𝒸𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒾𝓉 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉

[Chapter 2] Orientation Intimidation

I stand still for a few minutes, processing what just happened.

Harry, the guy I just accidentally assaulted, disappears into the sea of vehicles and students---not once glancing over his shoulder at me.

Once I lose sight of him, my gaze drops down to my hand. It's no longer in a fist but my knuckles are undeniably throbbing, reminding me that what just happened---really did happen.

A swell of anxiety rises in my chest. How the heck did I really do that?

Almost like a delayed reaction, my palms start getting sweaty and the back of my neck begins to itch.

What if somebody saw me? What if everybody saw me?

"KELLY! I'm right over here--what are you doing?!"

Dakota's familiar yelling, forces me to clock back in to what's presently happening but my subconscious stays with Harry and everything that just went on between us.

I take a deep breath before turning around and look to see Dakota standing a little ways off by the trunk of her car, with a random assortment of suitcases, duffel bags and boxes.

Jogging over to her, I brush some stray blonde hairs out of my face as I'm greeted by her shaking her head. "Well, well---took you long enough, geez."

I don't say anything right away, unsure if she just saw what happened. I mean, what if she was standing here this whole time? Witnessing what I just did?

She notices my silence and raises an eyebrow. "Well? Where were you, girl?"

One might think she's just kidding, giving me a hard time for taking such a long time...but this is Dakota and I know for a fact she expects a full explanation.

"Um...I ran into Ms. Peach." is my excuse and at least it's not a lie. It's just...not the whole truth.

She snorts, seemingly satisfied with my answer. "Okay, that makes sense. What even is that old lady's deal with you anyway? Like, it's mad creepy."

My jaw drops. "Dakota! Ms. Peach is literally the nicest teacher at this school."

"Kelly." Dakota pauses to roll her eyes. "You're literally the only one that thinks that. Everyone else knows she's a serial killer that's been around since the witch trials."

I cross my arms defiantly. "That's so mean."

"Maybe." she shrugs her shoulders. "But it's true. Don't act surprised when she picks you to be her next apprentice."

Giving her an unimpressed look before I turn my attention to all her luggage, I motion with my hand. "So. What are we starting with?"

"Huh?" Dakota creases her eyebrows. "This is one trip only, Kel. We stayed in shape over the summer for a reason."

I offer a pained smile. "Ohhhkay..."

Grabbing the handle of a rolling suitcase, I stack a couple boxes on top while Dakota slings a bag strap over her shoulder, doing the same as me.

"We got this, don't worry," Dakota states confidently. I try to be as confident as her but there's no denying that Dakota packs more muscle into her tall, slim frame than I could ever dream of having.

After a few minutes of stacking, accidentally dropping and readjusting, we have a system that will hopefully work until we reach our dorm.

We start our long trek back to the school, me stopping every few feet to say 'hi' and converse with other students while Dakota stands next to me, grumbling under her breath.