School of Blood

chapter 5: harmony

The next morning started off the same way. I walked into homeroom to the scent of blood, and made my way to the back of the room. Only, today, the boy from yesterday wasn't here.

Whatever. I sat down and opened my things up.

"Hi." A voice said.

I froze. "Um, hi." I said looking up.

It was the boy from yesterday. At least I thought it was. He had the same brown hair and blue eyes.

"Hey listen," he said, sitting. "I'm sorry about yesterday."

"Huh?" I said. What was he talking about? The kid didn't even talk to me. What could've possibly happened?

"You know what I mean. Me ignoring you?" He kept his eyes on me intently. I wished he would look away. "I'm sorry I acted so cold. I mean, you must've thought you did something wrong."

Not really, I thought. But I kept quiet.

"You didn't do anything wrong." He continued. "It's just, well, it's hard to explain, but my family's going through some really hard times and I kind of wanted to stay away from people yesterday. I didn't realize how unfair it was to you until later."

I still didn't say anything.

"Just thought you deserved some sort of explanation," he finished.

"Oh. Well, thanks I guess." I said.

"Sure," he smiled. "Glad that's cleared up. I'm Blake," he extended his hand.

I stared at it. What was I supposed to do, bite it?

His smile faltered and he took it back, awkwardly. "And you are?"

"Harmony." I said quickly. "Redd."

"Nice to meet you," he nodded as Mrs. Hutchinson started talking.

When the bell rang, I leaped up from the desk, planning to run out like yesterday.

But then came the slight flaw in my plan. Particularly one named Blake.

"Hey, Harmony? I was wondering, um, want me to walk you to your locker?" he said.

"No." I said sharply.

I guess it came out kind of mean, because his smile faded. I tried to make it better, "I mean, sorry, but no thanks. I'm kind of in a hurry." I tried to sidestep him.

He didn't take the hint. "Hey, you're new here, right? So am I! Where are you from?"

"Um. Uh. Florida." I said quickly. With all the sun there it was my safest bet.

"Oh wow. I've always wanted to go there," Blake said good-naturedly following me out of the classroom. "I'm from New Hampshire."

"That's nice." I said distractedly. How was I supposed to lose this kid? He wouldn't shut up! "Listen, Blake, I gotta go I-"

"I can walk you to your next class if you want, Harmony," he said brightly.

"No!" I snapped. No more Miss Nice. I'd learned that if you wanted any privacy around here you'd have to make it clear. "Blake, listen, you're great and all, but you can't follow me or help me or walk me anywhere, got that?" I poked him in the chest, trying to be gentle. He stumbled back anyway. "Just-stay away from me."

By now kids had stopped walking and were staring at us and whispering to each other. Blake turned bright red and his eyes looked sad. He looked like a kicked puppy.

"Sorry, then," he said, eyes darker than just a minute before. "Sorry I tried to show some hospitality. I won't be bothering you again." He walked away; other kids moved aside to make room.

I should've been happy. I'd be left alone like I'd asked.

But as I watched his retreating figure, another unfamiliar feeling crept up into my dead, un-beating heart.

Guilt.

Surpriiiiseeee. Hope you liked hearing more of this Blake guy. Do you guys prefer Blake and Harmony? Or Blake and Cel? Do you agree with Harmony's actions in this chapter? Will try to update soon! Love you all♥