Paranimal

Chapter 5

The recess bell rings shrill around the halls as kids begin pouring from the classrooms. Like ComboSchool, we aren't allowed to morph during school, not even at break, so I find myself settling in comfortably on a rigid white polycarbonate wall at the back of the History toilets. The whole school is immaculately built of a selection of abuse-proof white materials and fibre-glazed glass. Not a single grain of grime or scrap of trash can be found and I can't help but feel that CWA feels a little bit too much like a hospital. Still all the other schools seem to be exactly the same. The only reason we are sectioned off into Clan school, is because on Saturdays we are forced to learn about the individual features, history, science etc. of our Animals and not about Paranimals as a whole.

"Why so quiet?" Ellen asks, munching on snacks. She offers me some but I shake my head.

"Well, Alexis seems to be flaunting my brother in front of everyone."

El shrugs, casually, clearly not bothered. However, she follows my gaze across the school centre field where "Badass Barbie" has Tiger hooked in arm, tossing her hair and showing off her boyfriend to a gang of equally primped and perfected girls. They all look at her with jealousy in their eyes but manage to paste plastic smiles on their face, hoping not to offend queen bee number 2.

"I wonder when they started dating. I didn't know about any of this."

My dim-witted friend shrugs again, engaged in an over-sized cookie as I carry on staring.

I see Tiger whisper something to Alexis and she smiles her supermodel smile before watching him saunter off. He's walking in my direction.

"Hey li'l sis!"

"Hi."

"Why the cold shoulder, huh?" he asks, slumping down on the wall next to me. El hands him a cookie, which he snaps in half and wolfs down.

"Alexis? Really? You had to choose her???" I splutter in protest.

"What?!? She's nice. She's kinda sweet."

"Sweet? She's hot, Ti, that's the only reason why you like her!" I hiss, aware that we are under the hawk-eye surveillance of our current subject.

"You're just jealous, baby. Not number one girl in my life anymore, hey?" he teases, flashing his white smile.

"What the hell, no! Tiger, you've had countless girlfriends; why should I start being jealous now? I just don't like the way she treats you like her new pet, draggin' you round and showing you off! How long've you been dating anyway?"

"Hmmm, 'bout three weeks, why?"

"She's evil." I reply, sounding stupid. It was the only comeback I had.

I glare across the lawn at Alexis, not really comprehending exactly what it is I don't like about her. Unluckily, she looks up and meets my glare with one that practically sizzles the air. I look away, cowed.

Tiger simply laughs and ruffles my hair fondly.

"Got soccer practice now, gotta dash. I'll meet you out the school laser gate; I'm taking the two of you to see Vol, 'member?" he reminds us, nodding at Ellen too.

I sigh as I watch my big brother slouch off. He's in his last year of school before he's off to the Centre but he still likes to live life his way. Everyone knows he should be in the Careers office, studying or preparing for his PCA levels but he's still out here playing rough sports and dating. Typical.

I frown, thinking about him. And her. Then my frown practically drops to my chin as I stare ahead.

Alexis, seeing my frown, has detached herself from her cluster of admirers and is now marching up to me, stilettos clicking upon every footfall. She looks angry.