Forever (Immortal Vampire Series Book 1), page 4
“Yeah, I’ll probably see you around campus, or the next party or something. Bye it was nice meeting you.” I called out, while briskly walking away. He stood in the same spot as I turned to look back at him. He was nice, but I needed to check on Cam. When I reached the dorm, I ran down the steps. I halted in front of Cam’s door, I knocked lightly trying not to disturb his roommate. My heart fluttered as I waited outside the door, then I knocked again. Cam’s roommate, Chris answered the door. He scowled down at me. His chest was bare, his dark hair, disheveled.
“Can I help you?” he said bitterly.
“Do you know where Cam is?” I asked.
“I thought he went out to meet you at some party,” he rolled his eyes at me.
“Oh, I didn’t see him there,” I looked past him through the door.
He was bitter with my prolonged presence. “Maybe you didn’t look hard enough,” he bit out and shut the door.
I was annoyed with Chris. He could’ve been a little nicer to me. I was Cam’s friend. I stalked back down the hall and up the steps. I decided that it was really no use going back to the party, I’d been everywhere. I didn’t see Cam. He must be doing something else.
I was exhausted, as the day was catching up to me. The idea of sleeping in was a pleasant one. I hurried as I thought of the comfort of my bed. My salvation was so close, I could almost feel the comfort of the blankets. I stopped mid stride when I noticed my door was open. I walked carefully to the open door, completely alert now. Michelle had locked it when we left. There was no way she made it back here before me. I practically ran the whole way. My heart thumped so loud in my chest I could hear it in my ears. I wanted it to quiet down. I was afraid that if there was someone there, they’d hear it pounding.
I nudged the door until it was all the way open and quickly swung myself to the other side of the doorway. That is how I’d seen it done on TV, so I mimicked the movements. I peeked inside and didn’t see anyone in there. When I was sure the room was empty, I walked inside to take stock of what could have been stolen. Turning, I locked the door behind me. I looked around and everything seemed the same. My computer was still sitting on the desk just as I left it with paper sitting directly next to it. It looked as though nothing had been touched. This felt odd, the door had obviously been tampered with, but the room looked exactly the same.
I thought about calling Michelle but decided that she was probably busy at the moment. I searched my phone for Cam. Hitting send, I thought this was an excellent reason to call him. I could use some reassurance. I waited patiently as the phone rang and went to voicemail. Huh, I thought. He always picked up his phone if he’s awake.
CHAPTER 3
Scared, I sat bolt-upright in bed. Gulping for breath, I looked around confused, recognizing the familiar room. I could feel sweat dripping down my face and back. The dream had been the same as the night before, but I swore it was getting even more vivid. Even when I woke up, the feeling of being followed stuck with me through the veil of waking. It took several moments before my heartbeat slowed to a normal pace.
Michelle’s bed was empty. I lifted my head to see the time. It was only nine o’clock, I was surprised I hadn’t slept longer. Exhaustion had hit me hard the night before. Now, after the dream, the idea of closing my eyes made my heart race. I was afraid I would go right back to the dream. A shudder ran down my back at the thought.
“So much for the day in bed,” I huffed out. I slid out of bed and headed for the cereal and milk. Cereal was prefect for lazy days when I didn’t want to go to the cafeteria for breakfast. Slow and relaxed was how Sunday’s were supposed to go.
When finished, I got up and examined the door again in better light. There were metal shavings along the door jam. I rubbed my fingers along the slight grooves in the door. The metal flecks looked like someone had really worked at trying to get in. The only question was, why? They didn’t actually take anything. I started rifling through my drawers again, making sure nothing was missing. When searching, I noticed my hamper had been dug through. Why would anyone want my dirty clothes? Checking Michelle’s stuff was even more mysterious. Nothing of hers seemed to be touched at all.
This was all very strange. Who would make the effort to break into our dorm room and take nothing at all? A stalker would take something. Plus, the only thing that looked disturbed was my hamper. I couldn’t be sure it was though because I typically threw stuff in it without much thought. I don’t know why else someone would be in our dorm. I started looking under the tables for wiretaps. Maybe someone wanted to hear Michelle snoring at night. Okay, maybe I’m going a little crazy. Finally, exhausting all possibilities my brain could come up with, I gave up. Obviously, I had no idea what the intruder wanted, so what was the point of dwelling on it.
Laying back down in bed, I wondered if Cam had gotten my message. It worried me that I didn’t know where he went last night. He even told everyone he’d be with me at the party. I laid back down on my bed and stared at the TV screen. Michelle finally returned to the room, still wearing the emerald green tank and black pants from the night before. The straps of her heels were dangling from one hand, her keys and Prada purse in the other. Somehow, she looked perfect. Not an item out of place. It wasn’t fair. If I returned home after being out all night, I’d look like a drugged out homeless person.
“Have a good night?” I asked, peeking up from the bed.
“Yeah, it was definitely a good night. How about you, did you have a good sleep?”
“Yeah, I slept great,” I announced, stretching my arms above my head.
“Ah, you should check your stuff though. I found the door open when I got back last night. Nothing seems to be missing, but you should double check anyway.” I watched as Michelle’s expression turned from confused to concerned.
“Really, the door was open?” Michelle turned to inspect it. She noticed the markings on the door and cocked her head to the side. She ran her finger over the etched wood.
“I wonder what they were looking for?” she asked. She looked around the room, then began going through her drawers and shelves.
. “Did you clean up when you got here then?” Michelle asked in a puzzled tone.
“No, nothing was messy. It looked like nothing was even touched.” I sat upright, watching Michelle.
“That’s very peculiar,” Michelle said, opening drawers and scanning her closet.
“Yeah, it is. So, are you missing anything?” I asked.
“No, nothing that I can see,” Michelle responded, now sitting on her bed, glancing around the room. “Why would someone take the trouble to break in and then not take anything? That’s just strange, like creepy strange.” Michelle said, lost in thought.
“I have no idea,” I responded.
“Well, I need to crash,” Michelle said. “You don’t mind, do you?” she asked, casually.
“No, I should probably get dressed. No sense staying in bed all day,” I replied, even though staying in bed was exactly what I wanted to do all day.
Instead, I collected my basket, a towel, and some clothes and went to shower. Michelle crawled into her bed and dozed off quickly. I could hear her heavy breathing before I left the room. Now that my staying in bed plans were ruined, I had no idea what I was going to do today. All my schoolwork was finished for the moment. That would all change on Monday, but for now the day was mine. After dressing, I returned to my room. I sat at the desk for a minute and stared at the blank computer screen. I don’t want to do any schoolwork. I could look at the syllabus and see what I have to work on next. I cringed at the prospect. I looked to my bookshelf and smiled. Might as well get in some fun reading while I can. I grabbed a book from the shelf and headed for the door. Glancing down at the marks before leaving, that puzzled feeling returned. I brushed it off. Why bother trying to figure out something that makes no logical sense?
I walked out of the dorm and up the steps toward campus. I didn’t know where exactly I was going, but it was a nice day out. Bouncing along toward the library, anticipation filled me. When I read, all time disappeared. Often, I’d forget about everything and be transfixed for hours. Today seemed like the perfect day to get lost in a book. The feeling of being lost in another world was incredibly appealing. I found an open spot on the grass in the sun and sat down, prepared to enjoy my day. I opened to the first page and began reading, before I knew it the sun began to set on the horizon.
✭✭✭✭
I awoke, smiling at the sound of rain falling outside my window. My smile grew as I rolled over and watched the rain falling harder against the window. I loved rainy days, something about the gray sky, and the stark contrast of the deep green of the trees looking richer and brighter than ever, made me feel good all over. I was slow to get out of bed. I laid there for a few minutes, enjoying the pleasant sound. Remembering class, made me bolt upright, class started in just forty minutes. Now, the rain didn’t seem so great because I have to walk to the farthest building on campus. I groaned.
I grabbed the first shirt and jeans I saw, along with my shower basket and ran to the shower room. I got ready as quickly as I could. Brushing the tangles out of my hair, I grabbed my bag and stuffed my paper into it. Taking one last look back at my room, I raced off to class.
After class, I waited outside to meet up with Cam. The rain had stopped, so I could wait outside for him without getting drenched. It was our Monday ritual to meet outside after class, since we were in the same building.
“Hey,” Cam called as he walked out the door.
“Hey,” I returned his smile easily.
“So, what happened to you on Saturday? Did you get my message?” I asked, putting my hand on my hip and staring at him.
“Yeah, I got it Sunday, by then I figured you probably figured it out already. So, did you? Do you know who was in your room?” he asked, yawning. “Sorry, I’m really tired.”
“No, I never figured out who it was. They didn’t actually take anything, so I guess whatever, right,” I shrugged. “So, why are you so tired?”
“I stayed up all night to finish my reading for Paidia,” he said, mid yawn.
“Why? I thought you were done on Saturday like I was.”
“No, I wasn’t really, but I figured I had spent enough time doing it,” he said.
“You never stay up all night to get homework done, What’s up with you?” I hit him playfully on the arm. He scowled at me.
“Everyone’s allowed one all-nighter in college, right?” He shrugged.
“I guess,” I had a feeling there was something he wasn’t telling me. I studied him. He was wrapping the end of his backpack around his finger. He stared at the ground as he walked and never once looked up to meet my eyes. Something was definitely up with him.
“So, I take it you want to go to bed then?” I asked.
“I can stay up a little while longer. Let’s head to Marty’s for some coffee,” he suggested.
I nodded and we headed towards Marty’s. As we walked, the rain picked up again lightly. I held out my palms up letting the rain fall on them, enjoying every drop that fell.
“So, how was the party the other night?” he asked
“Oh, fine I guess.” I reached a hand to pull my backpack farther up my shoulder.
“So, you didn’t like it that much, I take it?” I could feel his eyes on me.
“Yeah, not really. Michelle had her own agenda, as usual,” I shrugged and my backpack slipped again. “So, why weren’t you there?”
“Oh yeah, I meant to be. I went to the library after my nap and stayed there longer than I meant to.” He looked to the ground as we walked. I narrowed my eyes at him. There was no way in hell he actually went to the library, I thought. We reached Marty’s and Cam held the door open for me. We went directly to the counter.
I ordered a Mocha and Cam ordered a Latte’ with a double shot of espresso.
“You must really be tired,” I remarked.
“Yeah, coffee will keep me awake,” he smiled but his mouth opened into a yawn.
“I should let you sleep.”
“No, I want to stay here. I feel bad for skipping out on you on Saturday.” He attempted to stop mid yawn but was unsuccessful.
“Thanks, but seriously we can hang out another time if you need to rest.”
“No, I’m fine, don’t worry about me,” he took my hand and pulled me toward a table.
“Okay, so what should we do today, since you’re not sleeping?” I asked
“I don’t know, what would you like to do?”
I looked to Cam, studying his rumpled shirt and jeans. I wondered if he even looked in the mirror before he rushed off to class.
“How about we go to my dorm and watch a movie or something,” I suggested.
“Ah, a movie, yeah I guess that would be okay.” I caught the hesitation in his voice.
“What? Is there a reason you don’t want to watch a movie or is it the going to my dorm that’s a problem?” I eyed him suspiciously.
“Neither, I don’t have a problem watching a movie in your dorm.” He squared his shoulders and ran his hand through his hair. His nervousness made me suspicious. I knew when he brushed his hair back, he was lying.
“Alright then, let’s go,” I grabbed Cam’s hand and pulled him behind me.
“What’s the rush?” he asked as he followed my quickened pace.
“No rush, it just sounds nice to chill. I could use a relaxing Monday afternoon,” I responded quickly as I quickened my pace. The beat of my heart quickened as I thought about relaxing with Cam on the couch.
We reached my dorm in record time, I practically pulled Cam the whole way. I searched through my movie collection looking for something good. I held up my copy of Clerks. “How about a classic?”
Cam shrugged, “Works for me.”
“You should get comfortable,” I said to him as I crouched in front of the television.
“Yeah, I could go for some relaxation,” He yawned again, stretching his arms over his head. I placed the movie in the DVD player. He motioned for me to sit next to him. We’ve spent many hours curled on the couch watching TV when we were kids. I grabbed the blanket off my bed and laid it over us. It was nice to be close to him under the warmth of the blanket. It reminded me of being home. He was the home I got to keep with me. Going to college was a scary thing, until I learned Cam would be going with me. I smiled over at him and sighed. I couldn’t imagine being separated from him.
I felt the closeness. I ran my hand across his arm accidentally as I shifted on the couch. The electric current ran through my body again, resting between my legs. I liked the feeling. It gave me a kind of sublime feeling that made me want to be even closer to him. I wanted every part of myself touching him. Cam didn’t seem to notice because he just sat, eyes transfixed on the screen. I had a hard time actually watching the movie. I couldn’t help but sneak glances at his face, then moving down his body. My face heated and I licked my lips. At first, he tried to watch the movie. Before long, his eyelids fluttered closed. His breathing evened into a soft snore. I giggled and rested my head on his shoulder as I’d done countless times before. I drifted off with the warm feel of his body beneath my cheek.
“Hey, Bree wake up. Do you want to eat today or what? Wake up.” Michelle was shaking my shoulder. “Bree come on, wake up,” she said again, shaking me a little harder this time.
I flitted my eyes open and focused on Michelle. She shifted her weight onto one hip and placed her hand there. Michelle rolled her eyes when I finally focused on her.
“What? What time is it?” I asked groggily. I looked down to Cam sleeping beneath me. His arm was wrapped around my shoulders and my cheek rested against his warm chest. “Michelle, what do you want?” I asked, perturbed.
“It’s going to be eight soon. Were you planning on eating today or were you going to just skip it?” she asked, annoyed.
“Eight? really? It’s that late? We slept here all day?” I asked, confused.
“Yeah, I woke up like three hours ago, but you two didn’t even hear me hanging around. I wasn’t even trying to be quiet. I hoped you would wake up, but you didn’t. It was annoying. I wanted to watch some TV.” Michelle stared down at me tapping her toe impatiently.
“Wow, I can’t believe I slept that long,” I said as I got up from the couch. I stretched my arms over my head. I looked down at Cam who was still fast asleep.
“So, can we wake him up now?” Michelle asked.
“No, I’ll grab him something, He didn’t sleep last night. He had to finish an assignment for today,” I said, still looking at Cam. I knew he wasn’t being completely honest with me, but if he was lying, he had good reason. We told each other everything.
“Let’s go get some food, I’m hungry.” I walked to take a look in the mirror.
“Yeah, I am too,” Michelle said as she headed for the door. I decided I was presentable enough and followed. We walked quickly to Marty’s. I loved that we could order diner with our vouchers. I ordered Cam a burger and fries to go. We waited for our number to be called and sat at a booth.
“So, what’s up with Cam sleeping in our room? You two seemed very cozy on the couch. Something you want to tell me?” She couldn’t keep the curious tone from her voice.
“Yeah, Cam hadn’t slept last night. I knew he’d fall asleep if we watched a movie,” I shrugged, not wanting to comment on what Michelle was insinuating.
“Okay, so you’re not going to dish. I get it. I’ll get it out of you eventually you know,” Michelle said, pride oozing out of her words.
“Talk about what? We are just friends. We’ve been friends for a long time,” I said, continuing to eat my burger. I hoped having to chew would keep me from having to answer any more of her questions.
“Okay, well you looked more serious when you were both snuggled on the couch together, I was never that close with anyone I just called a friend,” Michelle rolled her eyes and took another bite of her salad.
