“Because of you, I never stray too far from the sidewalk, because of you, I learn to play on the safe side so I don’t get hurt,” Because Of You, Kelly Clarkson, Breakaway.

Artemis’ POV

I walked down the hall toward Jamie’s room to ask her a question. I knocked on her door and called her name.

“Come in,” came her muffled reply.

Opening her door I was surprised by what I saw. Jamie was dress in some sort of silver costume, and was doing what looked like a type of routine.

“What are you doing?” I asked politely.

“What—?” She replied, fumbling and falling down. “Oh Artemis, I didn’t notice you there, guess I was lost in old memories.”

“What are you doing?” I repeated.

“Hmm? Oh, I was doing a routine.” She replied getting up and brushing dust of her costume.

“What is the routine for?”

“It’s a dance routine that I learned back in New York. This is the costume our group wore, we did competitions and I had a lot of fun with it.” She told me, a feeling of sadness coloring her tone.

“I was going to ask if you knew someone named Jessica Noland?” I asked her.

“Maybe, what is she like?”

“She is a shady character whom is a run away from New York who came to Ireland.” I told her, “Apparently the hotel room she was staying in was broken into.”

“I know her. Why do you want to know.” She replied quietly, looking at the floor.

“Just wondering.”

“Artemis, if you wouldn’t mind I’d like to go back to my routine.” She told me.

“Is it alright if I watch?” I inquired.

“No,” Jamie said.

Without a word I left her alone and closed the door to her room.

Jamie’s POV

Jessica. I knew it wouldn’t work. I knew that she wouldn’t leave me alone; my parents might be trying to get me to forget all about her. Which would mean living in a lie; they might have accepted that, but I won’t. The whole reason for me being here is to try and avoid Jessica, looks like that plan is out the window.

Turning to begin my cocodina routine again, I caught a glimpse of my reflection. I had left out the fact that it was the traditional dress of Enchantress’ skilled in the use of a cocodina. A cocodina in the first place was a very peculiar weapon, it looked like a plastic beaded necklace, but was enchanted so that with a quick incantation it lenghted; even though it looked fairly harmless, it wasn’t. Only about twenty percent of the  members of the Enchantment knew how to use them, and very few vampires did. Which made me unique in some ways, yet I knew that if it came down to it, in a fair fight I might not win. Hopefully it would never come to that.

Some other stories by Lydia Tall:

• Updates!
• D Is For Dead
• 9/11/01
• C Is For Conviction
• B Is For Betrayal