Sebastian was pleased with her interest. Sleep.
You sleep all day? I cant imagine not getting up when the sun rises.
Well, I stay up all night.
Like Raven? She has insomnia. Shed sleep all day and go to school at night if she could.
Or not go to school at all, I chimed in.
They laughed, but I was serious.
You are so different from other girls I meet, Sebastian said.
Becky slunk down. I knowIve never been to Europe or even New York.
NoI mean that as a compliment, he continued.
Becky lit up. She wasnt used to being paid so much attention by a good-looking stranger.
Yes, Beckys the greatest, I praised. Not like those other girls in school who are obsessed with everything Gucci. Weve been friends since the third grade.
I can see why you like it so much here, Sebastian said to Alexander. The people are really genuine. And cute.
Becky turned as red as the bottle of ketchup she was reaching for. She squeezed it over her fries but then left them untouched.
So, Alexander, I said, taking over. Now we know what we do all day. What do you do?
Alexander sat up as we waited for his response.
I spend it thinking about you, of course.
After stuffing our faces with burgers and chocolate malts, Alexander gallantly paid Dixie and we headed for the parking lot.
We escorted Becky to her truck underneath a star-filled night sky.
It was great meeting you, Sebastian. She opened her arms to give him a friendly hug. Alexander cleared his throat when Sebastian squeezed her a bit too long.
When will I have the pleasure of seeing you again? Sebastian asked. Clearly, Sebastian didnt want our visit to end.
Becky twisted her hair and shrugged her shoulders. She gave me a quick hug, hopped into her truck, and rolled down the window.
Good night, Raven, she said. Ill talk to you tomorrow. Good night, Alexander.
We watched and waved as Becky drove out of the parking lot and down the street.
So now what do you want to do? I asked. Hang out at the cemetery again?
I guess we should be dropping you off, Alexander said.
Me? But the night is so young, I moaned.
Alexander put his arm around me and we headed for the Mustang, but Sebastian continued to stare in the direction Becky had just driven.
Whats up? Alexander asked him, tripping him out of his trance.
Sebastian was silent.
Hello. Are you in there? Alexander prompted again. Is something wrong?
I dont know, Sebastian said. Ive never felt like this before.
Are you sick? I wondered.
I thinkIm in love, Sebastian announced, as if it was just occurring to him.
With who? I asked. Dixie?
I can see why you like it here, dude, he said to Alexander. You found your soul mate, and now Ive found mine.
Who are you talking about? Alexander asked.
Becky.
I laughed. But then I could see that Sebastian was dead serious.
She has a boyfriend, I said.
She does?
Yes, I said emphatically.
Of course she does. Someone as pretty as her. But does that matterin the long run? Sebastian mused.
It matters. Besides, shes not really your type.
AB negative? I like all kinds. Sebastian didnt seem to be joking, but Alexander broke a smile.
Its not funny, I said. I think its time to go
Im not laughing, Sebastian said. It aches in here, he said, pointing to his heart.
Thats not love, thats indigestion, I said. Hatsys is known for it.
I cant shake it.
We can stop at the pharmacy and get you some Rolaids, I offered.
Sebastian faced me intently. This isnt heartburn. Dont you see?
All right, Alexander said, putting his hands on Sebastians shoulders. Its time we head out.
Did you see how into me she was? Sebastian asked. Asking me all sorts of questions?
She was just being polite, I told him.
I like that. Most girls I meet are into themselves. Can you give me her number?
Her number? I asked, alarmed. But she already has a boyfriend!
Something I can overlook. For now.
I really dont think
One cannot dodge Cupids arrow, Sebastian proclaimed.
I rolled my eyes. Cupid isnt the only one with an arrow. I scowled.
Alexander rubbed my neck. Its okay. Hes just playing.
We got into the Mustang, and as Sebastian drove me home, the ghostly duo boisterously sang to tunes blasted from his speakers. I pretended to not be disturbed by Sebastians off-key singing or his sudden proclamation.
Sebastian waited in the car while Alexander escorted me up the front steps.
Why didnt you say anything about Becky? I asked when we reached the door.
Hes harmless. He falls for girls all the time and whines when they dont fall back. I was surprised he didnt declare his love for you. Alexander fingered my belt loops and drew me to him.
Yeah, why didnt he? I asked, gazing up at him.
Im sure he did, he said, brushing my hair away from my face. He just knows what Id do to him if he did anything about it.
You think hed really like me?
For a moment, I too was as giddy as Becky had been. Not because I liked Sebastian but because I liked the idea of being admired. I spent so much of my life in Dullsville being ostracized, it was exhilarating to know that I might be attractive to the male species, especially when the male species was the vampire kind.
How could he miss the most beautiful girl in Dullsvilleor the world, for that matter? Alexander asked. Hed have to be blinder than a bat.
My boyfriend stared at me, his chocolate eyes burning through me. He leaned into me and gave me a five-star kiss.
Chapter 5 Grave Situation
The following morning, I was lumbering around my room in a towel and Jack Skellington slippers like a lost zombie, vacuously trying to figure out what to wear to school, when I heard Becky repeatedly blast her trucks horn. I threw on the first thing I saw, a charcoal-colored T-shirt dress, and layered it with a ripped Wicked Wiccas tank, gathered my backpack, and haphazardly dragged myself out of my house. When I got into her truck, Becky was sporting an overblown grin.
Whats up? I asked.
He texted me like a hundred times. She blurted out the words as if shed been holding them in for a decade.
Who? I asked. But I already knew the answer. Sebastian?
She tried to hide the smile that crept across her face by chewing on her sparkling pink lip and drove us toward school. How did you know?
A hundred? I asked flatly.
Wellnot exactly. But Im going to have to buy more minutes.
What did he say?
He wanted to know what I was doingwhat I liked to dowhat were my favorite flowers. Becky beamed.
Did you answer?
I did until Matt texted in. Then I told him I had to go.
You shouldnt be texting Sebastian.
Why?
Why? Because you have a boyfriend.