The Division

30

Two weeks later, the bullying had reduced and the flashbacks from the accident stopped. So, I wasn't going through too much. Sure, I still get gum spat in my hair and insults but the 'trying to make Gwen go crazy' thing has stopped. 

Thankfully.

I was ready to steal the book from Principal Easton and had a full proof plan...well, sorta full proof plan.

"Avien." I called walking into detention class with my bag around my shoulder. As usual, he was seated at the teacher's desk comfortably, legs crossed on the table as he smoked a cigarette. The air smelled strongly of Nicotine as he did and I tried not to cough from the smoke.

He's been smoking a lot lately. Something I didn't realize I noticed. Once, I curiously asked if he knew it was bad for him and he said yes. Then, I asked him why he still does it and he said and I quote, 'I like it. Besides, when I finally decide to end it, it won't be in vain.'

I don't know what that meant. It feels important but I brushed it off.

Avien got up abruptly, stepped on his cigar and closed the door behind us. "How many times have I told you we can't talk in public?" He asked with a voice lower and more strained than usual. After a small cough, he returned to his dark tone.

I shoved my hands in the pockets of my grey hoody. "Calm down, nobody is here."

"You don't know that." He said slowly walking back to his seat and resuming his former position. "Daemons could be watching us  this very second."

"They're not." I yawned, " I can't see them."

I hopped up on the teacher's desk, facing Avien who was looking at me with narrowed eyes and an exhausted expression like he had better things to do.

"Doesn't mean they're not there."

I huffed, deciding to let the matter go, "Anyways, I wanted to tell you I'm going to Easton's house after school today."

"What?" Avien asked.

"I said-"

"I know what you said, idiot." He frowned and yawned softly, "I'm asking how you're going to get there."

"I'm sneaking into his car."

Avien chuckled and gave me a look of disdain, "Are you mental?"

"No!" I exclaimed with a pout, swinging off the teacher's desk. "You try breaking into the principal's house!"

"Already have." He smirked, "Twice. In the Eighth grade. But, that's a story for another day."

I imagined a thirteen year old Avien sneaking into the Principal's house and rolled my eyes. Typical.

"Whatever. I just wanted you to know..So that if something happens-"

"Nothing will. Go." Avien nodded towards the door and I obeyed. The second I left, he pulled out another cigar and a lighter from his bag. I went to the physics lab to retrieve the rest of my things before going. I was also trying to stall as I was getting some serious nerves.

On my way to the lab, I noticed Arielle in Biology reaching into a glass box full of mice. Curious, I entered the room, startling her. "Hey Arielle." I greeted with a wave. She jumped, struggled with the lid of the glass box for a second and hid the mouse behind her.

"Gwen!" She greeted through clenched teeth, eyes darting between me and the door nervously. "What are you doing here?"

"Erm," I shrugged, a sheepish grin gracing my lips. "Just saying hi. What are you doing here all alone?"