Diary Of A Vampeen Part 29

"I'm a vampeen. No human can inflict harm on me now, remember?" I smiled.

He nodded once remaining serious. "Mel's waiting for you. I'll be down here if you need anything."

Somehow, despite speaking to me, I knew there was a quiet storm below his surface. Though I wanted to embrace him, to kiss him softly in appreciation, I didn't. I knew he wasn't approachable right now. Mike didn't inflict physical harm on Kellan, but he did initiate some sort of blow to him. It left me puzzled. It made me realize that despite our connection, despite seeing and knowing most of his past, there was still so much more I had yet to uncover; so many secrets still projecting the same dark mystery over him.

I ran upstairs as he drifted silently towards the family room. I burst through my door wanting to escape the tension downstairs.

"O.M.G. Lex! I heard yelling and a thud. Kellan looked p.i.s.sed like he was trying to control himself! Are you okay? What happened?!" she blurted nervously scurrying to my side.

I detailed the recent events including the uneasy feeling from Kellan just now.

"Oh gosh Lex. I'm so sorry," she murmured.

"What are you sorry for? It's not your fault."

"No, it is. I brought him here."

"Mel, seriously, don't guilt me with that. It happened. Good news is he's gone."

"Do you think he's gone for good?" she pressed carefully though I knew she held the conclusion prior.

"I know he's not. But I also know he's gone for now and I'm ready to spend time with my best friend who I haven't seen in a while," I smiled. "Now what should I wear tonight?"

To that Mel cheered up. "O.M.G. Lex, you are going to look fab! Seriously killer. Your aunt bought you a dress to die for! It's so over the top. Oh and you have a hair appointment at three," she announced moving towards the bags on the bed.

"Well what are you waiting for? Let me see it!" I prompted.

I could only imagine how much Aunt Claire spent and felt nauseous just thinking about it.

Mel carefully unzipped the white garment bag and held up the dress that was concealed.

I gasped. It was gorgeous; simple yet intricate with rich fabrics. I could calculate that the dress would fall just above my knees. It was a soft, aqua, silk fabric with a black lace overlay in a beautiful floral pattern with scalloped edging that overhung the silk at the bottom. The neckline was a sweetheart with teal spaghetti straps delicately incorporated. It was a body hugging dress with an over the top piece de resistance. Attached seamlessly was a teal five inch wide chiffon ribbon engulfing the smallest part of my waist.

As Mel spun the dress I saw it melted in the back as an oversized yet stiff bow when the dress was zipped up. Lying in the center was a gorgeous antique black, gold, and blue rose broach tying in the entire color scheme exquisitely. Its zipper had been concealed by a faux corset b.u.t.ton up back.

This was the type of dress young and fresh European royalty would wear to an event. It's modern and turn-of-the-century in one design. Even the lace seemed antique set atop the imported silk below.

"O.M.G. Mel. You weren't kidding. It's gorge! But what shoes will I wear?" I asked absently still in awe of the masterpiece before me.

She pulled out a small shoe box from another bag. Set inside were four-inch high black satin under black lace peep-toe heels. I stood there stunned by my evening's ensemble. It was beautiful, divine in every way.

"Told you Jason will fall for you," Mel finally spoke.

"Too bad I've never had eyes for him."

She chuckled, "Yea. You tend to leave that for the other airheads."

"Ok, let's get started," Mel said dumping a salon worth of make-up on my bathroom counter. "So I'm thinking light smoky eyes, a tiny bit of blush, and pale rose lips."

"Sounds perfect." I quietly set the toilet seat down and planted myself on top of the ceramic lid. Mel began blotching my face with a liquid of some sort. "What are you wearing tonight? Describe your dress," I prompted.

"Well, your aunt bought me one too but it's much simpler than yours. It's a strapless blue dress that totally gives me b.o.o.bs. I love your aunt for that one alone! It's a little shorter than yours but flares out a bit at my boyish hips. Basically the dress actually gives me some curves. I love it!" she gushed excitedly.

"And shoes?"

"I have some strappy silver heels."

"You're getting your hair done too right?"

"Of course. I can't handle my rats nest alone."

"Awesome. What salon are we going to?"

"No salon. Your aunt is no joke. The stylists are coming here. Oh! And your aunt said no one can see you until the party so I hope you kissed Kellan already."

"No, but I'll survive I suppose. I just hope Mike doesn't show up and cause a scene tonight," I stated, praying even as the words left my mouth.

"Close em'," Mel commanded, swiping the brush of smoky grey across my lids.

"So Caleb, is he meeting you there then?"

"Yea. Pretty much. Your aunt called this morning and I guess she already set everything up because we're riding together to the party."

"What about Kellan?" I felt nervous and longed for him to be beside me even as I asked the question. I felt like I was missing something without him next to me.

"He's driving his car," she shrugged.

"I love how you know everything. I feel so left out," I whined.

"Duh! Cause it's a surprise party. Technically you shouldn't even know why you're dressing up so fancy."

"Yea, yea. You almost done?"

"h.e.l.lo?! It hasn't even been twenty minutes. Take a pill and chill. Perfection doesn't happen in less than twenty."

"Humph," I grumped before resting in silence for a solid ninety-seven seconds as Mel applied piles of eye shadow.

"Lex, I know I don't go serious on you a lot, but what do you feel with Kellan? Do you think he's the one like your forever guy?" she asked sheepishly. This was odd for her. Mel was never awkward or shy when it came to getting answers from me.

I sat quietly for a bit reflecting on my feelings for Kellan. I'd never been asked to describe them, to entertain their foundation before. This was a subject I even avoided with myself. I never forced words around what we had; I never pressed to define it.

"I know I probably will sound crazy, but it's how they describe it in every romance novel. It's this instinctual connection that's unexplainable, yet continually drives me into his arms. Regardless of how much time we spend together, I'm always happy to see him again. Every time he touches me my skin tingles; my heart often sprints when he says my name, even if he's mad. He's stronger than me in every way yet makes me feel like his equal, like together the skies hold no limits, no gravitational bars.

"I think about him, dream about him. He lies in every part of me as if I couldn't survive without him. I would be an empty pit of hollow bitterness should he no longer exist in my world. My life didn't have meaning until he came along. It's like he spelled the definition of it with our first embrace. When he kisses me, not just a peck, but a pa.s.sionate embrace, it's better than I believe s.e.x will ever be. We merge on an uncharted level. I'm actually able to hear his thoughts, feel what he's feeling in that moment. It's as if the planets align and do a counter-clockwise turn just for us. I feel as if I'm impenetrable; nothing can touch me when I'm wrapped in his arms.

"I can't even describe how certain I am that, after feeling all I have with him, nothing could surpa.s.s our experience. Nothing and no one could sweep me off my feet with a stronger capsule to carry my interest alone. He brings out the best in me with each part of him he shares. He strengthens my aura simply with his presence. He tugs my heart with even a twist of his lips. I desire every part of him. I want to forever see his dimple when he's smiling beautifully, hold his hand regardless of the amount of wrinkles upon it. My heart has made it impossible for me to leave him; my mind is always thinking of him. I'm forever tied to this man, yet, I find myself enjoying this sentence.

"I've never had a boyfriend before Mike, never held a man's interest in this way before so I am new to it all. But if this isn't love, I don't think my heart could ever handle an emotion more potent," I smiled mindlessly reflecting the words that poured from me. I was so involved I didn't even realize Mel had stopped her shadow application. I swung my lids open to see a stunned Mel standing before me. "Told you it would sound crazy," I commented.

"Not crazy Lex, just O.M.G! I feel like I need an inhaler. d.a.m.n. I can't even imagine feeling half of what you described. Until now I never even believed in a soul mate, but holy sugar suds if I do now. I hate to say it because I'm super stoked for you but I'm green with oozy envy right now. All I have are my dreams of that; my easily squashable hopes at experiencing an ounce of what you just described," she sighed.

"Seriously Mel, it's even more than I just said, but please don't be jealous. You are definitely going to find the same. Remember how long I had to wait? It just takes time."

"Oh my gos.h.!.+ Time! What time is it?" she jumped scurrying to glance at the clock on my night stand. She released a sigh of relief stating, "We're okay. It's only 2:02." She continued, "I know you're right. I told you the same line a million times before, but I don't want to end up like my parents and I know you and Kellan never will."

"Ok. Suck up the sap and let's move on to a lighter subject. How many people do you think will be there tonight? I feel like I'm preparing for a red carpet event."

"I know right?! Umm... My guess is like two hundred," she said brus.h.i.+ng my eyes with shadow again.

"Two hundred?! That's a lot of people." My nerves crept up again. Mike could easily slide in with that size crowd.

"Flyers, remember?!" she sarcastically reminded me. "That's okay; you'll still be the star. Your aunt planned this huge grand entrance for you."

"What? You're joking. Tell me you're joking Mel. I don't want to be the star; no lights on me please!"

"Lex, stop that. It's your party. You have to be the center of attention; otherwise this whole thing is pointless. Plus, I'm definitely videoing Jason and Jenny's reaction to you!"

"Ugh," I groaned. "I'm going to be sick."

"You'll be fine Lex, I promise. It's only one night. Now stay still so I don't mess up your eye liner. It's black and permanent," she ordered. When she finished the application to her satisfaction, she released me. "Open em'."

I obeyed, fluttering my lids a few times. "O.M.G. Lex. You... Wow! You belong on a magazine cover. Now smooch em'," she pressed imitating the move she wanted me to emulate with my lips. I obliged as she moved the liner along my lips with strict attention to detail. I didn't feel the pencil slip one millimeter. She rolled the neutral rosy pink over my lips commenting, "They are going to die when they see you."

"Am I done yet?"

"Let me do your blush and then you're done," she droned robotically with slight annoyance. She quickly brushed the powder across the apples of my cheeks.

"Finally," I smirked, standing to peer at myself in the mirror. My jaw dropped when I caught my reflection. "Holy cow! Is that really me?" I turned back to Mel with an astonished yet appeased look.

She smiled smugly. "Told you perfection takes at least twenty minutes."

"This is beyond amazing Mel. You really out-did yourself. I didn't even know you could do this so... well... perfectly," I noted, praising her work as I gloated in the mirror.

My eyes stood out with a smoky effect that played up the honey in my brown hue. The shadow held specks of gold inside the silver, grays, black, and blues to compliment my dress perfectly. My cheekbones were accented with just enough rose, but subtle enough to not know it was blush. My lips were flawlessly plump. The pink appeared almost sheer adding sufficient color against the liner to not be lost yet putting the fullness of my lips on display. My skin glowed a soft honey but still blended against the paler shade of my neck. It was all dramatic, displayed my beauty in a way I'd never thought possible. I looked done-up, over the top in some areas yet far from gaudy. Nothing was overdone. For once, I was forced to see the beauty I'd always carried for what it was hidden perfection.

I was startled by a tap on my bedroom door, so engulfed in Mel's magic that I didn't hear the footsteps ascending.

"Lexi? Mel? It's Kellan."

"Don't come in!" Mel yelled running to barricade the door. She hit it with a resounding thud.

"I was just coming to let you know I'm leaving. You're aunt and her friends are here. They'll be up in a minute," he announced.

"Ok. Thanks," I called. "See you later." My heart dropped knowing he was just outside my door, yet I couldn't see him for hours. Another realization hit me. He could hear us the entire time. He must have heard my revelation about him in the bathroom with Mel. Surely if I could hear his quiet pacing downstairs, he could hear my talking upstairs. I suppose it was too late for regret or caution.

He didn't reply; he just silently descended down the stairs as three sets of shoes clunked upwards past him. "Bye Kellan," my aunt said in pa.s.sing, yet I heard no acknowledgement from him.

Aunt Claire knocked quickly but didn't waited for a response before barging in, "I hope you're descent and if not, they're gay."

Chapter 24.

The next two hours were spent on my hair. I never knew one could spend that much time on it. The guys, Javier and Ryan, had brought directors chairs to primp and style us in. My aunt was already dressed for the night. She wore a scoop neck coral dress paired with nude peep toe heels that somehow worked without seeming too summery. Her hair fell in a neat stack with small waves that flipped under ever so slightly at the ends. - She conversed with the stylists while Mel and I caught up on school gossip and her progression with Caleb.

"Flawless. You are definitely the queen of your own ball," Ryan stated slightly awed over his masterpiece.

"Am I done?" Relief washed over me. In the hours I sat, though I didn't fidget, I missed motion, movement. Plus, despite trying to drown out their conversation, my sensitive ears wouldn't allow for it, and I was over Ryan's client, Janet, and her extra marital affairs. I hopped down in one swift, graceful leap and moved into the bathroom to evaluate his work. My aunt and Ryan followed.

"Wow. I love it!" I gasped. "I could kiss you Ryan!"

"You wouldn't be the first client to," he winked.

"Amazing."

"I definitely agree. It's fabulous Ryan. You really outdid yourself. Lexi's hair is perfect," my aunt gushed approvingly.

They stood behind me peering at the same reflection I observed. My hair fell in curls that weren't tight but weren't loose but somehow resembled a beach blown look. A generous portion at the top was gathered into a gold clip. It was a simple style yet my hair appeared perfectly tame, twisting and falling with a reflective s.h.i.+ne illuminating a slight gold complexion despite its dark brown color.

Most amazing was not one strand dared to pull out of place. The products pasted on were light, leaving my hair soft yet nothing moved. It all framed my face and complimented my make-up as if it were styled to all along.

"Oh my gosh. I can't wait to see you in your dress Lexi. I'll got get it," she offered. She stepped out of the bathroom to retrieve my ensemble for the evening.

"Are you shaved, plucked, and waxed everywhere?" Ryan asked.

"Umm... I should be," I replied, caught off-guard. Truth was I hadn't bothered to check. I scanned my legs meticulously before I lifted my arms and pulled back my sleeve looking in, "I'm good," I announced.

"And your girl parts?" he pressed.

"Not that it's your business but I'm clean there too," I replied. Despite my desire to wait on s.e.x, I still made sure to tidy up regularly just in case I lost control.

"I'm a stylist Lexi; I do hair, and that's not limited to the ones on your head. I've bleached, waxed, and styled the darkest of areas," he stated with a swift shrug dismissing my defensiveness with a flick of his wrist.

Ryan really wasn't an intrusive person from what I observed outside this moment, and I knew he meant well in his pry. "I know you mean well, I've just never talked about... well that stuff... with anyone, not even Mel," I noted.

"I figured as much, but with how hot and heavy your aunt claims you are with Kellan... Well, I just wanted to make sure he wasn't scared off by a jungle."

I chuckled, unable to keep a straight face over his choice of words. "Thanks for the concern Ryan."

"Anytime," he smiled just as my aunt returned with my dress and shoes overlay with a pair of cream lace no-line panties.

"Claire, you mess up her hair and I'm red booking you," Ryan warned.