by Ivy Kovacs
The teachers knew that most students usually ditched Friday when the 31st of October was on a Thursday, so they declared it as a long weekend.
Wednesday was boring. While Dylan was watching ESPN all day, I was focusing on the tests that I’ve missed and would have to rewrite when I’d go back to school. It seemed harder to study this way, not hearing the explanation of the teacher, but I managed thanks to Dom’s help. On Thursday I turned in the assignment I had due and finished copying the notes Dom sent me on Wednesday afternoon.
After I showered and curled my hair, I looked through my closet to find something that would be appropriate for the party. I didn’t find anything so I asked my aunt if I could borrow some of her clothes. Our sizes were nearly the same so her clothes should fit me just fine.
After digging through her massive closet, I chose my black ripped jeans and a black corset top from her closet. I’ve always been pale so dressing as a vampire seemed the best option from what I had in hand.
I found some fake blood in Lily’s room and applied it to the corner of my lips. I used a dark-red lipgloss so it would match the fake blood perfectly. I attempted to do a smokey eye look but washed it off because it looked like someone had punched me in the face. It’s as good as it’ll get.
I walked downstairs where Dylan was waiting for me. I groaned when I noticed he wasn’t dressed up. – Where’s your costume? –
- I’m James Dean. – He ran his fingers through his hair. He was wearing a white t-shirt, a black leather jacket, and black jeans.
- You’ve put a lot of effort into this one. – I mocked him and he gently kissed my forehead. When he pulled away I softly bit his neck, leaving a stain of red lipstick. – Here, now you’re James Dean bitten by a vampire. - I smirked.
- You’re hot. – He whispered under his breath so my uncle wouldn’t hear. I blushed and gave him a small smile.
- Alright kids, have fun. Call me if you need anything. – Seb walked out of the office and placed a small kiss on my head. – Dylan, take care of my girl. –
- Always. – He nodded and I rolled my eyes while Dylan escorted me to his car.
I waved to my uncle and aunt before Dylan drove off.
I completely forgot the way to Max’s place. I only drove there from my grandma’s when Oliver was sick and Dylan asked for my help. The environment shouldn’t be unfamiliar.
- I have the keys to my room so if you feel overwhelmed or tired, tell me. We can always go inside there. – He put his right hand on my thigh as he drove. I nodded and my stomach fluttered from anxiety. What if I wasn't meant to be partying in Georgia? Maybe it wasn’t the school that was ominous, maybe it was me.
I tried to shake off the negative thoughts as we arrived at the apartment. – I love you. – He kissed my lips carefully, our lips barely touched. He didn’t want to be red from my lipstick.
We walked upstairs and Dylan opened the door casually. It was where he lived so it was normal for him to arrive here.
- Dyl, Grace! What’s up, man? – Max and Dylan greeted each other. - Looking good, Grace. – He licked his bottom lip as his eyes scanned my body. His stare made me shudder.
- Grace! – I heard James’ enthusiastic voice from behind and turned around. His wide smile welcomed me and he wrapped his arms around me. I wasn’t sure I would ever get used to his courtesy.
- Hey. – I smiled slightly as he let go of me, and noticed Dylan’s glare at James.
- How are you? I haven’t seen you in forever. – He was trying to be friendly and thoughtful but I knew Dylan didn’t like his attitude towards me.
- I’m a lot better, thanks. – I answered curtly.
- When are we gonna see your pretty face back at school? – Oliver asked from the couch. A girl was sitting on his lap and he was holding a beer in his hand that wasn’t wrapped around the girl.
- Soon, hopefully. – I felt the blood pulse through my veins.
- Grace! – Debby cheered and wrapped her arms around me. We hugged tightly and my anxiety faded away.
- I missed you, Deb. – I smiled.
- I missed you! Cheerleading sucks without you. – She complained and I laughed. Nathan walked up to Dylan and my eyes followed curiously.
- You and Nathan? – I gasped with a grin.
- Yeah, we made it official last week. – Her smile became wider.
- I’m so happy for you! - I cheered excitedly.
- Tell me about it! I can’t believe how much Dyl has changed besides you. – A small thought reminded me of Dylan’s past and it made my stomach flutter again. This was the place where he had most of his fun.
I looked at him and watched as he enjoyed his friends' company. – He’s a better version of himself. You make him happy. – She noticed that I was watching him. It was true, he changed.
- We took things on another level... – I said shyly. When Debby and Nathan slept together, she bragged about it to me for weeks. It only felt fair if I told her about mine.
- Yes! – She clapped her hands together. – Was it good? – She knew I was a virgin before him, she was the one who tried to stop the game when Madison was questioning my past. Madison...
- It was amazing. – I responded and my facial expression changed. I couldn’t get Madison’s image out of my head.
- She won’t come. – Deb answered like she was reading into my thoughts.
- I’m sorry about that Deb... I tried my best to get you clean at Mr. Walker. –
- I know, Dyl told me. – She responded curtly with a nod.
- He did? – I raised my brows imperceptibly.
- Yes, and I’m so thankful. I can be hot-headed sometimes and she deserved what she got. – She spoke honestly. – I just haven’t thought about the consequences of it. – She shrugged. – Thanks for saving my ass. I owe you one. – She smiled.
- What? You were defending me! How would you owe me anything? I’m the one who owes you! – I was enraged. How could she think that it was her fault?
- Okay, okay. Calm down. – She grabbed my hand and squeezed it gently. – I did what felt right to me. Don’t feel guilty. – She ensured me and I took a deep breath to calm myself down.
She raised her cup and chugged the liquid from it. I was underdressed. Everyone had cool costumes and here I was, wearing a corset and blood smeared across my lips. Truly a last-minute costume.
- There’s my vampire. – Dylan grabbed my waist and kissed my neck from the back. My body reacted to his lips touching the soft skin under my ears, then the scent of spicy bourbon hit my nose. I knew we were staying here for the night, but I didn’t think he would drink. Once again I shook the anxiety off myself and wrapped my arms around his.
- And you’re supposed to be? – Debby questioned with her eyes narrowed.
- James Dean. The hotter version. – I felt his grin on my skin. – Bitten by a vampire. – He showed off the lipstick stain on his neck and pecked my cheek. – And you? An intoxicated stripper? –
- I’m a schoolgirl. – She frowned.
- Same thing. – He added with a smirk.
- I like it. – I defended my friend.
- I’m surprised Nathan let you wear that. – Dylan looked at Debby’s outfit again. She was wearing a short pleated skirt and a white crop top with long white socks and heels.
- Grace’s outfit isn’t less revealing either. – Debby pointed at the corset that held my breasts like a push-up bra. I swallowed the lump in my throat and blushed. Dylan grabbed my leather jacket and zipped it up on me.
- At least her panties aren’t showing. – Dylan walked off leaving Debby on a cliff-hanger.
- Yours aren’t either. – I laughed and unzipped my jacket pulling the corset higher on my chest.
We stood in the kitchen and ate from the bowls that were filled with chips. I kept my eyes on Dylan but he hasn’t been drinking since the last glass he had. I was more relaxed now that I knew he wasn’t getting drunk. I wouldn’t want this evening to turn out a mess. I
was having fun again, after a long time.
Oliver offered me a red plastic cup filled with orange liquid but I kindly declined it. I was still taking my medications, besides... at least one of us should be sober.
- Hey Grace. – Nathan walked beside Debby and wrapped his arm around her. – Mind if I steal her? – I shook my head smiling and watched them leave to dance in the living room. Nathan seemed like a great guy, though he was hanging out with Max’s group. Love changes people, I guess.
- I thought you vampires would stay far away when it’s a full moon. – Someone spoke from behind me and when I turned I saw Dom smiling at me. He was dressed as a werewolf.
- Dom! – I cheered and hugged him tightly. – What are you doing here? – I pulled away and smiled brightly.
- Dylan invited me. – He said casually and my jaw dropped slightly. – I know. Same... – He was just as shocked as I was. I chuckled with him.
- I missed you, Dom. – I smiled gracefully.
- I missed you too. Believe it or not, school's boring without you. – He grabbed a beer bottle and opened it. I narrowed my eyes since I haven’t seen him drink before, but he didn’t comment on my curiosity.
- My doctor said I should be able to go back in two weeks or so. –
- Just in time for winter break. – He commented.
- How’s Jules? – I asked changing subjects.
- She’s great, she’s been asking about you. – He said and looked at me. – I told her about your accident. The one that happened recently. – He added. – I hope it’s okay. –
- No, it is. Don’t worry. – I nodded carefully. I wasn’t mad at him for telling her about the accident. The whole school knew, he might as well share it with his girlfriend.
- She was worried about you. –
- She shouldn’t have been. I’m fine. – I responded a bit coldly, but I didn’t want to talk about this. Not tonight at least.
- Of course. I can see that. – He joked about me dressing up as a vampire. - Suddenly I feel like we’re foes rather than friends. -
- Well, werewolves became allies with vampires both in Twilight and in The Vampire Diaries. Our chances are good. – I smiled.
- Lewis. – Dylan walked up to us.
- Torres. – He nodded.
- Thanks for inviting him. – I looked at Dylan and he shrugged. They still weren’t friends but I was happy he accepted the fact that he was my best friend. He placed a gentle kiss on my head and walked to the living room, leaving us alone again.
- I see you’ve fed. – Dom joked pointing out the fact that Dylan had my lipstick on his neck.
- Don’t worry, I’m a friendly vampire. – I laughed again. This night felt like a dream. It seemed so easy to be happy and enjoy myself. Would it last though?
thirty-three
Thankfully there were no more than twenty people at the party, but those people were either buzzed or drunk. I stayed in the kitchen with Dom. I noticed that Dylan was trying to give us some space because I haven’t socialized in weeks and I really missed my friends. It felt like my body recharged, and was full of energy now.
There were a few cheerleaders who came, mostly because of the booze and the guys, but only the ones who weren’t friends with Madison or Sophie.
- I’m monotonous, right? – I asked, speaking against Dom’s ear considering that the music was too loud. I noticed that he was bored.
- No! I’m just getting tired. I woke up early today, to finish the essay that was due. – He answered. I nodded and raised my red plastic cup that was filled with water, and clinked it with his beer bottle.
- Are you drinking? – Dylan walked next to us and his forehead creased.
- Water. – I added with a bow. – Strong stuff. – I joked and Dom laughed.
- Aren’t you tired? We can go inside… - He stepped next to me and placed a kiss on my temple.
- I’m fine. Don’t worry. – I ensured him. – I’m having fun. – I continued and looked into his eyes. These neon lights made them appear even more attractive.
- Alright, let’s play something! – Debby clapped her hands together and turned down the music. The crowd started booing. – Oh come on! It’s our last year! –
- I’m in. – I agreed with my friend and walked towards the couch. Dom followed me and Dylan did too. He sat down in an armchair and pulled me into his lap. Dom sat next to us on the couch.
Soon we formed a circle. Not everyone played but most of us did.
- What are we playing exactly? – Oliver asked and chugged his beer.
- Most likely to? – Debby asked and he shrugged. - Okay. – She nodded. – Who’s most likely to puke on the field? –
- Come on, that’s easy! – Max groaned and pointed at Luke.
- I’ll read questions from my phone. – I suggested and pulled my phone out of my back pocket.
- Make them juicy. – Cameron smirked and I chuckled while I clicked on the first page that appeared on the screen.
- Who’s most likely to get caught having sex in the dressing room? –
- Oliver. – People responded immediately and Oliver laughed.
- One time, dude. One time. – He pleaded.
- Who’s most likely to get rejected by a prostitute? –
Dylan started laughing and I glanced at him curiously.
- We have a story for that, don’t we? – He looked at Max who was laughing too. I waited curiously for the story.
- Cameron was last to lose his virginity. We hired a prostitute for his 16th birthday and she didn’t show up. – Dylan explained and Cameron’s face flushed red.
- Thank God, she didn’t. Kim Bradley was much more fun. – Cameron praised.
- She didn’t say that. – Debby teased him and we laughed out loud.
- Next question! – He demanded looking at me.
- Who’s most likely to get drunk and get a tattoo? – I asked.
- Dyl. – Max, Cameron, Debby, and Oliver announced at the same time. I looked at Dylan curiously. He smiled at my reaction.
- We had a friend who made tattoos. – He began.
- Jade. – Oliver moaned with pleasure.
- I got most of my tattoos done by her. – Dylan added.
- Show the masterpieces! – Max yelled.
- Tattoo tour! – Debby shouted.
Dylan rolled his eyes and placed me down as he slid his arms out of the leather jacket. He stretched his arms out and I watched the patterns move with his skin. – Deb chose this one after I lost a bet against her. – He pointed at a thorny rose on his arm. His tattoos weren’t large, but he had a few small ones covering his skin.
- I wanted to get it myself but I gave the design to him. – Debby explained.
- The rest are just doodles that Max and Ollie did. – He looked at the smiley face and the initials on his arm.
- They did them? – My eyes widened in shock.
- We’re professionals, baby. – Oliver raised his hand and high-fived Max. I chuckled softly.
- Alright let’s change the game up. We’ll do speed rounds. Everyone has to answer the questions. – Debby said changing subjects and Dylan pulled me into his lap again. – First kiss? Mine was in 5th grade with Mikey. –
- Mikey? Mikey Reed? – Nathan looked at her with narrow eyes.
- He was my childhood crush. – She shrugged.
- Mine was kindergarten. Julia Matthews. Still a good choice. – Max replied.
- Jess Gaffey. 3rd grade. – Oliver answered next.
- Mine was Camila Martínez from kindergarten. – Dylan responded. I guess he knew her from Spain. I adored the way he said Latin words. They sounded so charming.
- Grace? – Oliver asked and I glanced at him, focusing on the answer. Who was my first kiss? I couldn’t recall any kindergarten smooches...
- I think it was Adam. He used to be my best friend, back in Boca. – I answered curtly and heard Dylan’s teeth clench when I said Adam’s name.
- Okay,
next question. – Debby said and Dylan stood up.
- We’re heading to sleep. Grace needs to rest. – I raised my brows but after I saw his facial expression I let him tow me inside his room.
When his lock clicked I looked at him bewildered.
- What? – He asked as he stripped.
- Nothing... – I answered and grabbed my bag to wash my makeup off with the makeup remover wipes I brought.
- Look, I’m sorry I just didn’t want them to interrogate us more. – He confessed and his answer seemed accurate. Now that I thought about it, we could’ve gone into details that would’ve revealed some stuff of his past, or mine for that matter.
- It’s fine. I’m tired anyway. – I lied. I wasn’t tired and I probably wouldn’t be able to sleep while people were partying outside anyway.
He got under the sheets and after I changed into his t-shirt, I laid next to him.
- I had fun... thanks for bringing me. – I whispered after a few moments of silence. I wasn’t sure if he was awake.
- Good. – He mumbled.
- Why didn’t you tell me you invited Dom? – I asked curiously.
- Because I wasn’t sure he’d come. – He replied in a grumpy voice. I guess talking about Adam really pissed him off.
- I’m sorry for mentioning Adam. – I spoke under my breath, almost inaudibly.
- It’s fine, just don’t talk about him again. – He groaned.
- You were my first in everything else though... – I tried to lighten his mood but it seemed like an impossible task. When he didn’t reply I tossed to my other side and pulled one of my legs up to my chest.
- I’m sorry... – He whispered and spooned me from behind.
- It’s okay. – I whispered back. I could only imagine how infuriating it was to him to hear about everything that hurt me in the past. Especially the stuff that happened with Adam...
- I had fun too. – He added and my lips curled into a smile. I saw that he was relaxed through the night and he enjoyed his friends’ company.
The sun rays beamed through the window, irritating my tired eyes. I rolled out of Dylan’s arms and looked at my phone. It was only 8 o’clock and we went to bed pretty late, but I know I wouldn’t be able to go back to sleep.