Chapter Thirteen: Forced Dance:

I have come to really hate Kaoru. Not because of what he did to Akio. He is starting to take control of my life. I reflected on that will Kiku and I were on the beach. Boy it made my blood burn.

Who the hell does he think he is? He doesn’t own me! I looked up at the sky at that thought. I want to make myself believe that. I really do. But, the truth is slowly becoming clear to me. I forced my eyes closed. His lovely face appeared in my face. His skin is like frozen steel that reflects in the moonlight. I can feel my fingers go numb when I touch his cheek. Everything about him chills me. I can’t reach him somehow.

I keep running these questions over and over in my head. Why does he want me so much? What are his real intentions for me? And how do I get rid of him? The sea breeze blew through my hair. He already took Akio away from me. Who’s next?

I looked over at Kiku. She had already gone to sleep in the sun. I shook my head to myself, smiling. You lazy bummer, I thought. Kiku had always been the laid-back type. She didn’t really care about what anyone thought about her. You could say she was like a wilder version of myself. Kiku didn’t come from a rich family like I did, but she sure knew how to fake it. I asked her one time how she did it. She gave me an innocent little shrug.

“Do what?” she asked.

“Manage to get through places I can only get through with money,” I added on. Kiku smiled as she tapped her nose at me.

“I can’t tell you do that,” she said. “If I did, I would have to kill you.” Still, I wondered about how she managed to live the glamorous life. I had my suspicions, but I didn’t dare to voice them aloud. I just left her to be content in her trickery.

I looked out at the ocean again. I shouldn’t be out here. I’m supposed to be planning my wedding with Akio. I can’t do that now. I took a sip of my flavored water. I shivered at the cold. I began to remember Kaoru again. I am now in this reluctant dance with him. I would say I don’t know how it happened, but that’s not true, is it? My problem is how do I end it before more people in my life get hurt? It won’t be easy. I just need a little help.

I looked over at Kiku again. She was still sound asleep. I really don’t get my friend at times. I can’t worry about her right now. I drew out my cell phone and connected to the internet. When Google came up, I typed in how to kill a vampire. I picked out the best sites and bookmarked them into my phone. Once that was done, I slipped my phone back into my purse and enjoyed the rest of my day. Kaoru is not taking control this time! I will stop this mess before it really gets out of hand.