Dad!" He Shouted, Loud Enough To Make

And Now We Can't," I Said. "which Sucks, But The Main Thing Is That Your Dad's Alive." He Smiled, Hesitant At First, Then A Blazing Grin Broke Through That Made My Heart Stop. I Recovered And Grinned Back And Went To Throw My Arms Around His Neck, Then Stopped, Blushing. Before I Could Pull Back, He Caught My Elbows And Put My Arms Around His Neck And Pulled Me Into A Hug. Then He Jumped, Chair Swiveling So Fast I Nearly Went Flying. I Heard Footsteps In The Hall And I Scrambled Off His Lap Just As Simon Swung In, Breathing Heavily, Like He'd Come Running.

I Let Her Through. She Checked Derek's Pulse And His Breathing, Saying Both Seemed Okay, Then Leaned Down To His Face. "nothing Weird On His Breath. Smells . . . Like Toothpaste." Derek's Eyes Opened, And The First Thing He Saw Was Tori's Face Inches From His. He Jumped And Let Out An Oath. Simon Cracked Up. I Madly Motioned For Him To Be Quiet. "are You Okay?" I Asked Derek. "he Is Now," Simon Said. "after Tori Jump-started His Heart.

My Past Was A Private Obstacle, Not A Public Excuse.

I Saw My True Power. The Darkest Power. The Greatest Power. ~jaime Vegas

I Was Very Strict On That Point. No Devouring Classmates." Jeremy Rolled His Eyes. "other Parents Warn Their Kids Not To Talk To Strangers. I Had To Warn Mine Not To Eat Them.