The Mistress

Chapter 9

As I approach the training pool doors, I am met with a gust of wind. Something which I have long since felt. At this moment, I think nothing of it and continue with my path. Despite Theo's dismissal of the class, most of the remaining twelve, were still situated in there. Whether that be to change out of their costumes, to simply communicate or to take in the new surroundings. The doors swing on their recently oiled hinges and as I walk back into the room, I am met with glaring eyes and silence. Not that there was much chatter in the first place, and even if there were, it was that of nervous chatter. Attempting to avoid the eye line of most, I walk straight ahead, with purpose, and my head held high. I keep quiet, just as Theo said. Suddenly, I realise that the place I am headed, is too my tank. Great. Oh well, I am sure it can do no harm by sitting by it, by myself. Even as sit upon the chair, the stares of the others, makes me feel as though I seem to have some sort of visible aura around my body, convincing them to constantly look, to never draw attention from it. As if they have to keep looking in order to not miss anything. The sounds of shuffling feet and murmurs fades, and I know that I am alone. Or so I thought. "Are you okay? What happened?" That familiar voice of his, tells me that he would not leave me be, he knows that I need him right now.

"Yes, fine. I am fine thank you. How are you holding up?" The efforts to conceal my true emotion is rather pathetic. Though James does not seem to mind, he simply replies and offers a sympathetic smile.

"I am great thanks."

"A silly question has occurred to me. Though I feel as though I must ask it"

"Okay, fire away."

"Why was everyone staring at me so?"

"Because you are brilliant. You are strong. And, you are mine." He holds out his hand as the edges of my lips turn upwards.

"You flatter me so sir, though I cannot fail to agree upon that last comment, now can I?"

"I do flatter you, yes. Would you like me to stop?" He smirks.

"Now you are the one asking silly questions. Of course not. Not yet. No." James opens his mouth to speak as Johnny shouts across the room from the main entrance.

"Hey, James, dinner, you coming?" His head is locked around the door, and grinning from ear to ear as he notices what is happening.

"It's okay. Go." I say, a smile still plastered upon my face.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course. Go!" I push him slightly from behind in the middle of his back. He squirms slightly and laughs.

"Hey! I will catch you later, okay?" I nod. James begins to walk towards Johnny and then says "Oh I almost forgot!" He turns on his heel and walks back to me, quickly. "Seeing as your mine now, it is appropriate to do this, before I leave" he kisses me on the lips briefly and then for a little longer. As we part, he bears a grin like mine, and then resumes his original plan. Just as they leave, May and Marigold pop their heads around the door, their eyes following the two boys, before saying:

"Oi Iris, dinner will be served soon, you are coming right? Oh and by the way, you were amazing in the tank! I only managed five minutes fifty-one, so well done!" May says, I have never seen her so chatty and lively! Perhaps her befriending Marigold was not a bad thing. "I am coming, yes. Thank you so much, as were you."

"So Iris, are you coming on our little date to dinner?" Jadis mocks James voice.

"How could I refuse?!" I say, the three of us share a laugh and begin the small trek to dinner. However, as we do, I cannot seem to rid my thoughts of Theo's words. They were seemingly to be on a constant replay. Yet no matter how many times I hear them, they still fail to make any sense. Theo obviously thinks it is okay to keep secrets to make me paranoid. Although I now have far more questions than I do answers, I suppose they will just have to wait. Just as this thought passes, we reach the doors to the dinner hall. A nice big long table full of hot food. Some of which looks rather strange, though I must say, never judge a food by its cover! For you may never know the true meaning of food, until you have tried a little of ours!