She tells her love while half asleep,

In the dark hours,

With half-words whispered low:

As Earth stirs in her winter sleep

And puts out grass and flowers

Despite the snow,

Despite the falling snow. ~ Robert Graves

Drake got the detention but not without the lecture of keeping it safe. I don’t want to even go over what the principal made us go through. That conversation was incredibly uncomfortable and I sent many annoying energy waves to Drake who simply smirked behind his hand and kept eyeing at me with sinister eyes. 

And to make things even more awkward Ms Mullens decided to have the talk with me that I haven’t even had with my parents but it’s been a few days since that embarrassing day and I’ve sort of cooled off. 

My night out with my mother still went on but on a bad note since Ms Mullens decided to call her up and exaggerate the whole situation. 

I had to explain myself that I am still a virgin in public –I can never be seen at that café again-.

As punishment I have not let Drake touch me (tried to) and called him by his first name just to annoy him further. Scarlet has noticed my distance even though it’s no big deal but apparently Drake has been getting aggravated. 

Scarlet has had to hold him back.

Good, I’m glad I’m not the only one now getting frustrated. I miss his touch and his kisses and oh God I miss just flinging myself in his arms just for the hell of him holding him. He knows it; he knows how much he affects me so he pushes his luck. I’ve been blissfully attacked by him and his lips and pestered by his phone calls and long credit wasting messages. 

It’s been fantastic.

As for Neva we have not spoken and I miss her more than I miss Drake to be honest. But she’s given up on me and I can’t feel her presence anymore which is disturbing me more and more every hour when I’m alone. I’m not used to the loneliness.

Tonight I have the dancing thing Tatiana has invited me to so I won’t be lonesome. Hopefully the dance will distract me and tire me so when I get home I knock out and not think about Neva or about my horny vampire boyfriend. 

Now how many girls can say that in their lives?

I pushed my front door open in my leggings and black loose top, which purposely falls off my shoulder to show my purple leotard underneath. I’m surprised it even still fits after so many years.

“Drake?” I jumped surprised him seeing at the bottom of the steps.

He has combed his hair back fitted himself as usual in black jeans and Tee. Not bothering with the pretending to be cold… “Are you still ignoring me?” He questioned.

“I’ve barely ignored you.” I replied descending down to him as his eyes took in my outfit before admiring my face.

“You gave me the cold shoulder a few times.”

“Well you’re over sensitive.” I threw my arms around his neck knocking us both over into the ground so I could press kisses all around his jaw then trail back to his lips. I chewed on his bottom lip as I straddled him with my legs and his hands ran all over my back pulling me deeper into him. 

But he pulled back to make a point. “I’m not over sensitive.”

“Just like I’m not over dramatic now get back to kissing before I go.” I tilted forward.

“Where are you going?” No more kissing I guess.

“Miss Mason’s musical dance theatre.” I repeated the company’s name that Tatiana told me and then pecked his lips once more before standing up. 

“You’re leaving me already.”

“I’m late. Therefore you have the obligation to drive me there.”

He pushed himself up on his elbows eyeing me up again. “Oh do I?”

“If you want to make out some more.”

“You think I’m that low? That weak to sexual desire?” I snickered and just started walking away. With his inhuman speed he already had his arms around me from behind. “Don’t laugh at me.” He whispered in my ear and I bit my lip showing him with our bond my excitement.

“Take me already.” He spun me around and smashed his lips on mine. I quickly pulled away from him. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Oh.” He replied kissing me again. 

I had to point my face in several directions before I could get a word out. It’s his mad lips that refuse to leave my mouth alone! “Drive me there.”

“Fine. But afterwards…”

“I’m going home and doing my homework.”

“You’re incorrigible.” He complained.

“No I’m responsible.”

“I usually wouldn’t let someone boss me around.”

“You’re no prince here Roman Drake Valdymar.” I kissed him again. Then rested my forehead against his. “You can’t order me around.”

“Hmm if we were in my territory it would be a different story.” He said in a low seductive voice and I would have come back with a comeback but he pecked my nose making me go soft.

~ (O) ~

“You’re late!” Tatiana exclaimed as soon as I walked in. She’s got the body of a dancer, her hot pink leotard fits her body perfectly, her brown hair is up in a high ponytail, she’s wearing black stockings that roll up to her knees, a black ballet wrap skirt and of course big dangling earrings of peacocks. 

“Drake harassed me on the drive here.” And it was amazing.

“It’s not rape if you like it.” She smirked deviously.

“Oh God…” I laughed going red. 

She grabbed my arm and tugged on it hard. “Come on!” 

She pulled threw the a very modern waiting room, it has a reception desk with nobody attending it, mauve couches circling around a little glass coffee table, the carpet is dark grey and the room looks bigger than it is with the white painted walls. Then she pulled me into studio one with one wall covered in mirrors, the floorboards are light smooth when comparing to my wrecked floorboards at home and there are girl dancers sanding everywhere just talking with each other. “If you rip off my arm I drove here for nothing!” I exclaimed to Tatiana and she simply batted her lashes then eventually let me go.

Some girls glanced at me and smiled but then lost interest within seconds. 

“Tatiana! Where’s Leonara?” Some girl called out. I didn’t know she danced.

Then again she’s Greek. Apparently that’s reason enough for that family.

“How should I know!?” They had their banter which must be a usual thing because the rest of the group took no notice of it. 

A woman in bright green genie pants, a black leotard and dyed black hair that look like the ends have been dipped in purple paint, set up her iPod to the CD player then turned around with a bright smile. She looks around thirty I think maybe younger.

“Girls!” She shouted immediately bringing everyone’s attention. “How many newbies we got?” She asked pointing me out and that made my breathing hitch until she started counting the rest of the new girls. “Oh wow ten new girls nice. I knew our class was popular.”

“We’ll definitely beat the ballet class.” Tatiana stated smugly.

“Yes!” Our teacher proudly gave an air high-five which everyone responded to –including me-. “Suck on that Mason my class is awesome. Don’t tell him I said that!” They all coughed and looked away making her eyes widen in fear but then she smiled again. “By the way my last name is Mason so just call me Niki, the ballet teacher we’re talking about his first name is Mason which is annoying so try not to get confused.”

“Do we really hate Mason?” I whispered to Tatiana.

“Nah actually we’re shipping them. We all think they secretly want each other it’s so cute.” She whispered back. 

I love this place already.

“Alright do any of you newbies know how to dance?” Yes. “Don’t be shy we’re all friendly here and so we’ll just go easy and pretty much party rather than learn anything.”

“Niki can we use the neon lights.”

“If I can figure out how to work them.” Her eyes met mine and she looks now deep in thought. “Have I seen you before?” I shook my head. She narrowed her eyes. “Hm… Okay girls I want you to do that fast warm up, don’t worry you’ll catch on.” She nodded to us ‘newbies’ then played single ladies. Everyone rushed into four rows and I made sure to stand in the back behind Tatiana. I didn’t struggle moving in sync with the others like the others did besides the movements were basic and easy to catch on. Niki’s eyes followed my every step making me worry a little but then she walked out of the room for a bit coming back with some kind of booklet.

“Tatiana what’s that book?” I whispered to her.

“I don’t know… Nice hip movements by the way.” I looked down realising my body is getting too carried away.

“God damn it.” I muttered smiling and everyone including me did an exaggerated pose when Beyoncé finished singing.

“Nice girls.” Niki complimented tossing the book aside. She made us do stretches and work outs on the floor then ran laps around the room. Finally we began the actual dancing, what I came here for and Niki brought Tatiana, two other girls and me to the front and made us stand in single file. 

With me at the front… 

15 minutes later

‘There's ups and downs in this love’

We rolled our heads around bopped our shoulders. My hands remained planted on my hips and I couldn’t help but sing along while the others were laughing at my exaggerated facial expressions.

‘Got a lot to learn in this love

Through the good and the bad, still got love’

We gracefully fell to the floor lying on our side then quickly crawled on all fours arching our backs and shaking our heads then rolled to the back of the room so the next group could strut in. 

‘Dedicated to the one I love, hey

Still love the way he talk, still love the way I sing

Still love the way he rock them black diamonds in that chain’

I turned to Tatiana and started shimming forward and she replied my shaking her head like a maniac.  Then we sang together the next words.

‘Still all up on each other, ain't a damn thing change

My girls can't tell me nothing, I'm gone in the brain

 I'm all up under him like it's cold, winter time

All up in the kitchen in my heels, dinner time’

Our group joined there’s and we flipped our hair back then swerved our hips from side to side going low then jumping up to pop our hips to the side again.

‘Me and my boo in my boo coup ridin'

All up in that black with his chick right beside him

Ladies, if you love your man show him you the fliest

Grind up on it, girl, show him how you ride it

Me and my boo in my boo boo ridin'

All up in that black with his chick right beside him

Ladies, if you love your man show him you the fliest

Grind up on it, girl, show him how you ride it’

I have missed this so much.

~ (O) ~

That was incredibly awesome and I don’t remember the last time I have perspired this bad to Beyoncé. 

“I’m so glad I found you when I did.” Tatiana slapped my back as we walked out of the building. “You think you’ll join?”

I don’t want to say my parents are tight on money so I answered. “I’ll think about it.”

“You better. Anyway I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yeah see ya.” I watched her run to her mum’s car and I waved her goodbye as she drove off. 

I really didn’t think about how I would get home. I usually never have to because I always have Neva or someone to look after me. 

I pulled out my phone from my bag dialling mum’s number and funnily she didn’t pick up. That’s strange but I can call dad instead.

My hands felt the danger before my mind clicked into caution mode. The ice seeped out through my fingers covering enclosing my phone into phonecicle and I felt her presence breeze by brushing my hair.

“Neva.” I whispered worriedly. I chucked my phone back into my bag. I’ll worry about that later.

~ Stay calm it’s not after you. ~

“It?” My eyes trailed over the car park. I didn’t take much notice of the other dancers who ignored me but I did worry about them leaving. 

Alone in a car park is never a good thing and with my luck I’m bound to be targeted again.

I surprisingly spotted Drake texting away in his car. For a second I relished the fact that he waited when I never asked him to. However there’s something sneaking over to the boot of his car. “Neva…” The hooded creature with big broad shoulders snapped his head in my direction and all I see are ruby orbs glowing under the artificial light of the building’s lights. Drake is still oblivious to him and I feel too frightened to move, to scream and warn him. ‘It’ as she called him didn’t move either and I can’t tell if it’s the situation where he is more afraid of me than I of him. 

I doubt it.

But maybe I could scare it off. “Whoever you are, you have no business here.” I held my hand up and let the snow circle like a whirlwind. “Leave immediately.” 

I hope I seem braver than I feel.

From his crouch he straightened up to stand and I can see the hint of a pale chin. “Welcome back to the world your highness. She’ll be surprised to know you live.” His voice sounded out in my mind scaring me. I blinked and suddenly he was standing right in front of me lightly running his fingers through the ice cutting his skin but he isn’t fazed. Well from what I can tell by his body language he doesn’t appear affected because his face remains a shadowed under the hood. His fingers are bleeding from the shards but he remained standing hunched over but still incredibly intimidating. “I suppose Allure…” His hand ran up along my arm until he forcefully grabbed my elbow. “A spirit is to return at some point.” 

“You think I’m my mother?” I whispered.

“Mother?” He questioned confused. I grew a back bone and fought against his grip.

“Let me go.”

“Who are you?” He growled and I ripped my arm free and kicked his shin to knock him down. “You little bitch.” 

Suddenly fire blazed on his hooded cloak and with the speed of light he was gone and Drake stood in his place with an expression filled with anguish. I was too afraid to sense him coming and he probably only came because he felt my terror. The snow fell to the ground as my hand fell to my side and I let out a breath of relief.

He grabbed my hand and forced into his car glancing over his shoulder once.

“Who was that?” I asked as he slammed the door in my face then got into the driver’s seat.

“Buckle up.” He replied ignoring my question.

“Roman!”

“Not now.” He started the car.

“Yes now!” I shouted ice covering up the door. One hand released the steering wheel to hold mine and he soothed me by controlling my feelings. “Roman…” I growled angrily.

“Calm down my love.”

“He was going to kill you I don’t know how you expect me to calm down.” I growled even though technically he is calming me down. I can feel him almost a bit pleased with my reaction but I didn’t dwell on that. “He thought I was my mother.”

“Let’s just get you home.”

“What if he follows us?”

“After the flames and you threatening him with a snowstorm he won’t be.” I’m not convinced with that theory because he took the ice as if I was throwing feathers at him and I can tell Drake is not convinced either but I left it at that, getting nervous with him going over the speed limit.

“Now I think you need to calm down.” I told him.

“I am calm.” His jaw is clenched.

“Stop trying to lie to me you know I can tell you’re lying through the bond.” He scowled pressing harder on the pedal. “Slow down before you kill us!”

“How was it?” he asked not going any slower.

“It was fun. You didn’t have to stay behind though.” I looked behind us.

Nope no hooded man chasing after us but the night is still young. I opened the sunroof and but Drake grabbed my arm holding me down.

“Don’t even think about it.”

“You let me do it last time.” I slapped his hand away then crawled through the sunroof. “Neva is he following us?”

~ It has scurried off for now ~

“Will it return?”

~ Probably not ~ She blew through my hair. ~ It was just a thief ~ 

“Alicia get back down here.”

I sunk down in my seat. “You want me to stay down you will slow down.” I ordered making him scoff. “The wind told me that it left so we’re okay.”

“We’re listening to her now?” He spat in a rude tone I do not appreciate. I scowled and crawled back out through the sun roof. 

~ I know he’s just panicking but he doesn’t have to be a douche ~

“You’re not allowed to say that.” 

~ Oh I’m not? Look who’s back to her royal snobby attitude ~

Why is everyone picking on me?

~ I’m sorry Alicia ~

“Now is not the time.” 

~ I know, but also there is a crying Arnica sitting alone in a restaurant ~

“What?”

~ Your favourite place just thought you should know ~ She left and I sank down in my seat grabbing onto Drake’s arm. I know I have to work on my friendships because everything is turning upside down.

“Drake we have to stop somewhere.”

“What? Where?”

~ (O) ~

He stopped the car and I pecked his cheek before opening the door but I froze when he opened his.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“Out to get a bite.”

“I want to make a joke about that but I won’t. This is girl time. You can’t intervene.”

“I’m not going to leave you alone after all that just happened!” 

“In this restaurant are werewolves whom I’m besties with, who don’t like you and I’m not in the mood to get stood up by you again.” I hurt him with that I don’t need the bond to see it clearly on his face.

“She will protect you right?”

“I think so.”

He surprised me with what he said next. “I know she will.” There are words he isn’t saying and I want to talk about what’s worrying us. But I don’t feel the urgency to panic anymore. I just need to keep moving otherwise I’m bound to explode. I’ve already been attacked by his ex-Ms Goldilocks, by his brother my ex-fiancé bloody Damon Salvatore only crueller, by a grocery robber/vampire stalker, by his nemesis Charles or Mr Teatime from the Hog-father and by my ‘uncle’ the wind spirit or creepy iceman… all within these two weeks of school. I’m such a lucky a girl. “Do you want me to wait?”

“It’s girl talk which means no boys allowed.” I leaned over pressing my lips against his. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Ali call me when you get home.”

“I’ll text you Dra.” I replied sourly.

“You better Al.”

“I promise Drr.” I mocked stepped out and shutting the door behind me. 

Gazed through the window at Arnica’s and my restaurant where all the drama started I saw her sitting in a booth all alone in a dark corner. I rushed inside sitting across from her and that’s when I noticed her tear stained cheeks. I dumped my bag next to me and rushed to the bar earning Leonara’s attention. 

“Napkins please.” I gazed over at Arnica as she gazed at me questionably. I turned back to Leonara. “Actually you wouldn’t happen to have a full tissue box would you?” Leonara flicked a loose strand of her brown hair behind her ear while the rest of her wavy hair is tied back in a high ponytail. She leaned over the bar while still drying a glass in her hands and analysed Arnica. 

“Ice cream will be on the house.” She said and I nodded thanks rushing back over to Arnica sitting opposite her.

“Who do I have to kill?” I asked her. She sniffled wiping her snotty nose with her sleeve and passed me her phone. With Arnica and I we don’t usually get surprised when we see each other outside of school at awkward moments. It’s happened quite a few times actually and that’s why the friendship with her is true. She’s kind of like my crying buddy while the others were just the others. They were decoration for our group rather than actual friends. I don’t even know why they bothered being friends with me they’re all so different. I read the Facebook message group chat from Staci and some other girls, -cheerleaders- insulting Arnica. Calling her:

Slut

Bitch

Whore

Man stealing bitch

Attention seeker

Drama queen

Geek freak

And a whole lot more.

But I read the one from Staci...

Everyone hates you, we all just feel sorry for you because you’re such a loser.

I gazed up at Arnica and saw Leonara pass her a box of tissues, a tub of ice cream and a tablespoon. 

“Boy?” She asked Arnica.

“Bitches.” I answered for her.

“Ah, what’s happening in girl world now? Being surrounded by brothers... it’s hard to have a decent ‘girlfriends’ conversation.”

“You can sit with us then.” Arnica said. 

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I want everyone to know what a heartless person Staci is, and that scumbag AND those bitches with pom poms.” Arnica snapped then grabbed a tissue to blow her nose. I slid over so Leonara could sit beside me and Arnica explained how they posted mean statuses and mean comments all because Staci believes she had a crush on Chris. Meanwhile I deleted all the messages and statuses from them so she never has to look at them again.

Leonara raised her hands up. “Wait that short blonde is picking on you? Come on with your height you could easily knock her down. I could knock her down.” Leonara looked at me then pointed her thumb at me gazing back at our snot nosed friend. “Boobs for brains over here could smother her to death.”

“Excuse you!” I snapped at Leonara and together we put a smile on Arnica’s face.

“I’ve just never had this many people attack me like this. Ever.”

“It’s not your fault Arnica.”

“No it’s yours actually.” She sniffled but smiled at me.

“No, it’s Chris’s.” I corrected planning his death.

“Who’s he?” Leonara questioned.

“Dude with the hat.” Arnica said digging into the ice-cream.

“Oh that prick, he groped my butt the other night.” Leonara spat with disgust.

“He admitted he had feelings for me the day after.” I said not surprised that he groped her. “And with booty like yours I would grope it to.”

“He asked me out last night. Clearly we all said no and he’s starting mischief.” Arnica said with a mouth full of vanilla ice-cream.

“I guess I’ll get my frying pan.” I sighed my voice filled with joyful sarcasm.

“Enough with the frying pan you really want to impress me you’ll chuck plates like a real Greek.” Leonara said and we all burst out laughing.

“Why weren’t you at dancing tonight?” I asked her out of curiosity.

“What? Wait you’re in my class how have I not known this?”

“I came as a guest some girls were wondering.”

“Oh right the ‘bring a friend night’… Couldn’t make it my dad needed me at the bar.”

“I’m outraged…” I exclaimed. “Stavros!” I stood up and climbed over Leonara making her rock her head back laughing. 

“He’s not here Alicia.” She said grabbing me by the hem of my shirt.

I faced her and placed my hands on my hips. “Then I’ll write him a very vicious note give me that napkin! How dare he keep you back from dancing! He’s supposed to be ruining his son’s social lives that’s what they’re there for.”

“He’s a man.” Leonara shrugged.

“Useless creatures.” I muttered crossing my arms under my breasts.

“Tell me about it.” Arnica sniffled so I engulfed her in a hug. “Why can’t the idiot just date Staci?”

“Opposites attract. They’re too alike.” I stated truthfully standing up again.

“Oh the boobs have a brain!” Leonara mocked.

“Do you have something you want to say Nicki Minaj?” I playfully snapped at her.

“Cat fight!” Someone called out. 

“Ewe what do you want?” I teased Tony. He draped his arm over my shoulders and the impact made me stumble into him.

He wiggled his eyebrows at me. “Is that a trick question?”

“Oh Gods ewe Tony back away.” Leonara scowled.

“This is girl talk no boys allowed.” Arnica added stuffing her mouth with more ice-cream.

“I knew eventually you’d leave your boy for me.” He continued as if the other two hadn’t said a thing.

“How is uh what’s his face?” Leonara asked.

I rolled my eyes. “He’s fine thank you for asking.” I snuck out of Tony grip and sat down next to Arnica.

“Don’t we know it?” Arnica murmured making me giggle. 

“So what’s the big issue in girl world this evening?” Tony asked sitting beside Leonara.

“Can’t be left alone for even five minutes.” She murmured. 

“Oh don’t be rude Leo we’re family.” Tony smirked. He suddenly glanced up and waved his hand. “Go away Juro this is grown up talk.”

“For heaven’s sake.” Leonara whined. I glanced over at Arnica and she stared back at me curling her lips in. 

“How did you even find me here?” She asked.

“I was just walking past.” I lied.

“You’ve been walking out there!” She exclaimed shocked which brought the others from their banter.  Okay now I realise that was a dumb thing to say. “The streets are dangerous.”

“I haven’t been walking far relax this isn’t about me anyway. I can’t believe Staci would turn on you. Me yeah it was to be expected the first day we met but you?” One of the nicest girls in the whole world who actually cared for Staci and she just carelessly stabbed her in the chest.

“It surprised me to.” She rested her head on her arms and I rubbed circles on her back soothingly. 

“Who are we talking about?” Juro pulled up a chair and sat with us.

“You’re boys what do you care of girl drama? I thought you all would want to be kept out of it.” I questioned suspiciously.

“Tony doesn’t care about anyone but himself however I happened to be interested because…” Juro began.

Tony angrily interrupted. “Shut up Juro no one cares what you have to say.”

“Both of you shut up you’re killing me.” Leo snapped. I focused my attention on Arnica.

“Do you want me to do something?”

“No I think I’ll just go. Thanks for the ice cream.”

“No, no we are not ending this with you going off in tears again. We are going to have a proper bitching session with more ice-cream.” I declared then looked at the brothers. “Well what are you two waiting for feed the girl! Do something useful.”

“You’re becoming a little bossy angel face.” Tony smirked and stood up then Juro added with a wink. “I like it.”

I used to blush at this but now I can’t help but roll my eyes. This is just the worst timing to be their flirtatious selves. “Well you’re not going to get it.”

“Amazing everyone ignores the damsel in distress because angel face enters the room.” Arnica complained gesturing to me. 

~ (O) ~

The rest of the night until practically midnight we were cracking jokes and talking harshly about Staci. Nobody should judge because we have every right to. 

Leonara and I acted like complete idiots making Arnica smile and we knew we were done for the night when Arnica’s eyes shined again.

I think we pretty much formed a new friendship group and I’m wondering why we never got together sooner. 

Almost have to thank Staci for being a two-faced bitch.

I guess having the same enemy always helps.

We managed to scare the brothers off when we discussed our womanly problems and I swear I don’t remember the last time I had this much fun with just girls.

I really lost it when Arnica asked me what type of vamp roleplay’s Drake is into. Seriously my whole drink –we may have been drinking a little bit… oh only a little- splattered all over the floor which brought the boys attention again. 

“Vampire role play?” Leonara laughed. “That’s the stupidest yet most ingenious way to trick a bitch.” 

“You’re welcome.” I replied and Leonara somehow through our eyes shared an understanding on what we know then burst out laughing confusing Arnica. 

We wouldn’t have called it a night if Stavros Leonara’s very angry dad didn’t tell us to fuck off.

They weren’t his exact words but I could tell he was sick of us.

Now I’m home and I’m exhausted and too drunk to ignore the funny words from Neva. I decided to forgive her now because if I have a really bad hang over I’m going to need her help. I stripped out of my clothes leaving myself in just my underwear and curled up under the covers. I feel like there’s something I’m supposed to do but sleep took over before I could dwell on it.