I apologize. This is a seriously long chapter.

"You going to eat that?"

Nastia sat at the teal round table in her school's cafeteria with her small friends group. The dwarf named Savannah Wicker who had just asked Nastia for food held her hands together, her bottom lip threatening to pop out. She surrendered her sugar cookie in exchange for Savannah's fruit cup. The small human did a little celebratory dance in her seat. "Thanks!"

Why am I surrounded by such clowns? She thought to herself amused. Out loud, she said, "No problem, but you should really take it easy on the cookies. You take mine and Pam's almost every day. It's not healthy."

Reina chuckled. "Savannah is a twig. She needs the fat."

Well, true, Nastia thought, looking down at the petite, flat-chested blonde who probably still bought her clothes in the kids section.

With her light blonde hair that would have darkened for most teens by now, Savannah was the exact opposite of her other friend, Reina. Where Savannah was short, Reina was tall. Where Savannah was a peppy ball of enthusiasm, Reina was a sarcastic pit of skepticism. Where Reina was blessed (or cursed, depending on your viewpoint) with voluptuous curves, Savannah had what could only be described as mosquito bites. Where Savannah's face was clean without even a hint of foundation, Reina had carefully-applied makeup on every day. And where Savannah had pale, Norwegian features, Reina was Hispanic; though Reina didn't know any more Spanish than what Mr. Martinez taught in class.

"We will have to start calling you Cookie Monster again," Pam laughed.

"Okay, Elmo!" Savannah teased. "Let's see. Reina was Big Bird because of her height. What was Nastia?"

The question was innocent enough, but Nastia cursed them all for bringing up these stupid names they came up with freshman year. She went back to eating her fries determined to ignore all of them for the rest of the lunch hour.

"Oscar because she is a grouch," Reina said with a smirk.

"And I suddenly remember why these nicknames didn't survive the test of time," Pam remarked purse lipped.

"I don't live in a trash can," Nastia remarked through clenched teeth.

So much for ignoring them.

"For all we know, you do," Reina said, shrugging.

"If I could dress like Nastia, I'd gladly live in a trash can." Savannah looked at Anastasia's off-white blouse, maroon skirt, and matching heels with unmasked envy. "You are way too gorgeous!"

"Thank you but you don't need pretty clothes to look pretty, Savannah," Nastia supplied, grateful to her for changing the subject.

Savannah waved off the compliment. "Aw. You're just saying that."

Reina shook her head. "No, she's not. Nastia doesn't give out compliments freely. What was it you said about my make up last week? I 'look like I just finished my shift on the street corner'."

"You asked what I thought. If you didn't want the truth, don't ask me," Nastia pointed out defensive.

Her three friends all started laughing. And Reina said, "I'm just kidding! I know what to expect if I ask you for your opinion on anything."

A sour aftertaste lingered in Anastasia's mind. Her and Reina didn't always see eye to eye. In fact, sometimes she was very sure the girl didn't really like her. Like how she'd say something just to contradict whatever Nastia said in a discussion. Pam assured her this wasn't true.

"Reina suffers from resting bitch face. That's all," the redhead would say. Nastia wouldn't be too convinced considering it wasn't just her face, but her words and tone that made her question what Reina really thought.

"Are you two going to the game tonight?" Savannah asked, bringing Nastia's attention back to the lunch table.

"After auditions," Pam answered. "Right, Nastia?"

Two weeks into the school year and Anastasia was upholding her promise well. In fact, she enjoyed it more than she would ever admit to Pam. They attended all the football games thus far, sat in the student section, ate nachos and cheered when everyone else cheered.

"Yeah..."

"How did you trick Oscar to do that ridiculous list?" Reina asked.

"She didn't trick me. It was a compromise," Nastia interjected feeling defensive again against Reina's tone. "And that is not my name!"

"You answered to it, though."

"It did take convincing," Pam answered interrupting them. "You and Savannah should audition, too, Reina! It's senior year, so why not? Mrs. Trailbridge can work around your basketball practice schedule. And you don't really do anything, Savannah."

Savannah scoffed, "Ouch. You don't remember I am in Spirit Club? And I am hoping to actually get in student council and lead the dance committees this year."

They all turned to look at the petite girl.

"Seriously? --"

"Why didn't you tell us---"

"You are doing what now?'---"

"Guys! One question at a time!" Savannah smiled and flushed, no doubt enjoying the attention.

"What position are you running for?" Nastia asked.

"Oh. Just a class representative spot. I just want a spot to do the committees."

"This year is going to be so awesome, guys!" Pam squealed. "Please audition with us. It will be a cool way for us to spend more time all together. During auditions, you put on the paper what schedule conflicts you have. She works around it."

Reina just rolled her eyes. "I'm only saying yes because I want to. The play is Night of the Living Dead. Being a zombie sounds pretty cool."

"I will audition, too, if one of you goes to the office with me to pick up a student council application form," Savannah added meekly, effectively bringing the attention back to her.

Nastia glanced around the cafeteria where patriotic posters were already hanging advertising candidates. "You haven't done that yet?"

"I wasn't sure. I don't have much confidence and it would be so embarrassing. But I have such good ideas for themes for the dances."

"Fine, let's go."

Nastia got up to throw her lunch away just to turn and collide right into somebody's tray sending fruit juice down the front of her outfit. Her blue eyes were already on fire when she looked up at the idiot who ruined her day. Green eyes looked back, and the flames felt doused by a spring rain.

"Perdón! I am so..." he started. Recognition hit AJ Reed at the same time and his apology seemed to evaporate out of the air. He muttered something about getting a janitor and left as soon as her friends stood and crowded her. She waved away their concerns and sent Pam to her locker for her Zumba clothes to change into.

As she walked with Reina and Savannah to the restroom, she realized her heart was beating fast. It was strange an encounter that only lasted seconds would have such an aftereffect. She amounted it to the embarrassment of that happening in front of so many students though she walked as usual, with her head high and effortlessly in heels.

"I don't know how you're so calm right now, Nastia. I would be dying of embarrassment if it were me." Savannah lamented.

Reina shushed her. "If it was you, AJ would've tripped over you, ya toadstool. Now stop jabbering. Can't you see she is in shock?"

She ignored them, neither their words nor company really needed.

AJ Reed. She hadn't given him much thought even though he was as popular as ever. She hadn't spoken a word to him since that day years ago when she caught a glimpse of his home life. He had actively avoided her and what might have been a budding friendship was tossed in a dark place, forbidden to grow.

When Pam returned, she quickly changed into her Zumba clothes. Luckily, today she had packed a tank top with broad scraps that passed the three-finger dress code and black yoga pants that reached down to her calves. After replacing her heels with socks and tennis shoes, she stepped out and walked with her friends to the office. Anastasia hung back with Reina and Pam as Savannah talked to the receptionist at the front desk. She walked back with the application in hand, but her shoulders were slumped.

"What's wrong?" Pam asked.

"I didn't realize that voting had changed this year. Apparently, Presidents run with their vice president on their ballot. Then secretary with a rep, treasurer with a rep, and historian with a rep."

"What does that mean?"

"It means she can't run for representative without running with another person who would be running for a higher office," Nastia answered.

Pam scoffed, "That seems unfair. Only popular people would get on council then."

"Conspiracy," Reina whispered.

"It was decided by last year's senior council to improve council relations and get representatives more involved," Savannah explained.

"You were going to be an involved rep without riding someone's coattails," Reina said. "This is bullshit."

The receptionist cleared her throat.

Reina mouthed 'sorry'.

"I got it!" Pam exclaimed. "One of us can run for one of those positions to get you your spot."

"You would do that for me?" Savannah's eyes lit up with hope. Nastia and Reina both narrowed their eyes at Pam.

"Well, uh, not me," Pam said. "I am not popular. At all. I'd be zero help."

"None of us are," Nastia pointed out.

"Reina is on the basketball team," Pam argued.

"I am not even a starter on a losing basketball team," Reina interjected. "All the girls play other sports that they love more, and I don't get along with any of those negative little bit--plastics. I have no interest in getting on a council and spending time with more idiots I don't like. Looks like it's up to Nastia."

"I am not popular," Anastasia objected.

"You have what it takes to be popular though. You could've joined Shelby's clique if you wanted to," Pam added.

"She definitely looks the part of a plastic," Reina said, a comment Nastia promptly ignored.

"Please, Nastia! You're my only hope." Savannah stuck out her bottom lip. "Please don't make me beg."

"And that is not what you're doing right now?"

"Nash, you do still need to join a club," Pam reminded her. Ignoring Nastia's pointed scowl, she pushed onward. "You promised! And you've shot down every club I suggested..."

"Fine! What position should I go for?"

Nastia couldn't imagine winning at the polls. She barely interacted with anyone besides her friends. And all three were present. She wasn't going to get in the council with three votes. Or two, since she doubted Reina would actually vote for her.

Pam tapped a finger to her cheek thoughtfully. "It would depend on who else is running for what. Historian would probably be the easiest job, but I think Ritchie is running for that. No offense but no one is going to vote for you over the beloved class clown. Treasury would involve money and fundraising and budgeting--"

"Sounds like too much trouble than it is worth. Secretary it is. Who's my competition?"

"Brianna Tombley with Ivy Mattingly as her rep. And I don't know who else," Pam reported.

Brianna has been on council before and Nastia thinks she is on newspaper or yearbook, or both. Ivy was a serious star volleyball player. This didn't look good, but it wasn't impossible.

She couldn't possibly lose to humans. Mother would be appalled.

After the last class of the day, Nastia waited for her friends outside the entrance to the auditorium for the dreaded auditions. They must be taking their time changing in the locker rooms. Considering she didn't have a change of clothes for Zumba, Nastia had refused to work up a genuine sweat to the consternation of the teacher.

The corny flyer advertising the upcoming production hung on the wall beside the door. Grim, horrified black-and-white faces littered the poster. The only color was the title in a slimy green, ghoulish font. The vampire had never heard of Night of the Living Dead. Pam was horrified to hear this because it was, apparently, a cult classic. Peeking into the auditorium, Anastasia saw many students congregated, more than she thought there would be. She looked at the stage with apprehension. I should've fought harder with Pam to just be in the backstage crew.

At that moment, someone cleared their throat behind her. She was smiling as she turned, expecting to see her friends.

"Well, it's about time you--you!" She stopped short when she was looking up into the gorgeous face of AJ Reed. "Sorry, I thought you were someone else."

"Try not to be so transparent with your disappointment. Are you going in or not?" He asked studying her, green orbs like stained emerald glass unsettling her. They just stuck out so much against his tan skin, she told herself. Still, she found herself tongue tied.

"Yeah. Yes... Sorry," she said and walked in slowly.

That was probably not as awkward as what it seemed like in my head. When she looked back over her shoulder, she was surprised to see him following behind.

"Oh, you're auditioning?" She didn't mean to make that a question.

He shrugged. "Sure. Looks cool. Thought I'd check it out. I assume that's why you're here. Do you have a problem with that?"

"Why would I?"

"Hey, rival!" The vampire's face followed her rolling eyes to the annoyance that was Shelby Madison.

"Rival?"

Shelby bounced up the aisle and inserted herself between Nastia and the boy. Looping an arm through AJ's to pull him towards where she had been sitting, she smacked hard on her gum, "I didn't know you were auditioning! AJ! This is going to be fun! Come sit next to me!"

Pushing her hand off his arm in a gentle but firm manner, he first answered Nastia, "Yeah... Shelby and I are both running for Class President this year. Shelby, give me a minute. I was talking to Anastasia."

Shelby pursed her lips. "Oh. I'm sorry. My bad. Didn't mean to interrupt." She shifted her attention the other girl in question. "Hey, girl! Yeah, we're both running. Are you going to vote for me? AJ, cover your ears."

"Haven't decided," Nastia said, "And no need for apologies. You didn't interrupt anything. I'm going to find a seat." With that, she walked away to sit down a few rows behind their group. Her friends arrived about the same time Mrs. Trailbridge came in and handed out audition forms, a character list, and snippets of the script for everyone.

Nastia filled out the form leaving the preferred role section blank. The auditions began and the drama club director called different pairings up to play the brother and sister, Johnny and Barbara. Then they moved on to another scene with other characters. By the end of auditions, Nastia could tell who the regular drama kids were by their easy banter with Mrs. Trailbridge, Shelby included.

One of the junior regulars whose audition was over-the-top dramatic turned to Nastia as she was picking up her bag to leave. "Hey! You were great. I think you may get Barbara." He whispered that last part behind his hand. He was a stocky boy whose glasses left indentions on the sides of his round face. He offered her a beefy hand. "My name is Kevin."

She shook it with hesitance, and noting his sweaty palms, let go resisting the urge to wipe her hands on her pants. "Anastasia."

"Wow, you're pretty. I mean, your name is pretty but you're pretty, too, of course," he stuttered.

"Uh... yes. Thank you. You're sweet," she replied feeling very uncomfortable. She didn't know if it had to do with the fact, he was younger than her, he was so awkward, or because he was human. Probably all the above.

"Aww no. I'm not that sweet. You're sweet. But good luck! Doi! Gosh darn it! I didn't mean. You know, I meant, break a leg! I crack myself up sometimes."

After a tight smile and dismissive wave, she caught up to her friends who had moved into the aisle. She spoke to Pam through gritted teeth. "We need some kind of signal for 'help me.'"

Pam nudged her playfully. "Oh, poor Anastasia. She gets hit on by every guy she sees. It must be so hard being so pretty all the time."

"It's not funny!"

"I'm serious! I'll say those exact words at your eulogy."

"Funny how you think I will die before you."

"Chill, precious. Kevin was just being friendly. He definitely makes his crushes obvious though."

"I literally just met him. He doesn't have a crush."

"Some people do crush that fast, Nastia. Especially people that take whatever opportunity they can get. People like me and him."

"Shut up, precious. You're not that hopeless."

At that moment, Pam dropped her bag but before she could bend to retrieve it, AJ was walking by and scooped it up in a graceful motion. He handed it back with a "here you go" and continued walking with his friends without losing any momentum. Pam had stuttered something that resembled a "thank you" and she stared after the cute boy longingly.

"I'm sorry. What were you saying?"

Nastia rolled her eyes and scoffed, "Never mind. Maybe you are. I swear, with the way you act around him, you'd think he makes the sun rise."

"I can't help it. He is like a Latino Apollo. No guy should be that hot. It's not fair to my weak chubby heart! Oh my moonshine and rainbows! I can't believe he is going to be in the play!" She beamed jumping up and down.

"Yeah. I'd let AJ Freaking Reed get it," Reina laughed, "but, wow, you need to get laid before you choke on your saliva, Elmo." Pam flushed as the other girls laughed.

There was still a couple of hours of daylight left in the sky when they made their way from the auditorium to the parking lot. Savannah and Reina agreed to join them at the football game, if anything to get word out about their candidacy. But the football game also didn't start for another hour, so they decided to eat at the Burrito Bell in walking distance from the school.

"We need to make some posters this weekend. Elections are on the Monday after next," Savannah was saying after they ordered their food, "do you guys want to meet up tomorrow at my house?"

"Sure," Nastia said after pouring herself some soda. She tasted it and made a face. "Ew. My soda tastes weird."

"What do you mean?" Reina had gotten the same soda and drank it. "Tastes fine to me."

Pam took Nastia's cup and tried it. She agreed with Reina. There wasn't anything wrong with it. Nastia tasted it again, but it still tasted like nothing but bubbly carbonation. She gave up and dumped her drink, replacing it with water. When they got their food, she bit into her quesadilla only to find its taste was off, too.

"Sometimes when I'm on my cycle, things taste different. Maybe that's what's wrong," Savannah hypothesized. "You may be about to start?"

"Can we not talk about that while I'm eating?" Reina complained.

Truth is, that explanation wasn't feasible. Anastasia had a period last May. She didn't have the 28-day cycle like human girls. She had a 3-year cycle. Because of this long cycle, reproduction rates were low. It made sense with her kind's long-life spans. The thought of being pregnant one day made Nastia's stomach quiver. She is glad it is so difficult for vampires to succeed in that area. She swore to herself she will travel the world and enjoy being selfish for at least 200 years before she tied herself down like that.

She looked at her human friends as they ate. Maybe after they graduate, they can all go on an extensive road trip. She would be able to travel and enjoy the sun. She took another bite, but the flavor was so bland. She excused herself to go to the counter and ask for another one with more sauce. The employee was being difficult, so Nastia had no choice but to use compulsion on the brat. The mind-controlled worker did as she was told and gave Nastia a free freeze at her request.

Yes, Anastasia had figured out how to use compulsion a couple of years ago even though she wasn't even awakened. Her parents were beyond proud. They said there has only ever been a few vampires in recorded history able to do that.

They had a few ground rules, however. She was told to be wary of using it on a strong-willed person. Attempting it may reveal their secret. And she had to be careful how long a human spent under the influence and what she asked them to do. Doing something they normally wouldn't do or what they would consider to be deeply immoral would cause long term adverse effects.

"And why do you care about the mental health of humans?" Anastasia asked at the time, genuinely curious.

"We care about all aspects of human health. In fact, there is a vampire on the board of directors in almost every health care organization in the world. Myself included," her father said.

"Really? But why?"

"Well, you see...," he hesitated.

Her mother took over and supplied bluntly in a way that reminded Anastasia how very little patience she had for her human-like offspring, "Disease-free humans are yummy humans. Happy, healthy humans make healthy, happy meals. Really, do try, darling."

Football was something Pam and Anastasia were forced to understand at an early age. When Bob's games were on, the whole house had to respect it. Do not disturb Bob when ESPN was on, and in exchange, he had to learn to tone down his enthusiasm and filter his cursing. A fact that has to this day ruined him or so he claims. He whines about his boating buddies teasing him, the only sailor who uses words like butterfinger and fudge in place of more inappropriate words. But Tammy had little patience for the ogre he became during the season. She made a habit of leaving the house to do errands as he prepped for a day on the couch.

Nevertheless, Bob would be proud of the little monster he created in the form of his redheaded stepchild who was currently yelling at the referee like she was one of the hard-core sports moms, calling him a son of a biscuit eater.

Amused and mortified by her friend, Anastasia focused on how all the popular teens interacted in the front rows of the student section at the football game. Brianna, Shelby and Ivy all had "CB" and "HS" painted on their cheeks in the school colors, black and teal, with matching bows. They cheered when they were supposed to, but otherwise resumed their social hour with the boys. Only AJ seemed to actually be there to watch the game. He and his best friend Jason who sat beside him both played football in middle school, but neither one pursued it in high school. Now that she was thinking about it, AJ and Jason didn't participate in any sport despite having all the markings of jocks.

The team could use them and she wouldn't be surprised if the coach was trying to scout them. The Casco Bay football team wasn't bad, but not great. Atleast this game was a close one. Nastia looked over to where Reina sat on Pam's other side texting her 21-year-old boyfriend and from the look on her face they were fighting again. Savannah was talking to some others including her own boyfriend, Ryan.

Ryan was the shortest guy in their class, so he and Savannah were about the same height. He was a trombone player and always eager to help. His labrador qualities were very annoying at times and his attempt at humor futile, but he made Savannah happy, and he would help get band members to vote in their favor.

It was half an hour into the game and the sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the bleachers. There was a minute left before halftime, so Nastia got up to go to the concession stand for a snack to beat the rush.

Pam left to walk around the track with someone she knew, but requested with puppy eyes that Nastia get her a chocolate bar and soda. Ryan said he had a surprise for Savannah in his car, so she left with him after requesting a hot dog and soda. Reina offered to go with Nastia to concessions to help her.

"Bet you they're fooling around in his car," Reina chuckled, watching the short couple skamper off hand in hand.

Nastia made a face. "Ew. Gross. Why say that? Are you trying to make me lose my appetite?"

Reina snickered. "But seriously, who would have thought Savannah would lose her virginity before you and Pam."

She said it in a way that made Nastia feel embarrassed for being a virgin, though she knew she had nothing to be ashamed of. Reina lost her virginity freshman year to a boyfriend she claimed to love after only a week. Since then, she's had more boyfriends than Nastia cared to keep track of, each one having been in her pants and claiming to love her.

Not that Nastia really cared what Reina did with her body. She just wished Reina didn't act like she was more worldly and "grown up" than the rest of them.

Reina's phone started ringing causing the girl to groan out loud. "Ugh, it's Austin. I got to take this. Do you mind?"

"No, go ahead." There were a few people ahead of them in line, so she figured she had time.

After a minute, the buzzer blare announcing the start of halftime. Nastia suddenly felt a prickling feeling crawl up her back. She looked back in time to see AJ and Jason walking towards the line just ahead of the rush. She hurriedly looked back down at the ground when they made eye contact. They took their place behind her in line, continuing their conversation.

"I'm just saying, maybe I should've gone for the cheer squad. Dalton looks pretty happy with his hand up on Tiffany's ass. What a perv."

"You sound like the perv," AJ laughed.

"Like you wouldn't---ooofff!" Nastia heard the breath whoosh out of Jason when AJ dealt an uppercut to his gut. She looked back. "Why did you... oh," Jason said. Seeing Anastasia there, he quickly looked away.

"Cállate," AJ mumbled under his breath.

"Yo, man. I gotta go do that thing."

"No, you don't," AJ said, a warning in his tone. His friend, who was obviously bailing on him, took steps away unhindered.

"Mm, yeah, I do. You know what I want. Nachos, lots of jalapenos, and a Gatorade. The blue one."

"I am not getting you anything."

"Hurtful. You're the worst friend," Jason chortled. "Okay, I'll just come back later and get it myself, you dick." With that, he left hollering at some other guys leaving AJ standing there behind Nastia in silence.

She saw some movement out of the corner of her eye. It was Jason making big hand gestures and pointing over to them. He saw her looking and put his hand on the back of his neck and looked up and around like he was trying to find a star in the sky.

She peeked back at AJ, but he had a hand covering his face. She started to look past him at the throngs of people hoping to catch of glimpse of Reina's dark curly hair.

Where the hell is she?

"Are you looking for someone?" AJ asked.

"Reina. She was with me."

"Oh." Then after a moment he added, "Good job with the auditions today."

"Thanks. You, too. Did good, I mean."

Why is my tongue feeling so heavy in my mouth?

She turned back around thinking the conversation would end there but he moved up beside her, redolent with an earthy musk. "What part are you wanting?"

"A zombie."

"You don't want a speaking role?"

"I don't know. I was coerced into auditioning. But it doesn't matter. Mrs. Trailbridge has favorites."

"Coerced? That's a strong word."

"Coerced as in--"

"I know what it means."

"Oh." She made it to the front and ordered all the food and drinks. After paying, she looked around for Reina again with no success.

"I'll help you if you want," AJ offered making his quick purchase. After wedging his bottled drink beneath his arm, he took some of the stuff from her struggling grip in spite of her weak protests.

What am I doing? If I can get AJ's vote as well as endorsement, we may have a chance against Brianna and Abby.

As they walked back to the bleachers, she tried to figure out a way to steer the nonexistent conversation to the election. She ended up just blurting out, "I am running for Secretary."

"You are? Cool. I didn't know."

"It was decided today. May I ask for your vote?"

His lips quirked with mirth. "Hm, I don't know. You plan to vote for me?"

"For president? Yeah, I was already planning to."

"Really?"

"Yes?" It didn't take long for her to decide. Of course, she would vote for him over Shelby. Shelby was nice in a very fake way. In school, she tended to just take over projects automatically assuming she was the leader and the smartest in any given group. And naturally, when Anastasia was in said group, it was a blatant insult. AJ's motives always at least seemed more genuine to Nastia, even if his presence irked her for whatever reason and she could never understand the hype around him. Thankfully, he didn't ask her to explain all this. He just smiled and nodded seemingly very satisfied with her answer.

"Well, sorry but I already told Brianna I'd vote for her."

"Oh... Okay. That makes sense. You two are friends, and that is more important than who is more qualified for the job, after all." Brianna has had time to take advantage of her connections since the start of the year. The whole election was looking rather hopeless. It was Savannah's fault, though, for joining at the last minute. What was even the point in running against such unfavorable odds? Wasn't really her problem.

"Where are you sitting?" He asked when they got to the bleachers.

"Near the top."

Shelby jumped up as the two passed her eying the items in AJ's grip. "AJ! You didn't tell us you were going to the concessions! Did you get me anything?"

"No, I'm helping Anastasia carry her stuff."

"Oh. Hi, Ana!" Shelby looked at the vampire as if she just realized she was standing there. That is getting old. "What's up? Do you want to sit with us?"

"Not even a little bit."

"Um, well, okay. Didn't mean to offend you." Shelby looked amused and offended at Anastasia's snap response.

"Come on, Anastasia," AJ said and began going up the steps.

"Wait! AJ, are you coming back down?" Shelby asked.

"Yes, Shelby," Nastia answered before he could. "I promise to return him."

"What did that mean?" AJ asked after they got up to her group's spot marked by abandoned jackets.

"Nothing. She seemed really concerned that I was stealing you from her. Are you two dating?"

"Why do you want to know?"

"Are you avoiding the question on purpose?"

"Are you?"

"No. Fine. I just thought it was weird for you to be running against your girlfriend."

"She's not my girlfriend. But why are you running for council?"

"Why wouldn't I? I am a fan of democracy. What is there to understand?" Nastia found herself not wanting to admit that she was not actually interested in running.

"You do realize you would actually have to talk to people and atleast act like you like them if you're elected, right?"

"Is that why you won't vote for me? Because I am not nice or fake to people?"

"No, I'm not voting for you because I already promised my vote to Brianna. But yeah, it helps that she doesn't snarl at everyone who talks to her. I'd say that's why a lot of people will vote for her and not you. I just don't want you getting your hopes up."

She rolled her eyes. "How chivalrous. Don't worry about me. Thanks for your friendly advice."

"No quise decir eso...," he sighed and ran a hand through his hair with exasperation. "That didn't come out right."

"You're right. It didn't. Since you're the expert, what is the nice way to tell someone to leave? English or Spanish. You'll get the message either way."

He fixed her with a hard stare. She tilted her chin up refusing to let him know what his eyes did to her stomach. With another heavy exhale and a shake of his head, he retreated down the bleachers to his friends.

She let out a pointedly shaky breath as she sat down. He was right about one thing. Brianna was genuinely nice. Maybe she should've taken her chances against Ritchie. Too late. If Nastia wanted to win this election, she would have to come up with something that would turn the tide.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Sorry this is such a slow burn. It will be heating up very soon! Promise ;)