Chapter Five
1162 Words
Chapter Five.
The best thing about senior year is that finally I get to sit in Harmony Hall. Its one of the biggest lecture halls in Belcaris Academy.
It is the most beautiful too. There is a vast painting of a silver wolf lining the entire south eastern wall and the air conditioning is enough to make me wish I had brought a jacket.
Threading my way to the vacant rows of seats in the middle row, I left Georgie behind me. She had stopped to greet half of the class with her with her usual infectious enthusiasm. I quietly averted my eyes from the first roll where Solene sat pretty , her legs perfectly crossed and Vale Krugger directly beside her.
God. The sight alone was enough to make me want to puke.
"The wolfless Thorne" The voice greeted me as soon as I sat down.
I grated my teeth. You see, the worst thing about senior year is that bullies did not magically disappear.
"f**k off, Summers" I snort, turning to face a blonde haired boy with a face like the Grim Reaper.
"You sound particularly unfucked too" Summers smiled, his eyes darting over me like a sledgehammer "Don't tell me you are still a miserable virgin?"
A few stares turned my way and the whispers started. God. My throat felt dry. In a school like Belcaris Academy, being a virgin at senior year sounded more like a curse. It was code word for undesirable.
"She is, Bless the Moon" Georgie snapped at him, slumping into the seat besides me "Wouldn't want to lose it to some retarded loser like you."
"Is that the lie you tell her to keep her from committing suicide?" Summers retorted.
"And what is your version of the truth?" I sneered, even if I was certain I didn't want to hear his answer.
Summers took his time, making sure the words came out with the precision of a hunter "Admit it" His eyes flickered to the first row and then hovered back at me "Since Vale dumped you for Solene, not one looser has even said hi to you" He counted on his stupid fingers emphatically "Eight long miserable months."
"Eight months of bliss" I corrected even if my breath threatened to falter and the words had exited my throat with a grudging reluctance.
Summers barked a laugh.
"Bliss?" He looked genuinely amused. "You mean eight months of pretending you don't still cry over them?"
"Projecting again?" I folded my arms. "Should I call your therapist?"
A few students chuckled.
Summers' smile thinned. "At least I've actually been wanted."
"By who?" Georgie cut in. "Gillian who dumped you just less than a month of discovering you are a pathetic wimp? Boy, please" She rolled her eyes "You are not all that".
More laughter.
Summers ignored her.
"Face it, Thorne. Nobody wants the wolfless girl." His voice dropped just enough for it to sting. "No wolf. No mate. No boyfriend. Not even a pity date."
My stomach twisted.
He wasn't saying anything I hadn't already whispered to myself in the mirror.
Somehow, hearing someone else say it hurt more.
I forced a smile. "Are you finished?"
"Not even close."
The classroom door slid open before another ridiculous taunt could be born.
Mrs. Calloway swept inside carrying a stack of books against her chest, her heels clicking familiarly against the tiled floor. "Seats." She barked.
The room ignored her.
She placed the books on her desk with a loud thud. "I said... seats."
Every student that had been standing scrambled back to their chairs.
Silence.
Well...
Almost silence. My chest was still hammering in a loud bang.
"I assume you've all exhausted today's gossip."
No one answered.
"Wonderful."
She opened the attendance register.
"Before lessons begin, I have several announcements."
Instantly, every head lifted.
"The first."
She adjusted her glasses.
"As many of you already know, Mr. Tyleen Ash resumes classes tomorrow."
The classroom exploded.
"I knew it!"
"Oh my God!"
"I told you!"
Mrs. Calloway tapped the desk sharply. "Quiet."
Nobody listened.
She sighed. "Well, it gets better".
That sentence alone nearly caused another riot.
"During his three years away, Mr. Ash completed advanced healing studies under the Four Elders. As part of his practical training, he has volunteered to assist the academy infirmary whenever the school nurse requires additional hands."
The girls lost whatever self-control they had left.
"I'm suddenly feeling faint."
"I think I have a fever."
"My ankle already hurts."
"You don't even play sports."
"I'll start."
Someone behind me whispered dramatically,
"If he holds my hand while healing me, I can die in peace."
Laughter erupted across the room.
Even Mrs. Calloway looked mildly concerned.
"I sincerely hope none of you intend to fake injuries."
Georgie leaned toward me.
"I give it two days before someone deliberately falls down the staircase."
"Two days?" I snorted. "You're optimistic."
She grinned. "I'd give it until lunch tomorrow."
Despite myself, I smiled.
Just a little.
Tomorrow.
Tyleen Ash would really be here.
After three years.
The thought fluttered somewhere inside my chest before insecurity quickly smothered it.
He probably wouldn't remember me.
Why would he?
I was just...
Me.
Georgie nudged my shoulder. "You're thinking too much again."
"I know."
"He isn't going to bite."
I laughed softly. "I wasn't worried about that."
She studied my face. "You're wondering if he'll notice you."
I didn't answer.
That was answer enough.
Georgie sighed. "For what it's worth, I think he'd be an i***t not to."
I don't believe her "Of course you are obligated to say nice things to me. You are my best friend ".
"And you are obligated to accept compliments whether you like it or not".
Before I could reply, the loud sharp voice of Mrs. Calloway rang through the entire classroom "Amanda Gilroy" She was calling from the register.
"Present" A shrill voice answered.
Everyone quietened, waiting for their own names.
I sighed. The final school year had just began.
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