"Aerrow Lightclaw!"

My head shot up and my bleary eyes focused on the woman standing at the front of the classroom glowering in my direction.
"Ah, I have your attention. Now could you perhaps tell me what it is I was just saying to the class?"

My eyes quickly darted around the room, taking in the fact most of the class was now staring at me. I blinked my eyes a couple times in vain to try and reduce the fuzziness that lurked at the edge of my vision.

I hung my head slightly, "Sorry Ms. Fumora, I'm afraid I wasn't listening."

Ms. Fumora's frown deepened "I suggest Mr. Lightclaw getting your head out of the clouds and back in the classroom where it belongs." She said whilst staring at me intently.
I soundlessly nodded back which seemed to appease her.

I wiped a hand across my eyes whilst Ms. Fumora resumed what she was saying to the class. I glanced over to my left to see Seth sitting in his usual seat across from me and intently watching me, he raised his eyebrows in question once he realized that he had my attention.

I was well aware that I didn't look my best with the dark rings beneath my eyes and my hair just a tad messier then usual and that drifting off in class was unlike me, even if it was just English Literature.
I shook my head in response to his gaze, there was no chance for an explanation with the space between our desks making it impossible to converse without getting caught, and a second lecture from Ms. Fumora didn't sound too appealing.

Seth eyed me a few seconds longer before returning his attention back onto what the teacher was saying. I then tried to utilize what little focus I had onto listening to what Ms. Fumora was announcing.

"Now class this assignment will be worth 25% of your final grade. You will be working with a partner and studying how a certain form of communication has changed over the past few centuries. What form of communication can be chosen by you and your partner. Any questions?"

About half a dozen hands shot up.

"And before anyone asks- I will be picking the partners."

A groan arose from the class and all but two of the hands went down. I glanced over at Seth who was writing down notes diligently, he was hunched over his desk so much so that his face was almost pressed against the tabletop and his long strands of black hair shrouded most of his face.
I hoped I was paired with him- not only because he was the only one I shared this class with but because I knew Seth was the best partner to have in English. Although with all the death stares Ms. Fumora gives me I doubt that's likely to happen.

I waited patiently as she got out her list of partners and started announcing them one by one. When she got to my name it turned out I was in for a more unpleasant surprise than I expected.

"Aerrow and Harrier,"

I felt my eyes widen and I unconsciously glanced toward the blonde ponytail at the front of the class. Harrier turned his head and sneered in my direction.
I restrained myself from rolling my eyes. This guy was a lot like Carver, except more well-mannered and just a tad more likeable but unfortunately his ego was just as huge.

'Well at least I know he'll be a good partner, he's on the honours roll and we managed to work well together in gym last year after a rough start, so this shouldn't be-'

"Seth and Piper."

My head shot up so fast I swear I heard my neck crack. My eyes immediately snapped over to the door where Piper was seated to see her casually glance up, from her paper that she hadn't stopped writing on since she stepped foot into class, when she heard her name. I watched as she then calmly gazed around the room until her eyes settled on me, her emotionless gaze faltered slightly for a second as I swear I saw apprehension and guilt flash across her eyes before she quickly flicked her gaze to the left of me to land on Seth.

I quickly looked away to in an effort to make it look like I hadn't been staring at her, even though it was too late for that. My eyes landed on Seth who was openly staring at me, I realized that he had seen the entire exchange.

"Now class I will let you move desks and talk to your partners for the rest of the time we have today."

The noise of chairs scraping and paper rustling arose as people started to move around and talk. I realized Harrier wasn't going to move so with an eye roll and exaggerated sigh I stood up and collected my things while Seth smirked at my misfortune.

I smiled at Seth and turned to make my way to the front of the classroom only to find my way blocked by Piper who was clutching her books to her chest, standing right in front of me. My mind went blank for a second before I realized that she was trying to sit in my old seat. I stepped to the side and she quickly brushed past me.

As I walked towards Harrier I couldn't help but glance back over my shoulder to watch as Piper turned the desk so that she was facing Seth.

For the rest of English I was forced to endure Harrier's droning and while I know I should have been paying more attention, I found I couldn't help myself and spent most of my time glancing back to look at Seth and Piper who were in deep conversation and sharing small smiles with each other. And all the while I could feel my heart tighten painfully each time that happened.

oOoOo

I pulled my bike up in front of Greenborough's Animal Shelter. I quickly killed the engine and dismounted, no sooner had my feet touched the ground when-

"Hey buddy-boy! Long time no see eh!"

I smiled and turned around whilst peeling my gloves off my hands. "Hey Billy-Rex, couldn't help it- school's been a bit hectic lately."

Billy-Rex quickly pulled me into a one armed hug. "Eh- no sweat Red. Schools always been a bummer eh. Never gonna change."

I grinned and pulled away, "Well I'll just have to try stick it out then, won't I?"

"Or you could do what I did and leave eh? Life of freedom man."

I laughed "Without Suzi-Lu your life of freedom would have crashed and burned a long time ago."

A light blush coloured Billy-Rex's cheeks but that didn't stop the smile from spreading across his face. "What can I say eh? She's it for me man- I can't imagine my life without her. I can only hope you find a girl like that for yourself eh?"

Unbidden a vision of orange eyes flashed through my mind. I tried to stifle the heat I could now feel rising in my cheeks. "Uhhh anyway, where is Suzi-Lu? I better go ask what I can do to help."

Billy-Rex raised an eyebrow at my sudden topic change. "She's working the desk, I'll be off to feed the animals in the back, if she don't pair us up- just be sure to come see me before you leave eh?"
I nodded and waved as Billy-Rex took off around the side of the building. I made my way through the front automatic doors and dumped my schoolbag on the nearest chair since the Reception was empty as usual.

Suzi-Lu glanced up from the desk, she smiled and tucked a piece of her blonde hair that had come loose from its ponytail again, behind her ear. "Aerrow- so glad you made it eh."

I inwardly rolled my eyes, these two were peas in a pod. "So, want me to do my normal?"

She shook her head "Nah, the new girl is covering your food round. I want you to bring in some deliveries and take em out back- Billy will help you eh."

I raised my eyebrows 'Since when did we have a new girl?' But I managed to cover up my confusion. "Called me up just to do the heavy lifting- that's low even for you Suzi."

She smirked at me, "It was that or you could clean out the cages, I thought I'd give it to ya easy- don't want to lose my favourite volunteer eh?"
I laughed "I'll clean the cages after too- Just to make up for all the time I've missed."

"Don't know what I'd do without you eh. Sometimes I think you keep this place running."

"True but you gotta give yourself some of the credit, like 5%?" I quickly ducked the clipboard thrown at me and decided now was the time to bail. "I'm going-I'm going!"

I quickly found the supplies and started carrying them into the store room, I was on my fifth bag when I noticed I hadn't heard any barking from the dog section, I mean sure it was feeding time but still there should have been some yelps or whines.

"Hey Billy!" I called to get his attention. He pulled his head up from the mountain of dog food he was hidden behind. "What's up with the dogs?"
He shrugged "I don't know eh. They been extra excited all day but they've hardly made a peep." He bent down and picked up a bag of dry dog food. "Here take this to the dog bin, it's getting a bit empty." I grabbed it "No worries, you got the rest of the deliveries?" He soundlessly nodded and waved me off.

I struggled a bit when I got to the dog kennel door, I had to balance the bag in one hand whilst trying to open it with the other, I used my back to prop open the door and walked in backwards hoping one of the dogs wouldn't trip me whilst out of its cage. I turned around and in my surprise immediately lost my grip on the bag. I quickly managed to catch it before it hit the ground, no doubt thanks to my reflexes but I could hardly get that thought through my head as there in amidst all the dogs was Piper.

Hearing my fumble with the bag she glanced up from where she was kneeling only to shoot to her feet when she saw me. "Aerrow!"

"You're the new girl?" I manage to spit out whilst in my state of shock. She nods silently. 'What? That's all I can say? Ugh I'm an idiot!"

I'm pulled out of the moment by the burning pain in my arms, I quickly walk over to the bin and set the bag down beside it gently. I stood up straight and turned back towards Piper to see her playing with her fingers as if nervous. "I didn't know you work here."

"I don't," I respond automatically. "I volunteer here, whenever I can find the time." I offer as an explanation.

An awkward silence descends upon us with her once again avoiding any eye contact, her nervous composure was quite the contrast to her usual indifferent facade. "Do you want some help?" I offered, hoping it would help make her feel more comfortable.

She brushed a hand through her hair, and I couldn't help but be captivated by the motion. "How about I pick up the bowls?" I quickly spat out, snapping myself out of my trance. Slowly the edges of her lips turned upwards "Okay."

I quickly kneel down amidst the sea of tails and four legs and start to pick up the bowls whilst Piper starts to round the dogs back into their cages. To my amazement they all follow her quietly and without so much as a whine of disappointment, even the ones I usually have to chase around for quarter of an hour.

"How did you do that?" I ask unable to hide the awe from my voice.

"What?" she asks as if generally confused.

"Get them to do want you want- I've never seen anything like it."

She gives me one of her rare smiles and kneels down next to me. "What do you reckon it is- My animal magnetism?" she asks whilst quirking an eyebrow.
I had never seen her make a joke before, not wanting to ruin the moment I decide to play along, "I don't know maybe, you're pretty magnetic to people too." I freeze. 'I did not just say that!'

She freezes too but after a few seconds shrugs it off and arches her eyebrow at me, "Oh really?" She asks.

Before I could stop myself I blurt "Well you are pretty amazing."

'I sound like I have a crush on her! As well as sounding like a total creep' I lower my head, too embarrassed to watch her reaction.

'We haven't had more than 2 conversations, well three including this one- It's not like I could 'like' her or anything…right?'

I manage to force myself to raise my head back up and face the consequences of my verbal blunders, fully expecting to see her indifferent façade back in place.
To my surprise a tint of red is present on her cheeks and she quickly turns her head away and busies herself with collecting the rest of the bowls when our gazes lock.

"I don't know about that, I just relate better to animals then people most of the time." She says after a few moments.

I quietly watch her for a few moments. She suddenly glances up and I follow her gaze to see Phoenix still out of his cage. She holds out her hand and quietly says "Here boy."
To my utter shock he actually complies, getting up from where he was sat and coming over to Piper and nuzzling her hand.

"Now that is amazing! Phoenix is the grumpiest dog I have ever met and you've got him wrapped around your finger in one day." She continues stroking him but manages to glance at me from the corner of her eye. "He just needs a bit of understanding-that's all."

I watch in wonder at how she manages to get Phoenix into his cage without complaint but just as she's closing the latch he thrusts his face at the bars as if to get one last pet, the gate juts forward and the latch stabs up into Piper's hand. "Ahh!" She snatches her hand away, I catch a glimpse of red smeared across her palm.

Before I know it I've quickly launched to my feet, shut Phoenix's kennel and rushed over and grabbed Piper's hand.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

She smiles reassuringly and opens her fist "I'm fine Aerrow, see?" I incredulously look at her hand- it was fine, not even an indention.

"But I-"

A shrill ringing cuts through my sentence, Piper quickly fishes something out of her pocket. In my bewildered state it takes me a few moments to realize it's a mobile phone.

She turns to me and gives me an apologetic look "I really have to go- can you take care of anything I've forgotten." I absently nod my head.

"Thanks….It was really nice to see you again Aerrow." She hastily makes her to the door and disappears through it.

Her last statement keeps replaying in my mind and I can't help but grin at the thought that something had happened that for once didn't cause her to distance herself from me and perhaps this was the start to us being friends. With those happy thoughts I almost didn't catch the light glinting off of something in the corner of my eye. I made my way over to Phoenix's cage and peered closely at its latch.

Running down the wire was a single drop of blood.