Between Times

Chapter 2: A Night to Remember

Lia showed the guys all of the fun places to see in downtown Austin.  For instance, the local art show, stock show, and eventually they all stumbled upon tulip park, where an alternative rock band was playing. Theo rode a bull at the stock show and even wore a tan cowboy hat. After they watched Theo, Jackson, and Lia got their portrait painted together. He put his arms around Lia's waist and made her blush a bright pink shade.  The artist that painted their portrait commented, "You guys are a cute couple, and I can definitely tell ya'll will make it." Jackson smiled sincerely and said, "Thank you sir. I am sure one day we will."  He took Lia's hand in his when they got to the park and asked, "May I have this dance?" He bowed and his smile made her heart flutter.  She nodded and her eyes brightened when he took her in his arms.  They were so close and her breathing quickened slightly.  The song the band played was cover. They ended up dancing together to the song "Your Arms Feel Like Home," by 3 doors down. Jackson was a very good dancer since his mom use to be a dance teacher.  Lia followed his lead and they effortless danced in sync. They both felt comfortable and safe in each other's arms. The chemistry between them was undeniable.

Theo watched them dance and, of course, found girls to flirt with to pass the time.  He used flirting as a coping mechanism after losing Rosie.  He would constantly play with the gold initial R necklace without realizing he was doing it.  Theo and Jackson were both on guard since they know that the evil ones were always watching their every move.  They all took lots of pictures together and had a wonderful time.  Theo opened up to Lia about Rosie which meant he already viewed her as his friend and trusted her.  They all went to dinner then Lia dropped off Theo and Jackson at their place.  She had to get ready for her date with Jackson and could barely contain her excitement.  She dressed in a light pink dress with gold sandals and a matching purse.  Jackson texted that he would be there soon and she met him downstairs. Her dad let him in and greeted him with a firm handshake. He told Jackson,"Take care of my daughter." He responded, "I will always, sir." When Lia walked down the staircase, Jackson could not stop smiling.  He said, "You look beautiful love, but you always are stunning so I am not surprised."  Jackson kissed her right cheek and gave her his arm.  He was wearing a green polo shirt with blue jeans.  Lia's parents told them to have fun. They headed to his car and he opened the car door for her.  He was raised to be a gentleman and that never faded over the past 64 years. 

The stars shined brightly and the amusement park neon lights made the atmosphere perfect for their date. They had a blast on all the roller coasters and played amusement park games.  The ferris wheel was the last ride they went on and Jackson looked deep into her eyes.  He touched her face and said, "There is something I've been meaning to do."  Jackson leaned in and gave her a kiss at the top of the ferris wheel.  The kiss made them both feel sparks. It was like electricity was coursing throughout their bodies. The ride ended, but they deepened their kiss then eventually pulled away feeling that everything was perfect.  He grabbed her hand and led her to sit down on a wooden park bench.  He sighed deeply to say in a whisper, "Lia, I have to tell you something that will change your opinion of me.  I am a vampire and so is Theo. The evil vampires are also after you because of how pure and innocent you are, love. They want your blood to become more powerful.  You probably don't believe me and think I am crazy."  Lia was shocked and her light brown eyes widened with surprise.  He took her by the hand and led her behind one of the game stalls.  He showed Lia his fangs then quickly retracted them like nothing had ever happened. Lia said softly, "I know you are a good person.  It is okay that you are a vampire because you are more than that to me.  I am scared about those evil ones that are coming after me.  I don't want them to get me, Jackson!" 

She was shaking like a leaf and he held her tightly in his arms. Jackson replied, "Those malicious vampires will not get you because they would have to go through me first.  Theo is helping protect you as well."  He gave her a reassuring kiss and said, "No one goes after my girl and gets away with it."  She felt a sense of security and warmth in his embrace and wanted to stay like this forever. Lia responded teasingly, "So, I am your girl now after only one date?"  Jackson started to stutter not knowing what to say when she kissed him. She spoke sweetly, "Come on Boyfriend, we have to get on the teacup ride again!"  Jackson intertwined their hands while they walked towards the teacups.  Lia held on tight to her panda bear he won her while he spun the teacups.  They decided to watch the stars together sitting on the hood of his car while eating their cookie dough ice cream.  Lia said, "Thank you for today. It was wonderful!"  Jackson replied, "Anything for you, Lia! I always love to make you smile.  I feel like all my years as a vampire are worth it now that I have found you.  Theo saw you coming with his visions, but nothing compares to the real thing. 

Theo is basically my brother and he has suffered a lot of pain.  His parents and girlfriend Rosie were murdered by the evil vampires that are after you.  They also killed my father. I thought he left me when I was a child. I have felt a since of guilt and loneliness ever since I had to leave my mother behind.  She ended up dying in a car crash a year after I left.  I always knew something was missing in my life until I saw you, Lia."  Lia replied, "I felt that something was missing too, Jackson and here you are!" Jackson then opened up his heart and told her about his human life in the 1950's.  He was popular as both the team captain and quarterback of the football team.  Jackson also said that he never had a girlfriend until Lia. It was because he never felt connected to anyone the way he did with her. He also did not understand why guys never asked girls out on dates anymore like back in the day.  Jackson hoped Theo would quit being a flirt and finally make peace with his past so he could open up to someone special, like he suggested for him to do with Lia. Lia talked about how she never dated in high school. She had a feeling that from the first moment Jackson looked at her, he was the guy that would make her life change.  She enjoyed painting and planned on taking an art class at the University of Texas.

Lia wanted Jackson to teach her some dance moves sometime since he was a great dancer. They both felt that they had known each other all their lives.  He drove her home and walked Lia up to her door.  He said, "Until tomorrow, Lia."  He gave her a sweet goodnight kiss.  She said, "Goodnight, Jackson." When Jackson got back to the house he found Theo waiting on him.  Theo said with a smirk, "I know you told her everything about us. Didn't I tell you that she would feel the same way about you? Good on you and goodnight, brother!" Lia's mom and dad asked her several questions as soon as she got back from her date.  They both are very protective since she is their only child.  Her parents both approve of Jackson and only want their daughter happy.  Simon Rourke and his followers were watching Lia's house just waiting for the perfect opportunity to take her.  They thought the freshman party would be the perfect time since there would be countless distractions.  Little did Simon know was that Theo and Jackson would always be one step ahead of him.