Immortal After All (Vampire Hunter Book 3) (2 page)

I spent hours getting ready on Saturday for the big bash at The Manor House.
This really is like prom.
But so much better. This was an
adult
party.

It was time for Aurora Stone to reemerge as a sophisticated, seventeen-year-old living dead girl. Except nobody – other than my family and Henry – would know about the dead girl part.

The majority of the time was spent taming my unruly locks, which were usually all over the place. Mom did most of the work. It was an elaborate process.

After I washed it, we had to blow dry, then flat iron my hair. It looked cool completely flat – my hair was typically a kinky, curly mess – but I wasn’t going for the
heroin addict/model chic
look (I didn’t have gaunt enough cheeks, anyway) so there was still work to be done.

Next, she carefully wrapped big chunks of my hair around huge rollers. I laughed when I saw myself in the mirror.

“Your head looks even bigger than usual.”

I turned to see Kayla standing in the doorway of my room. I expected to see her smiling – like she always did when she teased me – but her face was blank.

“You still haven’t shown me your dress,” I said, ignoring her slur.

“You’ll see it tonight.” Kayla turned and was gone.

Don’t let her get to you.

Whatever Kayla was going through, she was determined to do it
alone.
I would have to be the mature one, the logical one.

I focused my attention back to the mirror. My head did look enormous!

But when the rollers came out a half hour later – wow!

My hair cascaded down my shoulders. Big, beautiful waves that
almost
looked like they had naturally taken that shape. My hair looked elegant, stylish, but not like I was trying
too
hard.

Kayla and I had fondly coined the term
wedding hair
a few years ago
.
It basically applied to anyone (mostly on TV) whose hair was so over-the-top styled, so perfectly coifed, and so
stiff
that if a tornado came through the only thing that would remain intact was the hairdo.

I most definitely did
not
have wedding hair. It was too bad Kayla wanted nothing to do with me. It would have been fun to people-watch at the party with her, weigh in on who had the best and worst wedding hair.

“Your hair looks beautiful!” my mom exclaimed. She walked up behind me and ran her hand over my silky locks.

“You did a great job,” I agreed. “I think you missed your calling as a hair stylist!”

My mom smiled. “I spent a lot of time fixing my hair and my friends’ hair when I was about your age.”

“How are you wearing yours tonight?” I asked.

“Nothing elaborate. I’m going to use a flat iron to put in a few waves and clip one side back.” My mom’s hair, unlike mine, was naturally stick straight.

“Let me know if you need any help,” I told her.

“Did you ever get to see what Kayla’s wearing tonight?” I asked, changing the subject.

“Yes, but only because I insisted. It wouldn’t be my choice, but at least it’s not too short.” My mom sighed warily.

“I’m sure she’ll grow out of this,” I tried to reassure her, patting her hand.

“I thought she’d snap out of it when you came back,” my mom admitted. “Now I don’t know what to think anymore.”

“Is she still seeing a doctor? The grief counselor?” I asked.

“Who knows?” My mom looked helpless. “I give her the check and drop her off, but last time I called their office she was only turning up every few weeks.”

“Try not to worry about it, at least not tonight,” I told her.

“I won’t. I’m looking forward to the evening. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a black tie event. This must be costing Henry’s father a small fortune. I never thought of David as the romantic type; it seems like his parents spend all of their time working.”

I was tempted to tell my mom what I had found out, that Henry’s father was probably having an affair with a man, but I kept my mouth shut. I didn’t want her thinking about it while we were at the party, and really, I just had to stay out of it, mind my own business. That was the only way I could stay out of trouble.

Since my whole family was going, there was no point in Henry picking me up for the party. As happy as I was that he’d invited them, I had wanted to have the car ride alone with him to break the ice. I hadn’t seen Henry since the huge fight, and it was bound to be awkward.

Instead, I’d see
everyone
at once. Henry’s parents, kids from school that Henry had invited, strangers who undoubtedly had heard about my ‘coma’ and would ask prying questions.

The party started at 7 pm. I had no idea if we were supposed to be fashionably late, but my mom, who gets places
early
more often than not, insisted we arrive right on the dot.

I had never been to The Manor House before. The outside of the Victorian style mansion was even more impressive in person than the pictures I had seen. The website photos didn’t do it justice.

The house was four stories tall. It was mostly brick and there were gorgeous wooden balconies on each floor, painted white. For the party, the balconies had been decorated with strands of tiny white lights.

“This is really nice,” Kayla commented as we got out of the car. I looked at her sideways, trying to gauge if she was being sarcastic, but Kayla was actually
smiling.

“That dress is really flattering. You look great!” I told her, hoping her good mood would keep her from biting my head off.

She just shrugged.

Kayla really did look fantastic. She had managed to adhere to the black tie rule while still being edgy. Kayla’s outfit was actually two pieces; the skirt was a dark purple color and almost touched the floor. I wasn’t sure if it was silk, but it billowed out around her and almost seemed to shine.

The top was the same color but made from a different material that didn’t look shiny at all. It was sleeveless and fitted, and a large black band/belt separated the top and bottom pieces.

The outfit looked like a classic ball gown, so of course Kayla had to add her own flare. She was wearing a bracelet with metal spikes on it, and had styled her hair in two braided buns on either side of her head. I could see why Mom wasn’t crazy about the look, but I actually thought it was pretty cool.

My parents looked amazing, too. I kept catching my dad sneaking glances at my mom, who was stunning in the red dress I’d talked her into buying.

As for me, well, my dress was exactly what I’d wanted. I just hoped that Henry liked it.

Even though we got to the party on time, there was already a crowd of guests. It was hard to tell just how many people were there because the bottom floor, which had been converted into one large room, was huge.

In one corner of the room a band was playing jazz music. The middle of the floor was the dance area, and dozens of round tables had been placed around the rest of the room.

I was trying to take in everything, while discreetly scanning the sea of faces for a glimpse of Henry, when I felt a tap on my arm.

“Rory!” Henry said. He was smiling broadly. Before I could say anything he leaned forward and hugged me.

I hugged him back, burying my face in his neck. It felt so good to be in Henry’s arms.

We pulled apart, both nervously laughing. “You look stunning,” Henry said.

I could tell he was trying not to stare. The black dress I’d picked out was truly
the perfect little black dress
. It was a simple, sleeveless fitted dress that hung just above my knees. Over the left leg was a split that went to mid-thigh.

My dad had been annoyed when he saw me that night. “You look like an adult,” he’d said, scowling.

Which is exactly what I want to look like.

I’d even put on extra makeup as well, carefully lining my eyes in smoky gray and applying jet-black mascara to my lashes. To finish off the look, I’d put on a coat of deep red lipstick. The combination of the dress, makeup, and my pale skin did have quite an effect.

“You don’t look so bad yourself,” I said, also trying not to stare at Henry. I’d thought Henry had buffed up the
last
time I saw him, but even in the suit he was wearing I could tell he was even more ripped.

His light hair looked blonder – probably from the last month of playing basketball at the outdoor courts or sitting by the pool. He was also a lot more tanned than I remembered.

“Thanks,” Henry said.

We stood there, both unsure of what to say next.

“What have you been doing this summer?” he finally asked.

“I’ve got a tutor. This college girl named Meg. She’s helping me get ready for the new school year.”

“Oh, good.” Henry looked relieved. “I know I was supposed to help you.” He wouldn’t meet my gaze.

“It’s fine,” I assured him. “What about you? You look like you’ve been practicing basketball a lot.”
Why did I just say that?

Henry raised his eyebrows questioningly. “Admiring my new physique?”

Is he flirting with me?

“No,” I said a little too defensively. “I just noticed you were tanned.”

“Sure you did,” Henry said, smiling.

“Who all from school did you invite?” I asked, hoping to steer the subject away from his buff bod.

“At first I was only going to invite a few people,” Henry told me. “But then my dad suggested I just invite
everyone
.”

“Why?” That didn’t make sense. Henry wasn’t shy, but he didn’t mingle with the whole of our class!

“Because it’s a huge place – so there’s plenty of room for everyone – and Dad thinks it would be a great opportunity to get to know more people.”

I looked at Henry in confusion.

“He’s encouraged me to run for senior class president,” Henry explained.

“Oh.” Henry as class president? I would have never imagined it before. I’d actually thought about running myself, before I died.

“Yeah, I mean, I have to start thinking about college applications. That’s something that would stand out. It’s so competitive,” he added.

“Wow,” I said. “You’ve really got it all planned out.” I hadn’t meant to sound bitter, but I could hear it in my own voice.

“Hey,” Henry said, touching my arm. “We have to plan for the future, at least
pretend
that life is going to continue on normally.”

I knew what he was talking about. What Lucas and Emmett had both alluded to – that something was coming, something that would change the world forever, and I was going to be a part of it.

“True,” I said lightly.

Just then I felt a hand on my shoulder. David Matthews was next to me. “Aurora!” he said jovially.

“Hi, Mr. Matthews.” I tried to block the image of him checking into that hotel under a fake name.

“Please, after all these years, call me David.”

I smiled wanly.

“Where have you been all summer?” he continued. “After I read about you being in a coma for a year, I thought for sure I’d see you at the house. You and Henry used to be inseparable!”

“I’ve been so busy with summer school and basketball practice that we haven’t had much time to hang out,” Henry interjected.

I looked at him gratefully. “Yes, I’ve got a tutor as well, so I’m staying busy. If I can pass a placement test I won’t be a year behind everyone else.”

David nodded. “Great,” he said enthusiastically. “Lovely to see you again, Aurora. Don’t be a stranger; you’re always welcome at our home.” And with that, David Matthews turned and walked off.

I couldn’t look Henry in the eye. Here was Mr. Matthews, being
so
nice, and I’d accused him of going out on Valerie, his wife. Maybe I really was mistaken?

“I know what you’re thinking,” Henry said when Mr. Matthews was out of earshot.

Not this again.

But Henry didn’t look mad. “I hope you know the thing with my dad was just a big misunderstanding. He even told us he’d been sneaking around to plan this party.”

I nodded. “Yeah, I must have been wrong.”
Maybe.

Henry looked relieved. “Okay, then let’s just say everything that happened last time I saw you
didn’t
happen. And we never talk about it again?”

“Yes,” I agreed quickly.

I couldn’t help but wonder, did he mean the kiss too? Being around him had stirred up so many feelings. I’d thought seeing Henry again would help me understand where we stood, but so far I was more confused than ever.

“Want to dance?” Henry was asking me.

I laughed nervously. “You know I can’t dance!”

“It’s a slow song,” he said. “Just follow my lead.”

I tried to protest but Henry linked his arm through mine and pulled me onto the dance floor.

To my surprise, dancing with Henry was actually a lot of fun. He must have been practicing for tonight – or either he was just a natural.
One more thing I don’t understand about Henry.

“Let’s take a break,” Henry suggested after a few songs. I followed him to the bar, where a group of classmates along with some unfamiliar faces were gathered. So far I had successfully avoided talking to anyone I knew from the past and – unrealistic as it was – I had hoped to keep it that way.

“No,” I argued, trying to pull him back. But Henry either didn’t hear me or ignored me, and since he was a ton stronger than I was he easily pulled me forward.

Instantly, I was surrounded by a small throng of people barraging me with questions.

“What did it feel like to be in a coma?”

“How did you get into the coma?”

“Did you have amnesia when you woke up?”

“Woah, woah!” Henry laughed and stepped in front of me, trying to protect me from the crowd. “Show some respect. Aurora’s still traumatized by everything that’s happened.”

Everyone started talking again at once and Henry held up his hand. “Seriously!” he exclaimed. “Give her some space!”

People began reluctantly backing up, returning to the conversations they were having before I walked over.

“Just ignore them,” he said, rolling his eyes.

“Thanks for intervening,” I replied.

“Well, hello, stranger?” a blond headed girl interrupted, sidling up to Henry. “Why weren’t you at the party last week.” She leaned forward and hugged Henry, staring daggers at me over his shoulder.

Who is this twit?

“Yeah, sorry I couldn’t make it,” Henry said. He nodded towards me. “This is my friend, Aurora.”

“Nice to meet you?” the blond replied, barely glancing at me. Her eyes were locked on Henry.

“And this is Bunny,” he told me.

I had to stop myself from snorting. I’d never met anyone named Bunny before, but she looked and sounded about as intelligent as her name. Every statement out of Bunny’s mouth ended on a high note, giving the impression that she was asking a question. And every question sounded like a statement. I listened in fascination.

“Well I really missed you?” she was saying. Now she was running her hand along Henry’s arm, totally ignoring me. “Will you come to the back-to-school bash I’m throwing Saturday before classes start.”

I looked at Henry, expecting to see my disgust mirrored on his face. But instead, Henry appeared to be
hanging
on every obnoxious word. He was practically
drooling
.

I had never been jealous of girls flirting with Henry before; of course he’d dated off and on over our teenage years, never anything serious. So why was I feeling red-hot anger at seeing Bunny throwing herself at him?

How can he be falling for this?

My parents would have had a fit if I’d tried to get away with wearing an outfit like what Bunny had on. Her blue dress might as well have been
painted
on, it was so damn tight.

And if it wasn’t bad enough that it hugged every curve of her body, it was so low cut that if she bent down much further I was concerned that she might have a wardrobe malfunction.

Henry was a smart guy. He saw past boobs and a perfectly rounded butt, right?

“Henry, I’m hot, I need some air,” I snapped, interrupting their conversation.

Henry looked at me blankly.

“Balcony’s upstairs, dear?” Bunny informed me. She had Henry’s arm in a death-like grip.

“I don’t feel well. I need my
date
to come with me,” I said through gritted teeth, barely able to contain my rising anger.

“Of course,” Henry said, appearing to snap out of his Bunny trance. “I’ll catch up with you later.” He flashed Bunny a huge grin. I resisted the urge to punch him.

“Don’t I get a hug before you go.” Bunny again wrapped her arms around Henry. I clenched and unclenched my hands.
Don’t lose it. Don’t let her see she’s won…for now.

With Henry safely out of her clutches, we headed to the long winding staircase that led up to the second story.

“You like that girl?” I couldn’t help asking.

“She’s all right,” was all Henry would say.

When we got to the second story, Henry kept walking up the stairs. “Can we talk somewhere in private? It’s so loud downstairs.”

“Sure,” I said nervously.

What in the world could he want to talk about? He said we were going to forget about that night we had the huge fight, the night we kissed.

Or was he going to try to kiss me again? No, I was pretty sure he was still too blinded by Bunny’s boobs to think about kissing me.

I followed Henry out to the balcony on the top story. It was empty. The sun had set now and the moon looked like it was directly overhead.

“Nice night.” I tried to make small talk.

Henry looked perplexed. “There’s something I need to tell you, Aurora.”

I sunk down into one of the chairs surrounding a round table. Henry sat down next to me.

At first he didn’t speak. It was seeming less and less likely that he’d brought me up here to reminisce about the good old days.

“Henry?” I prompted. “Everything okay?”

“I have something to tell you and I don’t want you to be mad. Not after everything that’s happened.”

“Okay.” I leaned forward in my seat and studied Henry’s face. He was looking out towards the sky. Down below there were people in the yard outside the mansion holding drinks and laughing.

“Remember,” I added when he still didn’t speak, “we agreed not to talk about
certain
things.”

“Yeah, it’s nothing to do with
that
,” he assured me.

Phew.
If it wasn’t about that awful night, it couldn’t be anything
too
terrible. “What then?” I pressed.

“I haven’t been completely honest with you. It’s about your death, Aurora.”