Sorry for the delay… There was a typhoon (Dec. 16 at night)
The electricity was out for almost 24 hours and no internet connection and cable for a week T_TPlease pray for the victims who suffered Typhoon Sendong.

On with the story….

Chapter 3: The Date in Daytime

The very next day, I went back to the gazebo, as I had promised.

I sat on the cold stone bench and took some blood tablets and pills. Then, I drank "blood" from a few roses.

As I watched the roses surrounded me, I began thinking about death. Vampire deaths rarely occur. And when they do die, roses bloom on their graves.

I started feeling a little drowsy so I thought, I was a tad bit early so a small nap won't hurt. I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

I woke up to feel warmth against my cheek. Opening eyes to find Lief, blushing.

"Lief?" I asked sleepily, rubbing my eyes. With a jolt I realized - or remembered – the reason we were in the gazebo in the first place.

I sat up to ask him a few a questions that started with me saying, "I'm so sorry, Lief! How long have you been waiting? How long was I asleep?"

"No, I just got here and I should be the one who should apologize." He replied sheepishly.

"Why didn't you wake me up? And why would you be sorry?" I asked again.

He sat beside me and told me about an emergency council gathering. He stopped in midsentence and he took my hand, "Come on, we're behind schedule." He said as we got in the stables.

'Schedule? What schedule?' I thought as I stood beside a golden brown stallion.

"It's so beautiful." I remarked as I stroked its black mane.

Lief got on and offered his hand for me to take and out of pure impulse, I took it.

"His name's Hope. All the other horses are out training at the grasslands. And he's the only one who already finished." He explained. "Hold on tight." And off we went at a moderate speed. I hugged Lief tightly from behind, afraid that I might fall and make a fool out of myself.

Minutes later, we were in a forest. Lief helped me climb down and tied Hope to a nearby tree. He unclasped a pouch, took my hand and started running. Eventually, we ended up laughing as we ran deeper into the forest. When we were nearing a big tree, Lief made a sudden stop, causing me to lose my balance and the both of us fell on the ground. When I opened my eyes, I saw him lying on top of me. He got up faster than I did and I blushed like a tomato.

"I-I'm sorry, Arianna." He stammered as he helped me up.

"It's fine." I replied, and an awkward silence followed, broken by my stomach growling. Lief chuckled and I blushed deeper.

"Come on, let's eat." He said, leading me to the other side of the tree. He took out a few fruits and sandwiches from the pouch he got earlier.

After the small picnic lunch, I picked up the food wrappers and put them in the pouch. Once again, Lief helped me up, like the gentleman he is.

We spent the afternoon walking around the majestic forest and eventually came upon a beautiful lake. On the clear waters were a few dried up leaves. It looked like a painting. All it needs now is 2 lovers, hand in hand and crazy in love.

"To bad we weren't meant to be." I thought, though the idea seemed ridiculous.

"Would I be with the one I love? Or would I be doomed to be with another?"

"Would my life be filled with joy and passion? Or would it be filled with hate and complications?" The questions kept popping out of my head as we walked. We are only Best Friends. No more, no less.

I wasn't aware of how my thoughts made an effect on my face until I heard Lief's voice.

"What's wrong?" he asked, distressed and stopped walking.

"Nothing." I replied while silently looking at my boots. "It's already sunset." I stated, changing the subject. It took it's effect and the next thing I knew, we were already walking to where Hope was. I climbed on, sitting behind Lief and we rode off again. Eventually, I realized we weren't heading for the palace.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"You'll see." He replied and made Hope run faster.

If the lake looked like a painting, it was nothing compared to the beach where we stopped.

The sea breeze blew against us as we watched the sun set. Very breathtaking, and I couldn't help myself from sitting on the soft, warm sand. Lief sat beside me and leaned back.

After an hour, I noticed his eyes getting heavy. "It's getting late, you need your sleep, Lief." I sighed and stood up.

"I guess I can't argue with that." He said, getting on his feet. "I've never asked but, what are you gonna do at the palace?" he asked as we were walking to where Hope was. I enjoy the night so I sleep really late. Since I was a child, I slept during the day and was awake at night. When Lief started his journey, I realized, it would be very difficult if I slept during the day as they travel. I decided that I'll take the pills which can protect my skin from sunlight, but I still needed to wear a cloak and a hood.

"Normally, I'd do some star gazing and walk around the palace grounds." I replied.

"Not much." He commented as he mounted on Hope again. When we reached the palace, I glanced upward and Lief followed my gaze when a shooting star shot through the sky.

"A shooting star!" I exclaimed, "Make a wish."

Silence followed, interrupted by Lief's slightly sleepy voice.

"What did you wish for?" He asked.

"I'm not telling, otherwise, it won't come true." I smiled.

"Alright then." He laughed and walked me to my room. "Good night, Arianna."

"Good night, Lief and thanks for the wonderful day." I replied. "Anytime." He said, smiling and walked away.

"I wish it will always be like this." I thought as I entered my room.

Finally! Over a thousand words XD and a bit interesting. :))
My uploads take too long, I know. Chapter 4 is short and it will be out before the end of February :)
Thanks for reading and please review! :D