Seth's Mess 2- Under Inspection

DAY 2- Under Inspection

I felt strange that morning when I woke because I had acted so light heartedly after I had regained consciousness last night. I hadn't felt very differently toward Seth after the 'attack' and I felt as if I should have. It was a very strenuous situation though and I was too tired to evaluate what had happened.

I slumped out of my bed feeling very tired but oddly enough still a little high. I found my robe and pulled it over my bed shorts and tank top. My outfit was skimpy which often made me cold in the mornings, but today I had gotten up so late that the living room was already warmed by the sun's rays. I grabbed the stereo remote as I strode into the living room and turned on the radio to an upbeat station. I turned it up with no worries. I was still home alone because my mother had worked late at her office and didn't drive when she would get too tired. She happened to be a workaholic which I didn't mind because we had a great relationship and I did enjoy my alone time.

I made my way to my bathroom down the short hall and flicked on the light. Scoping the counter, I grasped my toothbrush and continued with my morning duties. It was strange that I had not looked in the mirror until my hair was up, but somehow I had. When my eyes finally founds it's gaze back on my own face within the glass I cupped my hand over my mouth in a gasp.

My hair, though in a high ponytail, fell onto my shoulders and my white shirt complimented my golden natural highlights. My eyes more blue than ever and I looked over my pale skin to find that it was a shade whiter today. I could only be so sure that that would have been caused by blood loss. I traced my fingers over a dark bruise on my lower cheekbone that followed down to my jaw under my right ear. I wasn't sure on how long wounds like the one on my neck would take to heel, but I was confident that my curiosity was not deadly.

One finger reached under the gauzed flap and pulled gently to remove the medical tape holding my bandage in place. I used both hands now and cautiously uncovered the wound. I was truly surprised that it was still sore and partially not healed. I had always thought vampire wounds healed faster, but hey, good progress was made. I cleaned I again and wrapped it with clean gauze.

I chuckled as I thought about the questions I couldn't wait to ask Seth about the myths from books and movies. When he had first come to me neither of us use the terms 'dead' or 'vampire' because we were skeptical, but we were past that now. I didn't believe him at first, of course, but after showing his strength and fangs I was indefinatly converted.

He was amazing and I found myself thinking about him as I sat in the big blue armchair. It was puffy and catty-corner to our love seat. Both were placed in front of the TV and stereo system. Our couch matched the love seat and faced it positioned opposite to it across the living room.

I pushed the button on the side of the chair and the legs flew out. I thought back to Seth again. Could I really be in love with someone who is undead? I gave myself the excuse that I loved him before he died, but still it seemed wrong. Remembering the night before was so disorienting. I felt a piece of disgust along with passion and relief. I had wanted Seth to kiss me for so long now, but not like that. I couldn't help but still feel dirty after partially enjoying the memory so got up to take a shower.

The water steamed on my arm and I turned the cold water up slightly. I pulled my hair down and brushed it again to get it smooth as possible and then began to undress myself. I ached a little on my thighs up to my lower back from the pressure from Seth's weight and my own struggling. I pulled my tank over my head and then caressed my shorts down my legs. I glanced in the mirror again and noticed very discrete finger marks on my hips and left shoulder where my hair had covered before. Seth had held me down with passion. I looked away releasing me from my trance and shucked out of my underwear and bra. The shower was warm and quick as I only washed my hair and body ignoring other duties.

When I was drying off I heard the phone ring and scrambled out to the kitchen past the living room. “Hello?” My mother told me briefly that she would be on her way home by two and home for dinner tonight. “Love you- bye.” I called out before I hung up. I would have to see Seth after she got home and then we would settle things. I thought about how I would react to him when he woke as I found my way to my bedroom to clothe myself in something more appropriate. It made me shudder.

How could he do that to me when I couldn't even see him? I would never have a picture of us together or even just a recent one of him at all. Not that I could take anyway. He was unforgettable though. Seth had brown short hair that stuck close to his head and screaming green eyes. He was thin but had muscle hidden everywhere; and now he would always be that way.

I retained back to my room after discovering I was still in my towel and picked through my closet finally giving into a pair of jean shorts and a black ribbed tank that read 'Bar Harbor' referring to the town over. The town where Seth was attacked.

Once again I was thinking about the thing that almost killed me last night, and thinking about him longingly. I felt used and strode to the kitchen to grab an apple for breakfast. I wasn't in the mood to cook. I sat in the chair once more and ate in silence.

My day was going to go by slow, I could already tell as I glanced at the clock that read 12:27. I had been up about an hour now and couldn't think of what else to do with my day. Feelings of loneliness picked at me like I had never felt. I was always one to enjoy my alone time, but today was different. My April vacation is going to hell.

Showers began outside as the dark clouds rolled in and out. It was as if the sky couldn't make up it's mind on the weather today. I hoped my mother was having a decent trip back from her work.

I wandered the house aimlessly and found myself yawning. My bed was calling though I had left it less than two hours ago. Man I was drained, literally. Climbing into my bed I listened to the rain and drifted off to sleep again.

My eyes opened again only to find the neon green numbers on my clock first thing; 6:38. I closed my eyes again to just lay in peace for a moment knowing that I was now impervious to sleeps beckoning after all the hours I had wasted escaping the reality I was now brought back into. My ears perked as I heard someone approach my bed.

“How was your trip?” My voice flowed out of me like is was honey while I stretched my arms out once again.

The voice that came back to me was all but welcoming at the moment. “I only went across town and back. Did you miss me that much?” I must have jumped higher than I could on my feet and all Seth could do was smile. His eyes were cold as was the rest of him and he looked at me as if he were reading me like a book.

“You really need to learn to knock, you know?” Of course he didn't think that was necessary and he began to roam my room like it was his own. “Is my mother back yet?” I asked as I rolled over on to my side facing the him with my eyes closed.

I realized vampires are very stealthy creatures as I had noted Seth had acquired very naturally. I also had taken note on the fact that with this new ability he liked to surprise me, which I was getting used to. “You look so peaceful.” He spoke and I could almost feel his hand on my skin.

I had to be proud I didn't jumped as he spoke so close to me, but as I opened my eyes I realized I hadn't known just how little space was between us. I was fine with him where he was except for the fact that I could almost feel his thirst for me. It wasn't that he needed blood but that he almost craved me. “Please don't look at me like that.” The words came out softer than I wanted.

“How would you like me to look at you?”

“What have you done with Seth?” I looked as serious as I could with avoiding his laughter, but I had to admit Seth never would have asked that question a week ago.

“So, I'm guessing my mother isn't here yet.” I spoke with question in my voice because he had never answered the question before and I began to rise from my bed once again.

“I want to meet her.” Seth was just full of surprises.

“Right. You can just stroll in with me some night.” I giggled a little at the thought.

“Well, yeah. I can't quite come to the door and ask her if I could take you out on an afternoon walk now could I?” His voice was playful but he had set off a thought in my mind that hadn't occurred to me earlier in the conversation.

My feet finally found my chilly floor and I stood in front of my closet with my back to Seth. “So, I take it you will be taking me on walks in the moonlight than, right?” I swear if Seth had had blood to pump through his body he would have blushed. “Right?” I had him in a trap formed by his own words and is wasn't going to lose this chance for all I was worth.

“Your mother left a message on the machine that she would be home around eight because of traffic over there.” He smiled and strolled out of my room like what he said wasn't out of the blue.

“Fine.” I said the word profusely under my breath and looked back to my clock. It was 6:47. Looking back into my closet I thought about what Seth had said about meeting my mother and wondered how that would actually go over.

A hand reached over and pushed me gently aside to stand in the exact position I had formally been in. “Hmm...” Seth picked through my closet and finally found what he found adequate for the evening. In his process he had picked out a few numbers of mine which had been for parties and such and given them an eying over. When he had picked out a few others he had to hold them against me before deciding if they were right. My outfit for the night was chosen and lain out on my bed and Seth took a walk to my surprise. The shirt was a long spaghetti strap crumpled tank top with lace that bordered the top. The color was a sea green and the front went down low which accented by chest. He had also chosen a khaki mini shirt; that would have to go because I hadn't shaved my legs in two days. I looked on my top closest shelf to find something that would still be suitable. Eventually I settled on my dark jeans.

As soon as I pulled my pants up over my butt and had them buttoned Seth walked through my door. “What happened to the skirt?” I bit my lip to keep from laughing and looked down. “I liked that skirt.” Seth almost sounded hurt as he took me in.

“I like these fine.” I smiled and felt a blush appear on my cheeks as the blood rushed to my face and I patted the side of the jeans.

Seth looked toward my window covered by the deep blue curtain. One of my closest friends had picked it out because she said it was the same color of my eyes. His eyes darted back to me and stared. I hadn't followed his eyes from the curtain, but I knew the feel of his eyes' obedient gaze.

“The jeans are fine. I just thought that the skirt was very flattering on you, not that the...” He stopped short and rushed to the door and back to me before I could spit a word out. I was amazed at how quietly he had shut the door with such speed and by how fast he moved but I knew what was most important was his reason. It wasn't two minutes before I looked at my clock; only 7:13. My mother shouldn't be home yet so I didn't know what to think.

Seth signaled for me to be quiet as he knelt on my bed to peer out my window. The venetian blinds bent to his liking so that he could see out with more than a sliver of room.

Words came out to me as his lips moved in an ease but I was too scared to make any sense of it. “Kailey, look at me. You need to keep your head for this, okay? This is really important.”

I ignored Seth's advice and push passed his body to look out my window to see the police car for myself. “Why would they come here. You think they are here for you? I don't, it just...”

“Look, I can't tell you anything. You need to answer the door.” He grasped my arms as helped pull me to my feet without effort. I looked at the knob as the first knock struck the door.

“Okay... I'll be back in a minute, once the police get in here you should go so that if they want to search I won't have to worry.”

“I can't leave.” Seth looked so honest and didn't budge as I tried to stare him down. Damn his will power.

I backed away from his arms as another knock came. “Just hide in the woods next to my window or something. They probably won't look around anyways.” Before he could respond I bolted out my door and unlocked the front.

“Good evening Officers.” I could feel a shiver as I looked up to a small but muscular officer in a navy blue uniform and his younger follower. The first cop had 'Bordana' etched into his silver name tag. His hair was short and a very complimentary mahogany brown to his light blue eyes.

He took a step closer to me on my narrow porch and straightened his back. “Ma'am could my partner and I ask you a few questions?”

His voice was smooth enough to get into anyone's house and surprisingly I hesitated. “Come on in and have a seat. Would you like anything to drink?”

“Water?” The younger cop, 'Lewis', responded as Bordana entered saying nothing. Lewis also had dark hair, but his was a pure brown and his eyes were the same. His skin was authentic tan giving a hint of Hispanic background.

“Just a moment.” I smiled as they both took seats on the couch on the far side on the room. 7:28. I hated the thought of my eyes leaving them as I looked into the cupboard for two cups. Casual black mugs suited me fine for this occasion. I turned the cold water handle and patiently waited for the water to chill my finger. Water filled Lewis's cup and I reached into the fridge for juice for myself.

Within my refrigerator, inside my kitchen, that two cop were only feet away from, someone unnamed had placed packaged blood in labeled clear plastic.

“Here you go.” I placed Lewis's cup on a coaster in front of him after digging for juice and pushing back the blood. I would have to hide it outside my window before my mother got back. Luckily it was cold enough outside for that.

Bordana motioned for me to sit and I did so on the gigantic blue chair in the middle of the room. I sat on the edge leaning over my legs and was glad I hadn't been caught for questioning in a shirt.

Bordana waited a moment so he could have a chance to look over the living room. After his inspection of the sound system and counter space in the kitchen he started on me. Lewis was getting anxious and started to fidget with his thick knuckles so Bordana finally reached for his pen and notepad.

“We appreciate your cooperation and have a few questions that we would like for you to answer for us.” His eyes glued to mine after that.

“Can I know what this is in regards to?” He looked a little unprepared for the question, but his expression quickly changed to mad as Lewis began to answer for him.

“Well, it seems that there may be a dangerous gang in the nearby area and we are just checking up on some supposed...” He stopped as he caught his partner's gaze.

“Ma'am could we please get some contact information from you first?”

I looked between the two and settled on an easy 'yes' so that I might not have to be the one to create another encounter. Besides, they were here about the gang, not Seth.

“Full name?”

“Kailey Jae DeLane.”

“Date of birth?”

“February 27, 1990.”

“Occupation?”

“Student.”

Lewis pulled out a form for me to fill out to get information on my mom so that it could be taken easier as Bordana finished with our question and answer session.

After I filled out the paperwork, Bordana gave a strong sigh and moved onto the questions about the gang that has already sprung up rumors in small town Harrington.

“The station has reason to believe that there is a group of dangerous kids roaming the nearby areas and any information that you could give would be extremely helpful. Have you heard about or encountered this group?” Bordana looked board as he looked down at his paper to take notes on me.

My mind wondered as I tried to think of what to say. I didn't want to make up a lie for fear of being caught in it, but I couldn't exactly tell them that my friend had been turned into a vampire by them either. Simplest terms would be the easiest way out of this. “No, nothing.” I had to try not to smile because I was so proud of my thoughtful face. “Nope.”

Bordana leaned forward closing in on my face. “Are you sure?” It was hard to stay looking into his eyes because they were firm and I knew if I let him he could be very persuasive.

I leaned in farther myself to show my strength. “I'm sure. But if I do hear anything I'll be sure to contact you first.” I smiled sweetly as I emphasized 'you'. Lewis finished his drink and then stood to squeeze between Bordana's and my heads to pass through.

“Oh, I'll take that.” No one was getting in my kitchen tonight. I took our cups to the counter next to the sink and blushed thinking about sudden change from self assured to self conscious house keeper. I always knew I could be an actress.

Bordana stood next and walked to the doorway between the living room and kitchen. He held out his hand to me and for a moment I thought he was trying to shake mine. “Here is my card. Be careful and be sure to keep in touch if anything happens.” He found his way to the door as I stood in his spot. “Thank you again, and be sure to stay out of trouble.” He gave a tempting smile and then he and Lewis were gone.

“What the hell was that?” Seth walked straight at me from my bedroom doorway and snatched the card out of my hand before I even heard the car pull out.

I snatched the card back as he lowered his hand after reading and read it myself.

Dameon M. Bordana

2nd Deputy

Maine State Police Department

555-7074

I set the card on the top shelf of my desk and walked into the bathroom. Seth was following as my shadow so I didn't bother to close the door as I splashed my face with cool water.

My eyes opened to face my reflection and I watched as an unseen hand pulled my long hair from my shoulder to reveal my bandaged neck. “Good thing Officer Bordana didn't catch a peek at this beauty.”

I glared into the mirror to where I suspected Seth's eyes to be. “Sorry about the blood. It's gone.” I could see the gauze being pulled gently off and felt close to nothing. No cold fingers on my skin, no separation from the tape.

“How does it feel?”

“How does it look?” I knew my response was cold but it felt called for at the time.

Seth turned my head slightly so that I could see the puncture wounds in the mirror. They were healing quickly, but I would still have to hide it from my mother for a few more days. It looked as if I had been punched twice in the neck and the actual holes were red, small, and glossy.

“Looks better than it feels.” I finally admitted to the pain though it felt more like a burn than anything.

Seth left me in the bathroom and I bandaged myself once again. I let my golden shades fall onto my arms again to help keep my secret safe and retreated to collapse on my bed.

Seth sat in my computer chair and looked down at me until I opened my eyes. I had always wished I knew when he was watching me at school, but now feeling his gaze on me just felt ridiculous. It was like he was sending me mental telegrams to pay him more attention. “Yes?”

“Does it burn?” His voice was soft, almost a whisper. More like how it used to sound. It had a richness to it though, like his words were more important to him now than they ever were.

I looked him over again. He was different, I just couldn't figure out how. “Yes. Is that what you felt?”

“No.” I sat up and faced him directly now though I was lower sitting on my bed. “I can feel it though. Like my wounds were still here.” Seth reached up then to touch his neck where he had been bitten himself. “It started last night, after I left.”

I got to my feet and inspected the scars myself with the lightest touch of my finger tips. “You healed faster than me.”

“I was turned, you weren't.” He looked back to where I had been sitting and spoke as if it his words would be used for a magazine or newspaper article. “My body instantly began to change after I was bitten, but you...” He looked up at me with genuine puppy dog eyes and hugged my body. It startled me at first, his arms around my natural waist, his face pressed against my chest.

I could hear him mumble words of sorrow for me and felt his tears through my shirt. I was so confused on how to comfort this thing weeping for me and such wrong doings that I had provoked.

Seth looked up at me for a moment and his real face shown out to me so vibrantly. All I could see was the Seth I had fallen in love with; the one who was confident and strong but hid it all away behind a shield of shyness.

My mouth moved and all control of what came out was lost to me. I could only watch his eyes grow cold and sink back into his head as he interpreted my words before I could. “I love you.” How could such small words be so damaging? I had whispered them with such precise annunciation and care in a moment that seemed in such perfect timing. Seth's face read all wrong though.

He pulled away and stood facing me. He looked to the window and gave a slight smile. “I'll be back later.” I didn't bother to say anything because I had nothing to say in response. Seth closed the window with my back to it as my mother knocked on the door. 8:09.

“How was your trip?” My mom stepped in as it began to sprinkle again outside. She was a little damp herself and changed first thing.

She stepped out of her room fresh and gave a great hug and kiss to me. At least I could make someone happy. “I missed you.” My mom sat on the tiny love seat and I sat sideways in the blue chair to listen to her tell me all about her work. She's a natural criminalogist and works on a Crime Scene Investgation team for central and northeastern Maine. Not too much happens too close though. At least not yet. I hope she doesn't find herself wrapped up in the knew trouble thats recently arisen.

We ate a quick soup and grilled cheese dinner and then scurried to bed. I tried to sleep, but was restless from the days activities. I hadn't told my mother about the police, or anything else that had happened in the few days that she had been away and so much had changed for me.

I drifted into a half conscious state and could only hear my surroundings. I could make out the drip of water from the filter in my fish tank on the dresser at the end of my bed, but could see nothing. A breeze grazed my face and a shiver over came my body. I wasn't alone.

A chill hand removed a stray section of hair from my face and smoothed it into the rest. My eyelids reluctantly pulled back and blackness remained, but I knew he could see me looking for him in the darkness surrounding us.

“How was her trip?” Seth sat along side my bed as I propped up to retell the story. It was only part way through when I could finally see his face starring into mine.

I continued to whisper but soon found myself off topic. “What are we doing?”

Seth stirred as he comprehended the question. “We are socializing.” True to an extant.

“Where are you even staying?” My whisper was beginning to strain. “We need to figure out what to do with you.”

“I'm all set, don't worry. I know what I'm doing.”

“What the hell do you think I am? Your side kick or something? I'm in this too.” Seth moved into my face because he knew I would kill him myself if he got loud while my mother was home.

“Look, I don't need to bring...”

My hand went up to motion for him to stop faster than he knew I could move. “Don't you dare finish that sentence. I'm am in this whether you like it or not. You need me.”

Seth grasped my wrist only tight enough to make me stand down. “I can handle this myself. I've gotten this far haven't I?”

I felt a surge of rage and my eyes begin to water all at once. “Did you forget last night? Or all the others?” My voice cracked and Seth placed his hand on my mouth for a quick moment. He scooped me out of my bed and took me to the back bedroom of the house. As soon as he let my feet reach the ground he pushed his body onto mine to brace me against the wall.

Moonlight shown into this room more directly then mine and I could easily make out the few objects in it. It was a spare so the walls were bare and all it consisted of was a twin bed, floor lamp, and a box of toys for my young family members.

“I didn't forget a damn thing.” Seth reminded me that he was there and continued on. “I could never forget what I did to you and you know that. Don't you dare even try to play that card on me.” Seth leaned into my face and put more pressure on my chest using his own. “I swear if I could go back I never would have brought you into this.” I began to tear again and turned my head. “Look at me.” He kept a monotone level in his voice.

“Seth, it's been hard. I know, but I don't regret you coming to me. I'm just confused, I don't understand any of this.” Hands began to climb up my arms onto my shoulders and then rested on my neck. They wrapped around me gently and turned my head to face Seth using pressure on my jaw line.

He stared at me for a moment and then looked out the window to my left as he spoke. “I know that you... want to help me. You've done so much already.” Seth pressed his body closer again and lowered his head. “I don't want to see you get hurt.”

My eyes shot out a ray of disgust at him. “I'll be fine. I'll stay out of trouble.”

Seth sighed and then wrapped his arms around me in a hug that screamed 'goodbye.' “Trouble's going to follow me whether I want it or not, and no matter how hard it is for you to believe it, I care about you and don't want to be the death of you.” He backed away and a cool rush of air swept over my now uncovered body. A chill went up my spine as I took a step forward letting the night air surround me. I could feel goosebumps on my arms and legs as Seth turned away. I followed him back into my room and caught his hand as he began to open my window.

“I love you.” The words came again, this time with more purpose. I waited for a moment in silence for his response and finally fell back. My eyes closed and a stream of tears came down on each cheek but I was reluctant to make any noise. My hand released Seth's and I took a step back to find myself leaning back on a solid surface. Seth pulled his arms around me tightly as I began to weep. His constrictive grip loosened and I was spun to face him.

Seth's hand reached up to my face to wipe away the tears, but not the pain. “I know.” He whispered almost angrily to both me and himself. “But I, I've already hurt you and I'll do it again and...”

“No, you don't know that. Why would you of all people hurt me?”

“Because I want to.” I shook listening as he began to grip me tighter and tear himself. “You don't understand at all. I can't believe how hard it is to, control myself. I just, all I want is to bite you again. I can't live like that. I can't even imagine if I were to relax or let go. I don't even know what I would do.” Seth let go of me and sat on the floor with his back against the wall. “I don't know how to go on without losing it.”

I was still wide eyed and felt shaky. “Have you tried drinking more blood?” Seth's eyes burned a glare at me. “You know, to satisfy your thirst.” My voice was hollow as I spoke and the conversation became increasingly fragile.

Seth stood and glided toward me slowly. It felt so wrong for him to be scaring me as he was. “I can hear your heart.” Well, that didn't help. “I know you're scared. Try to relax.” His eyes closed and hands scaled me once again. He placed a hand over my heart and I tried to listen to his advice. I closed my eyes and breathed deep to calm myself. Seth sighed as deeply as me and placed his other hand on my upper back. He held me in place and told me to open my eyes. I did so slowly.

The figure I saw was Seth, but he had lost all sign of anything human left in him. I looked away for a moment and Seth called me. “Kailey.” My gaze found his and locked instantly. I couldn't believe what I was watching.

Seth's eyes began to narrow and lightened, almost to a glow. His back straightened and his arms became more rigid, pronouncing his muscle. I looked him over and a subtle movement caught my eye. Very slowly Seth's fangs shown more and more as I watched, and when they were fully out he smiled.

“You see how easy it is? I can become this so quickly.” I only stood in awe. I had never seen his full transformation and only his fangs once before. It was all different though. Before he hadn't let me see anything in action and he was so shy about it. Now he was doing it in spite of it all and wanted me to see it all as he saw it; but I didn't.

“Seth.” I reached up his arm softly and found his face. He tried to pull back but I was persistent and let my fingers set on his cheekbone. He closed his eyes and moved back into me. “I'm not letting you leave me.” My words were soft and drifted as my lips glided over his in a short kiss. Seth continued in kissing me and then jumped back.

He leaned against the wall behind him and sighed. “Not until I can control myself.” He shot me a short smile before exiting my room.

I couldn't think straight after that. I wanted to stay awake, I wanted to ponder on so much, the way Seth had changed and yet stayed the same. He had the same features that screamed out to me and the same red-ish hair color, the style cut so that his hair flared off from his head when it reached out passed his forehead, but everything seemed so much more vibrant and pronounced. I wanted to think about the way he kissed me back. It was different from the time before. He kissed me with love instead of lust, more gentle and yet so much stronger in meaning. I tried to think about these things all night, but sleep overcame me.