A Crap Answer

Hayden was surrounded by chaos for the next few weeks. Trent and Hayden were shunned by Sebastian and his group of jocks. Hayden had never really thought of Sebastian as a buddy worth retaining, and Trent had Loren, so neither of them really cared. Furthermore, being shunned by the most popular guy's inner circle was not the only concern Hayden had. Since the day following their catastrophic double date, Emily had not voluntarily spoken to Hayden. Her manner was darker and more gloomy than ever, and she clammed up tighter than a shell whenever he tried to reach out. His attempts to persuade her to stay after school were as fruitless as chasing shadows. Emily wasn't the kind to fall for the same ploy twice, so even Loren's attempt to get her to go on another double date failed.

Hayden used to think Serena and her group of girls were beautiful and brave, but now they had turned their poison on the girl he loved. Emily's nasty vengeance for Serena's plan to divide Trent and Loren began when she poured a gallon of chocolate milk over her head. The consequences? Serena named Emily the number one public adversary, and Emily received two detentions. Emily endured weeks of being teased, made fun of, tripped over, kicked, and even punched by Serena's entourage. As usual, Emily dismissed it with a cool composure—until she retaliated. She would craft her retaliation with style: she once threw a chunk of flesh at Serena in the cafeteria, and she once ingeniously snuck a rat on her. She received yet another incarceration for her most recent act, which involved breaking Serena's hand. Therefore, Hayden shouldn't have been surprised to see Emily and Serena embroiled in a heated staredown in the corridor, their glares piercing through a group of about fifty students who were watching.

With a tone full of hate, Emily added, "I'm warning you—walk away now."

"You're a bitch! My hand was broken by you! You're going to pay me to stop cheering for the season! Serena retorted in a combative tone. She lunged, making a horrific cracking sound as her fist struck Emily's nose. Emily collapsed to the ground in a fog for a time, then she stumbled to her feet and wiped blood from her nose. "You really shouldn't have done that," she growled as she quickly grabbed Serena in a chokehold and pushed her against the wall.

"Emily!" Fearing that she would actually break Serena's neck, Hayden yelled in a warning tone. Her eyes darted to his in sudden realization as she froze. Then she jerked and threw Serena to the ground, running away. Ignoring the crowd of students gathered around Serena to see how she was doing, Hayden ran after her.

After some time, Hayden discovered Emily huddled in a bush next to the school, sobbing with her hands cradling her face. Her pale skin was starkly contrasted with the blood that dripped from her nose. Hayden held her in his arms, uncertain but eager to assist. She tensed up, then pushed him away with unexpected vigor.

"Cease! I'm attempting to console you. Hayden objected and held on to her in spite of her defiance. She gave in after a few tense seconds, her arms going slack.

With a sharp edge, she demanded, "Why?" "I am an evil, unstable, and dangerous thing." Nobody ought to squander their goodwill on me.

"No, you're not!" Hayden shot back, his words piercing with desperation. "It wasn't your fault if you're referring to the brawl that just happened. The first blow was delivered by Serena, and you were protecting yourself!

A pathetic, melancholy smile tugged at her lips as she shook her head. "What a stupid boy. You don't understand.

"I believe I do," Hayden emphasized. "A brawl broke out after weeks of you and Serena being at each other's throats."

Her laugh lacked humor and was icy. "I didn't mean that."

"So what?" With caution, Hayden inquired. Did she really think of herself as a monster?

"Ignore it," she mumbled, her answer evasive and contemptuous. "You have no business about it."

Hayden firmly gripped Emily and stated, "I won't let go until you tell me." She winced but gave up with a reluctant "Okay."

Her voice was low and angry as she began, "I grew up with the most vile, cruel, and volatile people imaginable." My foster mother would severely discipline me if I even suggested disobedience. It made me more like her, constantly wanting to hit everyone who poses a threat. If you hadn't intervened during that altercation, I would have killed Serena by snapping her neck.

As Hayden pondered her remarks, which were raw and heavy, silence fell between them.

"You suffered abuse?" Stunned, Hayden asked.

"I suppose you could refer to it as that," she shrugged. That's not the purpose, though. I'm deadly. unstable. Nobody ought to be close to me.

Hayden noted, "Loren is always with you."

In an evasive tone, she trailed off, "Yeah, well, Loren knows what she's risking."

"And you won't go into further detail, will you?"

A silent standoff ensued as their eyes met. She was aware that he could sense her secrets and that she would never reveal them.

With a steady, logical voice, Hayden added, "Listen, I don't care if you're dangerous—which I don't buy." You're more than this wild, aggressive girl who turns everyone away, deep inside. I'll discover who you truly are one day. Could you please stop freezing me out until then? He stared at her, observing the glimmer of terror in her eyes, but he couldn't tell where it came from.

Her voice quivered a little as she said, "I wish you wouldn't try."

"Why not?" With real confusion, Hayden inquired.

"What if I'm not just a violent, intimidating Goth girl?" Her jaw tensed as she challenged.

Hayden laughed. "I don't think you're any worse. However, it makes no difference if you are. To me, you will always be just Emily.

She appeared momentarily surprised before covering it up with a blank expression. Hayden got up and extended his hand. He pulled her up when she accepted it.

Hayden responded lightly, "Come on." "Let's take you to the physician. That bloodied nose is incredible. She grinned.

"They'll hear about the fight if I return."

Hayden scoffed at the mess she had landed in and remarked, "They probably already have." "Serena has a lot to say."

"True," she sighed and admitted.

After following her into the school, Hayden was taken aback when she abruptly turned to face him.

Her tone was warm and genuine as she responded, "Hayden, you're a good friend." This time, she didn't make fun of his shortcomings. Her bright, sincere smile softened.

It was a night for hunting. As they flew through the air, Xavion and Emily kept a hawk-like eye on the land below. It was a lovely and crisp night, full of stars, making it ideal for hunting. On top of the same building where they had previously seen a pimp and his friend, they saw two girls passing a joint back and forth. They unanimously decided that these stoners would be their next target. They didn't need to talk because their brains were in perfect sync. They jumped together, counting down from three, and before they could yell, they knocked them off their feet. The warm, thick blood that poured like the richest honey was delicious when Emily buried her teeth into one girl's neck. She turned to watch Xavion finish his meal after draining her, shaking her dead corpse to be sure. He was dressed as usual, in jeans, a spiked leather jacket, and a black sweater. Emily was wearing the typical hunting outfit used by Obsidian Angel Dominion girls: a black top with short sleeves and a matching skirt. She gave him a bloody smile as Xavion finished his portion.

He bared his teeth and remarked, "So, should we call it a night or continue?"

"I say—" Emily began, but was frozen to the bone as a voice she recognized interrupted.

"No, Emily!"

"We've been spotted!" With a growl, Xavion prepared to attack the invader.

"No!" Emily grabbed his arm and sobbed. Perplexed, he gazed at her.

"I recognize him!"

"So?" Her mentor lost it. "You are aware of the guidelines. Witnesses are hushed; victims are food. directives from the queen.

"Yes? Emily retorted sharply, "Well, tell the Queen to shove it."

His face flashed a mixture of disbelief and rage as he gaped at her. He didn't take disobedience lightly, princess or not.

She grew softer and said, "Please, let me take care of this." He rolled his eyes without protesting.

Emily jumped down and landed in a dark alley a few feet away from the witness. She turned to face the wall because she couldn't stand to watch his reaction—the horror that would contort his face, the dread in those hazel eyes that would force him to face her barbarism. He would see the monster she was in her blood-red eyes, flushed from feeding, and her sharp teeth behind a mouth covered in gore. He would scream, run away, dial 911, and end up in a mental health facility. After only a few weeks of knowing him, she had already ruined his life. Alternatively, he would become angry, cuss, and label her the demonic freak he had suspected in sixth grade. When she agreed with him, he ought to have trusted her. In any case, he would turn her down, and that would be it. She would change schools or leave school completely. He would remain silent and revert to his basic, superficial life if he were intelligent. She felt a sharp pain in her chest, knowing that this could be their last time together. She had learnt too well that it was best to tear the bandage off as soon as possible. She turned, gritting her teeth and grinning grotesquely and bloodily. She must be repulsive to him.

"Hello, Hayden."