Isaiah

1.

THE BUZZER OF MY ALARM CLOCK WENT OFF LOUDLY AS I WOKE from my sleep. I wiped the crust from my eyes and laid there thinking about my day ahead of me. Sighing, I lazily got up and slammed the snooze button to stop the annoying buzzer. My bones creaked from sleep, as I rounded up my clothes for school. Gray light escaped into my room from my small window; lighting up the room. After I dressed, and brushed my teeth I headed downstairs to face my mother. I tried to put on a happy face, but I do not think I had managed to by the time my mom turned around to greet me.

"Hey Hon, you want breakfast?" she smiled but it did not reach her eyes.

"Nah mom, I'm headed for school early today." I said in a cheerful half-heartedly way. Her expression was blank as I smiled and headed out the door into the frosty air. I quickly released my smile, and sunk my fingers down into my jeans and felt the cold metal of my keys. I stuck the keys into the ignition and felt the vibration rumble through my body. The engine roared underneath me like a lion protecting it's cub. It only took minutes to get to the high school. The roads were always empty in the mornings. I squeezed my car into a parking spot between two huge monstrous trucks. I cut the engine and slid the now warm keys back into my jeans pocket. Another day of boring school was just what I needed. My first four classes passed slowly by; history, English, math, and PE. I always daydreamed in those classes. I tried to ignore the boisterous voices of my friends, but that ended up being a little difficult. I was sitting at the lunch table thinking about last night. It was the first time I had dreamt in what seemed ages. I remembered it so clearly. I was disturbed by my dream, but I was trying to keep it from resurfacing into my thoughts.

"What do you think Sarah?" Beth asked with curious eyes. Beth was one of my closest friends. Her big green eyes were always darting everywhere, and her long black locks swayed every time she moved her head. I envied her, but never let it show.

"About what?" I asked with a thin smile. I really did not want to talk right now. Beth's face drooped into an annoyed expression as she spoke; with her eyes glued to my face.

"Kelly and I were just talking about whether blue or purple would look best on me for the dance." she smiled.

"I think purple is better because it contrasts with my hair." Beth turned her head to glance at Kelly; I swore I saw a smirk on her face.

"Yeah, it contrasts with your eyes too." I said to bring the conversation back between them. Beth lit up and quickly turned back to Kelly to further engage in the argument. I didn't really feel like eating, so I got myself a Coke and settled with that.

I was so engrossed in my thoughts of the dream when my friend Isaiah tapped me on the shoulder. I stiffened as I looked up,

"Hey Sarah, you coming to class? Or....you just going to sit there?" He was holding out his hand with a warm smile on his face. I looked around and realized the cafeteria was nearly empty; some students bustling for their things.

"I guess I'll go to class." I said smoothly taking his hand for support.

"You okay Sarah? You have seemed out of it for last couple days." I looked back at him then, and saw his eyes; he was worried. Isiah was five foot ten, he had long, light brown hair and blue eyes that any girl could melt for. He felt me stiffen again and start to pull away but he grabbed my shoulder slightly and continued.

"Come on Sarah, I know you. You are not ever like this. What's up?" He gave me a wry smile, and I knew I had to tell him. He let go of my shoulder and we started walking for our next class.

"I'm sure you don't want to hear it." I said with a little more sharpness than I expected. He kept pace with me and glanced at me with his smile again.

"Me not want to hear it? You know I do so spill." he knew defeat when he saw my face uncurl and chuckled softly. He let go of my hand and put his arm around my shoulder. I sighed then relaxed under his arm which he noticed and looked at me once more.

"Are you sure Sarah that that is all?" he said a little bummed. "You know you can trust me with anything."

"I know, Isaiah. I just don't feel that comfortable talking about it at the moment." I said glumly as we reached the door to our science class. He took his arm from my shoulder and opened the door to Mr.Cambell starting his lecture. He glared at Isaiah and me as we took our seats on the left side of the room. People glanced, but paid no close attention. Through the lecture, we stayed silent, I wanted to go home. Isaiah occasional shifted in his chair, giving me looks of confusion. I guess my face was unreadable since he did not ask me any more questions about my dream. The bell rang almost exactly when I wanted it to. I bolted out of my seat and headed for the door, not wanting anyone to follow.

My attempt was unsuccessful when Isaiah caught up with me and started talking about what he had planned for the weekend. The gloom of the day always was undesirable, but I was used to it. It was starting to get warmer since it was the beginning of March. By the time I got to my next class a little ray of light shone through the gray clouds. When school was over, I put my things in my bag and reluctantly left the building.

"Hey Sarah!" I turned to see Isaiah walking up to me smiling. I gave him a thin smile and started walking once he caught up with me.

"I was wondering if you wanted to go camping with me and a couple of friends this weekend?" he spat out, obviously anxious. I thought for a moment. Maybe camping would be a good idea. I need some fresh air. Mom wouldn't mind she was going out with some friends anyway. I looked up at his anxious blue eyes and gave him a thoughtful look.

"Sure Isaiah, I got nothing planned. I need some fresh air anyway." I didn't want to sound glum, but I knew he could hear it. His eyes lit up and he put his arm around my shoulder once more. I smiled; I could feel my mood starting to lighten.

"Great! Bring the usual and I'll come pick you up later." Isaiah said he walked me to my car with a lighter step than before. He took my bag and stuffed it in the passenger side of the car. I opened my side and was sliding in.

"Sar?" he called wariness in his voice. I looked up and his face was at my window, his eyes on mine. He called me Sar for short. I didn't mind, no one really called me that except for him.

"Yeah?" I said, and put the key into the ignition. I turned to look back at his face which was now harder and serious.

"You sure you're alright?" and he put a hand on my shoulder caringly. I stiffened under the pressure, and he removed his hand.

"Yeah, don't worry about me Isaiah please. I'm alright. I'll see you later on tonight, pick me up around five?" I responded trying not to sound too annoyed. He smiled; of course he didn't believe me. He knew me all too well. He walked to his own car and I closed the driver's side door of mine and started the engine. The sound instantly calmed me, and cleared my mind.

I drove home silently and parked in front of our bland house. The driveway was on the right side and the house was a blue color. It reminded me of robin eggs, but not speckled. My mom's beige Toyota sat in the driveway, so I knew she was home. I headed for the door wondering what the camping trip would be like. Inside, my mom, Tracy, was just finishing setting the table when I walked in. She looked up and gave me a warm smile, and headed back into the kitchen to get the silverware.

"How was school honey?" she called from the kitchen, I could hear the clinking of the silverware. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I smelt lasagna wafting through the house. I quickly sat down and answered when she came scuffling back into our cozy dining room with our small table and sat. She handed me a plate of lasagna and I thanked her.

"It was boring as usual" I said trying my best to sound happy. "Isaiah asked me if I could go camping this weekend." Everyone said my mom, Tracy, looked exactly like me. She had medium length brown hair, and had eyes of chocolate. Her face was round and precise like mine, and the skin was fair, with a hint of brown. She studied me for a few seconds and went back to eating. I ate a forkful of lasagna and continued.

"I was wondering if I could go." I said casually, looking to see her expression. I knew she didn't like me going out, especially to the woods. But I pressed on. She stared at me blankly for a few more seconds.

"Come on mom, I got nothing planned. It will be us two and a few other of his friends." I pleaded, I wanted to go. Tracy sighed, and put down her fork. I looked at her expectantly, waiting for an answer.

"I guess it would be alright. When are you leaving?" she took a bite of her lasagna still looking at me.

"Tonight, Isaiah said he would pick me up around five." I was smiling now. Tracy gave me an unusual look over. I frowned and took my plate into the kitchen to wash. Tracy still sat eating silently, as I headed for my room.

"Be careful you guys." she said as I sped up the stairs to gather my things. My room was a nice size. The walls made it serene and calm, being a jade color. My four poster bed was in the middle, and my private bathroom to the right and near the end of the room. I grabbed my duffel bag, and stuffed a couple pairs of jeans and a few shirts and socks into it. I went into the bathroom and took a shower hoping the hot water would help. I felt more relaxed as I got out and started brushing my teeth. I glanced at myself in the mirror. My long brown hair hung down past my shoulders, curling at the ends. My eyes were a hazel that seemed so big. Freckles spotted my cheeks.

I looked like I hadn't slept in days; maybe I was right about needing to get out. I finished brushing my teeth, combed my hair and put on my old sneakers. I sat on my comfy and warm bed, and finally stopped to think. My dream felt so real, it was like I was really there. Like the feeling of the wind move my hair about my face, and the smell of pine trees. I remember standing on the beach looking out at the surf. Hearing the waves splash gently into the sand, making ripples. Something had caught my eye; I looked to my left and saw a man. He literally took my breath away; I stood gasping for air as I watched him disappear along the shoreline. He smiled as he walked away, a smile so warm and inviting. He was as tall as Isaiah, but he had short brown hair. I wanted to see his eyes so bad I surprised myself when I saw my feet running swiftly toward him. The closer I got, the farther he went away. I cursed lightly to myself for having to run in sand.

I ended up tripping over myself and landed face first in the wet sand. Once I got myself up and the sand from my eyes the mysterious man had vanished. Then my dream had ended abruptly showing me nothing further. I can remember his strong physique. He looked muscular, but soft at the same time. A knock at my door made me reach reality. I got up from my post and opened the door to reveal Isaiah smiling at me.

"Oh!" I gasped, suddenly aware at how messy my room was. I could feel the blood flow to my cheeks as I grabbed my duffel bag and jacket.

"Hey Sar, I can see you're ready." he laughed quietly to himself as I followed him down the stairs. My mom was watching the news in the small living room as we reached the end of the stairs.

"Hey mom, I'm headed out. I'll see you Sunday." I said with a sound of eagerness which surprised me once again. Isaiah found my hand and led me out of the house to his huge truck that was parked next to mine. Isaiah squeezed my hand a little, and in the corner of my eye I could see how happy he was.

"Sar, you're going to have so much fun I know it." He grabbed my duffel bag from my hand without any effort and put it into the cab of his Chevy. He helped me up and closed the door behind me and darted to the driver's side. I was excited to go, but at the same time confused. Isaiah wasn't the outdoor type, he was the mechanic guy; I wondered if he wanted to get out of the house for once.

"What made you decide to go camping?" I asked truly curious. I was looking at him when he glanced at me. His face was no longer warm but hard and serious; his blue eyes suddenly fierce and thoughtful. I grimaced at his reaction and turned to look out the window fiddling with my thumbs at the same time. We started to pull out, and I looked back and he was stiff staring directly in front of himself.

"I wanted to get out...away from family." he mumbled, he turned onto the main road and I knew that he wasn't in the mood to continue this conversation.

2.

ISIAH WOULD ALWAYS LOVE ME. It was hard for him to understand that I loved him too...but that it wasn't going to get as far as he sometimes pushed to get. I liked hanging out with him; he was someone I can not live without. I thought many times that maybe we could go farther, until my dream. It triggered the most curious part of me, which I thought was weird. I, even now, keep trying to push it out of my memory but it keeps flooding back. The man I keep seeing walking along the beach, so handsome. I couldn't keep my eyes off him, and he always took the breath away from me. Who is he? I thought I found myself anxious to see him again.

Isaiah turned onto an old dirt path, which was hard for me to immediately catch. It was cloudy but I could see patches of sun breaking through in various spots. I kept thinking about the man in my dream, and shuddered. I closed my window in silence and started twiddling my thumbs again. When the silence started to become too loud I tried to make some small talk with Isaiah. He was tense from me asking about his decision in coming to the mountains still, and kept his eyes solidly to the road ahead.

"Isaiah?" I asked slowly, my voice was cautious. He kept his face still toward the road his lips in a hard line.

"Yeah?"

"Who's all um...going to our little campout?" he relaxed a little, his knuckles less white before continuing.

"Just me, you, Sam, Finch, Reed, and Carl. Why?" his voice lightened up, but he still didn't look at me.

"Ah, I was just wondering." this did not turn into what I hoped would be a conversation. But I started again, not wanting to fail a second time. "What do you got planned, since we're going to be out in the wilderness for a couple days and all." My voice broke when I hit the word wilderness, and he seemed to take that into consideration. He chuckled, his voice low and soft, and to my avail a smile on his face.

"What? Are you scared? Sar? -- I mean to be outside for a couple days?" he finally looked at me with his blue eyes not as fierce as they were a few minutes ago.

"No!" I snapped quickly before realizing we had stopped. Isaiah cut the engine, hopped out, and was opening my door before I unbuckled myself. He helped me unbuckle and grabbed my duffel bag out of the backseat. It was cold, but not even close to becoming dark yet. I could see a bonfire a few hundred feet ahead and saw 4 bulks sitting near it. I zipped up my jacket and headed out with Isaiah. I really hoped this was going to be fun, the fresh air and the smell of pine cleared my head. I suddenly realized that Isaiah hadn't answered my question earlier when he had asked if I was scared.

"You didn't answer my question Isaiah." I said, as we got closer I could see the tents that were already up and more duffel bags I was assuming were the guys.

"What?"

"When I asked what you had planned you never answered." I repeated, and looked up at him. His expression was confused, and then I could see he finally understood when a slight smile was on his lips.

"Oh, yeah. Well I was thinking that tonight we are just going to hang out. Tomorrow we're going to go hiking and-" I tensed up at the word hiking, Isaiah looked down at me. I absolutely hated hiking. It was just not my thing. You could call me lazy but more like clumsy fit better.

"You don't like hiking do you?" he asked glumly.

"No, Isaiah I really don't." His shoulders slumped, I felt bad but there was no way I was to go hiking anytime soon.

"Please Sar, it means a lot to me that you're even here. Hiking won't be so bad. Come one, I promise I'll carry you when you get tired." he gave off a chuckle his voice low and sweet at the last sentence.

"Ugh" I groaned, "fine, I'll go tomorrow but I am not making promises."

"Alright Sar!" he wrapped one of his arms around my shoulders and I joined in on his laughing as we reached the camp. The guys looked up from their conversation as we came into hearing distance.

"Hey! Sarah! You made it I see, and in one piece." said Reed. He was a buff guy, reaching a height of 6'2". He had short cropped reddish brown hair, and gray eyes that smiled at me.

"Yeah." I said with a smile and sat down as Isaiah dropped my bag down by one of the tents. Reed said something to him but his voice was so low I couldn't hear. Isaiah jutted Reed in the ribs with his muscled elbow teasingly and sat down beside me. I reached my hands out toward the fire, and relaxed as heat filled my hands. Sam and Finch were the smaller of the five guys, but sweet all the same. Sam had medium black hair that fell around his heart-shaped face. Finch was the quieter of the two; he had brown eyes that matched his curly brown hair. Carl was a tall, slim guy whose hair was blonder than anyone I knew. He was the loudest, and could be obnoxious at times.

After a few minutes of listening to Isaiah blabber on about things I wasn't interested in, I looked over the fire for the first time since we got here. The sun was starting to set over what I realized was the ocean. The beach. I suddenly wanted to go to the shore so I got up from my post a little too excitedly losing my balance for a mere second. Isaiah and Sam looked up from their conversation with smiling faces. They held an orange glow as they eyed me expectantly.

"I, uh...wanted to go for a walk on the shore." I said. Isaiah glanced at Sam, and I saw Sam give him a smirk that I guess I wasn't intended to see. Isaiah easily towered over me. "Before it gets too dark." I added. The others glanced up as Isaiah and I made our way around the fire toward the beach. I heard a snicker behind us but didn't bother to look back. I was pretty sure what it was about.

"Having fun?" I didn't realize how close Isaiah was to me. I could feel his eyes on me, so I smiled and met his eyes,

"You bet,” he smiled at me and I returned my gaze toward the shore. It looked so mysterious, an urge at the back of my head was yelling at me now. Isaiah was again babbling on about something I did not care to concern myself with. I muttered, "Yeah, mhmms, and really?s" every now and then where I thought they fit. I wanted to start running, but I fought back the burning urge to do so. I wanted to see the man; the one in my dreams. No, you're crazy Sarah. Come on, he was in a dream! He wasn't real. But it felt so real, the wind on my face, blowing my hair. The smell of salt, the feel of the sand under my feet. Then the rush of curiosity that left me breathless when I saw him. Maybe he was, maybe he could be. No! Snap out of it Sarah! I couldn't stop myself. We were already walking on the beach now; I removed my shoes and felt the cool sand beneath my feet and in between my toes. It felt so good. Isaiah noticed my edginess but didn't pursue a conversation. I was happy for this, but the sound of crashing waves didn't soothe me any. I caught myself looking farther out, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mystery man.

I smacked myself for really thinking that; for just one second that he was real. Disappointment then foolishness overwhelmed me. I stopped and slumped onto the sand with a thud. I was immediately followed by Isaiah who looked at me with worried eyes. I couldn't see; my vision blurred by salty tears.

"Sarah, Hon what's wrong?” Isaiah sat down next to me and held me close. His warm body helped dry my tears, but more came anyway. I shook as I sobbed into his shirt helplessly. I was gasping for air against his too smooth breathing. He held me until my sobs were finally under my control after several minutes. He finally pulled me away and took hold of my shoulders. I looked into his eyes, and he looked into mine prepared not to let go.

My mind was everywhere, but all focused on but one thing. I knew who the man on the beach had been. It hadn’t dawned on me earlier, until now when I looked at Isaiah’s face only inches from mine. That man on the shore had been Isaiah. The glow of the sun on his hair, the way his face smiled at me in the distance. Everything was different, but it was still Isaiah. But why was he in my dream? Why did he look so different? I wasn't paying attention to my questions; all I cared about was that I was here with Isaiah. I wiped my eyes of tears and looked into his eyes, I couldn't see anything other than that he was very worried about my latest actions and behavior. He held me a little closer, and asked me again a question I didn't hear the first time.

"Sarah, tell me please. What's wrong?" I giggled which surprised me and Isaiah, then looked at the crashing waves just a few miles out.

“I just realized that I've been worrying about something entirely foolish." I said as I observed the waves wetting the sand a few feet from me. "You know that dream I had? There was a guy in it, walking along the shore smiling at me. I didn't know who it was or who it could possibly be." He kept quiet, but his eyes were thoughtful. “I worried myself sick, I thought it was real. When I saw the beach I couldn't stop myself from coming over here...to find him." Isaiah was looking at a shell that was beside him, I kept going. “When we were finally over here I kept catching myself staring out, straining my eyes for the least bit of a sight of him."

"Who is this guy?" Isaiah asked, he startled me because he had been so quiet. I hesitated as he eyed me expectantly.

"I was getting to that part. When I caught myself trying to find this guy I knew how foolish I had been. There was no guy, it was a dream! I just for some reason couldn't comprehend that the dream wasn't real, and that's when I collapsed to the sand." I finished with a meager note, and Isaiah finally looked up from his fixation on the shell. His warm face was still confused. I realized I hadn't answered his question and added,

"The guy in the dream I finally know now was...you." His expression did not change which surprised me. I started to get up, but he held me more firmly so I stayed.

"I was in your dream?" he asked with a broad smile. He chuckled softly in my ear as his arm eased around my waist. "I guess that would be a good thing for me then wouldn't it?" I felt myself blush a little.

"The only thing is though. You looked completely different; your hair was shorter and lighter. Also your clothes were fancy and...It was just different somehow." I knew he was listening, he scooted me a little closer to himself. Now I was a mere inch from him, I met Isaiah’s gaze and we held it for a long time studying each other. His blue, majestic eyes cradled my emotions. He took his free hand and slightly rubbed my cheek.

"But you still knew it was me, that's all I care about." he said, I knew why he was taking my dream so lightly, but right now I didn't care. I was feeling a lot of things right now. I didn't want this moment to end; I wanted Isaiah to hold me close forever. His warm body never letting me get cold. He inched closer to my face; soon we were less than an inch apart. I could feel his breath on my skin. I closed that last inch and interlocked my lips with his. For a second he didn’t move, but then soon his lips were moving along with mine. I felt his nervousness turn into eagerness as he kissed me. My breathing felt too loud but I didn't care, it felt so right. I pushed myself into him and felt his body against mine. I never wanted it to end, but soon Isaiah pulled his lips a little from mine; just barely touching. I could feel his smile. When my breathing became bearable I started to talk.

"I, I'm sorry I -" I stuttered, he never let me go, but looked at me and smiled.

"I'm not." he said and pulled me to him once more. I wrapped my arms around his neck and his around my waist. It was the perfect moment. I knew that Isaiah loved me and now I knew that I could and did love him back. I don't know what the dream was about but I didn't care anymore. Maybe it meant something, something important that brought me to realize my feelings, or nothing at all.

3.

I COULDN'T BELIEVE THE FEELINGS I HAD JUST REVEALED TO MYSELF. I thought that I really did think of Isaiah as only a friend, but in those few minutes everything I had thought changed. That dream is what had made me see this I thought. Isaiah and I were still only inches apart; my breath was deep and fast against his chest. Suddenly he chuckled and I looked up surprised.

"What?" I asked as I eyed him with loving eyes. His face gleamed into mine and his smile revealed perfect teeth.

"It's just, I am so glad you came Sar. It's been truly different than I expected." I slid back from him a little to where his arms were the only things touching me.

"I feel the same way Isaiah, so much." he smile grew wider as I said this and he went to get up and I followed willingly. We snatched up our shoes and I watched the ocean. The waves crashed onto the shore like a bull into its opponent, I smiled and took Isaiah’s warm hand as we headed back for camp.

I completely forgot about my dream as Isaiah led me to camp where Sam, Finch, Reed, and Carl were laughing and roasting hotdogs. I could see the orange glow of the fire ahead and burst into a run leaving Isaiah in my dust. He looked perplexed and confused as I glanced back and laughed. My shoes felt heavy in my hand as I ran but it felt so good. The wind made my hair fly back and the coolness gave me goosebumps all over my arms. Soon I heard Isaiah running to catch up behind me. I felt his arms slide around my waist and I stopped. He chuckled softly in my ear and I smiled as we saw Reed jut Carl in the side and point to me and Isaiah. Carl looked over and smiled, soon Finch and Sam were eyeing us as we stepped back into the circle around the fire. Isaiah gave Reed a look like ' don't say anything' and sat me beside himself in front of the fire. I felt the fire warm my face, hands, and feet as I watched Isaiah sit down beside me.

"Anyone want a wiener?" Reed smiled as Carl laughed and raised his hand. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I saw Reed hand him one and I raised my hand also. Reed saw my hand and handed over a hotdog, I took a bite and savored every moment. We all laughed and played some music and told scary stories. It was getting dark, and I caught myself yawning. Sam noticed this and acknowledged it to Isaiah who turned to me with his playful concern.

"Hey, you looked tired Sar. Do you want to call it a night?" he asked I stared into the fire. I had been so fascinated with the stories that Finch had been telling that I didn't want to go to sleep just now.

"No, I want to listen to some more of Finch's wonderful stories." I glanced at Finch when I said this and he smiled and went on.

"Okay, now this story is a very well known one amongst everyone here,” all the guys mumbled in agreement, but Isaiah remained silent and wrapped his left arm around my waist to pull me closer. I slid so that I could feel his warmth and smiled at Finch to go on. "The story goes that centuries ago there was a monster. Not any ordinary monster, no this one had the shape of man. A monster that could roam the nights, and slept by day. Who drank human blood, and had fangs longer than your cat's."

"Vampires?" I asked bewildered, I could feel Isaiah chuckle beside me.

"Precisely, and it has been said that this monster, this vampire had been created here in these very woods." My eyes widened in surprise, I didn't know anything about this story. I always thought that vampires were cool, but created here? I had to remind myself that it was only a story. I hated it when I found myself believing in the stupidest things. "It all started when a young man about our age ran away from home. He had despised his family and had wanted to leave. That night he had flown into the woods here, angry and confused. I will call this man Stu; he stumbled through the woods and after so long had found himself lost. 'Great, perfect!' Stu thought, so he had turned around to find his way back out."

"Why Stu?" Carl asked abruptly, Sam laughed. Reed gave him the evil eye and Carl rose up his hands in a 'sorry I asked' gesture and everything was again quiet.

"As I was saying, Stu was lost and was trying to find his way back out. Days went by and Stu had never come back home. His parent's were hysterical, and had ordered a team to look for him but to no avail. Then one day Stu had just appeared, stalked out of the woods ghostly pale. He didn't say a word, and his eyes were blood red. His father found him standing there and went to see after him. Stu wouldn't let anyone touch him, he ordered his whole family to keep away and shut himself in his room for days on end." Finch paused to take a sip of his water, and I used this moment to let out a silent yawn. He placed his water bottle next to his feet and stared into the fire. "Now, the story goes that one of Stu's younger sisters had become curious and one night she had watched him sneak out of the house and followed him. She followed him through the woods until finally Stu had stopped in a little clearing where one of the town women was standing. 'Oh Stu! You're here, that was very fast!' the woman had said. Stu's sister watched behind a log as Stu silently tread over to the woman and snatched her up. He kissed her and his sister watched and was about to leave when she heard a painstaking cry. She jolted her head upward and saw Stu grow these immaculate fangs and sink them into the woman's flesh. She watched her brother do this until the woman buckled under Stu. He set her down and when he had stood back up his sister gasped with horror. Stu jerked his head to where the noise came from, his eyes were no longer red, but an amber color. His mouth had blood running down the sides. The wind had picked up and her bonnet had become untied and flew off her head, her hair flew out of control and she saw his fangs as he snarled for Stu had picked up her scent. She got up and ran for her life screaming 'MONSTER!' she barely had made it out, it had become dawn so she was safe. She ran for her parents who couldn't believe what she had been stating."

"So, they thought she was basically crazy?" I asked, Finch looked at me and nodded as he threw a log onto the fire.

"The next night Stu's sister had begged her parents to watch him, to prove that he was a monster. So they watched Stu all day, and when night had come they discovered exactly what their daughter had said and feared for their family. The next night they planned to kill their only son. Stu's father had wandered into Stu's room to find that he was gone. Ever since that night Stu never did come back, and the story grew throughout the whole village of a monster that slept throughout the day and walked at night. A monster who who looked like man, but feeds upon them. They called him vampire" Finch then brought up his hands together above his head and stretched.

"Wow, that...I never knew that. It is really fascinating" I said and looked up at Isaiah who was smiling down at me; his blue eyes twinkling in the fire. "Who knew, vampires originated here in Cheyenne!" I giggle and everyone beamed across the fire.

"Well, I think it's time we all hit the sack because we are going hiking and we need our rest. Don't we guys?" Sam said. I then got up before anyone had a chance to move and bolted to my tent, snatched up my duffel bag and flew into the tent and zipped it before anyone knew what happened. I sat down on my green sleeping bag and unzipped my duffel bag. I took out my pajama bottoms and dressed myself and stuck my jeans and jacket inside the bag. I shuddered when I took off my jacket; it had been surprisingly cold tonight. I heard footsteps outside the tent, and I saw Isaiah’s tall frame knock on the side.

"Hey Sar? You decent?" his shadow adjusted so that he was kneeling now, the glow of the fire behind him.

"Yep" He unzipped the tent and tackled me with laughs and I smiled as he hugged me. His body warmed me up again as we sat. Suddenly Isaiah stiffened and he looked around the tent. "What's wrong?" I asked utterly confused, everything was here.

"Where's my sleeping bag?" then I looked around once more and saw that only mine had been laid out. "Well we could always share one" I shoved Isaiah playfully and told him to go get his sleeping bag. He beamed at me and left the tent. I heard Sam's and Reed's voice mumbling in the tent next to mine followed by laughter. Everything had been so great tonight. The fresh air and finally realizing my true feelings for Isaiah. It all felt so good. Like everything was finally in place whereas before they were pieces of the puzzle I couldn't get to fit. In the next moment Isaiah waddled back into our tent carrying his massive red sleeping bag and laid it out next to mine. I laughed while he struggled to get the zipper open and finally after minutes of this he got it open. He surveyed me for a long time while I steadied myself inside my sleeping bag. Suddenly Isaiah scooted his bag to me and kissed me. My heart fluttered and it raced as we embraced, I absolutely loved him there was no doubt about that.

We separated after a very long minute and he held me close. His breathing slow and deep mesmerized me and soon I was dreaming. Dreaming of Isaiah in his beautiful new look, in his fancy clothes. Staring at me from a few feet down the beach, walking away before I could get too close.

4.

I AWOKE THE NEXT MORNING ABSOLUTELY FREEZING. My hands were numb as I wiped the sleep crust from my eyes, the iciness of them helping wake me up. Isaiah wasn't in his own sleeping bag, so I figured he was already up and moving. I slid on my jeans and jacket quickly, and unzipped the opening of the tent. Everything I could see had been spilled on by morning dew. I looked up and could see the faint glow of the sun peaking through a few clouds that spotted the sky. The fire that had been burning last night was down to a small smolder, a miniscule tower of smoke emanating from it. I observed our small campsite to find that Isaiah was still nowhere to be found. I heard the unzipping of Reed's tent to my right and saw him climb out.

"Morning Reed" I called out he looked up lazily and smiled. I grabbed a few logs that were to my left and set them atop the smoldering embers and watched as the wood caught fire quickly. Reed walked off aways to do what I really didn't need to think about and I grabbed a small pan and set it on a rock to warm up. I dreamed once again of Isaiah on the beach. I dreamed of him walking just that little distance between me and him, and yet I could still not get close enough before he disappeared amongst the trees. I didn't get why I was still having the dream, I had everything I needed and wanted, yet it still shows up.

Suddenly Carl comes bustling out of the woods with Sam, Carl laughing like he was going to explode. Sam had one hand on the side of his jeans and the other stuffed into his pocket. I didn't bother in asking what had happened, I just smiled as the two sat next to me and grabbed their waterbottles.

"Well morning to you too Sarah" Carl said, his green eyes lit with enthusiasm. Everyone was up except for Finch and Isaiah, I began to grow curious as to where Isaiah was as Finch stepped out of his small tent the farthest away from me. "Morning Finch!" Carl pronounced. Finch grunted and slipped on his jacket. I was really curious now as to where in the camp Isaiah was. Everyone single one of the guys was in my sight either enjoying themselves or waking up. I was agitated, so I got up to move around. After a few minutes I couldn't take it any longer.

"Do any of you know where Isaiah is?" I asked expectantly with a bit more worry than I wanted to hear. Sam looked up at me with a confused expression on his face.

"I thought he slept with you last night."

"He did, but I woke up this morning and he wasn't in the tent." Now everyone was looking at me curious and thoughtfully. "his shoes are even still here and I know he wouldn't leave without his shoes to go anywhere." Why would Isaiah leave without putting his shoes on? It was freezing outside. Sam got up from his post and walked over to his tent and grabbed up his blue and yellow fleece jacket.

"Are you sure you didn't see him this morning?" inquired Reed who I hadn't noticed came back from his usual morning duty.

"Yeah, I'm sure" I said and I sank back down on a log in front of the fire. Worry was overtaking me and I knew it. I could feel my body tensing up, and my palms becoming cold and sweaty. Reed told Sam, Carl, and Finch to hurry and get ready for what I hoped wouldn't have to be done. Isaiah you better hurry wherever you are I prayed. "Reed, maybe if we wait a little longer he might show up." I was starting to shake from the worry so I got up once more and started pacing back and forth.

"Sarah, if he is really....you know, missing, then we have to at least look for him. If he isn't then we will find him then right?" he knew he was right, I looked at him smugly and nodded. He grimaced in reply and looked into the woods as if hoping to see Isaiah walk out unharmed and continue to sit and enjoy his camping trip. I hustled over to my duffel bag and grabbed out my hair comb and brushed the knots that infested my hair as the guys readied themselves. I didn't want to think of what might be happening. Yesterday seemed so far away from how this morning had started. I put away my comb and re-tied my shoes. The guys were about to leave when Finch stopped and turned to me with caring eyes.

"Sarah, do you want to come along?" I gave him an appaling look.

"Of course I do! There's no way I am staying here, I have to help somehow." I snapped, Finch shrugged and we headed east into the forest. We called for Isaiah what seemed to me a thousand times. Our voices echoed through the forest, mine an octave higher than the rest. I stumbled as I looked in every direction in hope of seeing his red and black jacket somewhere in this mess. I had walked a few feet more when I spotted a color that did not match the green around it. I bent forward and grabbed a small piece of light blue denim that had been torn. This was a part of Isiah's pants!

"Reed, Sam, Finch, Carl! Please come here quick." I called, I fought back a well of tears as they huddled around me. Carl was the first that had arrived and grabbed the denim from my hand. I couldn't bear it, something must have happened to Isaiah, but what? I let go of my strong hold and let my salty tears run down my face. I fell onto the closest trunk near me and piled my face into my hands. A warm arm wrapped around my shoulders as I heaved uncontrollably.

"Shh, Sarah everything will be alright. I'm sure Isaiah is perfectly fine." Reed's deep and mellow voice rang in my ears as he kept me from collapsing onto the soggy ground.

"We have to call the police!" I screeched, my voice cracked at the last word and I wiped my wet red-rimmed eyes. Reed helped me back up and we returned to camp silently. The sky had grown bright, but there was nothing that could make me feel better; not anything but Isaiah and he was missing. I drove Isiah's chevy back to my home all the while fighting tears, I managed to turn up the radio. My hands were shaking as I turned off the truck and hopped out. Sam's toyota camry zoomed up next to me and stopped, the driver's seat window rolled down and I was met by Sam's panicked face.

"Sarah we are going to call the police. You just stay here okay?" he pleaded with me, I wanted to help find Isaiah. "Sarah please, I know you want to help but right now you just need to stay put. Be safe Sarah." and with that he smiled and rolled the window back up and sped off down the road. I sighed and lazily grabbed my duffel bag and sleeping bag from inside Isiah's chevy and waddled up to my robin egg-colored house. Inside it was warm and toasty, the heat immediatly giving me a shudder of relief. The noise of a talk show hummed in the living room, my mom adored them. I brought my bags up to my room and collapsed onto my bed and cried. Isaiah meant the world to me, if anything happened to him I didn't know what I would be capable of doing to myself. Why would he just disappear like that? There must have been something that would have made him leave. When I found the ripped patch from his jeans on that forest floor I knew at that moment something was wrong. I know Isaiah wouldn't leave without making some kind of note, anything.

After what seemed like an hour I steadied myself enough to go downstairs and confront my mother. I took off my jacket and headed downstairs. Tracy was still in the living room watching her talkshows, I heaved a big sigh and entered the cozy room. She sat on a maroon colored couch the accented the beige carpet and lavender walls. I quietly maneuvered myself over to an armchair on her left and sat. She turned her head in surprise and a big smile came across her face.

"Sarah! You're back so early. I though you weren't supposed to be back until tomorrow?" I braced myself for more tears.

"Yeah, mom please don't freak out alright?" she looked at me perplexed now. "Isaiah, we can't find him, we think he's gone missing." My mom's face went from confused to a look of horror.

"Oh my god Sarah, what happened?!" She turned down the tv and turned to face towards me.

"I don't know, I woke up this morning, and he just wasn't there." I could feel the tears coming, I sprang off the couch and buried my face into Tracy's shoulder, her brown hair tickling my left cheek. "H-he didn't even s-say if he was g-going anywhere, j-just nothing!" I sobbed more into her shoulder.

"Sarah, honey please. Everything will be alright. Have any of you contacted the police?" I lifted up my head and looked into her concerned brown eyes.

"Sam said they were going to go to the police when they dropped me off." She seemed please by this answer and didn't continue any further. I unglued myself from my mother and got up. Maybe if I called Sam I could see what is going on, I needed to help somehow.

"I am going to call Sam, I want to know what's going on." Tracy nodded, and I headed to my right into the kitchen. I really hoped that Sam would answer, so I kept my fingers crossed as I grabbed the phone that rested on the blue kitchen counter. I dialed Sam's cell phone number with restless fingers and listened to the monotone ring. It rang four times until I finally heard Sam's familiar voice on the other end.

"Hello?" he sounded scared, my heart started pumping fast.

"Sam, it's me Sarah." I said trying not to talk too fast. The tv had been turned up again, that was good. I didn't want Tracy to concern herself too much. "Hello? Sam?"

"Sarah? I'm here we've got the police on it." I could hear muffled voies in the background and felt a little relief. But not enough to keep under control my worry and panic.

"Sam, where are you?" I needed to go help, I couldn't just sit here and wait while the man I loved was somewhere out there, maybe even in trouble.

"We're at our camp site. Sarah you better not come down here, we've got it covered." he sounded a little annoyed, but I didn't care.

"Sam, I need to do something. I'm going to help you guys."

"Sarah, don't go-" I hung up the receiver and ran upstairs. I dawned on my jacket and ran back downstairs.

"Mom, I'm going to go find Isaiah." I threw open the dorr and left before she had any time to react. I snatched up my keys to my Rabbit and got inside. The roar of the engine soothed my anticipation as I rolled out of the driveway and headed back to our campsite. My thoughts rushed around different scenarios in my head, and I tried and failed badly to suppress them. I turned onto the same dirt road that just the day before Isaiah drove onto with em in the cab with him. I stopped and parked where I saw Sam's Camry, hopped out, and rushed over to where a few cop cars sat. Sam noticed me and frustration covered his face.

"Sarah! I told you not to come!" he was furious at my actions. I looked up at him with my own fury and skidded past him to find cops all over along with half the town of Cheyenne, Wyoming searching for Isaiah. I found the closest cop near me and headed to him. He was officer Bob Crewl, a man with cropped blond hair and gray eyes and a muscular build. He was looking over the dirt path that we had traveled yesterday.

"Officer Crewl?" I called, he got up from his observation and turned around and met my gaze.

"Well, now isn't it Sarah Folley right?" I nodded in confirmation. "I was just checking over these tracks and I noticed something odd here." he pointed to a footprint that actually seemed larger than the rest. I looked closer and made out my foot print. "Now these prints here are obviously they guys since I have already sized their feet and compared. This one here" he pointed to the smallest print closest to me, "is yours since it is the smallest."

"Correct, but this one here, it's different from everyone else's" I pointed to the irregular footprint, it was different size than anyone of us that were there yesterday. There was no way it could have been any of the police or the rest of the town that was here. Officer Crewl had placed 'DO NOT CROSS' tape around where the footprints were most evident.

"Yes, and that is what is odd. I have this spot taped so no one could have wandered through here." I looked up and saw Sam heading over to us. Oh great I thought.

"Sarah, can I talk to you for a moment?" Officer Crewl looked up at Sam and wandered off in another direction leaving us alone amongst the search. I narrowed my eyes into slits as his face hardened.

"Sam, I came to help find Isaiah, I am not leaving this forest until we find him." he looked at me considerably.

"I understand, come with me then." he beckoned me over to where Reed, Carl, and Finch stood talking to eachother quietly. The whole place seemed to crawl with police, the sky was getting darker as the search began. A man with a receding hair line and wise eyes I figured was the speaker. He centered himself in the middle of the area and called everyone to attention. Everyone within ear shor huddled around this man, silence engulfing my ears.

"I want everyone to search at least 1 mile in every direction until we find Isaiah. He is smart and I am sure he can handle himself, but who knows what's out there." People muttered in agreement from all around me. "so let's get to it!" the crowd dispersed with flashlights and humans scattering in every possible direction into the wild mass of the forest. I was handed a flashlight and muttered thanks to Finch who smiled and lead me into the forest. I had to watch my step, being clumsy just happened to be my most observant trait. It took me awhile to catch up with the guys, and when I did they started turning on their flashlights. I shifted the blue switch atop my flashlight and saw the dirt before become illuminated.

I felt unsafe, I was wandering through the woods where somewhere Isaiah was hiding. The thought of going back home and falling onto ym warm bed tempted me. But I knew that I needed to find him. Suddenly calls started to erupt from everywhere, people were calling for Isaiah. I joined in with my high, panicky voice. We searched, and searched, and still there was no Isaiah. Maybe he disappeared, or maybe he was dead somewhere underneath the damp earth. My mind rejected this type of pain and I walked on, hoping to see him around every tree. It was nearly pitch black now and people were starting to give up. No, I didn't care if everyone went back. I would stay here until I found him. Carl's loud voice sprang to my ears suddenly.

"Hey Sarah, we have to start going back. It's nearly midnight." Midnight? I hadn't kept track of time, it flew by obviously as I swam in worry and fear.

"Not yet, I need more time Carl." I pleaded.

"Sarah not tonight, we will look again tomorrow." He followed me as I ignored his beckoning. I zoomed my flashlight everywhere looking for some sign of Isiah's red and black jacket, maybe even his torn jeans. Before I knew it I was on the ground eating dirt. My right foot had caught on a root and I tumbled forward. In this process I had dropped my flashlight, it's beam illuminating something I had been looking for.

"Sarah are you alright? Here let me help you up." I let Carl help me up, while I fixated on the foot in front of me.

"Carl, I think I found Isaiah." I looked up at Carl who becamse stiff. I pointed to where my flashlight had fallen, to where Isiah's foot lay motionless. Carl jumped for the flashlight and found the rest of Isaiah. He was bathed in dirt and layed unconscious, but to my relief unscathed. I knelt beside him as Carl called for the others. Everything was going to be alright I thought. I had found Isaiah all in one piece. He looked like he had been sleepwalking which I hoped wasn't the case. The footsteps of worried searchers came nearer as I sat at Isiah's side.

"Isaiah wake up, please." I whispered into his ear, I watched his eyelids flutter melancholy and a surge of happiness rose through me. A soft moan escaped his lips and I set one hand upon his warm chest. "Isaiah, it's me Sarah you can wake up now." I said these words with salty tears rolling down my cheeks, and a smile big enough for two. There were searchers huddled around us now watching silently. Some confused, and sothers painted with worry. Carl shoved his way through and greeted me with warm thoughts and looked over Isaiah who was now moving. I sprang out of the way to let Carl and some others help him up.

"S-Sarah.." I wanted to jump, but knowing myself I resisted the urge.

"Yes! Isaiah we're here." Carl lifted him up into his arms and cradled him. We then turned and headed back out of the woods to where a stretcher lay for him. He was lifted into the stretcher with ease by the fellow paramedics, and I hopped in back ignoring the refusals projected toward me. The ambulance door slammed in front of us and the light of the back gave everything an eery glow. I looked around and saw bandages, air supply bags, even the thing with the paddles, the one where you said 'CLEAR!' sitting in a darkened corner near the front. I kept my hands with Isaiah’s, feeling their warmness; the rumbles of the ambulance taking us to my new Haven.

5.

THEY RUSHED ISAIAH INTO THE ER WITH LITTLE HESITATION. I followed closely behind making sure I wasn't hit by the flying tubes that hovered around his stretcher. There were maybe four or five nurses running at once down the off-white and sterile hallway. One of them, a stout woman about my height with slick auburn hair gestured me to the waiting room. I followed unwillingly. I did not have the time or energy for more fighting. I was brought into a room with a few sets of dark turquoise chairs, and little tables stacked with magazines in every corner.

She motioned for me to sit and I did so. She then quickly skirted out the room to help others on their way in. So much had happened in the last few hours I didn’t know what to think. Sitting down with Isaiah and everybody else seemed like weeks ago compared to where everything stood at the moment. I was confused with Isaiah for two reasons. One was because he decided to run off and get himself lost. The other was because he had me worried sick to the point of crying.

I wanted to go see him, but the thought of him being surrounded by doctors and nurses made me cement myself in my current spot. Around were other people who had emergencies that needed to be taken care of. Across from me I saw a boy who had his arm in a sling. I felt bad that over all these people, Isaiah was brought in to be taken care of first. But I remembered that he was in way more a serious condition than anyone else. This reassured me and made me feel less guilty. But the reason as to why he was there all alone in the dark forest last night still confused me. I settled into my chair and quickly fell asleep.

* * * *

I woke immediately when a small hand touched my shoulder. Through blurry, sleep-crusted eyes I saw a white coat. A white coat meant doctor. I wiped the crust from my eyes immediately and sat up in my chair completely alert. A small woman with very feminine features and caring eyes stood infront of me. She smiled and tons of questions bubbled up inside me. I had to clutch the arm rests to stop from getting up and bombarding the doctor.

"Are you Sarah?" her voice was full of sincere warmth, it was deeper than I pictured it would be. I hadn't answered yet, and the doctor eyed me expectantly.

"Y-yes I am, is everything alright with Isaiah?" I couldn't sit any longer. I stood up and stretched while I watched the doctor's face.

"Hi Sarah, my name is Dr.Samson." I smiled politely, she held out her hand and after a second too long realized she wanted to shake my hand. I shook it awkwardly and wanted to go back to my quiestion.

"Hi, is Isaiah alright? Where is he?" there was a frantic edge in my questions and I hoped that wouldn't keep me from seeing him.

"Isaiah is actually...fine and I wanted to make sure that someone was here. He kept saying 'Where's Sarah? Where's Sarah?'" My mouth dropped open. Isaiah was fine? But why did he look so horrible when we found him?

"Isaiah's fine? But I thought..he looked so horrible!" I trailed off in wild thoughts. I needed to go see him, and now. "I need to see him, where is he?"

"Sarah wait a second please." Dr.Samson put her hands on my shoulders, I hadn't noticed that I had been pacing. I stopped and when I didn't answer she continued. "Isaiah is fine, but I don't think that visitors are the best at the moment for him." I didn't care what she said, I needed to see him.

"Please! I need to see him, oh please!" I was near panic now, if I left this hospital without seeing hime first I would ... I don't know what I would do. Dr.Samson let out a sigh and contemplated. I made sure I put on my best pouting look while she was doing this.

"Okay, but only for ten minutes tops. He needs some rest." I jumped up in triumph, the other people in the waiting room made curious eyes. "This way." I followed willingly through the doors into another white hall where it became less crowded and there were doors on each wall every five feet. I was very happy, seeing Isaiah would make me feel so much better. To see his beautiful eyes, and his perfect brown curly hair. I wanted to feel the contours of his face against my hand, and the warmth of his skin on mine. We turned suddenly into one of the rooms along the wall to our right. Inside the walls were the same white color, and a bed crowded most of the room. In a corner was a chair and a small table with a lamp and magazine. I hurried over to Isaiah's bed side.

I gasped when I saw him. He was as pale as a ghost, and he looked fragile. He turned his head toward the sound and his eyes went wide.

"Sarah! I have been asking to see you forever!" he smiled magnificently and his teeth were pearly against his skin. His voice seemed a little cracked. But just hearing it made my heart leap. I searched for his hand and once I found it took it and held it fast.

"Isaiah I am so glad to see you. What happened in the forest back there?" I was full of questions and an audience was not on the agenda. Isaiah looked over at the doctor; she nodded and left the room. When I heard the confirmed click of the door shutting he started.

"Okay, before you go all out on me I want you to hear me out first."

"Alright" I wanted to know his side of the story. I knew it wouldn't be fair if I ranted on about him disappearing like that when I didn't know why first.

"All I remember from the other night was going to bed with you."

"But that doesn't explain why you were gone!" I interrupted.

"Hey, I said let me say my part." he waved a finger at me in a teasing sort of way. I giggled and let him continue. "I woke up because I needed to take care of business you know?" I rolled my eyes and he laughed and quickly went on.

"That's when I heard some rustling. I don't know why, but it was weird. It didn't sound like an animal, so I went to investigate of course. I went over to where the sound was and I found nothing, but the rustling got louder. I went back to our camp site and grabbed a flashlight." He paused and took a deep breath.

"Yeah?" I was really curious as to what he was getting at. He took another deep breath and a glum look appeared onto his face. Remembrance set into his eyes that I could see.

"This is where it gets weird, and where everything gets hazy. Promise you'll believe me?" he looked at me with a pained expression. I trusted him completely. Even if he said he had been abducted by aliens I would have probably believed him. I was hopelessly in love, what else could I say?

"When I turned around to investigate further I swore I saw a ... man. He had been standing next to the campfire. I remember him being as white as the moon, a drastic contrast from the black I thought he was wearing that night. He was just standing there like he was waiting for me. I asked him who he was, or if he was even there I wasn't sure. Then the very last thing I remember was him running towards me. Then I wake up to you pleading for me to wake up." he suddenly looked at me with a playful expression. "Do you think I'm crazy?"

"Definitely not!" what happened to Isaiah scared me witless. A man in the woods, even more so at our camp? He squeezed my hand and looked deep into my eyes. I suddenly remembered that I had only ten minutes and I wanted to make the most of it.

"Isaiah the doctor only gave me ten minutes, I have to leave soon." his smile faded.

"I know." I then scooted myself closer to his side, I wanted to feel his warmth. "Can I tell you something?"

"Anything." I said, there was nothing he could say to me now that wouldn't surprise me. I've had enough of that for one day, maybe two. He let go of my hand and took my face in his hands. He caressed my cheeks and a small smile formed on his face. Isaiah before I knew it, leaned in towards me and kissed me. I could feel a new edginess, and at the same time a true softness when his lips touched mine. My heart skipped radically; he pulled back andthis gave me time to gasp.

"Wow. That should be illegal."

"What should be illegal?"

"The way you kissed me!" He had left me breathless, I smiled at him and waited. I guess after that little "moment" he had forgotten whatever it was he was going to tell me. Then an instant later remembered for he continued.

"Sar, I love you, and I can't describe how good it feels to see you after this ordeal." My blood rushed to my cheeks and I looked into his fantastic and beautiful blue eyes.

"Oh Isaiah you know I love you too." I cradled my head into his chest as we both took in the precious moment. I knew I was always going to remember this day. After we had layed there for a minute or so, our moment was vanquished when the door opened and Dr.Samson poked her head through.

"Knock knock, can I come in?" I removed myself from Isaiah's side and gestured her in. "Sarah, I think it's time we let Isaiah get his rest now."

"When will he be able to go home?" I looked over at hime and smiled. I couldn't wait until he was able to go home. He returned my smile and I hiccuped a laugh.

"We want to keep him overnight just for tonight, and tomorrow morning he will be able to go home. Is that all?" Only tonight! I only had to wait one night, then Isaiah would be back at home with me.

"Excellent! By Isaiah, I'll see you tomorrow." I waved and flew out the door and out of the hospital and headed home. Isaiah was fine, and everyone was fine, I was fine. I would figure out the mysterious man in the woods later. Right now I was hungry and exhausted. It was three o'clock in the morning, and poptarts sounded delicious.

6.

LAST NIGHT WAS NOT A NIGHT I HAD NOT BEEN PREPARED FOR, not at all. After everything between me and Isaiah I completely forgot about my dream I had. When I went to bed last night it came again and this time there was more. At first it was the usual; I would see Isaiah in his unusual appearance down the beach smiling towards me. Then when I would walk forward; the last time I had the dream he would disappear down the beach. But now I was walking towards him and he didn't move. I was finally able to get close enough to see his new masculine features. He had pale skin, like when I saw him in the hospital. His hair was cut short like it had been before. The main thing though that took my breath away when I saw him were his eyes. Instead of the clear blue I loved, I saw a piercing cobalt blue. They were noticeably darker, and when I got close enough felt like he could see through me.

I got to the point where I was only a few feet from him. He was breathtaking as I had described; he smiled and I wanted to touch him. I reached out with my hands, at first he took a step back. He was thinking about something, then his smile grew bigger. He took a step closer to me.

"Hello Sarah." his voice! His voice was different even. It was now deeper, like silk against my ears. He took my hands that I forgot had held out. He was literally freezing, but I didn't care. Isaiah pulled me closer until I was only inches from his face. I shivered under this new coldness. I heard him chuckle against my ear.

"Isaiah, you're so different." I whispered.

"I've been waiting for you. It sucks waiting all the time." What? This confused me, he put his lips which were like ice on my neck.

"What are you talking about Isaiah?" he chuckled again, his lips moving up and down my neck. I shivered again, and I felt a smile against my skin.

"Mmmm I'll miss your warmth."

"Isaiah, you're really confusing me." What was he talking about? I started to pull away, but he held me fast.

"Sarah shhh, don't worry. This will all be over before you know it."

"What will be over? Isaiah?" He was scaring me now, I wanted to get away. But his iron grip held me beside him.

"You'll see."

I woke suddenly in the confines of my warm bed with a sheen of sweat on my face. The sun hadn't come out yet so the room was an eerie glow of gray. That was extremely different than last time. Throughout the whole morning I was troubled, I was not too excited for bed tonight. The smell of ocean was still in my nose, and I fought back the thought that it had been real. There was no possible way it could have been, so why was my