Writing Prompt

The town of Meadowbrook had always been a quiet, sleepy place, where the most exciting event was the yearly harvest festival. Nestled in a valley between rolling hills, it was a place where everyone knew each other, and nothing much ever changed. The townsfolk were content with their simple lives, and they liked it that way.

That is, until one day, a stranger came into town.

The new arrival was a woman named Elara. She was strikingly beautiful, with raven-black hair that flowed down her back like a waterfall and eyes the color of the deepest ocean. Her presence was magnetic, and the people of Meadowbrook couldn’t help but notice her as she walked through the cobblestone streets, taking in the sights of the town.

Whispers followed her wherever she went. Who was she? Where had she come from? And, most importantly, why was she here? But Elara paid no attention to the gossip. She had only one person in mind.

That person was the town's hero, a man named Callum. Callum was everything Meadowbrook admired: brave, kind, and always ready to lend a hand. He was a tall man with broad shoulders and a smile that could light up the darkest night. Callum had lived in the town his whole life, growing up on a farm just outside the village. Over the years, he had saved the town from more than one disaster—a raging fire, a band of thieves, a flood that threatened to wash away everything. The people loved him, and he loved them in return.

But Elara’s arrival changed everything.

The first time Elara saw Callum, she was standing in the town square, watching as he helped old Mr. Grayson fix his cart. Their eyes met across the bustling market, and for a moment, it felt as though the world had stopped spinning. Elara felt a pull, a connection she couldn’t explain. She had come to Meadowbrook with a purpose, but until that moment, she hadn’t known exactly what it was.

Callum felt it too, though he tried to hide it. He wasn’t the kind of man who got distracted by pretty faces—he had responsibilities, people who relied on him. But there was something about Elara that he couldn’t ignore. It wasn’t just her beauty, though that was undeniable. It was the way she looked at him, as if she saw something in him that no one else did.

As the days passed, Elara made no secret of her interest in Callum. She found reasons to be near him, to talk to him, to learn more about him. She asked about his life, his past, the stories of his heroics. And Callum, despite his best efforts, found himself opening up to her. There was something about her presence that made him feel like he could say anything, be anyone.

But it wasn’t long before the townsfolk began to notice. Meadowbrook was small, and news traveled fast. They saw the way Elara looked at Callum, and they saw how his resolve seemed to waver around her. Some were excited at the prospect of their beloved hero finding happiness with someone new, but others were wary. Who was this woman, and what did she really want?

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and painted the sky in shades of pink and gold, Callum confronted Elara. They were standing on a hill overlooking the town, the place where Callum often went to think.

“Elara,” he began, “I need to know. Why did you come here?”

She turned to him, her eyes full of emotion. “I came for you, Callum. I didn’t know it at first, but now I’m certain. I’ve traveled for so long, searching for something—someone. And when I saw you, I knew my search was over.”

Callum’s heart raced, but he shook his head. “You don’t even know me.”

“I know enough,” she replied, stepping closer. “I know you’re a good man, a hero. But I also see the part of you that no one else sees—the part that’s tired of always being the strong one, the one everyone depends on. I want to be there for you, Callum. I want to share your burdens.”

Callum was silent for a long moment, staring out at the town he had always called home. The weight of his responsibilities had always been heavy, but he had carried it willingly. Now, for the first time, he felt a flicker of doubt. Could he allow himself to be vulnerable, to let someone else in?

“Elara,” he said quietly, “what if I’m not the hero you think I am? What if I’m just a man, trying to do his best?”

She reached out and took his hand, her touch warm and reassuring. “That’s enough for me.”

Callum looked into her eyes, and in that moment, he felt something shift inside him. For so long, he had been the hero, the one who always had to be strong. But now, here was someone who saw him for who he truly was—someone who wanted to stand by his side, not because of what he could do, but because of who he was.

And so, as the first stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Callum made his decision. He didn’t know what the future would hold, but he knew one thing for certain: he didn’t have to face it alone.

Together, Callum and Elara walked back into town, hand in hand, ready to face whatever came next. For Callum, it was a new beginning—not just as the town’s hero, but as a man who had found someone who saw him for more than that. And for Elara, it was the end of a long journey, and the start of something new and beautiful.

Somewhere in the depths of a desert..

“ Come get yer’ fresh dragon milk!”

“ Come on over to Lulu’s stand to grab a taste of mah’ breastmilk soap!”

“ Stop on by to try some of my famous zombie uterus pie!”

The venders are loud today..

“ Father, have we found the ‘ eyes?’ “ I questioned. He gave me an irritated look, rolled his eyes and just grabbed my hand to continue forwards. I let my hand go limp. He had thought my fight was gone, not yet. His grip loosened if only by an inch, it was my turn to play. I yanked my hand out from his big monstrous fingers and flew through the crowd, protests of my father was unheard through the crowds chatter. I yanked a peice of rope that loosely whipped around my skirt to reveal..

A N K L E S. ( yes, she is wearing pants ya goofy goobers.)

Then the crowd gasped. I was already practically out the city gates, my freedom an inch closer. I would get the ‘ eyeballs,’ and use it for things that no one had taken initiative of.

Then, my head spun as I was yanked backwards. “ Little lady, I think its very rude that you spray dust on me..” A deep voice sounded above her. With a hesitant quiver, she got up to take a look at the man.

He is so fuckin’ SEXY. __ __ i thought. __ _WAIT NO HE CANT BE SEXY HE JUST STOPPED ME FROM MY MISSION COMPLETION! _

His broad shoulders towered over my head like two stallion horses, unwavering.

“ And who might you be?” I asked, my interest peaking.

“ Unforgettable.” His gaze was quite startling to maintain contact with, but it needed to be done if I were to forge new alliances.

I stared at him for a moment, his beauty almost made my mind slip of his words. “Unforgettable?”

He simply nodded, taking out something in had longed for all in my years of living.

**_Hi kids! Ya like violence? KIDDIN.’ Just a quote from Eminem. Wondering what in the flipping farting fleeting fueling filling finching flinching freaking fleaking fuck is goin’ on?

NO WORRIES!

Here is some answers, but not all..

Protagonist - name - Edin, age - 16, gender -female.

Antagonist- her father, whom you just saw basically acting like a real peice of work in the beginning, age - 61, gender - annoying.

So why’d the guy down there say ‘ unforgettable?’ Basically, he was her childhood friend, Sam. 18, and thriving babyyyyy!

Nope! Sorry, lemme refrase, childhood CRUSH, both adapting feelings for one another. He promised he would help her escape and find what she needs buthe was taken by ЖЖЖЖЖ. **** _****_Her father is some dude who is deep in the idea of her marrying some old fart for money and goodluck when she reaches age 17, poor mans in delulu.

Basically, i forgit to say that that also is NOT exactly her father. She was sold at birth to this delulu dude in a desert, where she grew up.

Bio parents likely dead.

What are ‘ eyeballs?’ That sounds terribly dumb but it really isnt.

‘ eyeballs ‘ come from an ancient scorpion that hides out every day, except only for a few minutes in between sundown and full darkness. Yet they still tend to hide near their homes even during this time.

Basically, if one is to find a scorpion and kill it, harvesting their weird magical eyeballs, they get 4 wishes. Kinda like a genie with no eyelids or magical blue bodies.

All good? Then just know these writings are gonna get hella sassier. _**

“ You—“ words fumbled over one another in a frantic attempt of expressing my confusion and anger.

He held the black voids of empty eternalness in front of my lips, his thumb slightly caressing them.

“ I told you i wouldnt come back empty handed, Edin.”

All was silent, i could feel my heart race, pounding out of my chest as everything clicked.

I leaped onto him, laughing, teary eyed. He was taken aback for a moment, but laughed as i tackled him over.

“ Sam! It IS you! I thought.. oh your actually here!” I pulled his face close to mine, and stopped when he did.

Can i kiss you?

I thought to myself, i hadnt seen him in years. Would his lips still be as soft as i remember? As drawing to as i remember?

PLEASE FUCKIN’ KISS ME EDIN.

Sam thought, his hand shaking with his need.

“ Screw it!” I went in for a kiss, holding him tightly. He sat up as i began to slide right into his arms, right into my place, right where i needed to be.

After a few minutes of reminiscing, we found his shelter and we began opening the jar, where the small black orbs wandered all the days they had waited. I slid one into my hand, this sweet moment felt too good to be true, like a good dream that you cant fall back asleep to finish, where you dont see how it ends.

All I do know, is that Sam and I decided that wishing was silly, and so we hid the jar until we would have our own child. We had everything we needed, right there, where everything, needed to always be.

Everyone i've come across at school has been whispering about the new guy. They try to hide it, but all of them are so giddy about his looks that it's hard to not roll my eyes. Even my best friend Morgan has been telling me about him all week through text. Morgan: His hair is so sexy, the black waves bounce with every step he takes. Morgan: Oh! Morgan: His eyes are like swimming in the ocean with the sun beating down heating everything up but not in a sweltering heat, but like a heat that curls your toes and makes you want to bask all day long. I ignore her texts and shove my phone back into my jeans pocket, grabbing my sweater from the closet. I look in the mirror, pulling at the blond curly mess on top of my head, trying to get it tamed but failing miserably. I feel my phone buzz in my pocket a few more times, most likely Morgan texting me more about the new guy I haven't met yet and how "amazing" he is. He's only been here for a week and everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, has their sights set on him. I swipe some mascara over my lashes and look in the mirror one last time to make sure that I look okay. I'm exhausted from staying up too late last night doing homework and responding to Morgan, even though it was all about "new guy".

I grab my bag and head down the stairs to the kitchen to grab some coffee before heading to school. My phone is trying to buzz out of my jeans, so I grab it and start reading more texts from Morgan. Morgan: Oh my gosh! He's single!!! Can you even believe a hunk like him would be single? Everyone keeps talking about how amazing he is and how he's so oblivious to his looks. Can you even imagine... I roll my eyes and shoot off a quick text telling her that I can't imagine it (even if I don't believe a word she's saying) and that I'll meet her by my locker. I hop into my Jeep and roll the windows down as soon as the car is on. My phone is still blowing up with messages from Morgan as I turn on drive mode and pull up Spotify. I put on my liked songs playlist and pull out of the driveway. This is going to be a long day.

When I make it to school, all eyes are darting around looking for the new guy. I head over to my locker and open it, starting to unload and store my books from my bag. "Hey Eve! Did you see the latest text I sent you? Turns out the new guy is from a different school and is going to finish out the year here. Isn't that amazing! We get some new eye candy!" Morgans bubbly outburst grates my ears as I take a sip of my coffee. I look deep into her chocolate eyes and try to figure out why she's so crazy about this guy. He's just a new student, not a god. Morgan continues to blab about how sexy she thinks he is while I just watch her trying to figure out if she's wearing her dress so low on purpose, trying to flaunt her curves. She even made sure to straighten her wavy auburn hair this morning and slather makeup on. What is with this girl?

Morgan pauses as if just looking at me for the first time. "Wait, did you not sleep well? You look like crap." Her eyes roam from my messy bun on top of my head all the way down to my converse then back up to my face again. "Seriously, you look like you've been hit by a truck."

"Oh gee, thanks Morgan." I roll my eyes at her. "I stayed up late to finish the science project last night and an english paper. I didn't go to bed until 3 this morning." I keep drinking my coffee, hoping it will wake me up more.

Morgan's eye widen as she's looking behind me. I start turning around as a voice says, "You know, I hear it's not a good thing to go to school with less than 5 hours of sleep." I look up into the most gorgeous eyes blue eyes i've ever seen. This must be the new guy. "Although, some studies say that all you need is 4 hours." He winks at me.

I'm SO not in the mood for this. "And who made you the expert?" I eye him carefully, waiting for a response. He just shrugs his shoulders and stands there, looking down at me. "What no comeback?" I see something flash in his eyes, but before I can figure out what it is, he has a blank look plastered on his face.

"I was just trying to be part of the conversation." He starts to walk away, Morgan oogling at him and almost drooling. "I'll see you in class, Eve." he throws over his shoulder.

"Oh. My. Gosh!!! Did that really just happen? He was talking to you! He hasn't talked with anyone yet and believe me, plenty of people have tried. He's ignored all of them until now." Morgans eyes are bright as she looks at me. The bell rings, signaling the 2 minute warning. "I'll text you." Morgan scurries towards her first class as I walk the other way to mine, hoping not to have to deal with anyone else.

I get to the class and find that the new guy is standing at the front, talking with Mr Reed in hushed whispers. I find my seat at the two person table that no one bothers to sit in. Everyone in class has their eyes glued to the new guy's face and are leaning forward in their seats. I roll my eyes, pulling out a notebook and pen as Mr Reed starts talking. "Good Morning, Everyone. We have a new student with us for the rest of the school year. Please welcome Darren to the class." Mr Reed looks towards Darren as everyone else is either batting their eyelashes or goofily smiling at Darren. "You can sit in the last open seat next to Eve." Mr Reed points at the seat next to me, as Darren saunters over with a smile plastered on his face.

"Hey, do you have any paper and a pen I could borrow? I haven't had time since the move to unpack anything from my last school." He smiles down at me, trying to charm me i'm sure. I slide a second pen and a piece of paper his way as he winks and thanks me before looking forward for today's lesson.

While Mr Reed is talking, I hear whispers all around me, from girls hating on me to the guys in class grumbling about how they've not heard Darren talk to any of them yet either. I catch a glimpse of Darren out of the corner of my eye and notice he's about a foot taller than I am, probably 6 feet tall and how his dress shirt clings to his arms. He must feel me looking at him because he turns and smiles at me, his eyes sparkling and a dimple showing on his face. "Like what you see?" he whispers to me. I roll my eyes and try to focus back on the history lesson from Mr Reed. Darren nudges me. "I'm sorry. Everyone has been gawking at me all week. You're the first person to actually treat me like i'm just another guy. It just also helps that one of the nicest people i've talked to is also one of the prettiest." My cheeks heat up as I try not to freeze my writing. Is he hitting on me?

The rest of class flies by with Darren still trying to start conversations and everyone around us angry that i'm the only one he's talked to this week. As the bell rings, I start to pack up and Darren puts a hand on my arm. "I know that what I said was forward, i'm sorry. I just..." he pauses, letting his hand slip from my arm and back down to the desk. I hear him take a deep breath as he continues. "You're one of the only people not staring at me constantly and whispering about how you want to jump me or be me." I look in his eyes and see a fire starting to form before he blinks and it's gone. "If you're up for it, i'd like to hang out with you. Could I maybe text you?" He looks at my phone on my desk and then back to me. I nod, mumbling that would be fine, then hand him my unlocked phone on a new contact page. He quickly enters in his information and then sends himself a text so that he has my number. "I'll see you around Eve." He stands up and starts to leave, only turning to say "Nice background by the way."

I feel my face go red as I watch Darren leave the classroom. I look down at the background on my phone which shows Morgan and I after sticking each other's nose in our ice creams and taking a selfie. I can feel butterflies in my stomach for some reason. What the heck is that all about. My phone buzzes as I look down and see Darren's name with a smirk emoji next to it. Darren: Thanks for the phone number. I'll text you later on when we should hang out just you and me. I find myself grinning at the phone in my hand before shaking my head and stuffing my phone into my pocket. I sling my bag over my shoulder and head out the door to my next class. What is going on with me?

In the small town Luke always lived in, everyone knew everyone. It was charming, and full of joy and festivity. One day, something changed. For the better or for worst. A new habitant arrived. A handsome boy named Tom. Tom came from the city, filled with noise, and where everything felt impersonal and personal at the same time. He felt lost, and didn’t know where to look. The locals, on the contrary, knew exactly where to look. All eyes were on Tom anywhere he would go. It was justified though. His charming manners, and elegant way of speaking attracted many girls. As he entered the small cafe where Luke worked, the small bell on the door rung, attracting Luke’s attention towards the young man. With a smile, Tom spoke. “Hey! I’m new in town, and I’m completely lost. Could you help me?” After Luke gave instructions to Tom, they exchanged numbers. Every night since then, they text each other. Their relationship was purely platonic. At least that’s what Luke thought. After a month of flirting, Tom finally asked Luke to meet up. On the day they agreed to meet, Tom was so nervous he arrived at the rendez-vous point an hour in advance. Multiple girls came to flirt with him, but he rejected them all. When Luke arrived, two girls were talking to him. But as Luke walked towards him, the only thing he could focus on was him. In Tom’s eyes, Luke was the most beautiful human to ever walk the earth. At the end of the date, Luke took Tom’s hand. They laughed together, like they had never before. Tom never felt so safe around a person. It was at this moment that Tom realized he wanted to be with this person. He wanted to be with Luke. He needed to be with Luke.

“Is that the new girl?” Mickey asked as all the other girls on the field stopped playing football.

All eyes started looking toward the entrance to the school. Braylee quickly realized the commotion behind her. Watching her best friend Mikaela Dunn aka Mickey running clear from the other teams side towards her.

“She must be trouble” A girl behind them stated looking at the obvious police cruiser.

“I bet she came from the clink” A few of the other girls laughed , while Mickey rolled her eyes.

“Not likely, probably a parent. Cuz I’m not a total moron” She said while flipping her long light brown hair towards them.

“Someone’s bitchy today” Baylee laughed.

“All days” She corrected, tossing her best friend a piece sign over her face, sticking out her tongue. “I’m that bitch. Just saying” They both laughed at her obnoxiousness.

A police cruiser dropping off a student, that was new. Yet as the big man stepped out of the front seat. He smiled and waved at the gawking girls.

His complexion a baked brownie color and smile white like a crest tv commercial. Opening the squad car door on the opposite side out hoped a black haired girl. Who instantly looked straight at Braylee and the world itself turned black.

“Omg Bray!” Mickey voice was the only thing she heard as the blackness swooped in.

“You all took quite a spill” Her sing-song voice lulled Braylee out of her sleeping.

“All” Braylee groaned, rubbing her head.

Trying hard to remember what she was doing before the black out. It was pounding a mile a minute. Her mouth was completely dry as if replacing her tongue was the desert. And she could hear everything going on outside.

“Those freaks all passed out on the field” One female student spoke on the outside of the door.

“I heard it’s a new Covid situation” Another girl added to the gossip.

“Maybe an std?” Another added in.

“Don’t mind them dears. How do you all feel?” She questioned them as Braylee looked at the school nurse and the other four beds.

The nurse was a petite woman, short reddish brown hair, a thicker figure and a tattoo that started on her neck and ran down her right shoulder. Eyes the color of marbles, a blue and green swirl of colors.

Mickey lay passed out still across from her. The rise and fall of her chest sent a wave of joy through Braylee. Watching her tanned skinned best friends light brown hair laying across the pillow in a heap. Knowing full well she’d be listening to her complaining and combing it though.

There was one other girl in the bed next to Mickey, a blonde. From the looks of her young face a freshman. Who wore a set of pigtails like she was bubbles from the powerful girls. Cute and innocent looking, with an athletic body, maybe a bit to tall for her age.

Then two boys one she scoffed at his scared face. Bruno Maxwell, head quarter back of the football team. A groan escaped her lips and she wanted to just deck him in the face. Mostly due to the rumors his buddies had spread about Mickey and her since the second grade.

The other boy was a bit of an outsider. She’d seen him before being bothered by Bruno’s group of thugs but she’d never gotten closer. His black eye shadow and black nail polish were perfectly visible. Yet when his blue eyes opened she gasped.

“Braylee. Are you ok?” The nurse shifted away from Bruno on a small circle stool and slipped across the tile floor.

Of course the boy just flipped his dyed black hair and smiled at her. Giving her a subtle wave. He was just trying to be friendly but she could see him, really see him. The struggle that was hidden behind his eyes, everything about him.

“This is such bull. I probably just passed out cuz I worked out to hard” Bruno huffed out a long breath and stood up.

His massive body hulking over the short stocky school nurse. Even for a quarter back he was big. Everyone else stopped and looked at him, except for Mickey who was still lightly snoring.

“Bruno I’m not done with you” The nurse raised her voice a bit and he shrugged it off.

“Your a school nurse not a doctor. I missed my breakfast this morning. Nothing to it.” The nurse shook her head as her went for the door.

“You heard that too didn’t you” The black haired boy questioned and Bruno stopped his hand on the doorknob.

Braylee and the freshman girl just nodded at each other. Trying not to alert the nurse to their craziness.

“Are we going crazy?” The freshman asked as Bruno slammed the door.

“All muscle no manners” The black haired boy chuckled a bit starting to stand up.

“I guess you all may return to classes. But let me know if anything changes. Nausea, fainting or anything else.” She skipped back to her desk as Braylee moved to Mickey.

“She should be fine?” The freshman girl asked and Braylee looked at her light green eyes.

“I’m sure she will wake up in a bit” The nurse added in typing on her computer keyboard.

Something inside Braylee started to growl, she couldn’t believe what was coming from the girl. Pain, physical pain and discomfort. Distress and as she reached out and put a hand on her shoulder the girl’s eyes started to water.

“It’s ok…. We will protect each other now” Braylee’s words came out before she even thought about them.

“Hard to do that… when he’s with us” The black haired boy looked down at the floor but she could feel his defeated heart.

“I’m Xavier” The black haired boy , shook his bangs out as they stepped into the cafeteria.

So being the new kid was one thing. Being the entire group that just nearly dropped dead on the field during gym. Quite the opposite. Stepping through the doors silence ensures, everyone gawking at them .

So much so the blonde freshman sniffled a bit before Xavier grabbed her hand to steady her from taking off. The whimpering didn’t stop though.

“It’s ok. They can’t do any worse to us…” Xavier whispered to her, hopefully calming her nerves a bit.

Of course Bruno was sitting on a table at the entrance with all their group of footballers. Who quickly realized that Xavier was holding the freshman girls hand.

“Guess he’s not gay after all” One of the others boys started to laugh slapping Bruno on his back.

“Shut up. Leave him be” Bruno’s voice was flat and surprised everyone else.

“You with fag boy now” The boy hardly seen the right hook coming from Bruno.

Hard enough to stagger him back but not enough to lay him out. He quickly looked around the room as if someone was going to jump in against their team captain. Of course nobody even looked his way, granting him no help.

“That was a bullshit cheap shot!” He bellowed.

“So go tell a teacher?” Bruno replied without an ounce of malice.

“Why you acting like this?” He rubbed his busted lip of the little blood.

“Leave them be. Falling out like that sucks” As he spoke he turned to them and just nodded as the entire room started up with speaking again.

“I’m sorry” Xavier mumbled letting her hand go.

“Thanks” The blonde girl looked up at him a smile on her face. “I’m Emily. I don’t care what they think. It helped”

“Always a good thing” Baylee added in as they all started towards the line. “I can’t believe he stuck up for you”

“I don’t get why” Xavier grabbed the tray and quickly looked back at the table, where it looked like the boy Bruno hit was apologizing. Not like he could ever think of a time when Bruno added to the bull crap his people spewed out.

“Maybe he felt what I did…” Baylee said but quickly realized maybe it wasn’t the best thing to say.

“What do you mean?” Emily questioned looking around the trays at her.

Braylee rubbed her neck and sighed. Looking at them both as they looked back expecting an answer. Both wide eyed and bushy tailed ready to leap at the oncoming car that was the truth.

“Could you feel my past?” Braylee spat it out and quickly grabbed the chicken sandwich and mashed potatoes, tossing it on the tray.

Then she felt it, a nagging sensation inside. Yearning for her to turn around and look in the direction of the person who was staring at her. News flash, who wasn’t staring at them still. They would surely be the talk of the town and school for the next week. It was only a matter of time before the parents started to join in.

“I don’t get what you mean?” Xavier added a sub and some chips to his tray following after Emily.

“Can I be honest…” Baylee said in a hushed voice as they walked out of the cafeteria into the outside foyer.

Of course the lovely day they had started with wasn’t lasting. A cool breeze had started and clouds were rolling in fast.

“Smells like rain, I love storms” Emily added in as they continued their journey.

Way less kids went outside to eat on windy days. Which only helped them as they all sat down on one of the picnic tables under the foyer. There were only a handful out there in the first place, a large tree that somewhat covered a quarter of the interior grounds and a small koi pond that hadn’t been refilled since their freshman year.

“Of course. Why would we want you to lie?” Emily questioned before taking a bite out of her sub.

“Because I felt your secrets….. I’m sorry. It feels terrible for me to say them out loud…” Baylee didn’t even look at them, just stirred her potatoes and brown gravy.

“So you know….” Xavier could hardly get the words out. “That’s not even possible, help me out here Emily”

“Yes…. Your not straight…. And she’s…. Emily I’m so sorry” Baylee looked at her as she watched the instant change at the realization.

It didn’t take more then a second for the waterworks to ensure. Baylee couldn’t blame her or be mad, her secret was terrible. Heartbreaking for sure.

“There’s no way…. You couldn’t…” She started to back away from the table.

“What’s wrong?” Xavier questioned, definitely confused by her sudden reaction.

“I felt it…. That shouldn’t happen…” Baylee started to move toward her but Bruno was there at the door before she could escape.

Blocking her exit with his whole existence. While she tried to slip past.

“Please let me go!” Emily started to sob, Bruno knelt down and looked her straight in the face.

His brown eyes looked black as he spoke “Who did that…. I’ll end them for you”

“Now your a knight in shining armor?” Xavier questioned, a chip on his shoulder for sure.

Emily collapsed into Bruno without a thought. Sobbing uncontrollably into his black t-shirt. His face just gave off a concerned look as he easily reached under her like a small child. Carrying her over back to the table.

“A knight would have saved her during the act. I can only avenge her loss…” He gave them a quick glance as he set her down and sat next to her on the table.

“Yet I still don’t get your sudden good guy routine? Em’s cute and all but like that can’t be it?” Xavier questioned and Braylee shook her head.

“Why are you the slow , inattentive person now?” Bruno shot back still trying to console Emily.

“Cuz I’m hella lost. What happened?” He chimed.

“Grape… without the g…” It came out much worse then Braylee expected it to sound but the point was surely being missed.

“Ohh no shit. Im so sorry.” Xavier started to say in a much different tone of voice. “You poor girl…”

“What’s his secret?” Emily started to wipe her tears and looked at Baylee expecting an answer.

“His persona is a lie…. He hates everybody around him… wishes he could be an artist…” Braylee sighed as the door opened again.

Mickey looked up at her and smiled. Then it hit her like a run away train. Passion that started a heat across her body, a feeling of contentment and comfort. Then a chill of icy cold that stung as it swelled.

“Are you serious!” Braylee shouted standing up nearly knocking her tray to the floor.

“What’s wrong?” She questioned, stopping just outside the door, but letting it close behind her.

A look of pure surprise on her face as Braylee started to rush around the table. Thankfully Bruno was faster, grabbing her by the shoulder and stopping her dead in her tracks.

“So I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say your secret somehow effects her very closely?” Xavier gave Mickey a sly grin.

Regret washed over Mickey’s face in an instant. She knew exactly what her best friend was mad about.

“How is that possible?” Mickey questioned.

“Power girl over here knows our secrets. I expect yours to be very juicy” Xavier sat his chin on his hands in anticipation.

“It was one time… I wanted to tell you I swear” Mickey looked at each one of them for back up.

“Which one?” Braylee hissed. “When?”

“It’s not my fault…” Mickey started, Braylee growled at Bruno and he let her go in an instant.

“Did you just growl at him?” Xavier questioned giving her a straight “wtf” face.

“I think I did…” Braylee answered looking back at her best friend with a groan. “Why would you do that?”

“Ok, first of all. They are cute as fuck girl” Mickey quickly started and then stopped herself with a smile. “It literally just kinda happened…. Maybe we kissed and fooled around a bit more after our sleepovers…. But I promise you I really like him”

“She defiled my little brother” Braylee quickly said then hid her face.

“I promise you he’s not little” She smiled softly and started towards their little group.

“No flipping way” Xavier gasped at Braylee.

“Please I’m gonna puke” Braylee sat back down. “Definitely not eating now” she pushed her tray away.

“We’ll on that note” Xavier started to laugh. “Aren’t they twins. You sure it was the same one?” He questioned and her face started to turn a little bit red.

“Ok, enough of that” Braylee cut it short. “If I didn’t love you like a sister I swear I’d beat your butt”

“So she’s not getting her butt beat?” Bruno questions as a sigh comes from Mickey.

“I’m literally her best friend since like second grade”

“I’m gonna stop you right there. And you still slept with her brother. That’s cold” Xavier added in.

“Please can we leave it be. I’m so over today” Braylee spoke, yet at that exact moment her phone started to chirp to life.

Holding it in her hand “mom” flashed across it with an answer or reject. Which made her look up at Mickey with a grin.

“Should I tell her one of her boys got you knocked up?” Xavier hissed with laughter and Bruno sighed.

“Really?” Mickey responded by resting her hands on her hips in an “I dare you fashion”.

“Hey mom” Braylee quickly answered, stepping towards the pond.

“Honey I heard you passed out?” Her mothers voice sounded concerned.

“It’s fine, I wasn’t the only one. Dehydration seems to be the cause” A white lie wouldn’t hurt anyone, especially since none of them really knew why.

“I’m glad your ok. Have you seen your sister?” And are your brothers ok?” Her mothers question made her scoffe.

“Of course she’d ask about the witch, and one of them was doing way better then the other that’s for sure” She giggled a bit to herself looking at Mickey.

She really hadn’t expected everyone else to turn and look at her at the table. Mickey shaking her head.

Emily slowly mouthing“we can hear you”.

“Whos the witch?” Xavier added in through their mind link.

“No I haven’t seen her, thankfully” She whispered the last part. “And I’m very sure the boys are doing great”

“We’ll have a good rest of the day.” She said as the ding of the register at the store sounded in the background. “Don’t forget to come by later. You and your sister are closing”

“You too mom. Also I never forget” Of course the store had to be run.

“You can bring Mickey too.” She added in.

“Probably will” Her tone was flat without even trying.

“Love yah honey” The phone clicked off and she groaned.

“So we can talk to each other with our minds?” Mickey questioned, catching up.

“Seems so…” Emily said.

“Watch what you think” Xavier added in with a chuckle, looking directly at Mickey.

“Why are y’all so friendly now. We aren’t even from the same clicks” Mickey hissed throwing up her middle finger at Xavier.

“We’ll for some reason we are gonna have to be now. None of it makes sense. But here we are” Braylee sat down just as the bell rung to tell everyone lunch was over.

“I’ll try and keep them off your back. I’m sorry they are a bunch of assholes” Bruno held his hand out to Xavier looking clearly sorry.

“Maybe in time” Braylee added as she watched Xavier grab his backpack and pulling away from the group.

“He’s gay though? right?” Mickey questioned and Braylee slapped her arm, giving her a stern motherly warning look.

The rest of school flew by without anything else out of the ordinary happening. At the end of eighth period, Mickey was rushing down the hallway to meet Braylee at her locker. Like they did everyday.

With a smile she leaned back against the locker next to hers.

“So we working tonight?” Braylee groaned looking at her best friend with the most annoyed face she could muster.

“Ughh. Yes but I’m not done being mad at you” She smiled faintly as two sets of footsteps stopped behind her. One of them clearly wasn’t walking as fast.

“You ready sis?” Caden asked as he tapped her opposite shoulder to try and trick her out.

“Yes, are you two?” She turned and mock glared at them both, of corse Corbin was the one who shuddered and she found her culprit.

Corbin and Caden are twins, the youngest kids of the family and a whole bucket full of terrible. Since they were born they were thick as thieves. Of course unlike their mothers bright blonde hair, they got fathers red hair. Irish ancestry will do that.

If it wasn’t for their eyes you could hardly tell them apart. Corbin’s are a light grey but Caden’s are blue. They were nearly her height for being freshman and neither one of them was particularly muscular both just skinny.

Then her best friend shocked the entire hallway. Grabbing Corbin by his face and planting a few second kiss that made Caden and Baylee both make mock gag noises.

“Yuck no pda please” Baylee quickly pushed them apart walking between them.

“Cats out of the bag. So I want everyone to know he’s mine!” Mickey grabbed his hand and started towards the outside doors.

“I promise, you have no competition” Caden laughed running to catch up.

Dropping the boys off at their parents house outside of town only took a few minutes. Having to watch her younger brother and best friend make out for a few seconds. Made her want to vomit.

“I should have you ask my mom before you make it official” Braylee chucked a bit as Mickey hopped into the black suv that had been a sweet sixteen gift.

“No! Then your mom won’t let me sleep over anymore” Mickey whined and gave Braylee her best puppy dog eyes.

“Fine but you better not think nothing weird. Or I swear I’ll throw away a ten year friendship” Braylee quickly started towards the store.

Of course the moment they entered the store, Leah and Logan were already lip locked behind the front counter. Baylee didn’t even give them the satisfaction of a glance or saying anything.

Leah was a fully filled out senior, actually she hadn’t grown since the eighth grade. She’d been the same curvy, giant chested girl. Who had been stuck on Logan since before her body caught up to her mouth.

Logan was your run of the mill athletic boy. Of course he was part of Bruno’s group but Baylee couldn’t remember his job on the football field. Only that he really wasn’t very good. Probably because all his free time was spent up Leah’s butt.

“Seems to be going around” Baylee couldn’t help herself.

Grabbing a black apron from the back room, her mother scared her with a quick hug from behind. Then of course she hugged her other illegitimate daughter Mickey. Baylee couldn’t help but sigh.

“That rough of a day huh?” Her mother questioned giving her a side eyed “what’s wrong” look.

“Just normal stuff” She tried to sound as normal as possible.

“Well let me know what everyone wants for dinner” She said rushing towards the doors.

Back up front a few people came and went. Nothing much out of the ordinary there. Logan and Leah kept to themselves in the beginning, while Mickey was on her phone. Probably texting Corbin.

“So you guys are a thing now?” Baylee questioned her best friend as she put down her phone for a second.

“Is that good with you?” She asked genuinely.

“Is what good with her?” Leah and her nosey self leaned over the register area.

“Shouldn’t you be sucking face somewhere?” Braylee didn’t even look over at her step sister.

“Wow that’s really mean. Just wait till you get a boyfriend.” She shot back giving her the stink eye. “Hopefully he’ll be into underdevelopment”

Without a thought Braylee was at her sisters throat, holding it with one hand. Leah was trying to scratch at her hand to no avail.

“Braylee stop” Mickey hopped over the other register and grabbed her arm.

Braylee let out a low growl and Mickey yelped like a wounded puppy. Shrinking back as Braylee let her sister go. Leaving a red handprint on her throat.

“What the fuck!” Leah coughed out as she gasped for air. “That was not cool!”

“I’m sorry I don’t know what… came over me”

“That was some freak shit!” Logan added in grabbing Leah and helping her back towards their make out spot.

“Welp. What was that?” Mickey questioned looking back at her with a fearful expression.

“I’m not sure…. I was just mad…” She shook herself a bit, trying to get her thoughts away from her annoying step sister. “It all just happened…”

Baylee groaned as the front door to the store slid opened again. This time it instead of some random grown person. It was the somewhat familiar face of the new girl at school. Her skin was lighter then Mickey’s, more mocha cappuccino instead of milk chocolate. But her hair was braided together and still reached the center of her back. Eyes gleaming a strange light yellow color before the earth itself began to slow.

“Mine” Baylee hissed and the new girl stopped dead in her tracks.

“Oh shit.” Was all she said back.

I am closing up early today. Ron told me he felt like being generous. For some reason, I do not completely believe that. It isn’t like him to do nice things out of the blue. But it’s also not my place to ask. Plus, I did just get let out much earlier before actual closing time of the library.

Shut up, Fraya, I think. You just got a free day all to yourself.

As I turn the key to lock the doors, I ponder what kind of things I might do today. Its not everyday I get this much time to myself, so I don’t have anything planned. Heading home is a start. I’ll figure something out there. Besides, Mom will probably be done with her cookies by now and I want to grab one fresh out of the oven.

The sun is beaming down on my face as I walk across the parking lot to my car. Ah, my car. Praying, I grab for the handle of the drivers side. This thing has been on the verge of death for a while now. Nearly every time I drive it, it is always in the back of my mind that it could refuse to work at any given time.

Today seems to be that day, sadly. I twist the key to start it up, but the engine fails.

C’mon…

I try once more. It lets out an awful, wrenching sound and then I hear a pop. The car falls silent.

Of course today had to be the day. Of all the days this stupid beast could have chosen to not comply, it had to be the one day where I was let out early. There’s no taking it to the shop now. I have a feeling she’s gone for good. It has been a long time coming.

I growl and my head falls on the wheel of the car. “Why me, why now?” I mumble. There is not even air conditioning and it’s blazing outside. Summer was supposed to be my time to relax. I can assure you I feel the opposite of such an emotion.

To my right, I hear a sudden knock on my window, but ignore it. If it’s a homeless person asking for money _again . . . _

I groan and pick my head up, laying it back dramatically against my seat with my eyes closed. “I don’t have any money . . .” I say.

“That explains this piece of junk, then.” A voice says through the window.

My eyes shoot open.

No . . .

There is no way he is still here. My eyes have to be deceiving me right now. Maybe I’m sick? But when I lift my hand to my forehead, it feels normal. This is real.

I sigh and stare at him, the person who was supposed to leave me be for the rests of the day. He smiles at me, tauntingly, as though he is innocent and could never be untrustworthy. The picture of perfection. But I am no fool. I won’t fall for his perfect green eyes and curly brown hair. Definitely not that devastatingly handsome smile

I roll down my window. “What do you want?”

He holds his hands. “You know, I know someone who specializes with anger issuese—“

“Alright, I’m going.” He stands there and backs away from my car. I roll my window back up and place my hands on the steering wheel.

Just leave. Just leave, pleaseee . . .

A moment passes by. I watch him check his watch from my peripheral vision. I’m beginning to feel the awkwardness of the situation I obviously did not think through. He was supposed to walk away. But he’s not. He’s waiting for me to leave.

“Taking an awfully long time there, aren’t we?” I hear him say.

“I was just about to start up!” I yell. If only my car was working so I could run h—

“Any day now!“ Andrew calls, mockingly.

I twist the key and the engine starts up. My feet curl in my shoes. Oh, please work. But it faltered and gave out. The sound is ugly and strained, then my car gives out a little rock. There is no way I’m going anywhere.

“Ooh . . . Looks like we’re having engine problems, hm? Old car, too.” His voice sounds fuzzy behind my window, but I can hear him perfectly clearly.

No shit, Sherlock . . .

He walks infront of my car. This is all too tempting. I could end it right here and noeone would know . . . If only my good-for-nothing car would work. I roll down my window. “What are you doing?” He pops the hood of my car and is instantly hit with large puff of gray exhaust. He stimbles back, coughing and swatting the air as though the air is an irritating little nat. This is worse than I thought.

Once the smoke has cleared, he carefully peers over the hood again with a concerned expression. Its really bad. I could just tell.

He walks over to me and places a hand on the rim of my window. If only windows rolled up so fast that—

He shoots a look to his hand, then back to me, and before I can think anything else, he removes that same hand. It was as though he knew exactly what I was thinking.

“Alright, I’m gunna be completely honest with you—“ I hold my breath for the news. I know this car is done. She has been for a while, but I’ve ignored it again and again. Now I’m stuck at work, with no means to get home other than to walk. But then I’d be charged for having my vehicle parked outside the library past working hours, past the time it closed. The fee would surely be heavy, and I don’t have much money as of now.

I stare at him, awaiting a response. Then finally he lets out a breath. “—I have absolutely no clue what the hell im looking at. I don’t know _anything _about machanics, zero, zilch—“

My growing frustration gets the best of me, and I open my mouth. “You little—“

“—but I _do _know that there is no way you can drive this thing.” He’s stating the obvious once more, slapping his hand inconsiderately against my car. I glare at him and feel my lips turn into a thin line.

“Great. Thanks for nothing, now please go—“ I’m about to roll my window back up until he stops my hand with a slow and prolonged “Ah, ah, ah, not so fast, Micheals . . .”

I sigh and roll my eyes. What now? What could he possibly want? He’s already ruined my day thus far.

“I can’t just leave to walk home. That’s such a long way, and you do realize how ungrntlemanly that would be of me.”

I pry my hand from under his as he continues. “You’re riding with me, you know, with myself being the caring, humble person I am, I’m going to take you home out of the kindness of my heart—“

I grab my car keys, bag, and phone, then open my door with such force it hits Andrew in the face. He grunts and stumbles back. “Let’s not waste time, then.” I trudge on ahead towards the only other car in the parking lot.

“Right,” I hear him say. His voice is muffled. He must be holding his nose. Then the sound of footsteps follows me all the way to his car. The sun beams down on me as I reach for the handle of the wine red sports car.

“Wait—!” Andrew appears next to me in an instant. His voice is nasally and there are apparent tears in his eyes. His nose isn’t bleeding or anything, although there will undoubtedly be a bruise replacing the rather large red mark on his left eye and forehead.

I feel a bit bad about it, but not enough to go out of my way to hand out an apology. He’s the one who’s being an annoying little prick.

He unlocks the car with a click of a button and the lights flash. I’m about to reach for the handle once more, but his hand shoots across and grabs it before I even have a chance. “Ladies first!” I can hear the edge to his voice. He’s obviously trying very hard to ignore the fact I opened a door directly on his face. I commend him, momentarily. He’s good at holding back clear irritation, unlike myself. If only were equally as good at concealing it. Neither of which I excel at, but whatever. It’s not like he could read my mind to tell I am being silently hypocritical.

I smile at him, revolting under my breath as he closes the door while I step in and sit down into the more than comfortable front seat of his car. He walks around the front and appears next to me in an instant.

The drive to my house is absolutely a nightmare. He blasts music that causes my insides to boil and shouts out questions and tells stories I only half pay attention to. He’s cocky and annoying, and he knows it, too.

The volume lowers as we stop at a red light. “You know, you could try to be more polite. I’m sure people would like you more. Might even make some friends—“

I whirl to the side to face him. “What makes you think I don’t have any friends?” If only I could open another door on his face.

The light turns green and he takes a smooth left into my neighborhood. “You work at a library Mondays through Saturdays all the way from ten in the morning to seven.”

“That doesn’t mean anything,” I protest.

“I would argue it means a lot, especially now that you’re angry I brought it up.”

“I— you—“ I stammer on what to say. “You’re the reason I’m so angry!”

“Is it because I have friends?”

“I don’t care about your stupid friends! — not Sal, not Jay, not Gilbert!” I shout.

All this does is make him smirk. “I’m flattered you took the time to learn my friends names, Michaels. Do you really watch me that often?” My silence only makes him laugh. He turns onto my road. My stop is just two houses down.

I growl and cross my arms over my chest. This conversation is over and today is officially the worst day ever. Never have I been so disrespected in my whole life. What a jerk. Of course I have friends! I— I . . . can’t seem to think of anyone, though, that I might consider to be a friend. There have been people who have attempted to speak to me. But I always ignored them because I thought they were simply being nice because I was the only one sitting alone while I watched Andrew Stupid Grey, and his friends act like nut cases, and pretended not to mind. But a part of me, deniably, did care, and I despise it.

Finally, the car slows infront of my house. I don’t hesitate to unbuckle before he’s even stopped. Then I’m out of the car while I hear a mocking “See ya later.”

The bright yellow door to my house opens and my mom stands in the doorway in her blue robe and gray hair pulled up into a bun. She must’ve been reading. She looks to me, then to Andrew and waves at him. He greets her and compliments her knew glasses before pulling out and driving away.

I feel mothers gaze boring into my back, and the deliberate smirk that follows. “Is that Andrew Grey? — so handsome. He’s a nice boy, Fraya.”

I drop my car keys on the table. “No, mom. He’s not.” But I still feel her mocking smile as she watches me march upstairs to my room.

Unbelievable.

Odysseus stared at the beginning of the maze. He had not expected the labyrinth. Of course, the Princess of Olympus would have Deadelus at her service. She always had a way of convincing her father to do whatever she wanted.

When Odysseus had heard that she was having a competition for her hand, he never wanted to come. After Penelope died, he lost the only woman he ever loved. Suitors tried, many like Calypso and Circe, but he had no interest in them.

So why did he come then? He wanted to prove Athena wrong. She had been by his side during the war. She offered Olympus’s army for the first few years and offered protection. They had grown close and interested in each other. She was a beauty; golden honey hair and hair tan skin. He was a king; powerful and wiser than most kings older than he.

Then she had insulted him. She had said that Odysseus had grown soft. He wasn’t the same man who she had faced the Trojans with. He was weak.

Athena believed in wisdom. She always knew what move to make or what action to take. She knew when to fight and when to flee. She knew the affect her words would have on him. They broke him, but she probably didn’t expect this.

“You may enter, knight.” King Zeus called down to Odysseus. “May you survive.”

He caught Athena’s eye. She stared at him in shock. She knew who he was. He winked at her. Revenge tasted sweet.

He entered the labrynth. Instantly, ten different passages appeared. It was obvious which to take. He knew the only way to win was to make it to the end of the maze. So which way led there?

He smiled to himself. He walked down the sixth passage. He knew exactly which one it was. Every passage had a pull and a scent. Each was different and unique. The sixth passage smelled like books and paper, Athena’s favorite smell.

Odysseus realized something; This wasn’t about a test of wisdom or strength. It was about who knew Athena the best. He was going to win.

The ground started shaking. The floors and walls rattled. A creature crept out of the darkness. It had large horns, fur, and muscles the size of his head. The Minotaur stood before him in all its glory.

“I am Odysseus,” he spoke, “King of Ithaca. You do not scare me.”

Then it attacked…

“Have you seen the new guy yet?” Madison slumps against the locker next to mine, fake swooning. “He had me clutching my pearls in Biology.” She sighs deeply, holding a perfectly manicured hand to her brow.

I snort, letting my own locker door fall shut, backpack now slung perfectly over my shoulder. “What happened to Marcus? Last week you were convinced you were going to marry him.”

“I’d hit Marcus and bury his body in the woods if it meant a chance with New Boy,” Madison said solemnly. “Out with the old, in with the new, you know.”

Laughing, I link my arm with hers. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to homicide.”

By the time I get to AP Lit, the whole school is abuzz with news of the new kid. The rumor mills been taken to a whole new level; Christina Bianca swears he just broke out of juvie, while Eddie Stone announced to our entire US history class that he toured with a popular band, and would only be in town until after their next show.

I’ve yet to actually lay eyes on him, but every source seems to agree on one thing at least: he’s extremely good looking.

I throw my bag down onto my desk, conveniently located in the back row of this class due to my unfortunately late in the alphabet last name.

Trina leans over from the table next to mine, golden hair falling gracefully across her shoulder. “Have you seen-“

“The new guy? Nah, not yet,” I don’t even look up, searching at the bottom of my bag for a pen I’m sure I threw in there last period.

I hear Trina let out a delicate ‘hrmph’ from across the aisle, likely annoyed I don’t have any information for her. Trina’s universally regarded as the prettiest girl in our grade; I’m sure if she sets her sights on the new guy the rest of us mere mortals won’t stand a chance.

“Excuse me, is this seat open? Mrs. Dodds said I should sit here.”

“Sure, sure,” I say absentmindedly, still hunting in my bag. Triumphantly, I finally pull out a pink gel pen, covered in crumbs and a little sticky, but still. Turning to the voice in question, I find myself staring into the deepest green eyes I’ve ever seen.

“Thanks,” his mouth quirks up as he says it, the hint of an accent in his tone. He slides into the seat next to me, pushing chestnut hair from his forehead, and offers me a hand. “I’m Edwin.”

Before I even have a chance to react, Trina’s pops up out of her seat and bounces over jauntily. “Hi Edwin, I’m Trina. Would you rather sit with me? I have an empty seat too.” This was an outright lie, as her seat mate was in fact already sitting down in the seat besides hers, and looking mutinous at her pronunciation.

But Edwin doesn’t even look at her, his intense eyes still locked with mine as he says, “No thanks.”

She blinks stupidly a few times, not seeming to comprehend what he’s said, until Mrs. Dodds calls the class to order.

I break into a giggle; I’ve never seen Trina put down a few pegs but she definitely needed it.

“Sammy,” I whisper to him, quickly shaking his hand, warm and large and calloused compared to my own suddenly clammy hands.

He smiles back, and I get the sudden feeling that my life is about to change.

At Lavender Brooks High, everyone buzzes when gossip goes around, which happens to be pretty often.

Whether it be that two classmates found their soulmates or did something irresponsible with their powers, it traveled fast.

When there is a new student, the school goes haywire. There is an excitement in the air on what they can do, where they come from, and if they have met their soulmate. Because if they haven’t, then there is a chance that the new student is someone’s at the school.

Lou remembers all too well when she was the new kid. Thankfully, she and Jeremiah both came to this high school on the same day, so she didn’t face it by herself.

“Did you hear, Lou? There’s a new kid coming today,” Roman mentions, his voice much higher to imitate the gossipers. It makes her giggle behind her hand.

“Another human in this crowded space?” Greg, her lizard friend, grumbles on her shoulder. She runs her finger over his head. “Be nice, Greg. They could be our next friend.”

“At least I know it wasn’t just me that Greg doesn’t like,” Roman says, grinning at him.

Greg mutters something. “What did he say about me?” Roman asks, curious. She zips her lips and pretends to throw away the key.

Lou turns just in time for Bell to sprint up to them, out of breath. “Geez, I am really out of shape,” she wheezes, her hands on her knees, huffing out breaths.

“You good?” Roman inquires, eyebrows lifting at her disheveled state. Bell is normally very put together but not today.

“Lou, can you show the new guy around? I was asked to be his guide, and I said yes. But then I forgot I really need to talk to Mrs. Britol about my essay topic before classes start.” She ended her speech and then looked pleading at her.

“Say no. No need to socialize with the new kid,” Greg whispers in her ear.

Going against the devil on her shoulder, she agrees, “Sure.”

Just as she was about to ask his name, Bell runs away, disappearing into the school.

“How am I going to find this new boy?” Lou asks aloud, hoping that Roman will help her with the answer. “Maybe find the guy that everyone is looking at,” Roman offers, pointing the ogling students staring at someone.

“Have fun with the new kid, I’m meeting up with Jeremiah.” She glares at his retreating figure for leaving her and Greg alone. Now she has to approach the new kid.

As he walks in her general direction, she studies him. His gait reminds her of the long, graceful strides of a gazelle. From him ignoring the many people whispering about him, his attitude is like a cat. Aloof. Something about his sharp gaze makes her think that he might be rough around the edges.

Once he is getting closer to her position, she steps in his path. “Hi, Bell couldn’t show you around, so she asked me. I’m Lou,” she introduces.

“Oh ok. I’m Jones.” His voice is deep, rumbling like a bear. She waits for him to finish his name. Maybe he just likes to be called by his last name. When he doesn’t elaborate, she realizes.

“Sorry, that’s your first name?”

“Yeah, I know it’s a bit strange.”

Lou shrugs, “Not the weirdest thing around here I’m sure.”

“It’s pretty weird,” Greg mumbles.

“Yep, it is,” Jones responds. Lou’s eyebrows furrow together in confusion. It was like he directly replied to Greg.

Her mouth opens and closes, not sure what to say. He helps her out after an embarrassingly amount of time. “My powers. I can shapeshifter into animals.”

“You can understand them too?”

“Only when a part of me is shifted. I shifted my eyes.” He demonstrates again and his eyes indeed change to a reptilian look, a narrow ovalish pupil. Her mouth gapes wide open in awe at his ability.

“That’s amazing. Can you shapeshift entirely?” She can’t keep the bubbling excitement from her tone. Even Greg now appears intrigued and he doesn’t get interested in humans apart from Lou.

A small smile forms on Jones’ face. Not in the mocking way that some have. A genuine one rooted in amusement. “I’ve never had someone so interest in my powers before.”

“Well animals are my life. My gift is understanding and communicating with animals,” Lou explains, gesturing to Greg who nods to confirm.

“They are so much easier to get along with than people,” Jones adds which Lou internally screams in agreement.

“Exactly!” She practically shouts, not caring at the people giving her weird looks.

It takes her a second to think past her fervor. “Does it bother you? Everyone staring?” While she is used to and not caring about humans judgemental gazes, she shouldn’t assume that everyone else is immune.

“No,” he answers simply.

Suddenly their conversation is cut short by the warning bell. “Oh my gosh, I totally forgot that you’re new!” How did she forget she was supposed to be his guide?

There’s that grin again. “It’s cool. Just show me to my homeroom and I think I’m good to go.”

Looking at his schedule that he hands her, she drags him through the hallways until they reach the correct room. Good thing hers isn’t far or she’ll be late.

“Thanks for the fun convo,” he says, turning to go into his assigned homeroom.

Something about him draws her in. It isn’t just their shared view on animals. It’s something else that she can’t place. All she knows is that she wants to keep talking to him.

“Do you want to have lunch with me and my friends?” She blurts out. “We always eat outside unless it rains, though Bell can usually stop it.”

Facing her, he voices, “I’m usually a lone wolf.”

She is hard pressed to believe that entirely. Lou isn’t great at reading people, but she knows animals, and she has a feeling that he has a bit more animal traits than most humans.

“Wolves usually have packs,” she points out.

Greg taps her cheek with his tail. “If he is coming up with excuses, maybe he doesn’t want to sit with you.”

Having mostly likely heard her lizard friend, Jones’ shoulder raise in a shrug. “Sure. Why not?”

——— (Shoutout to AJ Kit who suggested a shapeshifter friend for Lou! Let me know what you think about Jones. There will be more shapeshifting in the future, this is just an intro. I’m trying to decide if Jones is her soulmate. I feel like it would be really unrealistic for so many characters to meet their soulmates while still teenagers, and Lou is such a strong character on her own, so right now I’m just thinking besties. Let me know what you think about that!)

Deaf people can’t hear As blind people can’t see And people come and go Just like you and me

Yet mute people can speak In their own foreign tongue And deaf people can hear The one song unsung

And so I may ask Can a slave- seen as free They all say you’re blind But you have a million eyes to me