Vanilla And Cocoa

Chapter 7 "Just A Little Bit"

Justin and Merissa left as soon as Justin got himself back in order. But, before he left, he managed to weasel his number into my phone after saying he needed to 'call his mom' to let her know they were coming home late. I stared at the new message on my phone with a grimace.

Prettiest Guy You've Ever Met

You should hang out with us again. I promise it'll be better this time, no alcohol involved :)

I scoffed and changed his name before I replied.

I think I'll pass. You promised me something like that the first time.

Not even a minute later, my phone vibrated again.

Stupidest Guy I've Ever Met

:(
Give Zay another chance. It was just a misunderstanding.

I contemplated it a bit and decided to tease him for a second.

I don't know, he said he hated girls like me.

A few seconds later, my phone vibrated again.

He was upset, he's my best friend. Just like the rest of my friends, they are just trying to...protect me.

I tilted my head at his text and hummed.

You don't like them trying to protect you?

His reply took longer this time.

They're more like overbearing siblings than friends and what's the point if I'm just going to keep letting them down.

I could feel that if we continued down this path any longer, it was going to make an emotional turn. I decided to divert the approaching subject.

You all sound very close.

I've known Zay and Izzy since middle school and Orlan, Chris, and Drew became friends with me freshman year.

You truly haven't been together long but it seems like you have known each other since birth.

His response was much slower this time.

Yeah, they're my family.

Before I could reply, he texted again.

Sorry, I have to go. Something came up.

I sent him a quick 'okay' and sighed, letting my phone slip out of my hand and onto the bed. I looked over to my dresser where the last book of the series I just recently finished, Vampire Huntress, sat. I need to take another trip to the library.

I was so busy for the past few days that I didn't have time.

I grabbed the book and my keys, exiting my room. "Mom, I'm heading out!"

"Where are you going?!" She yelled back from the living room.

"To the library." I said as I walked in and placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Have fun and don't lose track of time like last time." She said sternly.

I grimaced at the memory and nodded. "Yeah, I know."

I ended up getting engrossed in a new book and stayed until closing hours. My mom hugged me when I got home and then proceeded to lecture me. I got a lot of mixed treatment that night.

I walked out of the door and jogged over to my car. I drove to the library and walked through the doors, inhaling the delightful smell of books. I greeted the librarian and she looked up from her book briefly, smiled, and continued reading. I leisurely walked through the aisles and scanned the shelves for something that would catch my eye.

I looked around for awhile, picking up books here and there to examine before putting them back the shelf. I sighed and was about to go to the next aisle when I saw a book called, Romette And Julio.

"A spin-off...?" I whispered before picking it up.

My eyes widened in interest as I read the description. I'll take this one.

"Destiny?" I looked up at the sound of my name and my mouth parted in surprise.

"Cameron?" He grinned and walked towards me.

"What a coincidence! Oh, and look," He leaned forward to examine my face. "You aren't beaten up and bloody. Trust me, you look so much prettier when you aren't."

"Oh, but look, you haven't changed much from that night. Still...you."

He tilted his head. "Why does that sound like an insult?"

"Probably because it is." I muttered, turning away from him.

"What are you doing here?" He asked.

I waved my new found book in my hand and he nodded. "What are you doing here?"

"Research." He answered, smiling.

"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Regardless of what I look like, I'm very smart."

"Is that so?" I responded blandly.

He gasped and I continued looking for books. "You really don't think I'm smart?"

"You said it, not me." My lips twitched into a tiny smile.

"I can read people, too." There was a wicked look in his eyes that made me uncomfortable.

"Is...that so?" I responded hesitantly.

"Yeah, let's see," I tried to get away from him before he could start his psychoanalysis. He caught up to me and shook his head mockingly. "You grew up in a good conditioned home full of love and warmth so that's all you know. Your mother works and your father...is away?"

He stared at me for a moment while I tried to avoid his gaze. "No, military. You're an only child. Grew up without any friends but managed to get by all alone and, last but not least, you've never been in love."

We stood there in silence for a few moments before I spoke. "...was that supposed to fluster me?"

"Somewhat." He shrugged.

"Well, it didn't. I can read people, too, you know," I smiled bitterly and he raised an eyebrow. "You crave attention because you weren't given any, am I right? Constantly got in trouble as a child so everyone could pay attention to you but ended up doing more harm than good?"

He barely flinched and slowly slid his tongue over his teeth. "Not far off. How'd you know?"

I tilted my head at him, staring him down. "How did you know?"

"Touché."

I hummed and moved past him. "It's in your eyes. It's like an open book."

And with that, I walked out of the aisle and over to the counter. The librarian checked my book out and I exited the library without looking back. The ride back home was quiet as I was lost in my thoughts. I parked my car and walked into the house with a defeated sigh.

I dropped my keys onto the table and my mom raised an eyebrow at me. "Why do you look so tired? You usually look excited to read a new book."

I shrugged and headed upstairs. "It's nothing."

I got in my room and kicked my shoes off. My eyes caught the photo frame perched near my bed and I walked over to pick it up. My thumb brushed over the image of my father's smiling face as he stood beside my mother with me in his arms. I kissed the glass and placed it back on my dresser.

I checked my notifications on my phone and found a new message from Justin. It was an street address with a second message that read: Come to my house tomorrow. My house is the big one, obviously you can't miss it because you've been here before lol

I smiled and shook my head. I guess I could humor him and visit tomorrow. I sent him an affirmation and plopped back onto my bed. I guess I couldn't help but admit that I was excited for tomorrow. Just a little bit.

-----+----

If you guys like vampires and interracial couples, check out the Vampire Huntress series. It's not on wattpad so you'll have to go get it on Amazon or check your nearest library.