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I stared at him for the longest time, racking my brain for something to say. This guy is crazy. He is so fucking loony that I need to get the hell away from him somehow. Vampires? What is he smoking?
That has to be the most idiotic, weirdest, and downright craziest thing I have ever heard in my life.
Maybe if I humor him, he'll let his guard down and I can escape.
I exhaled sharply. "O-okay. Look....you can't just drop a bomb on me like that. I mean....that's so much to take in. I just can't wrap my head around it." I said, hoping he would buy what I was selling.
His dark eyes gazed intently at me. "You actually believe me? I mean most people would freak out or something." I could tell he was skeptical.
I nodded my head weakly. "Oh I'm freaking out inside." I reassured him. "But I....I don't know, I think you're telling the truth." I lied slowly. "I mean, who knows what's really out there."
Okay, now time to bring out the actress within me. If I want to get away from this lunatic, I have to be pretty damn believable.
I started to fake shallow breaths. "I need air. NOW. This is too much to wrap my head around. Please....Caleb. Let me get air. I'm going to hyperventilate if I don't." I warned him, as I mocked feeling sick.
Caleb's eyes never left mine. "Calm down. Look....I know it sounds crazy. If you need to take a breather fine. I'll finish explaining when you come back in. There's a little patio out there." He pointed towards a door, and I mentally cursed.
I hope we're not up too high.
"T-thanks. I just....oh my god." I pushed past him, taking a huge breath of fresh air in my lungs. "Give me a minute."
Slowly he nodded, as he turned his back on me. Alright, here's my chance to get the hell away from this nut job.
I glanced down, and smiled happily when I realized we were only on the second floor. Without any hesitation, I threw my legs over the side, and lunged for the tree that stood beside the balcony.
I grasped onto a branch tightly, as I lowered myself. I felt my arm get cut slightly, and I winced as I finished moving towards the ground. I gazed down at my arm, seeing a fresh cut now across it. I frowned, but took off in a sprint when I realized I needed to get as far away from Mr. Turner as possible.
I just kept running and running, not looking back, and as buildings and people blurred past me in my vision.
I had to stop after a while, my sides beginning to burn. I took in deep breaths, trying to get as much air as I could. I backed up, not wanting to stand in the middle of the road. As I did, I let out a scream as I felt someone grab onto me.
I was pulled into an alley, and I swear I almost died. Mr. Turner was standing right in front of me. Holy shit.
"H-how did you get here?" I stuttered in complete and utter shock. How the hell did he get here so quick?
He rolled his eyes. "You ran." He pointed out, his tone annoyed.
I snorted. "What do you expect? You're crazy!" I exclaimed. "And how did you even find me? I took off, so you didn't follow me! How did you do that?"
Mr. Turner shuffled. "You know how." He said darkly.
I furrowed my brows. "What? Oh---I see we're back to that whole vampire thing again. Listen buddy, you're delusional!" I yelled at him.
I could tell that he was becoming annoyed.
"You listen to me, I am dead serious. Your life is in more danger with every second we waste." I narrowed my eyes.
"Get. Away. From me. You're a freak." I spat at him, as I attempted to jerk myself away. His grip on my arm tightened slightly. "I mean it you creep. I'll make a scene if you don't let me go right now."
Mr. Turner rolled his eyes at this. "Right. Well as you can see, I'm petrified of your threat, or lack thereof. So either you willingly come with me, or I'll make you do it by force."
I glared harshly at him. "Go to hell." I retorted, as I attempted to run once more. Mr. Turner jerked me towards him, as I let out a scream. "Get off me!"
"Mel?" My eyes widened as I heard my name being called. Both of our heads snapped in the direction of the voice, and I was both happy and annoyed when I saw who it was.
Cameron stood there, a puzzled look on his face. I did NOT want to see him, but at least he's my ticket away from Mr. Turner. "What's going on here?"
I stole a glance as Mr. Turner, and he looked pissed. He tried to appear calm, but it wasn't working well. "Hello Cameron. Melinda was just upset about her parents, and decided to take her anger out on the nearest person, who just so happens to be me." He said with a chuckle.
I swallowed hard, thinking on my toes. "He's right. I'm just pissy. That time of the month you know." I stated with an awkward laugh. That's when I got an idea. "Listen Cam, maybe we could talk...in private."
I could tell Mr. Turner tensed up. Take that, asshole. "Um...yeah sure. I'm kind of surprised you'd want to."
I forced a smile. "Of course I do silly. And I'm so sorry for getting upset Mr. Turner, I'm just not having a good day. See you around." Without any room for interruption, I grabbed Cameron's arm and moved away.
I knew Mr. Turner was staring at me angrily, but I didn't care. Once we were far away from him, I exhaled. "So, you miss me already?" He questioned, and I had to hold back a laugh.
"Cam, I just didn't like how we left things. I mean, you're important to me. I really loved you." I replied slowly.
He furrowed his brows. "Wait....loved? As in past tense?"
I sighed. Oh boy. "Yeah. Look, I care about you. But we are just not meant to be together. I mean, it wasn't working and you know it. But I'll always care about you, and I wish you the best."
Cameron shuffled, obviously not pleased with the direction the conversation was going. "Melinda come on, just take me back alright? We can make it work between us. Come on baby." He took a step towards me, as he grabbed onto me. I quickly shoved him back.
"Don't touch me Cameron." I exclaimed. He narrowed his eyes. "We're done. Accept it. Get over it. Okay?"
Clenching his jaw, he shook his head. "You just fucked with the wrong guy Melinda. I'm going to make your life a living hell. You'll regret this." He threatened venomously.
I rolled my eyes. "Piss off Cameron." I retorted, pushing past him. I nervously glanced around, wondering if Mr. Turner was lurking around the corner. Thankfully, he wasn't.
Wow. This whole day has been crazy. Mr. Turner is psycho, Cameron is out for revenge, and now I'm screwed. A vampire? What the hell is up with that? He seemed so...normal. I mean what if he's in a freaking cult or something?
I do NOT want to get mixed up with that shit. Hell to the no.
I mean sure, I believe in the unknown, but that's just too...out there. I could believe in the idea of a vampire, because some people long ago had those ideas and legends. BUT, a vampire here, in my city, who just so happens to be my English teacher is....well, nuts.
And me being adopted? Yeah right! That's the most stupidest thing I have ever heard in my life. I am not adopted. Sure, I can't stand my parents, but that doesn't mean I hate them, or that we're not related.
I sighed, as I continued to walk. This is really a pain in the ass having to walk all the way home. After what felt like forever, my house came in sight, and I sighed in relief. This day was unbelievable.
Unlocking my front door, I glanced around, and found that my parents still haven't returned home. Huh, big shocker there. I saw that the answering machine was flashing, and it said I had 2 new messages.
I clicked it on to relay them. The first one was from my dad. "Hello darling, it's your father." I rolled my eyes. "Well I guess you're not home. I just wanted to let you know I...missed you. And that I think we should talk when we get home. I know I don't say it enough, but I love you Melinda."
I raised my eyebrows. Wow---did my dad really just say that? I mean, he's never done or said anything like that. That's just not who he is.
Shaking my head, I went to the second message. "Mel, it's Gwen! Girl where the hell are you?! I've texted you like 100 times! Look, a body was found outside of the school last night. It was Ashley! She was like, mauled or something! Anyways when you get this call me, okay?!"
Wide eyes and in complete shock, I pressed end. What....the hell? No way. Ashley can't be---dead. I mean, I just talked to the girl yesterday. Sure, she was a major bitch and I couldn't stand her, but just the though that she was murdered by someone is so sickening.
I sat down on the staircase for a moment, taking a deep breath. Someone from my school was....killed. Oh. My. God.
Slightly frazzled and still reeling from the news, I picked up my phone, and dialed Gwen's number. After a few rings, she answered. "Mel?" Her voice boomed.
I exhaled. "Hey it's me. What happened?"
"Where the hell have you been? I've been worried sick! I thought you were hurt, or lying in the ditch! You could have been murdered just like Ashley!" She said in one big breath.
I shook my head. "I'm sorry I just came home and passed out. I was really tired." I lied smoothly. "She was killed? How? I mean when?"
Gwen sighed. "She was found out in the school parking lot, by her car. Mel, her neck was like, torn up. They said she died of a loss of blood. The guy must have stabbed her or something." My jaw-dropped.
Her---neck? Now I'm no genius, but don't vampires usually bite the---neck? And she died from a loss of blood? Nah! I'm delusional! God I'm such an idiot there are no such things. Mr. Turner has me all out of sorts.
"Oh my god. That's horrible." Was all I was able to say.
"Yeah, she was coming back from cheerleading practice. He must have snuck up on her or something. The police are cautioning all women to be extremely careful, and not to be out after dark."
Gulping, I looked outside, as I saw the sun begin to set.
"Gwen I'm scared." I came out and said before I could stop myself.
There was a pause. "I know, me too. It's just way to close to home. I can't believe something that awful happened to someone we know."
I moved over towards my front door, locking both the top and bottom locks. "Yeah I know. This whole day is just so f'ed up." I retorted, as I moved up towards my bedroom.
"What do you mean? Did something else happen?" She questioned.
I sighed. "Well, Cameron threatened me. He said that he was going to make my life a living hell." I think I'll leave out the whole Mr. Turner belongs in a loony bin bit. "He's freaking weird."
"God what a creeper. I'm so sorry Mel. If he tries anything, I will personally kick his ass." I smiled as she said this, as I pushed my bedroom door open.
"Thanks Gwen, but I think I'll be fine. He just talks, he can't actually back it up." I laughed, stepping inside. Peeling off my shirt, I slipped on a tank top. "Look, I'm exhausted. We'll have lunch tomorrow and talk, cool?"
"Sure girl. Take care and be safe." I hung up, dropping my phone on the bed. I moved to my vanity, as I ran my brush though my hair. Still a little nervous about everything that's happened, I dropped it.
Cursing, I bent down to grab it. As I rose back up, I let out a monster scream when I looked back in the mirror. Standing behind me was Damon. What the hell is he doing in here? And how did he even get in?
"What the hell?" I exclaimed, as I slammed back away from him.
He chuckled, obviously amused. "It's nice to see you again Melinda."
My heart felt like it was pumping violently in my chest. "What the fuck are you doing in my house?" I spat, both outraged and petrified.
Ignoring my question, he walked to my shelf, picking up a picture of myself. It was a photo of my first dance recital. "Cute." He noted. Setting it down, he glanced at me. "You know, it was VERY hard tracking you down. They did a good job at hiding you."
They? Who and what is he talking about?
"Wh--what are you talking about? You need to leave before I call the police." With that, I dove for my phone. Before I even knew what was happening, Damon grabbed onto me, shoving me against the wall.
I winced in pain, as my arm rammed into it. He looked at me for a second, as he picked up the phone. "Now now, don't be irrational." Breathing heavily, I watched as he broke the phone.
With one hand...almost like it was nothing. How the hell is that possible? No one can do that, it's impossible.
Shaking, I pressed myself against the wall. "How did you...do that?" My voice seemed to echo.
Damon stared at me, intrigued. "You don't know yet? I was sure Caleb would have told you by now. Well, he is a bit incompetent." He chuckled.
I felt dizzy. Caleb? As in...Mr. Turner?
"He--he told me a few things. But it's crazy, there's no way that can be the truth." I answered slowly, my eyes never leaving Damon.
Damon laughed at me. "It's the truth alright. And it would have been awfully wise of you to have stuck with him. But you made it that much easier for me."
The---truth? Is he saying that vampires are real? Is he apart of this cult too? I gulped, wondering what would be much easier for him.
Backing up, I tried to inch closer towards the door, but as I did, I nearly screamed when I Damon popped up right in front of me, slowly squatting down to my level. My whole body froze with fear.
"Such a beautiful girl." He murmured, as he brushed a strand of hair behind my ears. I trembled under his touch. "But apparently not very smart." He finished, as he jerked me up.
I shrieked, as he clutched me close to him. I could barely breathe. "P-please don't hurt me." I cried out.
Damon chuckled. "Oh shh, I won't hurt you. You're much to valuable. I just want to...sample you." My blood turned cold as he said this.
What does he mean by, sample me?
"W-what are y-you t-talking---" I inhaled sharply, as he pressed his lips against my neck. What is he doing?! Oh my god I'm going to die!
"You....smell...intoxicating." He breathed, as I felt something graze my skin.
Oh my god, is he going to---bite me? Are there really such things as vampires? And if there are, am I about to get killed by one?
"Please don't...." I begged, just as I felt a sharp pierce burn into my skin. I gasped, as I tried to pull away from him.
The pain didn't last long, because quickly after it appeared, the force was ripped off me, and I fell to the floor. Clutching my neck I looked up to see what happened. My heartbeat slowed.
Standing in front of me, was Mr. Turner.
Damon