Intricately Intertwined (9)

I opened my eyes when I felt a light breeze hit my face, a familiar smell filling my senses. I knew where I was and I smiled. This was my sanctuary every night for the past 18 years.1

I looked out into the grassy fields and saw nothing but bright blue skies for as far as the eye can see. The sun warmed my skin, yet underneath me felt like cold stone. I looked over my shoulder and gazed up into the eyes of my love. My soul mate. He had said once that our souls were intertwined and could never be torn apart. We were one.2

He smiled to show a row of perfectly straight teeth and I did the same. His arms were wrapped firmly around my waist, his fingers interlaced with mine in my lap. My shape molded perfectly with his. His body felt like stone, yet I felt more comfortable in his arms than anywhere else. The chill from his skin didn't bother me anymore and instead I welcomed it.3

"So what do you think of everything now that you know? Do you think different of me?" he asked, his voice a perfect symphony to my ears.4

I took my time to think, and I felt safe in my own thoughts. He could not read my mind as he could outside of my dreams. He was already completely in my mind and could not go far enough to read my thoughts in my dreams. Although it drives him crazy. He can't stand to not know what I'm thinking.5

"Yes, I do think different of you." I said finally and his expression dropped and his eyes seemed wary. But I smiled still. "In a good way though. It explains everything and it feels good to finally be told the truth. How could I not when I find out my boyfriend is a vampire?"6

He twisted me in his arms so he could look fully into my face. His hand cupped my cheek and he kissed my forehead in one swift movement. The speed at which he moves was always like this. He twirled a strand of my hair between his fingers and gave charming smile.7

"What exactly does me being your boyfriend mean?" he asked, his face completely sincere.8

I smiled wide, finding his lack of new age vocabulary funny. "It means I own you. Your duty is to take me out for pizza at a crappy little diner and buy me cheap gifts that come from the heart."9

He sighed with a soft smile and I snickered. "Don't make fun of me Anna. I can't keep up with the world these days."10

"Okay, okay. I guess it means…we're together, as a couple. We love each other and are always there for the other." How was I suppose to know what the word meant? I didn't make it up.11

He brushed the back of his fingers against my cheek and his thumb traced my lips. "Then you can hardly call me your boyfriend. We both know I am much, much more than that. I live for you."12

I noticed he said he lived for me, not that he'd die for me. Ha, he's already dead.13

"What should I call you then?" I asked.14

"I wish you'd call me your husband." He said casually, his hand cupping my face once more.15

I rolled my eyes. "You'd like that, wouldn't you?"16

He laughed. "Yes, I would."17

"Did you marry me sometime when I was unconscious?" I asked.18

He scoffed, rolled his eyes. "I don’t need a priest to tell me that you’re my wife. To know that I'm going to spend the rest of eternity with you."19

His hand slid down my neck and I shivered from the chill. But I quickly shook it off and he smiled. He didn't miss a beat.20

I held out my hand defiantly. "Fine. I want my ring."21

He looked down at my hand then back up into my eyes. "And you don't need a ring to prove that I'm your husband." He countered.22

"Ha! So says you!" I held out my hand and curled my fingers in a gimme way. "My ring Mr."23

He sighed. "If it will make you happy, I'll buy you one."24

"A nice one! Not one form the Bubble Gum Machine." I said, but then suddenly remembering he probably has no idea what I'm talking about.25

"Alright sweetheart." He said softly turning me around again so he could cradle me in his chest. "Whatever you want."26

I sighed, happily content. "I kinda like this whole idea. Hi I'm Anna and this is my smoking hot, never aging husband, Gavin." I laughed as I looked down out our interlaced fingers and imagined a ring on my finger. But suddenly I thought of my hand as old and wrinkling interlaced with his. Ew, I was gonna get old, but he wasn't.27

"Gavin?" I asked.28

"Yes?" He leaned his head down so his cheek touched mine and he nuzzled against me.29

"What happens when I get old?"30

"You won't." He said simply.31

"How?"32

I felt him take a deep breath and he held me closer. "In my world, when our humans turn eighteen their to be changed. Changed to be like us." He said slowly.33

Changed…Woah!34

"You want to change me into a vampire!" I half yelled.35

"Well…yes. Don't you want to stay with me forever?" He asked, his voice wary.36

"Of course I do. But do I have to be a vampire to do that?" I wish I could see his eyes. Did I hurt him?37

"It's the only way. But I guess if you don't want to…be like me, then I suppose I'll-"38

"No, it's just, when does this have to happen? When I turn eighteen?" I interrupted.39

"It can be done whenever your ready Anna. There's no rush. It would just be…much easier for me if you were…like me. There would be no urge to feed when I get close to you." He explained softly. I had never heard him at lose for words before.40

"I guess that makes sense. Is it hard to be around me? I mean you don't wanna, like, bite me do you?" So boyfriend wants to eat me, how nice. Ugh, boyfriend is much better than saying husband. Husband is to formal for my taste.41

He turned my head so I could look into my eyes. "Have I ever tried to harm you?" I shook my head and he smiled. "I'm so in tune with your scent that it doesn't affect me. But sometimes getting close is to close."42

His face was barely and inch from mine and he smiled down at my lips. I felt my heart beat faster and my breathing stop.43

He's never kissed me before.44

I could smell his breath and it made my head spin from being so close. So cold and sweet. His hand was cupping my face and I felt his thumb trace my lips. He looked back up into my eyes and they were bright. Almost glowing.45

"Do you know what I mean?" he whispered.46

I tried to shake my head. On the contrary I was enjoying the closeness very much so. But my neck wouldn't work and his hand held my face still, so instead I stayed still.47

Then all to soon he let his hand fall and back his head away from mine. "Breath Anna."48

Oh yeah, forgot how to for a second. Air entered my lungs and filled them with relief. I'm a total retard. Great, he probably just changed his mind about wanting to stay with me forever. Way to go Anna. One point for you, none for the rest of the world.49

He smiled and it made it all the more worse. God, what was wrong with me. I don't gush over Gavin. He's just there.50

"Your blushing." His finger touched my cheek and his smile widened. "It's nice."51

I pushed away his hand and folded my arms across my chest and faced out to the field so he couldn't see my face. But he laughed and leaned his head down to nuzzle his cheek with mine again.52

"Your no fair, you know. You shouldn't be allowed to do that." I huffed.53

"Do what?" He asked, his lips finding their way to my neck.54

"That. It's not fair." I tried to keep my voice strong and confident, but his kisses where hard to ignore.55

"I'm not doing anything." He mumbled, his mouth to preoccupied with my neck.56

"Yes you are. You want to kiss me, I know you do. I just don't understand why you won't." I sighed. He was to persuasive!57

But he stopped and sighed himself. "Because it would be hard for me. Anna you have no idea how breakable humans are compared to my kind. If I kissed you I might get caught up in the moment and crush you when I'm trying to pull you closer to me. It's just to much of a risk. After I change you, we can do anything you want." He murmured the last part and I smiled.58

"Don't think I didn't catch that."59

He laughed in my ear and I felt his teeth graze my earlobe. "I know." He breathed. I instinctively leaned into his touch and he kissed my neck again. "I love you."60

I smiled softly. "I love you too." But then I laughed. "So anything I want or anything you want?"61

He chuckled. "Both. Hopefully we want the same thing."62

"Am I being peer pressured here?"63

"No pressure. I can wait as long as you need. Being 372 plus 22 human years gives you patience. I think I can handle it." He said smoothly.64

"Don't hold your breath." I added.65

"Easy. I don't have ot breath if I don't wnat too. Everything is centered around my brain. Instead of working on oxygen is works on censors in my blood, as do my muscles. The censors are charged by when we move. Kind of like static electricity. So it's more of a habit really. Kind of uncomfortable to not smell anything."66

I huffed. "You have an answer for everything." But then question I had forgot to ask popped in my head. "Gavin, how do our bloodlines connect? You never said how."67

"You might get grossed out."68

"Tell me." I said, rolling my eyes, even though he couldn't see.69

"Well, around forty or so years ago I met your great grandma, Louise. I had just moved here from England so I didn't know Eleanor's laws. I was looking for a…meal and saw her on the street. She smelt…different. Stronger. I couldn't help myself and lured her in on instinct. We're persuasive creatures. Humans would do anything we ask them too. Of course I didn't kill her and left her to sleep on a park bench. After a couple days I was compelled to see her again. She was so different. I found her and she didn't remember me, but we talked and we stayed friends for a long time. Just friends. Then she met a man and had your mother, Jeanette. When I joined Eleanor's coven, she explained how finding our mates works and told me somewhere along the line you would be born. Then your mother had you and I just knew. You were the one and I could sense it. I was in your dreams the very first night you were born and every night since."70

I took a minute to take that all in and looked over my shoulder at him. "Did you and my mother get along?"71

He eyes were sad. "She a had bit of an…infatuation with me. But I simply told her that I wasn't for her. That she would find love another day and move on from me. I guess at times she still gives me guilt about not choosing her, but she understands and she's happy with your father. She's happy that you at least have me."72

"She loved you, didn't she?" I asked. That was the look in her eye. That sad look she had whenever Gavin was around.73

"Yes, if you could even call it that."74

I sighed. How nice. I stole my moms first love. I win the Best Daughter Award this year.75

"Don't worry about. She's over it." He kissed my cheek and the sky began to darken. "Time to wake up."76

I nodded then closed my eyes. A moment passed before I felt my bed underneath me and a bright light assaulting my eyelids.77

I was back in my room and it was morning. I hated when my dreams ended.78

But this morning was different. Because next to me, starring into my eyes, was the very person I shared my dream with. He smiled and so did I.79

"Good morning." He said cheerfully.80

"Good morning." My voice was groggy as I stretched my arms over my head.81

"Gabby's already downstairs waiting for you with Todd and Caleb. ..and your father is here." He warned me.82

"Ugh." I cuddled into his chest and he wrapped his arm around me, settling his head on mine. "I don't want to face him. He'll act all funny around me. Can't I talk to him later?"83

Gavin kissed my hair. "Sure sweetheart."84

I sighed, loving how he could make everything go away if I asked him too.85

"Todd was in Gabby's dream last night." He said casually.86

I raised my eyebrows to myself. Wonder what happened. Wonder how Gavin knows already.87

"I can hear their thoughts downstairs. And she took it well. He filled in all her questions and told her about their bloodline. She's taking all of this rather well for being shoved into it."88

I sighed, he could read my thoughts again.89

"I wish I could turn it off for you. I know how much it bugs you." He said, sorrow in his voice.90

"No. I like it this way. Sometimes I just wish you'd let me say it before you answer." I reached up and kissed his neck and he moved his head so our noses touched. He smiled and gave me an Eskimo Kiss.91

"Is that the only kind of kiss I get this morning?" I asked, sounding hopeful.92

He sighed. "Anna please. Don't tempt me more than you already have. It's not easy having so much self control you know. It's not fun either when I have to tell you no."93

"Then tell me yes." I looked down at his perfectly shaped lips and bit my own. But he moved his head up and kissed my forehead.94

"Not today."95

"Are you implying that it could be some time soon?"96

"Maybe."97

…..98

I got dressed and rushed out the door before my mom even had a chance to say anything, nonetheless my dad. I waited out side with Gabby, Todd, and Caleb while Gavin explained why I didn't wanna speak to them. He was my hero today.99

Gabby and Todd were standing oddly close together and whispering things. Sometimes they would just stare into each others eyes and I knew they were speaking in their heads. Their fingers would intertwine at their sides and Gabby would smile bashfully when she looked into my eyes. They were…in love.100

I heard fake puking sounds and looked over to see Caleb pretending to gag. I laughed and he looked up at me with a smirk.101

"Hey, shut the hell up before I beat you with a stick." Todd said to him.102

Caleb laughed. "Bring it vamp. You know I'd kick your ass."103

Todd stepped away from Gabby and up to Caleb. "Wanna run that by me again pup?"104

"You heard me." He said, pushing Todd in the shoulder.105

"Push me again and you'll be running with three legs dog."106

"I'd like to see you try bloodsucker."107

I stepped in between them. "Alright, how about both of you shut up?"108

They smiled and did the guy handshake.109

"Chill it Anna, we're just playin'." Todd said.110

I slapped him in the arm. "Jerk. I thought you two were gonna pull each other apart on my front lawn."111

"Get a grip Ann." Caleb rolled his eyes.112

Just then Gavin walked out of the house and came straight to my side, snaking his arm around my waist.113

"Ready to go?" he asked.114

"Where are we going?" I looked up at him and he smiled.115

"We thought we'd take you to meet Eleanor."116

Okay, this wasn't nerve-racking at all. Meeting the one person who created their way of living. No, this was totally fine. Now excuse me while I go scream…117

Gavin laughed. "You'll be fine."118

He started leading me to the car but then stopped abruptly, sniffing the air. He whipped his head around to Todd and I saw him sniffing the air as well.119

"You smell that?" Gavin asked.120

"Nolan." Todd said, grinding his teeth together.121

"Should we take care of him now?"122

"Abso-fuckin-lutely."123

Gavin sighed. "Alright. Caleb you stay with the girls."124

"Aw! I wanna go! I always miss out on the action!" Caleb complained.125

"Poor puppy." Todd smirked and Caleb looked at Gavin pleadingly.126

"Please."127

"Not this time. Your to young." He looked down at me ad kissed my forehead briskly. "I'll be back soon."128

He let go of me and Todd looked at Gabby. "So you cool with this?" he asked.129

She smiled and put out her fist for him to punch. He smiled brightly and did so. "Good look dude."130

I rolled my eyes and Gavin gave me one last look….then they were gone. In a flash. I looked over to Caleb with confusion.131

"Super speed." He said, like it was obvious.132

I shrugged my shoulders and started walking down the sidewalk in the opposite direction. "Let's walk."133

Gab and Caleb followed and Gabby started humming. For some reason her humming always made me feel comfortable. It was an Anna-Gabby thing.134

"So you like being a werewolf?" I asked Caleb.135

He smiled and looked down at me. "It's the best thing ever."136

I laughed and nudged Gabby in the ribs. She looked up with a high pitched hmm?137

"You and Todd."138

She rolled her eyes. "I hate you."139

"You two are so cute together."140

"Me and your mom are cute together." She countered.141

"He was in your dream last night."142

Her face flushed pink but she pursed her lips and starred forward. "Butthead."143

I laughed. She wasn't gonna tell me what happened.144

Suddenly Caleb's arm flew out in front of me and I stopped. He lifted his head up and sniffed just like yesterday.145

"What is it?" I asked, worried.146

"Hold on." He said, looking like he was concentrating. Then he pulled me and Gabby behind him, standing up straight and puffing out his massive chest. His legs were spread and his arms were tense at his sides, his eyes darting everywhere.147

"Caleb what's going on?" I asked.148

He shushed me and his fist clenched at his sides. A sudden breeze blew my hair and there in front of Caleb stood a dark haired man. He was pale with blue eyes. Ice blue. He was shorter than Caleb and, God! why was everyone beautiful?!149

He looked at me and winked. "Thanks doll."150

Caleb growled in response and tensed, shoving me and Gabby behind him further. "Your on the wrong side."151

The man smiled. "Control yourself dog, no morphing in public."152

Caleb growled even louder and it sounded like a lion. He was much more terrifying then I gave him credit for.153

"Get back on your side. Your not welcome here." He said through clenched teeth.154

He looked past him at me and Gabby. "Just dropping by for lunch."155

I looked down at Caleb's hands and couldn't believe my eyes as I watched then form slowly into paws. Giant dark brown paws.156

"Caleb, your hands." I said, afraid something bad was about to happen.157

He looked down at his hands and shook them so fast I couldn't see, but when he stopped they were back to normal again. Freaky werewolf.158

Then suddenly the dark haired vampire was on the ground holding his head with a girl standing over him. She looked up at us.159

"Problem here?" she asked Caleb.160

"This is Eleanor's territory." He growled.161

"I think I'm aware of that. I'm was assigned to border control." She said, crossing her arms across her chest, he short red hair framing her face. This chick had a tude.162

Caleb relaxed a little and looked at the vampire who was now standing and off the ground. "Take your vampire and get back on your turf."163

She scoffed. "He's not my bloodsucker. I was assigned to watch these two."164

"Two?"165

"Nolan and Leroy here." She said, her green eyes narrowing, sizing up Caleb. Who was she again?166

Caleb's eyes whipped to the vampire, who's name was supposedly Leroy. "Your with Nolan? What's he doing here? He was chased out of this place yesterday."167

He shrugged. "We were hunting and he said he smelt something good. I was hungry and the lines not to far from here. I thought I could grab one and bring it back over. Nolan went off to find whatever it is he was trying to find." Leroy said. "I don’t know what he's doing."168

Caleb looked back at the girl and she raised her eyebrows at him. They seemed to be well…sniffing each other out.169

He smiled. "You’re a pureblood. You affiliated with Dmitri's pack? You smell like them."170

She seemed to loosen up. "Yeah, and your Malakai's kid aren't you?"171

"Yeah. How'd you know?"172

"We met with your pack once. It's not hard to recognize Malakai's son."173

Caleb smiled wider. "So what's your name?"174

"Sabrina." She said her eyes flicking to me and Gabby.175

"Who's are these?" she asked.176

"Oh, uh, Gavin and Todd's mates."177

Her eyebrows raised at Gavin's name, but then the look was gone as quick as it came.178

"I have to get him back to Reedrek. Business you know." She looked at Leroy and took him by the back of his jacket. He tried to shove her off, but she was lithe in her movement and neatly dodged his punch. "Do you know my rank, dumb ass? Reedrek's going to kill you when he finds out you crossed again. I suggest not pissing me off before I do it for him."179

I liked this girl. She was feisty. Caliente! 180

Caleb seemed impressed but quickly cleared his throat. "Sure. Just make sure they don't cross the line again. Next time we won't be so lenient."181

She gave a nod of her head and actually smiled. "See you around then?"182

Caleb nodded. "Yeah."183

Then they were gone. Just like Gavin and Todd they disappeared before I could blink. I looked up at Caleb and he was smiling. I smiled back at him.184

"What?'" He asked.185

"I think you like her." I said.186

"You want to kiss her." Gabby added, joining in the fun of embarrassing Caleb!187

"You want to marry her!" We sang in unison. We laughed and high five each other. Caleb just starred at us.188

"Did I ever tell you I hate you guys?" he said, walking away.189

"We love you though!" I said, jumping up on his back. "Giddy up!"190

He laughed and went ahead and gave me Piggyback Ride. Yay for my awesome persuasive skills. Gavin is no match for the Mighty Anna! Buahahaha…191

I laid my head on his shoulder and wrapped my arms around his neck. "You think the boys are okay?"192

"Sure they are. No ones a match for Gavin. Trust me." Caleb reassured.193

"They won't hurt Nolan will they?" I asked. the boy seemed nice enough to me. I don't know what everyone's problem with him was. I felt connected to him somehow. Always feeling things when I shouldn't be. Didn't Gavin say he was gonna break that connection?194

.:Todd's POV:.195

We ran straight to the scent, my legs moving as fast as I could pump them. Gavin was right beside me and we stopped short when Nolan's scent got stronger. He was running this way.196

We waited a second or two before Nolan was standing in front of us, smiling. God, what I would give to punch him in his stupid face.197

"Funny running into you two." He said.198

And dude! His accent was so annoying. Stupid, stupid British people.199

"What are you doing here, Nolan? You know your not welcome in Eleanor's territory." Gavin said in a bored tone.200

"I am if you say so daddy." He countered, that stupid smirk still on his face.201

"You chose your fate when you came from England and joined up with Reedrek."202

"Yeah, yeah." He said with a wave of his hand.203

My fist clenched at my side and I prepared to attack. But I felt Gavin's hand on my shoulder and I looked over at him.204

"Come on." I pleaded. "Just this once."205

"Let him. It'd be interesting to see who walked away, wouldn't it Todd?" Nolan sneered and my teeth clenched at the sound of my name spoken in his stupid accent.206

"No one is fighting." Gavin said sternly.207

I shook his hand roughly from my shoulder and he abided. I starred at Nolan and watched him smirk at me. My eyes narrowed and I felt my teeth extend.208

"Go home Nolan. Before I make you." Gavin threatened.209

Nolan looked over to Gavin and his smirk faded. "I'm here for a reason." He said sullenly. "Anna."210

Gavin snarled and barred his already extended teeth.211

Nolan looked down at his hands laced in front of him. "She's calling to me you know. I can't just ignore it. I…need her."212

Gavin snarled louder this time and stepped toward him. "You will not touch her."213

"All I'm asking is for a…taste."214

Gavin had him around the throat before he even finished his sentence. "Don't make me kill you Nolan. I don’t want to, but I will if you go near Anna. She's mine."215

"Gavin. Please. It's killing me. Just at least make it stop. Please." He begged.216

"Break your ties from her and it will be easier for you, you twit." Gavin let go of his throat and took a defensive posture, hands clenched at his sides. "Other than you have to deal with it until I change her."217

"Then change her dammit! Don't put me through this torture!"218

"She's not ready yet. Now break your ties with her. Your making her uncomfortable."219

Nolan huffed, his hands clenching as well. They wore the same expression on their face. Like father, like son.220

"Fine." His fist unclenched and he folded them across his chest, his face back to normal. "But I'll have you know that she's quite fond of me. As if you hadn't found that out for yourself."221

"You should have never left my side Nolan." Gavin said in a disapproving tone. "Things would be better for you now."222

Nolan's eyes narrowed. "I'm doing just fine, thank you. Now if you'll excuse me I have lunch to catch."223

"On your side."224

"Yes daddy dearest." He said, and then he was gone.225

I released the breath I had been holding and looked over at Gavin. His finger and thumb were pinching the bridge of his nose. Uptight, I'd say.226

"I don't believe anyone is threatening the love of your life either." He looked up at me. "Let's get back to the girls."227

And with that we were off. Practically flying with speed. The closer we got, the louder I could hear Gabby's thoughts. I chuckled to myself as she made fun of Caleb in her head. She was something.228

We stopped in front of them and I skidded to a halt almost running into her. I laughed and steadied her so she would fall. She slapped my hands away, calling me names in her head and saying I was a pervert for touching her.229

I watched as Gavin suction-cupped himself to Anna's side, like usual. Pansy.230

"What happened?" Anna asked.231

Gavin began to explain and I sighed, looking over at Gabby. She was looking up in the sky. I looked up as well and saw a butterfly. Ha, well look at that. A butterfly.232

I watched it go 'round and 'round, wondering if I could read it's mind if I tried really hard. I bet I could. I squinted my eyes and focused on the little butterfly. I huffed when it didn't work and tried again.233

Nothing.234

Stupid butterfly. I bet it's just to dumb.235

"Todd!"236

"Huh?" I looked at the little group of people around me and settled on Gavin because he called my name. "What?"237

"Do you never pay attention?" He sighed.238

"Excuse me for not wanting to listen to your droning voice."239

Keep it up Todd. 240

Shouldn't you be in Anna's head right now?241

Next time you are not coming with me. 242

Yeah, yeah. Whatever.243

I stuck my tongue out at him and he rolled his eyes. I smiled and looked down at Gabby and she smiled back at me.244

Those are some pretty good contacts, she thought.245

I laughed. She still didn't believe us for what we were. I showed her everything I could do in her dream last night. But when she woke up, she dismissed it off as a dream. Nothing more. So of course I could do all that in a dream. She didn't believe I could do it all for real. I'll just have to show her.246

Oh crap! He's probably reading my thoughts right now! Todd if you can hear me, stay out of my head! Or I'll go ninja on your ass!247

I laughed again and nodded my head. She narrowed her eyes and turned her back on me, putting her arms over her head.248

She was so…different and I loved that. She was made for me all the way. I think she believes me, but she's just being stubborn and trying to tell herself that I'm just some psycho with purple contacts. But she…loves me. In her own way. She knows we were made for each other deep down.249

I shifted my weight on my feet and rocked back on my heels. What are we doing standing here? Oh yeah, Anna and Gavin had to have their lovey-dovey moment.250

I starred at the tree in Anna's front yard and closed one eye curiously. Then opened it and closed the other. I chuckled to myself as the tree switched angles.251

Camera one. Camera two. Camera one. Camera two. Camera three….252

My hand hit Gavin's at my attempt at camera three and he jumped and moved away from me.253

"Will you please control yourself for more than two seconds." He snarled.254

I looked over at him and gave him a wide eyed innocent look. "I wasn't trying to hold your hand, if that's what you think."255

"Sure, sure…Sunshine." He murmured.256

My face twisted in shock and horror.257

You promised you'd never bring that up again!258

Then behave yourself for once.259

Don't ever call me that again…260

"Sunshine?" Gabby asked next to me.261

I looked down at her, my head in panic. "Yeah…the sun. It was in his eyes." I shielded my eyes from the non-existent sun. "Ah, the sun…" I said in fake panic.262

She looked up in the sky, searching for my ball of burning fire. Then she looked back at me. "Have you taken your meds today?"263

I smiled a big toothy grin at her and put my arm around her neck. "We both know the real problem here."264

"Oh yeah?"265

"Yes. Your in denial, Gab."266

"Of what." She snorted. "How incredibly feminine you are?"267

"It's just a body splash for Christ sake! I like to smell flowery fresh too…"268

Awkward silence.269

"Anyways, your in denial of how much you actually like me. I mean how could you not? With my striking good looks and charming personality, I understand. It's okay to drool over me, it's totally acceptable."270

She took my arm from around her shoulders and looked up at me. "Maybe a nice padded room and one of those jackets that make you hug yourself, eh? That'd be nice, right?"271

I rolled my eyes and flipped my bleach blonde hair from my eyes, blowing on a piece out of the way so it wasn't tickling my eyelashes anymore. If I wasn't fast enough I wouldn't have seen the expression on her face. It was total drool pose. But in her head she was hiding her thoughts by singing the ABC's. Sneaky bugger.272

"Todd!" Gavin yelled. Again. Can't he ever get on someone else's case?273

"What?" I said, annoyed.274

"Your driving. Let's go."275

I smiled cheerfully again and bounced my way to the drivers side and getting in. I started the car and my music blared to life.276

"Oops , I did it again!" I yelled, singing along with the amazing Britney spears. Me and Gab were jamming to the oldies but goodies on the way here. Britney's a beast yo. You know, shaving your head takes some balls.277

"I played with your heart! Got lost in the game! Ooh baby, baby!" I yelled, getting into it. Doing a dance with the steering wheel and bouncing up and down.278

"Todd!"279

There he goes again. Always raining on my parade.