I don't own the characters belonging to the movie The Covenant, but I do own, Vivian Salter, Vincent Salter, Dominic Colson, and Grayson Howard as well as their parents.
Chapter 7 – Morning Run
My alarm went off at 7 the next morning. Funny thing is, I actually did dream about Dominic that night, though I would never admit it to him, but it wasn't just him. Grayson and Vincent where in my dream too but it was weird. It was like I was chasing after them. As soon as I close, they would speed up and I would get further away.
I shook my head. I needed to run. I changed into blue sports bra, tank top, and black running shorts. I tapped Kate after brushing my teeth and hair and asked her if she wanted to run too, but she barely opened her mouth to say "Bite me" and rolled back over to go back to sleep. I took a quick peek at school map I got at orientation yesterday before grabbing my iPod and set out for my run.
There was a path that went around the school's perimeter. Judging by the distance I figured it would take me about an hour to get back. I looked down at my iPod to see the time. 7:45am. Perfect! Back in time to catch breakfast at 9. I didn't want anything super heavy so early in the morning so I put on my Indie mix and set out on the trail.
The weather was beautiful. Nice and crisp. Autumn would be setting in soon and the leaves would be vibrant with color. Running helped clear my head. I got lost in the music and the scenery but I was almost done when I felt it.
There was a feeling like I was being watched or followed. I took a quick glance behind me and I didn't see anything but I couldn't shake the feeling. I started running just a little bit faster. I was coming out of the woods and could see the school ahead. This made me feel a little better, but I looked behind me one more time just in case. That's when I fell. I fell because I ran right into something or should I say someone.
"OW!" I yelled as a fell back landing on my ass and scraping my hands in the process. I looked and finally saw who I ran into. Chase Collins. I ripped my earbuds out and asked, "What are you doing out here?"
"Running same as you and thanks for the concern after knocking me over like a bulldozer" he snapped at me. "Didn't you see me waving at you?" He stood up and reached out the help me up.
I gave him a dirty look, but didn't grab his hand.
"I promise you I don't bite. Well not too hard." He chuckled.
Hesitantly I placed my hand in his. Nothing. No warm feeling. No electric shock. Just a hand. I exhaled has he pulled me up. "Thanks" I said, "And sorry for knocking you down. I, um, thought I heard something behind me and it kind of startled me. I think it might have been a raccoon or something" I lied.
He laughed, "You don't seem the type to be scared of a raccoon."
I bit my lip and thought quickly on the spot, "Raccoons can be scary. They could be rabid and I really don't want to start the year off diseased."
He looked down at his watch, "Breakfast is about to be served. Do you want to grab a bite?"
I threw his another dirty look, "First Avery, then Kate, and now your flirting with me? I think I'll pass. I have no interest becoming another notch on your belt."
He put his hand on my shoulder, "Whoa! You've got me pegged all wrong. First of all, Avery grabbed me. I was just being nice while she introduced me to people. I'm new here too ya know. Second, while you're incredibly hot, I don't know, I just get this brother – sister kinda vibe from you. Lastly, I do like Kate so if you want to put in a good word for me I would appreciate it."
I looked down in shame. I had been really judgmental just because this guy shocked me, but I had never felt anything like that before. I looked back up and got a sudden feeling of competiveness, "I'll have breakfast with you if you can beat me!" With that I took off running towards the dining hall.
We both hit the steps at exactly the same time. He panted, "Damn! You're fast for…"
I glared at him, "You better not finish that statement with for a girl."
He caught his breath, "Fine! You're fast period. Now I'm starved. Let's eat."
We went inside and grabbed some food. Kate and Sarah were sitting at a table that a few seats open so we sat down with them.
Kate pointed her fork at me and laughed, "Unless you have a death wish, never wake me up unless I'm late or you have a cup of coffee in your hand!"
Sarah laughed, "I made that mistake once last year and got hit with a pillow! Consider yourself lucky to be alive Vivan."
"Just as a heads up, you can call me Viv or Vivi. I always feel like I'm in trouble or an adult is talking to me when they say Vivian." I told them. "So what's on the agenda today?"
Sarah looked down at her phone, "Well it's our last weekend of freedom before the semester starts so we could go spend the day in town. Show the newbies the grand town of Ipswich. I gotta grab a few things from the store. Maybe we could do dinner and a movie?"
"Sounds good to me" said Chase. "Anything to get away from my roommate!"
Kate asked, "Who'd you get?"
"Some douche bag named Aaron Abbott. From the minute I walked in he's been a real tool. Do ya know him?" asked Chase.
Sarah rolled her eyes, "Unfortunately I made the mistake of dating him my freshman year. I don't blame you for wanting to get away."
We all finished up with breakfast and agreed to meet up at around noon at my car to head into town.
Kate already had a shower so I headed down the hall to freshen up. Not too many girls where in there, but the water pressure was good and there was still hot water which is always a plus.
When I got back to the room, Kate was sitting on her bed with her arms crossed. Her eyes were red.
"Hey! You okay?" I asked.
She sniffed, "Is it that obvious?"
"No," I replied, "I'm just really good at reading people. What's wrong?"
Kate got up and started fixing her makeup, "It's nothing really. Pogue never texted me last night to let me know he made it back ok, and then I went to his room and banged on the door, but nothing. And then, I tried calling him, but it keeps going to voicemail. I hate when he does stuff like this. Lord knows if he couldn't get a hold of me, WWIII would break out."
I finished getting dressing, "I'm pretty sure he's fine. Let's just go enjoy this last day. By the way, is Chapel mandatory tomorrow? I forgot to ask Psycho Barbie at registration yesterday."
Kate laughed, "I needed that laugh, but no, chapel tomorrow isn't required, but it will be every weekend after this and by the sound of it, you met Kira."
"Is she always like that?" I asked as I braided my hair.
"Oh not at all! You know that expression wolf in sheep's clothing? That's Kira to a tee! I'm headed over to Sarah's room for a while. I'll meet you at the car ok?" she said as she walked out the door.
I looked at the clock. I had about 45 minutes. I closed the door and locked it. I grabbed my cell and called Vincent. I knew he would be waiting for a progress report.
"What up sis? How goes the hallowed halls of Spenser Academy?" he asked.
"Ha Ha! Very funny! School's alright but I'll let you know for sure at the end of my first week. My roommate is chill but, um, he's kinda seeing Pogue Parry." I waited for the fury from Vince.
He didn't speak at first, but I could hear him breathing deeply, "I'm gonna put you on speaker. Mom, Dad, and Dom are here, but I'll have to 3-way Grayson. Hold on"
After a minute, Vince came back on the line, "Viv, we're all here. So fill us in from where mom left to now."
I cleared my throat and explained first explained about the warmth I felt coming into Ipswich, and then about going to the Dells and meeting the Sons of Ipswich. I told them about the weird shock I got from Chase Collins and how I ran into him today.
It was my dad Matthew who spoke first, "Vivian, I remember my grandfather telling me a story once about the first time he went to Andover when he was 13. He spoke of a warmth similar to that. I believe it has to do something with the location. Like Mother Earth recognizing our return to the land of our forefathers where we bound our Covenant. Be careful because if you felt this, the Sons of Ipswich probably felt it as well, but the shock you felt, I've never heard of it before. Dominic, would you please double check the both Books to see if there is a note about anything like that. Also cross reference the last name Collins. I don't believe I've heard of it before in our lines, but maybe in another Covenant."
Grayson spoke next, "Hey Dom, make sure we just check our records. Reaching out to any other Covenant right now may raise suspicion."
Dominic's dad, David Colson, added "Vivian, be slow on getting to know the Sons of Ipswich until we know more. Please call at any time if you need anything from any of us."
I heard the concern in Mr. Colson's voice. I really didn't realize how much me being here effected everyone. I sort of felt guilty. I looked at the time, "Alright everyone. I miss and love you all. I've gotta get going. I'll call back as soon I know anything else."
Everyone said bye, so I hung up the phone, grabbed my keys, and walked out the door.
