Sophia's POV.

I rubbed my eyes tiredly and tossed the blankets off my body. I reached over, shut off my alarm clock, and wander my way into the bathroom, possibly running into a few things on my way. I felt more awake as I'm suddenly sprayed with water. The hot water felt good, an odd thing as it was still quite warm outside, and proceed to wash away last night's events, careful of my injuries. After a little while, I dried off and slipped on a new outfit, casting a glance back at the mirror in a final once over and shut my door- or I would have if my eyes hadn't caught the flash of blue on the floor.

Outside my door was a large white box wrapped in a bow. I look around, see the empty hallway, and set the box on my table. Opening the top, I couldn't stop the smile that forms on my lips. I'd met Dean Hardscrabble at the gates last night, filling her in as we walked to the dorms. When she gave me a soft hug her face curls in disgust. I can't help but agree when the dean offers to have the jacket cleaned and returned to me in a small gesture of thanks. Still, I had assumed it would take a few days at least so this was a welcomed surprise.

I picked up the worn fabric. The vibrant blue arms were faded, small rips in the fabric were sewn with such precision I had no doubt his mother had done it. Most of the stains were removed or faded and the hardened sleeves were now soft and bendable a true testimony of the cleaners skills but the most shocking thing was the scent. Lifting the jacket to my nose I inhale, taking in the rich oak and pumpkin scent buried deep in the layers. The scent was oddly comforting.

I slip on the jacket careful of my injured shoulder and take in my reflection with a laugh. This thing was so large I could wear it as a dress if I wanted. The thicker fabric easily hides my blouse and shorts from sight and I couldn't hide the smile that hugged my lips. Wanting to catch Randell and Mike before I started my test I quickly lock my door. I skipped down the steps, ignoring the mass standing by the elevator, and make my way downstairs in no time. Like I'd thought it was still quite warm out, even with the sun hiding behind the clouds, and watched a few other students walking around the quad. The heart of the school wouldn't wake up for a little while.

(Javier's pov)

Despite the little amount of sleep I'd gotten, I felt myself waking up at 6:30. I glanced around the room, rolling over once before I realized that I wasn't getting any more sleep, and sit up, running a hand down my face. I quietly make my way down the stairs, letting my brothers sleep and stand by the window, liking the way the sun felt on my scales. But any plan to enjoy my morning in silence vanished as another set of footsteps quietly came down the steps. I knew it was Johnny, my fraternity president was the only monster that occasionally rose at this hour.

The two of us stood, soaking in the sun for a little while. The lingering effects of last night still hung on my mind yet Johnny didn't seem any worse for wear. When I couldn't take it anymore I finally break the silence.

"What happened last night? Omega Howl has been planning this party all month and they suddenly disappear in the middle of it. Es inusual." (It's unusual)

Johnny sends me an amused glance "I could say the same about you. When do you care enough to follow them?"

This time I roll my eyes, turning away from him just the slightest blush on my cheeks "I wasn't following them; I was following Sully. He slipped out during the commotion too. He's hiding something, I know it."

"Well, he just got here Jav, you can't expect him to share all his deepest darkest secrets." Johnny noticing my snort of amusement lifts an eyebrow "what?"

"What's going on with you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You can't expect him to share his deepest darkest secrets Jav." Johnny rolls his eyes at my poor imitation of his voice but smiles anyway "If I had told you this last year you would have stormed upstairs, yelling like a madman."

"Yeah, well I guess we both have changed..."

While his statement was lighthearted it did little to ease this feeling in my chest. My eyes flickered down frat row and to the hint of the student dorms peeking up over the hill.

Cambié mi. (Changed my ass.)

..
..

Johnny watched Chet pop another apple into his mouth. Sully stumbles down the stairs, a hand on his head but a smile on his lips. He winces at the bright light and pulls the curtains closed at the bottom step. Reggie was the last to come down, walking into the living room to pace back and forth on all fours.

"... Does He always do that?" Sully asks.

"Every morning." Chet answers happily "Reggie was the only survivor of a litter of still-born pups. He stopped breathing five times when he was born so he suffered brain damage!"

Johnny sends Chet a harsh glare for his laughter before turning to Sully "While he's cleared to be a scarer he has trouble fitting in with other monsters. He has issues with his words and putting things in order but his sensory skills are more advanced than most monsters here."

"He's had to work twice as hard as everyone else to learn things so don't make him feel bad about it, Novato," (Newbie) I state sternly, eyes never leaving the morning paper.

"He just has to get it all out before class starts," Johnny reassures him in a nice tone

"We just learn to ignore it," Chet states, popping yet another apple in his mouth.

"Seriously Chet? More fruit?" Johnny exclaims, swiping the bowl off the counter like an irritated mother. How we never seemed to run out of fruit was a bloody miracle... "So, I was thinking today we could take a few hours to head to the library,"

Sully groans, head hitting the table "Really Johnny? Classes haven't even started yet."

"As the top scarers on campus, we need to stay ahead of the others Sully. That means spending time on actual things, like school."

Johnny states, the beginning of annoyance starting to flash through his composed expression

"But when we're done we could do something else?" I shrug, finally setting down the paper.

I see Sulley's face light up "What did you have in mind?"

(Sophia's pov)

I walked across campus, swerving around a few people as I made my way over to the large tree that Randell had "unofficially" dubbed our meet-up place. I thought the jacket was a good thing to wear outside, but as I'd seen the fifth smile sent in my direction, I was beginning to second guess my choice. But if I was anything, I was my father's daughter and stubbornness ran in my veins. So, I held my head up high and found myself under the tree sooner than I'd thought. Randell like always seemed to be glowing, greeting me with a genuine smile. The action seemed to fill me with uneasiness at his overall cluelessness towards others.

"Sophia, good morning." The cheerful reptile says, stopping when he noticed the addition to my wardrobe "Cool jacket!"

"Hello Randell," I reply, sending back a smile just as genuine and looking over at Mike, the round monster still engrossed in his book. I couldn't help the twinge of mischievousness that hits me. "Hi Mikkkkkke," I tease, dragging out his name like an annoying little sister, but Mike doesn't budge.

"Hi" the one-eyed monster says, not bothering to look up from his book until Randell elbows him. He relents, dropping his book dramatically "Hello Sophia, howwwWHAT ARE YOU WEARING?!" He exclaims after finally looking at me "oh no Randell! We're losing her! She's turned into a groupie!" He exclaimed, folding over Randell's legs dramatically.

I snort and roll my eyes, turning back to Randell. Thankfully he was better behaved.

"Not that I mind but why are you wearing that?" Randell asks, his eyes taking in the obviously well-used jacket with curious eyes.

I couldn't help the small twinge of happiness that hits me as I recalled the other night's events "As a small reminder that hopes not dead." Neither of them knew what I was talking about so I pulled the subject in a different direction. "So, what were you two planning on doing today?"

"Um, not much." Mike sighs, rubbing his neck as he resumes his position on the tree

"We've both signed up for all our classes and since neither of us is in any extracurriculars we really don't have anything to do," Randell adds, sending mike a small irritated smile.

"I already told you, Randell, extracurriculars do nothing but waste our valuable time that we should be spending studying," Mike states, proving his point even further when he pulls out a second book from god knows were.

"Hey Mike, do you ever think you're taking that bet a little too seriously?" I muse, looking at the smaller monster that's now looking at me "I mean all the members of ROR are seniors" except for my brother "and they'll all be gone in a year's time anyway. Even if you did win what would it prove?"

"That all monsters have a chance to be scary." Mike answers, his eye taking on a look of dedication that I'd never seen in him "That you don't have to look like the typical monster to make something with your life. That you don't need a family name to become a scarer."

I felt Randell's eyes on me as well and couldn't help but smile softly at the ground "Then I guess it's a good thing our champions so dedicated huh?"

Mike's smile was genuine, another shocking thing for me as the smaller monster seemed to have a small chip on his shoulder after finding out Sully was my older brother.

"So... you have class?" Randell asks, looking at the book and small pencil bag in my hand.

"Oh no, I'm on my way to write a test. For monsters that need help studying." I smile, shifting my books and silently wonder what time it was "I heard about it from a friend."

"Oh yeah!" Randell snaps his fingers "I've seen a few posters around campus about that. Study buddies, right?"

"That's the one." I look over at the tall bell tower across the quad. "I should get going, but the test shouldn't last more than a few hours. Did you guys want to grab lunch after I'm done?"

"That sounds great." Randell smiles, once again elbowing Mike for a response. I got a half-hearted grunt and a hand wave as my answer as Randell facepalms "We'll be there. Good luck!"

(Johnny's POV)

It took me a little longer than I thought to drag Sulley out of the house. The male seemed very reluctant to study. "So what were you going to work on?"

"I'm not sure?"

"Come on blue, there has to be something you need to improve on." I sigh, trying to spark even the slightest interest in the blue-furred monster "Sully, being a part of ROR isn't just about the parties and the girls and having fun. It's a lot of work. We are the best of the best. The top monsters in all of our classes. You need to be able to put in the effort here."

Sophia's venomous words ring through my mind "Relax mike," she snaps, pulling the green monster away from us "If they're dumb enough to take Sully, they're not worth your time."

I thought it was just a snide remark but I was starting to see she may have had a point. To make matters worse I could feel Javier's eyes on me and I bite back the groan.

"Yeah, everyone hates studying at first but school can be really fun ya know?!" Chet laughs, bouncing up and down. Chet suddenly gasps, snapping his large pinchers together "I know! You should get a tutor!"

"I don't need a tutor."

"That's nothing to be ashamed of big blue. We've all had things we have trouble with. It took Javier six months to get his snake hiss right."

The larger bug monster grumbled about their stupid snake language and why he would even need to learn that language 'if the child was scared of snakes why not send a snake-like monster in to do the job?' But, like before the class was a requirement and Javier had to struggle through it like everyone else.

"Yeah, I've had a tutor for every class I've taken!" Chet adds happily "I mean, I don't need them for everything... but it's nice to have a Second opinion you know?"

My eyes rose as a loud voice raises across the squad "Oh no, Randell! We're losing her!"

I find the one-eyed green monster and roll my eyes. He may not be scary but the green beach ball sure was dramatic. I watch him fall over the purple reptile and stop when my eyes landed on the girl standing by them.

"Woah ho ho!" Chet chuckles loudly "Check it out!"

It was Sophia. Not a shocking thing as even as a child she was always punctual but I couldn't find the will to tear my eyes away.

"Damnnnnn!" Chip adds, also noticing the large blue jacket with grey sleeves on her shoulders.

I knew it wasn't hers. It was almost three times her size, completely covering her clothes from the back. As she rolls her eyes, turning to look at the school I notice the tell-tale letters stitched down the left shoulder.

C.H.

Christopher Haws?

The image of the louder rhinoceros' monster pops in my head along with great confusion. Christopher had had that jacket for years; the male never wore anything else. Years of Beer, puke, sweat even mud littered the front. Even ripping the thing clean in two during a scuffle once time. But it didn't matter, that jacket was his baby and he'd never part with her.

How that thing was still wearable was a miracle.

A more impressive one was the fact that that beloved jacket was now on Sophia's shoulders. What had happened between them for this to occur?
Had it been about last night?

"What did I say huh?" Chet laughs, hitting Sully's shoulder once more "The cute ones are always snapped up early."

"Well, there's always other monsters eh sully!" Chip elbows the blue monster.

"Uh, sure. Yeah." Sully states, sending her a one-second glance before looking away.

I wasn't the only one that noticed this as Javier's eyes narrowed slightly but even, I couldn't miss the way Javier's eyes lingered on her, a beat longer than he has before, and smile a knowing smile, causing the bug-like monster to look away with a glare.

"Come on guys, weren't we going to the library?" Sully states, already walking away.

(Sophia's pov)

The room itself was much like a normal classroom. Large tables with chairs all facing the front and large windows, the blinds closed for privacy. I took a seat in the middle of the room and looked at my paper, three pages and a booklet were folded over. The teacher sat at the front of the room, looking stern but kind as she watched the prospective students file into the classroom. Trying to find any hooligans no doubt. I placed my pencils on the left side of my paper and my book on the floor, taking one out of the bag before examining the tip. A habit mother had gotten me into and when I trust it won't break halfway through the test place it on the desk before me and look at the teacher.

"Alright people, you all know why you're here. This is the second part of the study buddies screening and we're testing your knowledge. Inside the paper will be a mix of everything you've learned. Good luck and I hope to see you all next week."

I nod once, flipping over my paper.

..

..

"Okay people! Pencils down!" The teacher's voice says across the room "please make sure your name and student number are on the top of the page and that they are correct!" I couldn't help but smile at that, I'm sure they had a few mix-ups and check the top of my page, looking at my student I.D. Number and when all the numbers matched stood. I carefully placed my papers in the bin, receiving a smile from the teacher as everyone else had just tossed them in, and bid her a goodbye as I left the room. I walked down the hall, turning on my phone as I went, and almost fell down the stairs in surprise as a loud noise echoed the staircase. I pulled out my phone, looking to see a message from mike. This was the first phone I'd ever had. Father gave it to me in the car and Sully had quickly gone over the basics of it on the ride up.

'Randell and I went back to our room. Message me when you're out of your test.'

After a few moments of fiddling, I managed to reply.

'Just got out, be there soon.'

I wanted to put more but I was never one to text and preferred to have a conversation face to face with someone. Sitting around messaging just felt weird to me.

I made it back to the dorms quite quickly, looking around the room at the two monsters on the bed.

"What's wrong with Randell?"

"I don't know. He said he wasn't feeling too well so we came back here." Hearing those words I felt myself self-going into mother mode, running through Randell's basic DNA and his weaknesses as I took in the situation.

"How long were you outside for?" I ask, placing my hand on Randell's head

"I'm not sure."

"Did you leave after I left or did you just leave?"

"We just left."

"Mike Randell's a reptile. Sun is good for him but too much isn't good. He's dehydrated."

I move to the bathroom, grab a wet cloth and place it on Randell's neck before my hand goes to Mike's head as well, causing the green monster to jump "you're pretty warm too."

I disappeared into the bathroom again, coming out with the green cloth that I assumed was mikes, and placed it on his forehead. "Honestly you two. Your grown adults, you should be able to take care of yourselves better."

..

..

I walked out of the growl, food in hand, and carefully balanced the containers in one hand as my phone rang. I pulled it out, not recognizing the numbers. I only had five numbers on here, dads, Sully's -but considering the only people who would have this number would be friends of my fathers I answer.

"Hello?"

"You've been in the city for three days and you've already been arrested?!" An angry familiar voice snaps, I chuckle.

"I was not arrested; it was just a misunderstanding."

"Oh, thank Goodness. I thought this was some sad retaliation against your witch of a step-mother."

"Like I'd give her the satisfaction. She's already ruined enough of my life."

"So how are you settling in?" her cheerful tone was suspicious.

"Fine...?" I state, almost worried

"Crazy few days? I know the parties can get pretty wild."

"I've been staying away from them actually."

"Hmm, so you've just been purposely ignoring us then huh?" there it was.

I roll my eyes with a smile "I'm not ignoring you guys, you big baby."

"Oh really? So, when are you coming over?"

"I'm not sure?" I struggle to get my key in the lock and not drop my food

"I'm hearing excuses!" she sings sweetly

"It's not an excuse!" I defend myself, pulling open the door with one foot and slipping between the opening "I'm caring three boxes of food I can't look at my phone."

"Mhm..." she says again and I groan

"Fine, I try to stop by some time in the afternoon okay?" I growl with a smile at her laughter "Sometimes I still wonder how they ever let you in."

She snorts "Bitch."

"Careful now, you're in a church."

"Technically, I'm outside the church. I'm waiting for the delivery truck." I step into the elevator with a few other monsters "And it's not just me. I know father Carl would love to see you as well."

..
..

(Chet's pov)

I slipped out the door, saying I was going to sign up for a tutor, and quietly made my way through the quad. I went around a few people and through the parking lot to the bus stop. Not a single person stopped me. Not a single person talked to me and I couldn't help the pain that hit my chest as I sat on one of the lower benches, my feet tucked under me. I'd never said it before but I often wondered what I was to my brothers. When we all walked out together we were swarmed. People talked to me and I had fun but it was times like this that got me down. Was I really just an overzealous fan that followed Johnny around everywhere?

I looked up as the bus stopped, pushing myself off the bench, shaking my hips, and falling towards the ground. Thankfully keeping my footing and make my way over to the bus. I stand back as the bus lets out a loud hiss, bending down to the curb so I could get on. I swiped my card, placing it on the scanner before grabbing the rope and pulling it off again. I was jolted to the side slightly as the bus rose, and forwards as it moved again. I walked around a few monsters, carefully watching my footing around a monster with a lot of legs. I passed the clear boxes on the side of the bus, single squares for our gooier monsters. It kept them in place if we were ever in an accident and made my way to the middle of the bus, turning to my side to go up the small ramp and sat down. The chairs weren't chairs but small dips, ovals really that were carved out with a small amount of padding for us. I sat in an oval, tucking my legs under me, and watched the cars and building move by. I don't know, maybe I was being too hard on myself. I mean I worked just as hard as any of my brothers. I got good grades, I studied hard, I was a great scarer but still, I couldn't help feeling like the odd one out.

I reached up, pulling on the cord as we made our way closer into town and when the bus stops, stand, and make my way to the front. The loud hiss echoes around me as I thank the driver, flashing her a smile that she returns and steps off the bus, catching my breath as the bus rises and moves away. I shake my head, smacking my cheeks a few times, and try to shake off this feeling. After all, I was here felt a reason, and turn to face the large building. A smile on my face.

The smile only grew on my lips as the excited squeals of the younger ones echoed across the street.

"He's here! He's here!" They chanted, all crowded around the gate causing me to chuckle, that bad feeling all but forgotten as I cross the street.

"Hey kiddos!"

(Sophia's pov)

I walked down the hall, turning around at the sound of my name.

"Sophia," I turn to look at an old face

"father Lowrance." I smile, hugging the older male.

"It's so good to see you again child." He says, stepping back to look at me fully "You've grown up, so beautiful."

"Thank you."

He leads me down a large hallway, into the heart of the church and we stop, sitting on one of the benches "I'm sorry to hear about Master Cho, he was a great man."

I feel the tears rim my eyes at his name; the wound was still fresh "Thank you. I know he loved this place very much."

"Yes, he spent almost every weekend here. The children will miss him greatly."

I take in the freshly painted ceilings, the new stained windows, and smile in appreciation. The church had worked hard to rebuild itself. The old building was remade into an orphanage, the small monsters helping with the sermons on the weekends and the elderly after school. My father was a big contributor to the church, often bringing me along on his many visits to the city.

"It's changed so much."

"Yes, it's been a few years since you were here right?" I felt a small smile grace my lips at his tone, a bit of judgment in his words "If I didn't know your mother as well as I do I'd be insulted by your poor attendance."

"Yes," I sigh deeply, running a hand through my hair "I had to work my butt off for her agreement to my school. She thought my attendance might dim 'my brother's shining light'."

I wave my hands in the air, causing father Carson to raise an eyebrow "Has it always been like that?"

"Since I was a little kid yes. Still, my life wasn't that bad." The smile on my lips was genuine "I have friends of my own now, a great school, and a bright future ahead of myself."

"And your brother?"

I snort, catching his disapproving look I clear my throat "My brother is careless, more concerned with parties and the joys of the university to pay much attention to anything else. He landed himself in the top fraternity using my father's name."

"I sense a little resentment in that statement."

"I'm not sure its resentment father. More like annoyance and a bit of sadness. My brother has never had to work hard for anything and being in the top fraternity Sully may have bitten off more than he can chew."

"And when that blows up in his face your mother will blame you, right?"

We both turn, taking the sight of a monster dressed in a black dress "Sister Torrance. Welcome back."

"Clara." I walk up, embracing the female in a tight hug, enjoying the cooler scales against my fur.

"It's good to see you, Sophia. You look good."

Loud cheering from outside had us all turning. A few children ran down the hall, pulling open the heavy doors with a bit of effort "Father Carson! He's here! Big brothers back!"

I tilt my head, seeing a smile on both their faces.

"Two visitors in one day? God's kindness is overflowing." He turns, bowing to me "Sophia."

"Father Carson." I watch him walk down the hall, pulling open the heavy doors with ease. I turn to Clara "What was that about?"

"Big brother Chet. The children love him." I feel my ears twitch slightly at the name. Chet? It couldn't be him. "He was an orphan here a long time ago. He is an inspiration to the other children." We make our way down the hall, Clara pulling open the door "He goes to a university close by here and often visits on the weekends."

I pause, my eyes falling on a face I knew all too well. The small round Crab-like monster was chasing the children around, crazy eyes and pinchers snapping left and right. The children scream, laughing as they ran away.

I feel her eyes on me, her smile falling as my eyes narrow darkly "Yes... my school."

..
..

"So... the tin man has a heart huh?"

Chet stops walking, his body jolting to a stop so quickly I'm surprised he didn't fall over. He blinks, still facing away from me but his reflection of the stained glass window gave me a perfect view. He blinks once, twice, three times like he hoped this was some bad dream he would wake up from. When I don't vanish he finally turns, raising his head to look into my eyes.

"S-S-Sophia..."

I cross my arms, staring down at him as my mother had with me so many times.

"I'm surprised. When I came here today I never thought I'd run into you. Though I shouldn't be so shocked, Roar Omega Roar seems to be fairly big on charity work." This time Chet looks down, shame on his face "I'm just shocked your Frat brothers aren't here with you. Wouldn't they just love the publicity?"

"Look Sophia, I know I'm a jerk okay?" he kicks the ground in anger "But I would never tell my Frat brothers about this."

"Too ashamed?"

"No!" he snaps, causing me to jump "I don't tell my brothers about this because they would abuse it..." I watch as his pride slowly falls away "You can hate me all you want but please don't tell anyone about this... I grew up here okay? This isn't about an image or popularity, this, this is home... this is family."

"How can you justify your actions, ask me to justify your actions when you grew up here? This is a place of honesty and pure spirit yet you slander that knowledge at school." He looks down, unable to say anything. I pinch the bridge of my nose, frustration and anger filled my heart. If we weren't at church..."Fine!" I toss my hands out "Fine, I will keep your secret, on one condition."

"What?"

"You and your frat brothers leave Mike and Randell alone."

"That beach ball! You can't expect me to..." my look made his words stop; a deep sigh leaves his lips "Fine, I will try alright? But it's not just us, Mike is just as bad."

"Then be better."