Are you planning to crash in a hotel with a coffin? I asked exasperatedly.
I thought somewhere more obscure. In the woodsor perhaps in an old barn.
We both paused with dead concern.
Nonot that barn! he corrected. Not anywhere near that barn! he said. Thats what has gotten me here in the first place.
For a moment I deliberated taking him into my house. But I knew it wouldnt work. Not only would I feel awkward getting in the middle of the two guys feud, but how on earth could I hide his coffin bed?
Id invite you to my house, I said, wanting him to know I was trying to help, but I think you might understand the massive complications in that plan.
Thats very kind of youeven after I did that to your friend? Well, both friends really
I sympathized with Sebastians dilemma. He was a vampirefor better or for worseand Alexanders best friend. If anyone knew his struggle, it had to be the gorgeous guy I was in love with.
If youll excuse me, I rose and backed out of the kitchen. Alexander! I called, running upstairs. Out of breath, I burst into Alexanders attic room.
I found my boyfriend sitting on his bed with a paint-brush in his hand.
On his easel was a beautiful painting of Alexander, me, and Sebastian. It was the very one hed been working on so intently and that was bringing him so much joy. The one hed never sell or auction offthe one that was created for only his possession.
I guess Im going to have to paint over him, he said.
Dont you dare.
He had a quizzical look. I thought youd be Your best friend is downstairs, as upset as you are. You should understand him and his desires more than anyone.
But I thought
I can see that he doesnt have the same personality as you do. I know its not easy for you to understand how impulsive he can be.
Why do people think its so easy for me, too?
Its not? I prodded.
But Alexander didnt elaborate.
I held his hand. He was so strong yet so vulnerable at the same time. It pained me to see him struggle in any way, whether it was with the tribulations of being a vampire or the normal conflicts of anyone with emotions.
I didnt say it was easy for either one of you. Its just the way you handle it. Becky is my best friend. However, shes the total opposite of me in many ways. She would die before shed ever confront anyone or defend herself. She is terrified of silly things like the dark and spiders and would rather visit a mall than a graveyard. Ive protected her for years, like youve protected Sebastian with his loose lips and impulsive actions. But if I didnt have herif she didnt stick by me, toothen I wouldnt have anyone.
Alexander folded his arms.
Sebastian knows he messed up. But hes not going to leave Dullsville until he finds a way to reconcile with you. To me, thats a best friend.
But I thought youd be mad at him, too. After all, he was almost stalking Becky.
Im not happy about it. But your friendship is more important to him than she is. I want you to have a best friend just like I do, for better or for worse.
I waited as Alexander decided on his next move. He gazed at the picture hed painted of the three of us together.
He stood up and placed the brush on the easel. He took my hand and led me downstairs.
We entered the kitchen, but it was empty of vampires. I followed Alexander outside, where Sebastian was loading his final bag into his trunk. Alexander left me on the steps and walked quickly to Sebastian. I winced, prepared to see fists and fangs fly.
I waited. And waited. And waited.
The two began talking. I was out of earshot, burning to know the contents of their conversation. At any moment, Sebastian was going to get in his car and drive off. I wasnt sure if Id ever see him again. I wouldnt even get to say good-bye.