Janes. Now I look like a normal girl. I hope Mike did his part. I grabbed my pink clutch purse and went downstairs. I had asked Grandpa last night if I could borrow the silver Beemer- which of course we'd agreed to once I told him that I couldn't drive my lovely beast looking like this- as it would disgrace my car. I took the keys off the kitchen counter and went out the front door.
Mike was waiting for me at school when I got there. He looked amazing. His beautiful spikes had been gelled down and combed slightly to the right. He wore no jewelry except for his family ring. His attire was perfect- tan khakis, a white button-up with a green argyle sweater vest over it, and he had loafers on. He smiled at me when I got out of the foreign car.
“You look perfect.” I smiled back.
“We look perfect, my dear,” he said as he snubbed his nose slightly in the air.
I giggled. “Quite right, my darling Michael.” I slipped my arm though his and we walked into the school.
The day was filled with people. Mike and I didn't go unnoticed.
Every female and male in the school suddenly felt the need to talk to us- as well as flirt. It was interesting to see that we could easily be King and Queen of this school if we took the time to fit in. We ate in the cafeteria and were invited to sit with everyone. For the first time in my school experience, I was popular. Even Kelly wanted to sit with us.
It was amazing to send people away with a flick of the wrist. The rest of the day passed the same. In Art, we were carving pumpkins and I played my part- claiming I couldn't possibly do it as I would get dirty. Miss Ashley found the humor in it, especially after multiple people volunteered to undertake the terribly messy experience for me. Mike and I walked out of the school together and into the parking lot.
“I think the car is a nice touch.” He beamed at me.
“I couldn't deface my dark beauty by driving it like this.” I waved over my outfit.
“Well, even like that you're the most beautiful girl I know.” His cheeks flushed.
“Perhaps you'd prefer bubblegum pink to blood red.” I stuck my tongue out at him.
He gave me a big slobbery kiss on my cheek. “I prefer whatever you want. So, I'll meet you at your house at six, okay?”
“Yup. The hearse will be there waiting to take us to the dance. See ya in a bit, Michael Darling.” I smiled.
It was difficult not to speed in that silver speed machine. Somehow I managed to stay in the limit, but, by the time I got home, my foot cramped from the restraint. The house was decked out in the usual Halloween garb. It was nice to see the house so spooky. It was the exterior, however, and the inside was normal and no one wore a costume but me. It was about four o'clock when I walked in the house, so I had two hours until Mike would appear and we had agreed that I'd be ready and outside so he wouldn't have to come in. It still hurt to think that my family had been so rude to him.
I decided to start getting everything ready. Tonight is going to be awesome. I got in the shower to wash off the fake tan and feminine pink makeup. It felt nice to see my normal skin tone once again. The orange glow swirled down the drain and I was once again my pale glory. The one nice thing about being pale is that I won't need makeup to appear deathly pale to be Dracula's bride.
I got out the shower and blew dry my hair- making sure that no curl was left. I slinked into my ethereal-like white gown. It was an exact replica of Dracula's bride's gown in that old black and white movie. It seemed all flowy, sheer, and delicate. In that, it was completely opposite of what I am or what I'd even wear. I decided I'd go barefoot with only a silver charm bracelet around my ankle. All my nails were once again stained a crimson red. My makeup was very simple- a light gray eyeshadow, venomous lips, black eye liner, and some slight shimmer to add a little spirit-like hue to my skin. My fangs were custom fitted and didn't require any gel or anything- it was difficult to get them to snap into place though.
Once I got them in and the entire look was complete- it was utterly perfect. Frighteningly so. Surely this year Mike and I will be crowned the King and Queen of the dance. Sure as heck won't happen for prom or anything. I tried to perfect my walk so it appeared that I was gliding instead of walking.
At fifteen minutes to six o'clock, I went outside and waited for Mike and the hearse to arrive. The hearse showed up first and the driver was spooktastically wonderful. He was right out of a monster movie. I, of course, loved it Mike appeared shortly after- he looked amazing. It was as though Mike had become a werewolf.
“Why, hello there tall, dark, and furry.” I purred perfectly through my fanged smile.
“Hello, my Goddess of the Night.” He smiled back and I could see the multiple sets of fangs that did not impede his speech either.
“Look, I got this for your birthday. I don't know if it will clash with your wolfy appearance too much- but here.” I handed him the velvety jewelry box.
I watched as Mike clicked the soft lid into place. God that looks odd in his werewolf hands. He slid the tiny cloth covering the bracelet I so desperately hoped he liked. And then he gasped. Oh no, he hates it.
“Emma ... it's beautiful. Will you help me put it on?” he said in a rushed tone as he examined all the details of it.
“Are you sure it won't cramp wolfman's style?” I giggled at him in relief, as I clasped the bracelet on.
“I know you're joking and all, but just so you know- this means the world to me.” He grabbed me into a hug.
We parted and I check my dress which was surprisingly still perfect. We climbed into the back of our waiting vehicle and headed toward the school.
The entire town seemed a little darker and secretive. As we drove through town we could see the small goblins and ghouls coming out for their treats. I absolutely loved it. For some strange reason, it always seemed that there were more kids that dressed up like the things that went bump in the night than sugar coated, happily ever afters. It was something I'd never understand.
When we reached the gym, it had been transformed. Mike and I paid good money to have a contractor flown in to turn the exterior of the gym into a haunted house. The inside, of course, was left up to the senior committee- which meant that Kelly and her pack had turned it into something cute. How could someone even think of Halloween as cute? It didn't matter tonight, tonight was our night.
I put my perfectly deterring fanged smile on as my wolfy man and I got out of our hearse into the circling crowd. We heard a lot of “wows” and such as we approached the gym- it was lovely.
Once inside I was shocked- it was spooktastic. Apparently, Kelly finally got the idea. When I spotted Kelly I knew this was wrong. She was wearing a pale pink princess gown and tiara. She turned her head and I noticed two things that seemed out of place. The first was a gnarly hickey on her neck that was surrounding what looked like classic vampire marks. He had fangs. The second thing I noticed was that her eyes seemed dazed. Yeah, people did drugs, but not Kelly- her crowd made fun of the stoners. Where are her groupies?
“Mike, I think there is something wrong with Kelly?” I tried to draw as little attention as possible- which was pretty hard as everyone seemed to notice us as soon as we walked in, everyone but Kelly that was.
“Whatcha mean, Em …?” His words fell short when I saw him see her.
We moved through the crowd saying “hello” to people that never talked to us before and “thanks” to those that said they'd vote for us for king and queen.
Once we got close enough to Kelly, I really knew something was wrong. She really was in a daze. My concern hiked through the roof I'd seen enough monster movies to know she was under someone's influence and it wasn't my overactive imagination playing with the concept of Halloween.
I eyed Mike so he'd know I was going to talk to her. “Hey, Kelly, nice job decorating.” I chose something that I knew she would react to.
“Oh, you really think so? Of course you do. He said you'd like it.” Her voice was faint and distant, and I had no idea why she'd care if I liked the
decorations.
“Who said, Kelly?” I prayed that whoever had control over her wanted me to know who he was.
“Oh, he'll be back in a minute- he's getting us something to drink.” I really wanted to hear her voice normal again.
Mike and I both turned toward the refreshment table. That's when my eyes met with a familiar set of green eyes. Dominic. What's he doing here? Something in my brain was having a hard time catching up to what was happening.
“What's Dominic doing here?” I said aloud.
“You mean the guy that tried to drug you?” His voice flared with anger as he moved toward the direction I was looking.
“Yes, that guy. But don't go charging off on your white horse just yet. I want to find out what he's done to Kelly.” My voice sounded small in my ears.
“Emma- I could take him, and I promise he'll tell us what we want to know.” The anger and heat coming off of him could've easily melted Dominic- at least in my opinion.
“What happened to you? You are supposed to be the voice of reason, what's all this punch now and ask later? When need to know what is wrong with Kelly.” It felt like I was pleading for Mike to take his normal approach to things.
“That guy is a skeeze. There isn't anything to think about- he needs to be put in his place, especially if he thinks he can just screw with people.” It was frightening to see Mike like this.
Okay, let's think this through. Something is up with Kelly. Dominic is here. Maybe they're in it together? I know Kelly doesn't like me- she never got over kindergarten. I also know Dominic got into some trouble for what he did. So, this is some scam they're playing against me. My monster movies are just movies, vampires and things like that don't really exist. Damn them both for screwing around tonight. My temper was getting the better of me.
“Mike, we're going to ignore them. Kelly and Dominic. Tonight is about us and I'm sure this is some trick they're playing, I mean it is trick or treat night after all.” I was trying to put all my conviction behind the words- I so desperately wanted them to be true, no one wants to believe that there really are things that go bump in the night.
“Alright, Emma. Tonight is our night- but if he gets out of line at all, I'm so there. I'm sure you're right about them screwing around too.” I could feel the anger begin to burn itself out as he looked at me.
I turned from Dominic and made sure Kelly wasn't in my view. Mike and I glided gracefully back into the crowd of welcoming comments. The night turned into a beautiful event. I managed to avoid both Kelly and Dominic the rest of the evening.
As the night began to wrap up, all the votes had been counted and now it was time to announce the king and queen. My heart beat quicker and my palms actually began to sweat. Mike gripped my hand as Principal Taylor walked up to the stage.
“Ghouls and goblins, now, as the witching hour approaches, it is time to crown the royalty of the night.” His voice boomed in the gym.
“I can't stand this,” I said to Mike.
The principal had the envelope for the queen in his hand. He popped the seal and began to speak, “Our queen of the night, who will haunt amongst her undead following, is none other than...” He paused for effect and someone yelled, “Hurry up.” “It is our very own Goth girl- Emma Hutchinson!”
The room filled with applause and cheers. I let go of Mike's hand and used my gliding walk to get to the stage. I turned to face the crowd and felt the wreath of black and red roses placed on my head. Cheers rose once again.
“Congratulations, my Little Emma Bird.” I felt his words on my neck.
My body froze in instinct. How did he get behind me? How did I not notice him? He must have put the wreath on my head. Ugh. I shivered and watched Mike's eyes on me. He knew something was wrong. I have to do something. I smiled wide and open. The effect was instant, I bared my fangs – the crowd gasped and cheered. So easy to please. But Mike's eyes still showed he was concerned.
Principal Taylor was speaking again. “Whereas the vote for our queen was unanimous, the vote for our king was split completely in half- exactly. I was the one who had to break the vote. I felt that this would be the best welcome I could offer to our new student.” He paused.
Thank God, it's Mike.
“So, without further adieu, our king, to stand beside our lovely queen, is none other than our new student ... Dominic DeDominico.”
The crowd cheered. What? New student? Holy crap! I looked at Mike and we both had fury in our eyes.
Dominic stepped out from behind me. He was dressed as Dracula. Oh my God, we match. AH! He took his cape and did an elaborate bow. He smiled as I had and bared his fangs as well. It had the same effect. God I hate him. He was crowned by a dazed looking Kelly. Okay I really want this night to end now.
Mike stepped to the stairs to the stage and he was waiting for me.
“Now, Dracula and his bride will have their dance.”
The room turned black except for the numbing glow of the spotlight hitting us. Dominic held out his hand to me. I'd like to do something with that hand.
Instead of beating him with his own hand- I took it as to not make a show. We walked down the opposite stairs Mike was standing at, but I knew Mike could easily follow the spotlight. I couldn't see anything but Dominic. He led me out to the center of the gym. The area cleared instantly and we swept into yet another waltz.
“Why are you here?” I hissed through my fanged teeth.
“Because you're mine.” His words held only a possessive tone.
“I belong to myself. Besides, I'm already with someone.” I sneered at him.
“It doesn't matter about your pet; he'll leave your mind once the change occurs. I am patient.” His tone never changed. God save me.
“I still won't want you; even if Mike decided he didn't want to be with me.” It hurt to say the words but I needed it to be clear that I wouldn't leave Mike.
He laughed. “Oh, Emma. You are naïve. It doesn't matter what you say now anyways.” He smiled again.
“What did you do to Kelly?” I wanted to change the subject and I needed to know that Kelly was fine.
“Nothing that she didn't ask for. She'll be fine. You know she's jealous of you right?” He cooed at me.
“What? No she isn't.” I shook my head but kept my smile in place. I wouldn't make a scene here.
“Oh, she is. You walk to your own tune. You shun those that don't and you easily drew Michael to you.” His voice held laughter.
The music stopped and flowed into a new song.
“Thank you for the dance, Dominic, but my date is waiting for me. Welcome to our school.” I pulled away from him and backed into Mike.
He nearly growled as he stared at Dominic with hatred. Dominic merely smiled and bowed to Mike, as if inviting him to do something. Then he walked off with Kelly who had apparently followed the light as well. Mike exhaled a long breath and we swept into another dance- it was fast and helped to relieve some of the tension that had just formed.
By the end of the dance, Mike and I were once again in good spirits. Everything had fallen back into place.
Mike and I rode to my house in the hearse in silence. When we got there, he smiled and gave me a gentle kiss.
“Goodnight, my love, I'll write to you.” He got on his bike and took off.
I went inside and upstairs. I gratefully put on my satin jammies and climbed into bed. Sleep took me instantly. I only hoped for a dream free night- even though I knew I'd definitely have at least one.
Chapter Four
The next days passed easily and I never saw Dominic at school. It was strange how he managed to avoid us. I knew if he was really in town then I would definitely see him on Thanksgiving. All I had to do was wait- I knew Dominic wasn't as patient, he'd show himself.
Mike and I spent the weekend watching old monster movies. I told him about what I thought was wrong with Kelly. He, of course, looked at me as though my brain was oozing out of my ears. I still thought it made sense, especially whil
e we watched the old vampire flicks but I couldn't convince him.
The following week of school was filled with tests. I wanted to kill all the teachers for their evil plotting- unfortunately, I couldn't. I had to pass all my tests to keep my valedictorian position. I know what you're thinking- me, valedictorian? I needed to ensure I'd get out of this town, so I made sure I'd have my ticket to any school that I wanted. The problem was that Mike was giving me a good run for my money. I also knew Mike had intentionally let me get higher grades in some classes. He knew how desperately I wanted out. So, I spent that week taking tests and asking for extra credit to keep my lead on Mike.
After the evil tests and my attempt to do as much extra credit as I could get my hands on- another week flew by. It's scary how fast things are moving. I spent the weekend with Mike again, but this time we were trying to make some sort of plan for Thanksgiving.
“Okay, so we get the day before and the day after- which gives us a five day weekend. Woot!” I laughed.
“Sure put you in a good mood. I know I'll have family over for the days we have off from school. But my weekend should be free,” Mike huffed.
“Well, I've got family coming too. They're supposed to leave Friday. So we are doing something this weekend.” I smiled at Mike.
“Okay. Are you sure you're gonna be okay with that evil Dominic while he's here? Yes, I know he'll be here.” I heard the concern instantly.
“I'm not even gonna ask how you know that. But, yes, I am positive I'll be fine. If anything goes too wonky I'll leave and go to your house.” I batted my lashes at him.
Bella Notte Page 8