Zodiac Academy: New Gen

Elara Chapter 16

Tarin and I walk down the stairs of the Ignis housing. We stride next to each other but don't hold hands. I'm still determining what we are, so I want to avoid pushing it, especially after stopping him from going further. "Yeah, that's her.." I hear girls whispering, looking over to see Celaria and Zandera sitting with other girls and looking at me as I walk by. I shoot them a look before turning back to Tarin. "Just ignore them!" he whispers, grabbing my hand. "What the fuck!" I hear Celaria yell from behind us as we continue walking. " I knew there was something between you and that insane girl!" Celaria yells, standing now. It takes everything in me to turn around and fight her. Tarin tightened the grip on my hand and kept walking towards the Orb.

We walk into the Orb, and I am in awe. I have never been inside this building, but I have heard many stories about it from all the aunts and uncles. I look around, seeing a table full of familiar faces. My brother and Azura, along with all Tarin's brothers and Augustaline. Augustaline waves me over before pointing to Tarins's and mine hands. "What in the kaboodle is going on here?" she says, pretending to make binoculars out of her hands. I turn and look at Tarin. He smiles at me and looks back at them. I look over to Kale, who looks less than pleased. "What about him lying and trying to hide you?" Kale says, making a fist with his hands. "Don't you think this is too quick?" he continues, not to let us answer. Tarin walks over to Kale, "I'm sorry for how I acted when she arrived. Yes, I lied, but I did it for her and apologized." Tarin says, standing tall. I walk over and join Tarin by his side. "Kale, please," I say, grabbing his hand. Kale looks up at me, staring into my eyes for a second. "Okay, if you can forgive him, I can, too," Kale says, still not smiling as if this caused him more pain. He and Tarin shake hands. Tarin turns to me and says, "Let's go check out the food options.".

We walk over to the food station and start looking through the options. I pick up a burger, tater tots, and a coke, turning back to Tarin, smiling. "I'll have the same thing," he says, grabbing all the items. As we turn with our items in hand, ready to return to our seats, Rygar is right in front of us. "Couldn't have even waited for me to get food?" He asks, grabbing a tot off my tray. I look at him in disgust as he throws it into his mouth. "now, why the hell would we wait for you?"I say, continuing my glare.

"Oh, come on, now, I thought we came to a truce?" he asks, smiling, tilting his head to the side. "That doesn't mean we will have a picnic together!" I say, pushing past him with Tarin following. "Oh, come on, Elara, I said I was sorry, and we tried. What more do you want?" Rygar says, following us back to the table, drawing the rest of their attention. "Did you say sorry?" I ask sarcastically. "You know what I meant." He says, standing next to our table where I can see Kale glaring at him from my side. "You know, I'm sorry, never actually left your mouth, Rygar," Tarin adds, tossing a tot in his mouth, making me giggle. "What do you want from me? To stand on a table and shout, I'm sorry?" Rygar says, laughing and crossing his arms. I sit there in silence, contemplating his response. "Fine," Rygar says, walking to the table before us and climbing up.

"ATTENTION!" he yells at the top of his lungs. "Oh my god, what's he doing?" I whisper. "ELARA, I'M SORRY!! " he yells, putting his hands out towards me. "Please forgive me." He continues in a more normal tone. I sit in shock at what he has just done, my cheeks turning flush; I can feel the eyes of the room on me. I look to Tarin, who has his mouth full as he gives me a shoulder shrug, mouthing, "up to you". I look back to Rygar, "Fine, I accept your apology." I say softly.

He jumps off the table, landing on his feet, walking back over to us. "How was that little vampire?" he says, proud of himself. I roll my eyes and continue eating the food before me. I hope he means this truce because I don't know if I could survive here without all of them behind me.

"So whats the plans for tonight?" Rygar says, scooting Tarin over so he can sit on the edge of the table. "There is the welcome back party tonight!" Augustaline says, leaning on towards the table. "Shes been planning it all break." Ended adds in wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "Its formal attire and masquerade themed!" she continues smiling like she is going to burst. "What time does it start?" I ask, continuing to pick through my food. "Starts at 8, but well, probably be fashionably late!" Ender says nudging Augustaline. She smiles and looks down, making everyone understand what he means. I look over to Tarin, who is fighting for space between Rygar and Ender. Before I even say anything "ill pick you up at 8!" Tarin says, pushing Rygar one last time.