The Taste of Death

Ch. 2

The path to the principal's office felt like forever. The constant twist and turns made it difficult for Claire to even try to remember the route. Erick seemed patient enough, stopping every floor to point out the dorms and hangout spots that were popular during the day. For this she was grateful, and tried her best not to show just how confused she was.

"Here it is." She hadn't noticed that he had halted his steps as her body almost collided with his back. He turned to face her, grinning at her dazed look. She blushed. Why did she have to be so clumsy.

"She should be in there. She never comes out so I doubt she isn't."

The hall was vacant, though there were a few students who were slouched against the lockers. They were all staring her way.Most likely at Erick. It didn't surprise her how much attention he seemed to grab. From what she knew, his personality was fun, and his smile never seemed to falter. But the stares, were starting to freak her out. Way more than her dorm break in.

"Thanks. I guess I'll see you later then?" She posed it as a question. As nice as he seemed, she didn't want to scare him off by assuming they were now acquainted. He smiled, grabbing her and pulling her to his chest. It was a comforting gesture and she couldn't help but melt into his touch.

"Anytime new girl." , he said with a grin.

He released her from his grip, pulling his arms over his shoulders to stretch. At that moment, no matter how small it could have seemed, she took notice of the black lines that imprinted his arm. The tattoo was small yet the intricate design stood out more than anything. It was a star. But not just any star. The design matched the one imprinted on her bracelet.

"Oh," he said releasing his arms from his stretch to stare back at her, "nice bracelet by the way."

Before she had a chance to respond, he turned in the opposite direction, walking back towards where they had come. She watched his retreating figure before turning back to face the office door. Though the tattoo was still on her mind, she pushed the thoughts away. Besides, it was just a tattoo. There was nothing special about it.

Staring at the door, she observed the metal plaque that was rooted to it's front. In bold black words was:

HAYNE'S OFFICE

With slight hesitation Claire knocked, opening the door when she heard her signal to come in.

~

Claire didn't know what to expect when she entered the office, but what she did see was unexpected to say the least. The office room wasn't as small as she had thought it would be; the open space was larger than her dorm, the walls stretching far across from each other. Neatly stacked books were packed on the side shelves on both sides.Instead of the usual old,dusty smell that came from her usual office encounters, a slight smell of vanilla drifted past her senses.

Well isn't this un-stereotypical.

Standing in front of her was Ms. Hayne,her tall, curved frame towering over her. Long curly black hair cascaded far past her shoulders; her green tinted eyes stared at her, as a small smile was planted on the curve of her lips. She looked more like foreign model than a high-school principal.

"Claire Brooks correct?"Her voice was soft yet emanated an unknown presence that gave Claire a involuntary shiver.

"You know my name?", Claire asked, watching Ms. Haynes as she she walked around her desk- 5 inch heels and all- plopping down on the leather seat behind the computer desk.

"Of course. It's my job to know everyone and everything that goes on here." Claire nodded, taking her chance to sit in one of the leather covered seats in front of the desk.

"I hope your doing well as a freshman here?",she asked, smiling at Claire." I don't want your first few days to be troubling ones."

Claire smiled. If only she knew.

"Actually that's why I came. Someone broke into my dorm and-"

"Do you know who?"

Ms. Hayne rose from her sitting position, her arms reaching out towards the desk's edge.

The sudden interruption alerted Claire to the tension that began to fill the air. She felt as if the room had warped into some kind of fighting zone and she was the prey. It was wierd yet uncanny.

"I wish I did, but I don't. I just found out." , she said, ignoring her sudden urge to run out the room.

Ms. Hayne nodded. The tension in her arms began to loosen as she released her grip from the table. Another smile apeared on her face. But this time, Claire didn't feel the same kindness that radiated from it. It was different, fake.

"I'll make sure this problem is dealt with. In the meantime I'll transfer you to another dorm with a roommate."

Having a roommate gave no reasurrance to Claire what so ever. The whole idea seeemed devastating. A whole list of what if's played out in her head and none of them were positive.

I guess it's inevitable.

The clanking of the school's bell alerted Claire to the starting of her next class.

"It was nice meeting you Claire but I have some buisness to take care of."

Miss Hayne gave another assuring smile before walking out the office doors. Claire frowned, staring at the closed door. With a sigh, she stood, hauling her black bag over her shoulder and opening the door. If her day got any worse than it already was, the universe definitely wasn't on her side.