Chapter 58 “Love Stinks – Love Hurts”

Sakura noticed Greg and Samantha had been hanging out more often during school. Evee joined Sakura after first period and walked down the hallway. Samantha and Greg were walking down the hall together, talking about something.

Sakura put her things into her locker and watched them carefully while Evee chatter about her day and about Greg’s friend whom was “so cute”. Samantha was behind Greg with her things in one hand and Greg was putting up his. Just then, Greg closed his locker and grabbed Samantha’s hand and they both walked down to Samantha’s locker. Sakura’s eyes widened, confused. She started breathing faster; things flew through her mind.

“Why did they hold hands? Why are they hanging out more often? Why is Greg ignoring me?” Sakura’s mind raced. She stuck her head inside the locker and stared at the wall.

“What’s wrong, Sakky?” Evee asked.

“I-I don’t know. Something strange is going on.” Sakura replied.

“Like what?” Evee closed her locker.

“I saw Greg and Samantha hold hands and walk away.” Sakura fanned herself. “Please tell me this is not happening. Please tell me that it’s not what I think it is.”

Evee saw them walking down the hall, holding hands. She then looked back at Sakura. “It’s not what you think it is.”

“Really?” Sakura’s eyes brightened.

“No. I thought that’s what you wanted me to say.” Evee whispered.

Sakura squealed loudly and stuck her head inside the locker. “It’s not happening. It’s not going to happen.” She repeated.

“It’s happening!” Sakura slammed the door so hard a few people saw her.

“Calm down, Sakura.” Evee patted her. “I’m sure there is an explanation for that. What are you going you do?” She asked worried.

“Nothing,” Sakura said angrily. She walked off and went to her next class. Evee was worried about her but she kept away until lunch.

“Ok, what’s wrong?” Starla saw Sakura look depressed during lunch. Sakura played with her food. Evee kept quiet eating next to her. Sakura looked at Greg pass by with Samantha. They both were drinking something and talking. Sakura looked down and stabbed her chicken harshly with her fork while gritting her teeth, scoot the tray away, and hide her face in her arms on the table. Starla and Joey stared at Greg and Samantha walk by. They looked at each other.

“Oh…ok,” Starla bit her lower lip. Joey looked at Sakura not looking up; he stirred his peas around the plate. He felt somewhat bad for Sakura.

“This “love thing” has got to stop. It’s contagious! Heavenly is mad at what’s his face, Karla is depressed about that dude not speaking to her, you’re depressed about that ignorant soccer player who doesn’t know disillusionment even if it hit him in the face.” Starla complained.

“Hey” Joey said.

‘Sorry…See, that’s why I don’t fall in love.” Starla crossed her arms. “That’s only for people who want to get hurt.”

Sakura turned to peek at Joey’s expression. Joey kept eating but not as happy as before. He shifted his eyes to Sakura. Sakura looked away and lifted her head.

“You should forget about Greg. He’s flirting with that girl. You don’t need him. Find someone better.” Starla preached.

“You’re right. You’re also the second person to tell me that.” Sakura answered.

“Well, what do you think you’re supposed to do now?” Starla told her.

“You should make him jealous!” Evee joined in, clapping.

“No…” Starla scolded. “That would be unfair to the other person.”

“Well, what if the other person is only looking for a fling too?” Evee said.

“What if the other person turns out to be better?” Starla shot back.

Evee shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“I’ll think about it.” Sakura looked at the table.

“Think about who’s idea?” Starla asked.

“Either.” Sakura mumbled.

“Who’s going to be your “fling”?” Evee asked. Sakura looked up to a certain guy walking by. Evee put her head next to Sakura’s to see what she was seeing.

“Him? Why him?” Evee asked.

“You asked.” Sakura shrugged.

Since soccer practice was “on hold’ for the winter, Samantha and Greg hung out after school together. Sakura was so furious to see them together.

“Hey,” a guy said from behind her as she was about to leave the school.

Sakura turned around. It was Dylan.

“Hey,” Sakura said happily.

“What are you doing this weekend?” He asked her.

“Nothing much. I’ll probably stay home or something.” Sakura shrugged.

“Cool. I was wondering if you wanted to go with me to the movies tomorrow.” Dylan asked.

Sakura’s eyes widened. “Wow. I mean, sure of course. I have to ask my mom first.”

“Sure,” Dylan said.

“Why did you ask me out anyways?” Sakura walked along with him.

“You said you and Greg weren’t dating remember?” Dylan reminded her. Sakura remembered that time when Greg stopped suddenly and threw snow at Dylan’s face to see if she was ok.

“Yeah, I remember,” Sakura smiled.

“You seem nice. I just wanted to get to know you better.” Dylan said.

“Is that so?” Sakura laughed. “Ok, well see you Saturday.”

“Bye” Dylan said.

Sakura looked back at him. He was almost as cute as Greg was but he wasn’t Greg. Sakura smiled and left to her house walking.

Heavenly and Melody walked to their classes. Andrew came along with them. Melody kept talking to Andrew while Heavenly kept looking at the ground.

“I’ll see you after class Heavenly,” Melody told her.

“Ok,” Heavenly replied. She kept her gaze at the ground. Andrew and Melody walked away while Heavenly kept walking by herself. She felt like she was being watched all of the sudden. She looked around. Josh stood behind a tree. Then he came from behind her slowly walking towards her.

“Heavenly,” Josh whispered very quietly, almost in a creepy voice. Heavenly looked behind her and saw nothing. She then turned forwards and smashed into Josh’s chest. She stumbled back and looked up.

“What are you doing here?” Heavenly said annoyed.

“You’re not going to accept my apology?” Josh asked.

“Do you honestly think it will never happen again? I certainly don’t.” Heavenly said.

“So, that’s a no?” Josh pouted.

“I don’t know if I can be friends with a vampire and not get harmed.” Heavenly thought aloud.

“I would never harm you…-again.” Josh made it clear. “Wait a minute, friends? I thought-“

“Hey Heav,” Harvey joined in from beside them, interrupting Josh.

“Hey Harvey” Heavenly smiled.

Josh looked at him and them looked away aggravated.

“Are you from around here?” Harvey asked Josh. He looked at Josh strangely since he was dressed all in black leather and a maroon shirt. His dark red hair, dark red eyes, and pointy ears stood out. Josh turned to look at him lividly but calm.

“No. I’m not from here. Not from this area, however.” Josh’s fangs and English accent were obvious to Harvey. He turned to look at Heavenly, whom raised her eyebrow.

“Are those real?” Harvey stared at his teeth.

“I don’t know. Do you want to find out?” Josh asked. Heavenly patted his shoulder.

“Haha. You joker.” Heavenly laughed nervously.

“How much did the dentist have you pay for them?” Harvey was interested and kept staring at them. Josh rolled his eyes. “And are those ears real?”

Heavenly bit her bottom lip.

“Of course.” Josh admitted. Heavenly stared at him.

“Don’t you dare tell him you’re a vampire,” Heavenly thought in her mind.

Josh smiled naughtily as he read her thoughts. “I’m a vampire if you hadn’t noticed.” He told Harvey. Heavenly widened her eyes to make him quit.

Harvey raised his eyebrow and after a while smiled in disbelief. “Alright then. I’m not going to argue with that.”

“You don’t believe me do you?” Josh laughed. Heavenly covered her face with her hands.

“Well, not actually.” Harvey smiled. “I think that’s more of a physiological belief.”

“Do you?” Josh smiled back, thinking Harvey was foolish. “Whatever bursts your bubble.”

“Ok, Josh. Isn’t it time for your meeting?” Heavenly said. “Quit messing with his mind.”

“Well, I better go hunt something to eat. See you tonight Heavenly.” Josh smiled and walked off behind them.

“Ugh,” Heavenly smacked her head, murmuring. “He’s everywhere.”

“Does he go to school in Countryside?” Harvey asked her.

“No, he doesn’t go to school at all.” Heavenly pulled her ear.

“How old is he? How does he know you?” Harvey asked.

“He’s uh…20…21…22…And it’s a long story.” Heavenly looked away.

Harvey turned to look back at him but he was long gone. “He’s gone.”

“You don’t believe he’s a vampire do you?” Heavenly asked worried.

“I don’t believe in such things. It’s all in the imagination.” Harvey said.

“You have no idea.” Heavenly thought. “Right.”

After a while, Harvey asked one last question. “Is he your boyfriend?”

“No. No…” Heavenly shook her head. “I wish…I mean, oh my god. What am I saying?” Heavenly thought, blushing. “Just a distant friend. Why?”

“Just asking.” Harvey glanced at her.

Heavenly glanced too and blushed. They walked to their class together.

Heavenly came back to the room and saw Melody with loud classical music on and she was painting.

“Since when do you paint?” Heavenly raised her voice.

“Since I knew Andrew paints too.” Melody answered with a smile.

“You’re head over heels for Andrew aren’t you?” Heavenly shouted.

“Maybe” Melody shouted back over the violin solo.

Heavenly’s cell phone rang. She answered; it was April in the small screen smiling.

“Hey April, how’s it going?” Heavenly shouted. “What?” Hold on.” Heavenly left the room, walked downstairs into a bench outside, and sat.

“Where are you going?” Heavenly repeated.

“Well, there is this party near you all’s campus and Karla and I wanted to know if you guys wanted to come. I’m going to see Kevin play in his band.” April said happily jumping up and down.

“You mean Kelly and Amber’s party?” Heavenly asked.

“How’d you know?” April asked.

“A lot of college people are going. Melody and I were going to go too.” Heavenly informed.

“Awesome. I will get to meet college hotties!” April said excited.

“I thought you were interested in Kevin?” Heavenly thought.

“I am but, hey, I’m not his girlfriend…yet!” April laughed.

“Ok, well, see you tomorrow.” Heavenly waived. April waived back and they hung up. Heavenly looked up at their dorm room and laughed thinking of Melody’s crazy acts.

“BOO!!” Josh came from behind and frightened Heavenly. She yelped and breathed quicker.

“Don’t do that!” Heavenly scolded. Josh laughed.

“Why did you tell Harvey you were a vampire?” Heavenly crossed her arms.

“He thinks I’m crazy anyways. I read his mind.” Josh shrugged.

“Still. And what did you mean that you don’t live near that area?” Heavenly asked.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you. Our kin moved to Planet Z. What a clever idea.” Josh rolled his eyes.

“What?!” Heavenly was surprised.

“The vampires moved to Planet Z to find the crystals quicker and to turn humans into vampires if we don’t find it in them.” Josh smiled.

“And you’re ok with this?” Heavenly asked shocked.

“What can I do? I mean I’m not really killing anyone right now. I’m doing the best I can alright, I’m starving because you said not to kill anyone or you’ll get mad.” Josh replied.

“Well, thank you for considering to save human lives but I didn’t mean for you to starve.” Heavenly said concerned.

“I don’t get it. Do you want me to eat or not?” Josh said frustrated in a calm way.

“Yes…I mean no, I mean…I don’t know. Do what you must just don’t tell me anymore.” Heavenly pleaded.

“Thank you.” Josh crossed his arms. “Oh, and by the way. Who was that mate I saw you with this afternoon. That…Harvey guy? Is he your boyfriend?” Josh said stiffly.

“No. Remember I don’t date anyone. I hang out.” Heavenly reminded him. “Why do you care anyways?”

“Just asking.” Josh played with his black nails.

“Are you jealous?” Heavenly asked boldly.

“You ask me that?” Josh scoffed and laughed.

Heavenly smiled, knowing he was. “I’m sorry to ever think that of you.” She said sarcastically.

After a small pause, Josh turned to her. “Would you ever consider going out with anyone now?”

“Ask me some other time.” Heavenly told him and then there was silence.

After a few seconds, Josh asked again. “How about now?”

“I don’t know. I never really found a guy who’s actually worth a date.” Heavenly felt egoistic. She wanted to see Josh react.

Josh turned to stare at her calmly. Heavenly paused and turned to look at him.

“What?” Heavenly asked blushing.

“Maybe you should take a second look around you.” Josh hinted.

“I might.” Heavenly stared at him. “Let’s see there are that guy at the store, and the guy in the library, and then there is Harvey…” Josh read her mind but Heavenly then looked away and kept thinking on purpose. Josh shook his head.

“Don’t even think about it…” Josh squinted.

“I have a long list I need to go through.” Heavenly jokingly bragged.

“Funny.” Josh replied. “Well, I should get going.” He stood and walked behind the bench and whispered in her ear. “See you soon.” Josh closed his eyes and kissed her in the cheek near the ear affectionately. Heavenly stiffened up and froze. Josh could smell fear, nervousness, and anger in people. He laughed quietly when he smelt the air and saw Heavenly as still as a corpse with her eyes the widest they could ever be. He saw her face turn bright red. He was expecting a slap, a reply, or some movement in return but nothing happened. Heavenly still didn’t move even after Josh left. She took another 5 minutes to recollect herself and walked like a zombie – same expression – back to the dorm room. Melody came out of the shower and saw her with a shocked expression. She walked in the bathroom and closed the door behind her. Melody didn’t mention anything and thought Josh might have been behind this which kind of upset yet pleased her.

Strawberry awoke Saturday morning and went with Vanessa to watch her ice skate by herself early in the morning. Vanessa twirled and did amazing twists and turns that seemed like she was born to skate. Strawberry jogged around the ice skating stands and cheered for her. Vanessa stopped and told Strawberry to cut it out. Strawberry quickly sat and watched her finish with sparkles in her eyes.

“So what do you want to do? Be and ice skater or be in track?” Strawberry asked her.

“Both.” Vanessa replied.

“Which one do you want to be in more?” Strawberry asked.

“Ice skating,” Vanessa smiled.

“Ah-ha! I knew it.” Strawberry clapped. “Are you going to take those classes offered by that nice lady?”

“I don’t think so. My mom wants me to be in track and she refuses to pay for two classes.” Vanessa said. “She said she also thinks skating is not something available school and it costs more.”

“But I think she should let you because it’s your dream.” Strawberry insisted.

“Well, my mom won’t hear me out. She ignores me when I talk about that.” Vanessa crossed her arms. “I told her I was going over to your house today.”

Strawberry gasped. “You’re doing this behind her back? Shame on you.”

“It’s the only way.” Vanessa sighed.

“Have you spoken to Darren?” Strawberry asked Vanessa.

“Yeah…” Vanessa smiled bashfully.

“Oooo! What’d he say?!” Strawberry was very attentive.

“Nothing, he’s leaving this weekend back to Palm Tree City and well, we just ate a hot dog.” Vanessa told her.

Strawberry squealed. “It’s like you guys have “your song” only it more like “your food”!”

“You’re so corny, Straw” Vanessa laughed.

“Well, you’re lucky enough to even talk to your crush. Mine lives far away and I never see him. For all I know some other girl took him.” Strawberry said sadly.

“No he didn’t I’m sure he still thinks of you.” Vanessa reassured her. “One of these days he’ll see you again.”

“Nah,” Strawberry rested her cheek in her raised knee.

Heavenly got out of bed feeling great. Melody saw her feel upbeat and fresh. She got out of bed and rubbed her eyes.

“What happened yesterday?” Melody asked her.

“Well, I was with Josh talking and he kissed me.” Heavenly seemed direct.

“Where?!” Melody sounded excited.

Heavenly tapped her cheek near her ear. Melody smiled and laughed. “That’s so cool!”

“I know!” Heavenly blushed.

“Wait, wait, wait! Hold up. I thought you liked Harvey.” Melody crossed her arms. “Are you just playing with him?”

“No. I think Harvey is a nice guy and I never said I was switching to Josh,” Heavenly cleared out.

“So who do you prefer?” Melody asked.

“I don’t know. Harvey is very intellectual and kind. Josh is well…” Heavenly began to blush again. “…nice when around me, mysterious, humorous, charming and well….hot.”

“Hot?” Melody raised her eyebrow. “How? He’s a vampire.”

“What are you trying to say? I meant that he’s cute, hot.” Heavenly swooned.

“I still say to get to know Harvey better before you make your decision.” Melody suggested.

“Why?” Heavenly asked. “Don’t you think Josh is a great guy?”

“By the way you yourself have been explaining things I’d say he’s heartless for hurting you, and he’s a vampire not a “guy”,” Melody objected.

“That’s why I never said I was switching to Josh. I also never said that I wasn’t going to give Harvey a chance, however.” Heavenly crossed her arms.

“Well, see who thinks of something “bright” on Valentines Day,” Melody grinned.

“Melody, this is not a competition,” Heavenly accused.

“Well of course you don’t think it is. You’re not the player, you’re the game.” Melody patted her and left.

“How dare you say that,” Heavenly waived her finger. Melody shrugged and closed the bathroom door.