Chapter 1- The Perfect Morning

" £5000. In your account. By tomorrow. And, you'll have what you want most as well. Just do this one tiny thing."

"Really?"

The man leaned closer and whispered. "Absolutely."

Nina

I threw open my wardrobe door and looked at each piece criticizingly. This was the perfect day to take advantage of the school's casual day. I had to make sure I chose the right piece. Running my hand along each outfit, I picked out a casual t-shirt and a pair of short jeans. After all, simple is better right? Just then, I caught sight of Amber gliding down the hall in a hot pink skirt and a fancy ruffled tank top. On the other hand, maybe I should go with a striped top instead. Now that Fabian is my… well… Even in my head I couldn't say the word. "Get a grip Nina. You need to get used to this. He's your boyfriend." I smiled as I said the word aloud. I couldn't believe it! Fabian and me. A new start. No creepy attics or scary nighttime sneak outs. Just the entire school year to spend with him.

"Ummm… Nina?" Amber was standing in the doorway. "Are you ok?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine." I stammered.

She put her hands on her hips and raised her eyebrow at me. "Really? Because you were just standing there. Drooling over Fab-"

"I was not." I protested, cutting her off before she could finish her sentence.

She shook her head at me and strode down the hall, smiling knowingly.

I sighed and followed her down the stairs into the dining hall.

Fabian

I watched Nina come down the stairs. Come on Fabian, ask her. Now. I stood there for a moment debating with myself. Finally, I plucked up the courage and walked over towards her. Smile. Show your teeth. Wait! What if there's some breakfast in between my teeth? Ok, never mind. Don't show your teeth. Just smile.

"So Nina…" I started, my heart pounding.

"Hi Fabian, shall we get something to eat?"

Her question threw me off. I had practiced this conversation perfectly in my mind. She wasn't supposed to ask questions!

"Umm… no. I mean yes. I mean, I already ate, but I'm fine with eating again if you want to eat again. I mean, not again, because you haven't eaten yet. I mean, you can eat, and I'll just join you."

Nina looked bewildered. "Umm.. ok?"

Great Fabian, you messed up. Great start to the day. I thought.

I walked over to the table with her and sat down. Grabbing a spoon, she reached for a box of cornflakes and milk.

"So Nina, "I started again. " I was wondering… if you would like to walk with me to school this morning?"

Nina dropped the cereal box in surprise. Cornflakes spilled all over the floor.

"If you don't want to, that's ok." I added hurriedly.

"No, no, I want to!" she amended hastily.

"Really? That's great!" I burst out.

Nina beamed at me, and once again, I was mesmerized by her smile. It was hard to believe that someone with a smile so radiant and beautiful as hers, could actually be mine.

"What?" she asked.

Oh no, she caught me staring.

"Erm, nothing. Just studying your face for a…" I cast my mind around for an excuse. "for an art project." I finished lamely. "So… see you in 5 minutes at the gate?"

"Sure." She said. Then, looking at the mess on the floor. "I'd better clean this up."

Nina

I flew up the stairs two at a time to get my school things. As I clumsily stuffed everything into my bag, I couldn't help but laugh. So far, the morning had been perfect! I walked over to Amber's full length mirror that was propped up against the wall at one side of the room. I straightened any wrinkles in my outfit and carefully brushed my hair out of my eyes. On an afterthought, I scooped up a charm bracelet and fastened it on my wrist. There!

I bounded excitedly out of the house to meet Fabian who was waiting at the gate. Where is he taking me? I wondered. We walked in silence for a couple of minutes.

"Erm, Nina?" He said stopping, and drew a small box from his pocket. "I thought you might like this." The box was velvet blue, and looked battered and worn.

"What's this?" I asked. "Another piece of the cup of Ankh? I teased. When I opened it however, the most beautiful bracelet winked at me. I was breath taken by its mere beauty. Carefully, I took it out and examined it closer. Engraved all around on the bracelet, were Egyptian symbols, and not just any Egyptian symbols, but the eye of Horus. As Fabian slipped it onto my wrist, I felt a strange sense of relief. I could have sworn that the bracelet was glowing for a second, as if I was its power source, and was lighting it up, but the gleam disappeared as fast as it had appeared. However, I felt a sense of elation, and protection, as if the bracelet's powerful aura had been transferred to me in the process.

I looked up at him to say thank you but he cut me off. "You will always be protected." He said smiling. Leaning closer, he took my hands in his. I felt my heart skip a beat and I had to remember to breathe. The world blurred until I could only see Fabian. My palms were sweating like crazy. Gently, keeping his gaze on mine, he pulled me towards him. I found myself locked in his eyes. He leaned closer, and at the same time, some automatic response in me found myself doing the same. We were so close, I could smell his minty breath, as well as see every eyelash clinging to his cute eyes. He closed his eyes, I did the same. Closer, and closer. But before my lips could brush against his, a light cough interrupted us. My eyes flew open and we both spun around. Standing not too far behind us, was Joy. So much for my perfect morning.

Joy

How dare she? I fumed. How dare she try and kiss my Fabian? It was a good thing that I had showed up in time. I had been suspicious that she might try and pull something off like this ever since breakfast when she had been flirting with Fabian.

"Oh, sorry you guys." I tried to sound as innocent as possible to hide the smirk on my face. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

"Ermm, its ok. We'll just be… just be going now." Fabian said, embarrassed.

They were both blushing furiously as they set off the path towards school. I was about to congratulate myself when I noticed Fabian reaching for Nina's hand. I glared at the back of Nina's head in a feeble attempt to stop her, but it was no use. She had already accepted his hand, and soon, they were laughing and talking more energetically than ever.

I made up my mind then and there that I would do anything to break them up, or at the very least, stop contact between them.