Diary Of A Vampeen Part 28

"Ok, enough cackling. Back to business," she commanded though a few chuckles still escaped. "Wait, I just realized you didn't get your frap. If you want one you should do it now, they'll be closing in fifteen minutes."

"Nah. I'm good. New figure, new diet," I insisted.

"You're not anorexic are you Lex?" she whispered.

"I know I lost a lot of weight, but do I really look starved?" I pressed with a smirk to ease the sudden tension.

"Hmm. No, I guess not. I just... wow. You really do look beautiful Lex," she beamed. I could tell that she was genuinely happy for me.

"You're the best. But don't discredit yourself. You know you've got it going on. Speaking of which why don't you go with Caleb to my party tomorrow night?"

"Eternal sisters for sure. I already am!" she shrieked.

"You were holding out on me!"

"O.M.G. Two weeks isn't long but long enough to miss a lot I guess. Ok. So we got to go now, but how about I come over tomorrow and get ready at your house? I'm ditching after lunch to get everything ready with your aunt."

"Sounds perfect."

"Okay. So I'll come over around one, we can get ready and then I'll leave early to help your aunt."

"Oh my gosh I've missed you!" I exclaimed standing just as Sam made the closing announcement.

"You have no idea!" she agreed.

Kellan was standing by the door. Mel winked, "Have a good night you two!"

"I'm letting that one slide," I yelled out in the parking lot. Mel waved from inside her mom's fancy SUV.

"Looks like things went well," Kellan commented.

"Oh my gosh. They were perfect. She was shocked at first but nothing changed but my figure and I love it! The whole time we were talking, I didn't even hear the buzz of sounds that usually overwhelmed me. Well, except the blender. My G.o.d can that thing grind some ice!" I smiled catching Kellan off guard with a bear hug as he held open my car door. I buried my face in his chest, inhaling the exact spot where he spritzed his cologne. "I can't believe it's actually going to be okay. And don't tell me 'I told you so'," I quickly added at the end.

"Well, I did," he smirked.

"Ugh," I playfully smacked his chest and backed away. I couldn't stop smiling though. I couldn't believe I got it all the perfect figure, perfect guy, and I got to keep my perfect best friend.

Kellan pulled me back into his arms. "I'm happy as long as you're happy, and I definitely have never seen you this happy."

"I definitely am," I beamed with an eternal suns.h.i.+ne of hope. One down and one more to go Mike.

The adrenaline rush of joy surged through me for hours. Kellan was worried that I hadn't been getting enough sleep. He said I needed at least three hours a day not two hours every other. Around 5 a.m. we laced up and went for a morning jog in the neighborhood. He pushed for this activity to release the last of my energy so I would succ.u.mb to his sleeping wish. I would have laughed in anyone's face who told me I'd be doing this a month ago.

I mimicked Kellan's perfect form and synced our steps ongoing for forty-five minutes. Looking around, I realized we looked like the epitome of a happy, healthy, young couple. We appeared to be the picture of perfection in athletic pairings. Who would have thought me, an athlete? Not one bead of sweat seeped through my pores, and Kellan stood equally dry breathing seamlessly beside me as we rounded the final corner back to my house.

I slowed down a tad to catch a glimpse of him from behind. "Eyes on the prize," he interjected mid-linger.

"Ok," I smirked and stopped to stare at him.

"I'm not the prize."

"You're my prize," I tugged him into my arms.

I was still giddy over how wonderful things were panning out. Keira had been m.i.a. since my night of change, Mike didn't show up last night, me and Mel stayed best friends, my perfect guy was in my arms and felt the same towards me and I was no longer confused about him and us I hated to keep declaring such a cynically cliquish phrase, but my life was perfect right now. That combined with my parents' money and my new figure was hate-worthy. I was just happy Mel didn't feel that way.

Chapter 23.

"What would happen if I drank a c.o.ke?" I asked Kellan as I scanned the fridge. I was anxiously awaiting my best friend's arrival in the next twenty minutes. My parents were at work and we had the house to ourselves for once.

"Do you really want one?" he chuckled, clearly amused.

"Not really, just curious," I stated grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. It was still strange to not consume three meals a day or snack throughout. I wasn't lacking in any way but I suppose old habits die hard. I still found myself scanning the fridge and cupboards randomly when bored though the contents were unappealing.

"If you ever meet him, you cannot rat me out with this story," he said with serious eyes despite his crooked smile.

"I swear," I pledged leaning against the island anxiously.

He was laughing before he even started the story, lighting up in a way I hadn't seen before.

"I'm waiting," I reminded him.

"Craig drank one once. We used to dare each other to do stupid things and that was one of them. Oh G.o.d Lexi, you had to be there. He got the hiccups but each time he released a growl not a dainty little noise," Kellan was rolling in laughter, twisting as he leaned onto the island huffing.

Seeing the way he lit to life when he spoke of Craig made me feel so guilty. He told me before that Mel and I were the girl version of him and Craig with dynamics. And all I could think about now was how elated I was last night with my best friend. Looking at him, I realized I was his only friend here. He didn't hang out with anyone else, and he definitely needed that companions.h.i.+p. I felt selfish in my tirade of captivity with him; he left me for nothing more than necessity though I could clearly see now that his needs were unspoken. I became determined. I was going to kidnap Craig for a visit. Kellan needed it whether he admitted to it or not.

"You miss him, don't you?" I prompted reflecting the same smile he was penetrating me with.

"Yea, but you make it easier."

"Yea, but no offense, you're no Mel and I'm definitely no growling, hiccupping Craig."

"True."

It was amazing to see Kellan in that moment. He broke out of his social sh.e.l.l and I caught a sliver of who he was back in Seattle, the happy-go-lucky party guy he suppresses within. He'd begun to lie comfortably next to me; he's not so serious and withdrawn like before, but I still wanted happiness for him outside of me. I wanted him to have a friend outside of me here to share adventures with. I couldn't remain a selfish, sullen person capturing his interest all the time. He needed to break free of my reign, break free of our connection for some male bonding. I was still bringing Craig for a visit. It's going to be difficult to sneak him in with Kellan present 24/7, but... egh. I'd figure it out. I wanted it to stay a surprise though.

I pulled him in for a kiss just as I heard two car doors shut. I was unsure of what came over me, yet still startled, I jumped back as an unsettling feeling filled the bottom of my stomach.

Bickering. They were going back and forth. It was Mel, my best friend I'd been anxiously waiting for, and Mike, the boyfriend I'd been trying to avoid. He had been calling me non-stop, and I'd been ignoring his calls. I must have had a minimum ten voicemails from him that I'd yet to play back.

Frozen in place, I heard Mel harshly say, "If she's not answering your calls then it's for a reason! I appreciate the ride but Lex is going to kill me if you come in. This is girl time and you are not a girl!"

To this Mike replied, "I won't stay long. I just want to see her. It's been so long."

"I don't care how long you intend to stay; it's a NO! Now go get back in your car and leave before you regret it!" she yelled.

"You can't tell me what to do! She's my girlfriend!"

With that I heard Mike stomp past her. She truly was my best ally against him despite her one-time support.

"You can't avoid him forever. He clearly won't let you," Kellan observed.

"Thanks for the tip," I sighed on my way to the door.

Thoughts flowed quickly. I was unsure how Mike would react to my change. One thing was certain, he would ask how. He's nosy like that and not considerate with my privacy like Mel.

Angrily, I swung open the door before he could lift his hand to knock. Mel shot me an apologetic look, which I quickly acknowledged with a lift of my lips and a quick nod. I knew she tried her best though she shouldn't have accepted his offer for a ride.

"What are you doing here?" I lashed at Mike.

His jaw dropped as he stood there in shock, dismay was.h.i.+ng away his annoyance with Mel's previous words. He stumbled to collect himself. "Lex... uh... oh... Is... Is that you?" he choked.

"Yes Mike, it's me," I answered regretfully.

"I... Wow! You look... d.a.m.n! You look...wow!" he stuttered.

"So I've been told," I answered robotically with a bit of malice. The anger slowly drained from me. Seeing his reaction, recalling the purity in his intentions, I felt the slightest twinge of guilt. It quickly left when he pulled me in for a kiss. Thank G.o.d for my new speed. I diverted his attempt, swinging past him to alleviate Mel's arms hidden by at least ten bags.

"Thanks," she smiled.

"Kellan, can you help Mel take this stuff to my room?" I called louder than necessary, playing to the human role. "I'll meet you in my room in a sec."

"Are you sure you're ok with him Lex?" Mel whispered.

"I'll be fine," I a.s.sured as she shuffled through the door. Mike had already made his way inside. As I entered behind Mel, I instantly caught the heated glares exchanging between Kellan and Mike. I knew they hadn't spoken a word, yet if looks could kill, they'd both be dead. The red ring of rage surrounding Kellan's iris seemed to ignite as Mike's retaliating stare bore empty hatred in return.

Mel wasn't oblivious either. "Here Kellan," she prompted handing him a few bags. I piled mine swiftly atop hers in his now full arms.

"What do you have in here?" he asked mindlessly.

"Just some stuff for the party," she smiled wryly as she leapt up the stairs.

As soon as they disappeared, Mike pressed for answers. "What happened to you Lex? How did this happen?"

"I can't tell you how. I don't even understand myself," I replied placating him with the truth.

"And him! Don't think I didn't notice his absence from school too. What the h.e.l.l did you two do?! I know he's touched you!"

"Calm down Mike. Kellan and I are just friends. And he did come with me on vacation but it was my mother, not me, that invited him," I explained. I tried to reason with his logic, sooth his overly jealous exterior bubbling with anxiety.

I knew this wouldn't be easy. I knew he wouldn't surrender me without a fight, but I was seeing it would conjure a war with several battles now.

"I don't care who invited him. You should have thrown him off the boat. I'm your boyfriend not that p.r.i.c.k! Do you understand me?!" he yelled inching his way towards me. He appeared ready to hit me at any second with his clenched fists and snarling breathes. Fury was definitely about to explode from him physically.

I didn't care though. I wasn't weak anymore; no one could talk to me like that. "No Mike. I don't understand you. You can't disrespect me like that, treat me like a sinner and expect me to look at you with adoration! I'm done. I'm breaking up with you. We are no more so you can go boss some other girl around." The words flew out of my mouth like an arrow of attacks with intent to kill.

His hand released from the b.a.l.l.s of rage they were. His face softened to a fault and all the anger left him to coddle me with charm. "You're... you're not serious, right? You're kidding, right Lex?" he stuttered taking my hand in his, unleas.h.i.+ng his adoration on me in hopes of my weakness.

It was working. I sighed looking away. Stay strong Lexi! You can't give in. Remember Kellan.

"No, I'm serious," I replied softly.

Within two seconds, his anger returned with a dangerous vengeance. He threw down my arm violently. "What the h.e.l.l does he have that I don't?! Nothing! Absolutely nothing! You're stupid. If you pick that jerk over me, then you're blind and dumb!"

"I never said anything about dating Kellan! And I just broke up with you; I don't have to explain anything!" I replied, rebelling against his ignorant coercion of sorts. My blood was curdling; my body reacting to my defense with an unruly thirst. My hands were beginning to shake as I attempted to control myself. Had I been a werewolf, I would have s.h.i.+fted by now. I wanted to lunge at his neck, to shred him.

He's being irrational Lexi. Don't blow your cover over the ignorance and impulsion that soaks him.

"You need to leave," I ordered as I held the front door open for him.

"I'm not going anywhere. He needs to leave, not me! You're mine!" he declared slamming the door and pus.h.i.+ng me against the wall. Pressing with all his strength to my shoulders, and standing inches from my face he proclaimed again, "You're mine. All mine, you got me?"

I felt his warm breathe in my face; his arms were clenching my shoulders as if he longed to crush my bones. I knew had I been human still, I would have been injured by now. He would have physically abused me, tortured me into surrender of his will. He was insane, clearly delusional in attempting to intimidate me into staying with him. I wasn't human though. I glared back, unharmed by his attempt though I was angry with myself for ever considering this boy so seriously as a contender.

"You think you can get all s.e.xy and leave me behind? It's not happening Lex. You're my girlfriend. I'm not leaving you, and you're certainly not leaving me," he stated softly yet firmly. He reminded me of the Joker controlled, delusional, and psychotic with a bit of charm about him and a love of mind games. I couldn't allow that to deter my revulsion though. If I was still human, I would be in agonizing pain. I couldn't forget that. My head had smacked the wall with his pounce; his hands were visibly attempting to displace my shoulders. He couldn't get away with such behavior.

I was battling my instincts to drain him. The serum was now burning, rising and heaving in my throat. The rage of a victim was raising my adrenaline levels, setting me off on a destructive tangent. I could easily break him the way he was trying to break me.

He gave one final slam against me, "Mine," he stated with finality.

I broke his hold, lifted my arms between his forcing outwards in defense. His arms flew out. He looked at me in shock, fear creeping into his expression. He realized I was stronger than he calculated.

I heard Kellan fly down the stairs. Faster than a bullet he was yanking Mike's arm towards the door. He began to jerk back but Kellan stood his ground.

"What the h.e.l.l happened to you Lex?! What the f.u.c.k are you?!" he yelled.

Little did he know he hit the mark. I stood watching Kellan dismiss Mike like a club bouncer.

"I am anything but yours," I scowled. My jaw was set, teeth clenched and body rigid.

"This is not over! You will be mine!" he declared still fighting Kellan's hold.

"Didn't your mother ever teach you to respect a woman?" Kellan snapped with calm yet sinister disgust.

Mike c.o.c.kily replied, "Apparently your mother never told you not to screw another guy's girl. Then again she probably commits adultery too!"

Fear jerked to my forefront. I envisioned Kellan breaking Mike in half with one swift move; ripping his arm out of joint with one flicker of negative emotion.

To my surprise, he dismissed his accusations. He flung him out the door without as much as one word in a response. I stood frozen, stunned by his action or should I say lack of reaction.

"Are you okay?"