Torment & Struggle (A Blood & Lust Novel)

Chapter Seven

     “Your Mom’s almost here.” He said, breaking the trance we were under.

     I shook my head, clearing it before I said, “I should get ready for Josh’s show. You’re coming, right?”

     “Of course.” He said reassuringly. “Josh is our friend.”

     “Just checking.” I mumbled.

     “I’ll see you in an hour and a half.” he said before kissing me one more time, and slipping out the window.

     After taking a moment to clear my head, I headed toward my closet, and try to find something nice to wear to Josh’s play. The only thing I could find that’s considered “fancy” is a black halter dress I’d purchased a few months ago, but never considered wearing it…until now. After that, I put on my pearl necklace my grandmother had given me, along with matching earrings and a bracelet. Then, using my curling iron, I made my long, wavy, auburn hair look like something I saw in a magazine.

     For a moment, as I looked in the mirror, I almost looked like a Kardashian sister. If I were to walk the streets of L.A. dressed like this, one of the working paparazzi would make that mistake, or an overeager child on family vacation. Either way, this is the best I’ve ever felt coming here, aside from having the better part—Draco.

     “Oh my gosh, Willa, you look gorgeous.” Mom’s voice causes me to jump. Good thing I haven’t slipped on my black heels, yet.

     “Thanks Mom.” I admitted sheepishly, my face already turning tomato red. “Josh wanted me to look nice.”

     “I’m sure he’ll do fine.”

     “That’s what Rae and I keep telling him.” I said with an impish smile.

     She laughed. “Well, I just came up to tell you that I’ve made dinner tonight, and it’s ready.”

     “Okay.” I said as I quickly put on my sweatshirt over the dress, protecting it from any kind of stains, especially from whatever Mom might’ve concocted.

     Once I entered the kitchen, I found two plates of spaghetti, each also have a slice of garlic toast and a glass of ice tea. “You’re father is working late tonight, so I thought it’ll be the perfect opportunity to spend some time with you before you leave.”

     I couldn’t help but smile. “It’s perfect.”

     We talked about…well, everything. Movies, books, our friends, anything but the inevitable, and I couldn’t help but smile throughout the entire meal. It’s moments like this where I can’t even think of what will happen once Mom is…gone. Eventually, she began to discuss a subject that we rarely talk about, especially with Dad around most of the time.

     “So how’s Draco these days? Is he going with you to the play tonight?”

     I quickly swallowed my noodles, almost choking on it before I answered, “He’s fine, and yes, he is coming with me tonight.”

     “Are you dating this boy?” She asked bluntly.

     This time, I was lucky that I don’t have any food or drink in my mouth. I decided that it’d be appropriate to tell her. “Yes. I am.”

     She smiled. “Then, if he’s treating you right, then I’m happy that you’re happy.”

     My smile returned, and for once, I’m glad that she’s here. Because, I don’t know how Dad would react. But, knowing my Mom, she’ll probably tell him about my…boyfriend. I just hope that he doesn’t make me sit through “The Talk.”

     After I’d cleaned my plate, I quickly placed my plate in the dishwasher before heading upstairs to brush my teeth—don’t want any unwanted pieces of oregano stuck between my teeth. Even though Draco had pointed out that garlic doesn’t harm vampires, I do what I can to get the taste of it out of my mouth as I began gargling Listerine once, twice, thrice. I just despise having bad breath.

     At the sound of the doorbell, I quickly spit out the mouthwash into the sink, slipped out of my sweatshirt, applied the finishing touches on my hair and make up, and slipped on my black pumps before heading downstairs. I could see his dark figure through the glass windows on the door, and after double-checking to see if my breath smelled minty fresh, I opened the door. There he stood, looking more like a male model than anything else, wearing a nice dress shirt, black jeans, and black Converse sneakers.

     “Hello handsome.” I said with a flourish.

     “Hey gorgeous.” He replied with that lopsided grin that I love.

     “Hello Draco.” Mom’s voice came from behind me, and I try my best not to feel embarrassed. Or at least, hope that she didn’t hear that little exchange of compliments. “It’s so good to see you, again.”

     “Same here Mrs. Wilcox.” Draco answered politely.

     “Well, you kids have fun.” She said as I walked through the front door, and followed Draco toward his silver Lexus.

     I simply waved as we reached the car, and Draco kindly opens the passenger door for me. After stepping into the car, I watched as he walked to the driver’s side at a normal—human—pace. Then, before I could even blink, he’s started the car, and we’re already leaving the neighborhood.

     “You’re Mom’s hair looks good.” Draco said.

     I looked at him. I’d never wanted to bring this up, but I couldn’t deny the fact that Mom was wearing a wig that is similar to her original hair color. “Thanks.” I mumbled after taking a deep breath.

     “I know you’re upset about it, but, I’m here if you need me.” He said reassuringly.

     I quickly began batting my eyes, stopping the tears from ruining my make up before I said, “Thanks. You always know just what to say.”

     He chuckled before slipping his hand into mine, all the while, his eyes never left the road. He’d always know what to say, even when I can’t think of it, he’d always be there to comfort me.