Savanah’s room looked sleep over-fied. The bed was replaced by 2 pink furry sparkly sleeping bags on the ground. There was table set up in her room full of junk food. “So what do you want to do first? Makeovers, pillow fight, or a movie with junk food?” She hyperly asked. “How about we just talk?” I asked. “About what?” she asked suspiciously. “Boys.” I answered awkwardly. “Ok.” She said. After a few minutes she turned to me angrily. “How come boys can be so thick headed? Nick always believes everything Dante does is bad. Why?” she asked me sadly. Deciding to write this wrong I tried to explain Nick to Savanah, “Nick cares about me a lot. He loves me like a little sister, so he’s just a bit over protective of me. He doesn’t like how Dante is keeping me here, even though there is a good reason. Despite those things, he’s loyal, funny, sweet, kind, and be your dream guy.” I convinced.
“Thanks, Alex. That helps a little, but why are you helping me?” “Just because my love life is a mess doesn’t mean that I should ruin yours.” I answered. She ran over and hugged me. “Dante will come back to you. He really loves you.” She whispered. After our conversation I had a night filled with various sleep over activities. Savannah gave me a makeover, and I had to admit I looked really pretty. Then, we had a pillow fight and finished the night off with a romantic movie and junk food. That night I got no sleep because Savannah wouldn’t allow me too. Instead, she told me funny stories of things we did before. It felt good to have some girl time with Savannah. She was really nice, funny, and her happiness was contagious. No wonder we were best friends before.
“I can’t believe it’s already morning!” she exclaimed. Outside, the sun was up but blocked by a couple of grey clouds. I got up and went to my room to get ready. Luke stopped me, “You look tired.” “I was up all night.” I explained. Luke just shook his head. I went on with my usual routine.
Surprisingly, I hadn’t seen Dante at all. Was he avoiding me? I wondered. Maybe he got bored of me, and found someone else. Normally, I would have been thrilled, but my escape plan would be ruined unless I got on Dante’s good side. Each night I had a dream. They were all experiences with Dante. In every one he was incredibly sweet, but at times he could be possessive. Also, he had a huge temper when it involved with me potentially getting hurt or leaving him! This scared me, yet I couldn’t get over his sweet side. He was like prince charming, but real. Whenever I wasn’t happy he always knew how to cheer me up, and I think I was falling for him. NO, YOU CAN’T! I told myself. My horrible date’s memories were being pushed aside by my dreams.
Every day after I woke up, I had to convince myself that it was wrong to love an abusive monster. Savannah and Nick were keeping me distracted, but I didn’t want to be the third wheel for them. Also, I didn’t want to seem weak to them and ruin their lives with my problems. Nick’s growing relationship with Savannah worried me because he might end up not wanting to escape. Could I escape alone? Did I want to? Yes, you do. I assured myself. A relationship with Dante won’t work he’s an abusive 500-year old vampire, and you’re just a scared and venerable girl. Who could potentially be your perfect match. I reminded myself. One of my new hobbies was wrestling with my thoughts of whether to give in or not.
Luke seemed to understand what I was feeling probably from reading my mind. He was being very supportive, and explaining events from my dreams with greater detail. At times he’d defend me, or he’d defend me. For some reason I trusted Luke not to tell Dante, and to lead me in the right direction. Hopefully, he was leading me in the right direction.
As I got ready one morning a week or 2 after the date I noticed that there were no more jeans, t-shirts, or shorts in the wardrobe. Dresses were the only thing left. Savanah probably did this! Reluctantly, I slipped one a purple one with two thin straps. The dress was very loose and had light jeweled flowers on the bottom. Just looking at my reflection made me cringe. I looked so girly and delicate.
Hesitantly, I walked out of my room. “Well well, you look girly.” Luke commented. “Thanks.” I blushed. “Stop staring!” I snapped. “Sorry.” Luke muttered. Dante was present at breakfast, and he walked over to me as soon as I entered the room. “You look ravishing, knew you would in a dress. I’m sorry about how our previous date’s events turned out. Hopefully, we can move past them.” He whispered in my ear. Dante had turned the sparks on, and they were making it so hard to refuse him. Part of me also wanted to give in. “Ok Dante.” I said. “Every time you say my name it’s like an angel has come down from heaven.” He answered. “Dante please stop.” I begged. “Don’t be scared Alex. We are meant to do this, but I don’t want to push you.” He said. The sparks didn’t stop, but they decreased greatly and Dante pulled out a chair for me next to him. “No one told me we were supposed to dress up for breakfast.” Savannah complained. “Someone stole all my normal clothes.” I said while staring at Dante. “Oh, that’s not very nice.” She clucked disapprovingly. “Where’s Nick?” I asked her. “He’s still asleep.” She smiled. “I’m Luke!” Luke blurted out. Savannah and I started giggling uncontrollably. “Attention freak.” Dante muttered. Dante then leaned close to me and softly said, “Your laugh is better than a choir of angels singing, and when you blush it makes every super model jealous.”
His words made me have an overwhelming sense of happiness. Of course Luke interrupted us with, “Get a room!” “Really Luke!” Savannah and Dante chastised at the same time. Secretly, I was happy he had interrupted his. I didn’t know what I would have done. To avoid another conversation with Dante I grabbed a bowl, filled it with cheerios, and added milk. Dante gave me an approving look. “It’s good to know you actually eat food.” Luke commented. Again, I started giggling and Dante laughed too. “Am I missing all the funny stuff?” Nick asked just as I finished my cereal. “Nick!” Savannah squealed. “Good morning to you too beautiful.” He greeted. I wished my love with Dante could be like that. “Good morning Nick.” Dante said stiffly. Looking up I saw their eyes lock, and then both nod slightly.
“What about me?” Luke whined. “No one cares about you.” I joked. “Thanks.” He sarcastically said. “You done?” Dante asked. “Yep.” I answered getting up to put it in the sink. “No, sit I got it.” He said. Once he left the room I missed him slightly; the sudden change from yesterday scared me. Biting my lip I tried not to squeal when he came back. “Don’t hold back.” He smirked. “Well I have to go to work.” Dante announced. “Don’t please.” I squeaked unsure if it was really me talking. Everyone turned towards me and laughed. Dante sighed, “I’m sorry Alex I have to go to work.” “I could go with you.” I suggested hopefully. He seemed to be in deep thought. “Please.” I begged. “I think it’s a good idea.” Luke affirmed. “No, it’s too dangerous.” Dante called. Just as I was about to protest I stopped myself. Was I really asking to be alone with a vampire who was abusive, but impossibly sweet? I followed him out to the door, and before he went out the door he promised, “I’ll make it up to you.”
Butterflies filled through me as he said that, but I tried to push them away. Don’t fall for him! I warned myself. Trying to distract myself I went to look for Nick, but couldn’t find him anywhere. My empty mind started to wander towards Dante. The piano could probably distract me from my angst, but at times my music reminded me of him and love. Oh Dante how you find every possible way to stay in my mind. Along, the way to my piano room I spotted a picture of Dante hanging on the wall in a gold picture frame from about 10 years ago. His face looked all sad, and his topaz eyes seemed empty and dead. It was as if he was hurt and there was a new emotion I had never seen him with, vulnerability. I couldn’t imagine Dante like that. He always seemed strong and confident.
“Your disappearance affected him very badly. That’s why he’s so protective and possessive over you.” Luke commented. “Yeah, I guess that explains it.” I said. “Sometimes he can be a bit over, like with the wolves.” He stated. “It’s always been for a greater reason.” I defended. “Yes, but still you have to admit that he can go overboard.” He argued. “I guess.” I agreed. “Wait, doesn’t Dante have someone monitor your thoughts?” I asked. “Yes, but I can block them because I’m a mind reader.” He answered. “Then, why did you take me to portrait room the first day?” I asked. “So, Dante wouldn’t know what you were thinking. He stopped now though because I convinced them that the other vampires could steal you away. He can be so paranoid. Don’t worry I’ll keep your thoughts private. I’ll always be there for you no strings attached.” He reassured. “Thanks Luke.” I said gratefully. “I was just going to the piano room.” I told him. “Go ahead!” He encouraged.
I pondered why Luke was willing to help me so much. Dante was his cousin and best friend why wasn’t he helping Dante, and supporting him. I was always pushing Nick on Savannah, and reinforcing his good qualities. What did I really know about Luke that I trusted him? All I knew was that Dante changed him in a dire situation, his soul mate died under mysterious circumstances, and he had grown up in royalty like Dante. Until, I knew more about Luke’s purposes I vowed to not tell him everything.
The piano room was right around the corner. Quickly, I walked in anxiously trying to distract myself. Losing myself in piano music was one of my favorite pastimes. Piece after piece I played. I still found it amazing that I wrote all the pieces in the huge bin. Deciding to try a new piece I reached into the bin, and pulled out a random one from the bottom. I regretted my decision as soon as I saw what it was called. I amore Dante was its title (I love Dante in Latin). Emotions especially longing and love began to resurface. Frustrated at myself for being unable to control my emotions, I left practically running.
“How many times are you going to do that?” Dante asked his topaz eyes full of amused. “Sorry.” I muttered unable to say anything better. “I love you.” I blurted out without thinking. “It’s good you’re finally admitting it. I was a bit worried that we couldn’t be together again.” He admitted. Then, he leaned down so our eyes were at the same level. His face moved closer and closer to mine until his lips crushed mine with extreme passion, and I returned it. “That was good.” He commented.