Even Alexander was getting a bit fidgety. We havent eaten yet and Im feeling hungry. Well have Jameson make us some drinks.
But you have a bottle out here, I told them.
Well save it for something special, Alexander said.
Fine. My first party, and it was a disaster.
They headed inside. I remained at the table and sulked for a few moments until I heard a car in the distance. I took off around the side of the grassy Mansion lawn, doing my best to avoid uneven patches of soil. When I reached the driveway, I saw two headlights shining on the street. The streetlamp illuminated a car. When I got closer I noticed a bright white Beetle, the headlights highlighted with black paint, the hood with a dark circle, and vertical white stripes adorning the bumper. It looked like a giant human skull.
Theyre here! I exclaimed. Theyre here.
I raced down the long driveway as if I were competing for a gold medal.
When I reached the Mansions gate, exiting the cryptic car were two amazingly stellar party girlsScarlet and Onyx.
Scarlet wore her curly red hair long with a black bow; she had on a cream-colored velvet dress, black lace gloves, and stilettos.
Onyx, with her jet black, blade-straight hair, wore a corset top, knee-length skirt, ripped stockings, and wicked witchy boots.
We all screamed like children, and they engulfed me in a tight embrace.
We thought wed never see you again, Scarlet said.
I thought so, too, I said.
When we saw your message, we knew we had to come, Onyx said. No matter what.
I love your car! I proclaimed. I could only dream of driving that up to my house in the burbs. I thought I was lucky to have a black bike.
I just got it. Isnt it ghoulish? Scarlet grinned.
The two girls linked arms with me and we ascended the steep and winding drive. It was as if we were miniature dolls in comparison to the stately Mansion that loomed above us.
Is this where you live? Onyx asked, aghast.
No, my boyfriend does, I replied.
Are his parents out for the weekend? Scarlet wondered, assessing the situation.
Wellfor a while longer, I said. They live in Romania.
He lives here by himself? Onyx asked. How lonely.
He has a butler.
You go, girl! Scarlet said.
He must be a millionaire, Onyx stated.
Almost, I said.
Is hea V? Onyx asked.
A what? I wondered aloud.
A Coffin Club member, Scarlet whispered. You knowone of us
Oha V. I nodded proudly. And more important, so is his friend.
He has a friend? Scarlet hinted.
Yes, and hes single and very hot, I replied.
Love it! the two girls shrieked.
We never see that Phoenix guy anymore, Scarlet said. We thought maybe youd have hooked up with him.
Really? I asked. WellI havent either. But I think youll like Alexander, too.
Judging from that Mansion? I like him already, Scarlet declared.
Alexander didnt realize that the girls had arrived. The backyard was empty of male vampires. I was slightly miffed at the pair for giving up so easily.
Where is everyone? Scarlet said.
They went inside.
I felt awful. Should I leave my guests alone? Or take them inside? I had never hosted a party before and wasnt sure of the etiquette. I knew my mother would know exactly what to do, so I did my best impression of her.
Why dont you two wait here while I get you something to drink, I asked.
Nostay with us, Onyx said, grasping my wrist. We traveled all this way to see you, so were not letting you out of our sight.
Yes, Scarlet said. This way we can have some girl time.
I wanted the girls to feel the full effects of our haunting happening, but without Alexander and Sebastian it wasnt happening at all.
Maybe Alexander would get worried and come find me.
We sat at the tomb-shaped table. A Romanian bottle was chilling on ice, and the twinkling candelabra was still dripping hot wax.
So hows the Coffin Club? I asked. I miss it.
Its the best, Onyx said.
There isnt anywhere weve found thats like it, Scarlet added. And since Phoenix usurped Jaggers authority and made the club about us and not him, its been running smoothly. But we havent seen Phoenix at all. Its quite odd.
We thought you might have seen him, Onyx began, since you got on so well with him.
I havent seen anybody.
Not even Jagger? Onyx asked.
Noand for that Im grateful.
Really? I think hes kind of hot, Onyx confessed.
Scarlet and I were surprised by her admission of admiration for the alluring, but menacing, vampire.
I mean in a lonely sort of way, Onyx continued. I think he might just be misunderstood.
So, Scarlet said. Youre dating a vampire. Then youll become a vampire, too! Scarlet was beside herself with glee.
Uhwere waiting for the right time, I answered.
But dont you want to be like us? Scarlet asked.
Of course, I replied. Its been my lifes dream.
Then what are you waiting for
Its a big decision, Onyx defended. I dont know that Id turn someone. It is a lot of responsibility.
I would! Scarlet said. Its in our blood.
To change someones life forever? Onxy proposed. We were born into this. We didnt have a choice. And for Raven, it would be changing everything about her life as she knows it. It is something that should be thought through really carefully. Not so casual or in the moment, Onyx argued, reassuring me. Its okay, Raven, to take your time.
There is nothing wrong with being a vampire, Scarlet said.
I didnt say there was, Onyx retorted. But would you want to be mortalif you found your true love?
Scarlet thought for a moment. I guess youre right. It is a big decision.
I smiled in agreement. It was hardthese two girls took for granted a lifestyle I wanted so badly. They werent becoming vampires because of someone they loved or something they wanted to bethey were vampires because they were born vampires.
It was then I remembered why Id invited them.
Speaking of true love, I began. Ive got a really great guy I want you to meet.
Yes, tell us about Alexanders friend, Onxy said.
Hes really hot, I repeated. And hes looking for someone special.
Were special, Scarlet said.
Exactly! That was what I was thinking. I scooted close. He was enamored with my best friend, I confided. Only, shes mortal and has a boyfriend. And I dont want anyone in this town being bitten before me, I joked.
Yes, that wouldnt be fair, Onyx said.
Id die if some cheerleader showed up to a game with fangs, I told them.
That would be wrong on so many levels! Scarlet snorted.
She wouldnt be deserving, Onyx said. Not like you.
So I thought it would be wonderful if he could meet a nice vampire girl, I went on. And Dullsville is short on those.
So where is this Prince Charming? Scarlet asked.