Chapter 5:
Gloria was at a small desk, writing something. She looked up the minute I walked in and a warm smile lit her face. "Arisa, come sit down, my dear. I have much to discuss with you!"
I warily sat down. What more was there to discuss?
"As I had already mentioned, the students here live in the academy. I was thinking, since we need to teach you everything rather quickly, maybe…" Here she hesitated. "Maybe you could live here as well? I know you have a job and we would definitely make exceptions for that and we'll change the hours that you study but really, my dear, it would benefit everyone if you stayed here. You would also be saving money since you wouldn't need your condo and your work place is close to the academy." She paused for her words to sink. "What do you think, Arisa?"
I chewed my lip, thinking this through. What she said made sense. I wouldn't need a condo and my workplace was close by. Also, she said she'd work out the timing for my lessons. All I really wanted to do was get all these lessons over with and get my life back. Maybe if I just went along with their wishes, they would leave me alone sooner.
"Alright. I guess I could stay here." I slowly said.
Gloria beamed, "Oh, I'm so glad, Arisa! It would be wonderful having you here. Oh my, we're all going to have such a wonderful time together!" Her happiness was infectious. I felt myself smiling along with her.
"I'll have to go to my place first and get rid of all my things…" I trailed off.
Gloria merely flapped her hand, "Not to worry, dear. James, the caretaker, will handle it all. You'll get money for all the furniture he sells, of course. Come now; let me show you your dorm."
Taking me by the shoulder, she steered me down the hall to a small room. Opening it, I found a cute, comfortable, spacious room containing 2 beds, a mini fridge, a TV, and a stereo system.
"You'll be rooming with Stacey. She'll be here any minute. I'll let you have some time to get used to your room." Smiling, she left the room.
I sat on the bed to the right. I wonder what my new roommate is going to be like. No sooner had I thought that, someone entered the room. Turning to look, I saw a beautiful brunette smiling at me. "Hi, I'm Stacey. Arisa, right? It's really cool to meet you." There was a hint of curiosity in her eyes but she didn't say anything more. "Let's go eat. I'm starved…" she grinned. As we left the door, we were met by a whole crowd of teenagers and adults, ranging everywhere from 13 to 45. Everyone was talking and laughing as they made their way through a hallway towards a set of huge oak doors. On opening it, I was shocked to see a beautiful dining hall. Rows of exquisite tables were set up around the room, each carrying a variety of fancy dishes. If there was one thing I could say, it would be that these people liked to live in luxury.
Stacey led me to a table filled with many people, most in their teens. When they saw us arrive, they greeted us with a friendly smile. "Arisa, this is Mallory, Jackson, Kate, Josh, and Negin," Stacey gestured at each person as she said their name. As I looked at each one, I felt an intuitive sense in me telling me that they were going to be my very close friends. And I was happy with that. I easily fit into their discussions on every topic under the sun. By the time dinner was done, I was feeling extremely happy and content. Maybe I wasn't going to be alone after all. Soon, we headed back to our dorms, promising to meet each other the next night.
Lying in my new bed in the dorm room, I contemplated my situation. I was told that I was a high vampire priestess and that I would have to live in an academy full of vampires. At least I've made some friends. And anyways, I'm sure life will go back to normal soon enough.
My life would never become normal again.