x
Shaking the images of Luccas from my mind, mom walked me into the main room where hundreds of people stood. I felt like my lips were going to fall off at the amount of smiling I had done. I have never talked to so many people before. So many “important” people my mom would remind me of. The last man's name was “Clarence.” Apparently, he had been the “Chairmen of the New York Council'' for nearly 35 years. While mom revealed to me he was 146 years old, he looked no older than 37. The aging process for our people was miraculous. Since we’re immortal, it’s completely normal for our kind to be hundreds of years old and not look like it. We usually finish maturing around the age of 35, but it’s different for everyone. Finally, we met almost all the members of the council. It was hard to pretend to care about what these people were saying. They were so boring and completely obsessed with their duties. Mom quickly turned to me and informed me that Reginald was headed our way. His hair glistened under the lantern's flame and his eyes were a brilliant shade of brown. My palms were sweaty at the thought of seeing him and I wasn’t sure why. Maybe because he was Caspians dad and I was having very naughty thoughts about his son. Maybe because his son was stupid hot I thought quietly.
“Mia, so very lovely to see you tonight.” His presence filled the room as his smile warmed the penthouse. He took her hand and kissed it firmly. He looked at me and smiled widely. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimzOeyFRhp
“Brooke, it's been too long since I’ve last seen you. You’ve grown like a weed!” He took my hand and pressed a kiss to it.384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BweIDqIG8
“Mr. Atherton, I’m happy to see that you and your son could make it tonight.” I dipped my chin to the ground to show my respect. Reginald was a very powerful leader of the Lycanthrope Council nationally, not just in the great city of New York.384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNZtv3CYOH
“Mia, you’ve taught this young lady exceptional manners. She’ll fit in quite nicely with the other members.” My mom brightened and bumped her shoulder to mine. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSlC8WToEa
“Reginald, you flatter me. Brooke has natural leadership qualities despite being reared by her mortal father.” Mom reminded me of my shortcomings on accident, but it still stung. Being a hybrid wasn’t frowned upon but I wouldn’t be sitting on any kind of throne either. Half-human means I might not live as long as a purebred. I’m more susceptible to illness and my senses are dulled by the human parts of me. I would be “half” successful as a member of the council, at least according to their bylaws. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIULPVWVH0A
“Yes, well, let’s not plague such a beautiful night with what we cannot control, hmm?” Reginald was always one to look on the brighter side of every situation. He never made me feel bad for being the way that I am. Everyone else at this party stared at me or looked sideways at me because some of my human features were very apparent. Like my straight hair, for example. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJGQDg0FkU
He touched my mom's arm softly and spoke to her silently through telepathy. This was the way our people communicated matters too sensitive for everyone else to hear. I didn’t partake in this form of language much since everyone was always texting. It wasn’t needed. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3VJnakEg1
I stood awkwardly as he and mom talked for what seemed like an eternity. I could only hear some of the conversations when they spoke aloud about certain things. They were careful not to discuss serious matters with me since I haven’t been appropriately immersed in the council. He occasionally asked me how I had been and what I thought of the move, but nothing major. I looked around the large main area and noticed that Caspian was talking to a girl about my age, but was staring at me from across the room. She followed his gaze and I felt chills as her piercing eyes landed on me. She laughed and focused her attention back on Caspian. I always hated how catty girls were. He was leaning on one of the columns that supported the penthouse with a glass in his hand. My pulse quickened and I looked down at my feet bashfully. As I was turning to leave to get another glass of wine and far from Caspians’s lingering eyes, he lazily strolled over to where we were standing and abandoned the girl he was speaking with. She stared after him but eventually left where she was standing. It was pretty comical. She stomped her foot at the rejection and rolled her eyes at me. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiDpXZhFSy
It was Reginald that spoke first. “Caspian, have you spoken to Brooke yet? It’s been a little while since you two have seen each other.” Mom and Reginald had been friends since before I was born and it was normal that Caspian and I had been close as well. He cut his eyes over to me before answering.
“Yes, we spoke briefly in the kitchen earlier. Apparently, we’re both attending Greenwich.” 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZroxuAkrg0
His dad beamed at the news. “Well, that’s great news! She’ll have someone to show her around on her first day tomorrow.” Reginald clapped his hand on Caspian's back at his excitement. Caspian shifted his weight from one foot to the other before responding. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbA856AjCBI
“Yes, I was planning on discussing where we would meet before we leave tonight. ” He let his eyes land on my face then slowly down to my lips. My heart was doing cartwheels. Stupid heart. I haven’t spoken to Caspian in nearly five years and my heart had a mind of its own. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwD0eu34HSo
I excused myself after what seemed like an eternity of staring and laughing and headed towards the kitchen. Mom gave me a weird look, but Reginald didn’t think anything of my brash excuse to leave. Apparently being in dire need of tiramisu wasn’t a good enough excuse for my mom. I feel like if I had said, “Excuse me, Reginald, I need to leave so I can stop undressing your son with my eyes,” it would not have gone over well. I quickly walked into the kitchen and gathered a glass on the counter.
Mom and Reginald continued their conversation unaware of the war inside my body. I turned around to see Caspian’s eyes following me. I poured myself a large glass of water. “This should sober me up.” I walked into the foyer where there were significantly fewer people and sat in the comfy lounge chair. I pulled out one of my books from the side table I had put in earlier in case I got bored tonight. It’s a good thing I did. Wuthering Heights captured my attention for a good half hour.
A figure moving closer to me made me lose focus. I looked up to see Caspian coming my way. I gulped as I struggled to find the right words to say.“Hey, I didn’t know you and your dad were still here.”
He grinned sheepishly before he answered me. “We’re actually taking off soon. He’s wrapping up a conversation with your mom.”
I rolled my eyes in annoyance. “I swear it’s like no time has passed with those two.” He laughed. Oh, that smile could kill.
“What book is that? Anything I’ve read before?” Placing my Tinkerbell bookmark in between the pages I quickly closed it and showed him the cover.
“It’s Wuthering Heights. It’s one of my favorites.” I had revealed it to him. The next words he spoke nearly knocked me back. It’s a good thing I was sitting down.
“You showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased.” I felt my jaw drop at his recitation. I could feel my cheeks warm at his suggestive tone.
“You’ve obviously read this book a time or two.” My tongue felt thick and I was suddenly in need of water. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNijaIsRVL
He shrugged slightly. “I’ve always been a huge fan of books as you must remember. Especially the classics.” I hadn’t remembered all that well apparently because I was shocked. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbykymjnOq
I could see a memory pulling together behind his eyes.“Remember when I read you ‘The Last Song’ by Nicholas Sparks?” I had a faint memory of us reading in my old backyard on the dock that overlooked the lake. I remember being surprised that our parents allowed us to read such a provocative novel. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoX2VAmAtN
“You were in love with the male character in that book.” He laughed and shook his head. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIkbiiTciD
“That is not fair! It’s not my fault Nicholas Sparks made him so desirable! The movie just puts a hot face on the delicious character.” We both laughed until his dad came over to announce they were leaving. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfoPv3i9iM
“Hey, kids. I hate to break up such a happy reunion, but if Caspian doesn’t get a full night's sleep he gets quite cranky.” Caspian rolled his eyes as his dad revealed a very embarrassing trait about his son. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktJnp62clX
“Dad, I'll be okay. I’m not ten anymore. I don’t need a chaperone.” He most certainly was not 10 years old anymore. He resembled a Greek God who had been carved to perfection more than a seventeen-year-old boy. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdXqechDIt
“Well anyhow, I’m sure Brooke is exhausted from all the moving and unpacking.” Reginald was right. My arms felt like they were filled with lead and I could feel myself getting more tired by the second. But I didn’t want them to go. Instead of protesting, I did the opposite of what I was feeling. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEFYGV3gIl
“You’re right, Mr. Atherton. I really am exhausted. But Caspian I’ll see you tomorrow before class.” He dipped his head in bashfulness.
“It’s always great talking with you. See you tomorrow. Oh! By the way, we can meet at the statue in front of the school.”
“Okay, that sounds perfect. I’ll see you there.” I smiled and tried to pretend like his nearness didn’t phase me. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrEaq6Z8D1
He smiled before leaving with his dad. I felt weird. Maybe it was all the catching up Caspian and I did but I didn’t feel quite as bitter as I had earlier. Maybe this move was a good thing after all. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCqm28QE1c
I woke up at 7 the next morning and rushed to get ready on time. Greta had laid out my uniform on my chair in front of my vanity.
“Thank you, Greta!'' I called to a quiet apartment. I felt a twinge of guilt realizing how much Greta did. She was always working so hard.
I quickly put on the royal blue and red plaid skirt and white shirt. The navy blue tie was a bit overkill but unfortunately mandatory. I brushed my hair as fast as I could and put a healthy amount of concealer to hide my dark under my eyes.
“Brooke, you’re gonna be late!” Mom called in an annoyed tone per usual. I grabbed my leather bookbag and some breakfast on my way out. If it were an eating contest, I would have won first prize for how fast I scarfed down those waffles. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQDURJgGzS
I took the elevator all the way down to the main floor and ran faster than I ever had before. I rushed to the sidewalk and whistled to a taxi and waited for them to pull over to get inside. Some New Yorkers scoffed as I rammed into them trying to catch a cab. “Greenwich Academy please.” I practically shouted as I climbed into the back seat. The taxi driver knew where the school was without needing an exact address. Impressive. As the taxi pulled in front of the school I was in awe. The tall, aged building stood stories high above me. The beautiful sandy-colored bricks encompassed the old cast iron sign that read, “Greenwich Academy School for the Gifted.” Hah. “Gifted” was putting it lightly. Beautiful, old cottonwood trees lined the sidewalk on either side and rose bushes framed the entrance. Students were coming and going in all directions and I was most certainly overwhelmed. I scrambled out of the backseat and handed him a twenty-dollar bill.
As I stood in front of the enormous building I stopped a girl next to me to ask her where the Viking statue was. She pointed straight ahead. “Thank you!” I walked hurriedly to the statue looking frantically for Caspian. He said he would show me around before classes started. The closer I got to the statue the more excited I could feel myself getting. Ugh. I always get too overly attached. Seeing him on his phone I greeted him. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP31xEKK7U
“Hi!” I sounded nervous and winded because I was. I was wondering if I looked as overwhelmed as I felt. He didn’t seem to mind. I still wasn’t used to seeing my childhood best friend look so appealing. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZSZoJdy0J
“Good morning. Welcome to Greenwich.” He smiled and gestured with his hands as if to say ‘Yes, this is where we go to school.’ 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyBwd14jG4
“Wow.” That was all I managed to get out. Caspian looked insanely attractive in his uniform. He grinned widely at me noticing my gawking expression. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmffxRkyIl
“Caspian, hi! I missed you!” A short, ginger-haired girl stretched her arms around Caspians neck and peppered him in kisses. Her gorgeous red hair bounced each time she moved. Her blemish-free skin was illuminated by the ray of sun hitting her face. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmoBaLPMil
“Good morning, Mandy.” He kissed her lips and then her forehead. My heart was pregnant with rage and I could feel my face becoming red. How did he not mention her? 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZidthjH68C
Amanda turned around and finally acknowledged my existence.
“Mandy, this is my childhood friend Brooke. Today is her first day.” He smiled down at her and she looked at me.
“Brooke! It’s nice to meet you!” She pulled me into a tight hug and squeezed me.”
“Oh, wow, hi. It’s nice to meet you too, girl.” I tried to be happy for Caspian. Amanda seemed really sweet and she was happy to meet me, but I felt like an air mattress someone jumped on after pulling out the plug. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBQlLMF3qs
“Brooke, this is Amanda. We’ve been dating for a while now.” Apparently. God, how could I have been so stupid? Of course, he had a girlfriend. I can’t believe I thought he was into me, those knowing glances had to have been in my head. Every hot guy I’d ever known only wanted to be ‘just friends’ with me, so I guess I couldn’t be surprised, but I was hurt. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dsgUEiE5H
“Well, shall we get this tour started?” Caspian directed the question at both of us. Amanda bobbed her head up and down and I gave a smile. That’s all I could muster up after being completely blindsided. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAUnejW9Rp
We walked through the grand halls and passed each of the classrooms. Caspian pointed out the classrooms I would probably be in and the teachers' names as well. It was a lot to take in and I had forgotten most of it by the end of the tour.
The bell rang signaling it was time for class to start. I pulled out my paper schedule and showed it to Caspian. “Do you know where Advanced American Literature is?”384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOwx8p721m
“Actually that’s my first class as well,” Caspian spoke softly. “I'll walk you there.”
“That’s great babe! I’m so happy Brooke has you to show her around.” She beamed at him and me before placing a quick kiss on his lips.
“I’ll see you guys after class?” Caspian kissed her cheek and waved her goodbye.
“Amanda seems really nice.” I sounded as hurt as I was. I could feel my throat becoming tight but I tried to be strong.384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXr1kfVuW7
Caspian's neck looked tight as the muscles tensed around his throat. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about her, but truly there was nothing to tell.” What the hell does that mean? What does ‘nothing’ mean? Maybe before coming to school today he wasn’t sure if they were together. It could have easily been something they talked about after he headed home from the party. 384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgXO8ZIk3x
I said the only thing that I could think of, “It’s okay Caspian, you don’t need to apologize. You’ve done nothing wrong.” What the hell was I supposed to say? I couldn’t let him know that it bothered me. The last thing I needed was more relationship drama on top of my failed relationship with Luccas. He didn’t push the matter further and I was relieved. I didn’t really feel like talking about his prom queen enchantress. It only made me think about all of my own deep-rooted insecurities. Mostly the fact that I didn’t possess all of the gleaming qualities of my relatives. This girl was perfect and he deserved to be with someone who made him happy. I certainly was not going to stand in the way.
384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7CWDQpRXs
384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWldnEGdM0
384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPirWut9PiX
384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbXveIn4C1
384Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFjwACLFYF
