Chapter Five

"Blush or no blush?" I murmured as I primped myself in front of the mirror. Maybe I was putting too much thought into this. I ran my fingers through my hair one more time before heading back to my room and getting dressed. Today, everything changes.

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Directly after school I raced to the busy city streets. I hailed a cab, gave him the directions, and sat back in the firm leather seat. As the car pulled to a slow stop at the destination the driver turned to look at me. 

"You okay kid?"

"I-um yeah. Yeah. Here." I passed him the money before hopping out and straightening my dress.

I spotted his tall frame by the railing. What do I say? I twisted my fingers as I walked over, my shoes making a soft tap,tap on the stones. Taking a deep breath I climbed the stairs and headed over and stood beside him.

"H-Hi." I tried to keep my voice level but even to my own ears it sounded strained.

"You came." He said quietly, half to himself.

"I did. So...I-uh, what did you want to say to me?" I looked down and scratched at my elbow.

"This might sound a bit strange but I can't stop thinking about you." Reece said breathlessly. My heat skipped a few beats. "I had a dream a night or two ago and you were in it. But you were still a kid and in the fancy house and someone was coming to...to kill you. And I could tell it was a dream but even though I-I couldn't stand seeing any version of you dead. So I tried to wake your younger self up." I turned to face him.

"Reece I had that exact dream. And it was your voice calling for me to wake up." I said, smiling slightly. 

"I knew it meant something." He said. Reece slowly wound his arms around my waist. "Vinnie." he whispered.

I held my breath. My heart was pounding.

"But Mar-"

"Maria doesn't matter." Reece said as he looked up at me through his eyelashes. I felt heat spread across my face. I couldn't hold back anymore.

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We stayed together for hours just talking. He told me about his life and I told him a not-exactly-true version of mine. 

The two of us watched the sun set and gazed out at Bridgeport as the city's lights turned on.

"Reece, what does this mean. I mean, us are we...a thing?" I asked. Reece chuckled and twirled a piece of my white hair between his fingers.

"I wouldn't say we're 'a thing'-"

"Oh."

"I'd say we're a couple." He gave a smile that showed the tips of his fangs. I leaned back against him and inhaled his scent. He smelled like mint and the ocean. Somewhere in the city a clock chimed loudly. 

"Oh my God! What time is it?" 

"12:30."

"Lauri's gonna kill me." I groaned. Reece pulled me closer.

"I'll see you tomorrow." He stepped back.

"Goodnight. Be safe going home." His eyes glittered with worry. "Maybe I should take you home."

"No, Reece, it's fine." 

"C'mon V, it's the least I can do for you." Reece tossed another one of his irresistible lopsided smiles at me.

"No I'll get a cab."

"Alright."

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"Hey Lauri." I called as I stepped inside.

"Hey Vinnie." The acidic tone in her voice did not make be feel good.

"Well I'll be going to bed now."

"Vinnie. Butt in chair. Now."

I slid into a chair. Lauri clicked off the TV and calmly walked over with a clearly unhappy face.

"Now Vinnie," She smacked her hands down on the table, making me jump.

"Where the hell have you been?! I've been sitting her worried sick! You know Vinnie I don't have to look after you! I could've dropped you off at my parents house and we all know what they would do." She screamed. I put my head down.

"Vinnie, when I promised your mother I'd take care of her only daughter I meant it! And this is how you repay me?! Run off after school and not return until after midnight?! Hell, how do I know you even went to school?!" She dropped into the chair across from me.

"Lauri I-"

"Save the excuses. Just...just go to bed. you have school."

"Lauri please-"

"Vinnie! I said go!" Lauri shouted, clearly ending the conversation.

"I'm sorry." I whispered as I opened the door to the bedroom.

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What do I do.

She's gotten older and she's only going to get more rebellious. I can hardly afford this house. I'll never be able to send Vinnie to college.

Oh Maddy. I miss you so much.

I don't know if I can do this much more.

I'm sorry.