Don't Run

Lucid

When Patricia got back to the dorm, Alona was in bed. She was tucked under the covers, completely engulfed by the comforter.

The cat didn't know what to say. The words were caught in her throat, begging to break free.

She was shocked by the Professor's reaction. The Cat didn't even realize the rabbit was gone. Pat felt like a bad roommate. What had even happened?

She quietly sat on her knees next to Alona's bed. She spoke as softly as she could.

"Alona....are you ok?" Her tone was worried and timid. The sheets shifted a bit.

"I....I'm fine Pat." But she didn't sound fine. Her voice was shakey and she sounded so small.

"You don't sound like it, what happened with you and Damien? Where did you go?" She asked her, Curious. Her hands rested on the mattress, and she felt it tremble under her palms. Her heart sank.

"Nothing happened, just forget about it. I got some water.... Didn't even see him." But she didn't sound believable at all. Pat was worried; what did she not want to tell her? She knew what Damien was like to some extent. He had broken a girl's arm before, just for being around his group too much. And because he didn't like her.

He did whatever he wanted. All the big Predators did. Even Michelle was cruel to those she didn't like.

"Please, Alona. We can tell the principle if we need to. Didn't he say to let him know?" The rabbit peeked her head out of the covers, her ears were flat on her head, and she looked defeated.

"Pat, please stop. I'm really fine. It's hard adjusting from Peace Town. I just need some time. Da... Damien was taking a nap and I was getting water." She insisted, the look in her eye was serious. And Pat stopped prying. She got up and went to her side of the room. Thoughts swirling around her head. She was confused by her new herbivore friend. And concerned for her.

The next day, when they woke up and got dressed, Pat noticed the bruising on the rabbit's arms and cheek. Alona looked weary, like she didn't want to leave their room.

They had their first class together and walked side by side, Pat looking out for her. The bunny barely paid attention. It worried the house Cat even more. When second period came, Pat reluctantly left her. Glancing back many times as she walked away.

Alona was elated. She loved playing her role well. making Pat feel sorry for her was quite easy.

It wasn't the Witches fault that people treated her this way. They just assumed, based on her appearance, what she was like. And her disposition inclined her to go along with it. Deception was addicting.

She made her way to the next class and sat down near the huge windows. Staring out listlessly, her chin rested in her palm as the light of the sun kissed her face.

She didn't even need to listen. She'd learned everything already. The professor even tried to trip her up with questions, but she could always answer. Being a genius was troublesome, so the Witch would do average work while she was here, to stay out of sight and out of mind.

As she made her way to the 3rd class, her feet shuffling on the tiles as people whizzed past her, a dull ambience of conversation murmuring through the air.
She suddenly felt it. That burning golden stare. She had to stop the smile creeping up to her lips.

She glanced up and saw Damien standing on the other side of the hallway. A bit ahead of her.

When passing by, she looked up at him for only a second, then quickly, her eyes darted away.
An expression of panic and fear plastered on her face as she hurried by.