AN/Disclaimer: I own nothing except for Catherina Griffin and any other OCs that may pop up. I will post a pic of what I think Catherina looks like later. This plot may have been done before, but I'm going to give it a try myself...Read and review, if you'd like.

Change of Season
Catherina

"Excuse me."

Nothing.

"Miss?"

Still nothing.

"Miss?" A gentle nudge to her shoulder and eyes popped wide, green orbs searching for the source of the touch. "This is the last stop of the day."

"What?" The question fell from painted lips as the thumb and forefinger, both topped with chipped black polish, reached for the small earplug that was blasting some type of heavy guitar and drum mix. The bus driver tried to avert his eyes from the coldness blaring out of the girl's gaze.

"This is the last stop of the day." She straightened up, grabbing her bag from the floor and rising to her feet. With a forced and grim smile of thanks, she shouldered her bag and made her way off the bus. The driver removed his cap and wiped the sweat from his brow, watching as the girl stalked down the sidewalk.

The sinking feeling in his stomach finally dissipated. It had only been there for six hours. The entire duration of the girl's time on the bus. Six hours.


The door of the small bar opened with a gust of cold wind, making the four occupants shudder and turn to the doorway with a grimace. Instantly the people turned back to their drinks or duties, eyes cast down as the figure in the door frame stepped inside. The black hood was pushed off of equally black hair, pale fingers running through the liquid locks as the soft tap of rubber soles carried the slim thing across the floor of the bar.

"Coke."

"Pepsi okay?" The bartender asked, trying not to hold her eyes for too long. She nodded and took a seat at the bar, sliding a five over the wooden surface. The glass full of Pepsi was soon slid over and she caught it in her left hand, cradling the drink as she lifted it to her lips. Four swallows later the beverage was gone. "Thanks."

"Yeah." The bartender nodded as the girl slid the glass back towards him and got up. She had just shut the door when the bartender picked up the glass, gasping as he dropped the too cold piece of glass. He bent, grabbing one of the shards on the ground. There, on the surface of the glass, was the perfect outline of two of her fingers.

In solid ice.


"New transfer student to see you, sir." The secretary left the door to the provost's office wide open and he waved in the person sitting on the bench outside. Quietly she entered, removing her black hood.

"Good morning."

"Morning, sir." She replied politely.

"All the way from Michigan, I see."

"Yes sir."

"A good transcript. You should be a beneficial asset to Spenser."

"Thank you sir."

"You'll find your room arrangements at the desk with Ms. Pennelle, you can grab those on the way out." Provost Higgins folded his hands on his desk and smiled at the girl across from him. "Now, may I ask what brings you here?"

"I didn't quite agree with the last place I was, sir." A coy smile touched her lips and the provost felt his stomach drop.

"Ah. How so?"

"Climate issues, sir." Another glacial smile.

"I see." Provost Higgins opened the folder on his desk and tried to steady his heartbeat. "Well, Miss Griffin, I hope you find Spenser to be more than acceptable."

"I'm sure I will, sir."

"I'll have Ms. Pennelle call one of the students out of class and show you around."

"That won't be necessary, sir." The girl stood up abruptly. "I think I can manage." The provost opened his mouth, ready to argue, but one look from those frigid green eyes made him decide otherwise. He closed her folder, sliding it across the desk to her.

"Very well, Catherina." Her face tightened at the sound of her own name and she snatched the folder, spinning on her heel and exiting the office quickly.

It was only after Provost Higgins heard the slam of the double doors of the main office that he dared to breathe again.


So. Review if it pleases you.