by Dima Zales
“Salem...oh, Salem, please...” I sobbed, pressing my hand against his cold cheek. “Please...”
He smiled weakly. “Alex, it's okay...” he whispered hoarsely. “Look away, for a second...”
I nodded my head slowly, relief pulsing through me as I turned my head. When he moaned in pain again I had to fight the longing to look, to make sure he was okay. Something snapped, and this time I couldn't help but look. Betwixt his fingers was two halves of the arrow. My eyes fell immediately on the hole in his chest, directly below his heart. “He missed,” I whispered.
Salem smiled gently through the pain, “Typical for him...fortunately.”
“The poison isn’t causing you any discomfort?”
“Not enough to do anything permanent, I don’t think. I just…just feel a little weak.”
I watched the wound steadily heal until there was scarce evidence that he had been injured at all. He sat up slowly, flinching as if he were still in immense pain, and then wrapped his arms around me. “Say it again,” he spoke quietly, his lips right at my ear.
“I love you, Salem...” I said, my heart thumping in my chest.
I could feel his lips form into a smile. “I love you, too,” he said tenderly and held me tightly within his embrace.
“Salem, why didn't you run from Paul or something…instead of turning toward him?” My eyes were confused, if not a little irritated by how close to death he had brought himself.
“I knew he would miss,” he answered assuredly. “He always does. That man has some poor aim for a hunter.”
“You didn’t know he would! He seemed to hit his mark more often than not in training. How many times has he come after you?”
Salem laughed. “This is may be the fourth time. I told you, hunters underestimate me, or in his case—overestimates himself. You’ve got to remember that training is not the same as the real thing. You should know that as well as anyone, after what happened your first night.”
“You have to promise me something, Alex,” he said suddenly. “If you for any reason speak to Paul, or anyone who knows him as a hunter, I need you to pretend like he did succeed...”
“You want me to pretend you are dead?”
“Yes. That way, he won't be after me anymore at all.”
“Okay,” I promised. “You should’ve just moved away from here the first time he came after you,” I said with a sigh.
“I had my reasons not to.” He smiled and kissed below my ear.
“What reasons?” I asked, although I knew the answer.
“You.”
23
The following morning I was not surprised to find the ground covered in a fresh blanket of snow. It glimmered against the faint sunlight that peeked through a canopy of clouds. Salem was downstairs when I awoke, curled up comfortably on the sectional indulging in a book. He immediately jumped up from the couch and wrapped his arms around me.
“Good morning.” I laughed happily as I returned the hug. “How long has the snow been coming down?”
“At least three hours,” he answered. “Breakfast is waiting for you in the kitchen. I hope you don't mind.”
“Of course not,” I said as I unwound myself from his arms and waltzed into the kitchen. “What is this?” I asked as I stared at the misshapen, slightly-burnt pancakes on my plate.
He shrugged and sat down. “I attempted to make you something from scratch, since you were so eager to not have your food magically prepared...”
I shook my head and laughed. “I said I wanted to cook because I missed doing it. I don't have anything against you summoning my meals. I especially prefer it over burnt pancakes.”
“It was at least interesting for me,” he said with a chuckle. “I don't mind if you don't want to eat it. I wouldn't if I were you,” he said with a look of disgust. “I can't even remember the last time I cooked anything, if I ever have for that matter.”
“Well, it’s been far too long.” I laughed again and dumped the food into the garbage. “Now, summon me something delicious!” I grinned.
A plate of fresh, steaming waffles covered in strawberries appeared on the table. It definitely looked more appetizing than what he had cooked. “Thank you,” I said and began eating. “What's the plan for today?”
“You have some voice mails from Paul,” he said without glancing up. “I listened to them. I hope that is okay.”
“Of course,” I said as I swallowed a mouthful of strawberry. “So, what does he want?”
“He's received a lot of phone calls relating to your absence from school...I guess he was your next contact listed after Janet.”
“Oh.” I grimaced then shrugged. “I'm old enough that I can just drop out. In fact, I’ll do it later today.”
He frowned at my response. “I don't want you to do that.”
“Too bad,” I replied stubbornly. “It’s way too late for me to catch up on everything this year anyway. If I didn’t drop I would have to go again. The only thing I had been looking forward to was graduating with Jason and Karen, but it is too late for that. What else did he have to say?”
“There were several furious messages filled with profanities, about how disappointed he is, how hurt he is, and repulsed.” He frowned. “I am truly messing up your life.”
“No, you’re making it better, trust me. It isn't your fault that Paul can’t accept you for what you are.”
“He also said that Jason was in an accident.” His voice was low and careful as he spoke, watching for my reaction.
“What?!” I leapt up from my seat, nearly knocking my plate onto the floor. “What happened? Is he okay?”
“Calm down. He's fine; he just suffered a broken arm and a few gashes. Paul didn't say much relating to the incident, so you might want to call Jason.”
“Why didn't you tell me as soon as you found out?!”
I didn't hesitate for a moment; I didn't care to even hear his answer. I ran up to the bedroom, grabbed my cell phone and input Jason's number. Waiting for him to answer felt like forever, but finally, I heard his voice.
“Hello?” He sounded hoarse and tired.
“Jason! Are you okay? Paul left me a message saying you were hurt.” I wondered if he could understand me through my rushed words.
He laughed. “I'm all right; it's nothing too serious. My arm is in a cast, and I had to get a few stitches on my shoulder.”
I sighed with relief. “What happened?”
“I was driving home from Howard's last night and hit a slick spot on the road. My car slid and another car slammed into the side of me.” His voice changed abruptly—a hint of remorse.
“Was the other driver okay?” I asked hesitantly.
“He was fine...” He sighed. “But his wife didn't make it.”
“Oh, no!” I gasped. “That's awful!”
“Yeah,” he mumbled. “I can't help but feel like it’s my fault somehow, even though it was nothing either of us could control.”
“Don't let it get to you, Jace,” I said reassuringly. “Would you be able to meet me somewhere? I kind of need to talk to you about something important.”
“Of course!” The enthusiasm in his voice was evident; it was nice to know that I had a friend still eager to see me. “Where’d you have in mind? It has to be somewhere within walking distance...my car’s in the shop.”
“My house,” I replied. “Are you sure you are okay to walk? I can just pick you up if you want.”
“No, it's fine; I think I can manage. The pain medicine has done the trick.” He laughed. “When do you want me to come by?
“An hour or so?”
“Okay, I'll start getting ready as soon as we hang up.” He laughed again.
“Sounds like a plan. I'll see you there.”
I quickly told Salem what had happened and where I was going. He offered to join me, obviously uncomfortable with me being alone with Jason again, but I insisted it wouldn't be safe—Jason could tell Paul. First, I made a quick stop at the hi
gh school and did exactly as I told Salem I would—I went to pull myself out of school completely, hoping I wouldn't regret it at some later date. For now, there was no point in me being enrolled in school. There were far greater things that I could devote my time to—like saving my hometown from the undead.
It felt like a long time had passed as I sat in the school parking lot contemplating what I was about to do. Was I making the right decision? Would I later regret it? I almost backed out before finally mustering up the courage and headed for the school doors.
It was odd being among the familiar surroundings of my school. I could plainly see my locker as I walked down the hall toward the principal's office. Memories ran through my mind of Jason, Karen and me laughing together while we walked down the halls, something that I hoped I would never forget or miss too much. My pace slowed as I neared the office, my heart beginning to pound as I pushed the door open.
The office aid eyed me curiously, and then smiled warmly at my presence. I wasn't very familiar with the woman, but she appeared gentle and friendly. She wore her dirty blonde hair up in a messy bun, and a thin layer of makeup concealed her true self. I approached the desk and requested to speak to the principal.
“May I ask your name, please?” she said in a sweet, polite tone.
“Alexis Hobbs,” I replied, tempted to say Waldron as I was growing used to the name.
“Are you over your flu, Ms. Hobbs?”
“What? Oh, yeah.” I felt my cheeks grow warm. “Thanks for asking.”
The office aide smiled and dialed the number to the principal to check to see if he was preoccupied. “You are welcome to go in, Ms. Hobbs,” she said after hanging up the phone.
I nodded and slowly crossed over to the beige door in the corner of the small lobby. My nerves were overwhelming and I nearly backed out again, but I knew this was something I wanted to do. I pushed open the door and found myself face-to-face with Principal Norbert.
“Excuse me, Ms. Hobbs,” he said bashfully and stepped back. “Caroline hadn't warned me that she told you to come in; I was about to come get you.”
“That's okay.” I laughed uncomfortably and followed him into the room. He sat behind the desk, and I sat on the opposite side in an uncomfortable blue chair.
“What might I help you with?”
“I came to drop out of school,” I said a little too quietly, but he appeared to hear me clearly.
He leaned forward on his desk, clasping his fingers together and staring at me quizzically. “Are you positive that is something you want to do, Ms. Hobbs? You are already through 90 percent of public school, why stop so close to the end? You need your diploma. How will you afford a home without a diploma?”
“I already have a house.”
“You cannot expect to be given everything in life. This is more important than you might realize, Ms. Hobbs. Isn't there something you desire to do with your life after high school?”
I couldn't very well tell him the true reason why I was dropping out of school, but my mind was at a loss for excuses. “I can get an ordinary job at minimum wage if I have to.”
The principal scowled and shook his head. “You show so much promise in music class, from what Mr. Collins has mentioned in the teacher's lounge. You don't want to continue on to a music career? There are college courses on the science of music, you know?”
I shrugged. “It's not that important to me,” I lied. “It’s just a hobby.”
“Have you thought about how this will impact others? What of your future family. Children are expensive, Ms. Hobbs. A minimum-wage job will not cover that. And what about much later in life? Have you thought about retirement? Working a minimum-wage job until you are sixty or seventy and then having to scrape by off of a few hundred dollars a month from social security is not a pleasant life. My mother did just that, and I would not wish it on anyone.”
I had never even thought about the notion of ever having children, and for the briefest moment, I wondered if vampires could have children. “She seemed to raise a successful enough kid,” I replied firmly.
He attempted to persuade me even more for the next fifteen minutes, but I didn't have time to listen anymore. By now, Jason was probably at my house waiting for me, and was no doubt freezing, stuck outside in the cold. I gave Principal Norbert my final decision and despite his ill attempts to convince me otherwise, my drop out was finalized after a few quick signatures.
24
As I drove to my house, I was careful to avoid any ice on the roads, and watched my fellow drivers who, thankfully, were just as cautious as I was. I had to come up with a reasonable excuse to offer the house to Jason, one that didn't include Salem. Would he believe me if I said I was living with Paul? I contemplated that possibility as I pulled into my driveway, finding Jason was already there waiting. There was a layer of slush covering the ground and sidewalk that led to the door.
“Hey, Jason!” I yelled as I opened my car door. I was about to step out onto the slush when he hurried over, took my hand and helped me steadily through it. “Thanks.” I chuckled. “Can't afford to be slipping and breaking my skull.”
“Yeah, wouldn't want you to end up in a cast like me.” He laughed and my eyes fell upon the white bandage wrapped around his arm.
“Not bad enough to need a sling?” I inquired as I unlocked the front door.
“Nope, thankfully. Those things look so uncomfortable,” he grumbled. “Not to say this is comfortable, and man does it itch.”
“I’m really sorry that happened, Jace.” I frowned and let him lead me into the house.
I switched on the dining room light and was still unimpressed by the place in comparison to Salem's amazing house. I tossed my keys onto the table and went to offer Jason a drink when I realized in horror how long ago I had bought food. I also spotted the glass with the dying daffodils in it that Jason had given me; I hoped he wouldn’t notice them, but it was somewhat inevitable.
“Smells kind of funny in here,” he commented as I ran frantically to the fridge.
As soon as I opened it, I gagged. All of the food I had purchased had spoiled.
“Wow...” I sighed. “Sorry you had to see, and smell, this.”
“It's okay.” He laughed. “How long has it been since you stayed here?”
“A while. I've been,” I paused, thinking it over, “I've been staying with Paul.”
“Really? That’s nice of him to take you in like that and help you out while you’ve been sick and all. Wish I had an uncle that nice. My mom’s brothers are crazy! Want me to help you clear that out?”
“Are you sure you’re okay to help, with your...” I pointed to his injured arm.
“Yeah, no problem, I still have one good one, you know.” He smirked.
The next hour was spent disposing of the rotten food, cleaning the fridge, and leaving it open to air out. I ordered a pizza and pocketed the remaining money that Janet had left me. Jason was shocked when I told him what had caused her untimely death—although, it wasn't entirely true. My story involved her being bitten by the bear at the zoo, and getting a terrible infection from it that spread quickly to her heart—I hated lying to him, especially about something so serious, but overall I knew it was the best thing to do.
The pizza delivery man showed up just in time to interrupt any responses from Jason on the story behind Janet's death. Jason and I sat in silence for a few minutes when I abruptly sat down my slice of pizza and looked up at him.
“How are things going over at Howard's?” I asked as casually as possible.
“Great. I got a raise last week!” he exclaimed after swallowing his food.
“That's good news.” I smiled. “There's something important I need to talk to you about.”
He looked slightly uncomfortable now, if not a little worried. “It's not about the other day at the diner, is it?”
“Not entirely, but it’s got to do with something you told me while we were there,” I replied, tapping my fingers ner
vously on the table as I recalled that afternoon. “How are your parents doing?”
Jason stopped eating and sighed. “The arguments are getting even worse, and to the point that Mitchell and I wind up sleeping outside in my car to avoid the noise some nights.”
“That's horrible,” I said, noticing the sadness in his eyes. “What would you say if I offered you my house, for a very low rent?”
His expression perked up slightly. “As a roommate?”
I laughed and shook my head. “No, though that is a tempting idea. I think I’m going to just stick with living with Paul for now...he gets lonely.”
“Oh. Then, just me?”
“You could bring Mitchell, too, if you like…or whoever else. Just as long as you keep it safe and clean.”
“Wow.” He smiled really big, exposing his straight, white teeth. “That would be awesome, Alex! Are you sure you'd want to do that?”
“Yeah...there's nothing left for me here now, besides bad memories.” I sighed. “I thought about selling it, but then decided to ask you first if you’d be interested in it at all.”
“I would be more than happy to take it!” He grinned again. “Imagine the parties...”
I shook my head, laughing. “I had a feeling you might say that.”
“How much were you thinking...for rent?”
“I really don't want any of your money, actually,” I said, shrugging. “All I want is to know it's taken care of, and I can come by whenever I need to.”
He blinked. “You are going to let me stay for free?”
“Yeah. You're my best friend, Jason. I can't take your money.” I smiled at him. “You'll have to pay the rest of the bills though of course, and some land taxes once a year, but aside from that it’ll be free.”
“This is unbelievable, Alex!” He leapt from his chair and gave me a one-armed hug and an unexpected peck on the cheek. I was secretly glad it wasn't more than that. “Don’t be surprised if you get some money from me now and then, though. I don’t want to feel like I am taking advantage of you! When can I move in?”
