While rummaging through my closet, I managed to find an old pair of sweat pants that were just too big on me but a little bit small on Alexander. I had enough large t-shirts to fit him comfortably.
"Is this necessary?" Alexander asked. "Why can't I go in my regular clothes?"
I shoved the clothes into his arms. "We don't want anyone to recognize you," I explained. "Hence, the clothes."
My goal was to play this off as two kids skipping school. Plus, no one would ever think Prince Rothchester would wear these clothes.
Focusing on our image helped me keep the panic at bay. How does a vampire go to sleep and wake up a human the next day? Vampires were born. Not created. At least, that was what we were led to believe. One simply did not stop being a vampire. Something must have caused it.
When Alexander returned from dressing, he was almost difficult to recognize. He pulled off the tired student look. His eyes were a little red too.
"You can keep your shoes," I said. "We don't have too much time to search for a pair that fits you."
Wordlessly, Alexander approached and hugged me. He breathed in. I stood still for a moment. He was warm.
"I always liked the way you smelled," he muttered.
I frowned. "Uh, thanks?"
"I appreciate it now a bit more,'' he said. "I don't mean to make it sound creepy."
"I think I understand what you meant." I wiggled free. "Joseph is almost here," I told him. "We have to get ready."
"You shouldn't talk about other men when you're with your boyfriend."
"Joseph is my chauffeur," I reminded him. "He doesn't count."
"Come on, let's get something to eat."
His eyes lit up.
I made boiled eggs and made some toast. We didn't have time for anything fancy. Alexander didn't care, he gobbled down everything.
"S 'good," he said. He looked like he meant it.
I couldn't help it, I grabbed my phone and took a picture. He frowned.
"You're cute," I told him.
His ears turned pink. The camera went click again. This was going to be interesting.
Just as we finished, Joseph sent me a message. I peeked outside the window and saw the car.
We left the house with my backpack in tow (with a laptop). Joseph took one good look at us but didn't comment. Smart.
"Morning," he said, wiping his hands. "Off to school?"
"Later," I told him. "We need to go somewhere first."
Joseph hesitated.
I didn't explain anything else. We got into the car and Joseph stayed outside.
"You think he's going take us? "Alexander asked.
"I'm sure his contract says not to ask questions," I told him.
Moments later, Joseph got into the car.
"Where to?"
I nudged Alexander and he gave Joseph the address.
"Isn't that," he began.
"The sooner the better," Alexander interrupted.
"Please," I added.
Joseph nodded, curtly. Alexander wasn't known for his subtleness. Plus, he was used to people following orders. Joseph might suspect something but it was better if e didn't. No one could know what happened.
It took almost an hour to arrive. I didn't have permission and Alexander couldn't reveal his identity. At every security gate, we had to verify our identity.
We were dozing off when the car stopped in front of the house. Trevor stepped up next to the car and opened the door. Alexander and I scooted out of the car.
"You can wait at the garage," I told Joseph.
Trevor took one look at Alexander and ushered us inside. I glanced over my shoulder and saw him talking to Joseph. Once inside, Trevor lead us to a drawing-room different than the one he took my family and me.
It was a long walk and I had to adjust my backpack a couple of times. I'd forgotten how heavy my laptop could be. Alexander moved to help but I grabbed his hand instead.
The room was smaller and only fit four people comfortably. I took a sit on the love seat. Alexander moved to sit when Trevor stopped him.
"How about a change of clothes, your Highness?"
Alexander smiled. "You knew?"
"I've served your family for many generations," Trevor replied. "I would never be unable to recognize the royal family, human or vampire."
"I'll be back," Alexander said to me.
When they were gone, I took my laptop out and sighed into my class. My parents wouldn't be called about my absence. If they found out I didn't go to school, they would kill me.
Mr. Keller was twenty minutes into the lecture when I popped in. I saw a couple more classmates online too. We were working on practice problems when Alexander and Trevor walked in. Alexander had showered and was dressed in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.
I made sure I was on mute before talking.
"Is the doctor here yet?"
"He'll be here shortly," Trevor replied. "Can I interest you in breakfast as you wait?"
"We ate," Alexander said proudly.
"That'll be great," I told him.
Trevor bowed and left.
"You're still hungry?" Alexander asked.
"It's rude to refuse food," I told him.
"What?"
"If someone offers you food, you thank them and accept it."
"Even if you're not hungry?"
"It's polite," I said. "Plus, you can take a bite or two."
He was still frowning when Trevor returned with fruit and oatmeal. I piled fruit on the plate and worked on my math classwork. Mr. Keller asked for my work and I held it up.
"Scan it and submit it,'' he said.
I unmuted. "Okay."
As the lecture wrapped up, I scribbled down the homework pages on my arm and left the meeting. There were ten minutes before the next class.
I munched on honeydew melon and strawberries.
"Sorry," Alexander suddenly said.
"Why?"
"For having you here instead of school."
I frowned. This wasn't like him. "If you have time to worry, you have time to work. Or did your responsibilities change because you are a temporary human?"
He blinked several times and looked away. "No," he said. "They didn't."
"Thought so," I muttered.
It seemed like Trevor was waiting for the right moment because he brought Alexander a laptop soon after. Alexander took one look at the screen and got to work immediately. His shoulders were squared and his brow was knit.
To be honest, I couldn't look away. Once in a while, his ears would turn pink alerting me to the fact that he knew I was watching. I was probably drooling too or it was probably the fruit juice. Either way, those ten minutes were well spent.
The Royal Physician arrived half an hour later. Unfortunately, I wasn't invited to the session. It made sense but I couldn't focus on anything after that. My leg jumped up and down.
I showed more fruit in my mouth and even ended up eating oatmeal. By the time
AP English finished, Alexander still hadn't returned.
Sighing, I signed out. My phone buzzed. Sandra had sent me a message.
I replied, 'I'm online today. Something came up.' I moved to grab another piece of fruit but they were all gone. Had I eaten them already?
"Will you be requiring a third breakfast?" Trevor asked, standing by my elbow.
I flinched. When did he appear?
"No," I said, "I'm good. Thanks."
"It seems they're ready for you now," he said. "This way."
I stood and followed Trevor. My stomach clenched. It was nerves or all the food I ate. Either way, it wasn't a pleasant feeling.