The Desire For A New Beginning

By Norma L Olivas

When High school senior Katherine Danvers spies her teenage crush Drake Shadowton on the first day of school, she swoons in disbelief. Tall, Dark, and handsome, Drake has returned to Murrieta, California, after a three-year absence. The two pick up right where they left off, but their rekindled love affair doesn't last long.

Still reeling from Drake's departure, Katherine is touched again by tragedy. Injured along with her mother in the accident, Katherine has no choice but to continue on. After finishing high school, she moves with her mother to Seattle where the two hope to start over.

Instead, Katherine is haunted by her past-as well as her new home's dark, mysterious underside. She is soon reunited with Drake, but he has indeed changed. He is a vampire, and his decision to abstain from feeding on human blood puts him at odds with Tony, the most dangerous vampire in town. Katherine losses the last person tying her to the life she once knew. Tony's act hastens a vampire war, and Katherine finds herself caught firmly in the middle.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Norma L Olivas
• Release date: May 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9781792393839

Norma L Olivas

Norma L Olivas is a freelance writer who started writing in 2010. She was born and raised in Indio, California. She went to Coachella Valley High School and in 1989 she completed a C.E.T training program.Since 1993 she worked as a payroll supervisor for an Agricultural Company for many years.She has two beautiful kids that she loves so much. She was inspired to write after the loss of her oldest son who was nineteen years old. She has a beautiful grandson who will turn three this year.Currently, she is working on the saga to The Desire For A New Beginning.

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DEDICATION

I would like to dedicate this novel to my children My daughter Anisa Perez, and in loving Memory of our son Salvador Olivas Jr, passed away in February of 2010, Who, continues to inspire me every day with Gods support.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Murrieta, California

Chapter 2 Unexpected Visit

Chapter 3 Family Night Out

Chapter 4 Accident

Chapter 5 Saying Good-Bye

Chapter 6 Arriving at Seattle

Chapter 7 Leaving the Hotel

Chapter 8 Dinner with the Shadowtons

Chapter 9 A Night Out

Chapter 10 Tragic Night

Chapter 11 Losing a Loved One

Chapter 12 The Final Battle

Chapter 13 Becoming Immortal

Chapter 1

Murrieta, California

When I saw him walk through the door just before the start of class, I felt my eyes widen in disbelief.

It was Drake Shadowton. I’d always had a crush on Drake, but I had written him off after the eighth grade, when he and his family had left town. Three years, two months, and fourteen days had passed since then (not that I was counting). Now he was back—and more handsome than ever. He was tall and well built, with dark brown hair and light brown eyes. He looked at me and smiled, revealing a pair of dimples on his chin.

I smiled back in astonishment as he took a seat several rows away from me, near the back of the class. I could tell I wasn’t the only one surprised at his appearance. All the girls in class were suddenly sitting up straighter and primping their hair.

For a brief moment, I forgot where I was: Murrieta, California, a fast-growing town about an hour due north of San Diego. I forgot what I was doing: starting my senior year in high school. And most importantly of all, I forgot I already had a boyfriend. All I could do was marvel at the sight of Drake, who kept staring back at me. I knew in that moment that every girl would be falling for him—and fighting for a chance to catch his eye and talk to him.

After class, we met near the doorway.

Hi, Drake, I said, still in disbelief. You’re back.

Katherine Danvers. He smiled, showing those dimples. It’s great to see you again.

We were in three classes together, it turned out, and I even got a chance to talk with him after school before I had to head for home.

Later that afternoon, I had barely plopped down on my bed when my cell phone rang.

Hey, Nancy said on the other end of the line. You okay?

Nancy was my best friend. She was like another sister. I loved her dearly. She was a wild little thing. She was slim and dressed nice. She worked part-time at a record store and was saving money to go to nursing school after she graduated.

What do you mean? I asked, confused.

I thought you were going to pass out today in history when Drake Shadowton showed up.

I felt my face burn red. Was I that obvious?

Nancy laughed. Let’s just say you’re going to have to be careful. Otherwise, you-know-who might get jealous.

Danny! I said, bringing a palm to my forehead. We’d been dating for a year now and were pretty serious. And I had completely forgotten about him. Oh my God. What am I going to do?

As sweet as Danny was, he had a bad temper.

~~~

Several days went by, and things only got more complicated. Danny and I were still officially an item, but I was flirting with Drake every day at school. I knew what I had to do and kept meaning to bring up the subject when I was around Danny, but I couldn’t bring myself to break his heart. I knew he liked me a lot—and that he deserved to know the truth.

Then, on Friday afternoon, Nancy called to tell me that someone had told Danny that Drake and I had shared feelings for each other years earlier, before Drake had left town.

Who? I asked indignantly.

Stephanie. Who else?

My eyes narrowed. Stephanie was always causing problems. Why?

I already knew the answer. It was obvious Stephanie had a crush on Drake—and was hoping to sabotage things for me.

"Joel told me Stephanie tried to kiss Drake on the lips. She’s trying to steal him from you and mess up your relationship with Danny. Nancy’s voice softened. Danny needs to know the truth, Katherine. And he needs to hear it from you, not Stephanie."

I know, I said. I’m going to call him right now.

We said good-bye, and I hit Danny’s number on the speed dial. But he didn’t answer. In fact, he didn’t answer all weekend.

By the time Monday morning rolled around, I knew Danny was avoiding me. I could only imagine how angry he was.

Nancy picked me up at the house, and we drove to school. On the way, Drake pulled up alongside us at a stoplight. I lifted my hand to wave to him, but then thought better of it. What if someone saw me? The last thing I needed to do was anger Danny further. We needed to clear the air. Then I could pursue things with Drake.

We got to school, and Nancy parked the car. Once inside, I went to get my books from my locker. Nancy went her way, and I kept walking.

When I got to my locker, I felt someone staring at me. I turned around, and it was Drake. He was wearing dark jeans and a gray T-shirt. The gray shirt made his eyes stand out even more. He looked so cute like always, and I wanted to hug him and never let go. I got goose bumps all over my body and felt my face turn red. I hoped I wasn’t as red as a tomato. I was speechless. My feelings for him were so strong I couldn’t stand being apart from him.

Hi, Katherine, he said.

Hi, I replied and then clumsily dropped my books.

He bent down, picked them up, and then handed them to me. Can I walk you to class?

Sure, I said, trying to stay calm.

I closed my locker, and Drake and I walked to class. With every step, I felt the stares of the girls, who were whispering to each other and eying us jealously. But I was looking past them, searching the hall for Danny. What would he say if he saw Drake and me together?

We turned the corner, and I felt my stomach drop. Walking straight toward us were Danny and his friends.

He blocked my path and grabbed me by the arm.

Let me go! I said. You’re hurting my arm! I frowned apologetically. We need to talk, Danny.

His face was full of rage.

I glanced down from his mouth, which was drawn into a tight frown, to his fists, which he was clenching angrily.

Is this the guy everyone’s talking about? He let go of my arm and got in Drake’s face.

Drake didn’t look like he wanted to fight, but as soon as Danny pushed him, he retaliated with a push of his own. A second later, they were swinging at each other, with each blow raining down percussively.

Stop! I screamed.

They punched each other harder and harder. Danny had blood on his lips, and his right eye was puffy and red. I looked at Drake’s face and saw that he didn’t have a mark. They continued tussling as they rolled across the floor.

Kick his ass, Danny! several students hollered.

I looked up and spotted Stephanie in the crowd. Her mouth was closed in a worried frown as she watched them fight.

Look what you did! I screamed. You got what you wanted!

She left with her friends and didn’t look back.

Principal Warner, a bald-headed man with a big waistline, showed up with two security guards, who separated Drake and Danny.

All right, everyone, Principal Warner said, addressing the crowd. Go to your classes. He turned to the boys. You two, come with me.

Just then Nancy appeared with her boyfriend, Joel. What happened? she asked with wide eyes.

I started to explain just as one of the security guards tapped me on the shoulder.

The principal wants you in his office, he said.

I nodded and then turned to Nancy. I’ll let you know later.

Call me when you get a chance, she said.

I will, I said over my shoulder.

I went with the security guard to the principal’s office and took a seat in the reception area, where Drake was already waiting. He looked away the moment I entered the room, and I wanted to cry. I didn’t want to lose him already—before we could even be together. But it was obvious he was mad at me for not telling him I had a boyfriend.

I bet Stephanie’s happy now, I thought as I hung my head in shame. Now she can have Drake all to herself.

The door to Principal Warren’s office opened, and Danny emerged, head down, eyes on the floor. He took a seat next to me and then, after waiting for Drake to disappear inside the principal’s office, fixed me with a frustrated gaze. His right eye was nearly swollen shut.

Why didn’t you tell me you had feelings for Drake? he asked.

I tried to call you all weekend, I said in the most apologetic tone I could muster, but you wouldn’t return my calls. Then you came out of nowhere and started fighting. I was going to tell you the truth, but Stephanie had to put her two cents in like always. She had feelings for you before we started dating and tried to stop us from being together, and now she’s doing it again with Drake.

He shook his head resignedly. I should have known she was like that.

I took a deep breath. It was time for total honesty. Danny, I don’t want us to be mad at each other. You’re a good friend, and I care about you deeply. But I’ve loved Drake since we were in the eighth grade. I’m sorry. I didn’t want to hurt you. I should have told you sooner. I had no idea he was coming back. If it’s any consolation, I know a bunch of girls who like you and have been rooting for us to break up so they can have a shot with you.

He laughed softly, his one good eye brightening. I know. I like you a lot, Katherine. I wish Drake hadn’t come back. But I get it. I hope we can look at this later and laugh about it. He hugged me and stood up to leave. I wish you the best. If you ever need anything, you can call me anytime.

As hot-tempered as he was, Danny had a soft heart and rarely held on to his anger.

I will, I said, still feeling sheepish. I’m sorry about all this mess.

I know, he said.

Drake came out of the principal’s office a few minutes later, just as the bell rang to let school out for the day, and walked right out without saying a word. I followed him outside and called after him, but he ignored me.

He got to the parking lot a few steps ahead of me and unceremoniously ducked into his car and drove away, never making eye contact with me.

I turned around and saw Stephanie and her friends walking toward the parking lot. She was smirking at me like she’d seen everything.

When I got back to Principal Warren’s office, my mom was there waiting for me. My mom was an attractive lady, with light brown hair, pretty, dark brown eyes, and a petite frame. But right now she looked scary. I could tell by the look on her face that she was super mad at me.

You want to tell me what this is all about? she asked.

Principal Warren called us into his office before I could answer, and Mom appeared to relax a little when the principal explained that I wasn’t in trouble for anything. He just wanted to fill my mom in on what had happened.

During the drive home, Mom lectured me on boys, like I didn’t already know about them.

I didn’t say a word until we got home. Then I told her exactly what had happened.

I’m glad no one was seriously hurt, she said as worry lines appeared on her forehead. You’re lucky Danny still wants to be friends.

I know, I said glumly.

She was right: I was lucky. Danny had taken things as well as could be expected, given the circumstances. But none of that mattered. All I could think about was Drake and how he had shut me out afterward. I felt like the whole world was crashing down around me.

~~~

The next morning I was getting my books from my locker when I saw Danny holding hands with Belinda. I smiled. That didn’t take long.

I said hi to them and then turned in the opposite direction. I spotted Drake a few moments later, just outside of our first-period classroom. I hurried after him and put a red rose in his face.

He turned around, his face registering a look of surprise.

I’m sorry about yesterday, I said. I should have told you sooner. I hope you can forgive me.

He studied the rose a moment and then looked up at me. Thank you. This means a lot to me. Of course I forgive you, Katherine. I’ve been in love with you since the eighth grade. When I saw you last week again for the first time, I realized my feelings for you have only grown stronger. I didn’t want to lose you to Danny or anyone else.

My heart quivered in my chest. I feel the same way about you, I stuttered, almost too shocked to respond. I love you so much, Drake.

He smiled. Let’s forget about what happened yesterday and start fresh. What do you think?

I think I’d like that, I said, practically shaking with joy.

I couldn’t wait until he kissed me on the lips, and by lunchtime I didn’t know how much longer I would have to wait for that kiss. After we sat down in the cafeteria, he kissed me on the cheek and then on the forehead. I got goose bumps all over my body. He touched my face and looked straight into my eyes. Then he drew closer still, and his lips touched mine. I felt my stomach tingle. I couldn’t control myself, but I had to.

~~~

A week went by, and Drake still hadn’t asked me to be his girlfriend. On Monday morning, he picked me up to go to school. I was surprised. I had been expecting Nancy to show up. I got in his car, and he had a sly smile on his face.

Katherine, he said after I closed the passenger’s side door, will you be my girlfriend?

I was too happy to reply. I wanted to