Drink Deeply and Dream.

Chapter 6

Callie's Pov.

I needed a coffee bad and of course I had to work on my essay about Gaul. I had no idea where to really start. The sun was warm as I walked to the little cafe: I didn't like driving in nice weather, there's nothing quite like a nice walk taking in the fresh air and the natural beauty of flowers and trees.

I'm not a tree hugger, but being a natural witch I couldn't help but feel comfort in nature, even if I was only a half witch.

Grounding myself in the earth's core energy, I let the negative emotional baggage melt from my heart. It was not Mickey's fault he freaked. I should have been more in control. What had happened to my shields? I have gone drinking before and never have they been that weak.

I passed a bench add for an exhibit on Vikings tomorrow night at 10:00. Interesting. I had another paper to write on Vikings for my extra history class. It couldn't hurt right? It read that there would be a guest speaker. Some expert on the culture back then. Well I couldn't pass it up.

I crossed over to the other side of the street and walked into the well lighted and cozy cafe."Morning Callie, what can I get you today? We have some new flavors, or would you like your normal Caramel mocha?" I smiled widely up at Jessie.

"Morning Jessie. Surprise me, just as long as it has lots of espresso. I had a rough night and I have to work in a few hours."

He nodded and grinned, "The trouble twins convinced you to go out again last night? And let me guess, they let you drink too much?"

I shook my head, "Well they did talk me into going to Fangtasia, and while I did drink I know I wasn't drunk when I left. Buzzed maybe but not drunk.. But I did meet a guy last night and he was nice. Before you ask, his name is Rick." Jessie showed me his million dollar smile. How on this green earth could I be surrounded by so many good looking men?"

"Rick, huh. What's this Rick look like?" He smiled as he handed me my coffee.

"Well he was short, had a lot of tattoos and these odd eyes. But he was really sweet." He smiled wider. It was nice to have a good conversation.

"Who was sweet Dolly? Whoa you look like you got run over by a horse twice. What the hell happened to you?" Taking a deep breath I turned to face Tyson. Now, most would be offended by his horse comment but that's usually because they don't know that he can read their souls, their Auras.

"Morning Tyson, I feel like shit." He smiled at me before rubbing my head. "It's okay Dolly, I'll make you my scrambled eggs and toast and fix you right up."

I chuckled,"Thanks Tye."

"Oh hey,Tye our little Dolly has met a guy!" Shit! I could just beat the hell out of Jessie!. I had almost bypassed telling him.

"She did? And you were not going to tell me? I'm wounded Dolly. Who is he? What's his name? Did he lay a hand on you? If he did I would have to .." I couldn't let him finish that thought.

"His name is Rick, he's a vampire and no he didn't touch me outside of dancing with me."

He nodded, "You tell me if he does anything else. Those vampires can be dangerous. Just say the word Dolly." He gazed at me lovingly.

"If he steps out of line you'll be the first to know." He smiled, I couldn't help but feel loved.

(Five minutes later)

Try as I might I could not seem to focus. Every time I would try to my mind would bring me back to last night. Back to those deep caring eyes. They may belong to a younger looking body, but they held the weight of many years. I may not know how old he is really is but he just felt safe.

It's a weird feeling, being safe. Growing up without a definable family often makes you cautious.Thinking back now, I realise there have been times when I thought someone was watching over me. How else had I gotten out of that fire that killed my second foster family? I was in bed asleep then I was outside. The doctors wrote it off as instinct, that I had walked out of the house without realising it in my sleepy daze.

Or that time when I was almost hit by a car? I should have been dead. But nearly each time afterward I had felt safe. How weird is that? What kind of guardian angel wants to guard me?

"Callie is that you? Wow, it has been a long time." Stirring out of my musings I looked in the direction of the voice.

"Corey? What are you doing back so soon? I thought you were off to study in Europe?"

Grinning he answered, "Home on break. What have you been up to? Giving those teachers at that college hell I hope?" I couldn't withhold a giggle.

"You say that as if I'm some kind of know it all psycho student!"

Chuckling he pulled me into a hug. "Hmm, maybe over enthusiastic. Still hang out with the mopsy twins?"

I rolled my eyes at his antics, "If you mean Tina and Mickey then yes. They are my best friends after all. They keep me out of trouble."

Corey's eyebrow raised in question." And how is that?"

Sitting up straight I tried to give off a serious vibe, "They get into trouble enough on their own. When I help them out of it I'm never in it."

Corey just smiled. "If you say so. By the way I see your nursing Jessie's famous remedy for alcohol. Too much trouble last night?"

Before I could speak Jessie spoke up, "No, our little miss met a guy." I could just slap him right now. I had been grilled enough this morning. I don't even know if I'm actually going to see him again anyway. I mean if I think about it maybe the attraction was all in my head. There was no way my logical mind would fall so fast. Still the feeling of Ric's hands on me, and those eyes... Suppressing a shiver I turned to face Corey, smiling like a cat that got the damn mouse!

"Did she now. Do tell little kitten. Has Some Tom-cat caught your fancy?" I roll my eyes. Leave it to werewolves to make a cat reference. "I did meet someone. It was a chance meeting at Fangtasia. I'm sure he's a vampire. He was so sweet, and nice." The three weres in front of me just stared at me.

"Cat's got your tongues," I giggled as I slid five dollars to Jessie. "This should cover it. I'll see you around".