Tangled Hearts.

~Chapter 10~

~Raelyn ~

~Friday, September 12th~

The alarm clock's shrill screech jolted me awake, its sound echoing through the small, cozy house I now called home. I rubbed my eyes and groaned, wishing I could just stay in bed. But the reality of my new life in Los Angeles was waiting for me.

I rolled out of bed and headed to the bathroom to start my morning routine. After a quick shower and throwing my hair into a messy bun, I threw on a comfortable pink sweat set And some sliver hoops. I glanced at the clock: 8:00 AM. I needed to hurry.

As I rushed downstairs, I spotted Blake, my adopted son, sitting at the kitchen table, his eyes glued to a cartoon. "Blake, time to get ready for school!" I called out, my voice filled with a mix of authority and affection.

Blake looked up at me with a pout, but he quickly got up and started gathering his things. I made him a quick breakfast of cereal and milk, and then we were out the door.

I drove Blake to school, my mind racing with thoughts of the day ahead. Today was my third day of classes at West Creek University, and I was still getting used to the new environment. I had been living in Los Angeles for about a week now, and while I was still adjusting, I was starting to enjoy the city's vibrant energy.

As I pulled into the university parking lot, then headed into the building as I spotted Malia and her posse, strutting down the hallway like they owned the place.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Malia was the queen bee of the campus, always dressed in designer clothes and surrounded by her sorority of sycophants.

"Perfect timing, as usual," I muttered sarcastically as I approached my locker.

Malia and her friends giggled, their eyes scanning me up and down. I couldn't help but notice how strong their perfume was. It smelled like a chemical experiment gone wrong, mixed with a hint of boys's cologne and something...off.

I knew Malia was a pure-blood vampire. Her family had been around for centuries, while I was only half-vampire. My mom had been turned after I was born, and she was turned by my dad. An under their wedding night they shared with the blood fate virtual bounding them together for life. After missing however my mom reversed the spell, she had help from one of the elders.

As Malia and her friends approached me, I could feel their eyes boring into me. "Aw, look at this little half-dead," Malia sneered.

I couldn't help but smirk. "Fuck off, Malia," I replied calmly.

Malia's eyes widened in surprise. She wasn't used to people talking back to her. "Is that the best you've got? You're a weakling, it's pathetic really." she scoffed.

I flashed her my middle finger. " Don't you have anything better to do?" I said, "Fuck... Off...," I said, turning to walk away.

Malia and her friends exchanged shocked glances. They couldn't believe that I had dared to defy her. As I walked down the hallway, I could hear their whispers following me.

It seemed like Malia was everywhere. In my classes, she would giggle and flirt with the boys, completely oblivious to their discomfort. I had heard that she had recently broken up with Colby, and she was determined to make everyone know that she was still desirable.

As I was walking down the hallway after class, I heard a familiar voice. "Hey Malia, looking good!"

I turned around to see Malia chatting with a random guy. She was clearly enjoying the attention. It was clear that Malia was the most popular girl in school, and she wasn't afraid to show it.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. I had always been more of a loner, preferring to spend my time reading or writing. But as I watched Malia interact with her friends, I couldn't deny that there was something appealing about her confidence and popularity.

As the day went on, I found myself thinking more and more about Malia. I couldn't understand why she was so determined to make my life miserable.

Was it because she was jealous of me? Or was it simply because she enjoyed being mean?

Whatever the reason, I knew that I couldn't let her get to me. I had to focus on my studies and my new life in Los Angeles. I had a lot to look forward to, and I wasn't going to let Malia ruin it for me.

~

That afternoon after I got off class for the day, I went into the library to work on my English project with Colby. The library was quiet, save for the soft shuffling of pages and the occasional creak of a chair. I sat at a table, my fingers nervously twirling the my garnet ring on my ring finger as I waited for Colby.

I dreaded the thought of spending hours with him, especially after our rocky start. He hates me just as much as math does. I would hope that we would at least find a way to be civil eventually. Colby's voice cut through the silence as he approached the table.

"Hey." he said, dropping his books onto the table with a thud. "let's get this over with." I looked up; my expression reserved.

"Fine by me. Let's just focus on the work. I've had quite the day, please don't do anything to set me off." He looked at me with a slight flash of sadness in his eyes.

"May I ask what happened?"

I shook my head as I pushed my glasses off the bridge of my nose, "no, forget what I said. It's nothing."

He put his hands up in mock surrender. "Alright, I won't bug you."

As we started, Colby couldn't help but probe, not that I blame him. "So, where are you really from? You don't seem like you're from around here." I sighed, "I'm from a small town in London. Not that it's any of your business."

The tension between us was palpable, but as we discussed the literature, a shared passion began to thaw the frostiness. Colby found himself inadvertently intrigued by my insights.

Maybe this wouldn't be so bad. Even though he's still a complete dirtbag.

Hours passed, and we shockingly finished the project. The initial tension had given way to a begrudging respect. But we found a way to act like adults and deal with our differences. As we packed up, my guard was still up, but I felt a hint of relief. Outside the library, Colby caught up to me.

"Raelyn, wait," he said, his voice softer now.

"I... I want to apologize for how I've acted. I've had a lot of stuff going on with my family and personal life. I shouldn't have treated you like that. I'm so sorry."

I stopped but didn't turn to face him. "Apologies don't change the past, Colby. you really hurt me." I said holding back tears, thinking about how disgusting he made me feel.

"I know," he admitted, "but I was wrong about you. I'm trying to make it right. Please, look at me."

I hesitated, then said looking over my shoulder, "Actions speak louder than words. We'll see who you really are."

With that, I walked away, leaving Colby standing in the cool afternoon air, filled with a new sense of determination to prove his sincerity.
~

I collapsed onto my couch, the weight of the week finally hitting me as I fumbled with my phone. My fingers, still a bit clumsy from fatigue, dialed Isa's number, the familiar digits a comforting ritual after such a tumultuous start at West Creek University. As the phone rang, I tucked a loose strand of copper hair behind my ear, my other hand idly playing with one of Blake's toy cars left on the coffee table.

Isa answered almost immediately. "Hey California girl! How is it on that side of the ocean?"

"Hey, Isa! Yeah, California's... it's...really something," I chuckled, a mix of exhaustion and amusement in my voice.

"Yeah, how are your classes going?" she asked.

"Mostly good, but there's this one guy, Colby, in my lit class. Ugh, he's a walking, talking headache. He's treated me like shit since day one and now he's trying to apologize."

Isa's laughter crackled through the phone, the sound a balm to my frayed nerves. "Sounds like a real charmer. But hey, maybe you should give him a chance to prove himself, as the lord says, 'forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors'."

I couldn't help but smile, Isa's confidence in her was unshakeable. "I know, You're right, I guess it won't hurt to give him a second chance. But I've met some amazing people too. There's Katrina, who has this incredible voice and killer taste in music. I swear, she's going to be famous one day." I said smiling.

"And don't forget Devyn," I continued, warmth spreading through me as I spoke of my new friends.

"Her makeup is always on point, and her fashion sense? Out of this world. She's promised to give me a makeover, so watch out!" I said with a laugh.

"And Tara, she's just... she's a hoot. Always cracking jokes, making everyone laugh. She's been a lifesaver this week, honestly." Isa's voice was full of affection as she replied, "Sounds like you're building your own little family out there, Raelyn. I'm proud of you."

We talked for hours, the conversation flowing as easily as it always had, filled with laughter and the occasional snort. By the time we said our goodbyes, my spirits were lifted, my worries about Colby and the challenges of my new life seeming a little less daunting.