Yeah, I already know I’m a freak. I mean, I have ocean blue eyes that look like they glow, my skin is so pale that it’s almost transparent, my hair is so black that it’s unseen in a pitch black room, I never gain an ounce no matter how much I eat and lo and behold, I have retractable fangs with a thirst for blood. Yes, I’m a vampire. I have been for ten years now. A terrible fate for an innocent life, yet I was one of those unfortunates to be given the curse.

Everyone says it would be great to be a vampire; everyone wants to be one, yet they have no clue how hard it truly is to be one. They have no clue how hard it is to hide your secret when everyone thinks vampires are fictional creatures of legends, and how hard it is to stand to be around blood twenty-four seven.

“Aleace! Pay attention to the lesson!” yelled Mr. Brail in an annoyed tone.

I looked up from my notebook that’s overspread with doodles of hearts, bats, musical notes, and random scribbles and words, to see my Math and Science teacher’s glaring ice blue eyes and his lips in a straight line on his tanned, young face.

Mr. Brail is only in his mid twenties, since he just graduated teacher’s college and got his first job here, at our private school in the middle of the woods of Carp, Ontario, called Talenta Preparatory School (TPS). Talenta means talent in Latin, and this school was founded by a Latin teacher named Abelia Rica who wanted to have a school of her own, so she came to Canada and made TPS. Luckily, they still teach Latin in the school curriculum along with French, Italian and Spanish.

“Aleace!” yelled Mr. Brail again.

“Sorry Mr. Brail.” I said in a daze.

“That’s it, go to Andrew Marks office!”

I got up from my seat and fixed my black pleaded skirt that ended right after mid-thigh. I pulled down my black blazer/jacket that’s buttoned up and walked out of the classroom, into the white-walled hallway. I walked straight then made a left. I walked through the dinning hall and made another left, and then a right so I was in front of Andrew Marks office.

Andrew Marks is the schools dean of students, and the senior Phys. Ed. teacher. He’s kind of like the vice principal and guidance councilor mixed together. He’s the person you go to when you’re in trouble or need someone to talk to. However, I never go to him since all my complications in life revolve around my vampirism.

I sighed and knocked on the large white door, hearing the echoing of the knock through the hollow metal. I heard footsteps coming towards the door and the door opened to show a middle aged tanned man in a beige suit, pin stripped white dress shirt and black tie with dark brown hair and chocolate brown eyes that are warming and welcoming.

“Yes Aleace?” asked Andrew.

We call some of the staff at this school by their first names since they’ve worked here so long, and they try to make it seem more like home.

“Mr. Brail sent me again.” I responded, slightly annoyed.

“He really has a problem with you. Well, please come in.”

Andrew moved out of the way and I walked into his office. I sat down on his navy blue couch and he walked to his light wooden desk, sitting down on his black leather chair.

“So, what happened this time?” asked Andrew, looking at me sympathetically.

“Well, Mr. Brail got annoyed with my daydreaming again.”

“I see.” Said Andrew, looking concentrated. “But, is it affecting your schoolwork?”

“Not at all. I’m still getting my usual grades. I’ve just found an escape in daydreaming to help with my problems.”

“You know you can always come to me for help with your problems Aleace.”

“Yes, I know. However, I need to deal with these myself, they’re very personal.”

“I see. Well, go back to class. I’ll have to talk with Mr. Brail, he’s obviously using his power too carelessly.”

“Okay, thank you for understanding Andrew.”

“No problem. Now, go and finish your class.”

I nodded and started to leave Andrew’s office when his hand was suddenly on my shoulder.

“One last thing.” he said as I turned around to face him.

“Yes?”

“Please tell Mr. Brail to come to my office at lunch, just say it’s an important matter I need to discuss with him.”

“Sure.”

“Thank you.”

I smiled slightly at him and I walked back to the classroom to be greeted by Mr. Brail’s amused face.

“What punishment did you get this time?” asked Mr. Brail with a large smile on his face.

“Nothing. However, Andrew wanted me to tell you that you are wanted in his office before lunch to discuss an important matter.”

Mr. Brail looked at me unamused and pointed at my seat. “Sit down and pay attention this time.”

I sighed and walked to my seat unwillingly.

Mr. Brail kept going on and on about Trig and I just decided to daydream again, but, by staring at the board instead of out the window.

My life here at TPS is very complicated. People get hurt easily since Phys. Ed. is mandatory until grade ten, then you can chose to drop it. People seem to be careless and oblivious of their surroundings, causing an accident to occur multiple times throughout one day. It’s absolutely pitiful and foolish.

I never wanted to be a vampire, I never thought about it when I was a kid. I wanted to be a cat when I grew up (which is slightly embarrassing), but I never expected to become a bloodthirsty creature of the night and I never wanted to hold a secret so mysterious and large that I have to keep it from everyone except my father and half-brother. It only makes my life a living hell, in my mind.

“Aleace? You there?” asked a smooth male voice.

I smiled to myself and looked up beside me. Standing beside me with a large smile on his fair and broad face was Tyler Durrell. His light brown, straight hair was slightly messy and his ocean blue eyes looked like a deep abyss of mystery. His white dress shirt was untucked now and his black pants were rather baggy, but properly around his waist, not at his knees. His black blazer is unbuttoned and his red tie is lowered slightly with the top two buttons undone.

“Aleace?” he asked again.

I blinked out of my gawking at Tyler and looked him in the eyes after getting up from my seat.

“Sorry, I kind of got lost in a daydream.” I admitted, but it was, sadly, a daydream of him.

“Ha! The usual Aleace I met only three weeks ago. Now, ready to go outside?”

“Yeah.” I said, grateful that I’m a vampire since I would probably be blushing by now if I were human.

Tyler came only this year, while I’ve been here ever since I started school at the age of five. I was the one assigned to show Tyler around, which was a big mistake on the staff’s behalf.

All humans are attracted to vampires, so they become very weak and they fall into our trap, so we have an easier time killing our “prey”. Therefore, with Tyler coming to a new school and knowing no one, meeting me first was a big problem.

Tyler took my wrist and dragged me out of the classroom. He pulled me to a red door that was just before the dinning hall. He opened it and he pulled me outside. I felt the sun slightly burn into my hands, face and knees. I squinted my eyes from the pain of the sunlight and Tyler quickly pulled out my sunglasses from his blazer pocket and placed them over my eyes.

“Thanks Tyler.” I said, smiling in pain relief.

“I told you, call me Ty.” He said, sighing.

“But, I thought you hated it when people call you Ty.”

“Only people I don’t like.”

“Which is everyone here.”

“Except you.”

“Tyler,”

“Ah, ah, ah. Ty.”

“Ty,” I sighed. “I already told you. I’m not the person you should like more than anyone else.”

“And why not?”

“There are so many reasons.”

“Then tell me them.”

I paused and stared at him through my sunglasses. I wanted to tell him everything, but I’m sworn to secrecy. I hesitated for a moment, fighting whether I should tell a lie or the truth.

I was about to make up an excuse, but I was luckily saved by Kate Jones, another girl who is crazy for Tyler, and Juliet Marlow, my best friend. I sighed in relief as Kate came up and practically wrapped herself around Tyler with seductive eyes and a large grin spilled over her freckled face.

“Hey sexy beast. What ya up to?” she asked, glaring at me.

“Nothing.” He said, trying to escape Kate’s strong, clinging grasp on him, and failing miserably. “And could you stop calling me a sexy beast?”

“Nope!” she said happily, tapping the end of his nose.

I was suddenly pulled a few feet away from the seduction and rejection scene to Juliet’s side.

“Hey Aly.” She said happily, hugging me tightly.

“Hey Jules.” I said, hugging her back.

Jules is a nickname I gave Juliet one day when I was too tired to call her Juliet. She then decided to give me a nickname, so she made Aly.

We let go of each other and I looked at her. Her dark brown hair was up in a ponytail and her side bangs were covering her right eye, while mine covered my left. Her green eyes were like the Aurora Borealis. Her tanned skin had some scars and scratches on them, since she’s very athletic, and she was wearing the same uniform as me, since we all wore the same thing.

The females of the school wear a black pleaded skirt, a white dress shirt and a black blazer/jacket with black knee high socks, black dress shoes and a red tie, but we wear it slightly lower than normal and with our two top buttons undone. The males wear black dress pants, a white dress shirt, black ankle socks, black dress shoes, and a black blazer with a red tie, slightly lower than normal with their two top buttons undone.

I looked back at Kate, who was still clinging to Tyler forcefully. She was wearing the same uniform as the other girls, but the only difference is that about eighty percent of the female population at our school is either toned or athletic (Jules and I are in this percentage), while twenty percent (the percentage Kate’s in) either need to tone or need to lose weight. Kate only needs to tone, but she still isn’t that attractive. Her brunette hair is always frizzy and it’s obvious she straightens it. She parted it evenly in the front, which made her already slightly chubby cheeks more distinct in her features. Her brown eyes were dull and she had many freckles across her cheekbones and the bridge of her slightly crooked nose.

The male population, however, has seventy percent (Tyler’s percentage) either toned, or had some form of an athletes body. Tyler has a football player’s body, since he is on the football team at our school. While fifteen percent are pudgy and need to lose weight or tone; then the other fifteen percent are gangly, which isn’t that attractive in my mind.

I shook my head at Kate’s failing attempts to forcefully get Tyler to be her new “sexy beast” and looked back at Jules. She rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at the oblivious Kate hanging off of Tyler. I laughed and we linked arms, heading towards the basketball court to play a little one-on-one game.

“So, how was Trig class?” asked Jules.

She’s in grade ten while I’m in grade twelve. She hasn’t reached Trig in her curriculum yet, but she soon will.

“It was boring as usual. Also, Mr. Brail got me in trouble for nothing, again.” I responded with a sigh.

“What’s his problem with you? It’s not like you did anything to him before. He just came here.”

“I know, but I don’t really care if he has a problem with me. I only have to suffer through his class for this year and next year. No big.”

“True. Ready to get your ass whooped?” asked Jules in a competitive tone.

“Not until yours is first.” I smiled back at her.

I am a vampire, and my strength, speed, reflexes and agility are all over and beyond that of a human. However, I never use my full potential around humans and I never shall. Maybe, when us “vampires come out of the coffin,” like many books have stated. But, until that day, I will have to control myself with grace, precision and stealth.

I took the ball from Jules and I stood at half court, Jules in front of me, ready to block my every move in her feeble, weak human attempt to (subconsciously) compete with a vampire.

“Give me your best shot!” said Jules, ready to the best of her ability.

I dribbled the ball for a short while and then I quickly darted to the left, still dribbling the ball. I made it to the net and I threw the ball, getting the first point in our short game.

“Was that good enough?” I asked, smiling widely.

Jules glared at me and took the ball from me, heading to half court. Jules started dribbling, watching my movements. I stood in front of her, ready to block her moves. She darted to the right and I was by her side the whole time. She went to the net, panicked and threw the ball at the net. The ball flew in the air and it rolled around the ring a few times, and then, luckily, went in.

Jules sighed in relief and I chuckled slightly, patting her shoulder blade. The intercom clicked on and I stopped in my tracks, so I could pay attention to the coming announcement.

“Aleace Barber, please come to Andrew Marks office. Aleace Barber to Andrew Marks office.”

I sighed and handed the ball off to Jules. “I’ll see you later; important Trig business.” I said in a sigh.

Jules looked at me sympathetically, I waved it off, telling her there was no need for her sympathy. She nodded and I walked towards the front quad, walking up the light brown stone steps. I opened the white door and was in the reception room. I walked through the small room and through the dark wood double doors. I walked across the dinning hall and down the white hallway to Andrew’s office, making a right at the end of it. I knocked on the door and immediately heard footsteps coming to the door.

Andrew opened the door. “Please, come in.” said Andrew calmly.

I walked in and stood by his closet, across from his desk. Mr. Brail was already sitting on the blue couch, glaring at me. I rolled my eyes and Andrew sat down on his black leather chair after he shut the door.

“Now, you two seem to have a problem with each other. If we don’t resolve this now, it will obviously become chaotic. I have listened to both sides of this story, and I would like to be the mediator in this problem. So, you two may talk it out civilly, and then we shall all agree on what we can do to fix this.” said Andrew, calmly.

I stood there, still as a board, since all I had to say were crude insults. I needed to think of a way to say my viewpoint of this in a more composed manner than the original in my head.

Andrew sighed. “Mr. Brail, how about if you start off this session.” said Andrew.

“Well, I would just like to say this young lady is very annoying, seeing she keeps daydreaming and doodling in her notebook instead of listening to my lessons.” said Mr. Brail angrily.

“Okay, everyone else in the class does the exact same things. Why are you singling me out?” I said, defensively.

“Because you are constant with it. The other students do listen and participate with my lessons.”

“So, just because I don’t raise my hand and because I’m always staring off into space, it means I am the one at fault. That is idiotic! Every single student in your class daydreams every day! I’m not the only one. Also, this doesn’t affect my grades or my performance, so why should you care? None of the other teachers do. You’re just abusing your power since you’re new at this job.”

“Excuse me! How dare you speak to me that way! Andrew, shouldn’t you do something about this?”

Andrew was silent, hands together and under his chin. He lowered his hands and stood up, looking at both of us.

“I do have a plan to solve this.” said Andrew confidently.

“What is it?” asked Mr. Brail excitedly. Probably hoping I would get suspended or something.

“I will personally teach Aleace Math and Science from now on.” said Andrew proudly.

“What? You have a degree to teach those subjects?” asked Mr. Brail, completely perplexed.

“Yes. I was originally the Math and Science teacher here while I was your age. So, about twenty years ago. I taught the grade elevens and twelves. However, I wanted to try to be the dean of students as a change in my work settings. I was accepted and it’s been that way ever since. Therefore, I will take Aleace as my personal student.”

“As you wish.” Mr. Brail said through his teeth.

“You may leave Mr. Brail. Aleace, you stay for a moment.”

Mr. Brail got up and left Andrew’s office angrily. He is probably going to hate me for the rest of his life now, but I don’t mind.

“Aleace?” asked Andrew.

I looked over at him and he pointed to his couch. I sat down and entwined my fingers together on my lap.

“Now, Mr. Brail will be permitted not to speak with you anymore. However, this doesn’t mean you can go off and talk to him to see if he will respond. Also, you may daydream and doodle in my class to a certain extent. When I’m talking about the lesson, I do want you to pay attention. When you’re doing your homework, you may daydream and doodle instead, because it’s your education and you take responsibility for it. However, don’t expect me to be as lenient as Mr. Brail is with homework. Your first class with me is this afternoon, right after your second lunch break. Just come straight to my office with what you need for Science.” explained Andrew.

“I understand Andrew. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. You may leave for lunch now.”

I got up and walked out of Andrew’s office, just in time to get my lunch and sit down at my table like I was never gone. I sat down beside Jules with my grilled cheese and ketchup. I took the water jug and poured some water into my glass.

“Hey Aly. How was the meeting?” asked Jules, curiosity consuming her eyes.

“Not bad. I’ll tell you later. But, do you know when this other new student is coming?” I asked, remembering it was announced this morning.

“Yeah, he’s coming in two days. Apparently he’s amazing at softball and will be on the school’s team.”

“Really?”

“Yep. He’s also very attractive. All the girls at his school adore him. I wonder what he looks like.”

Maybe he’s a vampire and that’s why he’s so attractive. I thought hopefully.

“What do you think Aly? Do you think you’ll like him too.” asked Jules.

“I dunno. I might, but I won’t know until he’s here.”

“Yeah, that’s better than daydreaming about how hot he’ll be.”

I laughed at Jules and once we were finished our lunch we went outside. We walked past the basketball court and headed towards the track.

“So?” said Jules.

“So, what?” I asked, perplexed.

“So, what happened with the meeting?”

“Oh! Well, Mr. Brail and I kept insulting each other, and I kept pointing out how unrealistic and how unfair he was being to me. Eventually, Andrew resolved the problem by making Mr. Brail unable to talk with me or teach me. So, Andrew’s gonna teach me for the last two years I’m here, privately.”

“Whoa. Are you serious?”

“Yep. Apparently, Andrew used to teach Math and Science to grades eleven and twelve here at TPS when he was Mr. Brail’s age.”

“Oh. Well, then in a way you’re lucky and in a way you’re not.”

“How?”

“Well, you’re lucky ‘cause you don’t have to deal with Mr. Brail constantly ratting you out anymore. But, you’re unlucky ‘cause Andrew, the dean of students, is teaching you now. He’ll probably be more tough than Mr. Brail.”

“Yeah, well, it’s what has to happen. I don’t mind. Andrew actually said I could daydream and doodle while I did the homework he assigns me since this is my education and I need to take responsibility for it. I just can’t daydream while he lectures me.”

“Well, that’s a bonus in a way.”

“Yeah I guess.” I sighed and sat down in the middle of the grass that was in the center of the track.

“What’s up with you this year? It seems like you’re a total mess ever since Tyler came.”

Jules sat down beside me and I just sighed, seriously debating whether I should tell her or not.

“Jules, can I ask you an important question that you have to be totally honest with when you answer?” I asked.

“Of course.”

“What if you found out I’m not who I am, that I’m something different. What if I am hiding a huge secret and if I tell you, then you would have to hide it with me. Would you still be my friend, and would you be able to hide this secret from the world?”

“Um, Aleace, what are you saying? I always keep secrets you tell me form everyone. But, how can you be someone you’re not? Unless, you’re secretly living a double life.”

“No no. I’m not living a double life. But, would you still be my friend if I told you I wasn’t who I am?”

“Well, I don’t know where you’re getting at, but I will always be your friend, even if you’re an alien!” said Jules happily, yet confused.

“Okay, I need to tell you the most shocking secret in this world. But, you have to tell no one! Not even your family.”

“My lips are sealed Aly.” said Jules while pantomiming zipping her lips shut and throwing the key over her shoulder.

“Okay. I’m a vampire.” I said and Jules laughed. “What?” I asked, completely confused about what could possibly be funny about that.

“As if Aly.”

“Do you want me to prove it?”

“Okay, prove it.”

Then and there I stared at Jules, breathing in the scent of her blood, hearing her pulse beat and seeing every single vein pumping under her skin. Suddenly, my mouth opened slightly to expose immaculately white fangs. I started to breath heavily and Jules looked at me in shock.

I suddenly felt my throat become dry. I was thirsty. I haven’t had any human blood for two weeks and I needed nourishment to quench this overwhelming thirst.

My claws were digging into the ground to stop myself from attacking Jules. She moved back slightly and I closed my eyes, tuning my ears to the nature around me. My breathing began to steady and I felt my fangs retract. I opened my eyes to see Jules staring at me, still in shock.

“Jules? Are you scared of me now?” I asked, feeling worried.

“N-n-no. I-I just never thought they were real.” she admitted shyly.

“Look Jules. I was turned into this monster against my will. I won’t attack anyone. I don’t want to be a blood thirsty monster! Please tell me you’re still my friend.”

“Aly, when will I not be your friend? You can trust me with anything. And, I won’t tell anyone your secret, not even a mouse.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem!” said Jules happily.

The bell rang and we started walking back to the school.

“Um, Aly?” asked Jules.

“Yeah?”

“Can we talk later tonight, alone? I have so many questions I need to be answered.”

“Yep. You can ask all your questions tonight. And, if you have to, you can even write them down so you won’t forget.”

“Okay.”

We walked inside and I went to the classroom to get my books and pencil case. Once I had all of my Science books I walked to Andrew’s office. I had Science class there and it was actually way more fun than with Mr. Brail. Then I had Latin class (since I already know Italian, French and Spanish), and then Phys. Ed., since I need to get energy out in some way.

I went downstairs to the girl’s locker room and changed into my Burgundy track pants that have some splash pants material on the outside for all weather conditions, and my grey t-shirt that says TPS on the area where a breast pocket would be.

“Aly! I need help!” said Jules in a panic.

Phys. Ed. class for grade nine, ten, eleven and twelve are all together. I laughed at Jules as she frantically looked through her locker and on the floor.

“What do you need help with now?” I asked.

“I lost my baseball glove.” she said, pouting.

Jules loses everything, which always makes my life interesting. We have baseball first this year in our program, then it’s soccer, then ball hockey for winter, and then Health for the spring.

“Okay, okay. I’ll help you look.” I said, smiling.

Right when I started looking, I found the glove under the bench in front of her locker.

“I found it!” I said, holding the glove in the air.

“Ohmygod! Thank you!” said Jules, looking extremely relieved.

I handed her the glove and we went outside. We walked towards the baseball diamond. Jules jumped on my back and I started running.

The sun was beginning to set, so it wouldn’t bother me much. The sun only bothers my eyes the most (that’s why I wear sunglasses and I say I have sun sensitivity), it only feels like my skin is very hot and it’s getting pricked when the sun gleams on my skin.

We made it to the baseball diamond and Andrew came strolling down with a group of senior students running to the baseball diamond before him. Jules jumped off my back and we watched as students struggled to make it here before Andrew.

“Okay everyone! Run to the fort and back, let’s go!” yelled Andrew.

All the students groaned and we started running to the fort in the forest by the baseball diamond. I was the second last back, with Jules in front of me, knowing I was holding back on purpose.

When we made it back, we created a circle and warmed ourselves up with a stretch. After that, we were divided up into two teams. My team was up to bat first and I just daydreamed until it was my turn. Once it was, I hit the ball on my second try, purposefully.

Our team was then in the field. I, luckily, got a position where the balls never come. So, I was able to just daydream. Suddenly, I saw the ball coming towards me as a fly ball. I backed up a little and I suddenly felt competitive. I felt the adrenaline flowing through my veins. I put my glove above my head and caught the ball. I grabbed it from my glove in a swift and fast motion, faster than the average human, and threw it at Andrew, our pitcher. He caught it and sent it to the home plate, where the runner was about to make a home run. We got him out.

Suddenly, I blinked and I was back to my “normal human” self. I looked around to see everyone’s shocked face, including Andrew’s.

Oh no. What did I do now? Not now! No! I can’t mess this up! No! I thought in complete terror and shock. No...