Layla walked down the halls of her school. She had to hurry, she had only 4 mintues to get to her locker and back to class. She hated school, the only reason she ever went and half way enjoyed it was because she could see her friends.
She flipped her beautiful, dark brown hair out of her face as she quickly turned the dial to her locker. As she opened her locker, she noticed that the new guy at her school-Vincent-had his locker just 3 lockers down from hers. She watched out of the corner of her eye as he quickly opened his locker, got what he wanted and shut it. Suddenly, she remembered she had to get to class. Quickly, she grabbed her stuff and slammed her locker while rushing to class. On the way, she saw her friend Anna. Their classes were right next to each other, so they talked on the way.
"Did you see the new guy yet? He is soooo hot," Anna said quickly.
"Uh, yeah, his locker is real close to mine," Layla said.
Anna always sounds like a valley girl or something, Layla thought to herself.
"Well, I CERTAINLY will have to get to know him...what's his name again, Vincent?" Anna asked.
"Yeah, something like that."
Suddenly the bell rang, and Layla found herself running the last 15 feet or so to class.
"TARDY!" the teacher yelled.
"Sorry, Mr. Raja" Layla managed to blurt out with half of the class snickering.
Layla quickly sat in her seat, and started daydreaming. The new guy Vincent certainly was cute, but Layla knew she'd never get to know him. She never could talk to cute guys like that, much less when the only thing she knew about the guy was his name. But he was one of the most goregous guys she'd ever seen...and goregous guys almost always had no brain. They had no need for it. Not to mention, they usually didn't pay much attention to anything besides themselves. And Layla didn't really care about looks much. She didn't think they mattered, but that doesn't mean a pretty face didn't get her attention...
"Layla? Layla? Hello?," Mr. Raja said impatienly.
Layla snapped out of her daze, and replied "huh?"
"Please answer the question!" Mr. Raja snapped.
"I'm sorry, what was the question?" she said shyly.
"Well, if you were listening, you would have known. You owe me 20 minutes detention after school young lady! For distrupting the class and not paying attention!" Mr Raja snapped again.
Everyone always hated Mr. Raja...he was always so strict, and such an ass about everything.
Before Layla could make a fool of herself once more, the bell rang. Everyone quickly gathered their things and headed out of class, everyone but Layla. School was finally over and the weekend was about to begin for Layla...after she did her 20 minutes of detention.
She sat in the class and laid her head on the desk watching the clock as it did it's slow "tick, tock, tick, tock." Too slow, Layla thought. Mr. Raja just sat at his desk reading. Layla decided not to start daydreaming, that got her in trouble once, it wouldn't again in the same day. Luckily, she had no homework. Which was surprising for a 10th grader, but surprisingly there were rare instances where she didn't have homework.
Finally, after what seemed forever of either watching the clock or watching Mr. Raja read, her 20 mintues were over and she politly asked Mr. Raja if she could leave.
"Go," was all he said.
On her way to her locker, she noticed Vincent getting things out of his locker. She went to her locker, surprised that she wasn't nervous.
"Hi," Vincent said, suddenly, "I'm Vincent, I'm new. Who are you?"
"I'm Layla...I knew your name already. Where are you from?" she said as she got her things from her locker.
"Oh, here and there. What are you doing here after school? Most of the kids hurry home as fast as they can."
Layla felt herself sneer, "Detention, what about you?"
"Me? Oh, well, I had to talk to the principle and stuff since I'm new...and stuff."
"Oh...fun. The principle is not the nicest person in the world."
"Tell me about it. So, tell me, you wanna do something tonight? Just to get to know each other?" Vincent said VERY casually.
"Sure...like what?"
"Well...I don't know. How 'bout I give you my phone number, we can talk about it later on tonight."
"Sure, that would be great!" Layla felt herself getting all excited.
"Okay, let me write down my phone number," he tore a piece of paper out of his binder before he put it in his locker and scribbled his phone number on it. "Here you go" he said as he handed it to her.
Their hands touched for just one second, and Layla felt a 'rush' of something. She felt like he was someone very special, and for some reason he didn't make her the least bit nervous. She tried to hide her surprise at the rush of feelings she felt, hoping he hadn't noticed yet. She noticed Vincent looked a little surprised as well.
Layla slammed her locker shut, "I'll call you tonight."
"Don't call until 7pm. I won't be home until then. I have to, I have to work," Vincent said.
"Okay, have it your way," Layla said, "Later."
"Bye...see you later," Vincent said with a tight smile that just made her want to melt.
She walked home so happy, she felt she could fly. But she still couldn't figure out what caused that wierd 'rush' of feelings. Maybe it was nothing, but she felt there was more to it.
When she got home, she just sat around, waiting for 7pm to roll by. Finally, 7pm came around and she picked up the phone and quickly dialed his number.
The phone rang twice before someone picked it up, and it was Vincent's deep voice that rang "Hello" through the telephone.
"Hey, it's me, Layla."
"Oh, hey Layla, is it 7 already?"
"Yeah, so, what we doin'?"
"I don't know, do you like to go swimming? It is a hot May night out...a swim would be nice," Vincent said quickly.
"Sure...down at the Recreation center downtown?" Layla suggested.
"Why not. So, meet you there in an hour or so?"
"Sure..." Layla felt so happy. Swimming was her favorite sport...and she was about to go with the most charming guy she'd met yet.
"Okay, see you in one hour," Vincent said.
Layla hung up the phone. Now...where had she put her bathing suit? She knew she had it somewhere. She opened up her dresser drawer and there it was. So, now all she had to do was wait...after she got a towel. She sat down and read for a half hour and then headed out the door.
She finally got to the Recreation Center, and there was Vincent waiting for her right by the register where you pay to get in.
"Hi, are you all ready?" he said, quickly.
"Sure," she said quickly as she paid her $2.00 to get in.
They went swimming, and they had a great time. Vincent showed Layla a trick when diving, and Layla couldn't get over how GOOD Vincent looked in a bathing suit. I mean, she knew she didn't go for looks on guys (nor did she care about looks), but obviously there was more to this guy that his looks, she gave him that. He certainly was charming, he didn't open up much about himself, but he certainly was also smart.
For three weeks, this went on. They would go do something on Friday night after school. They had become good friends very quickly. One week they had gone bowling, then they played miniature golf, and then went roller-blading, and had a blast doing each. And each time Layla came home, she felt she could walk on air. School was almost out, and Vincent and her were very good friends. She felt that after school got out, something special was going to happen, she could just feel it.
* * *
Finally, after 4 days, Friday was finally here. Unfortunatly, Mr. Raja required 20 minutes of detention from her AGAIN for being tardy. It was okay, she didn't like it, but with it being the last day of school it didn't matter much. Because in 20 minutes she would be free and wouldn't have to see Mr. Raja again for quite awhile. Finally, her 20 minutes was over.
On her way to her locker, she again saw Vincent...except he was waiting for her at her locker. He had never done that before.
"Hey, what are you here for?" she said in a casual voice.
"Can't a guy come see the people he care about?" he said in his usual tone.
"Yeah, but you've never waited for me at my locker."
"There is a first time for everything. Besides, there is something I want to talk to you about," he said the last part very slowly.
"Okay, but how come you didn't leave after a couple minutes of not seeing me at my locker?"
"I figured Mr. Ass gave you detention. And sometimes, I love being right all the time," he said with a sarcastic smile.
Layla opening her locker. Suddenly, she felt Vincent get very close. She never made contact again with him after he gave her his phone number, the feeling was just too wierd. But suddenly, he was close enough that she could feel his breath on her face. She felt that 'rush' or whatever it was very well this time as he kissed her cheek. Suddenly, she found herself looking into his eyes with him looking right back. They stood there for a few minutes, before he finally said, "Layla, I care about you, I care about you a lot. Would you...would you," he sounded really nervous, "go steady with me?" he finally said.
Layla felt herself turn red, and quickly she said "yes..." quietly under her breath.
He hugged her then, gently, but she was unable to hug back, she had her binder in her hands. "There is some more things I'd like to talk to you about, some more, important matters. Want to go for a walk tonight and discuss things?" Vincent said seriously.
Always at night, Layla thought. We always go when it's dark. Oh well, you have to work, you have to work. "Sure," she said.
"I'll stop over at your place and pick you up around 7ish. Is that okay?" he stampered out.
"Sure," Layla said quickly.
A tight smile quickly spread across his face, he didn't open his mouth when he smiled, she noticed. In the month that she had known him, she'd never seen his smile with his mouth opened, she realized. Oh well, she thought, maybe he had crooked teeth or something. Vincent walked off, he looked so happy, yet there was a hint of worry in his eyes she had noticed when looking into them. Oh well, she thought, she'd probably find out tonight. She slammed her locker shut and headed happily home...she had to call Anna.
She got home and picked up the phone immediatly and called Anna. Anna picked up the phone and said "hello" in her little tone that she always used. The tone made her sound like some sort of Spice Girl or something.
"Hey, it's me, Layla," Layla said so excitedly she couldn't help it.
"Hey girl, what you so excited about."
"You won't believe it! Vincent..."
Anna quickly interrupted, "Let me guess...you two are a couple now..."
"Yeah!" Layla said happily, "how'd you guess?"
"Well, you two were obviously going to get together or something. You should have seen you two in the halls talking after school or something. I saw you roller-blading with him at the skate rink, as well. I knew you guys would end up a couple...I'm so happy for you!" Anna said happily in her spice girl tone.
Layla heard her mom yell from the bottom of the stairs, "Sweetheart! I need the phone!"
"Anna, can I call you later, my mom needs the phone."
"Sure, call me tomorrow, though, I have things I need to do."
"Sure," Layla said as she hung up the phone. Now, she had to wait for 7pm to roll by again.
* * *
Finally, 7pm rolled by. Layla was so excited, she has sat watching the clock for the past 5 minutes. She wondered what Vincent had to tell her. While she was thinking about it, she realized she didn't know much about him. Oh, she knew stuff about him, his favorite color, favorite bands and stuff. But she didn't know his parents, or where he lived. He knew where she lived and who her parents were and stuff...but she didn't know his. She thought that was odd...suddenly the door bell rung. Layla quickly yelled a good bye to her mom as she left.
She opened the door and there he was...Vincent. She noticed that he usually wore black or blue. She didn't know why she didn't notice it before, but it did go great with his dark hair. But she couldn't figure a lot about Vincent out. Maybe that was who he was...a person you couldn't figure out.
"Hey, ready?" Vincent said with another tight smile.
"Sure, lets go," Layla said as she stepped out the door. She dressed casual, she always did. Though, Mom always suggested she put something nice on, but Layla didn't feel the need.
"Well, what did you want to talk to me about?" Layla said, in her most casual voice that she could manage as they started walking hand-in-hand.
"When we get to the place I want to go to, sure I'll tell you."
They jabbered on about the things they usually talk about, stuff like who they hated and liked, past experiances, and what they were going to do over the summer. Finally, they got to the park. She saw it was Oaksdale park-probably the most isolated park in the city. There was hardly anyone in it, especially at dark. She looked at her watch and noticed it was 8:30pm...nobody be here, she realized, with it being dark. But she trusted Vincent...
Vincent lead her to a bench in the middle of the park and they sat down. It was real quiet, and neither of them dared to speak. Vincent sat there, just looking into Layla's eyes, all dreamy while he held her hand as they sat side by side. Layla could feel that 'rush' of feelings very, very strongly and she realized that if she didn't fight it, it was actually very wonderful and she really liked it. She realized that there was some sort of connection between them...something special.
Finally, Vincent leaned over and put his arm around Layla's waist. Layla felt a bit nervous, but tried to hide it quickly. Vincent put his other arm around her and kissed her. He kissed her deeply and caressed her head and ran his fingers through her hair. He kissed her with compassion, and love, and he felt so good to be so close to her. Layla hadn't kissed a lot of guys, but he was a great kisser. He caressed her hair, head and back with his hands, everything felt so good...
Then he started kissing various parts of her face and then her neck. Then, she felt something strange...she felt suction...and realized he was giving her what Anna called a 'love bite,' also known as a 'hickey.' She giggled at the thought of Vincent and her 'necking.' After what seemed 5 minutes or so, he pulled up. She felt her neck and she barely had a hickey, and when she felt it, it felt good to touch it. It also tingled when she touched it.
Layla smiled...but she didn't dare break the silence that was between them.
But it was Vincent who broke it. "Layla, I don't work or anything. That isn't the reason I come around so late. I come to school really early, before the sun rises and I wait in the principle's office. After school, I wait in his office until nightfall...there is something you need to know, here, let me show you," he said slowly and nervously.
Suddenly, Vincent started kissing her slowly but compassionatly again, and again started kissing her neck...except this time, she felt a quick, sharp pain and this time warm suction. At first it hurt, but then it felt absolutly wonderful. Suddenly, she realized she could feel his mind and that he could feel hers. She could see his past and suddenly she knew everything about him. They talked through thought...she couldn't describe it. She could hear his thoughts and see his mind and he could hear her thoughts and see her mind. She realized she could see and feel that he cared deeply for her, and saw that he was a creature of the night...a vampire. Suddenly, when she discovered this she felt that he seemed sort of scared or shamed, like he was scared she'd cast him out.
But instead, she only loved him more for it, and told him so and she felt him feel relieved. What he was made him who he was...and she knew him only as the one she loved. But then she noticed there was one and only one area of his mind she couldn't see...but eventually, he stopped before she could find out what it was she couldn't see. She didn't want him to stop as it felt wonderful, but she knew he had to.
"That is one of the things I wanted to tell you, besides that I love you dearly," he said, wiping his lips.
"Really," she said, kissing his lips lightly, "what else did you want to tell me?"
"Well...I wanted to tell you the following in words, which is why I had it sort of hidden in my thoughts," he said, slow but serious, "I think, we were sort of made for each other. Soulmates, you know. I know you feel that 'rush' of feelings everytime we touch each other. I believe there is such a thing as soulmates, and that once soulmates find each other, they can never be happy again without each other. And I also believe...no, I know we are soulmates," Vincent said.
"Vincent..." Layla said slowly, "I love you..."
That was all that was needed to be said. Layla knew it and Vincent knew it...they were made for each other, they were soulmates.
"Make me what you are, Vincent, so we can be together, always," Layla said quickly.
Vincent looked deeply and lovingly into her eyes and did as she asked, he would have done anything for her, anything she wished. And Layla knew they would be together, forever, and that they would always have each other-even if they were vampires. They had each other, and that is what really mattered. For once in her life, Layla finally felt full, like she had everything she wanted...and everything she wanted was right here on this bench-the love of her life, her soulmate.
The End