Okay, I know that I haven't fixed Chapter 5 yet, and I normally do that before I post another chapter.

But I have a reason!

I want to know that even though I moved fast with the whole Carmen-Sophia thing that if this chapter slowed things down...or sped them up (which I hope didn't happen )

So, let me know and Happy Reading!

**Changed the scene between Carmen and Sophia!**

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CHAPTER SIX

While Isaac and I prepare the marshmallow-y bars, time seems to slow until it stops altogether. Our table is quiet, neither of us bothering to break the awkward silence settling around us. I concentrate on the pan, evenly spreading the sticking concoction all over the greased surface. Isaac cleans up our supplies and washes off the counter. “Excuse me,” he mumbles and I step aside to let him get at the lower cabinets so he may re-stack the cups.

I feel his arm brush my pant leg, and I cough uncomfortably. He doesn’t move his arm, however, slowly putting away the cups one by one. I finish with the Rice Krispie Bars and cover them in aluminum foil. Isaac straightens, yanking up his jeans as he stands, a peculiar smile crossing his lips. I roll my eyes, carrying the pan over to the teacher’s desk where he will inspect them.

I continue back to our table and finish helping Isaac clean up. “Here’s a rag,” he offers, holding out a dishrag for me to use to clean up my side of the table.

“Thanks,” I say, carefully removing it from his hands, hoping that my fingers will miss his.

But it is no use. Somehow, his fingers brush mine, no matter how cautious I am. My stomach twists as I see Isaac gaze at my chilled fingers with what looks to be fascination. His pointer finger glides slowly over the knuckle of my thumb, leaving a trail of scorched skin. His brow is furrowed in bewilderment. “Why—“ he begins to ask, but the teacher interrupts as he orders for all to retrieve our pans.

“I’ll get it,” I mumble, keeping my head down as I scurry away, dropping the dishrag unceremoniously into the sink nearby.

At Mr. Anderson’s desk, I bump into Carmen, who is also gathering his pan for his partner. “Sorry,” I say and halt. Carmen’s eyes glint with mischief, and I glower. “What?” I demand.

Carmen shrugs, leading me to an unoccupied sink. “Nothing. I was just watching you and Pretty-Boy over there.”

“Excuse me?” I raise my eyebrows.

“Don’t act like you don’t know what I am talking about. That whole hand-action and eye-contact stuff.” Carmen is grinning from ear-to-ear.

“Oh, please,” I roll my eyes, trying to ignore the tightening in my gut at his words.

There is nothing going on between Isaac and I…is there? I refuse to listen to the tiny voice in my head, confirming my fears as the bell rings. I quickly gather my stuff, avoiding Isaac’s gaze, and depart without another word.

Out in the parking lot, I tap my foot impatiently. Carmen was supposed to pick me up at the front of Richmond High ten minutes ago. We were going to drive to the mall for a bit of fun, but as I check my phone for the time, I see that he is running behind.

I sigh heavily, yanking my bag higher up on my shoulder. I watch as car after car exit the school lot, escaping for the weekend. I spot a small silver speck near the back and step closer to the curb. Groaning, I see that it isn’t Carmen and check my phone again. “Where could he be?” I wonder out loud, crossing my arms tight across my chest as a gust of wind blows over the school.

“Looking for someone?” a voice erupts near me, and I swallow loudly.

“Yeah,” I answer softly as Isaac comes into my sight. “My friend, Carmen.”

“Oh, that blonde kid, right?” he asks, and I nod.

“That’s him,” I say, frantically scanning the lot.

Isaac watches me closely. “You need a ride?”

I freeze at his offer when my phone goes off. I breathe a sigh of relief, holding up my hand apologetically as I answer it. “Hello?”

It’s Carmen. “Hey, Sophia. Having fun with your Pretty-Boy?”

I narrow my eyes. “Where are you?” I glance around, trying to catch a glimpse of his red Honda Civic.

“Wouldn’t you like to know…” Carmen trails off, and I hear boisterous laughter near him.

“What game are you playing, Carmen?” I demand, glancing over and seeing that Isaac is listening intently to everything I say.

“No game, Sophia. But we decided not to go to the mall today. Me and the boys want to go hang out at the house tonight.”

“Oh, I see. You guys just decide to ditch me. I get it,” I grumble, turning away from Isaac so he can’t see that I am upset.

“No, Sophia. It’s not like that—“

“Then what is it, Carmen?” I question, my voice breaking. He doesn’t answer. “So how will I be able to get home?”

“I don’t know, Sophia. I didn’t think you would be so mad about this. You usually walk home everyday. What’s the big deal now?”

“Nothing. It’s just you promised to pick me up, and you didn’t!” I practically scream into the phone.

“All right, all right, calm down,” Carmen soothes, and that’s when I hear an eruption of laughter again. But this time, there is another voice mingled with the boys—a high, sweet note that lingers in the air. My blood goes cold.

“Never mind, Carmen,” I breathe, struggling for control. “I can see you are having too much fun with your to-be Blood Mate to pick up your old friend.”

“No! Sophia, I—“

“Don’t lie! I can hear her! She is my friend too! But I…no, just forget it.” I glance wildly around, hoping for some sort of distraction. My eyes land on Isaac, who is watching the sky apprehensively as it darkens above us. My eyes widen as an idea forms inside my head. A wicked gleam enters my eyes, and I grin slowly.

“You know what, Carmen? I do have a ride. So don’t worry about me.” And with that, as Carmen still is shouting into the phone for me to listen, I flip it shut, drowning out the last of his apologies.

Isaac’s eyes are still on the sky when I glance back over at him. I follow his gaze and see that the heavens have turned into a swirling mass of gray, black, and green. “So, is that a yes to the ride?” Isaac questions, his eyes floating to me. I smile back, and nod. “All right then. Follow me.” He sweeps out his arm, shoving his hands deep into the pockets of his jeans. I follow, pulling the sleeves of my sweater down over my hands as the wind picks up speed.

By the time we reach his car—a flagrant blue sport vehicle with rust lining the fenders and handles—my hair is a mess of tangled curls. Isaac quickly unlocks the doors, and I hop inside, sweeping my legs in. As the door slams shut, a barrage of thick red rust showers the pavement. I smile as I gaze around at the interior: stained leather seats and a cracked rearview mirror. Faintly, I can hear the sound of the radio playing, static overpowering the voices. I see that the dashboard is covered in old candy wrappers and soda cans, and I spy the backseat, noticing that it is just the same.

“Sorry about the mess,” Isaac excuses, seeing my prying eye.

I shrug. “No big deal,” I say, shoving some chip bags out of the way so I can place my bag on the floor.

Isaac’s cheeks heat up to a vibrant crimson color, and I suddenly remember my curiosity about such things. I tilt my head, gazing at his shinning red cheeks as he reverses out of the parking lot and onto the main road. I struggle to come up with an explanation for why he would react like that, but then his eyes flicker over to me, raising an eyebrow. I gasp when I have been caught staring and quickly advert my eyes, glaring at the pane of glass in front of me. I feel heat rise up along the sides of my neck and cheeks. I run a trembling finger across them as Isaac takes a corner, rattling the many soda cans. I’m becoming more human… I think frantically, my breathing becoming heavy.

“So, where do you live?” Isaac asks, shaking me out of my fearful thoughts as he slips a CD into the player in his car.

“Umm,” I pause as we pass the gravel road I live on. I know the consequences of bringing a human within the confines of the gate, and I shiver at what would happen to Isaac. Why do I care what happens to him? He offered me a ride home…Why not show up with Isaac in tow? Picture Carmen’s face if he saw that… a slithery voice echoes in my ear. I mentally shake myself as Isaac glances over at me, eyebrows raised, waiting for an answer. “I’m not sure I want to go home,” I say quickly. “Would you like to go get something to eat instead?” I look apprehensively at Isaac, hoping he asks no more questions.

Isaac looks slightly put off by my offer, his eyes widening. “Ah…sure, I guess. I’m starving.” His face breaks into a smile, and I breathe easier.

Isaac drives us into town, the static gone from the radio as we listen to one of his CD’s instead. I can barely make out the song and am shocked when I recognize it. “Is this The Beatles?” I ask, my mouth slightly a-gap.

“Yeah.” Isaac looks uncomfortable. “You listen to them?”

“Yes!” I reach over for the knob to turn it up, not thinking, but then stop.

What am I doing? Acting like myself when any moment, I could lose control. I stiffen, sitting back against the seat again. Isaac must have seen what I wanted, for he turned the volume up until it roared from the speakers.

Without realizing it, I start to sing along, the tension slowly leaving my body with each uttered syllable. “Nothing you can make that can't be made…No one you can save that can't be saved…” The words are barely a whisper on my tongue. Soon, however, my voice gains volume as the song goes on. “Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time…It's easy!” I shout, and I hear Isaac laugh.

He surprises me when he joins in on the singing. “All you need is love…All you need is love…All you need is love, love…Love is all you need.”

We both burst into laughter as the song ends. “You’re not a bad singer,” I comment through my giggles.

Isaac adjusts his rearview mirror. “You’re not too bad yourself.” He winks at me, and abruptly, my stomach feels light.

I look out the window to see that we have pulled into a small café. I hear a grumble near me and glance up, surprised, as Isaac parks his car. “Was that your stomach?” I ask with wide eyes.

“Yeah. I told you I was starving.” He laughs, and I smile as we leave the car.