The key to hells gate

Chapter 11: A reminder that hopes not dead

Sophia's POV.

I rubbed my eyes tiredly and tossed the blankets off my body. I reached over, shut off my alarm clock, and wander my way into the bathroom, possibly running into a few things on my way. I felt more awake as I'm suddenly sprayed with water. The hot water felt good, an odd thing as it was still quite warm outside, and proceed to wash away last night's events, careful of my injuries. After a little while, I dried off and slipped on a new outfit, casting a glance back at the mirror in a final once over and shut my door- or I would have if my eyes hadn't caught the flash of blue on the floor.

Outside my door was a large white box wrapped in a bow. I look around, see the empty hallway, and set the box on my table. Opening the top, I couldn't stop the smile that forms on my lips. I'd met Dean Hardscrabble at the gates last night, filling her in as we walked to the dorms. When she gave me a soft hug her face curls in disgust. I can't help but agree when the dean offers to have the jacket cleaned and returned to me in a small gesture of thanks. Still, I had assumed it would take a few days at least so this was a welcomed surprise.

I picked up the worn fabric. The vibrant blue arms were faded, small rips in the fabric were sewn with such precision I had no doubt his mother had done it. Most of the stains were removed or faded and the hardened sleeves were now soft and bendable a true testimony of the cleaners skills but the most shocking thing was the scent. Lifting the jacket to my nose I inhale, taking in the rich oak and pumpkin scent buried deep in the layers. The scent was oddly comforting.

I slip on the jacket careful of my injured shoulder and take in my reflection with a laugh. This thing was so large I could wear it as a dress if I wanted. The thicker fabric easily hides my blouse and shorts from sight and I couldn't hide the smile that hugged my lips. Wanting to catch Randell and Mike before I started my test I quickly lock my door. I skipped down the steps, ignoring the mass standing by the elevator, and make my way downstairs in no time. Like I'd thought it was still quite warm out, even with the sun hiding behind the clouds, and watched a few other students walking around the quad. The heart of the school wouldn't wake up for a little while.

(Javier's pov)

Despite the little amount of sleep I'd gotten, I felt myself waking up at 6:30. I glanced around the room, rolling over once before I realized that I wasn't getting any more sleep, and sit up, running a hand down my face. I quietly make my way down the stairs, letting my brothers sleep and stand by the window, liking the way the sun felt on my scales. But any plan to enjoy my morning in silence vanished as another set of footsteps quietly came down the steps. I knew it was Johnny, my fraternity president was the only monster that occasionally rose at this hour.

The two of us stood, soaking in the sun for a little while. The lingering effects of last night still hung on my mind yet Johnny didn't seem any worse for wear. When I couldn't take it anymore I finally break the silence.

"What happened last night? Omega Howl has been planning this party all month and they suddenly disappear in the middle of it. Es inusual." (It's unusual)

Johnny sends me an amused glance "I could say the same about you. When do you care enough to follow them?"

This time I roll my eyes, turning away from him just the slightest blush on my cheeks "I wasn't following them; I was following Sully. He slipped out during the commotion too. He's hiding something, I know it."

"Well, he just got here Jav, you can't expect him to share all his deepest darkest secrets." Johnny noticing my snort of amusement lifts an eyebrow "what?"

"What's going on with you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You can't expect him to share his deepest darkest secrets Jav." Johnny rolls his eyes at my poor imitation of his voice but smiles anyway "If I had told you this last year you would have stormed upstairs, yelling like a madman."