggie. ‘Can’t go shopping. Grounded from the car and the mall for tonight. :’( Sorry.’ I groaned. No shopping meant the only way to occupy my time was…and I shudder at this…homework. With a pained sigh, I dragged my backpack closer to my bed, taking out the umpteen papers inside. I started with the Algebra. Better to get the hard stuff done first.

After about an hour and a half, I started on the Chemistry. It was even harder than the last, sadly. Unfortunately, even though female vampires are more advanced in academic and fine arts, it’s still hard. I groaned. “I’ll get the rest done tomorrow.” I threw the papers down onto my backpack, and fumbled through one of my jackets for my iPod. Mozart played softly in my ears. Yeah, I know, its ‘classical, boring stuff’, but I became a vampire towards the beginning of the 1800s, so I still take a fancy to it. A sudden thought came to mind, so horrifying that it made me rip out my earphones. Black eyes…unusual white hair…chiseled looks…it can’t be. He’s supposed to be in prison!

I shot out of my room. “Mom! Dad!” I nearly crashed into them as I rounded the hallway that led to their room. “What happened, Julie?” I paused for a minute to catch my breath. “He’s…he’s escaped. I don’t know why the news has gotten around so slow, but I know that he’s here.” Raoul had joined in the crowd. “Who’s escaped?” I turned around and looked him squared in the eye. “White hair, black eyes, Raoul; I think you remember him.” His eyes darkened with subtle rage. I nodded. “That’s right, Raoul.” I took a deep breath, my words hanging heavily in the air.

“Castiel is back.”