Chapter 29:

Everything was a blur; there were flashes of images coming and going.

Only a few I could make out and what I did see was horrific.

Flashes of dead bodies and bloody bite marks filled my vision; each of them only staying for a few seconds.

After awhile it all stopped and I saw myself standing by a lake, but the lake wasn't a normal one.

Instead of water it was filled with blood.

Suddenly someone-something came up from the lake and pulled me into the blood.

I woke up, gasping.

I sat up, trying to catch my breath as my eyes quickly scanned over my dark bedroom.

"Arabelle, what's wrong?" Corey asked, running his hands through his messy hair.

He sat beside me; I could make out his features in the moonlight that came in from my windows.

His pale skin seemed to almost glow as the moonlight shone on him.

His captivating green eyes looked worriedly at me. "Arabelle?"

I inhaled deeply as my pulse started to slow down.

He brushed the hair from my eyes and gently stroked my cheek. "Darling, are you okay?"

I nodded. "I-I just had a really...bad dream." I stammered.

The images from the dream flooded back to my mind and I squeezed my eyes shut trying to make them go away.

"Distract me." I stated.

"Wh-what? What do you mean?"

"I mean distract me, help me get rid of these horrible images."

"What horrible images?" He questioned.

"Corey," I pleaded. "Please."

"I don't know what to do." His voice sounded helpless.

"Do the first thing that comes to your mind."

I felt his lips against mine and I opened my eyes in surprise but quickly shut them again, wrapping my arms around his neck.

He leaned forward, pushing me back against the mattress.

The memories of my dream left my mind and all I could think of was Corey.

My fingers lightly brushed his bare chest, trailing down to his stomach.

He pulled away slightly and let out a soft sigh.

"Better?" He asked.

I nodded, staring up into his eyes.

"Good. Do you want to go back to sleep?"

I nodded again.

"Can you talk?"

I breathed a laugh. "Yeah,"

"Just making sure." He flashed me a smile and laid down next me.

I took a deep breath. He was so good at leaving me breathless with the simplest gestures; such as a smile.

Although he did have the best smile I've ever seen. Even with the fangs.

I turned over and laid my head on his chest.

He wrapped his arms around me and started playing with my hair.

The next morning I woke up in the exact same position, Corey was already awake.

"Did you not go back to sleep?" I inquired.

He shook his head. "So what was your dream about that it was so bad?"

"I don't really want to explain it; it was just really...gruesome."

"Have you ever had a dream like that before?"

"No, is it normal to have dreams like that?"

"Well no, not unless you're psychotic." He gave me a questioning look.

"What? Are you suggesting I'm insane?"

"I already know you're insane; you're with me for Christ sake."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I don't know I'm a vampire, a slave...an ignorant jackass...I'm also pretty arrogant. You said it yourself."

I shook my head. "So? And also you're not an ignorant jackass or a slave."

He grinned. "I was waiting for that. But yeah, I am."

"No you're not."

"Shouldn't you be getting in the shower?" He asked.

"Change of subject?"

"No, I'm just wondering why you aren't getting ready for school."

"Are you trying to make me leave? Are you getting annoyed with me?" I questioned.

He laughed and ruffled my hair. "Oh you're so cute. Get annoyed with you, god, that's hilarious."

"Answer the questions."

He looked at me and raised an eyebrow. "I would love to spend every single second with you, I love you; Way more than I should. It's impossible for me to get annoyed with you because I love everything you do. Now go get in the shower or else you're taking one with me."

I pursed my lips then shook my head, getting off the bed and walking to the closet.

I grabbed my clothes, thinking about what Corey said.

I walked to the bathroom and got in the shower.

I always enjoyed showers; I thought they were fun; especially when I played music.

I had a playlist on my iPod just for my shower, which was playing right now.

I sang along with Jason Derulo as I stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around myself.

I picked up the clothes I'd brought in from the counter and cursed under my breath.

I'd only gotten a bra and underwear, how the hell did I forget the rest of my clothes?

I must have been distracted, I thought.

I dried off and slipped on the matching black lace bra and panties.

I opened the door and casually strolled out into the room.

"Why don't you walk around like this more often?" I heard Corey ask.

I glanced over at him; he was sitting on the edge of the bed with a grin on his gorgeous face.

"I don't know would you like me to?" I replied.

"Hell yes!"

I laughed and continued to the closet.

I pulled on a pair of tight black jeans and a white shirt with dark blue sleeves that reached just above my elbows. The shirt had "stupid" written on it with a black sharpie.

I was bored one day and I decided to write that on my shirt.

I do weird things when I'm bored.

But what the hell, people's reactions are funny.

I put on a pair of scuffed-up Chuck Taylors and grabbed my sunglasses, sliding them on.

Corey was dressed in his usual black attire; black jeans and a black leather jacket.

School was the same as always; boring as hell.

But after school Drake took me out for a little brother and sister bonding time; Corey was going to stay home and hang out with Trey.

First we went to see a movie then Drake decided that he wanted to dye his hair blue so we went to a hair salon.

"You should dye your hair too, Bells." Drake suggested as we waited in the uncomfortable dark blue chairs while they got someone to do his hair.

"Uh, I don't know." I replied.

"C'mon isn't there any color that you've always wanted to dye your hair?"

"Um, well I've always wanted to have red hair."

"Red? Hmm, how about like a bright red, like an orange color almost?"

"Uh...sure."

He smiled. "Awesome, we're going to look so good!"

I laughed.

It took hours to do our hair; I think I might have fallen asleep at one point.

When the hairdresser was finally done she spun me around to face the mirror.

"Whoa," I said, taking in my reflection.

My hair was so different; it didn't even really look like a red. I'd say it was more of a bright, deep orange color.

"Do you like it?" She asked.

I nodded. "Yeah, it's sick."

She breathed a laugh and smiled. "I'm glad you like it and by the way, congratulations about the wedding."

I looked at her in surprise. "Um, wow, thanks. That's the first time someone has congratulated me."

She shook her head. "I can't believe how people are acting, it's so ridiculous. I think it's great that you've found someone you love that deeply, even if he is a vampire."

I was slightly taken aback. "Wow, yeah."

"I mean you must love each other a lot to go through all this just to be together."

"Yeah, he's amazing. I couldn't picture my life without him."

She smiled. "His name's Corey right?"

I nodded.

"He's cute from the pictures that I've seen. Looks kind of pissed off most of the time though; I imagine he doesn't like all this very much, all the criticism."

I sighed. "Yeah, it's harder on him then it is on me."

"I feel so bad for you two. Honestly I'm surprised your parents are letting you marry a vampire."

"Well I was surprised too; actually I still can't really believe that they're letting me, Especially since they've hardly even said much of anything to Corey. And my Dad especially hates vampires. I'm not really sure why they agreed to it."

"Well, hell, at least they agreed to it." She smiled.

I breathed a laugh. "Yeah,"

"So the wedding's in August right?"

"Yeah, August 4th, you should come, it's at 5."

Her smile got bigger. "Really? Wow, okay, thanks."

"No problem, I look forward to seeing you there."

"Same here, oh and my name's Adrienne."

"Arabelle,"

"Oh I know."

I laughed. "Right, so I'll see you at the wedding."

"You bet,"

I stood up from the chair and went to find Drake who was waiting out by the register.

He had less hair so it didn't take as long.

"Wow, Bells you look amazing!" He exclaimed, smiling. "I love it! Do you love it?"

"Yeah," I replied. "And you look amazing as well, blue really suites you."

"Really?" He asked, running his hands through his short, messy blue hair.

I nodded, smiling.

Once finished with that we got back in the car.

It was dark out; I glanced at the clock and it confirmed that it was a little after 7.

"Okay, where to now?" Drake asked. "Want to get something to eat?"

"Yeah, sure," I responded, turning on the radio.

We drove to Drake's favorite Restaurant; window's down, music blasting and Drake smoking a cigarette.

"So I never got to ask you, what did you think of Corey's tattoo?" Drake asked as we were seated at our table, waiting for our food.

I took a sip of my red bull. "Um, it's awesome. Very sweet."

"Yeah, so I was thinking...you should get his name on your arm now."

"Err, Drake, you know I have a fear of needles. Not that I don't want too, I would love too but I don't know..."

"Well you have to face your fears, darling. And now is the perfect time."

"Now? As in right now?"

"Well let me eat first and then we can go."

"Uh, Drake-

He cut me off. "I don't want to hear it. You've always wanted a tattoo and just because you have a little irrational fear of needles doesn't mean it should stop you from getting one, especially the love of your life's name. It's important. Plus it would be totally rude if he had your name and you didn't have his."

"Irrational," I scoffed. "Drake, that last time I got a shot I freaked out and started crying. And they had to lock me in the room so I wouldn't run out of it."

"Well, yeah, but still, I really think you should do it. You won't regret it. And Corey would love it; you know that. You know he still has doubts in that little crazy mind of his that you don't love him as much as he loves you so prove it. Prove that you love him just as much. And you're willing to face your fears for him. He already knows how scared you are of needles, from when I chased you around the house last week trying to give you a shot. Which by the way, it was drugs. So it's a good thing you ran away anyways. Not that I didn't expect you too; I'm surprised you didn't start crying." He said.

"That was so mean and I was very close to crying. But you know what, you have a point. I'll do it. Damn, you are so convincing."

He laughed. "It's part of my charm. I'm going to call Jimmy real quick and tell him we're coming."

"Wait don't your parents have to sign for someone under 18 to get a tattoo?" I asked.

"Well yeah, but this is Jimmy. It's off the record."

"Okay,"

We left for Jimmy's when we were done eating.

He lived quite a long ways away so it was a long, tiring car ride to get there.

We walked into the small house, Jimmy led us through his living room and down a small hall to a room where he had all his tattoo stuff set up.

It looked like a professional studio cramped into this small but brightly lit room.

The walls were painted a blood red and there were lots of paintings and artwork on the walls.

His house mostly smelled of cigarettes; a smell I'd come accustomed to thanks to Drake.

Jimmy was tall and lean with somewhat muscular arms; he had a green Mohawk and dark eyes that looked almost black but I think they were a very dark green.

He was wearing a tattered dark gray shirt with the sleeves ripped off and the name of the band Rancid plastered on it. He had on ripped blue jeans that were well-fitted but I wouldn't call them tight.

He had tons of tattoos, most of his arms were covered and he had a few on his hands and he had his nose pierced along with his ears.

He gestured for me to sit down in the black chair and I did so, Drake standing beside me.

Jimmy sat down in the chair in front of me and smiled; showing off a set of perfect white teeth.

"So what are we getting done tonight, babe?" he asked me.

I'd met Jimmy a few times before and I really liked him; he was very nice.

"Um, well I want to get a name." I responded, taking a deep breath.

I could already feel the panic setting in.

"Okay, where at?"

"Um, on my arm."

"I'm guessing its Corey's name?"

I nodded.

"Real nice guy, I like him. Alright so you just have to pick out the style of lettering you want and show me exactly where you want it."

I nodded again. I started to bite my nails.

"She's got a fear of needles, so you might want to take it easy." Drake said. "I'm going to try and keep her from freaking out."

Jimmy nodded, grinning.

Drake helped me pick out the lettering and I showed Jimmy where I wanted it, almost exactly where Corey's was but mine was on my left arm.

Jimmy starting preparing the needle, As soon as I saw it I felt nauseous.

"Oh god, Drake I can't do this." I said.

"Its fine, Bells, you'll be fine." He soothed.

It didn't work.

I could feel my heart racing and my breathing picked up.

Jimmy handed me a bottle of some sort of alcohol. "That'll help calm you down."

I took the bottle and hesitantly took a sip of the bitter liquid but then drank it faster, hoping that it worked 'cause if not I was going to get sick.

"What is this?" I asked.

"Oh it's a combination of lots of things." Jimmy replied.

Drake sat the empty bottle aside and took my hand in his. "That's probably going to make you sick later, it did for me."

Jimmy looked at me with the needle in his gloved-hands. "You ready?"

I shook my head.

"Yes, she is." Drake said.

"No, I don't want to do this anymore." I protested.

"You'll be fine, Bells, just close your eyes."

I took in a shaky breath and squeezed my eyes shut.

"Okay, I'm going to start on the count of three." Jimmy announced. "One, two...three."

I bit down on my lip as I felt the needle against my skin.

Oh god, don't get sick, I thought; panicking in my mind.

After a few seconds I could really feel the pain, as my arm began stinging as well.

"You're doing good, Bells." Drake encouraged.

"Why did I let you talk me into this?" I asked.

"Cause I know you're going to love it once we're done and I'm the best brother ever."

I breathed a laugh.

"It shouldn't take to long." Jimmy said.

"Good," I breathed.

"How's the pain?" He asked.

"It hurts like hell."

He breathed a laugh. "Yeah but it'll go by fast."

"I hope so." I muttered.

It didn't go by fast. It felt hours but in reality it was about a half hour.

My arm was still stinging even when he was done.

I looked down at my arm.

It looked like Corey's tattoo except the letters of his name were more rough and edgy looking, and they looked like they were dripping.

I smiled. I had to admit it was pretty badass.

Drake smiled. "Congratulations, you just faced your fears."

"I didn't cry it's a miracle." I said.

"Yeah, maybe you're not such a cry baby after all."

"Hey!" I hit Drake's arm.

"Ow, god. Chill, I was kidding." He said, rubbing his arm.

Jimmy placed gauze over the tattoo and taped it in place. "You should leave that on for a few hours, at least until you get home."

I nodded. "Thanks."

"No problem, I expect to be giving you another sometime soon."

I laughed. "We'll see."

"Oh she'll be back." Drake said.

I shook my head. "C'mon, we have to get home. It's late and I have school in the morning."

"Right, see ya later, Jimmy!" He said.

Jimmy nodded. "See ya around."

We left his house and got back in Drake's car.

Drake took out his carton of cigarettes from his jacket packet and stuck one in his mouth.

"You want one?" He offered me the box.

I looked at the carton.

"Sure," I replied, taking one.

He smiled. "You are too much like me."

"You're an extremely bad influence."

"Oh like you haven't smoked before. I believe the first time you smoked was when you were 14. Remember, I caught you."

I laughed. "Yeah, I remember."

He lit his cigarette then lit mine.

"Good times, I can't believe you've grown up so much. You were such a little rebel. You still are." He said.

"How do you suppose?"

"Oh you defiantly live to break the rules. Just look at you, your marrying a vampire. That's like totally rebelling against society. I respect that. I think it's awesome that you do your own thing. I've always taught you not to care what other people think. And I think it stuck with you."

I smiled. "Yeah, it did. I've learned a lot from you. You're a good brother, Drake. I couldn't ask for anyone better."

"Aw, Bells. You're going to make me cry."

I laughed. "Sorry,"

"I just want you to know that I'm extremely proud of you, Bells even if mom and dad aren't. They can't see how amazing you are. They're too blinded by the bullshit that they live by too notice that what you're doing is fucking awesome. You're practically giving the whole world the middle finger and saying fuck society, I don't care what you think. I'm going to do whatever the fuck I want and no one's going to stop me. It's awesome."

"Thanks, Drake. Really, thanks."

He smiled. "Anytime, I'll be there for you."

I swallowed back the tears.

Why does it seem like my life has been so emotional lately?

On a side note: The picture is of Arabelle's new hair color, just so you know exactly what the color looks like. So now she has long wavy, red/ orange hair.

he-he I like adding pictures. It's nice to have, especially since we have a wedding coming up I'll be able to provide a picture of the dress. Yay! Anyways, hope you enjoyed it! Make sure to comment and tell me you liked it! I always appreciate it.