Bloody hell, why is it still hot?
I grimaced as the scalding hot earl grey tea met my tongue. My fist tightened the grip against the Styrofoam cup, feeling the soft material bend at my fingertips. I despise hot drinks, as it seems that every time I order anything hot, it remains boiling even after an hour. I rolled my tongue around the roof of mouth, testing how badly burnt it was. I could barely feel the lingering tingle on the tip of my tongue, signaling that it was going numb.
I sighed and looked down at the rose gold leather strapped watch on my hand. 07:50. Classes were about to start. I sunk down deeper onto the bench and glance to my right. The blonde senior was engrossed in her novel, as always. Mornings were a time of silence between the two of us. We made it our morning tradition to sit on the wooden bench that faces the entrance to Ferox, with neither of us saying a word. I personally enjoyed it, as it gave me time to think and allowed us to bond through our presences alone. We asked Hana to join us, but half the time, she shows up to school after the late bell rings.
I took a quick look down and inspected my attire. My navy tie was neatly centered and my standard collared uniform was free from creases. As I reached outwards to smoothen out bottom of the black V-neck sweater, the Ferox Academy emblem drew my eye's attention. The purple emblem rested confidently on my left breast, almost as if it was brandishing itself. Out of habit, I ran my hands along my sleeve and felt the soft silk patch greet my touch. Although all uniforms looked similar, the unique gold and silver sleeve patch was what makes me stand out.
Which is exactly what I hate about it.
As a "Morrison", I was given the "extraordinary honor" of being granted a uniform that bears the Valorem crest. The crest was reserved and established exclusively for the Morrison family, as a way of displaying royalty and wealth. Something I thought was completely extra and not needed. I rolled my eyes at the thought and raised the cup back to my lips, cautiously tilting the liquid to avoid another helping of burns.
As I lowered the cup, a petite disheveled figure came into my field of view. Her legs were trudging and pink bag was dragging behind her. Her black academy uniform had several visible folds and bends, giving away the fact that it was mistreated and not ironed. Despite the brunette's best attempt at straightening her hair, it was clear that there were spots where the hair refused to comply.
I grinned and nudged my elbow to Angela's side. The blonde hesitantly lifted her head, questioningly. Upon noticing the familiar Korean girl, the senior let out a series of soft giggles.
"My, my, Hana, you're an eyesore," the Swiss woman said, "What kept you up this time?"
The Korean girl pinched her nose and her eyebrows scrunched up together. Her voice was weak and near silent.
"Be quiet, please." Hana muttered under her breath.
"Awww, woke up on the wrong side of bed, love? You want some tea?" I asked enthusiastically, raising my cup towards her. Although I meant it in a way to tease her, I still care about how she's feeling. Tea usually helps give me a jolt to start the day off and judging from her, she needs all the help she could get.
"No, thank you. Your taste in tea sucks." The girl replied, giving a slight smirk.
I puffed my cheeks and pouted, pretending to be offended. Although earl grey is my favorite, Hana never really grasped a taste for it when she first tried it. On the other hand, Angela has always been a coffee person.
"Yeah? I'll have you know that I'm a tea connoisseur. The first drink I ever had as an infant was tea." I stated, matter of factly. I grinned, fully expecting annoyed looks from the two girls. I knew they hated my lame attempts at jokes, but I find my own amusement out of it and seeing their reactions? Absolutely brilliant.
As if on cue, in unison, I heard disgusted groans coming from the two female. I earned a soft punch to the shoulder from Hana and an eye roll with headshakes from Angie.
Laughing victoriously, I ran my fingers along my hair, feeling the soft and silky portions meet with the solid formation that were as a result from this morning's styling. An exotic floral and citrusy aroma filled the air as my fingers parted from my head. I'm entirely familiar with the scent, not just because it's my personal favorite shampoo, but also because I made it a habit of touching my hair and the scent travels everywhere. I always thought of it as aromatherapy on the go.
"To be honest, I'd rather go for a cup of coffee. I'm too tired and I need one," The Korean teen said meekly. Her eyes were half closed and in between words, her yawns were audible. "Any suggestions, Angela?"
At the first mention of coffee, Angie was already perked up and intrigued. "Of course, Hana," the blonde cheerfully replied, shuffling the book back into her beige knapsack, "I think I know just the one you would love."
I shook my head disapprovingly and let out a soft chuckle. I straightened my back and postured myself to appear more authoritative.
"Y'know, kids shouldn't be allowed to drink coffee. It'll just give 'em a rush. Angie, you should know better!"
"Now, now, Lena. Our Hana is all grown up now, I think she's ready for something of age," Angela replied, giggling under her breath. "Don't worry, I'll be sure to keep her contained."
Although the bedraggled bangs of the exhausted girl covered part of her eyes, I could feel the piercing glare fixated onto my face. A subtle, but apparent, crimson hue had spread across her cheeks. I noticed the minor detail before Hana turned her head to face the unaware and preoccupied blonde.
Oooh, interesting, what's with the reaction, Hana?
I smirked to myself and made a small mental note.
Having enough fun, I decided it was a good time to head towards class. I leant over the side to grab the straps of my duffel bag. As I lifted my head, I noticed a gleaming, deep, Madeira red luxurious coupé perched at the street corner. Solely just from the extraordinary paint job and spotless chrome finish of the wheels, a sense of familiarity and fear washed over me. A cold prickling chill ran down my back, causing my muscles to instinctively tense up. The small frosted Siren figure sitting on the bonnet stared back at me, almost as if it was mocking me.
Hell…
Something so trivial to the everyday person, but yet enough to send my mind sprawling. Just from a sight of a car? Haha.
The only time I have ever seen one of those cars were at dinner parties that Mr. Morrison brought me along. Cars that were seen only in magazines. Cars that were ludicrously expensive. Cars that were only owned by the extremely influential.
I shook the thoughts of past socialization and pointless acquaintances from my mind. The sense of dread unconsciously hung above my head as I was reminded of the false visage I had to wear when greeting individuals that I could only fathom were important.
"Whoa."
Hana followed my gaze and held the same expression as I had, mouth parted and eyes wide. It wasn't just us that noticed the unique and outlandish vehicle, as mutters and whispers could be heard growing around us. Fellow students began taking notice.
"That has to be the girl you were talking about, Angie, no doubt," I stated softly, still entranced by the sight. "There's a symbol on the plates." Just like the Valorem, the insignias are everywhere and never subtle.
"Looks like the rumors were correct. The Mortem's have a raven symbol, which corresponds with the license plate." The Swiss nodded in confirmation.
Despite telling myself I didn't care about this new person, the fleeting sensation of uncertainty plagues me. This is entirely out of my control. I let out a sigh and closed my eyes. I have no power or any choice in this. I might as well make the best out of it and go along whatever fate has in store for me.
"You think they'll let us get a ride?" A ride in that? Good luck.
"Hana! Probably not," Angie chuckled and winked at me. "But our own Morrison could work her charm and maybe she'll get lucky enough."
"Oh, rubbish. C'mon now, let's get to it already. Don't you two have a caffeine fix that needs your attention?" I retorted, pushing both of the girls towards the entrance. We crossed the asphalt road, but my hand was greeted with resistance when Angie paused in her tracks and glanced back at the coupé.
"Wait, I want to see how she looks like, Lena!"
"Come on, we can't be late, class is going to start soon." Hana interrupted and stepped forward. She grasped for the taller woman's hand and eagerly said, "We'll leave our superstar do the scouting for us. Worse comes to worse, we'll just imagine it's a clone of her. Thanks, Trace!"
I opened my mouth to respond but before I could muster out a word, the two were already halfway across the front lawn. Well, more like one of them was, whereas the blonde was practically dragged. Hana flashed my trademark two-finger salute and continued waltzing towards the grand entrance. The older female was clearly unsatisfied and agitated, but Angie would simmer down soon enough.
What do I do now…?
I had my bag slung over my shoulder and my two hands were wrapped around the base of the now-cold cup of tea. My fingers anxiously tapped away as I peered downwards onto the pebbled pathway. I exhaled a slow breath and leaned my back against one of the many pasty white pillars that lined the gates. I really didn't want to know anyone else, especially not someone like the Mortem's. But given the academy's track record of flaunting any accomplishments or anything worthy, it was quite obvious that our two paths as students would cross and intertwine.
Better to just get it over with, I suppose. Who knows, maybe I'll make a new mate. Not. Hopefully not, at least. What's the plan then?
I felt my feet tapping the pavement as I pondered on a game plan for approaching this ever so lucky "future" meeting.
I don't know, I'll try to act casual and when this new girl comes by, I'll just introduce myself. Yeah, seems reasonable. I'll ask if she's new and I could maybe show her the ropes, then we'll be on even grounds. Hopefully this one isn't a cocky kno-
"Bonjour, chérie."
Startled by the sudden shattering of inner monologue, I snapped onto the source of the voice.
I think I have a good idea who this was. No one usually comes up to me and randomly strikes a conversation.
Towering over in front of me was a slim feminine figure who had her arms crossed. I peered up towards the woman's face only to see a pair of delicate, yet predatory, amber-colored daggers locked onto my face. Using this brief opportunity, I allowed my eyes "evaluate" the situation. Naturally, she emitted an authoritative demeanor, making her appear more mature and older than what she actually might be. Tied neatly in a ponytail, the woman's intense dark purple hair cascaded down her back, completely free from any frays. Not only was her hair free from imperfections, but her face and skin complexion? Spotless. Absolutely free from blemishes.
Despite sensing a churning knot within my chest, I shrugged it off. I'm not jealous, am I? Who cares about that, Lena.
The soft features of face gave her an endearing and innocent look, however, her eyes betrays them. The daggers she possessed held an undefined sparkle – a sparkle of power and mischief. Yet there's something about them.
"Allez, are you done staring or do you need another minute?" The same voice called out with a hint of annoyance. Although the French undertone was prevalent and hard to miss, the voice was also smooth and drawl-like. It makes her sound as if she was trying to seduce or draw someone in.
The unrevealing and unwavering composure of the pale woman made it crystal clear that she was expecting a reply.
Taken back by her accusating tone, I stammered as my mind tried racking up words to say.
"I-I wasn't staring! I was just startled is all. I don't recognize you. I'm L-"
"Of course you don't," the purple haired woman said, rolling her eyes. "and I have two heads." Aces, a smartarse. Does she really think everyone knows who she is? There goes my invitation for a free tour around the academy out the window.
The taller girl impatiently pointed her finger onto her shoulder patch. And lo and behold, there was a glistening red and silver silk patch sewn onto her uniform. A black raven sat in the middle, wings perched as if it was about to take flight. Mortem.
"That means you're Mortem, yes?"
"Oui, chérie. And you're with the Morrison's." The French gir's lip curled, clearly pleased with herself.
For sure now, I know how I felt about this girl. Although we just met, the condescending nature was enough to cause me to resent her. Smashing.
"Yes. I'm sorry, but I couldn't catch your name?"
"Amélie, and yours I can only assume is Lena Morrison?" The girl raised an eyebrow, quizzically.
Amélie Mortem, Amélie Mortem. Doesn't ring any bell.
I forced a smile and nodded. It was off-putting that someone I didn't know knows more about me than I do of them. I knew it was common practice for the elites to remain connected and names travel fast within their circles, but of me? Someone's "daughter"? Unheard of. The uneasiness of the situation was setting off a whole set of alarms within my brain and the only thing I desired was to leave.
Thankfully, the bell started singing its sweet song, signalling to me that this was a chance to momentarily free myself from this dreaded exchange.
"It was great meeting you, Amélie" I lied, still bearing my teeth. "But classes are starting soon, it's best if we get going. Hopefully we get to know each other more as time goes on."
"Pleasure is mine, mon amie." Amélie nodded, while smirking. She turned to face the steps, but instead of walking, she looked straight at me.
"But I think I know enough, Oxton."