Hidden in the Immortals (Book #1)

Chapter 15

I sat in English the next morning feeling very jittery for no particular reason. I couldn't figure out what my problem was. I wasn't thirsty. My newfound vow to be more responsible was going well so far; granted it had only been 10 or so hours, but that's neither here nor there. The only thing I could think of was that I was still a little shook up from last night, but for some reason I couldn't shake the feeling that, that wasn't the reason either. It was there, I just couldn't put my finger on what it was. And then, Chad walked in.

And I knew. It was him. My stomach felt like a group of butterflies had just taken flight and were headed up my throat. He looked over at Mr. Nelson and they exchanged their silent aggressive acknowledgements, then Chad ran a hand through his hair and looked forward again. His eyes locked with mine and a happy smile spread over his face. I suddenly felt hot all over and had to avert my gaze. What was wrong with me? He slid into his seat next to me. I didn't look over at him.

"Hey." He greeted in a semi confused voice. I didn't say anything. "Something wrong?" He asked after I still didn't respond.

I finally shifted my eyes to his. His pretty hazel eyes sparkled with loving concern. My cheeks felt like they were on fire. "Umm," I finally managed to mumble out after staring silently at Chad for a good ten seconds. "No." My heart was pounding the moment I saw him walk in and it started pounding harder as I looked into his eyes.

A small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Your heart is beating at a million miles an hour," He said in a teasing tone. He fixed his hair, looked down at his shirt, then looked back up at me. "Am I looking extra good today or something?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but then I clamped it shut a moment later. I didn't know how to answer his question. Yes? No? He looked the same as he did every day, but for some reason, today, it looked like I was really seeing him for the first time. I internally groaned. What was wrong with me? But instead, I let out a low chuckle. "No." I replied as casually as possible. I scratched the back of my head and shifted my eyes away for a moment. "Just glad to see you buddy." I added awkwardly with a playful punch to his shoulder.

His eyes lit up in amusement, his grin growing wider. "Julianna Rose Mercado, am I about to get an admission?" His voice was light and teasing. He mockingly punched my shoulder back.

I scoffed loudly. "No, because there's nothing to admit." I was getting really tired of having to use that phrase. Something Jana had said to me about Chad last night must have gotten to my head. I didn't have feelings for Chad. But I sort of did  want to go to the dance with him. I wasn't sure why I wanted to; I just did. I needed to shake off this funk I was in and forget about it. I also needed Chad to get off my back about it. "So I've been thinking about what you said last night about getting information on Flynn Jackson." I started, in an attempt to change the subject.

His eyes immediately lit up with excitement. "Did you figure something out?" 

I shook my head. "I don't even know where to begin."

He looked away for a moment with a thoughtful look on his face. His eyes darted over to Mr. Nelson for a moment, before he looked back at me. "Why don't you talk to your mom about it," He suggested. "If he's from a hunter family, then I'm sure your mom would know something about them."

I shrugged. "I don't know, I think it would be kind of weird asking her questions about a hunting family that I've never met before." Even though my relationship with my mom seemed to be doing okay, I still felt that she still wasn't one hundred percent comfortable around me yet. I knew she still loved me, but this Immortal thing probably scared her to death; and rightfully so. I didn't know how I would react or adjust if my daughter became a bloodsucking creature of the night.