Falling Down To Earth

Chapter 2 ~ Paired Up

                                                          Chapter Two

                                                           PAIRED UP

  By the next few days the obsession over the new kids had died down to only occasional conversation. Which, I have to admit, was pretty relieved about. It wasn't that I was jealous of them or anything similar to that, but more so that I had a strange feeling about them.

 And, though a part of me wanted to just shove all the kids out ( including the new ones ) and forget that  I ever came to this school, forget everything... Another part told me to get closer to them, that they somehow might be valuable. I can't figure out any possible way they could be useful to me - mostly because I am anything but human. Still, another part told me to just trust them, to have a little faith in at least Damien. Which, even if I certainly didn't want to listen to it, the ignorance-plan had less reason to it that being friendly. 

Even then, after long contemplation with myself, my darker side took over and told me to not let anyone else in. Mostly because I feared that letting people in would expose my secret. And I definitely didn't desire for that to happen.

But, despite my earlier vows to block (mainly Damien, since I haven't met Raven) out, I feel a pang of regret and guilt rush through me when I see him eating by himself. Haunched over and taking huge bites out of an equally monster sandwich.

According to one of the rumors, he was more of a loner. Which had just been proved and I found, guiltily relieving after the talk with myself. Maybe I wouldn't have to play nice guy after all.  Unfortunately, even that thought couldn't keep me from wondering.

"Hello? Earth to Drea!" Charm waves her hand in front of my face, attempting to wake me up from an  (apparently noticeable) hypnotized stare.  

It's a few minutes before her words actually reach me and make sense. Then I mentally try to pull myself back to earth. I guess - again - the only explanation for it is because it comes with the wings. I blink and give her a questioning look, having no idea how much of the day I just missed.

"I'm serious. You've been so out of it, lately." She shoves a spoonful of peach yogurt into her mouth.

And for some reason that makes me feel guilty. Most likely because I'm missing out on time with my two real friends and it's all my fault.

Though it doesn't occur to me til later that all my space-outs could be caused by Damien. Even though I really have no proof - and it's probably a childish thing to do - I figure he's an easy target to point the finger at. Also, because I don't want to throw the blame on me. Because, to be honest, it puts a lot of weight on my wings when I fly.

                                                                 ______________

"Ms. Bloom?" My history teacher, Mr. Robin says.

I look up in response, careful not to jerk around sharply and cause the hood to fall back off my hair.

"Your going to be paired up with Ms. Delaney for this assignment. Why don't you go over to her desk?" He points to her chair with his pen. I follow the point and reluctantly get up and walk over to none other than Raven.

Raven is gorgeous.

And she definitely lives up to her name with wavy, black hair that rests a couple inches after her shoulders, flawless skin, and, not to mention, beautiful - yet unnatural - gold eyes that make me wonder if she's wearing contacts.

But even her beauty makes me wonder whats going on with me and the new kids.

"Hey," She says calmly. "I'm Raven."

"Drea," I nod.

I slide into the seat beside her. Having no idea how to strike up a conversation.

"Where are we meeting to do this thing?" She toys with her pencil on the desk before looking back at me.

"Um, we could do it at my house?" I offer since I know it'll definitely be quiet there.

"How's five sound?" Raven narrows her eyes just slightly. I figure that it'll be a serviceable time to get to know her - to see if anything weird is going on with her, too. Just because her energy is similar to Damien's doesn't mean she doesn't have any other secrets. Well, at least I hope. There's only one way to find out, too.

"Works for me."