The Originals

Chapter Two: Orchid Gray

Orchid Gray was correct—there was so much talk about Ivory Kee and Stanley Crawford. It created the spark she needed. Orchid was in the girls' washroom, making herself look presentable. She had olive skin and long black hair, she swept her bangs to the side.

"Did you hear about Ivory? Headmaster Roux called her to the front office," a student gossiped by the sink. Orchid tugged on her skirt to make sure she wouldn't flash anyone. "I can't believe it! Do you think Stan will come back?"

"I don't buy the Shades of Gray crap," the second student scoffed. "The hard truth is the hard truth." Yes, the hard truth is the hard truth. Orchid pressed her glasses up and exited the restroom, heading to her classes.

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During the day, Saira Levine didn't even acknowledge Orchid's presence. They were secret 'co-workers,' so it was better this way. You can't be traced back to what never existed—friendship, because that's where Ivory, Scarlett, Lizzy, and Ruth screwed up.

Friends.

Yes, it was lonely, but loneliness was good. No one will hurt you. No one you can hurt.

Professor Asher entered the classroom, silencing all talk in the room. Orchid remembered that Ivory was Professor Asher's teacher's pet. She had pale skin and a tight black bun, looking at everyone, but also Ivory's empty desk. "Hello, students," she said in a shrill voice. "Now, not all teachers will address this, but I will.

"Rumours are rumours," Professor Asher hissed and Orchid sighed. Here, we go, she thought blandly. She supposed the screenshot of literal evidence wasn't enough for Asher. "And that's that. Do not be rude towards your classmate, this is a concerning time."

After that, Professor Asher went on to rehash what they learned in class yesterday. It was quick, but very boring in Orchid's honest opinion, and then the bell rang. "Do not forget to hand in your homework!"

Orchid lined up to hand in her homework when she caught sight of Stoll through the door frame. Couldn't hurt to talk to him, she thought but realized she could get sloppy. No, not worth the risk.

It's never, never worth the risk.

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"Oh my god," Bailey exclaimed at the Dining Hall. Robert was sitting next to Bailey and Orchid was opposed to them. She enjoyed hearing Bailey gushing over the Shades of Gray articles. "I heard that Ivory was kicked out of the student council like Stan was. Headmaster Roux is letting Stan back into the academy!"

Don't come back, Orchid wanted to warn Stan. If they tried to pin this on you and expel you once, Silverleaf would do it again. "Ivory maybe should have gotten a heavier punishment, the headmaster should have expelled her."

"Have you read Shades of Gray, Rob?" Bailey asked her boyfriend.

He shrugged. "Not really."

Orchid got up, carrying her tray. "I'm going to Professor Green's classroom to write. If you're taking the dorm again, stay off my bed," she said and Rob gave her a flustered look.

"There's no newspaper club meeting now, I think," Bailey said, scrunching up her nose. "Was it the lacrosse team? Ugh, I can never tell."

"I just go there to study and write essays since the Study Hall is always so busy and noisy," Orchid reminded her. Translation: I'm actually going there to scheme my next exposé. She placed her tray on top of the garage can and went off through the shadowy halls of Silverleaf.

On the way, she ran into Sam Finnegan. He looked a lot like Stoll, just taller and older. Dark brown skin and dark circles under his eyes. He narrowed his eyes. Oh crap, please don't tell me that he's going to give me a hard time. "Where are you sneaking off to, eh?"

"Professor Green's classroom." Then Orchid realized how gross and scandalous that sounded. "For studying, the Study Hall is too noisy for me to finish my English paper," she added.

Sam leaned against the wall, frowning. "You know my brother?"

"Huh?" Orchid had perfected her 'confused quiet girl act' ages ago. "You mean the nerdy boy in the hoodie? I see him around campus cleaning and taking nightly courses, he's a janitor, right?"

Sam's frown deepened. "Don't call my brother that."

Orchid went pink. "Sorry."

"I just thought you're the girl he mentioned," Sam grunted. Stoll mentioned me? Orchid wasn't sure if that was something to be flustered or panicked about. "Whatever. Go work on your English paper, kid."

He brushed past her, mumbling. Orchid quickened her pace on the way to Professor Green's class. Did Stoll mention me? If he did, then that would risk a lot, not only Orchid's secret but also his and Saira's. Stupid, foolish boy.

Why couldn't he realize that a slight mention of her to Sam could ruin them all? Orchid was so consumed by her thoughts that she nearly tripped. She growled in frustration and finally arrived at Green's classroom.

She tried to open the door, but it was stuck. Orchid knocked, pressing her ear to the door. "Professor Green? Hello? It's me, Orchid, the door's stuck. Can you open it? Professor?" No answer.

Orchid rapted on the door again, but only a hollow echo greeted her. She kept jiggling the doorknob until the door flew open and she tumbled onto the dark classroom floor. Orchid groaned, sitting up. Why are the lights off?

She stood up, dusting her stockings before flicking on the lights. Then Orchid Gray screamed at the top of her lungs. Professor Green's unblinking and white eyes stared straight at her. A noose was tied around his neck, swelling and bruising, the rope hung on the ceiling's fan, and Orchid was surprised the fan could support the professor's weight. She tried to gasp for air, but her breath hitched when she spotted his red-rimmed glasses broken on the floor.

Professor Green was dead.