How about I just take your bike then? He tried to wrestle the handlebars away from me, and for a moment the two of us struggled.
Finally, I released my grip. Be my guest, I relented. Pedal your way back to practice on a girls bike. Im sure it will end up on YouTube.
Trevor thought for a moment as his cohorts tried to hide their chuckles. My nemesis let my bike fall to the ground.
We better get back. Its getting dark, one of the soccer snobs said.
Trevor locked his gaze with mine. His torment was palpable. He owned a portrait Alexander had painted of methe only thing he could own of me. And as I stood before him, he strained with the knowledge that I was the only girl in town that he couldnt haveand perhaps the only one he truly wanted.
Get out of here already, he finally acquiesced. Run off to your little Monster Boy, freak.
I dusted myself off and picked up my bike. Id have felt sorry for Trevor if he didnt bring his own torment on himself. I pushed past my nemesis and the other runners, and we both headed off in opposite directions.
I pedaled through the darkness as fast as possible. I didnt want to miss any precious moments with Alexander and Sebastian. I felt as if I were hauling my bike up a ski hill. Exhausted, I barely had enough strength to bang on the Mansions door. I was still out of breath and perhaps a little disheveled when Jameson let me in.
Good evening, Miss Ravenare you all right? Jameson stood crisp and creepy in his gray butlers uniform.
Yes, I said. Ive never been better.
Are you sure? His voice and expression were kind and sincere.
I guess I appeared worse for the wear. Had there been mirrors in the Mansion, I might have been able check out my appearance. Out of respect for the Mansions inhabitants, I didnt dare open Rubys compact, nestled in my purse. Instead, I just combed my hair with my fingers and tried to straighten my outfit.
I believe they are upstairs, Jameson directed.
I hurried up the creaking staircase. I passed Sebastians new accommodations and peeked in. The once-barren room was a messclothes, CDs, and games were strewn all over the hardwood floor. It appeared as if hed been living there for decades. His coffin was finished, and the lid was closed and topped with junk. The sides of the coffin were adorned with stickers of global citiesLisbon, Beijing, Romelike a giant suitcase.
I could hear the sounds of battle coming from down the hall.
I headed into the TV room to find Sebastian stretched out, his boots propped up on the coffee table, gaming console in one hand and a cell phone in the other. Two knights were jousting on the screen.
Alexander saw me in the doorway. He immediately rose and greeted me with concern. Sebastian didnt budge but took Alexanders absence as an opportunity and whacked his blue knights sword against Alexanders unprotected red knight.
Are you okay? Alexander asked.
Are you okay? I asked. I think he just flattened you.
Oh, thatits only a game.
Do I look that awful? I asked, suddenly self-conscious.
You have leaves in your hair.
I thought I got them out. I did my best to smooth out my hair.
What happened? Alexander asked, picking out the remaining leaves.
I bumped into Trevor.
Alexanders sweet expression furrowed. In the woods? Did he hurt you? Ill
NoI just hit a bush. I should have hit him instead, I teased.
Alexander shook his head. I knew he was tormented, just like Trevor, but for different reasons. Alexander felt the need to protect me from all evilvampire and mortal. He was tortured, knowing that during the daylight hours it wasnt possible for him to safeguard me against my nemesis.
Ill pick you up from now on, he firmly instructed.
When my parents put me under curfew, I rebelled. However, when Alexander was overprotective, it made my heart race.