The Realm of Truth (Book 1) [In the process of editing]

Chapter 6: Project Friendship?

Exeter West Greenwich high school, home of the Scarlet Knights where their motto is: "Strive to Conquer" since 1994.

I sighed once I entered the school doors as the homeroom bell rang. I was still cursing a bunch of swear words under my breath, hoping no one would hear, but strange looks said otherwise.

I was just frustrated since last night and I just wanted to know more about myself and my family. I decided to hit up the library during free period in the next hour to see if I could find out about anything.

We had a test in math today which I was able to pass with flying colors and also get a ticket out of class early since I finished first. Needless to say, Mrs. Sullivan could never figure out how that was possible, and hiding undercover is exhausting.

I grabbed my backpack and hurried out of there. I heard a few whispers among students saying I was lucky to get out of class and others saying that I probably cheated my way out. I just ignored it.

I checked into the library and was guided to the computers in the back. There was nothing on the search engine about me or anything, just random other people popping up on Google. I kept scrolling, and noticed again the origin of Mercy Brown who was the most recently recorded case in this state since 1892. The research mentioned they had taken in someone, but nothing after that.

The bell rang, and it was time to change classes again. I logged off the computer and headed out of the library. I was going to have to share what I knew with Damien once I got home, hoping he wouldn't take this lightly.

~~~

It was the last class of the day again, and I walked into Mr. Tanner's classroom. He noticed me and I managed a smile. "Afternoon, class." he spoke once the last student arrived and the bell rang again. "Today, I have a project for you." Some of the students groaned, and I nearly forgot about the conversation we had the other day. "We will be researching a famous historian today in the 1800s-1900s, and it'll be put on a slideshow. You can pair up, or be in a group of three, considering everyone is here today, and it'll be your choice of choosing." Mr. Tanner looked at me and I sighed. Everyone was already grouping up, and I was still sitting in my seat.

I could hear Damien's laughter in the back of my mind and I snarled again. Under the table, I clutched onto the wooden desk and clawed on it silently after thinking about what he said.

"Odette, you'll be paired with Celeste." Mr. Tanner said and I tilted my head slightly and then I scowled. I looked around the classroom and I saw Celeste Walker. She's the same grade as me and had a really bubbly attitude. Compared to her, I'm a walking ominous cloud who always has a cloud over her head.

I shifted my way towards the side of the room, and ignored a few stares from other students. Some of them I had other classes with. I sat down next to her and we both didn't speak for a little while. "So..."Celeste started to say.

"How about we talk about this vampire that was originated here in Exeter?" I offered, rotating a pencil around in my fingers. Yes, of course, Odette! Let's lure her into the world of vamps. She wouldn't be suspicious of me; and she would never ask why.

"Why?" she asked immediately after, and my pencil dropped to the desk in surprise. "More importantly, vampires aren't really a famous historian. Oooh, maybe they could be, depending on who we talk about, right? Wasn't there a family who died rapidly of the tuberculosis disease back in the 1800s? Our town is literally filled with history about it!" Great, I started something I shouldn't have said. She raised her hand to get Mr. Tanner's attention and bopped it up and down quickly. "Mr. Tanner, I have a question."

"I have an answer, Ms. Walker." he said, looking up from his computer.

"What if we talk about vampires in the 1800s? I know they're not really a famous historian, but like, Odette had a really nice idea about it, and what better way is there than to you know, talk about our town's history?" She babbled. It got awkwardly quiet for a moment and I had my hand up, covering my eyes in embarrassment. Everyone in the room started giggling. "No, seriously! It would be an awesome topic. In fact, we could go to the grave yard that's literally down the road from us and I could take some pictures!"

"Yeah, and maybe you could cry wolf and no one would be able to rescue you guys." a student in the back said and everyone laughed. I just rolled my eyes.

"You guys are just jealous that we were able to pick something interesting and I already am working with the smartest girl I know." Celeste said, and it took everything in my will power to not jump out of my seat and become the monster that I already am.

"Settle down, now." Mr. Tanner spoke up. "Celeste, Odette? I think that's a wonderful idea, and I think with facts the you have found, they'd be able to support your topic."

"So, could we walk to the grave yard right now as well?" Celeste asked, and Mr. Tanner nodded.

Odette and her bait on a field trip to the graveyard. Let's hope I don't screw this up.