Silence. Complete and utter silence. The forest around me seems still as it whispers with the wind. Tall, dark trees stand together yet alone. Unable to reach out to one another. Similar to my silly life.
My steps are quiet as I pad around the dark forest. I flip on my weak back vision. A few seconds pass before I can see what's behind me. Everything is slightly blurry but I can still make out general objects.
I pick up my pace to a light jog around the forest keeping a sharp look out for anything and anyone. I stop in my tracks at the sound of a twig cracking. I twist around in circles in search of anything moving.
A moment of silence passes before a cackle from above me erupts. Before I even have the chance to look up a body forces me to the cold, hard ground. I scream out in pain and groan as I force the body off of me. I move my arms to stand up but screech as the pain shivers up my arms. Another cackle falls from his mouth.
"Damnit, James, you broke my arms," I say through gritted teeth trying to breath through the pain. I squeeze my eyes shut.
"Here's a tip, sis," James says stepping over me. I roll my eyes preparing myself for the stupid advice my stupid older brother was planning on providing me with. "When you hear a noise in the woods, and there is a possibility that the thing that made the noise wants to kill you," he pauses and smirks at me. "Don't spin in circles looking like a pathetic lost puppy."
The pain in my arms vanishes and I jump to my feet.
"Now, baby sister, what are you planning to do today?" James asks looking at me curiously. I roll my eyes and push passed him.
"Like you give a shit," I growl.
"Oo and the kitty's claws come out," James taunts. I stare him down and then stalk off into the forest. James zips up next to me in the blink of an eye. "Where are you going?" James asks in a sing-song voice.
"School."
"School?"
"School."
"I think the proper name is hell but," he looks at me. "Whatever floats your boat." His hazel eyes dance with amusement as he flashes a smile.
We continue to walk through the forest in silence. My brother hums different songs, causing me to shut off my hearing to make sure he doesn't break my eardrums with the lack of keeping a tune. My glorious peace comes to an end when I feel James rapidly tapping my shoulder. I flip my hearing back on and send him a glare.
"Why the hell are we walking?" James asks as he grabs me by the arm and launches us both into the air. The wind makes it hard to see and brings tears to my eyes. I look down and immediately shut my eyes with fear.
"James you know I hate flying," I say keeping my eyes shut.
"How could I forget? So rude of me," James says sarcastically. He lets go of my hand and my eyes spring open.
As I plumet to the ground, panic sets in. I look around searching desperately for a place to land. More panic sets in when I can't locate an open section of the forest.
I hold my breath and focus on everything I've ever learned about flying.
"Light as a feather, light as a feather, light as a feather," I tell myself trying with all my might not to fall any faster than I already am. I look down only to see the ground getting closer and closer by the second. "Light as a feather," I whisper one last time before accepting the fact that I can't stop myself. I look up to see James still in the same spot he dropped me in. Green tree tops begin to block the view of my brother, signaling the ground is near. I take on last deep breath and shut my tear filled eyes.
The landing is hard, but not nearly as hard as it should have been. I crack one eye open and realization hits me; I'm not on the ground.
Suddenly paranoid I squirm out of whomever's arms and on to my feet.
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding at the sight of my older sister.
"Your really suck at flying," Lucy greets.
"Thanks," I deadpan, not in the mood to deal with another one of my siblings.
"Going somewhere?" Lucy asks as soon as I begin to walk away from her. I open my mouth to answer but she cuts me off. "School?" I roll my eyes.
"In order to have a conversation, Lucy, you need to let the other person speak instead of-" She cuts me off.
"Reading their mind, blah, blah, blah," she says dramatically. Instantly frustrated with my sister's presence I zip off in the direction of high school.
I'm not as fast as James so rather than the thirty seconds it would take him it takes me one minute.
I emerge from the dark forest and slow to a walk as the high school comes into view.
Confidence is key.
I strut towards the front door, keeping my head held high. Eyes linger in my direction as whispers surround me.
Not phased, I continue towards the school, but I come to a short stop when someone steps out in front of me.
"Lucy, you're too old for high school," I tell her angrily. She chuckles.
"In this day and age you can't tell apart a fourteen year old and twenty-one year old anyway, so I fit in quite nicely," she says observing the people around us.
I stare into her eyes. "Move," I command. Her blank face stares back at me as she steps out of my path.
"In order to have a conversation, Aerilyn, you need to let the other person speak instead of," she pauses as she mocks me. I continue walking as Lucy skips besides me. "You're supposed to say, 'compelling people blah, blah, blah,' god damn Aerilyn, get it together."
I roll my eyes before compelling Lucy to leave. Finally alone, I open the doors to the school. I find the office and slap my hands down on the desk.
"Can I help you?" The little old lady asks with a sweet smile. I smile back.
"Yes actually," I say sweetly. "My name is Aerilyn Stavro and I'm now a student here. I will get in no trouble and you will not question anything you see me do. You will let me go to any class I want and will not bother me about my attendance. Do you understand?" I compel. A blank stare replaces her innocent face.
"I understand," she nods. I feel someone brush up against me causing me to turn my head. A boy with slightly messy brown hair and caramel eyes stands beside me. He towers over my 5'4" body, making it difficult to remain confident.
"Could I have another copy of my schedule, please?" he asks impatiently.
"What's your name sweetie?" the secretary asks, while her fingers dance above the keyboard.
"Ronan Fletcher," he says without expression. The little old lady types into the computer then stands to retrieve the schedule.
"Are you new here too?" I ask him. He looks over at me, almost surprised to see someone standing next to him.
"I was, two weeks ago," he pauses as he looks me up and down. "But I'm assuming you are taking my place as the new kid," he speaks with a small smile.
"I'm honored," I joke. He chuckles.
"I'm Ronan."
"Aerilyn," I say trying to sound friendly. The secretary hands Ronan his schedule and he thanks her.
"What class do you have?" Ronan asks as we exit the office. I glance over at the paper he is holding.
"English," I say with a smile.
"Me too! Follow me, I'll show you where the class is."
I contemplate what the smart decision would be. I mentally shrug and go with Ronan. What can I say? He's hot.
I follow Ronan through the crowded hallways avoiding people as much as possible.
I get a few double takes due to the fact school started three months ago and I've never met any of these people.
I think about the last time I was in high school and shudder.
I follow Ronan up a flight of stairs and down another hallway. He takes a quick right into a classroom and I remain on his trail.
The smell overwhelms me. That addicting and incredible scent causes the painful process of my gums opening to make way for my fangs. I feel the blood flood into my eyes and face. I turn to the wall and take deep breaths controlling the lust. After a couple seconds I turn around to see Ronan looking at me, with a confused look sprawled across his face.
"You okay?" He asks sounding concerned.
"Yeah, I'm good," I tell him with a sigh. I glance around the classroom and see him. He's wearing all black and sipping a black water bottle. "I'll be right back," I tell Ronan. I slide across the classroom and sit next to him. "I'm really thirsty," I moan. Looking at him and batting my eyelashes. He looks annoyed, rolling his dull blue eyes.
"I don't think you want any of this. Sorry," he deadpans.
"But I'm really thirsty, can't I just have a little sip?" I beg adding a small smile. He shakes his head.
"Seriously. No. Get lost." I pull the water bottle out of his hands with ease and his eyes widen at my strength. I pop the straw in my mouth and take a long sip. The taste of the blood causes me to shut my eyes, making me realize how hungry I was. I take the water bottle out of my mouth longing for more the second it's gone.
"You must be new, since you didn't get the hint from my outfit," I say referring to my all black clothing, leaning back in my chair. He rolls his eyes as the realization hits. I chuckle. "How long ago were you turned?" I ask.
"A little less than a year ago," he says still not interested in talking to me.
"Aw," I gush. "You're just a little baby." He glares at me.
"Why? How old are you?"
"Oh god, let's see," I say thinking for a moment. "I just turned 308 last month," I state proudly. His eyes widen in surprise. Then curiosity creeps upon his handsome face.
"Stavropoulos?" He asks running his fingers through his light brown hair. I'm surprised at the fact that he knew my previous last name from over a hundred years ago.
"It's Stavro now, but yeah that's me." He immediately becomes silent. I study him as he looks down at his desk. Familiarity floods through me and I become nervous. "Who are you?" I ask slowly.
He glances up at me and his dull blue eyes shimmer in the light. Flashbacks of those same dull blue eyes attack my brain.
"Aloevero," I whisper as I stand up. He looks away. "I have to go." I rush out of the classroom earning a few questioning looks. My breathing becomes heavy as I speed walk out of the school.
The Aloeveros are back.
I use two hands to push open the doors to our mansion. "Lucy? James?" I scream out as loud as I can. I slam the door shut creating even more noise. I glance over at the stairs and see Lucy trudging down. A pissed off look rests on her face.
"Back from high school already?" She taunts with a small smirk present on her face.
"Lucy, there was an Aloevero there," I inform her. Her face goes from amused to afraid in the matter of seconds.
"Why are they here?" She asks with concern laced in her words as she crosses her pale arms over her chest. I shake my head.
"I don't know. He was young, only turned a year ago," I tell her and she begins to pace.
"His parents, grandparents, great grandparents could be here, Aerilyn."
"Lucy I understand that."
"They'll be coming for us. Now that he saw you," her voice trails, still filled with panic. "Aerilyn we have to leave."
"I know."
"Damnit!" She screams smacking the table. Her face turns red and her eyes go bloodshot. "I fucking liked it here, Aerilyn."
"I know, so did I."
"Well now because of you we have to start over. Brand new life, brand new people," she says shaking her head. The color slowly begins draining from her face. I say nothing. I know it's not my fault, just wrong place at the wrong time, but I'd rather not explain myself to Lucy while she's in this state.
"We could stay," I begin. She looks at me like I'm speaking a different language. "Between you, me and James, we're pretty strong. And we could always call-"
"Don't you dare finish that sentence," Lucy says harshly.
"Lucy he could help us," I reason.
"He is no where close to being remotely helpful in any way, shape or form. His a disgrace to this family name and I never want to see him again," Lucy fumes, as her voice gradually gets louder. Instead of arguing and defending our brother I stay quiet to prevent Lucy from getting even angrier than she already is. "Where the hell is James?" She screams. I shiver at her loud voice that destroys the silence.
"I don't know," I tell her. She glares at me.
"Well maybe if you didn't skip your ass off to high school thinking all will be great and happy again you would actually know where he is and-"
"Lucy relax," James's deep voice cause us both to jump as he enters the room. "I could hear you screaming from the street over." He shakes his head as he goes to poor himself a drink. He sits down, glass in hand. "Now tell me, sisters, what has you both so frazzled?"
"Aerilyn saw an Aloevero today at school," Lucy says calmly, crossing her arms over her chest. James freezes mid-sip. He places his glass on the table and rises. Lucy and I watch him intently for what will come next.
"What should we do?" He asks after a moment of silence. Lucy and I exchange a look. He raises his eyebrows.
"We were hoping you would know what to do," Lucy says quietly. He nods.
"I'm calling Royal."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N
Hello! Congrats you made it to the end of the chapter! Please don't be afraid to let me know what you think as I am in desperate need of any feedback.
Hope you all have a great day :)