I clenched my semi-long fingernails into my palms as more whispering rumors about me started to fill the research room. Some said I was the killer, while others teased that I led them to the killer. It was particularly frustrating that everyone still saw me as the Grim Reaper because Elena, Ben, Billy, and Rebecca died from being around me. Out of all four of them, Billy and Rebecca were the only ones that died in front of me. My time-gap showed me how Rex and his five advisors killed Elena on the picnic table that was by my old dorm, and her blood was painted on the walls in my bedroom. Then, they murdered Ben in a city garage after I was done texting him. Little did anyone know, I have deadly vampires who not only lurk in my shadows, but they also lurk in plain sight.
"Don't let them ruin a fresh start to a new year." I muffled to myself before Professor Mark started his class, which was just the distraction I needed to get through his class. Sure, I could turn them into my father-in-law, Mr. Collin, and they'd never set foot on his campus again, but it wasn't worth it, in my opinion.
I concluded as Professor Mark continued his speech. "Everyone did a fantastic job on your geology map projects. Now, for this project, I want you and your assigned partner to create a model globe that will open up to show the layers of the Earth's crust and the center core. All the materials you need are already laid out for you at your workstation. If no one has any questions, you can start working."
Faint chattering muttered around the room once everyone started to work. Stella and I started molding some different colored clay together. We had two large round plastic containers that we needed to create this Earth model with our hands. Moreover, Professor Mark's class is starting to feel like I joined an art class.
Almost an hour later, Professor Mark announced. "Alright, class, that will be it for today. I'll see you all tomorrow."
Everybody started collecting their things to head to lunch or their next class, depending on their schedules.
"Should we exchange numbers since we are partners?" Stella asked me, and I sadly couldn't refuse.
I pulled out my phone and gave her my number. "I'll see you tomorrow." I smiled after giving her my number.
Then I roamed out the door as Stella shouted, "Hey Victoria!"
"Was there something you needed?" I slowed down in case this was important.
"Do you have a lunch break? Because I was wondering if it would be alright if I joined you if you did?" she asked.
"I do, but I'm meeting a friend at the cafe," I told her, hoping she wouldn't care to come.
"Do you mind if I tag along and eat with you and your friend?" Stella blinked her sweet round puppy dog eyes at me.
Ugh! I'm such a sucker!
"You are welcome to join us if you like," I smiled while my teeth were grinding on the inside of my mouth.
So much for keeping my distance from humans. Maybe I should ask my husband for some pointers. Unless he plans on feeding on them, he doesn't even bother engaging in a conversation with humans.
After walking around outside, we made it to the cafe, and I saw Nora had already gotten us a booth table to sit at.
"Our food should be done shortly, but I didn't know we'd have company," Nora smiled at Stella.
"This is Stella." I introduced them. "She's new to the campus."
"It's nice to meet you. I'm sorry I didn't get you anything to eat." Nora frowned since she always had a big heart like me.
"That's ok," Stella giggled. "I'll get my food, then I'll be right over."
After we got ourselves situated, Nora and I started having a delightful conversation with Stella while we ate. She was super convivial and carefree. But before we knew it, the time flew by, and we each proceeded our separate ways after we said our farewell.
A few hours later, all my classes were over with, and done for the day. And boy, I felt dead tired, but I still couldn't sleep, or Orlando might enter my dreams if I fell asleep too soon. To fix the fatigue feeling that I felt in my bones and around my eye sockets, I go to the cafe for a coffee to keep myself awake.
"I'll have a hot mocha with an extra shot of espresso and a marshmallow glaze over it," I ordered at the register.
"Shouldn't you be ordering something that doesn't have an extra load of caffeine in it?" the lady lectured. "Caffeine isn't good for the baby."
"It's for somebody else," I lied because I didn't want to get into it since she couldn't know the truth. Of course, I'd love to tell her to mind her own business, but I kept my mouth shut.
"Oh," was all she uttered before she took my money.
I moved aside and waited less than three minutes to get my coffee. Afterward, I left without saying goodbye to her. I know she means well, but I'm not in the mood to be pestered. At this point, I don't even feel like coming back tomorrow.
I reckoned to myself before I saw a peculiar man who was leaning up against a stone building. He was wearing a long brown business-type trench coat, and he wore black suit pants with it. Something about his character was enigmatic and strange as I strolled closer before I realized I knew him. He worked for Mr. Whitlock, Rebecca's father. He has a high clout in politics, and he was known for his prestigious achievements.
Mr. Whitlock wasn't a vampire, but there were rumors he ran the Mafia, but no one can confirm whether that information is actually accurate. People around here love to gossip a little too much, I'd say.
Quite clearly, as if it happened yesterday, I still remember Mr. Whitlock's threat to me. "I'll tell you now, you will pay for the death of my daughter!"
That sudden memory alone sent a chill up my backbone, which wasn't pleasant. As my eyes met the mysterious man's gaze, he suddenly peeked at his wristwatch, and then he fixed the collar on his trench coat before he walked alongside the building with his back facing me. I didn't like the knot he gave me in my stomach, but he was the least of my worries because there was something else far more sinister lurking in the center of the yard of the campus.