Aurora Petrova POV
I make my way to my next class, with Vadim Sokolov trailing behind me like a lost puppy. Once inside the science classroom, I take a seat in the back, and to my surprise, Vadim settles down right beside me without uttering a single word.
I begin listening to the teacher's lecture and simultaneously take notes as the rain starts pouring outside. I am captivated by the tranquility and allure of the cold rain, prompting me to gaze out the window and appreciate its beauty.
Amidst the flurry of distractions, I find myself oblivious to Vadim's gaze fixed upon me. Catching sight of him, I inadvertently lock eyes with him, and he continues to peer deeply into my soul. The intensity of his gaze sends a wave of nervousness coursing through me, causing me to quickly divert my attention back to the teacher.
The class continues as usual, but I find myself constantly gazing at Vadim. I'm not sure why, but there's something about him that draws me in, even though he irritates me.
As I jot down some additional notes, a piercing scream echoes through the hallway. Instantly, the entire classroom, including myself, turns their attention towards the source of the noise. Reacting swiftly, the teacher leaps out of her chair and rushes towards the door.
Glancing around the room, I notice that everyone's face is filled with either panic or fear. However, to my surprise, Vadim appears completely disinterested in the commotion.
The teacher exits the room, and the remaining students and I follow suit. Walking out of the classroom alongside my classmates, I notice the teacher's hands covering her mouth in sheer terror as she stands next to a bloodied body. The students start to scream, while I myself gaze at the lifeless figure in a state of panic.
"Please everyone, gather in the cafeteria," the teacher pleads, her face streaked with tears as she gestures for the students to leave. Some begin to walk away, while others start running. Just as I'm about to join the departing crowd, the teacher calls out to me. "No, you stay with me," she says urgently, leading me into the classroom. "You and Vadim Sokolov will assist me in concealing that... situation," she stammers.
Vadim stands beside me, nodding in agreement. Oddly enough, he shows no sign of fear or discomfort. It's as if he's accustomed to witnessing lifeless bodies.
"Of course Mrs" I nod, feeling my hands tremble. It is at that moment that the realization of what I am witnessing finally dawns on me. Mrs. Taylor exits the room, and Vadim and I follow suit. With each step, I walk cautiously, my breath quivering and fear evident in my eyes. Vadim, with his hands in his pockets, trails behind me, looking like my personal bodyguard.
Standing next to the bloody body, the nauseating sensation overwhelms me, but I manage to keep it down. "Okay, help me cover this," Mrs. Taylor instructs, handing us a large white towel to conceal the body. Following her request, Vadim and I cover the body. "Both of you stay here; I need to inform the principal about this," she states with a trembling voice.
I simply nod, my hands trembling in sync. Mrs. Taylor acknowledges our understanding and walks away.
As she walks away, I hurriedly make my way to a nearby trash can and empty the contents of my stomach. With trembling hands, I tightly grip the edges of the bin. Shortly after, I feel a pair of cold, veiny hands gently pulling my long brown hair away from my face.
"не беспокойся о своих красивых волосах, я буду держать их, пока тебя не вырвет." I hear a deep voice say and I know directly that it's Vadim. Even though I don't understand his words, I nod in agreement and vomit one last time. Standing upright, I gaze up at him.
Retrieving a handkerchief from his back pocket, he gently wipes my face, his cold hands contrasting against my warm cheeks.
After he finishes wiping my face, he discards the handkerchief in the trash. "Thanks" I softly say as I gaze up at him. It is in this moment that I notice the true kindness in his eyes.
Unlike their usual intimidating and harsh appearance, his eyes now appear gentle and compassionate. In a deep voice he says, "Добро пожаловать, дорогая."
As we hear the approaching footsteps, Vadim creates some distance between us. Initially, we were standing quite close to each other.
"What happened?" The principal exclaims in shock as she gazes at the lifeless body beneath the covers. "We don't know," Mrs. Taylor replies, standing beside the principal. "Both of you need to leave immediately. You shouldn't be witnessing this," Mrs. Riley says sternly, her tone filled with anger and fear. I nod in agreement and begin to walk away, with Vadim trailing closely behind me.
We enter the cafeteria together, only to find it filled with students in distress. I head towards the back of the cafeteria, where it's less crowded. Vadim follows closely behind, causing some heads to turn and look at us.
Leaning against the wall, I observe the students. There are some who are crying, while others appear confused. My thoughts are interrupted by Vadim, who hands me a water bottle. Accepting it, I rinse my mouth with the water and promptly spit it into the trash, effectively eliminating the disgusting taste of vomit.
"Thanks" i say as I give him a small smile. He responds with a simple nod, fixating his gaze on me. I avert my eyes from his intense stare, but I cannot escape the touch of his cold and veiny hand as he gently pulls my face towards him.
I raise my eyes to meet his gaze, feeling a slight blush creeping onto my cheeks. However, as he notices my blush, a wide grin spreads across his face. "Why are you grinning?" I ask with my eyebrow raised, Deepening his grin, he removes his hand from my chin and replies in a deep Russian accent, "No reason." I widen my eyes in surprise and cross my arms, asking with a mix of astonishment and skepticism, "So you do speak English?" If he can speak English, then why didn't he answer me before?
Suddenly, my train of thought was disrupted by the jarring sound of a gunshot echoing through the hallway.
