Octavia (Completed - 2018 Watty's Longlist)

Chapter Eighteen - Octavia

It never occurred to me that the sense of relief could feel this amazing. It's like a massive burden has been lifted off of my chest and I can now breathe again without worrying about the what ifs. Instead I feel confident and as though I can do almost anything. If you had told me a few years ago that I would befriend a human - a boy human at that - I would have laughed in your face and then scared the living hell out of you for annoying me and wasting my time. But, if you had then told me that I would be 1; telling that said boy I was a vampire and 2; expressing my feelings for him I would have definitely done more than scare you and then proceeded in taking you to the nearest mental institution. But then again, life surprises us.

Edmund and I just arrived at his house a few moments ago. Without wanting his father to know that I was still here, I chose to use my usual entrance into his house - his bedroom window. Waiting patiently for Edmund in his room, I sit comfortably in my usual chair. Hearing the soft close of the front door I can't help but listen to the conversation downstairs between Edmund and his father.

"How did the date go?" Jamie asked casually when he heard his son come through the door.
"It was good." Edmund murmured softly. It went much more than good, I couldn't help but think to myself. I heard his father stand up from his chair walking closer to where Edmund was. "Good as in 'yeah it was alright, she's a nice girl', or 'holy crap I think I'm in love'?" "It was good." Edmund repeated warily. I hear the fridge open and close and then the be opening of a microwave. He must be having something to eat. "Did you kiss her?" Edmund begins coughing, choking on his food. I felt a sudden urge to go downstairs and ask if he was okay. He so fragile. "Dad, I am not having this conversation with you right now, okay? I'm tired, I'm going to bed." Jamie and Edmund exchange 'good nights' before I hear Edmund's footsteps come up the stairs. In that moment I become well aware of the fact that he was coming. I know that I've spent the whole day with him basically, but I feel a little nervous. The good nervous of course - excited. I begin to tidy up my hair and clothes but then quickly realise that there is honestly nothing I can do. The bedroom door opens and it takes a few seconds for Edmund to actually step inside. Maybe he's as nervous as I am. Why is he nervous? Why am I even nervous? God we are both a nervous mess for no reason. Edmund leans against the door frame, his arms crossed lazily across his chest. "You heard that, didn't you?" I nod slightly, a sheepish smile creeping across my face. "Just a little." He groans, placing his hands to his face in embarrassment. I rise to my feet and walk over to him, prying his hands away from his face. Looking up into his emerald green eyes, I interlace our hands together. The familiar warmth of his touch wraps around my hand and I take a step towards him, feeling the heat radiating from his body. It felt nice. "Why is your Dad so intrigued about you having a date with a girl?" I look down and whisper quietly. "I mean, you've dated many girls, right? So I'm sure he should be used to it." He lets go of one of my hands, but instead brings his hand to my chin, lifting it up so that I was looking at him. I noticed his slightly tinted cheeks. "Actually," He starts. "I've never been on a date with a girl before." I scrunch up my face in confusion. He's never been on a date before? How can someone as beautiful as Edmund not have had girls chasing after - wait. Did he say date? "I didn't think this was a date." I say, raising my eyebrows teasingly up at him.
His cheeks tint a light shade of pink and he begins to fidget with the hem of his shirt. "Well," He clears his throat. "maybe it wasn't meant to be a date. But I am hoping that one day we could go on a date."
I beam up at him, my stomach doing a little flip that is way out of character for me. "I would really like that." Edmund's smile lights up his face and it's the most beautiful thing in the world. Besides his eyes of course, I mean they are just breathtaking.