(Chapter 5- Somebody That I Used To Know)

I yawned and turned over on my couch only to realize I wasn’t really there. My ceiling didn’t have the design and it certainly wasn’t this nice. I quickly sat up in alarm and took a look around the room, or should I say airplane. How in the hell did I get here? This made no sense.

The last thing I remember was taking a shower, eating my lasagna and Doing my homework before falling asle- That’s it, now I remember! I fell asleep on the couch but I felt weird before I did. Almost like someone slipped something into my food or drink but the only person who was there was- “Chase.” I screamed not caring that we were on a plane.

He stood from a seat that I could only see the back of walked over to me. I sent him a glare the entire way. He sure as hell had a lot of explaining to do.

“What am I doing here?” I seethed.

“I told you, you were coming with me.” He said.

I stood from my spot and looked him strait in the eyes. “And I told you I wasn’t going.”

“Look, I had to go back and I couldn’t just leave you.” He explained. “What did you want me to do?”

Unbelievable! He is so…Ugh. He just doesn’t get it. You don’t just put people to sleep and Kidnap them. That’s illegal and unethical and just wrong.

“You are crazy.” I yelled.

I guess lucky for him he chose a private plane because I would have no problem making a bigger scene. He had just crossed a serious line and it was not one I was ok with.

“And you are stubborn, what’s your point.” He retorted.

“My parents are going to call the cops and file a missing persons report on me.” I said.

“Don’t worry I took care of it already.” He said.

An unsettling feeling took over my body and made me worried. I don’t know what “took care if it” meant but coming from a vampire that couldn’t be a good thing.

“Don’t worry I didn’t hurt them.” He said as if reading my mind.

“What did you do, Chase?” I asked.

“I talked to them and convinced them to let you leave. They were more than happy to let you finish out your education at one of the best schools in Italy.” He stated.

“Am I?” I asked. “Or was that some lie you cooked up?”

“I don’t know yet.” He replied without a care in the world.

“You know, I never expected you to be like this. Being a vampire has changed you and not in a good way. You’re not the same Chase that I became friends with. Now you’re just somebody that I used to know.” I said.

I could tell that words cut him deep. He had the same look on his face that he did that night that I told him to leave. If this were any other situation I might actually care how he felt but right now I don’t. He took me from my home, my family and my friends. Nothing else mattered anymore.

He didn’t seem to have anything else to say to that and left to go back to his seat. I sighed taking my seat as well which happened to be the soft bench I was sleeping on earlier. I think it was good for us to just get away from each other for a while, no matter how short of a time it may be.  He obviously needed to think about his actions as much as I needed to think about mine.

I still hadn’t decided how I was going to handle all of this yet. Should I stay and try to find the old Chase I know him to be or, should I do everything I could to escape? Those two options were heavy on my mind and I knew I needed to decide quickly. I don’t know how long it would take us to get there but I’m hoping it will be enough time to make up my mind.

There was still something in Chase that I felt could be saved but I didn’t know if I could be the one to do it. Every now and then I would get glimpses of the person I knew him to be but they never lasted too long. Maybe there is a chance I was the one who could bring that out in him. It was worth a try right?

An hour later we were still in our own places and hadn’t spoken a word to each other. During that time I spent some most of it debating what I should do and after some careful consideration I decided to give it a shot. I am going to give him a week to prove to me that my Chase was still there and if he could show me that then I would be willing to work with him on this. I would give him a shot at a relationship with me if he could do that.

“The plane is landing.” Chase said pulling me from my thoughts.

“Thanks for letting me know.” I nodded trying my best to be civil.

Chase still lingered in front of me not making a move; his eyes watching me intently. He seemed to have more on his mind and I had a feeling he wouldn’t leave me alone until it is all out in the open.

“There are a few things that will be expected of you while you’re here.” He stated.

Somehow that didn’t sound like something I would be happy about. This should be interesting.

"What kind of things?" I questioned curiously.

"You need to understand that where we are going things are done differently there. You are the one who I’m supposed to spend my life with so they expect us to be happy and in love.” He explained.

What? He as to be kidding, right? Everyone is going to think we are together since I came here with him, aren’t they? Well isn’t this just the icing on the cake. I’m starting to rethink my decision to work with him.

 “We will be staying at the palace and will be sharing a room. Then they will eventually expect a wedding from us and that’s when...” He paused watching me slowly. “I have to turn you.”

“What?” I shouted jumping up from my seat. “I thought I came here to be with you because you needed me, not to be married off and turned into a vampire.”

“It’s customary that we marry our first love and make them part of our world.” He said. “I can’t help what’s expected of us.”

All of this news was making my head spin. How could I do this? This wasn’t my life to be changed. Chase is the one that ran off to Italy and became a vampire, not me. I shouldn’t have to be the one to pay for this. Why should I have to sacrifice everything?

I shook my head and backed away from him in panic. “Chase I can’t do this. You’re asking too much.”

Noticing my worry and fear and placed his hands on my shoulders to calm me down. “Ok, then how about this? We’ll take this one step at a time. We’ll take our time getting used to the situation we’re in and then we’ll take it from there.”

I nodded my head. That did sound better. At least he wasn’t changing me tonight or anything. I might just have a full blown panic attack if that was the case.

“But.” He said.

Of course, there is always has to be a but doesn’t there?

“You have to consider the marriage.” He added.

Married to my best friend? Well I suppose stranger things have happened, especially now. Like becoming a vampire for instance. That is pretty strange.

What should I do? Was sacrificing the sacred vow taken between two people who are in love worth keeping my humanity a little while longer? I think so.

I reluctantly nodded my head agreeing to his request. I just hope this wasn’t one of those things like signing a deal with the devil because right now it seems like I’ve just signed my life away to him.

“Thank you.” He smiled a genuine Chase smile.

That was my Chase. I knew he was still in there. No one can change themselves completely and neither did he. That makes me feel a little bit better about my decision now. Maybe all was not lost after all.

“We’re here. “ He said pulling me away from my thoughts. “There’s a car here waiting to pick us up.”

He grabbed my hand and led me off the plane. My hand felt so warm and safe in his. I would be lying if I said I didn't like it. Wait what am I saying? The guy practically kidnaps me and I'm thinking about him holding my hand. Get a grip Ashlyn.

As I stepped off the plane I took a look around at my surroundings pleased at what I saw. I had never been to Italy before but, it was beautiful here. It was more beautiful than I had imagined it. Think of all the things I can do, things I can see. I always planned on coming here on day so as long as I’m here I might as well enjoy myself right? Maybe Chase would take me to go sightseeing or something.

Chase tugged on my hand leading me to a town car waiting for us. It looked really expensive but why wouldn’t it when you’re part of the group his family was from right? Oh well at least I get to enjoy all of this.

After getting in the car Chase turned to me with a serious expression on his face. I seem to be getting those a lot lately. It must mean there’s more to tell.

"You have known my parents for as long as we have been friends. So remember they are the same people you have known since childhood so be nice and show some respect." He warned.

“I'm not the rude one remember." I reminded him.

He was the one that always had the problem with attitude, not me. I used to be the one that had to keep him in check. Yeah it might be a little weird now that I know his parents are vampires but I would never disrespect them. Lisa was always like a second mom to me. I spent so much time at Chase’s house over the years I think I spent more time with her than I did my own mom.

“I’m not rude I just speak my mind.” He defended.

I rolled my eyes. “Call it what you will but it’s still rude.”

“Is not.” He said.

“Is to.”

“Is not.”

“Is t-”

“Ok this isn’t getting us anywhere, Miss Maturity.” He smirked.

I shook my head. “Don’t even get me started on that subject. I’m the one still talking to a 10 year old at heart.”

This was the kind of battering I was used to from him. Right now it honestly felt like things were the same between us we were still best friends but in the back of my head I knew it wasn’t so. I don’t plan on giving up though, I think I can really do something here.

The rest of the ride we just continued to talk like old friends and didn’t notice when we finally arrived at the palace. The place was absolutely huge. I was actually a little jealous Chase got to spend the whole summer here. It must have been awesome.

I was surprised to find that I was actually looking forward to checking the place out. It was huge. I'm sure I will have no problem getting lost in it. I hope Chase is a good tour guide.

Chase opened the door for me and held his hand out to help me out just like a proper gentleman. I was honestly surprised by his gesture. He must have learned more than just being a vampire over the summer.

Keeping my hand firmly in his he led us inside. The place was absolutely amazing. It had so much space and wealth it just screamed elegance. Looking down at what I was wearing I realized I was still in my PJ’s and quickly felt out of place.

“Chase I need to change.” I said tugging on my clothes.

“Sorry, I forgot. I guess I’m just used to seeing you this way.” He noted. “I’ll show you to the room.”

“I don’t own anything that would fit in here.” I said.

“Everything you need is in the closet on the third floor. Besides the only time it matters about your attire is when we are handling business or receiving guests which is not the cause today.” He replied.

“You already picked out clothes for me?”

Something about that thought kind of creped me out. It’s like walking into a room and finding all your pictures hanging on the wall. Can you say freaked out? Yeah.

“I didn’t, mom did.” He corrected.

Well that made me feel a little better. At least he wasn’t picking out the clothes he would see me in everyday. I think that would make me feel a little awkward towards him then.

Climbing the large staircase the third floor was more tiring that I thought it would be. It was just a reminder that I was out of shape. Hmm I wonder if they have a gym in here? I might have to make use of that.

Standing in front of a large set of double doors I realized this must be the room. It had to be very big to be behind such huge doors. Chase placed his hand on the handle and let the door open. I stood amazed at the sight before me. The room was laid out beautifully. A very large four poster bed stood in the middle of the room that served as the center piece. All around it, in every corner stood another piece of expensive furniture, each piece complimenting the room.

“You can admire it from the inside to.” Chase chuckled pulling me in.

I was still to speechless to speak. I couldn’t wait to explore the room.

“The wardrobe is to the right and the bathroom in on the left.”  He said answering my unasked question. “I’ll be back to check on you shortly.”

With that he left the room closing the door behind him. You know that feeling you get when you see a really big beautiful made up bed and you just want to jump on it? Well I had that feeling now. I took a flying leap and landed on the bed in one big plop with a huge smile on my face. It was amazing how soft it was. I don’t think I’ll ever get up. Well that was until I saw the huge wardrobe to the side.

I quickly jumped off the bed and ran over to it pulling open the doors. Oh yeah, I was like a kid at Santa’s Land now. There was everything from shoes to bags and accessories and not to mention the mass selection of clothes. Now I know how Julia Roberts felt in Pretty Woman when all the employees were throwing designer dresses at her.

Lisa really went all out on me. I need to remember to thank her later.

Apart from the being kidnapped and forced here against my will, I was actually enjoying myself.  Maybe things won’t be so bad here after all.

After looking through the clothes I decided on a simple yet elegant royal blue dress since there was no business or guests today as Chase stated earlier.

I slipped it on and pulled my hair into a side twist and checked myself if the mirror inside the wardrobe. Once I was pleased with myself I decided to explore the rest of the place. I pulled open the double doors and stepped out into the hallway.

“Which way, left or right?” I mumbled to myself.

“Right.” Chase answered and scaring me in the process. “My family is in the parlor room.”

“Give me a heart attack why don’t you?” I snapped.

“Sorry, you just looked like you could use so help.” He smirked looking me over. “By the way, you clean up nice.”

That sent a blush to my cheeks. Was Chase just checking me out? I don’t know if I should be flattered or embarrassed. He was my friend but he was also a guy so maybe I shouldn’t make a big deal out of it, especially when I’ve been guilty of it a time or two.

“Thanks.”

“Come on I’ll show you the way.” He smiled obviously happy with his effect on me.

Good job Ashlyn, now he probably thinks your falling for his charm. How does that make me any different from the other girls now? I need to be on better alert and stop letting these things effect me from now on or I just might end up in trouble.

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A/N

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