Immortal Hearts Page 0,70

rays. But I was still preoccupied by the sun's slow descent. The minutes seemed like an eternity.

An hour later, I heard my mom call me from inside. I left the sun and came in.

My parents were leaving for a dinner with friends. They were gathering their coats from the hall closet. Before they headed out, I stopped them.

"Wait," I said. I rushed over and gave them each a hug. The next time they saw me, I'd be a vampire.

"Why are you acting so strangely?" my mom asked. "You've been preoccupied all day and hanging by yourself outside. It's not like you. Are you and Alexander okay?"

"We've never been better," I told her. "Truly."

"Then why all the affection?" my dad asked. "You must be up to something..."

"I just want to say how much I love you guys." I really looked at my parents, gazed into their eyes, and gave them a warm smile.

"Are you okay?" my dad asked. "Do you have a fever?"

"I'm perfect," I replied with a grin. "I've never felt happier in my life."

"Well, I'm glad you're so happy," my mom said, and gave me another hug. I hugged her back with all my might.

"I am, too," my dad remarked, and kissed me on the forehead.

I waved as my parents headed out the door. Once they had left for dinner, I began to get ready for my big night. I took an extra-long shower and lathered myself with the sweetest of scents. I dried my hair and did my best to rid it of any imperfections. I headed for my room and put on my dress. It would be the last time I could see my reflection, and I wanted to make the most of it. I laced up my corset bodice and fluffed up the flowing skirt. I wore dark tights and studded platform heels. I drew on my gloves and added an oversized skull ring and a silver thumb ring to my right hand. I layered my wrists with several rubber, leather, and dangling bracelets. I touched up my eyes with heavy liner and shadow. I painted my lips with black lipstick. I stared at my reflection. For the first time in my life, I really felt beautiful.

I pressed my lips to the corner of the mirror, leaving a dark kiss to remind me of who I was leaving behind and who I was going to become.

I was hurrying down the staircase when Billy came in from the family room.

"Why are you so dressed up?" he wondered.

"I thought you were going to Henry's," I said. I wasn't expecting to see my brother. I hope his questions weren't going to delay me.

"He's coming here," he said.

"I'm going out," I said.

"What are you up to? What's going on?" he asked.

"Nothing. I dress like this every day."

"Not that fancy. Where are you going dressed like that?" he asked skeptically.

"Why, the cemetery, of course."

As I reached the door, I stopped. I turned and gave my baby brother a huge squeeze.

"Get off," he said. "What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing's wrong. Everything is right. Finally," I said, "everything is right."

Alexander was going to take care of all the covenant altar amenities, and Becky and Stormy were going to meet me at the cemetery with a basket of black roses.

I was usually late to school, but for this I was early. Neither Becky's truck nor Alexander's Mercedes were parked at the cemetery yet.

I did my best to climb the fence and not snag any of the lace or seams of my dress. Once I was safely over, I breathed in the cool night air and took in my surroundings as if I were in the cemetery for the first time.

The tombstones seemed to be welcoming me, and the stars appeared to have an extra twinkle.

I felt a warmth come over me as if I was doing what I was meant to be doing my whole life. I'd waited for this moment since I was a little girl, so I took in the sights and sounds around me. It was quiet and eerie, and the crisp night air gave me an extra chill. I was loving it.

This was my night. Our night. And I felt like I couldn't get to the altar fast enough.

Glistening candles began to illuminate my way to Alexander's grandmother's modmoightnument, and my heart was beating in overdrive with excitement. Next to the statuesque monument was the enchanting covenant altar. It was spectacular. Dozens of candles lay in a circle around it. Ivy