⚜Guardian⚜

Chapter Four

"Alyssa," Lacey started as they started getting dressed for dinner. Alyssa looked up, nearly stumbling over her own two feet. Lacey would have laughed, but Alyssa was like a child- she didn't know any better.

"Mmmph?" Alyssa responded, her hair tangling around her head like a blond halo. She continued to try to brush it, but somehow couldn't get her hair to brush the way she wanted. Lacey relented, patting the bed and gesturing for Alyssa to come and sit. Alyssa complied, and Lacey pulled the brush through her hair ever so softly.

"What would you do...if you knew someone was dangerous? Like really dangerous?" she questioned quietly. Alyssa bristled a little bit, but otherwise didn't say anything.

"Everyone here is a lil' dangerous," Alyssa slurred, sounding almost defensive. Curiosity peaked her interest, and she swallowed quietly, dragging the brush through Alyssa's hair.

"I know, but I mean really dangerous. Like worse than a teenage assassin," she explained. Alyssa's back stiffened

On their way to dinner, they noticed a small sign indicating that today's seating arrangements for dinner were determined by hair color. Lacey found her name next to another blond boy whom she didn't recognize. When she sat, Alyssa sat across from her, and Lacey grinned.

"Aw, I have to sit next to you? That sucks," the boy said. When she frowned, he snorted, laughing like a maniac.

"I'm just kidding! Lighten up," he accused, punching her arm lightly. She guessed her face was still sour, because he looked ready to apologize.

"The view from this side of the table isn't that great, either," she retorted, sticking her tongue out. He laughed at that, applauding her. He had a weird chortle of a laugh, and the sound alone was enough to make her giggle along with him.

"I'm Calvin, by the way," the boy said, offering his hand. She went to shake it, but he pulled away at the last second, brushing a hand through his hair.

"I'm too cool." he announced. They stared at each other for a split second before bursting into hysterics. It felt good to finally laugh after the horrible week she'd been having. She wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Well I'm Lacey. And no high five for you." Lacey mocked, wagging her finger with a playful pout. They burst into laughter again, and when the principal cleared his throat, she and Calvin had trouble being silent. A teacher Lacey vaguely recognized shot dagger eyes at them, and Lacey struggled to regain composure.

"I am proud to announce our therapist is back from her extended leave. Please give a warm welcome to Dr. Griffin." There was a collective moan, but everyone reluctantly clapped. Lacey's heart stopped in her chest. She turned to see the therapist. Could it be her therapist from home? Would she have that one benefit from home? When her eyes met the therapist's, though, she saw it was a man. Lacey sunk down into her seat, hope defeated. Of course it wouldn't be him.

"Hello everyone, and thank you for your warm welcome. I'm pleased to be here. Each student will have a weekly therapy session with me. Others may have the privilege to see me even more! Just remember, having a therapist is not a bad thing, but an opportunity to build upon oneself..." the therapist continued. Lacey tuned him out, playing with her fork absently.

"Hey, chipmunk," Calvin whispered, keeping his eyes trained on the therapist.

"Who are you talking to?" Lacey asked him after a beat of silence. He let out a sigh.

"You, obviously." he snorted, regarding her condescendingly. She scrunched her eyebrows.

"How am I chipmunk?"

"Don't question it. Be the chipmunk. Be the chipmunk," he whispered. She wondered quickly if he was here because he had some kind of random personality disorder.