Emperor of Destruction [EDITING]

ix.

IX

"I hate second period with a burning passion." Clem groaned as we sat down in the pink booth at the back. I smiled at her discomfort, sticking out my tongue. She rolled her eyes, playfully slapping my hand on the table. "Oh, shut up. You have class with Queen Bitch and her french minion. You have it worse than I do."

I gasped and Cam laughed. "She's got a point, Autumn." He said, and I couldn't disagree. He's seated next to me, while Clem sits in front.

I waved them off, picking up the menu, and skimming over the contents until I choose my final pick. I settle for a slice of red velvet cake and cold milk, while Clem gets an iced coffee and Cam, a blueberry muffin. He really likes those, he orders them every time we come here.

The waitress returns with a smile, collecting our menus when we hand it to her, promising to be back in ten minutes or so. Thanking her, we continued talking throughout the minutes being wasted.

I told Clementine what I saw under Big Tim, causing a sigh to erupt from her. I failed to mention Silas and his annoying sister. "So, what's the deal between the two?" I asked.

Cam nudged me. "Curiosity killed the cat." He said in a sing-song tone.

I bit my inner cheek, hiding a smile. "But satisfaction brought it back."

"Touché." He winked and I laughed.

Clem looks around before directing her unwavering attention to us. She didn't want anyone eavesdropping, clearly. I wouldn't want someone listening in on our conversion either. "They've share a past. That's all I know." She whispered as if she just revealed the government's secret.

I was leaning forward, but then pulled back with a frown tugging on my lips. "Thanks.." I murmured, "For nothing." I continued. Never have I been so disappointed in my life.

The food and drinks finally arrived.

An hour later, I'm watching another scene on stage. This time it's being performed by two guys and one girl, people I don't recognize.

I didn't bother paying attention to the words coming out of my director's mouth, frankly because I didn't care enough to. I was too caught up in a round of my favourite game. Cam's texting someone beside me, equally as focused on his phone like me.

To this day I still don't have an answer to why I chose drama class. I've never been into threatrics and probably never will be.

There's a figure blocking my way. Before I could look up, they hold out a fancy invitation. Presumably a boy, judging by his hands and the built of his long legs in Darlington's trousers.

I take it, inspecting the words at the front. La festa di Salvatore. My brows scrunched together. I look up. "What is this?"

Atticus just smiled at my confusion. His eyes tickled with amusement. "An invite to my party tonight." He wiggled his eyebrows when I continued to look at him confused, then sighed, forgetting I'm a new student. "Every year I throw parties, especially at the beginning of the school year. I'm throwing one tonight at Club Aura to kick this year off." He says, directing his gaze that didn't waver from me even when Amorét approaches. "So, what do you say? You can even invite your friend here."