Take One

Chapter 16

Let's talk about self-fulfilling prophecies. I never used to believe them. It never happened to me, so I cast it off as something people said whenever they needed a scapegoat to rationalize unexplainable events. People loved being right; so naturally they would bite any chance to say I knew this would happen. If I had even the slightest warning that any of this crap was real, I would have been more careful with what I spelled out to the universe. Out of all the times it would have been nice to be right, I had to be right about this.

I tried not to look, but it was hard. I leaned against my locker; keeping my eyes glued to my schedule for the year. As much as I wanted to tune them out, I could still hear the souls; drinking in Apollo's light. The myth of Apollo walking through the cold, harsh halls of the Underworld wrote itself in my head. My version easily fit with ancient text; since in mine, Apollo was almost a public servant. The sun belonged to everyone. Apollo couldn't love any one person alone. Everyone needed warmth after all.

I knew this would happen. I even dressed for the occasion; oh yes. My black turtleneck and black skirt ensemble was designed to help me blend into the walls today. Hopefully, no one will notice me becoming more annoyed at all the attention Archer will absolutely get throughout the day. I couldn't keep him a secret forever.

I wasn't sure how many of his new admirers already saw the two of us on TV, but for sure, the ones who did would actively keep me from even breathing the same air. I couldn't blame them, of course. I mean, look at him!

I stole a quick, hopefully furtive, glance at Archer who was just at the entrance of this proud hell hole; surrounded by a swarm of girls. It's like they knew he was coming. Everyone was dressed like they were all ready for a strip tease flash mob. In September! Of course, only Archer had the audacity to look good under these detention center fluorescent lights. He was wearing a plain white shirt under a blue long sleeved button down and dark jeans. It was a basic ensemble, only Archer was not. I got more irritated as I realized he could look like a Burberry model in a plastic rice sack; it wouldn't take long for everyone to notice that.

I had to look away; afraid any more of my thoughts would meld into reality. I turned to my locker and pried it open as a shield from the chaos about to pass. I stuck my schedule between my lips and quickly tied my hair up; doing my best to smooth it out without a mirror to guide me.

I didn't make sudden movements as the gaggle of girls passed me. Even my breath was held as I dragged my hair through the tie I tugged off my wrist. I focused on all the things inside my locker; listing all the things still missing. Only an exhale was permitted when I was sure the group already passed.

"Will you keep it down please?" Archer's voice was smooth behind my ear, but he might as well have shouted boo!

The sheet of paper clamped between my lips silenced my gasp, but I was sure Archer could tell. He was close enough. His arms were around my waist before I had time to recover. I whirled around to object, but he didn't miss a beat. He'd taken off his button down and was tying it around my skirt. Somehow, the white shirt now left on him made him look better, if that was even possible.

"Please?" Archer said in a soft voice I was pretty sure only I could hear clearly. He took my schedule from my mouth and studied it, adding "People are watching you. They're more aware of you than you realize."

I fastened my hair in place and snatched the sheet back. "Okay one, people are watching, but not me. Two, what does my hair have to do with anything?"

"It's the back of your neck." He said, as if it was enough explanation. I couldn't decide if I found his sentiment sweet or insulting. I couldn't even decide if I believed him or not. Adding to that was him not honoring my wishes about not talking to each other; I couldn't decide if I was upset either.