Between Rubies and Opals

Alex heard the front door opening and glanced sleepily at the clock on the wall. It was past eight and already light outside. She sat up in her bed with a frown, and stretched her arms in the air. There was a knock on the door, and she looked over at Erin coming into her room with two large dress bags.

“Good morning, Lex!” Erin smiled with a happy pitch in her voice.

“Did you just get in?” Alex asked.

“I come bearing gifts, and that’s the first thing you ask?” Erin tilted her head with a raised eyebrow.

“Did you?”

“Yes, but I went shopping.”

“Shopping?”

“Yeah, I bought us dresses, for tonight.”

Alex rubbed her eyes and it suddenly dawned on her. “Oh shit.”

“You’re welcome,” Erin shrugged, but Alex jumped off the bed and hugged her tight.

“Happy switch day, Erin!”

Erin let out a laugh and put her arms tightly around her friend. “Thanks Lex.”

“Wait a minute.” Alex pulled back and eyed her suspiciously.

“What?”

“You went shopping without me?”

“I did. I felt inspired.”

“That can only mean one thing,” Alex said, and raised an eyebrow at Erin.

“Oh, hush. You’re not allowed to be mean today. At least not to me.” Erin smiled brightly and held out a dress bag towards Alex. “Here.”

Alex took the bag from her, unzipped it and her jaw nearly dropped to the floor. “Oh my hell!”

“You like it?” Erin asked, with a broad smile.

“Like it?” Alex exclaimed. “Oh my fuck, I love it!”

“Yay.” Erin clapped her hands with excitement as Alex removed the red dress from the dress bag and held it up against her body.

“Erin.” Alex looked at her with a pout.

“Alex,” Erin pouted back at her.

“You should get some sleep,” Alex still pouted.

“Why? I’m not tired at all.”

“Must have been a good night.”

“You could say that,” Erin nodded. “Even in the midst of tragedy, a silver lining managed to crawl out behind the dark clouds.”

“Like the silver shards in Sam’s eyes?”

Erin turned to Alex and pouted again. “Maybe.”

“You did it, didn’t you?”

“Lex, come on. Why is everything about sex with you?” Erin’s shoulders slumped and she sat down on the bed.

“Because that’s all I know,” Alex shrugged. “Did you?”

“Yes, and it was amazing.”

“Details?”

“No way, it’s not something I can retell.”

“You’re lame.”

“I wish you could understand the feelings that I am experiencing right now. I can’t even begin to describe them to you.”

Alex sat down on the bed opposite her and smiled slightly. “I’m happy for you, Erin.”

“Really?”

“As hard as it is to believe, yes, I am happy for you.”

“Are you thawing?”

“Totally no. I’ll still snap his neck if he even looks at you in the wrong way.”

“Thanks Lex, but you don’t have to do that.”

“Isn’t that exactly what best friends do?”

“I’ll have to check up on that.”

“You do that.” Alex nodded and slid off the bed, holding her new dress up against her again and admiring herself in the mirror. “Fuck, this is gorgeous.”

Erin smiled briefly at Alex and looked at the dress bag next to her. She ran her finger along the velvet and sighed miserably. “I wish he was coming tonight.”

“What do you mean?” Alex turned around with a frown.

“He won’t be able to come.”

“What kind of a boyfriend does he call himself?”

“Alex, stop the train.” Erin held up her hands in the air. “It’s full moon, and he won’t exactly be himself tonight.”

“Oh shit.” Alex’s face fell.

“Oh shit might be an understatement,” Erin said with a nod. “Now he doesn’t even get to see my dress.”

“Oh, Erin.”

“It’s okay. At least he has a good reason, right?” Erin smiled weakly.

“I guess.” Alex nodded.

“You know, I think you’re right, Lex. A few hours of sleep might do me the world of good.” Erin stood up from the bed, and threw the dress bag over her shoulder, retreating out of the bedroom, before Alex could say anything.

“How is Matthias’ family?” Lukas asked Nikolai later that afternoon. The two vamps were dressed in dark suits, with Nikolai wearing a burgundy tie, and Lukas wearing a dark gray tie.

“They are as well as can be expected when losing their only child,” Nikolai answered flatly, pouring him a drink.

“I hope you sent them my condolences,” Lukas nodded, slipping on his jacket.

“I did, and they were grateful.”

“Are they going to have a burial for him?”

“There will be a burial, but for family only. They grieve too much to make it public.” Nikolai brought the glass up to his lips and emptied the contents down his throat.

Lukas nodded with a clenched jaw and looked out the window at the impending sunset. “Have you heard anything from Erina?”

“Yesterday was the last I saw or heard of her. Why?”

“I was simply wondering how Sam was doing,” Lukas shrugged nonchalantly.

“You wish to know how Erina’s new boyfriend is doing?” Nikolai turned to Lukas and crossed his arms.

“He also lost a friend yesterday, Nikolai.”

“Yes, and that is the reason you want to know if Erina has contacted me yet?”

“Nikolai, I don’t know what to do.” Lukas frowned and started to pace the room. “I can feel her slipping through my fingers.”

“She was never within your grasp, my friend.”

“I cannot let her fall in love with this guy.”

“What do you propose we do?”

“This might sound crazy, but can’t your parents arrange for us to be married?”

“Out of the question. We both know Erina will not be forced into anything.” Nikolai shook his head. “Besides, we have not even met him officially.”

“She belongs with me.”

“That is not for you to decide at this point.”

“You’ve become soft, my friend.”

“Not soft, just logical. I know my sister, Lukas, and if there is one thing she hates, it’s being shoved into a coffin.”

“I am aware of that.” Lukas nodded somberly.

They heard footsteps clicking from the other side of the hallway and Lukas let out a miserable sigh.

“Your mother-”

“Is right behind you,” Nikolai muttered and smiled stiffly at Cassandra.

Lukas put on a fake smile and turned around. “Countess Lewandowski, you look ravishing.”

“This old thing?” she asked modestly as she motioned to her sparking black dress. “Oh, how you flatter me.”

“I speak only the truth, Countess.” Lukas bowed his head slightly, his hand on his chest.

“Enough with the flattery,” Cassandra shrugged again, looking pleased with herself, and snapped her fingers. “Lukas, Nikolai, I require your assistance.”

“Mother, we are in the middle of a very important conversation,” Nikolai glowered, his eyes flashing.

“At present, nothing is more important than your sister’s party.”

“Those are your words, not mine,” Nikolai muttered, but when Cassandra glared at him, he smiled a very fake smile. “What do you need us to do?”

“It’s almost time for everyone to arrive. Could you please go greet the guests in the foyer?”

“But-”

“Gladly, Countess Lewandowksi,” Lukas nodded with a bright smile.

“Wonderful,” Cassandra curtsied lightly and shot a brief glance at Nikolai, before disappearing down the hallway again.

“What was that all about? I thought you want to stay as far away from my mother as possible…” Nikolai frowned as he slipped on his jacket, but his voice trailed off. “Yes, of course. The foyer is as far as you’re going to get from my mother.”

“Exactly,” Lukas nodded.

“Whatever you do, please don’t act irrational and stupid,” Nikolai warned.

“Do you know me as the type that will act irrationally without proper cause?” Lukas looked at Nikolai, and put his hands on his hips.

“Now that you mention it-” Nikolai tapped his fingertips against his jaw.

“Yes, yes. You’ve made your point,” Lukas muttered under his breath, irritation eminent in his low tone.

“Unless, of course you want Erina to kill you.”

“Again,” the two vamps grimly said in unison.

Nikolai studied his friend’s expression and felt an uneasiness rise inside him as he walked to the foyer. There were voices coming from outside, and he could see that a few of the guests had already arrived.

“This should be a fun evening,” Nikolai muttered under his breath.

“Fun is not exactly the word I would use,” Lukas retorted. “It’s a pity though.”

“What is?”

Lukas turned to Nikolai with a frown. “You don’t know?”

“Don’t know what?”

“Erina’s boyfriend isn’t attending tonight.”

“Are you certain?”

“I am surprised you are not aware of this.”

“How should I know? My sister doesn’t exactly talk to me.”

“True.”

“Did Erina tell you that?”

“No, your mother told me that he could not make it, that he has other commitments. At least that is what Erina told her.”

“How unfortunate. I was looking forward to meeting him. My potential brother-in-law,” Nikolai smirked.

“Don’t utter such nonsense,” Lukas muttered.

“Don’t be a sore loser. You have only yourself to blame,” Nikolai laughed sardonically and slapped Lukas on the shoulder.

“You’re a terrible friend.”

“No need to flatter me now,” Nikolai smirked and watched as Tempest, Anthony and Scarlet headed up the steps to the manor.

The doorbell chimed and Alex frowned, looking at the clock on the wall. It was ten to six, and Alex had to have Erin at her party by seven.

“Who the hell could that be?” She looked at herself one more time in the mirror and smoothed out her slinky red dress, before leaving her bedroom, gliding through the house. “I’ll get it!” she called out.

“Thanks, Lex,” Alex heard Erin call out from her bedroom.

Alex grabbed the doorknob and opened the door. Her jaw dropped as she saw Sam standing in front of her, wearing a black suit.

“Hey, I’m Sam.” He introduced himself, holding out his hand at her.

“I know who you are. We met at the Laundromat.”

“Right.” He nodded and looked at her. “Can I come in?”

“Sure, but what are you doing here anyway?”

“I’m here to pick up you and Erin. We’re going to her party together,” Sam answered casually.

“But you’re not going,” Alex frowned. “Erin told me that you’re not going.”

“I’m surprising her,” Sam whispered with a grin.

“Okay. That’s sweet.”

“I thought so too.”

“Erin’s still in her room. She’ll be a few more minutes.”

“That’s okay.”

“No offense to your kind, but aren’t you supposed to be running around with all your other furry friends tonight?” Alex asked, crossing her arms.

“Not tonight. Today is Erin’s day, and I’d rather spend it with her than with any of my furry friends,” Sam grinned.

“Right.”

“Look, I know you don’t like me much, but in all fairness, you don’t know me-”

“Yeah, so?”

“You are Erin’s best friend, and you’re a big part of her life. Erin is a big part of my life, if not all of it, and-”

“You want us to be friends?”

“Yes.”

“Well, you can start this friendship off by not hurting Erin, because if you do, I’ll rip you apart, limb from limb.”

“Fair enough.”

“She’s been through enough shit in her life, you know.”

“We all have.”

“Yeah, but she’s the sister I never had, and I will kill for her. I have actually, a few times.”

“I’m not here to hurt Erin. I love her, and I would do anything for her, as long as she’s happy.”

“Even risking your neck in a manor full of vamps?”

“Even then yes,” Sam said and dug his hands into his pants pockets.

“You’re either very brave, or very stupid.”

“Maybe a little of both. All I know is that I am in love with her, and I am not going anywhere, unless she wants me gone.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that.”

“See, I’m not such a bad guy, even for a wolf.”

“I’m going to check on Erin.”

“Alex?”

Alex paused for a second and looked at him.

“I just want you to know that-”

“I know,” Alex nodded. “I’ve known for a long time, Sam.”

Sam nodded in silent acknowledgement and watched as Alex disappeared into Erin’s room. Walking to the living room, he sat down on the couch, knowing this might take a while. His gaze dropped onto the fur rug on the floor by his feet and he frowned.

“What the…”

Reaching down, he ran his fingers through the soft fur and shivers ran down his spine. He studied the rug for a few more seconds and shook his head.

“That’s not possible.”

He was definitely going to ask Erin about this rug. Maybe not tonight, but soon.

Erin looked at herself in the mirror and frowned at her reflection. She looked different, but she wasn’t quite sure why, or how. There was a strange tingling sensation in her fingertips, and it felt like she was going to pass out at any given moment. She didn’t feel light-headed though, but there was something different, something that made her feel like a stranger in her own body. Maybe it was because of this elaborate party her mother was hosting for her, or maybe it was because she was worried about being in the same room as Lukas, by herself. Or maybe she was disappointed that Sam wouldn’t be beside her on her birthday. She let out a frustrated sigh as she grabbed another hairpin and pinned a loose tendril of hair off her face. She smoothed out her mint green chiffon dress and took a deep breath. As her bedroom door opened behind her, she tilted her head, still studying her reflection.

“Oh my hell, I’m thawing,” Alex whispered and closed the door behind her.

“What? Why?” Erin turned around and Alex gaped at her. “What?”

“You look so amazing, Erin,” Alex whispered and walked over to her, hugging her tight.

“Thank you, Lex.” Erin pulled away and raised an eyebrow at her. “What was this about thawing?”

“Sam.” Alex rolled her eyes and Erin giggled. “He’s not so bad.”

“See, I told you.” Erin tilted her head to the side and her mind began to wander.

“Are you okay? You look like you’re a thousand miles away.” Alex walked closer to her.

“I feel a bit strange.”

“Is it maybe because you’re a whole three centuries old today?”

“Partly.” Erin frowned and looked at Alex. “Maybe I overdid it with those pre-cocktail party cocktails of yours. I don’t think those a-positives are having a good effect on me right now.”

“Nothing positive about those A-positives, hey.”

“Exactly.”

“You’re such a feather-weight when it comes to blood, and you do look paler than usual.”

“Ha-ha, very funny loser.”

“Are you sure that you’re okay? It sounds like you have a lot on your mind.”

“I’m okay,” Erin said with a nod, then suddenly frowned. “Who was at the door, Lex?”

“Sam,” Alex answered nonchalantly.

“What? Sam was here?”

“Yeah. He still is.”

“That’s not possible,” Erin breathed and pushed passed Alex. She headed down the hallway and when she saw him, looking amazing in a black suit, she stopped abruptly.

“Sam?” she breathed.

He turned towards her and a slow smile ran across his lips. Erin felt her chest tighten slightly, an odd sensation for her and she slowly continued walking towards him.

“Wow. You look beautiful,” he said, a little breathless.

“So do you.” She walked up to him and kissed him lightly on the mouth. “Did you leave your fur at home?” she asked with a deep frown.

Sam let out an amused chuckle and shook his head. “Yeah, I threw the old coat out for the night.”

“You’re still…” Erin’s voice trailed. “You’re supposed to be in animal mode.”

“Animal mode?” Alex asked with a frown.

“Transforming into a wolf,” Sam shrugged nonchalantly and Alex nodded slightly, still confused.

Then, the penny dropped and Alex exclaimed, “Oh shit, that’s right. It’s Fool moon.”

“Sam?” Erin narrowed her eyes and Sam flashed a smile, not saying a word. “What did you do?”

“Nothing,” he grinned.

“Samuel Abernathy Morton!” Erin exclaimed.

“Ugh…” Sam cringed and shivered slightly. “She knows,” he whispered to Alex.

“Just tell her already.”

“Tell me what?” Erin looked at Alex with a frown. “You know something, Lex?”

“No, but it’s obvious he did something,” Alex stated.

“What did you do, Sam?” Erin asked again, growing impatient.

“I got a pair of blinders,” Sam answered innocently.

“You what?” Erin exclaimed.

“What the fuck are blinders?” Alex asked.

“They’re contacts that stop me from transforming,” Sam answered.

“Wow, that’s pretty cool,” Alex said slowly, slightly impressed.

“Yeah, everything looks so clear-”

“Uhm, hello!” Erin exclaimed, and Sam and Alex looked at her.

“Alex, could you excuse us for a second?” Sam asked, looking at Alex.

“Sure, I’ll go get Erin’s bag,” Alex nodded and darted down the hallway.

Erin looked at Sam and sighed slightly. “Explain yourself, mister.”

“I wanted to surprise you. I can’t miss your party.”

“I also want you there, but at what expense to you?”

“Erin, it’s okay.” He walked over to her and she eyed him suspiciously.

“There are side effects, you know. I’ve read about them online and what they can-” she exclaimed.

“You have?”

“Yes, but I didn’t tell you because it would be selfish of me. I couldn’t expect you to do that. I don’t want you to change yourself for me, Sam. You’re perfect, just the way you are. Plus, I couldn’t risk you doing this for me.”

“But you know I would do anything to be next to you, especially today.” Sam walked over to her and took her into his arms.

“I know,” she whispered.

He tipped her chin upwards and kissed her slowly and tenderly. “Happy birthday, Erin,” he whispered against her lips and she smiled slowly.

“For the second time today,” she whispered.

“Oh, would you two get a room already?” Alex’s voice pierced through the silence and Erin and Sam looked over at her with a chuckle.

“Ready to go, Alex?” Sam asked.

“Not as ready to go as the two of you,” Alex frowned and looked from Sam to Erin and back again.

“Don’t look so confused, you’re driving with me tonight.”

“Oh my hell. Tonight I die, for real,” Alex said with wide eyes.

“Don’t worry, blondie, I’ll go easy on the gas pedal,” Sam laughed and took Erin’s hand.

“Please don’t, Alex likes speed,” Erin whispered to him and he winked mischievously.

“Oh yeah, I heard what happened to your car. You should really stick to the speed limit,” Sam chuckled.

“Speed limits are for pussies,” Alex said and rolled her eyes.

“Come on, Lex. He’s usually a good driver,” Erin laughed and Alex shook her head in disapproval at the two of them.

“It’s that usually that bothers me.”

“I can’t be a worse driver than you,” Sam smirked. “You’ve wrecked how many cars?”

“Let’s not dwell on the details, Sam.” Alex crossed her arms and Erin burst out laughing.

As they were all settled in Sam’s car, with Erin in the passenger seat beside him and Alex on the back seat, he pulled away. There were a few seconds of silence before Alex spoke.

“Stop being so nervous, Erin. You’ve replayed the entire evening in your mind so many times that I don’t even know what’s real and what’s not.”

“Stop reminding me that I’m nervous, Lex.”

“Then stop being nervous,” Sam smirked and placed his hand over Erin’s.

“I’m bringing my boyfriend, who’s a wolf, to my family manor to meet my friends and family, who are vamps, on full moon. I think I have proper cause to be nervous.”

“Sounds like a massacre waiting to happen,” Alex muttered.

“Easy on the optimism, Alex,” Sam said to Alex with a frown and looked briefly at Erin. “Everything will be fine.”

“I’m glad you think so,” Alex chimed in again from the back seat.

“Everything will be fine.”

“Everything will be fine,” Erin repeated slowly.

“A fine massacre.”

“Alex!” Sam and Erin exclaimed, and Erin glared at Alex.

“Alex, I love you, and you are my best friend, but please, I do not have the stomach for your sarcasm right now.”

“Okay, fine. Everything will be fine.” Alex surrendered and looked out the window, as the Lewandowksi Manor came into view.

Sam and Erin took a combined deep breath and looked at one another. Sam squeezed her hand lightly and whispered, “Everything will be okay.”

Erin unbuckled her seatbelt and slowly opened the door.