Is it love: Peter Bartholy

Chapter 18 Part 1

Zeva Pov

Samantha - "So, Zeva, you came out of your cave. I see that you tried ..."

Samantha sneers, looking at my outfit. Compared to hers, mine could almost go as conservative.

Samantha - "But you know, makeup doesn't work miracles..."

"Are you the one saying that? While you walk around with ten layers of paint on your face?"

I retorted, raising my chin challengingly. If it is war you want, it is war you get. Samantha's face quickly turns red with anger, she clenches her fists. I feel like she's going to hit me. But she quickly resumes her arrogant air and pushes her hair back.

Samantha - "You're just a waste of space. Have fun loner!"

Samantha quickly spins around and stomps away. It wasn't til I lost her in the crowd that I let out the breath I was holding and sink back on my log.

I couldn't help it. Her words got to me. She's kinda right:

The minutes pass by and I stay alone. A few boys try to make conversation, but I don't really feel like answering their questions...

Eventually, they end up tiring of my silence and go to find girls a little more friendly than me.

That part doesn't bother me. I don't care for them. I don't particularly want their company. They all seem to me to be a little dull, next to Peter...

Time flies slowly after that. Soon couples form, and I can't help but think of my green-eyed vampire.

Sitting alone I couldn't help but think. Why did I even come here? I realize now that it was just to catch his attention. I recognize that my behavior is equivalent to that of a teenager in need of love. I could almost scowl at my foolishness.

I sigh no longer in the party mode. I want to leave...

As I lose myself in these depressing thoughts, Loan comes to sit by me.

Loan- "You don't look too good, Zeva..."

I'm surprised by the sincerity of his concern. Looking at him I noticed he had switched his bravado macho facade to that of a more somberness one. It made me uneasy but if he was trying to be nice for once, the least I could was answer him honestly.

"Truth is, I'm sorry I came ... "

My words seem to make Loan twitch and he eyes me carefully.

Loan - "Are you bored?"

I give him a poor attempt at a smile as I shrugged my shoulders.

"It's just that ... I don't really feel at ease ... "

I looked around at the tall darkened trees. Loan lips twitched into a small smile.

Loan - "Why would such a pretty girl like you not be in her place at this kind of party?"

I can't help but smile, was I having a sincere talk with Loan? Although Loan tends to annoy me, tonight he seems almost friendly.

Loan - "Could I have this dance?"

Loan reaches out his hand, like an actual gentleman waiting for an answer. I hesitate for a moment before giving in. I mean I don't really want to but, why not? If he wants to make amends and behave, I guess I could give it a shot and forgive. Dancing with him might help me forget Peter a bit... or not. A small voice in my head chided at me.

Taking his hand Loan flashes a bright smile. He drags me over to the fire, where other couples are dancing to modern music. I try to get into the dance. The music blasts loud in my ears but Loan can't stop his hands from wandering over my back, my hips... Annoyed, I quickly end our dance.

Loan was surprised but of course recovers quickly from my rejection. He walks away and goes to Samantha, who seems rather annoyed that he even came over to talk with me. I give her a small smile. A little victory out of all this, but I'll take it.

I sit back down on my loyal trunk and look around for Sarah. She's talking enthusiastically to a group of girls.

The wind picks up and a gust of wind breaks through the tree line. A chill hits me making me shiver. As I look away, I see, a little further back, the silhouette of a small girl. I jump, scared. What is a little girl doing here?

Getting up from my log I approach her, quietly. She starts to laugh and runs away.

"Hold on a minute!"

Without thinking, I run after her and find her a little further in the woods.

She has a pretty pink dress and big black eyes. She beckons me to follow her. Chewing my lip, I look back at the party, feeling hesitant but I follow her anyway.

She seems to want to show me something. I want to know what it is. she laughs and I follow the sound of her childlike voice.

After a while, I find myself alone in the middle of the woods. I realize I can't hear people's voices anymore....

The little girl is standing in front of me, smiling. Now that I'm closer to her, I realize it's just a vision. I go even closer to her. She seems to want to tell me something.

Small girl - "Can you play with me?"

She chuckles again, then suddenly vanishes in a gust of wind. Without the light that came from her ghostly body, I can't see a thing.

I can feel the panic building but I try to keep calm. I mustn't panic, I can't be that far away from the others... Even if, I can't hear them anymore, and I can't see anything.

Suddenly I hear a wolf howling. and my heart leaps in my chest. Are there wolves in this forest?! This time, it's too much. I'm totally freaking out. I start to walk backwards trying to find my way tracks, but it's no use. I realize that I'm completely lost!

I grip my sides feeling the chill of the night air. I almost jump when I felt something hard in my pocket and instantly I feel a relief. Fortunately I have my cell phone on me!

I get it out and try to send a text to Sarah. My hopes high that she will be able to find me.

The phone buzzes and I look at the bars. Fuck! There's no reception.

I bit my lip and start pacing. Oh my god, Oh my god! My brain is making its panic known.

In all the horror movies, the girl who wanders away from the others is the first to die... in atrocious conditions.

I can't shake the thoughts, they are almost paralyzing. I lean back against a tree. I realize that I'm shaking. I'm no longer scared, I'm absolutely terrified.

Left alone my mind goes into overload. What will happen to me? Why was I so stupid? Professor Jones warned me. He even told me "You must never trust ghosts. Some of them seem harmless, others seem to want revenge. The past is never certain, it's not reliable..."

Images of Peter flashes through my mind. Despite everything, I can't help but think about Peter.
I find myself praying that he finds me and saves me ...

I kneel down and close my eyes, praying for this nightmare to end. I'm so scared I'm shaking all over.