The Young and Gifted

49. professor

"So," Mason said slowly. "Today is Valentine's day."

"And?" She asked as she looked for her clothes through her room. 

"I considered not even getting you anything because Valentine's day is for couples. But then I realize that it's not, it's about friendship too. So as a 'friend' I got you this," he said from the bed and Kaura turned to see him hold up a friendship necklace. 

She laughed, picking up the piece of jewelry. "You're hilarious." But then she tossed it on her nightstand and glanced under her bed. "Have you seen my other sock?"

Mason snorted. "Hold up, I'm not done. I knew you were gonna disregard it because for some reason you don't wear jewelry. So I got you a new iPod."

She picked up the device and turned it around with authentic interest. "You did your homework well."

"Thanks, professor," he grinned and kissed her shoulder, followed by her neck. At this point, Kaura trusted him enough to control his urges. 

"I really gotta go..."

"One more round," he pleaded, pulling her in. She couldn't seem to resist because the witch climbed on top of him with a slow smile. And they were back at it again.

After half an hour, they'd finally stopped after their spent energy. Mason ran a hand through his sweaty hair and rose from the bed, slipping his pants on. On his way to the washroom, he stopped in his tracks as he noticed the gnome sitting on the dresser. "Where did this come from?" He asked. 

Kaura held the sheets to her chest and restarted the process of looking for her clothes. She glanced up at him and her eyes landed on the small cheerful sculpture. "Penelope must have put it there," she shrugged. 

Mason turned it around and shivered. "Creepy. It probably watched us."

Kaura pulled her shirt on and grinned. "You scared of a statue?"

He reached the door and muttered, "I hate inanimate objects that have eyes. Because no matter what, I feel like it's watching me."

*

MG held out the box of chocolates and Lizzie stared at the heart shape with the words, Happy Valentine's Day! 

"MG," she said with a deathly calm before she took the box from his hands. "I'm allergic to chocolate," she snarled and slammed the set of sweets on the floor. "Now get out of my way, I have places to get to."

Lizzie stepped past him and the vampire stared at the broken chocolates on the floor with defeat. Raf emerged and watched as she stormed away before turning back to his friend. "I'm guessing that didn't go well?"

MG groaned and kicked the remains of the chocolate. "I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Everything I do, she rejects. Have you talked to her?"

"Why would I be talking to her?" Raf said quickly. He hated how defensive he had sounded but to be honest, after what happened the other day...he'd started to have dreams about the witch. 

"She seems to tolerate you. Remember that one time you guys talked in the library? What did you tell her exactly? She might have gotten the wrong idea because I am a perfect guy," MG stressed out with a confused expression. He was actually out of the loop. 

Raf cleared his throat. "We didn't talk much...about you. Honestly, I think Lizzie has her focus on something else. One of the witches told me that she said she isn't ready for a relationship so..."

MG groaned and sighed. "I feel like I know her, man. All of her. The good, the terrible, the bitchy, the funny, the fragile. I know her favorite episode of her favorite TV show. I know who she is when no one's watching. I like all of it. I'll wait for her though. I'll always wait for her because she's worth it."

Raf began to feel uncomfortable so he patted his friend's back. "Right, see you tonight. And thanks for the gift, it was cute."

MG stared as the wolf disappeared down the hall. "What--" What gift?

*

Josie returned to her room and stopped in her tracks when she spotted a red card sitting on top of her bed. She smiled, already knowing who it was from. She picked it up and flipped up the hood. EVERY FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH. Josie's grin spread wider and she knew exactly what it meant. She made her way to the kitchen and found another red card sitting beside a chocolate cupcake. She picked it up and ate it as she read the next clue of the scavenger hunt. 

Soon, she made her way to the Old Mill and gasped when she entered. Rose petals were floating around and scented candles were lighting up the room. Penelope emerged in a lace, red corset, leather pants and high kneed boots. Her lips stick was cheery red, she had a sharp eyeliner and her hair was curlier than usual.

"Wow, this is amazing," Josie blushed and kissed her lips. "How long did it take to do all of it?"

"Trust me, it was a pain in my ass. This is more effort than I've ever put into my school assignments," Penelope huffed and motioned to the room. "I made sure the candles were rosemary-scented because I know that they are your favourite." Josie leaned in again and this time pecked Penelope's cheek. The witch then cleared her throat and took a deep mental sigh. "Okay. One, two three," she muttered under her breath. "Josette Olivia Saltzman. I have brought you here on this day--"

"Are we getting married?" Josie's eyes widened jokingly and glanced around the room once more as if a priest would show up. 

"Shush," Penelope said and cleared her throat. "I've been thinking about telling you this the day I saw you this year. And after everything we've been through, after all the madness that brought us to this very day, I finally have the courage to tell you that I love you. It's always been you, Jojo and I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Finally," Josie rolled her eyes and Penelope slapped her arm. She laughed loudly before cupping her cheek. "I love you too."

Penelope's eyes twinkled and she pulled back, retrieving out an object. "And because I love you, I'm going to tell you that this is the most hideous thing you could have given me. A garden gnome? On Valentine's?" She tsked. 

Josie's eyebrows furrowed. "I didn't...I didn't get that for you."

*

Dorian was dozing off in the library, his faint snores echoing. Ric appeared and kicked him awake. "Dude, back to work."

Dorian jerked up, wiping his drooling mouth. "Sorry. I haven't rested in days."

"You know you can just call an off day right? Instead of spewing saliva all over these expensive couches," Ric reminded and sat into the chair in front of him. "Regardless, have you found anything new?"

"If I'm being honest with you, I'm not working on the Legendarium right now. In fact, I'm more invested in the Phoenix we have in our school. Could you imagine all the unexplored magic properties Landon could have? His capabilities go far beyond constant resurrection. Flying, camouflaging, fire--" he named. 

"Fine, fine," Ric sighed and rubbed his temples. "I've seen enough gnomes to give me a headache, I don't need this too."

"Wait," Dorian narrowed his eyes. "Gnomes?"

"Yeah, the ones Emma has been putting around the school? Very odd sense of decoration but I'm not going to be the one to tell her."

"Emma hates gnomes."

"Then who is putting--" Ric stopped mid-sentence as the answer flashed through his face. "Another monster."

~

"I thought you had something important to tell us."

try to guess who said it and don't forget to vote ;)