I took a deep breath. "I'm pretty sure. I don't want to take any chances so I'm planning on staying pretty close to him today."
"I will too."
I bit my lip, knowing that Simon had two classes in the morning. A lot of professors had canceled classes for today since it was right before the holiday and luckily my day was completely open. Unfortunately, Simon wasn't as lucky and had two classes, one of which I knew he had to turn in an important assignment. As crazy as our lives had become, I didn't want Simon's
future to suffer because of it. He could still graduate, pursue his music career and lead a normal life. I wasn't sure if a normal life was still an option for me. As much as we loved each other, I wanted Simon to be prepared for a life without me. Just in case.
"Simon, you should go to your classes. We can meet up afterwards."
"No way. There is no way in hell I'm leaving you alone with Neal when his vardoger is about to attack him."
I considered arguing but I realized I wanted Simon with me as well. As much as I was trying to feel brave, I was also scared.
"Okay," I relented. "Just make sure to turn in your assignment."
"Yes, ma'am."
I rolled my eyes at the smirk I heard in Simon's tone but ignored it. "Neal is going to think I'm crazy if I call him now so I'm going to wait a couple of hours. Besides, it was dark in my vision so it won't happen until tonight."
"I'm coming over."
"What about Kendra?" I protested. "You can't just leave her alone in the apartment!"
Simon sighed. "I was going to bring her with me."
"As much as I'm sure that she'd appreciate being dragged over here in her pajamas at the crack of dawn, why don't we make it a little easier on her? I'll come over."
"I don't want you walking by yourself. And the crack of dawn has come and gone."
"Yes, so it's already light outside," I reasoned. "I'll be fine walking by myself."
Simon relented with a sigh and I jumped into the shower after we got off the phone. My adrenaline was running high and my eyes seemed unnaturally bright when I looked in the mirror. This was it. Today was the day I realized my potential and used my powers against a vardoger to stop it from overtaking its person. I had waited for this day and I would do anything in my power to save Neal.
Even though it was seven-thirty by the time I left my apartment to walk to Simon's place, it was a little eerie. A lot of students had already left for Thanksgiving and there seemed to be no one around this early except me. I felt like I was the only one left after a zombie apocalypse. I shook off these morbid thoughts, but I made an effort to walk faster.
Simon opened the door before I could knock, tugging me inside. He immediately crushed his lips against mine, kissing me with such intensity that all I could do was follow him on the wild ride as he feverishly plunged his tongue into my mouth. His arms tightened around me when I pushed my tongue into his warm mouth, our tongues tangling together with abandon.
I was breathing hard when we broke apart. Simon's breathing was labored as well as he stared down at me.
"Boy, that was a warm welcome," I said weakly with a smile. Instead of smiling in return, Simon's expression remained serious.
"I wish I could lock you somewhere safe until this was all over."
I leaned up and kissed him gently on his jaw. "I'll be okay as long as I have you beside me."
Simon took in a deep breath, seeming to calm himself. "You don't have to worry about that. I'm planning on being your shadow today."
I followed Simon into the kitchen where he poured me a cup of coffee. "So what's the next step in your plan?" he asked.
I smiled ruefully. "Basically, just to follow Neal around like a stalker. Considering I'm not exactly skilled in trailing people, I thought it would just be easier to see if I can get him to willingly hang out with me."
"With us," Simon corrected. His expression darkened before he continued. "Somehow I doubt you'll have to twist his arm."
I ignored his last statement and pulled out my cell phone. "I'm going to have to come up with some excuse as to why I need to be around him. I was thinking on the walk over here, and the best idea I can come up with is that I'm upset and need someone to talk to."
Simon frowned. "Why would he think you would want to talk to him when you're upset?"
I sighed. "I don't know. I'll just say that I feel like I can confide in him." I saw Simon's expression darken even more so I quickly continued. "It's just an excuse for me to stay close to him. But it won't make sense if I bring you along. I hope you're better at trailing people than I am."