𝓦𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝓘𝙩 𝓑𝙪𝙧𝙣, 𝗔𝗡 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗬 𝗙𝗜𝗖

𝓒𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝓕𝙤𝙪𝙧

Vanya Ella's POV

Vanya dreaded getting out of bed the entire morning until she remembered that she was going to be late for her Chemythstry class and Professor Rumpelstiltskin was a strict teacher who hated tardiness. For crying aloud... She groaned, peeling the layers of blankets as she got dressed for the day. She took note of Dahlia's empty bed, the girl was always awake at the crack of dawn to take walks in the empty halls of EAH. How does she do it? Vanya had no idea.

It was awkward since she and Apple were still not on good terms, and Dahlia was Apple's best friend. Having Dahlia as a roommate did not help at all. Rapidly brushing her blond hair with one hand, Vanya checked the time on her watch. "Shit!" Why are all Cinderellas so bad with the concept of time? She dropped her brush on her foot, wincing before running out of her dorm and into the halls.

As Coach Gingerbreadman's star track runner, Vanya quickly arrived at class as Professor Rumpelstiltskin was handing back their graded exams. "Miss Ella," the little, yet incredibly menacingly, man snapped. "You are five minutes late! It doesn't matter, C+!"

C+? That had been the lowest grade Vanya ever received and Legacy Year only started two weeks ago. For Grimm's sake, she thought. I'll be spinning straw into gold forever after for extra credit. Finding an empty row of seats, she sat behind Daphne and Ana Tremaine. The Wicked Stepsisters of her story. The pair weren't actually sisters, but rather cousins, but they were as thick as thieves.

Vanya sighed at her luck. Daphne especially hated Vanya's guts for just simply existing, though she supposed Ana was nicer. Rumpelstiltskin handed back Daphne's test, actually giving a rare smile. "A+ as always, Miss Tremaine."

Daphne grinned, practically jumping with joy. The Chemythstry had some scheduling issues, so it was mixed with different student years, but from what Vanya heard, Daphne was regularly at the top of the class in their science subject. 

"You know, I have a few buddies who can support your science passion further when you graduate considering you're in your final year, Miss Tremaine. Ah, but of course, only if you wish to pursue chemythstry as a career," Rumpelstiltskin said quietly, but just loud enough for it not to escape Vanya's ears. From the corner of Vanya's eye, she saw Daphne beam just for her eyes to lock with Vanya's. Oh, hex—

Daphne's gaze sharpened, giving Vanya an intimidating glare. Vanya closed her eyes briefly, just knowing that Daphne was glaring daggers into the back of her head. She just wanted this bad day to end—

"Hey, is this seat taken?"

Holy hex. Vanya knew that voice by memory and her heart started to pound against her chest. Keep calm and don't fuck this up. "Uh, yeah." That sounded subtle, right? Why am I overthinking everything? Vanya thought, a blush creeping up her neck as Holton Hook slid into the seat next to hers. She had a tiny crush on him, but it wasn't that much of a big deal. It wasn't like she would spend hours writing poetry just about him or send love letters to him in secret. I definitely need mental help, she thought miserably. She couldn't get Holton out of her mind for Grimm's sake.

Sneaking a glance, she understood why people found appeal in Holton's appearances. From his sharp features, such as his jaw and Grecian nose, and his tufts of brown hair. But for Vanya, it was the way his eyes were as dark as ink. So mysterious—yes, she did understand that was a poor choice of words—and free to become anything. Or anyone. Vanya wished she had more freedom in her life.

He was flipping and catching a coin in his hands while Rumpelstiltskin blabbed about why wolfsbane was very important and other things. Vanya tried taking notes considering the professor was already failing everyone, but her mind was totally fried whenever Holton was around. "Miss Tremaine," Professor Rumpelstiltskin said, "would you care to add?"