Attending a Vampire School

Chapter 8: The Empty Seat

❝We do not remember days, we remember moments.❞ | Cesare Pavese

♕ SAIGE ♕

"Hadlee!" I called when I spotted the familiar brunette standing in front of a locker.

I had just walked in through the school's double doors when the first person I spotted happened to be Hadlee. Her hair was pulled back in a braid and she was holding what looked to be a chemistry book.

The hallway was filled with students and constant chatter. I wonder how they can talk so much since I've been given the impression that there is almost nothing to gossip about. They must talk about the cloudy weather.

Every student was required to wear their uniform. If they didn't, then they would be sent home. That's what the student handbook says. The teachers were given a different type of attire to wear.

She glanced at my direction and her blue eyes lit up when she saw me. She gave me a smile, closing her locker. I walked towards her and returned the smile, my black flats squeaking with each step.

"Morning." Hadlee greeted, giving a small wave.

"Good morning. Are you feeling better?" I slowly asked.

Suddenly feeling self-conscious, I quickly glanced down at my outfit and I groaned when I saw my blazer and tie were messed up. I huffed and shifted my backpack so I was able to straighten my blazer and tighten my tie.

Hadlee chuckled and I looked up to see her watching me, her eyes twinkling with amusement. She pushed a few pieces of loose hairs behind her ear.

"Yes, thank you." She smiled and then suddenly frowned. "Why are your clothes wet?"

I chuckled slightly and ran my fingers through my damp dark hair. I winced when I hit a tough knot to break through.

"I walked this morning. It began to drizzle on me."

Hadlee blinked and gave off a small shocked expression. She narrowed her eyes in confusion before glancing behind her.

"You walked? Why?" She said in a slightly upset tone.

Her reaction shocked me a little bit and I was surprised she sounded upset. Usually, people don't care if I walk to school or not. I'm used to having to.

"Yeah. I don't have a ride, so I walked." I shrugged and followed Hadlee as she turned to face the end of the hall.

I walked next to her as she made her way through the halls. To me, the school was still a confusing maze. Every door and hallway looked the same.

"You must be the only student who walks to school." She chuckled. "I get a ride from my brother."

When she mentioned a brother, the boy who was in one of my classes came to mind. He looked very similar to her, I mean they had the same hair color and eye color. Even their facial structure looked alike.

Not like I was studying him secretly during yesterday's class or anything. How could I not? Every kid here stuck out to me, their beauty and dazzling hair. It's not fair.

"It's okay I guess. The weather here is different from what I'm used to." I shrugged my shoulders.

As we passed multiple classrooms, some teachers nodded or waved at us. Hadlee returned them with small smiles and I just kind of stared at the teachers. The uneasiness beginning to settle in my stomach.

"Well, I could ask my brother if he could give you a ride. I'm sure he wouldn't mind." Hadlee turned and smiled at me.

Should I really accept a ride to school with a stranger? It would seem rude to turn down the offer. Hadlee, so far, was being really nice to me.