(Edit: May 11, 2013)

Chapter 10

"So, what are we supposed to be doing?" Izzy asked when we got to the cafeteria.

"I'm not qualified to answer that question." I said.

Izzy rolled her eyes. "Well, get qualified! Is this even important?!"

"Jeez, Izzy chill." Bridgette said. "You don't want to strain yourself on your birthday."

Izzy was turning exactly 17 today. For some reason, she wasn't particularly happy about her party. When I had asked her why, she had simply said: "You know how many of the people in my family want to see me suffer? Mostly all of them!"

"Then why do you have their numbers?" I asked.

"I forgot to delete them earlier! I'm doomed!"

And now, Izzy was stuck in a state of irritation, jumping into defense mode every time someone came near her, which was a lot given that they had all came to wish her a good birthday.

"We're supposed to be meeting up with Blaineley in the back room. It's for something important." Bridgette said whispering.

"I'm sure it could've waited until tomorrow; I might be in a better mood then." Izzy said sighing. "Oh well, let's just get this over with."

A few moments later, we arrived at the door of Blaineley's office.

"What took you girls so long?" Blaineley asked.

"We're only a couple of minutes late, it's not that bad." Bridgette said walking into the room.

The room had white walls with tons of certificates, degrees and awards. There was also a gold chandelier hanging from the ceiling. A bookshelf was in the corner of the room, behind what I assumed was Blaineley's desk. The carpet was nice and soft, not a piece of lint in sight. In the middle of the room was a brown leather couch, surrounded with more chairs and a coffee table. In the chairs was a purple haired girl and Gwen, who looked bored out of her mind. Bridgette sat down next to her. Me and Izzy sat in the remaining chairs. Blaineley balanced herself on the desktop.

"Well, now that everyone is here, we can get started." Blaineley said. "I have called you here today for an important announcement." She started passing around flyers.

"The school defense team?" Bridgette read aloud. "I thought the General sent in troops to do that."

"His majesty ordered for them to withdraw yesterday." Blaineley said shaking her head. "They'll be back next year around the same time. But until then, we need someone to protect the school. You guys are the first choice."

"You see," Blaineley started. "You girls have some of the most powerful abilities in the school, and with Sierra's position in the school newspaper, she can inform the school on what's going on while I'm away."

"Away?" I asked. "Where are you going?"

"I'll be going to the Capitol to make an appearance in the Royal Court this afternoon, then I am going on a trip to the human world for a vacation. I won't be back for 5 weeks so-"

"So, you're leaving ME in charge for 5 weeks? Unbelievable!" The purple haired girl, presumably Sierra, squealed. Heather rolled her eyes and raised her hand.

"Excuse me, but shouldn't I be in charge?" Heather asked batting her long lashes. "I mean- it's only fit. I am the next heir to the throne, after all."

"I've been observing Sierra's work and it seems like she gets along better with the student body. I wouldn't want any revolts against the administration while I'm away." Blaineley said. She turned back to Sierra. "Now, remember to get the last of the student registration forms done by next weekend. They're in the top drawer of my desk. Oh, and remember to cancel my meeting with the Viceroy!"

Izzy, Sierra, Bridgette, Gwen, Heather and I exited the room.

"Well, that was pointless." Izzy said stretching, "So, what are we doing now?"

"We?" Heather said. "I'm not hanging around you losers any longer." She stormed down the hallway, muttering things that were inaudible.

"I have to start on this paperwork…" Sierra said quietly. That's odd, she didn't seem shy when she replied to Blaineley.

"You're not starting today," Gwen said. "You promised that you would help us set up for Izzy's party today."

"But, that was before-"

"No buts! A promise is a promise Sierra!" Bridgette pointed out. "Those papers will be there forever and Izzy's birthday only comes once a year."

"Alright, enough about this dumb party." Izzy said. "I want some cake."

"I knew I forgot to get something!" Bridgette said.

"Wait. It's a birthday party. You got games, music, and everyone in my contacts, but forgot to get my stinking CAKE?" Izzy yelled.

"Well if you weren't bothering me at the time I wouldn't of forgotten." Bridgette said crossing her arms. "Does anyone here know how to make cake?"

"I do." Sierra spoke up. "Chocolate!"

"Mmmm. Chocolate." Izzy muttered. "It has been decided Sierra shall make the cake!"

….

"This is absolutely delicious." I said to Sierra, licking the icing off of my fingers.

"Thanks," Sierra said, smiling. "It's my mother's recipe."

We were in the cafeteria's kitchen, making Izzy's extravagant birthday cake for the party, In the cafeteria, people were setting up tables and the guests were starting to arrive. Bridgette said was holding Izzy hostage our dorm so that she wouldn't see any of the decoration, but I really think she's doing that so Izzy wouldn't run off. Of course, Izzy still disagreed with the whole idea of a party.

The kitchen door creaked open.

"Why is she making the cake?" A familiar voice said. I looked around to see Heather, who stood with her hands on her hips.

There goes my peace and quiet. I thought sighing. "Heather, why are you here?"

"I came to see if this little 'party' you're throwing is actually worth my time," Heather said. "But since Sierra is cooking, I'll be leaving soon."

"It's not your choice whether she cooks or not, so I guess you are leaving," I reply, pointing to the door. "Goodbye."

"So, I guess you don't mind arsenic, huh?" Heather said.

"Now what are you going on about?"

"Her mom tried to poison me and my family!" Heather said, glaring at Sierra. "I thought it was pretty obvious, especially since you can see the criminal look in her eyes. Her family is just full of crazies!"

Sierra grunted in the background.

"Heather, is there any reason you're so mean all of the time?" I asked her. "Didn't get the puppy you wanted for Christmas?"

"…Excuse me?"

"Are you really that spoiled! You hurt peoples feelings to feel better about yourself, is that it?"

"Don't pretend to be a psychiatrist Courtney!" Heather snapped, heading towards the door. "I'm not like your human friends at home! Oh right, they left just like just like your par-"

"Hey!" I said. "Come back here!" I said angrily.

Heather straightened her back, and quickly came back over to me.

"Now, apologize to Sierra." I said.

Heather scoffed. "You're kidding right?"

"Just apologize!" I said.

Heather got a glazed look in her eyes and smiled. "Yes, your Majesty." She said bowing. She walked over to Sierra and said, "I apologize for making you feel uncomfortable. Please forgive me Sierra."

"Um, it's okay." Sierra said looking at her. The latter looked up and smiled. She backed away, and the glazed look left as soon as it came.

"What the-? What did you do to me!" Heather said, returning to her normal state. "Just wait until I tell my father about this! I'll have both of you expelled! You bitc-"

"Heather, do not say another word." I say. Heather rolled her eyes and walked out of the kitchen.

"Woah," Sierra said, amazed. "How'd you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Did you see her face when she told you to apologize that second time?" Sierra said, amazed. "It was like she was being controlled or something. Thanks for sticking up for me!"

"No problem." I said, smiling.

Little did I now, this was the start of a new era.