AN: So I know this is a month overdue. I won't bore you with the details as to why. But do know that I plan to make up for it by releasing two chapters by this time next month. I hope you all enjoy!
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Deadly Affection – Reimagined
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of it's characters. I just play around with them.
Chapter 6: First Day
Bella PoV
The window wasn't open, and I wasn't feeling famished as I woke up, so I guess absorbing a lot of energy could help with the nightly escapades. I let my power wash over me, finding it a lot easier than usual. My extrasensory vision spread far outside the house, and quite a distance into the forest. There was no indication of anyone special in the area, at least for as far as I could tell. Someone could be lurking further into the forest, but then they would not have good view of the house.
Charlie was out of the house by the time I woke up again. I hadn't set the clock the last few days, seeing as I had some time off, but that would have to change. Even the thought of coming late to class the first day made me queasy. I could see the neighbors down the street were having breakfast, so it that late in the morning. My phone confirmed it, showing it was only nine forty-five. No missed calls or texts.
Feeling the additional strength out, I moved gently out of the bed. The movement felt as easy as floating in water. Looking down at my body, I noticed the muscle increase was a lot more prominent today. The wood of the floor creaked with each step as I went into the bathroom. My reflection smiled back at me, as I checked myself out.
I had never been particularly fit, being somewhat of a slouch in the training department. Other than the morning runs I used to take back in Arizona, I didn't really do much of the sort. I had always just sort of maintained my figure, with some selective eating. Be this curse, or gift, I sort of liked the added benefits. I liked what I saw in the mirror. I may be a freak, but that was neither here nor there.
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Sweat ran down my face from exertion, as I was back out in my little training ground in the forest. I was standing in the buff, my clothes neatly folded over on a rock. Even my boots. Smashing rocks was a lot more fun with a full cloak on, as instead of breaking, they kind of exploded instead. It did enlighten me with some new information though. It seemed even through my cloak I was not invulnerable, as some of the bigger, faster moving, shards of rock had managed to nick my skin a few times.
It had healed almost instantly, but the shock the first time had surprised me. A chill ran down my spine as I realized I wasn't as indestructible as I first thought. What that would mean for whatever supernatural entities I might encounter, I didn't know. But I knew I would have put away my batshit crazy idea of fighting a bear I had in the back of my mind, on hold indefinitely.
Letting the cloak fade, I walked over to one of the smaller trees, intending to do a different kind of training this time. I just hoped it was actually possible. Placing my right hand gently against the tree, I felt out the amount of energy the tree contained. It was a lot more than I knew I could safely absorb, and I wasn't nowhere near the drained state I had been yesterday.
If I was going to leave broken trees everywhere, that would draw attention eventually. Supernatural or otherwise. So I need to be able to stop this, before having to smash the poor things for my own safety. That or I would have to somehow work up my reserves to the point where I could drain a whole tree without pain. Could have that as a long-term goal, though that might also create a problem. A bunch of rotting dead trees everywhere would be almost as suspicious as broken ones.
With a long exhale, I calmed my mind. Focusing only on the task at hand. Draining some energy, then stopping. I felt nervous, sensing the well of energy in the palm of my hand. I really hope this works.
A cautious whisper in my mind initiated the transfer, as my arm felt a warm stream, soothing like water, being channeled into me. The sensation was intoxicating. It was like the colors of the forest shone out at me. As if the snow wasn't even there. I could see all the colors in my mind, clear as day.
It was so much more intense now than I could remember. I felt pure glee. It felt so right.
A nagging thought in the back of my mind drew my attention away from the revelry. I had a task set before me. No matter how great this felt, I had to stop it. A part of me didn't want to. It never wanted to stop feeling this rush. And it scared me.
With an outcry of anger, I ripped my hand off of the tree. And for a short moment I thought I had done it. But the warmth streaming into my hand didn't stop. The air shimmered ever so slightly between my hand and the tree, like heat of the tarmac a hot summer day. I could see that the stream of energy being drained hadn't stopped, only slowed slightly.
Several more steps backwards, and the stream didn't subside in the slightest. The cloak had emerged sometime earlier, and now it was growing bigger again. I needed to stop this.Immediately.
All my powers had so far had reacted to my thoughts, so I tried to command it in my mind. Stop!
The stream wavered, but only for the fraction of a moment. I could feel my body reaching the limit of how much energy it could hold quickly, and a flash of panic ran through me.
My left hand flew in front of my right in an attempt to stop the stream physically, only to hit air. Yet the cloak gripped something. My actual hand felt strange. I didn't feel anything, yet I could feel a force flowing through it. As if the air was denser, and flowing in the direction of my hand.
I gripped tight down on the air, trying to choke it out. The tighter I squeezed, the harder it became. Like trying to stop water leaking out of a broken pipe. The more pressure I applied, the more force it would flow past my fingers with.
But the stream had slowed. It gave me confidence. Focusing every ounce of strength in my hand, I brought it all to bear down on the stream in my clutches. The snow beneath me hissed, and the dirt parted as the feet of my cloak dug into the earth in exertion.
I could feel my skin stretch, as the muscles beneath my skin grew bigger. The energy I was draining was being pushed into my left arm, forcing the muscles to bulge obscenely. I cried out as I felt a bone break in my forearm, but gritted through it, gripping even tighter.
And finally my grip closed down completely, stopping the stream of energy. But it didn't retreat. Like a hose being bent to stop the flow of water, it still pushed against my closed fist.
My mind flashed back to yesterday. How I had sent a pulse of energy from my palm that ended up destroying the tree. When I had shouted pure energy at it that disrupted the stream of energy. Granted, said tree had disintegrated, but maybe I could instead try to stop the flow by pushing back it back into the tree.
My left had was quickly going numb from the pain and effort I was exerting, and I decided to give this wacko idea a shot. If it failed, I could just blow the tree up again. So I released my death-grip on the funnel of energy in my hand as carefully as I could, wincing as my muscles relaxed, moving the broken bone.
The stream resumed as soon as I did so, and soon after I could feel the strain. I exhaled, focusing my mind on the palm of my right hand, imagining a wall. Almost instantly the flow of energy started slowing down. The burning of my broken arm healing threatened to steal my focus, but I willed myself to ignore it.
Finally I stopped absorbing any of the energy, it being stopped completely in my palm. The pressure also seemed to have lessened, though not by much. I closed my eyes, telling the wall to push back carefully. I couldn't stop a grin as I saw it work, but it broke my concentration enough for the snap of my bone realigning to make me loose focus all together. In my panic I instinctually pushed forwards with more force, sending the 'wall' smashing into the tree.
The impact released a shower of splinters, but as the debris cleared I could see there was only superficial damage. Some of yellowish wood beneath the bark was visible, but the cold lack of energy was not present. The tree would heal itself, eventually. Probably. Hopefully?
''Fuck yeah!'' I shouted as loud as I could, jumping for joy. Smacking my head in the branches above me as I jumped way too high, stopped my revelry short. The cloak saved me from hurting myself, but it snapped back into the forefront of my mind, the need for secrecy.
Spreading my awareness as far as I could in this state, being several times further than normal, I found nothing but the usual critters of the forest. Some two hundred meters north I saw a few deer looking in my general direction. Perhaps they had heard me shout. But there was nothing supernatural around.
I walked back to my stuff, calming my mind and pushing the cloak back into my body. My skin felt stretched from the amount of energy I had absorbed, but hopefully it would keep me topped of for tomorrow. I had stuff to get done.
The trek back to the house was starting to feel familiar already, even though I had only gone up here twice. Perhaps whatever this curse is alters how I think as well. I pay it no mind, putting in my earbuds and started listening to Imogen Heap, clear the area. I note the time as being barely past noon, though it feels like I've been out here for hours.
Trudging back towards the house, I skip along with the beat. The snow flies everywhere as I more or less dance my way there. I don't know if my temperature is higher now, or if it's just that I don't feel the cold as much, but the snow melted quickly, making my clothes wet. When I got back to the house, I rushed up to my room and changed into a dry set of clothes. Then I went back down to the living room.
Clicking through the channels on the TV, my mind wanders. I'd be starting in a new school in two days. In a town where everyone probably knew each other from kindergarten. The prospect seemed a little daunting, but there was no coming around it. Part of me wished I had asked my dad for another week, but logically I knew that would be just as bad.
I started feeling chilly just sitting there in the living room, so I decided to get some wood to start the fireplace up. It wasn't actually necessary with all the electrical heating in the house, but I always loved the sound of crackling wood.
Not long after I sank back into the couch, feeling the heat beat against my skin. A mix of the heat and sound of the fire, and the background noise of the TV soon had me dozing off.
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The crack of the door hitting the wall startled me awake, and I was on my feet with power coursing through me before he even got through the door. He was leaning backwards, having opened the door with his shoe of all thing. In his hands were two large paper bags filled to the brim in front of his face. Realizing I don't have my shades around, I quickly closed my eyes, slumping back into the couch with a loud sigh.
''Shit!'' Charlie whispers to himself, placing his foot back down and coming inside.
''You nearly scared the shit out of me, dad!'' I yell at him, having sat back down and let the power recede again. He looks sheepishly back at me from behind the bags, muttering an apology. He barges into the kitchen, and having left the door open, I walk over and close it for him. The sun was down, but there was still some light out. I must have slept for hours. I could certainly feel a kink in my neck courtesy of the couch.
''Got a lot of fish fry from ol' Harry Clearwater. Remember him?'' Charlie asked as he piled the freezer full of the stuff. Guess what's for dinner. I turned around and looked at the fireplace. The fire had died out, but the embers still glowed behind the glass.
''Yeah, the old guy you used to go fishing with all the time, down at the rez, right?'' He had always been kind as far as I could remember. And he had a kid I played with once I think. ''He's gotta be what, late fifties?'' I jest, knowing how Charlie felt about getting old.
''He's not that old.'' Charlie said begrudgingly, taking the bait hook, line and sinker. I couldn't stop a small smile from forming.
''Wasn't he talking of retirement ten years ago?'' The blush I had inherited from him spread across his face, before huffing indignantly. A chuckle escaped me, which quickly turned into laughter.
''He's barely a few years older than me, kid. Don't knock wisdom.'' He can see me about to laugh as it dawns on him. ''Oh I see how it is. Just remember. I'm a cop.'' He half threatened with a smile tugging at his lips. I only laughed harder.
Charlie walked past me towards the window, looking out to the street like he was expecting someone. ''Expecting company?'' I asked him, looking out the window with him.
''Yeah, we're having Billy and his kid Jacob over for dinner and to watch the game. Should have been here by now.'' Charlie responded, still looking down the street. His furrowed brows relaxed, as he spotted them down the road. A huge red truck roared it's way up the street.
''What, trying to hook me up with boys before I've even started school?'' I jest, crossing my arms in front of me, trying to look appalled.
''I thought you liked Jacob?'' Charlie joked back, wiggling his eyebrows.
''I was a kid. He ate mud!'' I exclaimed with feigned disgust. He was a few years younger than me. I could still remember that day though. Those were happier times.
''So did you, if memory serves.'' Dad laughed back, and I quickly joined him. I could feel the blush heating up my face. ''Anyway, me and Billy's going to be watching the game. You and Jacob could probably kill a few hours, right?''
''Yeah, It would be nice to catch up. Hey, does he go Forks high?'' I ask as we walk over to the front door. As we exit I see Jacob getting a wheelchair set up for Billy, which surprised me enough to slow down. Then again it's been like ten years since I met the man.
''No, they have a school down at the reservation he goes to I think. All the kids down there goes to the same school'' I could hear some dissatisfaction in his voice, but he didn't comment further. Charlie rushed over to say hello while I stayed back, taking in the scene.
Jacob had grown a lot in that time. I could still see some baby fat in his face, and the barest hints of facial hair starting to appear on his lip. He was probably going to end up looking quite handsome in a few years.
Billy on the other hand had seen better times. His hair was still pitch black, not a gray hair in sight. But his face seemed vapid. Tired. Recalling back to one of the summers I spent with dad, I remember him telling me Billy lost his wife in a car crash. And I can't remember us ever going back down to the rez any summers after that.
Having greeted them both, Charlie leaned up against the car. Turning towards me and opening his mouth to speak, I turned my attention to him fully. ''So. What do you think?'' He asked, a smile gracing his lips. They all looked to me, waiting for my reaction, but I couldn't figure out what for.
''About what?'' I asked confused. Jacob chuckled as soon as I spoke, and even Billy grew a smile. I was just about to feel like the butt of a joke, when Charlie spoke again.
''About the truck.'' His smile grew even wider at my shocked expression. Was he suggesting what I thought he was? No way.
''You not... No. Seriously? Noooo...'' This would make things so much easier for me. Like finding somewhere to train that wasn't a ten minute hike behind my house. Anyone who found that mess could come over asking questions. Of some unfriendly supernaturals could... I balked at the thought. I really need to clean that mess up. To be safe.
''Just bought it off of Billy here. Think of it as a coming-home present.'' Dad chortled, smiling from ear to ear from my reaction.
''That's just... Too much!'' I half-screamed as I jumped at him in a hug, screaming thank you over and over into his shoulder. Seconds passed before I released him, looking behind him to the beast of a truck that would be mine shortly. It was an old red Chevy, made out of what looked to me like steel. It was big. Hopefully it would be hardy enough to deal with my curse.
''I overhauled the engine not too long ago, so it should run for another couple of years, at least.'' Jacob said enthusiastically, tossing me the keys and moving over to the passenger side. I snatch them clear out of the air, feeling everything slowing down slightly. I quickly center myself, letting go of the power in me, before hopping into the truck.
As I sit down in the seat, I adjust it and the rear view mirror to suit me. Charlie and Billy enters the house as Jacob gets into the passenger seat and turns to me.
''So ehh, the engine still makes a lot of noise. And you got to double-pump the clutch when you shift. But other than that, you ehh, should be good.'' He sounds a little nervous which kind of reminds me of monday morning.
''Okay, nice.'' I know that Jacob isn't Justin, but I still have to make an effort to force the comparison out of my head. Probably should kick this little fascination of his in the bud, while I still have the chance.
''So am I right to understand that you're mechanically gifted?'' I jested, trying to get him to relax. His shoulders drop as he noticeably gets more comfortable, having a subject he knows to talk about.
''You could say that. I'm even working on my own car, for when I get my license.'' A smug smile emerged on his face.
''Still the little dork I remember.'' Ruffling his long black hair into a mess had him shouting for me to stop.
''So you do remember me?'' His voice was a little quieter this time, like it pained him to remember. I could imagine why.
''Of course! How was I supposed to forget you eating mud?'' I joked, pushing his shoulder. Hopefully I could cheer him out of whatever funk he had gotten into.
''So did you! And you were older than me!'' He joked back, mood back up to chuckle levels. I pretended to look aghast.
''What, me? Why, I would never!'' I try to mimic Audrey's posh english accent, but fail horribly. I still get a laugh out of Jacob though. And I laugh with him, just enjoying the innocent moment of reminiscing.
''But seriously Jacob. You still remember that? You were what, four?'' I ask as the laughing dies down. I immediately regret it as I see his mood take a dip again. It's kind of sad to see how much he's clung to the memories of before... But I understand it. When the true extent of my own curse reveals itself, I will probably be the same. It was kind of bizarre, knowing I should logically be terrified and angry with what was going on with me, but somehow not reacting to it.
''Just Jake.'' He says quietly, looking at the dashboard.
''I'm sorry for your loss.'' He grunts in response. I can't figure out anything else to say on the matter. It was a long time ago, but it was obviously still affecting him. I feel kind of mad at myself for not being considerate enough to seek him out after I heard. We had been friends. I should have been there.
The atmosphere is stifling in the cab, so I do the only thing that comes to mind. Start the engine. I want to say it purred like a kitten, but my poor ears would beg to differ. It sounds like a tractor, even from the inside.
''So. What's the best place to get ice-cream at this time on a saturday?''
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Time flew by as me and Jake got to talking, him having opened up a lot more once he got some ice-cream. I swear, this stuff is like... human magics. Side thought, maybe some supernatural being came up with this stuff? Would not surprise me at all. Okay, maybe a little.
He told me about his friends and the shenanigans they got into at school. Part of me was impressed, hearing about the crazy pranks they pulled. Part of me was scared he would pull some on me. Hopefully my status as a cute, older girl will keep me safe.
We had gotten back home in time for dinner, dad and Billy already eating in front of the TV. They were hollering about failed plays and home-runs. Jake joined in, while I ate quietly with them. Fish fry so close after chocolate-chip-and-brownie ice-cream tasted weird, but not overall bad. It was fun watching the boys enraptured by the screen.
During the commercial break of the third inning, me and Jake went up to my room. We talked for over an hour about fun stuff we had gotten up to since the last time we had met. I even got around to telling him a heavily narrated version of my incident with Justin. He had laughed, gasped and gaped in quick succession when I told him about the damage I did to him. I could quite clearly see I earned a few extra notches in the respect department after that.
I had asked what his sisters were up to, which ended up being a sore subject. They had left shortly after their mother had died. They weren't able to cope with all the memories La Push held. Jake put on a brave face after that, changing the subject back to more fun topics.
After that little setback, were having so much fun we didn't realize the game had been done for quite some time, and Billy and Jake had to leave. And since I now own the car they arrived in, Charlie had to drive them back.
I was out like a light before he even made it home, being exhausted from the long day.
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I woke up nice and early, before the alarm had even gone off. I had set it to get back into the rhythm of waking up early, but the gnawing in my stomach had made that moot. The butterflies were here in force.
I realized with a groan that I had forgotten to pack any sort of school stuff, which included my bag and anything to write with or on. The cold sweat had me jump out of bed and into an early shower. I could still hear dad snoring in his room as I walked past it on the way back to my room. Getting dressed, I went downstairs with my laptop and set up in the living room.
First on the docket was a list of things I needed to get done in order to prepare for school tomorrow. Being such a small town, I didn't expect any of the stores to be open on a sunday. I hoped Charlie might have some writing supplies and a backpack lying around I could use, or else I might be boned.
I looked up the local outdoors store on the web, finding out they actually was open today, although they didn't have any school gear. It would be nice to get a nice warm winter jacket, if not just to keep up appearances.
They did have openings for a job though, which was another thing I would have to consider to sustain my awesome new car in the future. Hearing, and seeing dad starting to trundle around upstairs, I decided to head out for a short walk. It made me feel icky, not being able to give him proper privacy. Not that he knew, but still.
There was a chilly wind out today, and having forgotten the shades I didn't dare to boost up my tolerance supernaturally. It felt kind of good, knowing I could still be affected like this. Made me still feel kind of human. The sun was just about to rise behind the clouds, so it was getting brighter by the minute.
Walking up the hill along the road, I looked for somewhere to sit down and enjoy the view. There were no overlooks close by, but a little up the road I found a small clearing in the forest that made it possible to see for miles. Leaning up against a tree, I just stood there, taking in the sight. Small zooming blips of shadows in the sky told of birds already out looking for breakfast.
It made me feel really small, looking out at the vastness of the wilds that was near Forks. It calmed the butterflies enough for me to forget them all together.
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The cacophony that was my alarm scared the ever-living shit out of me. I had gone to sleep dreading waking up, and as such I didn't really sleep all that well. Dragging the shell that was me out of bed and into the bathroom was a chore, and every step felt like my legs would suddenly give out. Or that was just what I was hoping. Who knows.
Charlie was downstairs making breakfast. Frying something in the pan by the looks of it. I hope it's eggs and bacon. I could really go for eggs and bacon right about now. Getting back into my room, I dressed for the day, and got my borrowed backpack, then went down to the kitchen. I rounded the corner with a beaming smile aimed for Charlie, having smelled that he was in fact making eggs and bacon.
''Ready for the big day kiddo?'' Charlie asked, handing me a plate filled with food. The blank stare he got in return made him laugh. ''Guess not.'' He was already dressed for work, sans the belt.
''I slept so damn bad last night. I'm so going to make a fool out of myself somehow with how bloody tired I am.'' I huffed out as I sat down at the table. I was feeling really hungry today, not having gone out to train or drain anything yesterday. My window wasn't open though, so now I knew I could go a day without any nightly outings.
''You'll be fine Bells. You got this.'' Dad-mode was engaged, but I didn't mind. I needed a proper pep talk right about now. ''Just remember not to punch anyone on your first day.'' Or not.
''Ouch! Charlie, no fair!'' He only laughed at my outburst, much to my dismay. We ate mostly in silence, dad reading an old newspaper. I was foreseeing various scenarios happening at school, ranging from dreadful embarrassment to fuck-my-life levels of nope.
''Anything you need before I go?'' Charlie asked getting up from the chair. I wasn't really expecting much from the first day, other than taking notes and paying for lunch. And being socially awkward, but I had that down to a science.
''I'm good dad, everything is set. Have a nice day.'' With a nod, he went to get his belt and gun, then was out the door. I still had some time before I needed to leave. But at this point I was actually getting scared I might just ditch school if I didn't just jump into it now. And thus, I grabbed my black backpack, donned my new dark blue winter jacket, and was out the door.
The thundering roar of the engine kept me from thinking too much on the way too school. Reaching the parking lot, I found it nearly empty. Going with the safe option of not parking right next to the entrance, god forbid I piss off any of the 'popular' kids before I've even really started. The sputtering of the engine dying made room for reflection, which I promptly crushed by getting started. It would be about half an hour before classes started, but I had to get my schedule for the day first anyway, so off I was to find the receptionist.
Ms. Cope was a kind older woman with red hair that was in the later stages of turning gray. Her thick glasses and soft voice made me think of my grandmother. She preened herself on being responsible for my starting today, which at this point felt more like torture. It would feel that way the first day regardless though, so I was actually thankful that she managed to acquiesce to my desire.
Having the map of the school, timetable and the admission slips for my classes in hand, I headed for building three. English with a Mr. Mason, what a way to start the morning. The door was closed and there was no one around, so I sat down at a bench next to the classroom and started to doodle in my notebook.
I really needed help if I ever wanted to get any good at drawing. I started my fourth attempt at drawing a chibi version of Aslan, when I was interrupted by a tall asian boy with dark black hair.
''Ehh... Would you happen to be Isabella?'' He sounded fairly certain, but nervous. Guess this was what Forks High had to offer in the welcoming committee department.
''That would be correct. But just Bella, please.'' I replied courteously, putting away my notepad and stood up. Putting my hand out in his direction, he shook it firmly, and I suddenly realized he taller than me, by a lot.
''Yorkie, Eric Yorkie. I'm the eyes and ears of this place. Anything you need? Tour guide? Lunch date? Shoulder to cry on?'' His mask of bravado was thin, and the line felt rehearsed which made it even worse. I would guess he's more of the geeky chess club kind of guy than anything else. It was kind of funny watching his smile break as I just stared dumbly at him.
''I think I'm good, thanks.'' The fake smile hurt me inside, but I didn't want to get on his bad side, even though what he said was really fucking creepy. His smile came back as I spoke, and I could almost imagine seeing the cogs in his brain turn.
''I can work that as the headline for the feature. I'm on the paper, and you're news baby, front page.'' A feeling of dread washed over me as the words left his mouth. I didn't need my life prodded about and details of, let's say, why I'm even here to come out. Who was I kidding, someone in this tiny town was bound to have heard rumors, or at least made some up. And whatever they were would have already spread like wildfire in that case. I could go without it going into print in any case.
''Please don't! I don't want any more attention that I already have, being the new girl. Please?'' He seemed shocked at first, but quickly turned into an understanding smile.
''Chill, Bella. I understand completely. No story.'' Add easy-going and understanding to traits to associate with Eric. The sound of the door being unlocked stole our attention away. I immediately got the feeling that I would not like this guy, presumably Mr. Mason. He was a tall dude with a serious case of male pattern baldness, keeping the remaining hair on his head cropped short.
The circus had begun.
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English class was as boring as ever. Good side was the assignment we were given was to read a book I'd read at least a dozen times already. Eric was fun to talk to, when the awkwardness of first introducing himself faded. He had me genuinely laughing on our way to my next class. Government with a Mr. Jefferson would be a real test, in Eric's opinion. Thus he assigned himself the chivalrous task of escorting me to my doom.
''Thanks for the help Eric. Save me a seat at lunch?'' I didn't want to burden him, but it would spare me the awkwardness that was first lunch at a new school.
''See you at lunch, fair lady.'' He exclaimed with an overly-done bow, before retreating to the sound of my laughter.
I turned around to step into the classroom that was rapidly filling up, when the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.
AN: So I thought about letting this go further, but I decided against it. I want the next chapter to drag out the first encounter enough for it to be somewhat realistic within this story. No one-pump chump happy forever after meeting in this one.