Tainted Hearts

MEMORY LANE.

"Bye, mom!" I yelled as I ran out the door. I sighed. I was so glad today was Thursday. Only two more days to survive at school before the weekend, and an even longer training session with Neal on Sunday.

He really was taking this seriously. I've been training intensively for the past week, Neal sometimes doing the same thing I did. My body was aching everywhere today, which made me want to go to school even less.

At least the stares had died down. There were only the occasional glances now. That I could cope with. It was certainly less irritating than the whispers and people who weren't even trying to hide the fact that they were staring at me.

As I neared the school, I saw Julian coming from the opposite direction. I smiled.

"Hey, haven't seen you in a while."

Julian laughed. "You're the one who's been hanging out with Neal all the time. Are you trying to steal my best friend?"

I grinned. "Yep, I am. Hope you don't mind." We walked through the school gates.

He shook his head. "Pedophile. So, what's up?"

"Your face is the pedophile. You're like twice his age." He rolled his eyes. "And tired as always. School starts way too early," I grumbled.

He laughed and agreed. "We should start a petition. I'm sure everyone would sign it."

"Sign what?" I heard a familiar voice say. Julian and I turned to see a grinning Neal.

"Neal! Glad you could join us," Julian exclaimed happily.

"A petition against school starting at 8. This should be considered torture," I answered him.

"Oh my God, where? Give it to me now. I'm signing it right away," Neal groaned. We all laughed.

The three of us parted ways with a goodbye and went to our lockers. I grabbed all the stuff I needed and went to my first class. I plopped down onto my seat with a sigh.

The teacher, Mrs. Brooke, came in and immediately told us to open our books to page 264.

About halfway though class, there was a knock on the door, causing all the kids who weren't asleep or too immersed in their private conversations to look up. The principal, Mr. Duncan entered the classroom, and all the students - who were awake - visibly sat up straighter. Mrs. Brooke put on a fake smile.

"Sorry to bother you, but we have a new student. Everyone, this is Chloe Merino. I trust that you'll all make her feel welcome." He nodded at the teacher, smiled and left without another word, but I was too busy staring at the girl. My head had snapped up as soon as I heard her name. Because it was definitely familiar. A smile started to creep onto my face and I tried not to squeal.

Ms. Brooke smiled at Chloe. "Well, the class is almost full, but there's a seat next to Katherine. Ms. Walker, raise your hand so Chloe can see you!" I waved my hand around and smirked as I saw the flash of recognition in her eyes. Chloe made her way over, grinning with disbelief.

"Kat?! What are you doing here?"

I gaped at her. "Me? What about you? You're the one who moved last year and ditched your best friends, you dumb blonde."

"Oh, right, and shut up. You love me," she said sheepishly.

"Yeah, keep telling yourself that. Not that I'm not happy, but why are you back?"

"Don't even try denying it. You know how we moved to get that job for my dad? Well, he's back at his old one. As in, right here in Montreal, 'cause we're that awesome." We grinned excitedly.