Chapter 5:

That night Morrible sighed as she sat on her bed reading over her books and Winter was fast asleep snoring slightly. A knock rattled the door. She looked up from her half-moon reading glasses and the door rattled again. She sighed and got up in her burgundy nightgown and opened the door.

Outside was a young man who looked twenty-one. He was tall, with bright green eyes and sleek dark red hair. He wore the black uniform with a loose bowtie.

He smiled faintly, "I hope I'm not disturbing you but I was hoping for directions. It would appear I'm lost and got myself in the girl dormitory. Could you please help me find the boy one?"

Morrible raised her eyebrows; he was handsome and had honest eyes. He was even slightly muscular.

She nodded, "Yes, what room?"

His smile grew, "Room seven."

She put on her slippers and closed the door, "Follow me and no lagging behind."

He nodded, "Yes ma'am."

Morrible raised her eyebrows as she led the way.

He asked, "Do you often act so cold or is it just your way of being friendly?"

Morrible replied back sternly, "Depends on what you mean by friendly."

He laughed, "You're a smart one. Though I will admit I don't personally like it when a woman is too loose."

Morrible's face went red, "If you came on this walk to insult me I'll walk straight back and leave you here."

His face turned to the side, "I'm sorry, what did I say?"

She snapped back, "I've had enough of insults and stereotyping women. I've had enough of hearing about how a woman is meant to and not meant to act. I don't want a complete stranger telling me his views; when I have had enough arguments in my life to last a lifetime."

He whispered softly, "I was joking. Is that really how bad it is? So bad that you'll snap at a strange for saying something that he doesn't mean. I'm afraid I never knew."

She stopped and turned to him, "What?"

He smiled sadly, "My mother's a feminist. I don't have a father. I tend to joke about such things because I'm fed up about hearing the same things over and over. About how women fight for an education and to be recognised. I'm done with it. My mother would take me rallies at a young age. Now you may find it hard to believe but women are recognised and are getting there rights. So why be insulted? Is it because there is still friction over such matters? Because that'll eventually go and sooner or later the next generations will take all this for granted. Just like I do."

She looked at him in shock, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have…"

He smiled at her, "Its fine. The names Gabriel Slander but people just call me Slander."

She took out her hand, "Morrible."

He laughed, "I know your name and I lied. I wanted to meet the incredible young woman that insulted half the male body."

Morrible smiled slightly, "Is that what they're saying?"

He laughed, "That and a whole lot more. It looks like you've made yourself some enemies and some friends."

She gave a cheeky smile, "So which are you, friend or foe?"

He smiled back. "Friend…for now.'

She moved forward to him, "Why, is it just me or are you expecting more in this relationship."

He shrugged playfully, "I wouldn't know what you mean."

She smiled back, "I think I would."

At that Slander moved forward and kissed her softly.

He smiled softly, "I suppose you would too."

At that he walked off giving her a wave. Morrible stared off at him. She'd flirted and been kissed and her cheeks were burning. For some strange reason she didn't feel all that tired. So she went to her room and eventually fell asleep feeling all warm and fuzzy.

That morning Winter looked at Morrible with a suspicious look.

Morrible looked at the other girl, "What?"

Winter grinned, "What exactly. What happened last night?"

Morrible shrugged, "I have no idea about what you mean."

Winter folded her arms, "I may not have much experience with men but I know when a girl has a crush. Is it Gildon?"

Morrible shot back, "No!"

Winter smiled, "So it's a new fella'."

Morrible's face went red, "No?"

Winter grinned like a cat, "That's adorable."

Morrible's crossed her arms, "I'm not adorable."

Winter laughed, "Oh yes you are, with every meaning of that word. So who is he?"

Morrible gave up, "It's a young man…he, he's really, well I don't know. I don't even know him."

Winter laughed again, "You don't have to know someone to crush on them. He must be really good looking, if he made you lost for words."

Morrible crossed her arms trying to be mad, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Winter saw through her, "I suggest you go after him. He sounds nice. What's his name?"

Morrible's face went redder. Her attempt to change topic failed. "He's called Slander and well his handsome and really nice. He lied to meet me."

Winter raised her eyebrows, "Was he sleazy, gentlemanly or a charmer?"

Morrible raised her eyebrows, "You should write a book 'Who to Date and Why'. He's a gentleman."

Winter smiled, "I hope we meet him."

Morrible shook her head, "Fine."

They walked out of their room and walked to class quickly. When they walked in all the young men stood again except for a few. Normally such a gesture would've been one of respect but the way they stared at the girls, it was anything but.

Mr Blacksmith stared angrily, "If you are going to treat my student's with such disrespect you'll either leave my class or sit down."

Most of the students sat but a few left without a word.

Mr Blacksmith's eyes narrowed, "No one is to act like that again. Not in my or any other class. I'm going to have a meeting with the other teachers this afternoon. I can assure you that will be a very important topic. By tomorrow if such action is taken again it will involve suspension and if it continues, expulsion. Have I made myself clear?"

Everyone just stared angrily and listened to the rest of the lesson and Morrible sat next to Winter feeling a little smug.

At the end of the lesson Slander walked down the stairs and smiled at Morrible.

He stopped in front of her, "How are you today Madame?"

Morrible smiled softly, "Fine thank you."

He nodded and looked at the other girl, "Might I ask who are you?"

Winter looked at him with a mischievous smile, "Winter. Though I suppose you know that."

He nodded, "One has to know these things. Background knowledge on people proves useful."

Winter smiled softly, "Yes it does but I bet you would know a lot more than that."

Slander almost laughed, "Now how would you know that?"

Winter smiled softly, "You're not the only person with connections."

He nodded, "Looks like I've underestimated you. I promise it won't happen again."

She nodded, "I hope you live up to that promise."

He looked at Morrible, "Do you have anything else on are you free for the rest of the day?"

Morrible replied, "I'm free."

He grinned, "Good, I suggest you come with me."

Morrible raised her eyebrows, "On what grounds."

He laughed, "I can assure you that you'll enjoy yourself if you do. I know how to give a girl a good time and no I'm not stereotyping."

Winter interrupted, "Morrible I see you have plans so I'll be seeing you later. I hope you enjoy yourself with Mr Slander."

At that Winter left with a cheeky smile and Gildon caught up with her.

He asked soft, "Whose he?"

Winter looked at Gildon with a smile, "If I didn't know better I'd say they were a couple."

Gildon frowned, "I don't believe it and I refuse to."

Winter shrugged, "Say what you might but he's going out with Morrible whether you want it to happen or not. I'd even say she looks like she will have fun."

Gildon frowned, "Well that's not fair."

Winter shrugged, "Too little too late."

Slander turned to Morrible as the other two left. "It would appear I've stirred up trouble."

Morrible smiled, "Don't flatter yourself."

He smiled in return, "And why not. A man has to develop his ego somehow."

Morrible shook her head, "You can be confusing."

He laughed, "You'll get used to it. I'm an acquired taste, I can assure you once you get used to me. You'll wish I would never leave."

Morrible grinned, "As I said you flatter yourself. Alright now that I am what would appear to be available, what would you like to do?"

He shrugged, "No idea. Do you drink?"

Morrible replied, "Yes and no. Depends what I'm drinking for."

He laughed, "How about to good times ahead?"

Morrible just walked ahead, "No I don't think I will."

He walked next to her, "I see. So do you have any idea to what we can do?"

She shrugged, "I thought you had something planned."

Then Slander's face lit up, "I have a perfect idea. Follow me."

Before Morrible could reply he caught her hand and began to run. Morribe's eyes widened as she found herself running behind the lunatic.

Slander laughed, "Come on Morrible no lagging."

Morrible ran up next to him barely keeping up. "Oh you're hilarious."

He glanced back at her, "Well I thought it was a good joke."

They kept running and he took her right through the forest.

Morrible blinked, "Do you even know where you're going?"

He grinned, "Of course. Don't underestimate me. It would be first mistake."

They eventually slowed to walk and he took her through some trees until they came to beautiful clearing. It had long elegant glass rippling in the wind and a lake that filled most of the clearing, filled with a cascade of clear water.

She stared, "How do you even know about this place?"

He smiled, "I told you I have sources."

At that he caught her hand and dragged her to the lake and Morrible stopped.

She almost yelled, "Oh no you don't."

He picked her up, "Try and stop me."

He walked thigh deep into the water and dropped Morrible. Morrible got up and she was fuming.

She just stared at him, "Your going to pay for that."

At that she splashed him with water and he laughed. He splashed her right back and before anyone said anything the both of them were having fun. They had fun until it was dark and when it was dark they were shocked. They had no idea where all the time had gone.

Morrible stumbled onto the slippery bank with Slander. Before anyone could say a word Slander fell from the mud bringing Morrible down with him. They laughed as they lay down on their backs.

Slander smiled, "You'd be lying if you said you didn't have fun today."

Morrible smiled back, "True. So would you."

He grinned broader, "Also true. You know what I'm going to sweep you off your feet. I just know I will and I'll fall in love with you."

Morribled laughed, "God you're insane but you are an acquired taste. I think I'm starting to enjoy it."

He moved to his side, "I know."

At that he kissed her with a smile and Morrible kissed back.

Morrible moved away after a short while, "However were just friends."

He frowned, "Why? I thought I'd stolen your heart."

Morrible smiled, "Not quite. Maybe one day but today is hardly that day. Now get me out of this forest."

He asked, "And if I refused?"

Morrible shrugged, "I'd try and find my way out and then be murdered by some monster or another and you'll be to blame."

Slander sighed, "Fine but don't expect me not to kiss you."

Morrible shrugged, "Fine but don't expect not be slapped next time."

He nodded, "As you say."

At that he took her hand and walked her out of the forest escorting her back to her room. When she got there Winter demanded to know what had happened as they got ready for bed. Morrible just smiled and went to bed ignoring the questioning girl and before long, she fell fast asleep.