A/N: Well, here is the next chapter :D. If you want an update then you must VOTE and COMMENT. Feedback is what pushes me to update and last chapter didn't really have much :/ which made me really sad... So do what you guys usually do and I'll be happy :). Next update will be 7/11/2011. Lol, haha lmao get it? Seven eleven? Lmao, Okay sorry for that. Anyway. You know what to do :D VOTE, COMMENT AND ENJOY!!!
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Chapter 38 – Secrets at Midnight
Jasmine stood watching Giselle as she got hastily dressed at 11:39. It didn’t occur to Giselle that for the first time at the academy Giselle trusted someone. That someone was now her good friend Jasmine. It was odd, that when she first got her the last person she thought she’d be friends with was Jasmine but now things were different.
They spent all afternoon talking about what happened the night before between Isaac and Giselle. They covered everything from the dinner to the making out on the roof top till it snowed. Now it was time to get busy. Giselle wasn’t going to back down from the plan she already created.
Jasmine laid on her bed elbows holding up her palm that was under her chin. “So what’s the plan?”
“I’m going out tonight.”
Jasmine stared at her like she was crazy. “You know that it’s passed our ten o’clock curfew right?”
“Yes Jasmine. I know that. But I need to see someone.” Giselle said throwing jeans on over her pajamas. “Someone who might know about this.”
“So, you’re going out… Alone?” Jasmine shook her head and stood up. “Nope, count me in.”
“Jas, I need you to stay here.” Giselle said.
“Why?” Jasmine questioned. “That isn’t fair. You get to go out and have all the fun while I stay here and just watch you come back.”
“Jas, it’s a lot more risky if we both sneak out.”
Jasmine shrugged. “You only live once.”
“Fine, you can come… But, don’t do anything to get us caught.”
Jasmine scoffed. “Relax, I’m a pro at this.”
“Pro?”
“Used to do stuff like this all the time my first year.” Jasmine said while throwing on some clothes as quickly as she could. “Don’t tell anyone but I kind of dated a vampire.”
Giselle was as shocked as she was curious. “What? How? Why?”
“He was really cute and… I wanted to see what it would be like.”
They walked out of their dorm room not forgetting to grab their jackets and lock the door. Giselle turned back to her whispering quietly so nobody would hear. “But, how exactly does that work?”
“Gross Giselle, you act like I let him suck my blood or something. We dated for a couple weeks, it was just like dating a regular guy except probably more dangerous especially since I had to sneak out to see him all the time. It definitely ruined my sleeping schedule which is why it had to end.”
“Huh.” Giselle said as they glided out the front doors of their sleeping building. “I never would have thought that you liked blood suckers.”
Jasmine hit Giselle in the arm. “Don’t call them that.”
“Not like it isn’t true.”
“Actually it isn’t.” Jasmine said crossing her arms. “When you’re a vampire of Zeptoria you aren’t allowed to suck other student’s blood or humans at all.”
“Guess I missed that lesson.” Giselle muttered as they made their way on campus. It was completely dark. The campus was surrounded by the night sky twinkling from the stars. Snow covered every inch of the ground as Giselle and Jasmine walked through it. It was eerily quiet with not a student in sight.
”So this person you want to meet.” Jasmine said. “Where are they?”
“This vampire.” Giselle corrected. “And, I’m not sure… How can we spot him without being seen?”
Jasmine turned her head and glanced at a row of bushes. When she met eyes with Giselle she knew exactly what she was suggesting. The both of them hastily sprinted for the bushes and hid, waiting to spot Viero.
Giselle’s hair got completely tangled in the bushes, she felt like an idiot for thinking this was a good idea. But what else could they do? There they were peeking out through the bushes looking for a familiar vampire. It occurred to her that the last thing she wanted to be doing on a Sunday night was being outside at midnight waiting for Viero to show up. But she couldn’t deny that sneaking out did give her a rush.
A tall lean figure passing the bushes broke Giselle’s Trans. She noticed his sandy blonde hair up into a pony tail and instantly recognized him. Without further delay she hastily stepped through the bushes and stood in Viero’s tracks. He took a step back obviously startled and started down at Giselle. In moments Jasmine was at her side oblivious to who Giselle was standing in front of.
“We need to talk.” Giselle said which stopped Viero from passing.
“Everyone seems to want to talk to me lately.” Viero muttered under his breath.
“What?” Giselle said.
“Nothing, what is it… I have a class to get to.” Viero spoke annoyed while glancing behind her.
Jasmine crossed her arms and tapped her foot, waiting for an introduction. Giselle picked up on her anticipation. “Um, Jasmine this is Viero.”
Jasmine stuck out her hand. “Hi.”
Viero stared at her hand and turned his attention back to Giselle. “You were saying.”
“It’s about the missing vampires.” Giselle said. “I know you have to know something.”
Viero sighed. “This is probably the worst time you could have come to see me.”
“And why is that?” Giselle asked.
Viero lifted his arm to show his watch. “Its 11:50. We have exactly ten minutes until this campus is swarmed by mortals of the night.”
Giselle shrugged. “So what do we do?”
“We have to go back to the dorms.”
Jasmine shook her head. “No way are we sneaking you into our dorms, way too risky.”
Viero glanced at Jasmine like he was noticing her for the first time. “I wouldn’t step foot in your sleeping courters. You’ll have to come to ours.”
Giselle crossed her arms. “Not that either, we’re bound to bump into a vampire sooner or later since classes for you guys are about to start.”
Viero grinned deviously. “We’ll just have to take the back entrance.”
“Don’t you guys have an entrance through the Spells and Enchantment shop?” Jasmine questioned.
“Yes but we can’t go through there.” Viero said. “Follow me.”
Viero didn’t even bother to wait and make sure that they would follow. He had a confidence that even Giselle happened to notice. She followed him without hesitation but feeling a little paranoid and hoping she wouldn’t get caught. It just didn’t make sense to her to go to the vampires sleeping courters but if there wasn't another way then she had to trust him. After all, she was getting information from him. He was her only source.
They turned heading for the path that led to wherever Viero was taking them. It didn’t occur to Giselle how fast they were walking until she felt sweat forming on the top of her forehead. The campus was practically deserted besides the three students that were now speed walking to Viero’s secret destination.
Abruptly he stopped, made a sudden turn and continued walking. In the distance Giselle could see the sleeping center for the vampires. She glanced at Jasmine who was staring at Viero and trying very hard not to make it seem like she was checking him out. But she was. Giselle wasn’t sure why, he was a vampire and it was close to impossible to happen. Then again, she did it before. Too bad she was totally in love with Nathan.
Viero stopped in front of his sleeping center before turning to Giselle and Jasmine, he rushed out his next choice of words. “Around back is a door into the basement, its covered with vines. Remove them. Bang on the door three times, that’s how I’ll be sure its you. I’ll open the door.”
Giselle nodded and watched Viero walked into the tall building. It was made out brown stone and rose about five flights. Its windows were arched with blinds that she assumed would cover the sun from coming in when it was needed.
Without words Jasmine and Giselle headed around back looking for the door that was spoken about. It took them several minutes and finally they found it. It was in the nick of time as well because there were voices coming from the front of the building.
Giselle was the first to bang on the covered door while removing the vines so they could be able to get through. Jasmine shortly followed before the door was opened revealing Viero smiling and motioning them to come in.
When they did it wasn’t a pretty sight, it was dark in the basement and filled with boxes they had no idea were used for. It occurred to Giselle that it could be just for storage. The lighting was dim except for the small bulbs that were on the wall keeping the room with some amount of light. There were absolutely no windows and the walls were dark and gloomy.
Viero led the way out of the basement and up several flights of stairs. Surprisingly they ran into no one and still weren’t caught. The twisting feeling in Giselle’s stomach from fear was now loosening.
It was when they reached the hallways of several bedrooms that Giselle’s eyes went wide. Each inch of the ceiling was covered in chandelier after chandelier. The walls were a rich butterscotch color with paintings that were ancient and of famous vampires of the night. At the end of the hall was a glass wall with a door that led to a bridge connecting to another building.
Giselle fell into step with Viero and whispered “What’s the bridge for?”
“The werewolves have their own dormitory that is separated from ours.”
“I wonder what making out with a werewolf is like.” Jasmine muttered. It was meant for only her to hear but Viero instantly made a noise of disgust before shooting her a glare. He didn’t bother to respond before stopping in front of a room and unlocking the door.
The three of them walk into the room before Viero shuts the door hastily. Suprisingly Giselle felt no fear towards being alone in a room with him. Even though the last time she was alone with a vampire he tried to kill her. Good thing Jasmine was there to join on the ride.
Viero flung himself on the sofa while Giselle and Jasmine took in their surroundings. His room was spacious and a dark blue color. The both of them noticed no bed which didn’t surprise Jasmine but surprised Giselle. Without hesitation she spoke up.
“Where’s your bed?”
A giggle escaped Jasmines lips.
Viero looked passive. “Vampires don’t sleep princess.”
“Princess?” Giselle scoffed. “Now that’s stupid, I’m not a princess.”
Viero shook his head. “You’re treated like one on this campus that’s for sure and you just got here. What? A month or two ago?”
Giselle shrugged. “That isn’t my fault.”
Jasmine decided to step in. “Yeah, don’t blame Giselle for that. Get your boxers straight or is there a blood shortage we need to know about since you’re so darn cranky.”
Viero laughed. “Relax, I’m not trying to pick a fight with either of you.”
Giselle crossed her arms. “Fine, but I’m not here to be all buddy buddy with you either.”
A smirk passed Viero’s lips. “Fair enough.”
Jasmine nudged Giselle. “Get on with it, this place kind of creeps me out.”
Viero crossed his legs. “Listen, there’s something you should probably know.”
Giselle nodded eyes urgent. “What is it?”
Jasmine watched like it was a tennis match.
“The vampires that are missing, I have nothing to do with that.” Viero said.
“But you know someone who does?” Giselle stated.
Viero sighed before putting his face into his palms. He was frustrated, not with himself it seemed but his thoughts. Finally he lifted his face; Giselle noticed the visible grief in his eyes. He was saddened and possibly on the verge of tears. “I-I think it was my brother but you need to understand, it isn’t his fault.”
“Vincent?” Giselle questioned hesitant.
Jasmines eyes went wide. “Vincent was your brother?”
Viero nodded. “Yes.”
“I dated him.” Jasmine muttered while fiddling with her fingers.
“That’s the vampire you dated?!” Giselle yelled exasperated. “Are you out of your mind?”
Jasmine shrugged. “He was really cute and –”
“That’s beside the point.” Giselle said shaking her head. She turned back to Viero. “What do you mean it’s not his fault?”
“My brother, Vincent, might be dangerous but he’s not dangerous enough to sneak back into the academy and kidnap vampires. He’s also not powerful enough, someone had to help him.”
“Who?” Giselle asked. “Who would help him?”
“I don’t know.” Viero muttered. “It has to be someone stronger than him, someone telling him what to do and actually making him listen.”
“Not to mention someone totally evil.” Jasmine added.
Giselle felt a shudder pass her skin. “Do you think this has anything to do with Vincent’s visions?”
Viero glanced at his hands, looking disappointed. “Possibly.”
“As in, Cromin.” Giselle whispered.
Viero stood up instantly “That I really don’t know, but… Someone has to have a plan, a reason to be taking vampires from our school.”
“And what’s that reason?” Jasmine asked.
“Vampires aren’t really cared for as much as you are.” Viero said. “As much as it may seem that we are faster, stronger,” He smirked. “And not to mention all around better well, when vampires go missing it’s not that much of a big deal.”
“So whoever did this needed a way to get a hold of a couple vampires and knew how the campus would react to it.” Giselle said.
“Exactly.” Viero said. “My brother is probably just a pawn. Vampires can read each other’s thoughts, they’re born with the ability since we have the same cold blood.”
“Now that’s cool.” Jasmine said smiling.
“Yeah it kind of is but that doesn’t explain who’s doing this and why they’re doing it.” Giselle said staring at the wall thoughtfully. Instantly she remembered the letter and felt like slapping herself in the head. Someone’s coming.
“What’s up?” Jasmine asked curiously.
“I kind of have a clue.” Giselle muttered avoiding their gaze.
“Well? Tell us.” Jasmine said.
Viero nodded. “Go on with it.”
“Not too long ago my mother, or who I thought my mother was, sent me a letter. She said someone was coming and that she saw it through her Chrystal ball. My blood is placed in it so she can know where I’m located and stuff, she said that in the Chrystal ball she saw someone coming but that she couldn’t make out who it was. Maybe this is what she meant.”
Jasmine shrugged. “It could be.”
“You’re not supposed to communicate with the outside world.” Viero said.
“You guys can’t say anything.” Giselle said hastily.
“I won’t.” Jasmine replied in a trusting tone.
“Fine.” Viero muttered. “I won’t either but there’s still more we have to figure out, there isn’t much more we can get from that letter except it stated what already happened.”
“What if your brother is working with some dark force? A force that is stronger than any of us.” Jasmine said.
“I wouldn’t be surprised.” Viero muttered with a hint of a smile. “He always likes to aim big.”
Giselle glared at him. “This isn’t some joke, the academy is in danger.”
Viero chuckled. “Easy tiger, no need to get all offended.”
“Whoever this is has to be planning something and whatever it is well, it has to be for a reason that remains unknown to us.”
“Yup.” Jasmine agreed.
Viero walked over to the window before opening it and glancing at his watch. “Its 12:30, if you hurry you can make it across campus without being seen, classes have already started.”
Giselle stared at him. “Why are you helping us?”
“Because,” Viero muttered. “This is my brother we’re talking about and… I want him back.”
Without a response Jasmine glanced outside the window, she looked to the side to realize green vines covering a fence coming up the side of the building. She grinned when stuffing her head back into the room.
Viero smirked as if reading her mind. “The both of you are going to have to –”
Abruptly he stopped talking to watch Jasmine hop out the window, hold onto the side of the building and walk across the ledge until she was climbing down the vines. In moments she was at the bottom of the building waving her hands signaling Giselle to join her.
Laughing Giselle turned to Viero. “Thanks for everything, and I promise, I’ll figure this out.”
Viero gave her a slight smile. “I hope so but there’s something else you should know.”
Giselle nodded. “What is it?”
“Vincent got kicked out because of his visions… His constant visions about Cromin.”
Giselle’s stomach did a twist. At least it wasn’t because of events that she was involved in. She swallowed hard. “So, the professor thought it was suspicious.”
“Yes.” Viero said. “But that isn’t fair, he couldn’t control it.”
Giselle nodded. “But, what if he is really interested in Cromin?”
Viero sighed and shrugged obviously frustrated. “I don’t know, just try to figure it out and if you find anything please, tell me.” His eyes then darkened. “But, don’t tell anyone else. About any of this. You can’t risk it and I don’t need my brother in any more trouble than he already is.”
“I won’t.” Giselle gave him a sympathetic smile. “Don’t worry.”
Without another word Giselle mimicked Jasmines exact actions. She climbed onto the ledge of the windowsill, tiptoed towards the side of the building and pressed her body flat against the ledge. Slowly she moved towards the vines until she was climbing down them The green trailing plants smelled of dry flowers in the spring and were covered with snow here and there. Quickly she climbed down the fence and joined jasmine. She waved to Viero who waved back before closing the window and disappearing from sight.
Giselle and Jasmine hurried across campus towards their dormitory discussing the events. A lot was learned on this night and it seemed like it wasn’t quite over yet. There was a lot to figure out. Giselle couldn’t back down from this mystery and wondered how much she actually was in danger and what was in store for her later on. She had to do some research and find out what was going on.
The cold sharp wind passed through Giselle as she and Jasmine continued to walk on campus. The night was beautiful but what they had learned wasn’t as attractive. Vincent had something to do with this, well, that’s what Viero thought and someone was kidnapping vampires with him. For what reason? That remained unknown. Why? That seemed unknown too.
One thing was for sure, Giselle wasn’t going to just let vampires disappear on campus without doing something about it, even if that meant disappointing Isaac. Her gut told her to step up because little did she know she had a lot more to do with this she thought, it just didn’t appear that way on the surface.
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Woah, looks like Giselle took on a pretty important task! And can you believe Jasmine and Vincent actually dated?! Super Crazy! And, what's up with Viero and Giselle? Friends or what?
Question for the fans: What do you think of the cast for 'The School for the Gifted' ? Favorite quote? And, if you could describe yourself in three words, which words would you use?
Thanks for reading! Please comment and vote, I'll read every single one and try to respond :) you know you guys always make my day with your feedback and stuff, I enjoy reading your comments. Thats all! See you next chapter, xoxo ;)!