Chapter 33
Summer vacation has finally arrived after completing all the school assignments and exams. If all children welcome summer with a fun holiday, this is not the case for Federica. Since his last conversation with Liam in the forest, the man had become quiet and distanced himself from Federica. Every time Federica tried to approach Liam, her boyfriend pretended not to see or hear her and chose to leave without a word.
Like now, when the girl approached Liam who was standing in front of the notice board. As if he knew someone was approaching, Liam turned around, and their eyes met for a few seconds. Without further ado, Liam immediately walked away before Federica spoke once. It was as if they were strangers who had never met before.
"Liam," whispered Federica.
Liam's ears heard Federica's voice very clearly, which sounded so sad. He bit his lip until it hurt so much. If Federica weren't a half-blood girl, maybe Liam would have pulled the girl's body into his arms right now. Sometimes, Liam wished he wasn't a vampire who could hurt Federica or betray the girl. However, fate said otherwise; everyone already has a way of life. And this is the way of life he must live. Life without Federica.
I misplaced my feelings for you from the start, Fed. We are different... maybe this is the best for us. Sometimes, I even hope that the universe doesn't meet us. But I'm also happy to have met you. You are my happiness, but you are also my pain, Fed. I can't get close to you because I'm afraid of killing you.
Liam's inner voice echoed loudly when it was so evident in Federica's ears. The words the man said seemed to hit the depths of Federica's heart, making the girl's body shake with sobs. She could only stare at the man's back until he lost sight. Federica felt herself devastated when her affection for Liam was so deep.
Dad, is it this painful to love someone different?
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According to the plan, they agreed upon at Ethan's house without waiting long. Federica, Ethan, Gessy, and Liam gathered in the living room with Aaron, who advised them to look for the remaining oak or white pine trees before departure. Aaron directed the four teenagers around the Rotorua lakes, which took about an hour to walk. The trip will be divided into two groups with different paths to explore.
Aaron, who already knew what happened to Federica and Liam, separated them temporarily. Federica will leave with Ethan, while Gessy will leave with Liam. They will cross paths on State Highway 30 and then separate at Fenton St.
"Is Laura coming?" Aaron asked, looking at Liam.
Liam shook his head. "She will be stalking Blake with my father. She said that Blake will go where the Grim Ripper is hidden today."
For a moment, Liam glanced at Federica, talking to William in another corner of the room. The two of them hugged, and Federica kissed William's cheek affectionately. Then Federica got up, and again, their eyes met.
Kia kaha, thought Liam, looking at Federica.
(be strong)
Federica's eyebrows furrowed, not knowing what Liam was talking about; she was just silent until Ethan pulled her out while glancing sarcastically at Liam.
"You don't have to involve your feelings now, Fed," said Ethan, locking the girl's eyes.
Federica nodded as she looked down, unable to contain her anxiety. Ethan's right hand grabbed the girl's chin and kissed her forehead affectionately. Liam, who saw it, could only stare and hold back the jealousy that burned in his chest. He clenched his hands into fists; it should have been him, not Ethan.
"You don't have to see it, Liam," whispered Gessy, understanding the awkward atmosphere in the room. "If you love Fed, what you're doing now is right. I've heard all the rumors about your relationship."
Liam rolled his eyes as he shouldered his backpack. "The gossip you heard was exaggerated and did not correspond to reality."
Gessy chuckled. "But what I caught, you guys still like."
"But the love must end, G."
"Be patient, Liam. You don't look like the vampires in the movies," Gessy joked. "I thought all vampires didn't have feelings."
"We are indeed dead. But, we still have feelings of love that are always carried until we are killed again, perhaps by a silver knife, vervain, or..."
"She is a half-blood," interrupted Gessy. "Didn't she tell you about that?"
Liam nodded as he followed Ethan and Federica, who first left Aaron's house to start their journey. Liam looked at Federica's back, which was wrapped in a gray t-shirt, and her long hair tied high to reveal the girl's smooth neck. Now and then, he heard the sound of his girl laughing with Ethan as if there was no longer a burden on his shoulders.
"All vampires will not survive with half-blood blood, which can burn worse than vervain or hurt more than being stabbed by an oak tree. And I didn't say that to the Fed. I just said that I could only be killed with oak," Liam said softly to Gessy. "You know that myth. Even my family split with Blake because of different visions. They want power, but my family wants the safety of the clan. Not all vampires can survive with half-blood, G."
Gessy looked at Liam with a concerned look. "You won't have everything you love, Liam. Even with your eternal life."
"Life without love feels like I'm dead; G. Federica has made me feel alive again after decades."
"But he could get you killed," said Gessy. "Which do you choose? Loving, but you are killed or choosing to separate, but you have to learn to let it go with someone else."
Liam looked at Gessy deeply. The man spoke not a single sentence, but only a gust of wind rustled his leaves and hair. Liam always hated choices and hated all the decisions he made. Even he hates himself.
If I weren't a vampire, would my life still be like this?