Love Forbidden

Tina was proud of her figure. She worked hard to keep herself in good shape and she intended to flaunt her efforts. She stared at her tight fitting white dress. It hugged her body in all the right spots without being overtly sexy. She preferred to catch the attention of the right kind of gentlemen; not those who were just out for a one night stand.

She brushed her long, silky hair until it shone like copper in the moonlight. Then she carefully applied her makeup to make it look as if she weren't wearing any at all. She knew that appealed to her type of men.

Instead of wearing a lot of jewelry, she tied a pink ribbon into a bow around her neck. Then she added her locket ring; a gift from an old admirer. She rarely left home without it.

Pulling on her ballerina slippers onto her feet, Tina was pleased with her overall look. She looked the part of an old-fashioned girl whose innocence and naivete would draw any man she wanted. As she finished the look with light pink lipstick, she smiled to herself. She was certain she would find "the one" tonight. The stars were aligned in the right pattern.

Skipping down the stairs, she quickly grabbed her pink shawl from the foyer closet. Then she picked up her handbag and walked out the door without another glance.

Tina couldn't decide whether to drive or walk to the school dance. Ultimately, she decided the walk left her with more options. She would be assured a ride home from somebody; hopefully a cute boy.

She sang to herself as she walked, wondering if the other students would think it odd that she came stag to the event. She really didn't care what anyone thought, per se. She just didn't want to garner too much unwanted attention. That would make her job harder and could ruin her chances of capturing the right beau's attention.

Luckily, the school was just a half-mile from her home. She arrived quickly and made her way inside. She was pleased to see she wasn't the only student who came alone. One particularly cute male caught her gaze. She wondered how anyone had let him slip away.

She decided to introduce herself. "Hi! I'm Tina Morris. I'm new here; just arrived yesterday. I was hoping you might show me the ropes."

She flashed a brilliant smile and was pleased to see the boy's face go slightly pale. He was flattered that she was talking to him.

"I'd be happy to. I'm James. I'm new too. I've only been here a couple of weeks. But I'll be glad to share what I know. Do you want to dance?"

Tina quickly took his arm in response and followed him onto the dance floor. The music was slow and romantic. She didn't miss the opportunity to push her body up against his. He responded in kind, letting her know that he was attracted to her.

"I was hoping to meet someone cute tonight," she whispered in his ear. "You definitely fit the bill."

James smiled and pulled her even closer until one of the school chaperones forced the duo apart. "This is a dance," he announced. "Not a make out session."

Both students giggled. "Want to go outside for some fresh air?" James asked.

Tina nodded her agreement and took him by the hand, leading him toward the door. Within minutes they were standing in the cool evening air.

Dropping the shawl off her shoulders, Tina let the straps of her dress relax and fall off as well, deepening the amount of cleavage in her bosom. Cocking her head coyly ton the side, she asked, "would you like to kiss me?"

"Right here? Right now?" James seemed embarrassed by the suggestion. It gave Tina pause. Maybe she hadn't made the right choice after all.

"Let's slip around the corner," he nodded to his right. "That way, the chaperones aren't likely to see, getting us both in trouble."

Tina liked the idea of more privacy. It suited her plans perfectly. She was pleased with the wooded area where James led her. Once there, she leaned against a tree and asked," so where are you from originally?'

"Louisiana," James answered. " New Orleans to be exact. And you?"

"Maine most recently, although I've lived in a lot of different places. Texas is new territory for me, though."

The couple relaxed and talked for quite a while before James finally made his move. When he did, he brushed against Tina's lips so gently, she thought she might have imagined the whole thing.

The next move was hers and she gently pulled his face into hers for something a bit more passionate in nature. She liked the kiss far more than she anticipated.

Pulling back, she stared at the tall, slim dark haired boy with fascination. She liked him. It was a feeling with which she was previously unfamiliar. Her body stirred when his came closer to her.

"I think we should go back in," she found herself suggesting. "I'm sure they patrol his area frequently."

"They do, but we'll be able to see their flashlights coming," James announced empathetically. "Let's not go back just yet."

Tina knew if she stayed with him much longer, something bad could happen. She felt the primal urge to give into her passion, but suddenly she didn't want to.

"James, I like you very much but if we stay here, we'll both regret it I think." With that Tina pulled away and began walking back toward the school.

Within a second James was by her side, grabbing her arm and trying to hold her back. She didn't know whether to deck him or scream for help. Suddenly, neither seemed to matter as a low, guttural growl escaped from the boy's lips.

"There's a full moon tonight," he whispered into the moonlight. "It's my favorite time of all."

Realizing her plight, Tina wrenched herself free from his grasp and bared her own fangs. "Vampires like the night too," she screeched.

Taken aback, James stopped his transformation to stare at her and Tina retracted her teeth. "What do we do now?" he asked. "It is forbidden for our kind to mix."

For the first time in 523 years, Tina experienced regret. She didn't like the feeling one bit. "Who made that rule in the first place?" Yet, she knew there was no answer.

"Those who fear what a mix between our two breeds might produce, I suspect," James returned. "Right now, I think I hate them for their discrimination.

Tina nodded agreement. "Have you ever been in love before?" It was an obvious question but one for which she needed an answer.

"If this is what love feels like, then the answer is no. It hurts to think I can't be with you. I'm sure I can stand the feeling." He stepped forward and gathered the tiny girl in his arms and gently hugged her. He brushed her hair away from her face and gazed deep into her chocolate brown eyes.

"I can't let you go," he whispered into her hair. "We have to make this work."

Tina allowed salty tears to stream down her cheek as she held him tightly. "Forbidden love is always the strongest," she responded.

Just then a blue white light let the couple know that chaperones were making the rounds. They broke apart quickly, but before she disappeared into a gray mist, Tina whispered "I'll be back for you, my love." Then she was gone.