1 Ch. 1: To Live is to Die

"Terra, don't forget what tonight is! Stop by the store on your way home and grab a cake!"

My mom frequently bellows at me like that as I walk out the door. I roll my eyes at her, like always. "Yeah Mom, will do!" Waiving over my shoulder, I shut the front door behind me.

I look at my car, all nice and sleek, just out of the wash, and think about driving it to work. Hmm.. but it's such a nice day out, and its not like I'm going far. I walk to the sidewalk and start my journey, all of 5 blocks, to work.

Where do I work, you ask? Nowhere special, really. A small bookstore, in our small town, run by a small staff. It's boring, sure, but I like it. If it gets slow, I can sample the new stock. The idea makes me excited. Smiling wide, I think about what today will bring. With the special occasion, I'm sure Mr. Marve will let me take a new book home to 'test out'.

With that extra skip in my step, I reach work in no time flat. Taking a deep breath, I've gotta prepare for the worst... As I walk in, all is quiet. No noise, no one behind the counter, nothing. Well this is new. Are they finally listening to me for a change? That's kind of disappointing, I had gotten used to them going overboard. Oh well, nothing for it I suppose.

I walk deeper into the shop and hear a sudden loud noise

Pop!

Confetti flies everywhere, in orange and black and purple. Out of nowhere, the rest of the crew is popping out from behind bookshelves and tables.

"Surprise" they shout. "Did we get you?"

My co-worker and probably best friend, Marleen, steps forward. "Well, what did you think huh? Don't leave us hanging!"

I stare at her dumbfounded for a minute. Then, I just can't help but to bust out laughing! "It was amazing, Mar! You guys actually scared the crap out of me!" I laugh so hard that I'm doubled over.

"Ha! See, Dad? I told you this would be better!" Marleen turns around and starts yelling at Mr. Marve. Obviously, he's her dad. They're both just too similar. Dark hair, wise noses, thick eyebrows. But most importantly, their sense of humor! Her and Mr. Marve both loved playing pranks on people.

With a deep chortle, Mr. Marve steps up to his daughter and wraps his arm around her shoulder. "You were right, little one. That was much worth the wait!" They both laugh together.

Wiping the tears from my eyes, I straighten up. "You guys got me good this year, I'll give you that. Thank you for the warm welcome!"

Mr. Marve wraps his free arm around my shoulders as well, engulfing me in a warm embrace. "Of course, my second child! You are family, and it is not every day you turn 24. It is big landmark for life!"

Of course, I wasn't actually his daughter. I wish I were. But I guess I'm content with at least having this warm love in my life. My real dad was a stickler, and a bigot. He thought the races should be separated, and didn't want me working at the book store since the Marve family were all Werewolves. But, who cares what he thinks, right? I smile up at the kind old man. " You said that last year, Marve."

"Feh!" He waives his hand. " When you're human, every year is important. Precious, like jewel."

I laugh, and shrug off the hairy arm, barely contained in a short sleeved T-shirt. "So whats on the agenda for today, huh? Got fun things planned, or just normal work?"

Placing his hand on his chin, Mr. Marve pretends to be deep in thought. "Hmm... Work you say? I don't think I've heard that before. Why are we here again?"

Marleen giggles and smacks his bicep. "Daddy, stop picking! C'mon, why don't you just tell her already? She'll flip!"

Oh Hell. What do they have planned? I don't think I can take a big surprise without my meds.

Smiling wide, Marve says, "Today..." There's his dramatic pause. I swear, this old werewolf... "...We close shop early! No work, only party!"

I look at him for a second. Is he serious? I turn to Marleen. She gives me her classic grin and nods. Well, this just made my day ten times better! "Sounds like a plan then, Marve!"

After a long day having fun, I walk to the supermarket to grab that cake Mom asked for. Technically it's for me so I get to pick which one I want, right? Looking at the selection at the bakery, I can't help but think I'm putting too much thought into it.

"Can I help you find something, miss?"

I look up and see a very handsome vampire behind the bakery counter. How can I tell he's a vamp? Well, let's face it, shall we? No man is that good-looking without being a vampire or a siren. And since he didn't have scales, I'm opting for the former. Oh crap, have I been staring at him too long?

"Oh, I'm fine, thank you. I'm just trying to decide which birthday cake I want."

"Ah, I see. Well, if you need anything, let me know. And happy birthday!" He gave me a cock-sure grin and walked back into the bakery proper.

Oh, hot damn! What I wouldn't give to look at a view like that every day. I shake the dirty thoughts from my mind and go back to looking at the cakes. I settle for a cute-looking White cake with little balloons on the top in buttercream frosting. This should work.

I turn away and head to the checkout. The line moves pretty quickly, so it's not long before I'm on my way home. It's getting pretty dark out now. Jeez, has the day really passed by so quickly? Oh well, nothing to be done. I rush back towards my neighborhood, trying to avoid big traffic areas. That's the last thing I need, getting caught up by a big line of cars. It may take a little longer, but I go the back way home.

Past all the businesses, this part of the street is secluded, quiet. I've got to cross to get home, so I look both ways and rush to get across. Oh hell, what's that bright light? I have just enough time to look up and see what color the car is before it hits me. Ironically, it was red.