We all rose and collected our things. As Alexander returned the remote to the TV stand, Sebastian leaned toward me so closely his goatee brushed softly against my cheek. I hope I find her soon, too, Raven. He whispered in my ear with such intensity that chills raced down my spine. Im starved to death.
Chapter 3 A Trip Through Dullsville
I wasnt sure what Sebastians opinion of Dullsville would be. It certainly wasnt London, Paris, or Lisbon. He, like Alexander, had been to places Id seen only in Armstrong Travels brochures.
As we sauntered down Main Street, past the courthouse, fine restaurants, and trendy boutiques, I held my crimson-streaked head high, knowing that I was in the company of two vampires and that glaring Dullsvillians werent aware of their true identity.
I had to admit we were a motley crew. Sebastian sported his wild dreadlocks, shining rings, and snake tattoos. Alexander was gorgeous in his studded leather jeans and white T-shirt, while I danced around the sidewalk in a dark knit hat, torn black-and-red minidress, and midcalf lace-up boots.
Townspeople, decked out in their designer jeans and Kate Spade bags, avoided us as if we were the stars of a freak show. But I loved it! I felt triumphant being surrounded by what I thought was normal. Though Dullsvillians gawked at us, I sensed that most of them were staring at me, wondering who I thought I was, drawing such negative attention.
Thats it, I said when we reached the Main Squares fountain. That is our bustling metropolis.
This town is really quaint, Sebastian remarked.
Yes, different from what you are used to, I suppose. Instead of the Eiffel Tower, we have a ten-foot-tall bubbling fountain. And instead of the Roman Colosseum, we have Dullsville Highs stadium.
No, I like it. I can see why Alexander and his grandmother moved here.
You do? I asked. Did you know Alexanders grandmother?
I never met her. She moved here years ago and rarely came back to Romania to visit. But I hear she was a wonderful woman.
I hear that, too. I squeezed Alexanders hand tightly.
So, Sebastian continued as we passed Shirleys bakery, where does one go in this town for a bite?
I can treat you to some ice cream, I offered. Shirleys has the best in town.
Thats not what I was referring to, Sebastian said.
Then what exactly were you referring to? I pressed. It wasnt every day a girl from Dullsville got to hang out with two sexy vampires.
Where are the babes in town? he said, licking his fangs. I mean besides you, of course.
I wasnt sure if Sebastian was serious about finding a meal in the form of a girl. Even though he was Alexanders best friend and surely benign, he was a true-blooded vampire.
Probably at home studying or shopping at the mall, I finally said.
No bars? he asked.
None that youd like or that we could get into.
So where do you two go for fun?
The cemetery, I answered.
There are girls there? he asked, surprised.
Not living ones, Alexander said.
We all laughed.
Yeah, I guess not, Sebastian said.
I figured youd love cemeteries, I said. Alexander does.
Sebastian would rather hang in an Internet café, Alexander told me.