The next few days went smoothly. Maggie wasn't kidding on the upgrade, the Burke's said they had ordered me a twin bed but what came was a queen at best. It took most of the room in the bedroom but it was heavenly. It was like sleeping in clouds.
Mark would come by each night to keep me company. He would lay beside me until I fell asleep after that he said he would read or go hunt. Sometimes I would find him reading when the nightmares came, he would hold me until I stopped shaking.
I kept dreaming of my first shift but it wasn't how it really happen, as in my dreams Tristan wasn't in time to save me. I would end up dying a different death but each one just as painful. I learned from the others that it was Mark that had saved me but somehow I could only see Tristan. That with Mark there the two vampires were hesitant to attack since it was evenly matched. I always thought it was only Tristan that was there. That he radiated power causing the other two to hesitate.
We still haven't even figured out why we can speak to each other.
"Are you okay?" Mark asks softly.
I had just woken from another excruciating death and was now resting my head on his chest as he cradled me. "I'll be fine," I always say.
"Are they getting worse?" He asks, although knowing the answer already.
I knew I needed to shift soon but I kept putting it off. I wasn't ready, I doubt I'll ever be. That's what worried me, what would happen to me to my wolf if I stop shifting? If I shifted would that alert whomever my dad was running from? If I shifted would that alert my mate of my presence? What if it alerted the nearest pack, would they force me to join or kill me for refusing?
Those thoughts and questions circled around my mind driving me crazy, making me second guess everything I know.
"Tristan said they can't force you to join, you aren't a rogue so you're not a threat," Mark says after all my worries swirl in his mind as well. Tristan has gone above and beyond to help me learn more about my kind but all we could base things off were books and he said not all are trustworthy.
He should know since he lives for them. There's so many vampire books and not many would get it right. So I couldn't base my knowledge from a book it was something I had to experience and learn from someone who's been a shifter like myself.
"I know," I mumble as I bury my face on his shirt. I manage to sleep for another hour or so before the alarm woke me. Mark was long gone and I was more than ready to start my first day of school. Senior year couldn't end fast enough. Once I graduate I was going to thank the Burke's and dash right on out of this place. I talked to Mark about traveling. Something we both wanted to do.
I just had to get through another day.
I quickly head to the bathroom to take a quick shower, Angie and John were up as well. John was a contractor who was working on extending a store down the road to became an all in one place. Angie was a veterinarian. When she told me I almost but chocked on my food, Mark found it amusing.
Heading to the closet I hadn't bothered getting any of the clothes Ash had picked out for me, I just let Bass and Mark deal with her as they loaded my closet with piles and piles of clothing. She rearranged everything on my closet, Angie got some of the action too as she was gushing over the selection. Ash had a look in her face that told me I was no longer her conquest. She found someone else to transform.
I picked a pair of torn jeans and a long sleeve shirt with a pleather jacket. If one thing I give Ash for taste in is her anti-animal cruelty views. I mean she does hunt them down for food but assures me that she only hunts predators.
I grab a pair of sunglasses as I shove my phone into the small pocket of my jacket. I grab a purse Ash insisted I use as a book bag to carry my things. My phone slips off the pocket just as I bend down to put my socks on. Grabbing it I dump it in my bag, giving myself a mental reminder where I stashed it. I will obviously forget about.
Ash wanted to thrust heels onto me even though she is taller than me at 6' she can rock heels with her long legs but I cannot. I'd die if I even thought of wearing heels. She ended up settling on giving me boots. Here I thought the selection would be small, I'll admit I was a complete and utter idiot.
The kitchen smelled amazing. I thought in order to keep my promise to Mark I'd have to wake up early and do breakfast myself just like they had done in my first morning with them, but they have been consistent. I loved that.
Another consistent was arriving as the knock on the door indicated. Mark has been on time for breakfast everyday. Where he left before arriving I did not know but he was always here for breakfast. The Burke's seem to like him as they greet him with hugs and welcoming smiles. They always make more for him to take on his way out. "For the road," they'd say.
"Ready for the big day?" Marks asks me but is rather looking at the food.
"Yeah, I guess so," I'm nervous like always but I can't help but laugh as he gently pushes me aside so he can enter the kitchen. If it ever came between me and food he wouldn't hesitate to make me an ofrenda en el Dia de los Muertos.
He would rather shove food down than to assure me I would be fine. I didn't mind but I kind of hoped for it.
Mark entertained the small talk part of breakfast as he told them how he tried all the food here but nothing compares to their cooking. He was honesty trying to convince them to become his personal chefs. Obviously the Burke's thought he was just being kind but I knew he meant every word. He's that despicable.
I wasn't really hungry so I just shoved my food around the plate. I was so lost in my own thoughts that I hadn't heard what John was telling me. They were all just staring at me as if expecting an answer. I was lost.
He asked if you wanted a ride to school, Mark informs me through our link.
"I was thinking of using Mark's car, since he's being homeschooled this year we thought maybe I should use it so it won't be idling," I say dumbly. Seriously, I just wanted to face palm myself.
"Oh? Is that so? I thought your father was teaching down at that prep school?" John asks Mark.
"He is but we had already missed so much that my mother thought it be easier to just homeschool us," Mark says, eating a piece of waffle to busy himself.
"That makes sense," John nods his head as if it did in fact make sense. "What kind of car do you drive?" John asks.
I drown them out as I think of something I might have forgotten. Something that I should have known better than to forget. I was trying hard to remember when Angie chirps saying it was getting late and we should all head out. She was over the conversation more than I was.
"Oops, forgot my deodorant," Angie says rushing upstairs. Leaving us to clean up.
Perfume! I shout internally causing Mark to look at me questionably.
I excuse myself as I dash to get a bottle, I spray some on as I shove the bottle into my bag. Deciding on a whim I jam two more bottles. Better safe than sorry.
Rushing down the stairs I meet Mark by the door as we both say our goodbyes to the Burke's.
Before heading to the car I put the sunglasses on and head for the driver side where my hand collides with Mark's.
"Ummm, excuse me, I think I'm the one driving," I say not moving my hand.
"You're excused as you got it wrong, I'll be driving you to the line before I leave you." Mark smirks.
"Why would you drive me to just leave me?" I ask confused.
"Just let me drive cranky," he pleads.
Sighing I hand him the keys as I make my way to the passenger side. He rushes before me to open my door which I glare at him as he could have been seen. He just shrugs it off and walks towards the driver side.
"What are the glasses for?" He asks me as he pulls away.
"To prevent accidents," I reply. By accidents I meant to prevent from bonding with anyone. At least I hoped they help. Most of the books said it was at first sight that mate's bonded. I wasn't about to have any accidents.
"You are strange," Mark says shaking his head.
I pull out one of the perfumes and dump it on the glove compartment leaving me with two. Mark sees this but doesn't comment.
"Maggie wanted me to give you this, it came a few days ago but she wanted to set it up for you, do you have the old one?" He asks pulling a brand new phone from his pocket. It had a beautiful purple case and all.
Patting my pockets I panicked for a second trying to remember what I did with it. "You lost it, didn't you?" Mark teases.
"No, shut up," I concentrate going back to when I had it this morning. Rummaging through my bag I find it at the bottom. Trading with Mark I dump the new one in my bag just the same.
"There's a computer but I'll just leave it in your room. Also, Ash requested a picture of your first day, and your outfit." Mark painfully reminds.
"No pictures!" I plead.
Mark smirks as he turns to me. His eyes skimmed me as he turns to face the road.
"Ash says you're dressed like a grandma," he laughs. "Says, how did you manage that ugly assemble with all the beautiful clothes she gave you."
"Tell her to go screw herself," I mumble.
"Okay, I'll let her know," he says.
"No! No, no, no, don't tell her that please!" I panic.
Marks chuckles as he focuses on the road. "She said she'll have to pick and label your clothes for you, that it should be easy enough for you to follow."
I sigh as it could have gone worse. "I told her you said fine by you, she's happy," Mark relies. "You're going to regret this as well."
"I know," but I didn't care.
Not before long we come to a stop, Mark pulls to the side of the road and sets it in park. He sits there for a few seconds before turning to me. "Are you sure about this?" He softly asks.
"It's not like I have much choice, besides the school year is almost done for. Nothing is going to happen. I'm sure this is just a run of the mill town." I say trying to reassure myself more than to comfort him.
After a beat Mark sighs,"you're right, if you need anything just mind link me or call me."
He steps out and I follow suit. Giving him a quick hug I take seat on the drivers side, soon pulling out the side of the road. Giving a quick glance to my rear view mirror I see Mark dash towards the woods and out of sight. Keeping my eyes on the road I turn the radio on to any station that has music. I clutch the wheel as I try to let the music flow through me.
I guess I was more nervous than I had anticipated. Turning the radio off I follow the signs telling me that the school is just ahead.
Pulling into the parking lot there's a lot of cars already parked and people idling by. I thought I was a little early but it seems I'm just in time. I find a spot right of the bat.
Shutting the car off I sit there for a second trying to pump myself up to just get over and done with. I pep talk myself some more once I realize people were staring at me. Well at the car.
Most of the cars are trucks, some small cars, and a few luxurious ones. There was also a Jeep at one corner by the doors. I quickly grab my bag and look for the perfume, I spray some more on but just ended up suffocating myself with the intoxicating fumes.
Dumping it back in my bag I make sure my sunglasses are set straight before stepping out. I can still sense all eyes on me but I just lock the car and walk as if I hadn't noticed.
"Great another rich snob," a voice snorted.
I ignore it and continue my way to the front doors. I hear more murmurs of students depicting me and my life by just a glance. I guess being judgmental is a side effect from being in a small town.
I stop just by the doors as they swing shut behind me, scanning the hall I see a lot of kids just standing by their lockers talking. None paid attention to me, some glanced my way but quickly turned back to their ongoing conversation. I guess the snobs were outside.
I walk a few feet checking inside every open door to see which one might be the office. I make it to the end before deciding to go right and continue my search. I could ask but I could also wander around aimlessly, which is what I do.
Not even far from the turn I find the office, it was the first door I came across. The room was small and a young woman was furiously typing away on her computer. I clear my throat but she doesn't seem to hear me.
"Excuse me," I finally say, a little louder than I wanted to. "I'm here to get my schedule," I say as she just stares at me expectingly.
"Name," she says irritated.
"Vanessa Rye," I respond, tapping my nails as she just glares at her computer screen.
"Right," she finally says as she reaches for a folder from a pile next to her. She opens it and takes out a few sheets of paper and hands them to me but not before telling me read the school policies.
"Which means no sunglasses allowed, take them off or I'll be keeping them," she tells me sternly.
Taking the paper I say thanks. She raises an eyebrow before I even get a chance to take my glasses off. Seeing as they're off she shoos me away.
The warm welcomes are just superb, I tell Mark when he asks me how's it going.
Folding my glasses on my shirt I make it seem like in-gross on whatever the papers the lady gave me say. Which I should be because they tells me what locker is mine and the combination I'll need to put in order to get into it.
Not caring for the subjects at hand I quickly make way to find this said locker. 245, that's the number I'm looking for. Seeing all the ones near are in the 100's I go up the small sets of stairs to the second floor. A sign on the opposite wall says the left are from 200-230, and the right is 240-260. My guess it's for classroom numbers but it should also be for lockers, right?
I mean I was right but oh so wrong. It took me a lot longer than I anticipated to find it. It was to the right but it wasn't the first few lockers I saw that lined the walls. It was so far down the hall that it almost reached the end.
It took me a few tries to open it but when I did I realized I didn't really need to use it. I didn't have all the materials just yet and I didn't know what to even put in there. Looking at the empty space I decide to dump one of the perfumes in it letting it stand on its own in the dark space. Locking it I turn around putting my back to it as I lean against it.
A paper slips out of my hand and I reach for it, it was my schedule, I skim through it and see that homeroom is first on the list. A Mr. Shwerb, in room 150. Meaning I needed to head back downstairs.
Grumbling to myself as I head down the first set of stairs something catches my attention. Outside one of the windows that line the wall on the landing that separates the stairs I sensed something. Looking out I skim the trees in the woods that surround the place. My heart beat picks up as I quickly look from side to side only to see nothing but trees.
Just as I was about to brush it of as paranoia a dark blur rushes from between the trees before I could even react a loud alarm sounds from all over the building. The idling kids quickly make way to their classrooms as the ones outside barely start to come in. Looking out the window I can't see anything anymore not even whatever it was that I had sense.
Taking a deep breath I walk down the remaining stairs as people continue to stare or hurriedly make it to their lockers.
I managed to find homeroom without any trouble, inside there were a few kids laughing and talking. Some were sitting on the tables as other had their feet on them. The classroom looked like your typical science one with tables to sit two people instead of individual ones like the rest.
I walk to the teacher who was organizing a pile of papers minding his own business. He was murmuring as he skimmed through the pages. His balding head was nodding as if he were having a conversation with someone. He had thick glasses and would push them up once in a while as he continued to nod and look. He seemed to be growing a pot belly but seemed rather in shape for his age.
"Hello," I say as he peers up at me. "I'm new here."
"Oh, right," he says taking my schedule to sign. "You're the one that John and Angie took in." He states, which I took notice of.
I take my paper from him without saying another word. I walk to the back as some people stopped talking to stare at me. Sitting in the empty desk since the back ones were already full I settle for the middle taking the isle one instead of the window seat.
"Isn't she the one that came in the challenger," I boy asks from behind me.
"Yeah, I bet she's loaded," another answer.
"I wouldn't mind dating her if it meant I get to drive that," a third voice joked.
Ignore them, Mark tells me.
Way ahead of you, I tell him as I look for the phone he gave me, this time I remembered headphones. Plugging them in I tune everyone out. I was over it.