Chapter 20

                                    

                                          
"What the hell is this?" I ask as we walk into school. "What is what?" We stop in front of a sign, and I point at it. It read: Blood Drive- Today 8AM to 4PM- Free Cookies. "They're doing a blood drive today. And we have to check it out" Benny tells us. "Are you crazy? It's a blood drive! With blood! And...needles! Why would I want to go anywhere near that?" 
                          
"I'm gonna have to agree with Ry on this one." Ethan nods. "You can't be serious. Come on! Come with me?" Benny pleads. Ethan and I both share a look but sigh. "Fine" Ethan agrees. They both turn to look at me. "Ugh, sometimes I hate you two" I groan but follow them anyways. We walk into the room where the blood drive is and Benny smiles as he looks around. 
                          
"It's like opening day for Revenge of the Sith all over again! You know, minus the stormtroopers." "My mom thinks I should donate. She says my blood is special. I think it's exactly why I should keep it where it belongs: in my veins" "Please don't bring up the v word" I whine. "Dude, she had to say your blood is special. She's your mom! Anyway, the reason neither of you give blood is 'cause you're too scared of needles, you big chickens!" 
                          
"Not gonna argue with that. Can we go now?" I plead but Benny shakes his head. "I'm not afraid! I just don't like them." Ethan quickly says. "Right, the same way you don't like the commercial with dancing crackers?" Benny imitates the dance and I snicker. "It freaks you out!" "It does not! Okay? I'm just uncomfortable with eating things that dance." Ethan defends himself.
                          
"They don't actually dance, E. It's a commercial. On the tv. A cartoon. It's not real" I scoff. "That's what we said about vampires, but look at us now!" Ethan points out and I roll my eyes. "Anyways, I don't see you rushing to donate." Ethan looks over at Benny. "Uh, yeah. They can lift your entire genetic code from one drop! But what if someone cloned me? No way am I..." Benny trails off as him and one of the nurses make eye contact.
                          
"Oh, wow" I breathe as I look her over. She sends us a smile as she notices us watching. "Then again...I could stand to lose a pint or two, if you know what I'm saying, I mean...come on! Unless, of course, you're too chicken?" He starts clucking like a chicken, teasing us. "You're totally, right, I am. And I'm not donating either, so you can get over it" I scoff. "Well, I'm not chicken! I'm a hawk! With huge talons and laser eyes!" Ethan exclaims.
                          
He looks towards the nurses and I look over as well, watching the nurse uncap a needle. "Oh, gross!" I quickly cover my eyes, trying not to puke. "I've gotta get out of here." I notice Sarah on the other side and walk towards her as she watches intently, stuffing her face with chips.
                          
"Sarah" I greet after making it across the room and Ethan follows. "Hey, Sarah" "What's up?" She continues to stare at the blood. "Not much. You okay?" Ethan asks. "Sure! I'm fine! Why? Don't I look okay?" "No." "You have, like, half a bag of chips on your face." Sarah sighs, wiping her face. "Fine!" She sighs. "Seeing all the blood is really getting to you huh?" Ethan points out.
                          
"It's like letting the contestants from The Biggest Loser lose in a chocolate factory!" Sarah complains, eating more chips. "Do you need help? We could be, like, your diet buddy." Ethan suggests and I nod. "It's Erica I'm worried about. She doesn't have much self-control, and if-" "Hey, Sarah" One of the 'nurses' turn around, and we see it's Erica, holding a tray of cookies. "Cookie?" She smirks, her fangs appearing as we look at her in shock.
                          
Erica sniffs one of the gauze full of blood with a smile while Ethan waves goodbye to Sarah, moving back over to Benny. "A student volunteer? That is so devious! Hmm! kind of clever." "Evil genius" I agree. "I know, right?" Erica laughs. "So, when are you gonna take a sip? The sooner we get past this whole awkward phase of our friendship, the better."
                          
"I don't eat humans. Sorry if that's awkward for you" "I could tell" Erica motions to me. "Not even a bite mark" Erica scoffs. I rub my neck nervously and Sarah rolls her eyes. Erica holds up one of the blood bags, offering Sarah some. Sarah goes to reach into her chip bag but it comes up empty as Erica looks around, sneaking a quick sip. "Oh, God" I mutter before passing out.