Hey! Updating early because I just learned a disturbing fact. THIS IS THE LAST WEEK OF HOUSE OF ANUBIS! Did anybody else think that it went by kind of quick? Anyways there was one review that really stood out to me (anonymous, sadly) but it is in regards to the previous chapter, and I guess sort of this one too.

The 'sexist' review I'm a little shocked by. I do realize that guys never really marry for that reason. I wasn't even talking about marriage. I was talking about teenagers dating, where we can be a little... shallow in some cases due to peer pressure and media advertisements telling us what to look for in women AND men too.

Sorry If I offended

Anyways...

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Chapter 10 The Poison in all Hearts

Fabian's P.O.V.

I didn't know what to think. Nina was gorgeous, more than gorgeous! I wanted to be with her, I wanted a part of that!

But at the same time I felt betrayed.

Nina had changed, and in a way I didn't like. Sure she was amazing looking and everything, but it also felt as though she sold herself out. I missed the other Nina, the one who didn't have to show off skin to look fantastic. The Nina who didn't put on huge amounts of makeup. The Old Nina.

The Nina I loved.

I began to look at her in hidden disgust. 'She's sunken this low? I can't believe it!'

Joy's P.O.V.

'She looks incredible, why would Patricia help her?' I thought. I'm pretty sure Fabian's and mines hands were white from the pressure I was putting on it, but he didn't seem to be paying attention which was also concerning. 'One thing at a time Joy! Deal with Nina first, then Fabian, and then Patricia. Nobody stabs me in the back like this!'

With that thought in mind, a plan came to my mind. I saw one of my friends on the outside of the group of boys surrounding Nina and signaled her. She came over quickly, and I whispered my plan into her ear. She quickly disappeared back into the crowd and melted into the party. Satisfied that my plan for Nina was in play, I turned my focus to Fabian only to find he was in conversation with Nina.

I was angry, until I heard the tone Fabian was speaking in, which made me smile. Fabian had just helped out my plan.

Fabian's P.O.V.

Nina was coming my way, smiling seductively. All the guys made a path for her, many starring and whistling rudely. I tried to ignore them and focused on Nina.

She came up to me, got close to my face and whispered softly "Hello Fabes, enjoying the party, yet?" I brushed her away with my hand and backed up a little bit.

"Nina, what are you wearing? What happened to your other clothes?" I asked, trying to keep my anger under control. Nina didn't seem to notice the change in tone and continued swaying back in work, licking her lips softly.

"Does it matter? They were just so uncomfortable, I thought I would change into something a little less hot." She winked at me and leaned closer. I couldn't believe this, what the heck happened to Nina? I had a strange feeling that Patricia had something to do with this, as she had that dumb look on her face that screamed 'I did this, love her for me Fabian!'.

I couldn't love Nina though, not this Nina at least.

"Nina, just stop ok! Just stop!" I said, pushing her back a little. I stepped back too, realizing it was into Joy. I felt Joy ready to embrace me, but right now I wasn't in the mood to hug anybody so I moved away from her too. "What's happened to you? What's going on?"

"Nothing's going on Fabian! I just thought I'd get changed into something more comfortable and sexy!"

"These clothes are from Amber's wardrobe! And even she isn't shallow enough to wear them!" I practically shouted. The second I said that I regretted it as I saw my words hit home with Nina. Her eyes changed along with her posture, becoming more humble and nervous. Joy's grasp seemed to loosen on my hand, I never realized how hard it was until she let go.

"Excuse me?" Nina said, although her tone wasn't exactly offended, more accepting really. She seemed to know that what she was doing was out of character, just confirming my belief that Patricia had led her to this. However, I didn't feel like backing down.

"You heard me! Look at yourself! This isn't Nina! The Nina I know wouldn't be caught dead wearing this, looking like she was working at a bar. That's not the Nina I lo-" I stopped quickly, my heart racing and my face turning red. I felt Joy's grasp tighten again and Patricia was smiling even wider. Nina just stared.

"What?" she asked, expectantly.

"Nothing Nina, just nothing." I said in defeat. "Look I can't be around you right now, ok? Just please, keep away from me for now, alright?" My grip with Joy's hand tightened, however it was my hand that was grabbing her's harder. Nina saw and looked crestfallen, even Patricia looked shocked. Joy smiled and led me away from Nina, offering comforting words for my heart mind. The other guys around Nina just fell in on her, ignoring what just happened, but she didn't pay them much attention. She just kept starring at me.

Nina's P.O.V.

I knew that this was a mistake. I knew it was a mistake to change myself, to think that Fabian was a guy who desired "skin" and "sexy attitudes". I'm such an idiot!

Some of the other guys were coming up to me, giving lame pick up lines. Patricia came and shooed them away, some more forcefully then other.

My body was burning, part from embarrassment, part from rage, and part from fear of crying. I felt like poison had just entered my heart and there was no antidote for it.

I exited the crowd, moving deeper into the party. People where looking at me but that look of love and desire I got from the boys at the house had disappeared to judgment and disdain. I could hear them whisper words I dare not repeat. Defeated, I sat down, expecting Mara to be at her same place. I found it empty and after looking around I saw Mara dancing with Jerome, singing along to the lyrics of the playing song with him.

I was done. Fabian had no respect for me, no love for me. I had done something stupid and had made a complete fool of myself. I wanted to cry, but no tears came. My mind began to wonder and I remembered something that was offered a couple weeks ago, but never truly considered it until recently.

Flashback:

Exams were finally over and the teachers had called a meeting to go over some last minute information for the remainder of the year. Usually I pay attention to this stuff, but I was busy talking to Fabian, only one part really got my attention since it was addressed to the international students.

"Since all of your exams are over and we teachers don't have much else for you this year," Mrs. Andrews said, "We have decided that if you are a international student than two weeks before school ends you may leave early. I don't think many of you will as there are many activities going on during these weeks, but the option is there. Please contact Mr. Sweet if you are interested."

I laughed and continued talking with Fabian "Why would I ever want to leave?" I thought.

Nina's P.O.V.

I laughed now at the irony. I had a ton of reasons now; all that remained to think about was if I really wanted to. Gran wouldn't mind, she'd be happy to see me again. Jokingly, she would complained over the phone that she was terribly lonely, but I could tell she truly was. And I wouldn't have to deal with Fabian and Joy's romance if I left. I leaned back in the chair and contemplated this.

I was very tempted to just leave, but then I remembered how Fabian had almost said something. 'Did he almost say love?' I thought to myself excited. It wasn't much but I was going with it. There was still hope, I just couldn't make a fool out of myself for the rest of the night. With an antidote in sight, I felt better.

Hope had returned.

Four Chapters Left + Epilogue!

Next Chapter: The Turning Tables

Update hopefully tomorrow (don't count on it though) or Thursday.

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