The weekend was over, and that meant all the fun was over. It was time for school again. I was not looking forward to it at all.

As I arrived, the school grounds were buzzing with conversation, mostly on Mrs. Williams murder. Clusters of students surrounded the doors, each with hushed whispers and worried eyes.

Walking around, I found Caroline with Josh and Skyler with Aidan. They, alike everyone else, were talking about Mrs. Williams. Josh and Caroline were having a hushed conversation of their own, but I knew not what it was about because as soon as I drew near they shut their mouthes immediately.

I stood awkwardly, and waited for them to decide what we would do this morning; stay outside and freeze or go inside where there was warmth.

Caroline lead the way, walking inside. We all followed, and headed to our separate lockers. The halls were unnaturally devoid of laughter, yelling and music today. They were silent except for the topic of the day.

Making our way in to Algebra, we all stopped, noticing the substitute teacher at Mrs. Williams desk. She smiled at us and welcomed us in, seeing we were standing in the doorway for an awful long while.

"Welcome Students! I'm Mrs. Abria, and I understand you've all suffered lately, losing your teacher and all, so today you can have a free period, but you must stay in the room, alright?"

There were few shouts of joy, but I could tell everyone was relieved. It was actually nice not having Mrs. Williams here, but I realize those thoughts are quite rude.

Having nothing to do, I sat my desk quietly all of class. Not even Vanessa bothered me today, it was beyond a relief. Maybe my life was taking a high point.

•

The rest of my day went just as well, even English. There was a new transfer student from England named Alexander. As most Americans think, including me, his accent was wonderful. Along with his complexion. His eyes looked almost unnaturally blue and his hair was a raven black. A perfect contrast.

But why am I fawning over him already? I don't know him at all, but I do know his name. Maybe we could be friends. I haven't had a guy friend in a while. Not since sixth grade, before guys started to get really weird.

"So you like the new guy do you?" Skyler questioned, giggling at the same time.

I felt my cheeks heat up and I was certain they were bright red. Of course she saw me looking at him! It was so obvious! I only hope Alexander didn't notice as well. I didn't want to be known as the creepy stalker girl. This town already has enough stalkers.

"So you do?!" She whisper shouted.

"Ahem, ladies!"

Our heads swiveled to the teacher who was looking at us very angrily, brow furrowed, arms crossed.

"Sorry," we replied at the same time. If we weren't in trouble we would be shouting "jinx" right now.

I returned my gaze to Alexander. He really was nice to look at. Then his head turned to me, and I was sure he saw me before I put my head down. I could feel my cheeks warm again.

By the end of class I was sure he caught me looking at him several times. He had smiled at me once, a smirk even.

The bell rang and we all filed outside, catching busses, getting rides or walking. The sun was out and the air was only slightly chilly, so I decided a walk home was in order. I would take the scenic route through the forest.

As I entered the woods the familiar smell of leaves and wood met my nose and I sighed. I loved the smell of a forest.

My gleeful mood was ruined when I felt the hairs on my neck stand up. The eerie feeling from the other night had returned, but I continued walking, eager to get home.

I heard a voice coming from the left, so I peaked through the bushes, spotting the new transfer a few feet away, his back turned. He was talking to someone on his cellphone.

"Yes. . . I know. . . Yes, I'll compel whomever I have to. . . Yep, got it". I only received a small piece of his conversation, and definitely not enough to tell what he was talking about, as I didn't even know what compels meant.

I was pulled from my thoughts when I saw his body straighten. He clicked his phone off before slipping it into his pocket and turning towards me. For a moment I thought he couldn't see me, but then he let out a small laugh. My cover had been blown.

"Are you spying on me?"

" I. . . Erm. . ." Was all I managed to get out. He had me star struck already.

Alexander's POV

I looked into her eyes, trying to read her mind for what she knew. The only thing she had heard was "compel" but she hadn't any idea what it meant. Thankfully, I wouldn't have to erase her memory.

"So were you spying on me?" I asked again, watching her intently.

"N-no I wasn't.. I was just walking home." She got out while stuttering.

She was kind of cute, but I didn't know if becoming friends with her was the best idea. I laughed slightly without realizing. I guess I could see how this would go.

"What's so funny?" She asked.

"Oh nothing. It's just odd you're out here alone. The monster might get you," I joked, tapping her shoulder playfully.

She muttered something under her breath, as she forced out an uneasy smile. Her mood had changed so suddenly it had me very confused.

"Come on it was just a joke," I said trying to lighten the mood. She still seemed uneasy so I reached out to her, resting my hand politely on her arm.

"Ah! Please don't tickle me!" She let out jumping back a few feet.

My eyes widened in surprise. Why had she expected me to tickle her? Out of everything else I could have done, she suspects I'm going to tickle her?

"Tickle you huh?" I teased. Americans were much funnier here than in Maine.

"Umm.. no heh heh.. I'm not ticklish at all," She said trying to lie. I could tell because her thoughts were screaming a million other answers saying the opposite thing.

"Yeah right," I laughed, "now what would you do if i actually tried to tickle you?" I reached for her arm, pretending I was going to.

"No you don't!" She yelled sprinting off.

"Hey, wait up!" I laughed, watching her run ahead. She was fairly fast, but with my enhanced strength I would catch her easily.

I followed her closely, only jogging. After a minute of running, I decided to grab her arm, otherwise I was afraid she wouldn't stop running.

"I wasn't going to tickle you," I laughed again.

"Oh," she said, catching her breath.

"At least I won't I you promise to call me Xander instead."

"Xander it is. I'm Elizabeth by the way, but you can call me Ellie."

"Oh, I know," I said too quickly, realizing it was actually a little creepy. But reading her thoughts I could tell me knowing made her. . . Happy? Female emotions are harder to read than I anticipated.

"So I can tell that your good at running," I told her, trying to brighten her mood even more. Where was I going with this? It really isn't good for me to have a relationship with a human, but I couldn't help but feel like I wanted to know her.

"Thanks! I used to do track, but I got so busy with school that I had to quit," She replied, "then again I'm not really busy anymore, but oh well."

"Awww, I would have love to seen you run in your little short shorts and tank top." I said with a smirk plastered across my face. Why did I say that??

She laughed and rolled her eyes. I could tell I'd embarrassed her again because her cheeks were tinted pink.

"So how about I walk you home?" I offered her.

"Well aren't you the gentleman. Yeah I'd like that," she said with a smile on her face. Her thoughts were racing again.

We began talking as we made our way to her house. All of a sudden I began to smell something. It was that delicious, thirst quenching thing that I needed to survive. It was blood, and it was close by.

My nostrils tensed and I felt my eyes begin to turn red at the smell. I hadn't fed in days, so this clearly was not helping. I was starving for it.

Ellie was still talking with me, but the smell alone caused me to zone out. I had to get away and fast. I didn't want her to know I was a vampire. Not yet, maybe not ever.

Making a quick decision, one that I knew I would regret later, I used my enhanced speed and left. I felt really bad about it, but I was hungry as hell, and needed something to eat. Or should I say someone?