Aloha (Vampire Academy Fan-Fiction)

4. Unexpected Circumstances

It was lunch time. Back in Montana, I had thought the food was pretty good. Here, in Hawaii, I was blown away by the variety. St. Damien offered three entrees, including the main entree. They had options for vegans and those who didn't like the main course. Everything was so neatly arranged and prepared that it was photogenic. It was a serve yourself bar. Students flocked in a chaotic jumble around different areas of the cafeteria to get their food. Apparently, the food was included in the tuition - the tuition I wasn't responsible for paying. One of the little perks of being the most wanted person to be terminated by the Strigoi.

I debated my options. Sloppy Joe, Chicken Patties or Salad. I opted for the latter, seeing as how I wasn't in much of a mood to feast on meat. I made my way over to the deserted bar, picked up a plate and started selectively placing plush, green leaves upon my plate. I glanced curiously at a group of waiting Moroi who were neatly lined in front of double doors. I squinted my eyes a little to properly read the sign above the doors, which read Feeding. I shuddered and went back to attending to my salad. By feeding, they meant blood feeding. That was probably where they stored the humans, the blood whores, who willingly offered their blood to the Moroi simply for the 'high' it gave them. Despicable. 

While shaking my head, I tucked my hair behind my ear with one hand, with the other supporting my neatly arranged plate of salad. I politely skipped any other condiments and then debated the awful decision of where to sit. Normally, I would have selected a secluded table in the corner, but there were no tables in this cafeteria. There were only long, fold out benches. There were 10 rows by 5 columns of them and they were all filled. Feeling a bit unnerved, I chewed my lip and considered my options. I had none. I hadn't made any friendships - I barely did - and I wanted more than anything to avoid Blake. It had been already awkward as is. It served to me no surprise that I had ended up his partner in every class. I even sat next to him in all my classes as well. Instead of talking, we just settled ourselves into an awkward silence in every class. 

A light, gentle caress to my side alerted me from my thoughts and current disposition. I automatically trailed my eyes up to meet familiar sapphire ones. It was Eric. I was so relieved to see him, I almost said it out loud. Instead, I gave him a small smile.

"Hey," I greeted, making sure to input my appreciation of him showing up into my voice.

"Hello, Seraphina," he grinned. "I was hoping to see you in one of my classes, but it seems you don't have any with me."

I shrugged apologetically. "Sorry."

"Don't be," he said assuringly, his grin widening, "it's not your fault. Would you like to sit with me?"

I sighed out in relief. "Yes, please," I automatically replied, and then added, "if you don't mind."

"It'd be my pleasure, beautiful," Eric chirped, slipping his arm around my waist. I decided that it was the least of thanks I could do in return for his gracious offer, so I let him keep his arm there. Seemingly pleased with having me unrefusing of our position, he tightened his grip around the side of my waist and began leading me to the table in the middle of the crowd.

After weaving our way through past people that were returning or scavenging for tables, we finally reached one that was filled with Moroi who were pleasantly chattering. Eric let go of my waist and gestured for me to seat next to him, across from a tall, blond, forest eyed Moroi girl. She looked up at me disapprovingly, almost making me hesitate to claim the empty seat across from her. Eric sat himself down and gestured once more for me to sit down next to him.

"She's my friend," he assured.

I look down once more at the girl who glared daggers at me and back at Eric, who had already sat down. I shrugged and plopped down beside the girl, deciding to ignore her.