Today was Monday, another week had begun, and I was feeling a bit jaded. Though, the text I'd gotten yesterday was surprisingly uplifting. I thought for sure that after what happened Saturday night, Juliet would see me differently…she'd see me as a freak…but instead she invited me to lunch. And despite the fact that I still wasn't feeling like myself fully, I wanted to see her.

Honestly, I hadn't even thanked her for what she and her friend had done for me… I was really sad for the rest of the weekend so I didn't want to talk to anyone, not even my cousin. So, I agreed to having lunch because I wanted to thank Juliet in person—I needed to.

I was a bit slow getting ready for class, but I managed to make it there right as the professor started the lecture. Seeing Juliet sitting in the audience made my heart race…she really was beautiful. I got this giddy feeling as I made my way over to where she was sitting. She saved a seat for me, like usual, and I sat down beside her.

"I got here before you?" she whispered. Then she flashed me a playful grin.

"Pay attention to the lecture," I whispered back, and smirked.

Once class was finished, the two of us took our time putting our supplies in our bags.

"I hope it's okay that we have lunch now," Juliet said.

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm free now."

"Great. What do you want to eat?"

That was a good question, and honestly I didn't eat much over the weekend. I didn't realize how hungry I was until Juliet brought up food.

"Definitely pizza."

We left the lecture hall and made our way to the Dining Hall. It was a bit awkward, of course I couldn't find anything to talk about and Juliet seemed to be lost in another world. Part of me was starting to get anxious until Juliet finally spoke.

"Are you okay?"

I was shocked that she asked me that. In hindsight it made sense, but at that moment it felt sudden.

"Yeah, sure… Why?"

"I don't mean right now… I mean, are you okay, Naomi?" she questioned and gazed at me.

Her blue eyes were so serious. She made me feel like she already knew my answer, but she wanted me to say it out loud anyway. I looked forward, no longer able to face her. I wasn't okay…and I wasn't sure when I would be.

"What happened with Cody… Don't let him get in your head. He's a total dick! Has he talked to you since?!"

I shook my head.

"Good… I know I've apologized before but, I'm so sorry that happened—"

"Thank you Juliet…thank you and please tell your friend Danny thank you too…"

Juliet touched my arm gently and we both stopped walking. We just gazed at each other in silence for several seconds.

"You're better than Cody, Naomi… Better in all ways. Please, don't use him as an example of true affection… How he treated you, it's disgusting, and someone will treat you better."

Someone? I thought to myself. The way she said that…it was almost like she knew something I didn't.

"How do you know? How do you know someone is out there for me? I never had a relationship before, so… I don't even know if I'm relationship material…!"

I didn't mean to ramble, but I guess my insecurities had crept up on me.

"Naomi… Of course you're relationship material! You're amazing! You're very smart, you have this personality that lights up a room! You are kind, and you're confident in what you want in life!"

I was stunned. Juliet was being so sweet…

"I am?"

"Yes! And…and…" she paused and bit her lip. "You're the most beautiful girl I've ever laid eyes on…"

The way she looked at me…there was a shift in the atmosphere. Juliet was no longer just being nice to me, her words were sincere. Did she actually like me? Had she had feelings for me this whole time…? And if so, why hadn't she told me?

"Juliet…"

"Listen, I know that you are still hurting…but I just had to get it off my chest. It's been weeks and I…" Juliet ran her hands through her long hair.

"I like you too, Juliet." The words left my lips without hesitation. In fact, I didn't even have to think about it…I always liked her deep down, and now without Cody as a distraction, my feelings for Juliet came back full circle. Like I was hit with a train. "I think you're gorgeous…inside and out. And when we are together I feel…I feel more alive," I admitted.

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Her bright blue eyes were wide with surprise.

"So… We like each other…?"

I bit my lip and thought briefly about what had just happened. Despite how low I was feeling because of Cody, I knew deep in my heart that I still really liked Juliet. This was my true chance, and I wasn't going to let it pass because of stupid Cody Burton! It wasn't fair to myself.

I nodded. "Yeah, I guess so… If you couldn't tell by now, I'm not the most outgoing person—"

"Oh, yeah, I've noticed," Juliet cut in with a big smile.

I felt my cheeks burn.

"Well…Admitting to you that I do want more than friendship with you took a lot…"

"I'm so glad that you did though, and I'm so happy that…that we can explore what we feel…!"

I gazed at her, in all her natural beauty. She wasn't wearing any makeup, and her hair was a bit messy, but she was breathtaking. It made me wonder how I could even focus on Cody, when I had someone so amazing right in front of me!

"I'm really happy too."

We exchanged cute, but awkward smiles, and laughed. We finally made it to the Dining Hall and got something to eat. Lunch was mostly quiet, but the air between us was overtly different. We seemed to be leaning toward each other as we ate, we stole glances at each other, and sometimes when our eyes met, all we could do was smile at each other. I just couldn't wait to see how things would unfold now.

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After my school day was done, I made myself comfortable in my room and started homework. To be honest I was a little behind because I didn't do any of my work over the weekend like I'd usually do, but I could catch up easily. Just had to stay… *chime chime*

My cell phone went off and I looked at the screen. It was Juliet. Of course I broke into a grin and texted her back quickly. I put my phone down on the bed next to me, right as Calinida came into our bedroom. When I looked at her fully, she looked exhausted.

"Jeez, long day?" I asked, actually feeling bad for her.

"Oh, God, yes… Tell me again why I pledged?"

Before I could answer her, she spun around and stared at me in shock. I thought something was wrong!

"What! What is it?!"

"You—You're speaking! Does that mean you're feeling better?!"

Right. I hadn't spoken to her since Saturday. Calinida had no idea what had happened…but it was time that I told her. I smiled at her for a moment, but then I became somber.

"Yeah… Cali… There's something I want to tell you."

She dropped her stuff on the floor and sat down beside me. She was eager to hear what I had to say, but I was worried how she would react after hearing about Saturday.

"Is it about Saturday? Because I really want to know!"

I nodded and bit my lip.

"Naomi, what happened? The last time I saw you Saturday night, some girl and some guy were hauling you out of the Frat house!"

I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before I told her the truth. After telling the whole story from beginning to end, she was mortified.

"So…that girl who was helping you was Juliet? And that other guy was Juliet's friend Danny…?"

I nodded.

"And… Cody Burton is a psychopathic vampire who attempted to drink your blood…?!" Calinida asked angrily.

I nodded again.

"That asshole!" she shouted. "How dare he?! I mean—" Calinida paused to scoff before continuing. "Who does he think he is?!" My cousin crossed her arms over her chest and scowled.

"Yeah, I know…"

"Jeez, Lovebug! I wish I'd known that was going on! I'm so thankful Juliet was there for you… I'm so sorry…"

Looking at her, I could see the guilt all over her face. That's the last thing I wanted: my cousin to feel like this was her fault.

"Don't you even think about it…! You didn't know and therefore could have done nothing anyway! Please, please don't blame yourself, Cali."

She bit in her bottom lip and averted her eyes. "I should have been there for you, Naomi!" she objected.

"It's really okay, Cali," I told her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Do you forgive me?"

Her eyes glistened as she looked at me. I flashed a tender smile.

"Of course I do… I love you Calinida. Thanks for being the greatest cousin anyone could ask for.."

With those words her sadness became joy and she embraced me tightly.

"I love you too, Naomi." We pulled apart and she frowned.

"What's wrong now?!"

"Oh nothing… Just plotting Cody's death."

We both burst into laughter and I felt so much better. Cody Burton was no longer on my radar, and never would be again!

"By the way, I figured you'd be happy to know that I told Juliet I liked her…"

Calinida gasped. "You did what?! Well?! What did she say?!"

"Actually, she confessed to me first…"

"Oh, really?" Calinida questioned in disbelief. After a moment, she smirked. "So are you two dating now?"

"What? No! Damn, we just told each other that we liked each other…"

"Okay, true, fine…. My bad," she shrugged.

I shook my head playfully and my cousin stuck her tongue out at me teasingly. I was glad that Calinida knew about what had happened on Saturday night. It brought me this sense of peace. As for Juliet and I, we had taken a huge step today by confessing our feelings to each other. And frankly, I couldn't wait to see our relationship grow!