Out of The Shadows

School Time

It was the night before I would start at Blazewood High. I had spent the day sorting out all my school supplies and contacting books, making sure I had everything I needed. Once I had my bag packed, I made sure to iron my uniform, and have it ready to go for tomorrow. I was both nervous and excited; excited because I could finally try to lead a normal schoolgirl life – well as close to normal as I can get, and nervous because I didn't know what to expect. I had been locked up for three years. Things have changed; I've changed. After a quick shower I got ready for bed. All I had left to do was give Nath his feed. I found him in his room, looking intently at his laptop.

"Nathan?" I got no response. 'Well that's weird'. I walked up to him and tapped on his shoulder. "Nath" I was about to say his name for the third time when he peeled his eyes away from the screen.

"Sorry, what's up?"

"Let's see... hmmm, it's 11pm, I have school tomorrow, and yet I'm standing in front of you trying to get your attention. Why do you think I'm here?" Sarcasm at its finest. No? Okay.

"Oh right, don't worry about it, just go to sleep. I'll see you in the morning." He went back to his computer. 'Is he serious?'

"So, you're knocking back a feed, why?"

"Just go to bed Alysha." He said with his eyes still glued to the screen.

I sighed and quietly said goodnight. I didn't get a reply though. It made me feel a bit upset in a way. Not because I won't have his fangs buried in my neck, but because he didn't say goodnight. It may sound childish, but over the last few nights, I felt like me and Nathan were finally getting back to the point where we are 'best friends', rather than 'master' and 'captive'. Every night after his feed, Nathan and I would cuddle for a while before I went to bed. He would kiss my forehead goodnight and play with my hair until I fell asleep. I loved it. But tonight, even today, he seemed distant. This morning he got up late, had the quickest feed ever, healed the puncture wounds and then said something about having to meet up with a friend of his. He came back late in the afternoon and went straight to his room. It was weird. I hated the cold feeling I would get when he ignored me. I've brushed it off all day, putting it down in my mind that he was just in one of his moods. But now, I'm not so sure.

I got into bed and snuggled into my blankets. Although it was spring, the nights were still chilly, just coming out of winter. For a while I stayed awake. I couldn't fall asleep; I kept dwelling on Nathan's behaviour. He seemed perfectly fine yesterday, and today he seemed to be so distant. I want to know what's going on inside that head of his. We were so close, and now I don't even have a clue to what we are. 'If only I wasn't so stupid...'
And with that thought I let sleep claim me.

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The next morning, I woke to the sound of the most annoying sound on the planet – the blaring sound of an alarm clock. I groaned and stretched, reluctantly dragging myself from the warmth of my bed. I had a hot shower to help myself wake up and got dressed in my uniform. When I got downstairs Nathan was sitting at the dining room table with a cup of tea, staring off into space. He must have noticed me walk into the room because he looked up and smiles, snapping out of his trance.

"Morning baby girl, how did you sleep?"

"Good I guess..." I walked passed him, not making eyes contact. I went to the kitchen and got myself some cereal. As I was pouring the milk I felt Nathan's presence behind me. I put the milk down and his arms snaked around my waist, his head resting on my shoulder.

"What's wrong baby? And please don't say nothing."

"I could ask you the same question..." I replied quietly, trailing off.