The Thirst In Me

Eighteen

"Learning is a gift. Even when pain is your teacher."- Maya Watson

Veron's POV

I waited to hear that knock on my door. To smell her enticing blood as she writes her silly notes. I crave for her. She didn't come to my room today and I knew something must be wrong.

I saw the way she looked at Vanessa yesterday. The hurt I see in her eyes mirrors my own and I instantly knew I wanted to help her. I wanted to take that hurt away.

I waited for two whole hours. I did some push-ups, some sit-ups, and anything that can distract me from walking to her room and making sure she is ok. I went to her room early this morning but she was sleeping so peacefully that I didn't bother waking her.

It was now 10 a.m. and I was going crazy. I swallowed my ego, took up my notepad, left my room, and walked toward hers.

The aroma of her blood was strong enough to pull me closer to her bedroom door.

I knocked on the door twice and I heard her heartbeat speed up.

I quickly wrote my note and slid it under the door. I was surprised that she wrote back since her breathing sounded like someone very angry. We exchanged notes for a while until one particular note caught my eye.

It's nothing. Rebecca just triggered a bad memory. That's all.-K.P.

Rebecca. She knows that Vanessa's name is Rebecca. The only other person who knows this is Uncle Malik. I made a mental note to ask him about Rebecca when I get the chance.

I wanted to ask Keisha how she knew Rebecca and what she knows about her but I didn't want to scare her away.

I was enjoying the conversation I was having with Keisha when I smelled Damion's blood and heard him opening the front door.

I stood and started walking away. I didn't want Damion to catch me sitting outside Keisha's bedroom. He would have a million and one questions and a few snide comments.

I locked my door once I got in and clicked on the television.

Keisha knows that Vanessa is Rebecca. I wonder what else she knows. I need to get closer to her. I need to know her secrets and what she knows about Malik and everyone else in this house. I need to make her fall in love with me so she will trust me enough to disclose whatever she knows.

How did I get involved in this? All I wanted to do was finish college and go pro so I can earn millions.

I sighed.

I seem to be doing that a lot lately. Abby is now dead and I've come to terms with it. It's now time to get my life. I'm a popular guy for Pete's sake.

I glanced at the clock on my dresser. It was now 10:52 am. My sociology class would be starting in a few minutes and if I leave now I would still be online.

I grabbed my car keys and left my room.

"Where are you going?" Uncle Malik asked when I opened the front door.

"School." I barely answered.

"Are you sure you're ready for that son?"

"Uncle Malik, I'm 21 years old. I think I can handle school." I said then closed the door behind me.

The cool breeze felt great on my skin making me regret staying indoors for so long.

I'm thankful that Uncle Malik got my car picked up from the garage. As I slid into the driver's seat I instantly remembered why I love this car so much. The smooth leather seats felt comfortable as I backed out of the driveway. I turned the radio on trying not to let my mind wander.

There was a talk show on, with people calling in and talking about their trivial relationship problems.
I chuckled. If only my problems were so superfluous.

A few minutes later I was pulling into the school's parking lot.

As I got out of my car the first thing that caught my eye was a picture of Abby. I felt like a heavy burden was placed on my head, crushing me.

You can do this Veron. I kept reminding myself. I walked slowly to my locker looking at all the pictures of Abby with 'gone too soon' and 'gone but not forgotten' written on them. A single tear fell from my eye and I had to rush to the bathroom so no one would see me cry. Why did I think I could make it through the day? Everything here reminds me of her.

Since the bell has already rung, there weren't many students in the bathroom. I washed my face again and stared at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes looked puffy and swollen. Since I'm here already I might as well get to class.

I stepped into the hallway and took a deep breath. I walked to my class and the end of the aisle and slowly pushed the door open. Every eye turned to look at me.
I stood there staring back at everyone like I was glued to this spot.

"Will you please take a seat, Mr. Taylor? You're already late!" Mrs. Madison's voice screeched and for once I'm thankful that she was being harsh on me. It is just what I need right now. I hate when people feel sorry for me. It makes me feel weak.

I thankfully made it through my sociology class without breaking down.

When the lunch bell rang I pushed through the mob of students and walked over to my table. Damion and a few of my other friends were already seated and they all turned their attention to me as I sat down.

Damion was the one who broke the ice. "It's nice to see you here man."

I simply nodded. "Do you want me to get you some lunch?" Coby offered.

"Stop treating me like a child. I can get my own lunch." I told him and he looked hurt. "Look I'm not trying to be a jerk or anything," I said in a much calmer tone. "I just want you guys to act normal around me please."

I exhaled.

Damion smiled and hit me on my back. "In that case go grab me a soda."

Everyone laughed and they continued discussing whatever nonsense they were talking about before I came.

I couldn't focus on their conversation. My mind continued to stray to Keisha and Vanessa. There is a connection between them and probably it's connected to me as well. I will find out even if I have to force Keisha to tell me.