Heathen Chronicles - Changed

Chapter 3 - The Shadow on the Stage

Raven's POV

Homeroom was thankfully with my group's favorite teacher—our only favorite teacher, Mr. Cheng. He always got us out of trouble when we were in it, which was unfortunately most of the time. His sarcasm and hilarious insults matched our personalities perfectly, and he was closer to our age than most of the other teachers. Not to say that he was young, but he understood us.

He smiled when he saw us, and he didn't try to hide it. Everyone knew we were his favorites, and he didn't deny it when questioned. He had gotten into trouble for it once but evaded the consequences smoothly. He was one of the most valuable teachers at the school; a part-time marine biologist and a young, retired army major—or so we heard. The school couldn't afford to lose him.

I sat in the corner next to the door with my bag on my left side. Tannah and Ntsakela settled into the desks in front of me, their bags draped over their chairs. Xelia sat next to them with both of her bags close to her; one was draped over her chair while the other sat on the floor by her left side. I sat next to Dwayne, who preferred to sit on my right with his bags in the middle of us. Taylor was next to Dwayne with his bags on his right, and in the two desks next to Taylor were Serina and Shaylin, who both kept their bags to their right.

I looked around and started counting the seconds until my first lesson started. Unfortunately, Victoria and Jeydon were also in the same homeroom, and they chose to sit as close to us as they could. From the corner of my eye, I saw Jeydon trying to grab my attention, but I purposefully ignored him by looking down at my table. I was not in the mood for their nonsense—thank goodness the rest of the group separated me from them.

I remembered the day we found out about all their lies and how they had used us. We weren't impressed and had confronted Victoria, only to hear more lies and excuses.

I looked up from the table as I felt eyes on me: Mr. Cheng's blue eyes. He beckoned for me to come over, and I had no choice but to go. Just because we were his favorites didn't mean we could disrespect him.

Now what?!

I made a face and groaned all the way to his desk before forcing myself to quiet down to hear what he had to say. It looked important.

"You are strangely quiet today," he stated bluntly while typing on his laptop.

"What do you mean, sir?" I asked, feigning confusion as I stared at the polished wooden floor and drew invisible circles with my foot.

"I mean, you are one of the most talkative learners I have ever seen—when you are with your group and not working, anyway—and it is weird to see you so quiet. I would expect you and your friends to be talking, discussing your holidays or whatever. You are usually so energetic..." He looked up from his laptop then. Deep blue eyes focused on me. "What changed?"

"Oh, uh, nothing, sir. I'm fine. I was just deep in thought and daydreaming," I lied, still not looking at him.

"Sure... When you come up with a better lie, I'll be sitting at this desk for most of my day, or I'll be in my office taking a... break." He paused, waiting for me to reply. When I didn't, he sighed before continuing. "If something has happened, you need to say something... to someone, or anyone you know you can trust. Don't be scared to talk; you have more people around you who care than you think. Don't forget that."

He finished by fixing a penetrating gaze on me before turning back to his laptop.

"Uh... thank you for the offer, sir, but I promise... I am perfectly fine." Another lie, but one that sounded more convincing.

"Alright, just know that I will be keeping a careful eye on you—just in case. I wouldn't want you to get into any trouble. Again," he teased, trying to lighten the mood.