Chapter 16
Settling In
Over the next several weeks, my siblings and I continue to settle in to our routine. Ebony and Nathanial both are becoming huge parts of that routine. I am even letting go of the average girl façade, and I am just Sophia. Ebony and I are becoming the best of friends, she is amazing. After school and on the weekends, I enjoy helping her work on her powers, spells, and potions. She is telekinetic and is getting better and better at moving things with her mind. Eliza works with her as well. The Magnificent Ones are described as two or more siblings, combined with the power of the moon, bonded by the triquetra symbol and their blood. The power of the two sisters is shaping up well. They have the power to become the most powerful witches the world has ever seen. They practice with the family Book of Shadows, but it must be protected as well because if it falls into the wrong hands, the book could end the world as we know it.
I begin to dwell on the biggest problem I face, and that is not being able to stay away from Nathanial. I need to get to know him better, though I still can’t understand why I have this constant yearning. Although I have tried to keep my distance, I can’t fight it any longer. I simply must be near him. In the back of my mind though, I always remember how things worked out for Caspian and his lover, Ashley. I don’t want to find myself putting dear Nathanial in that situation. He deserves someone better–someone safer–than me. Over the years I’ve given up knowing the true story of how Caspian killed Ashley. I know it had something to do with sex, but still unsure of the details. I’m not even sure if I really want to know all the details.
Lunchtime arrives, and we hang out with Nathanial and Ebony. Her boyfriend Matt joins us today as well. I really feel the need to talk to Nathanial. He must think I’m crazy, always struggling with my feelings for him, which I know are quite obvious. I try to push him away, but every time he utters one word to me with his perfect voice, or looks at me with his captivating eyes or even comes near me with that alluring scent, I am sucked right back in to wanting him again.
“Nate, you’re a really good guy,” I tell him. “I’m trying to keep you at a distance for reasons you might not understand, but I...well, I just can’t. What is it about you that makes you so irresistible?” I ask.
“I don’t know, but I feel the same way about you. You are someone I want to know, and I want you in my life so bad. Why should we fight it? Look at what you are doing to me...you’re turning me into nothing but a big sap. My whole vision of what I want for my life has changed because of you, you know?” he admits with a small smirk of success.
My thoughts and worries begin to take over again. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want him to readjust his life because of me, especially because I know there is no future for us and never will be. I’ll never be able to explain that to him, yet I feel so drawn to him. He really is a wonderful person, and I wonder if I can really trust him enough to tell him everything. If I could, and he doesn’t find me completely insane, maybe we could enjoy a few years together without this tension hanging over us. No, no...It’s just not a good idea. Who would ever knowingly want a vampire for his girlfriend? I remember that Caspian didn’t tell Ashley when they were together, and in the end, that did not work out for anyone. “I don’t want you to change anything for or because of me, Nate. You don’t know what could happen, and it wouldn’t be good for either of us,” I insist.
“Well, I really think it’s too late for backing out now, don’t you? We are just going to have to roll with the punches as they say. This is where life is leading us, Sophia, so will you please just stop fighting it already?” Nathanial reaches his hand out to mine.
Lightly touching his fingertips, I answer, “I refuse to make any promises Nate. Your friendship means everything to me.”
“Well, that’s something, I guess. Now let’s just see where that takes us,” Nathanial rebuts.
After school, I excuse myself to my room. I can’t stop thinking about Nathanial. Maybe he’s right and I shouldn’t fight it. Maybe we’re meant for one another, however long we may have together. I learned from Caspian and his mistakes, and I also have the help and support of my family. I have never found anyone that brings joy to my life the way Nathanial does. Is it possible that I should just enjoy this for as long as I can?
Nathanial and I become closer every day. I want to tell him everything, but I can’t. I need to protect him from the truth. Matilda confirms that he’s my soul mate and that he’s pure, but I don’t need her conformation, because I already know this on my own. He’s a more amazing person than I could have ever fathomed could exist. He’s even a true gentleman. What high school guy opens doors and pulls out chairs? Nathanial has old-fashioned manners, and that’s a refreshing changes from the other self-serving, impatient, disrespectful kids that I know in this generation.
I begin thinking about all the things he has shared with me. When I look at him, I just get lost in the sapphire waves of his eyes. With every passing moment, I feel myself giving in to him and letting go of all my inhibitions. I even start to accept that fact and wonder if maybe my fate set out to be as horrible as I originally thought it would be. My mind is turning to mush as I over-think the possibility of a relationship with Nathanial, so I do the only thing I know to do: I call it a night.
It is the first of November, a nice overcast day. It’s about forty degrees, brisk but not cold, or at least not for me. As I walk to the car, I decide to share some of my thoughts with Danika. She is turning out to be less of a problem than I first expected (aside from her obvious crush on Nathanial). “This is my favorite time of year, just before the snow sticks to the ground for the winter. It smells so fresh, like clean fresh linens hung out to dry, or a small babbling brook coming off the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.”
“Yeah, you’re right, Sophia. It’s beautiful, and I must admit I’ve never noticed the smell of air before.” Danika smiles as she takes in a long, deep breath.
“As you get older, you will notice many things you never did before. Your senses are still maturing. The older a vampire is, the easier things come to them. You know...like practice makes perfect.” I chuckle at my own cliché.
I’m really beginning to like this town. It is a nice place with lots of history, old buildings that are hundreds of years old and well-formed family trees. But even with everything I enjoy, I’m still trying not to become attached or get too comfortable because I know all too well that it can all change in an instant. It’s difficult to avoid making myself at home here, though, especially with such great and welcoming people around.
“My older brother Luke is away at college,” Nathanial tells me. “He received a full-ride scholarship to Harvard. Of course my parents are very proud of him, and I hope to follow his footsteps. My parents always hoped for another baby, but due to complications while delivering me, they couldn’t have one,” Nathanial says with a sad look on his face that lets me know he blames himself for their heartache.
From everything I have been learning about the McCord family, it seems his parents believe it wasn’t in their destiny to have another baby and are happy with the two sons they have. “Your family seems to be just as amazing as you are. From what you've told me, I think your parents are very content with their lives. Do both of your parents work?”
“Yes, and they work hard. My mother is a nurses’ aide, and my father works in construction. They do everything they can to provide a dream life to both of us boys. We’re very lucky to have them as our parents.”
I don’t think Nathanial realizes that he and his brother mean everything to their parents; I noticed it the first time I saw the way they looked at him, the night of that first football game of the season. It was our first major outing in Wenham, and even from a distance, I could feel the love they had for him. I have dreamt of love like that. I just never imagined I would ever find
it, and now it is sitting right in front of me.
Nathanial explains how his parents save every penny they can for college. This is why receiving a scholarship is so important to him. He does not want to drain their savings, especially since Luke received a full-ride scholarship. Nathanial wants to achieve the same. Family is everything to the McCords, and they are always so thoughtful and considerate of one another’s needs and wants. When I was a mortal, I always wanted a family like that, but I guess I can be grateful for the amazing family I have now in my immortal life.
Aside from my big secret, Nathanial and I are getting to know everything about each other. I love learning all the little things and make mental notes of them: His favorite band is Nickelback; his favorite show is House; his favorite color is green; his favorite book is The Da Vinci Code; and as far as movies go, he adores Star Wars almost as much as I adore him.
“You know Star Wars is in everything,” he adds with a chuckle.
“What are you talking about?”
“Star Wars, the movie. It’s in everything. Next time you watch a movie, or a TV show, just pay attention there’s always some reference to Star Wars. Even books and songs have it. There’s one song I love called “19 something”. The lyrics say something about seeing Star Wars at least five times, or something. Just pay attention, I promise you’ll see references to it everywhere.”
“Okay, I trust you. You’re very passionate about this movie.”
“What can I say, it’s a classic,” he smiles with the corner of his mouth curled up.
I can’t help but chuckle, something so little yet so cute. I’m starting to learn his little mannerisms, like how when he is confused about something, he bites on his lip and smirks, turning up the left corner of his mouth and showing off his adorable dimple, or the way I often catch him staring at me when he thinks I am not paying attention. Everything about Nathanial is amazing, and it all just makes me want him even more.
With each passing day we grow closer, and nothing can stop it from happening. After more than a century, I am finally allowing myself to fall completely, utterly, and hopelessly in love with someone, with Nathanial. I sometimes forget about my situation and feel like the luckiest girl in the world, if only for a brief moment.
Immortal Embrace Page 16
