"I can't believe we're already on Winter break. I swear I feel like I just got back to school." Nicole stood with her back against the red lockers holding her potions book in her arms. Laughter and chatter filled the hallways as students gathered their things and prepared for their overdue vacation.
"Do you know what you're going to do over the break?" The girl next to Nicole asked. Jane was rummaging through her locker and packing her bag full of winter break assignments.
"Not really. My mom was saying something about visiting my grandmother in London, but she says that every year and we never go." The two girls began walking down the long hallway together.
"I thought you liked your grandmother."
"I do! I love when my grandma comes to visit, I just don't like visiting her. London is just so, I don't know, different from Salem. It's weird. Like no joke, it's like they speak a completely different language over there, and just call it English to throw people off." Both girls laughed.
All of a sudden, a pair of hands covered Nicole's eyes. The person pulled Nicole to his chest and nibbled on her ear. A chill went down Nicole's spine. It could only be one person.
Nicole turned herself around and stared into the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen. The rest of him was quite attractive to look at as well: His well-toned body, shoulder length jet-black hair, and perfect pale skin. He was the most desired kid in all of Salem Institute.
"You know. You could just say hi like a normal person, Edward," Nicole teased with a smile on her face, to which Edward returned.
"My hellos are much more entertaining." Nicole just shook her head. She acknowledged the other two boys, Mike and Jack that were with Edward.
"We have a surprise for you and Jane. Actually it's kind of for everyone but we especially thought of you two when we came up with it," Jack said.
"What is it?" Jane said excitedly. Edward and the two other boys all took out their wands and pointed at the ceiling at different spots. Leaves started to sprout from the ceiling followed by white berries. Mistletoe hung from the ceiling all throughout the main hallway where most of the student body was gathered. Boys began to hoot and tried to steal their kisses as girls stood amazed at the sight.
"And now for the grand finale." The boys once again pointed their wands to the ceiling and cast the Atmospheric Charm, which turned the entire hallway into a winter wonderland. Snowflakes fell from the mistletoe and soon began to cover the floor in a thick white blanket. Nicole and Jane both just smiled at the spectacle around them. Everyone was so happy.
People had their tongues out trying to catch snowflakes before they fell. Couples were kissing and twirling in the white mist. Others were already collecting snow from the ground preparing themselves for the ultimate snowball fight that was sure to come. Edward walked over to where Nicole stood. He put his arm around her and pulled her into a hug.
"So how I do?" He asked. Nicole wrinkled up her face.
"It's all right. A little cold. I'd give it a B-" Edward laughed and smiled giving Nicole a glimpse of the fangs that he constantly tried to hide. Not many people saw that side of Edward, and she always counted herself grateful that he opened up to her the way he did.
She could still remember the day they met, how scared he had been the first day of school back in '71. Being both a wizard and a vampire, Edward had never really fit into any one category or another and thought that Salem was going to be no different. Now, two years later, he was one of the most popular people in school with a close group of friends that loved him no matter what.
Edward has come such a long way. But then again, we all have. We've all grown so much, been through so much together. I can't imagine my life without them. Nicole thought looking at her friends.
"Hey look," Edward said snapping Nicole from her thoughts. He was gesturing to a part of the ceiling that was right above them and covered with mistletoe. He looked back at Nicole and wagged his eyebrows. Nicole laughed and gave Edward a peck on the lips.
"Let's go get some hot chocolate." Nicole said. All five friends walked out of the school together leaving behind scenery of love and happiness and stepping out into a world where everything was about to fall apart….