BITTEN: THE BEASTS OF GÉVAUDAN

ROOT OF EVIL

As the final bell of the day rang, Professor Stanton stopped the class as they packed their belongings.
"Class please listen. Holland, Cedric, Sarah, Dylan, Danyl, Samantha, and Elizabeth. Please step to the front of the class please." The selected few slowly made their way to front of the room, as If it were the last steps they'd take unaware of what would happen. The professor looked at the young adults. "Class remember these faces, as it will be the last time that you see them in this class. They have been approved for the French Transfer program, they will be spending the next four years in the city of Gévaudad." Smiles flooded the face of the seven selected, as jealousy filled the room. "Au revoir." The professor said as everyone left the room.
"Dewayne!" Holland exclaimed as they walked out of the class. "Since we're going to be moving to a foreign country together, I thought we should become more acquainted with each other, you know?"
Dewayne who wasn't really used to attention especially attention from a girl like Holland was skeptical about the offer, yet completely understood considering the circumstances. "I think that's a good idea Holland. Invite the others, we're going to be all we have in France."
Holland and Cedric walked arm and arm out of the classroom, when Cedric turned to her, " Hey Holland...."
Holland stopped and looked him in his eyes,"Yes?"
Cedric became nervous because he wasn't the best when it came to interacting with people."How about we work on getting better acquainted over dinner."
Holland smiled and nodded. Dylan and Danyl followed behind and gagged, "Ugh get a room you two." Dylan muttered as he laughed.
Holland looked at Cedric, "Don't listen to those idiots." She held out her hand and interlocked her fingers with Cedric's,"Come on, let's go. You can help me pack." She said softly.
Sarah who had been walking behind them had scrambled off with Danny. They went to a meadow down by the lake at the edge of the campus.
"I'm going to miss this..." Sarah told Danyl. "The roses blooming, the way the sunflowers dance in the breeze. Everything here just feels so alive. This place.... it saved me from the darkest parts of myself, and now I have the chance to explore the world, at the expense of leaving this moment behind."
Danyl laughed, " Well look who became all Edgar Allen Poe and shit. Sarah it's a meadow, not you're heart. You saved yourself, this place is just a placebo, it's always going to be with you. If this is you're happy place, you can take it with you wherever you go. It's all here and here." He said as he put one hand on her head and one on her heartbeat.
"Thank you Danny" Sarah said as she kissed Danyl on his cheek.

Dylan sat alone in his room and packed that night." Maybe I should try to make friends with the others. I mean we barely know each other and yet we'll be the only people we know in France, how ironic..." Dylan said to himself as he laid waste to his room and just through his luggage together. His dorm room fell as vacant as the day he moved in, all that was left was an alarm clock still plugged into its outlet."Departure time, 10 o clock p.m." he said as he set the alarm. "Gives me just enough time for a nap."
Samantha and Elizabeth who had been roommates the past two years seemed the most excited. They giggled and took shots as they packed their bags for the flight. "I almost sad about leaving" Samantha cried out. "I know so many memories." Elizabeth added. "It has been fun. Au revoir Calinfornia."
" Come on in..." Holland stated as she motioned Cedric, who was carrying his own luggage, into her apartment.
"Wow nice place, I see why you didn't sleep on campus." Cedric said as he marveled at the decor of Holland's humble home. "I'll start on dinner." He announced as he put the bags down and went into the kitchen.
Holland walked into the room and began packing her things when she yelled out, "Tell me about yourself."
Cedric, who had been in the kitchen preparing lasagna and who was getting more and more nervous by the second, replied, " uh, not much to tell. I was adopted as a kid never knew my mother and never really did anything up until college. What about you." Holland walked into the kitchen and pinched Cedric's cheeks.
"Awee does the little baby have mommy issues?" She wimpered as she mocked him with a fake sad face and then walked back into the room.
"Cute" He replied sarcastically.
"Well my father walked out on me and my mom and my mother tried wasn't always around but she managed" Holland explained from her bedroom. Cedric's chest caved in on his heart as he felt for Holland. "I'm sorry..." he quietly said.
"Foods done!!" He yelled. And after a nice dinner and talk the two stood from the table.
"Smart and he cooks, give the man an award..." she laughed as she clapped. She walked over to him and grabbed his hand and guided him into her room. As she laid on the bed she motioned him over.
'Is this really happening' he thought to himself. "What are you doing holland?" He asked aloud as he laughed.
"We have a flight to catch in a few hours so WE are going to take a nap, because I need someone to cuddle with in this now empty apartment." Holland said as she leaned up on the bed and pulled him down. "But don't try anything..." she teased as she began spooning with him.
"Cedric.... Can I tell you something...." she said softly, her voice almost trembling."I'm scared... Being all alone in a foreign territory that we know almost nothing about, how are we going to survive? What if something happens to us?"
A tear flowed down her cheek. Cedric held her tighter, "I'll protect you... I'm promise." She smiled as she clutched his hand. "Whoa!" She said as she flinched,"I said don't try anything." She said as she turned and giggled.
"Im not doing anything." Cedric said as he looked her in the eyes.
She looked down and smiled, "Well then how come I can feel that rubbing against me."
"OH... Uhm I'm sorry about that." He responded both nervously and embarrassed.
She turned back around, and pulled Cedric closer.
"Holland...." he whispered.
"Yes?" She replied.
"You aren't really helping the situation..."
"I know..." She laughed as she kissed his hand and fell asleep.