‹ Prequel: A Timepiece Tangerine

The Nightmare Before

I Never Really Liked You

I rolled over on my side, waking up with a yawn. I rubbed my sleep crusted eyes and sat up so I could stretch. My back protested with a large crack.

"Good morning."

I looked up and saw William sitting at the foot of our bed, giving me a distant smile, "What time is it?" I croaked, throwing off my covers.

"Sunset, how's your back?" He stood up as I did.

Shrugging I answered, "Fine now. That was weird."

"I'll say. You haven't had an episode like that since-" he stopped abruptly, "er...ever, really." He quickly began a new thought, "I'm sorry to have to leave, but there are things I need to take care of. I just needed to make sure you were okay. Brendon and Mike will be here soon-"

"No." I stopped what I had been doing, rummaging through my dresser for clothes.

"Cam, I talked to Mike and he said it was a misunderstanding, he wants to apologize. He feels bad-"

"I said no. I don't want them following me anymore. Pick someone else!" I snapped. William stared at me wide-eyed and it took me a moment to realize why. I had unintentionally been snarling at him.

"Okay," he held up his hands in surrender, "Okay," He thought for a minute, I could tell he didn't want anyone but his most trusted watching me, "How about Ryan and Spencer?"

"No!" I growled again.

He sighed, his patients for me wearing thin, "Well than who do you want?"

"How about Gabe?" I resumed my rummaging, knowing that he would get Gabe. He was too busy to say 'no' and he was smart enough to know that I hadn't hunted in days and my temper was on edge.

But he still asked, "Gabe? You hate Gabe."

I rolled my eyes, "He's quiet, and doesn't question me." I explained through gritted teeth.

"As you wish." He still sounded skeptical, or maybe I getting that confused with suspicion. Either way he left and I took a shower and got dressed. When I got out, Gabe was waiting obediently outside the door.

~|~

Patrick was in his study when he heard the front door slam shut. He glanced at the digital clock that sat on his desk, it's bright neon numbers read 8:30. Pete, Andy, and Joe were right on schedule. He waited another half-hour listening for Gabe and Nia's infamous screaming matches, but all was silent. Another forty-minutes and still nothing.

It was getting close to 10 o'clock and Patrick figured that Nia had gone with tonight, and he was home alone. Praying that was actually the case, he emerged from his den and made for the living room. Nothing was as effective as mindless T.V shows when trying to rid your head of something or someone.

"Oh." Patrick frowned and stopped in the archway of the living room when he saw Gabe and Nia sitting in front of the T.V, quietly, practically civil, "I didn't know you two were here." Patrick said with a laugh, "It was quiet." Neither vampire responded and Patrick headed back the way he came.

As the credits of Friends rolled by Gabe stole a glance at Nia. She was grinning from ear to ear. So, he felt this ridiculous urge to be a nuisance and say, "That was the stupidest show I've ever seen."

Nia's delighted looked turned into rage, "What?!"

"It's all sexual jokes...and they're all sleeping with each other. It's idiotic."

"Listen Mr. Smartass," Nia said in a low tone and unleashed the full force of her death glare, "You can say anything you want about me. Yell at me, scream, degrade...but you never, ever mess with Jennifer Aniston."

"I said nothing negative about Jennifer Aniston-"

"Or anything she is involved with!" Nia quickly snapped.

Gabe decided to back off, "Okay, okay! I'm sorry. I didn't know-" He stopped suddenly, staring off into space.

"Gabe?" Nia sensed a shift in the mood and could tell something was up when Gabe squeaked out, "I have to go." And dematerialized on the spot.

"Sir?" Gabe reappeared at the mansion in front of William.

"Gabe, good." William sighed and rubbed his forehead as he paced back and forth in front of his and Cambria's bedroom, "I need you to watch Cambria tonight."

"Sir?" Gabe frowned. Mike and Brendon usually did the Cam-stalking.

"As you know there was a bit of an incident with Mike and she refuses to see reason. Anyway, she requested you."

"Of course, sir. I'd be honored." Gabe bowed his head in respect but really wanted to roll his eyes. When Cam had been turned, she had been reincarnated as 'royal bitch' and had made it her undead life's mission to prove that title to Gabe. He missed his old Cam.

"Please don't let her leave the mansion, go in the library or the basement. She knows she's not allowed there."

"She'll be safe with me." Gabe promised.

"Good." One word and he was gone.

Taking a large breath, Gabe opened the door to the bedroom right as Cam was getting out of the bathroom.

~|~

"Gabe." I greeted.

"Good evening." Gabe said politely. I walked around him and sat on the edge of the bed. Gabe made himself at home and took a seat at the desk of William's in the corner of the room.

"You know, I've never really like you." I admitted to Gabe.

He snorted, "Excellent of you to bring me here to tell me that. Drops in my bucket."

"Don't be a smartass." I saw him chuckle as little, but I continued on, "What I really requested you for is-" I stopped, an odd smell floating in the air, "You smell funny."

"You're really just boosting my self-esteem-"

"Shut up." I demanded blandly, "You smell....familiar." I stared at him and saw his eyes light up. Sitting up straighter in his chair he asked.

"Familiar? Like what?"

I shook my head, "I'm not sure. Where have you been?"

He froze like a deer in the headlights, "Out in the city." He choked. I thought nothing of it and pressed on.

"I want to ask you something."

He narrowed his eyes in suspicion, "Shoot."

"When I was at the house here...before I was turned...did I...er...was I sick in anyway?"

"Sick?" He wondered.

I corrected myself, "Or unhealthy is probably a better word."

"Uh, let's see..." he rubbed his chin in thought, "oh, sometimes you used to have these crazy episodes with your back, if that's what you're looking for."

"Do you know why I got them?" I asked eagerly, scooting to the very edge of the bed and leaning in towards Gabe hopefully.

"Got into a fight or somethin'." He shrugged, "Do you remember how you got them?" He asked cautiously. I bit my lip, wondering if I could tell him, or trust him.

"No." I finally said, "But just yesterday my back acted up and it felt so familiar...and I guess you just confirmed why-okay seriously! What is that smell?"

"Is it bugging you?" Gabe smirked.

"I know I've smelled it before. I remember how intense it was. Where were you Gabe?"

"I told you!" He threw his arms in the air, "In the city! It's probably some human you ran into before."

"You are such a liar."
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