Chapter Two
A New Suspect
"Apple, if this is as serious as you make it sound, then we need to find people who might be causing this 'feeling'." I lifted up my hands to do air quotes. To be honest, I felt alive! The last adventure I had was, well… last time we were in Wonderland! I didn't know if Apple saw the sheer joy on my face but she suddenly smiled.
"Let's go Briar!" she said, her voice full of relief. Then she skipped gracefully down the hall singing "We're off to save the school from a soon to be tragedy!" She only momentarily turned around to signal me to follow her. Hopefully, I wasn't making a HUGE mistake.
As I followed the overly giddy Apple towards the castleteria I couldn't help but wonder who was making me feel so anxious. I couldn't imagine anyone at Ever After causing so much mischief. I considered Kitty and Faybelle but this seemed too wicked, even for them. Apple saw me in my daze and dragged me towards the breakfast food.
"You want one?" she asked while she motioned towards a muffin.
"Yeah, sure, I'll take it." I said not really paying attention.
"Briar, I know this 'feeling' is making you stressed but really you don't have to ignore me!" she sounded hurt. Unexpectedly she turned around and stormed off.
"Apple! Let me explain!" I shouted trying to find her amidst the morning crowd. But I was too late. She was nowhere to be seen. And on top of that Headmaster Grimm blared my name through the loudspeaker. I hissed through clenched teeth. This day couldn't be any better! I slowly made my way to Headmaster Grimm's office.
"Hello Briar! I would like you to meet our newest arrival, Spike." He tried to sound friendly but there was a sour edge to his voice. I hadn't noticed at first but I could now see a dark figure that was standing beside the door. He then emerged from the shadow. He was tall and I must admit, very handsome. He had tousled black and white hair with two obsidian colored horns poking out of his hair. And his eyes, they were a bright emerald green. He had a crooked smile which he quickly flashed at me. It took my breath away. He reached out his hand and I shook it, then he formally introduced himself.
"Hi, I'm Spike. Son of Maleficent." He said it casually, as if he didn't know who I was. Then I connected all the pieces of the puzzle. My heart started beating twice as fast.
He was why I had this 'feeling'.