I Don't Believe In Vampires

IV. Thoughts

    I woke up to the bright sun rising from my window,I decided after the events last night that it would be best to get to school early. Throwing on ankle jeans with a white lace top and my sneakers, my mom dropped me off at school. I sent a text to Cali on the way.

‘We need to talk.We have a situation.” 

“Can this situation wait until homeroom?” 

“NO.”

“Too bad, I require 10 minutes more of extra sleep” 

It’s impossible to get Cali up before the time she’s supposed to be up. 

“I’ll buy you a box of nerds.” I sent knowing the response.

“Deal, I’ll be there in 10 minutes.” she texted back. It’s hard to get Cali up so bribery works well. I’m not against it. 

My mind keeps replaying the events of what happened last night. The car came to a stop in the school parking lot and I kissed my go mom goodbye as I exited the white kia soul and made my way to the cafeteria since it was still early.  I can’t shake this feeling of pure terror that keeps lingering. I was eagerly waiting for Cali to get here. The cafeteria had a few kids besides myself that liked to come to school early and sit on their phones. 

After what felt like forever, Cali bursts through the door groggily scanning the room. I waved her over. She made her way towards me slowly  dragging her feet. She got to the table and opened her palm asking for her payment.

“I’ll buy you a box after school.” 

“So i’ve been lied to.” 

“No, I just didn’t have the chance to buy them before school.” 

She looks at me narrowing her eyes. 

“Fine but I expect my payment. What is so important that it couldn’t wait until homeroom?” 

Without hesitation, I blurted out “I saw Brian last night.”

Cali looks at me suspiciously. “I’m sorry, what?” 

“Last night I decided to go for a walk like I normally do and saw Brian. I was out well after midnight because I couldn’t sleep. I saw Brian out with a group of guys. He had these red glowing eyes.” Cali looked at me like I had three heads or was high on drugs.

“Are you sure this wasn’t a dream?” 

“Nope, I didn’t believe it a first until I poked myself with a sharp piece of wood I found on the ground.” Putting up my hand and pointing to the small wound on my palm. 

“Look Cali, I know it sounds crazy. You know me, I’m not on drugs and I rarely dream. You know I dissect every situation to death to make sure I’m not crazy. I have this habit of overthinking everything and coming up with different scenarios to understand why certain things happen. This situation? No such luck.”

Cali breathed in and let out a sigh. “OK Ash. I’m totally up for a Nancy Drew type of investigation. I still have my doubts but I also know you and your way of thinking. Maybe Brian is part of a secret drug ring going on in the neighborhood at night.Plus nothing exciting ever goes on around here. I’m up for an adventure!” she says now fully awake and functioning.

“Bribery and all I knew I could count on you Cali.” 

“Duh, that’s why i’m your BEST FRIEND!” 

“I’ll talk to my mom about spending the night. We can make up a plan of attack then.Plus we have that project we need to complete for biology so this can work.”  

The feelings still linger but at least I won’t be alone in trying to figure out what happened. The bell sounds signaling the start of the day. Cali and I made our way to homeroom. I entered the classroom hesitantly making sure to act normal in case I ran into Brian. Most of the students took to their desks. I noticed Brian’s desk was empty. 

“Goodmorning, everyone.” Mr. Mountain said standing up at the podium. 

“As you can see we are missing a student” Pointing to the empty seat in the middle of the room. “

Brian has been suspended due to the scene he made yesterday. Making an example out of him. Anyone who is disobedient in my classroom during my time can kindly excuse themselves.That being said, put your books away we are having a pop quiz.” 

I passed back the sheets of paper and read the quiz questions. My mind kept thinking back to Brian. I wonder what he’s doing now? When will he be back in school? 

This is going to be a long day. 

Brian’s POV 

Sitting inside the house, I have to be lectured on what not to do. Getting suspended is one of them. I don’t like being told what to do. I like to do things MY own way or the highway. 

“It’s not even week one and you managed to get yourself suspended!.” Able said throwing his hands up. Able is not my father but he comes close to it. He’s a top well respected member of the clan i belong to. My parents were killed by rogue vampires. He took my under his wing and cared for me like I was his own son. Able has been around for hundreds of years. He is undetectable when it comes to the appearance of a vampire.He’s short and bulky. He has an eagle tattoo on his right bicep and comes off as the grandparent that loves watching football and drinking beer. He’s not pale like most vampires and his bald head is the icing on the “I’m not a vampire” cake. 

“I’m sorry Able.I have a hard time respecting puny humans. That’s what they are. Especially arrogant teachers.” I spat. 

“Our clan moved here for a better life. Please contribute to the well being of the clan. Besides, you’re not the only vampire that attends high school. Keep that in mind. This was the only school that had room for you at such short notice.” 

I sigh in frustration. “I’m sorry.I’ll watch my attitude next time.I’ll try harder at controlling my emotions.”

 Trying and doing are two entirely different things, Able. I can try but doesn’t mean i’ll follow through. Obedience is not something in my vocabulary especially when it comes to humans.