Just A Taste Of Heaven

Chapter 6 - Running Up That Hill

Despite her unpopularity with the students, Faith had impressed all her teachers with her intelligence, her commitment to her classes and her kindness. They all agreed that she was an exceptional student the likes of which you rarely see in a teaching career. She spent what little free time she had in Velho's library. At least there she wasn't bothered by morons who were judging her without knowing her. Besides, she preferred the open-minded and not haughty atmosphere of the Barsch Academy. Werewolves were often too proud, at least that's how Faith found them, too arrogant for their own good. And yet she herself was one of them.

Unfortunately she still spent a lot of time at the Barsch Academy and even though she loved her classes and was very involved in them. She knew that sooner or later she was going to lash out at Mila and that it would only get her into trouble. She hadn't made any friends despite the group assignments, but at least over time and with her interventions to help the bullies, she had gained a sort of respect and peace of mind. The only problem was that Mila was becoming more and more virulent, attacking her at every possible chance. This girl was seriously nuts! Levi had tried to calm her down, surprised by her hatred towards Faith. Especially since the incident in the cafeteria where he had to admit Faith had made a fool of him, she was not bothering them. It was Mila who was always putting oil on the fire. Levi was having more and more trouble dealing with his clingy side that Faith had apparently made even worse...

By early November, Mila had discovered where Faith was working. By creating a scandal, she had managed to get Faith fired. Fortunately, in a few days she had been able to find another job as a waitress in a restaurant. Besides, the evening hours were more convenient for her because she didn't have to run between classes and in return. Even if she went to bed later, she had more free time on weekends.

She had also met several times with Caleb, her competitor for the title of biggest loser in the academy. Twice she had tried to help him only to be rebuffed and bad-mouthed. Clearly he wasn't very nice! November had come and gone, when one evening she had stayed longer at the Barsch Academy to finish a group project. She was stopped on her way by a moan from someone in pain. Following her instincts, she went to see what was going on to find Caleb curled up in a corner, not so far from the stadium. He had several visible bruises on his face.

"Hey, you don't look well. Let me take you to the infirmary." Faith told him.

"I didn't ask you to! Mind your fucking business!" Caleb snapped back.

"Get up!" she ordered him.

Without knowing why he was following her command, he tried and failed.

"That's what I thought!" Faith muttered, shaking her head disapprovingly.

"Fuck off! That was just a little rough training." Caleb shot back.

"That's right yeah..." Faith commented, not convinced at all.

"Leave me alone! I don't need anyone, not you, not anyone!"

"Let me have a look at it at least." Faith told him and before he could answer she had already squatted down to look at the bruises on his face.

She sighed: "They did a pretty good number on you!"

"What are you studying medicine! Thank you doctor obvious!"

"I'm not studying medicine. Yet I know you should be healing by now. Unless..." Faith stopped talking to take a closer look at him and sniff him.

"Hmmm... A hybrid!" She remarked.

"Fuck you. I don't give a shit about your opinion!" Caleb states on the defensive.

"When was the last time you fed?" Faith questioned him, ignoring his last comment.