Fire and Ice

Five: Lucinda

The sunlight was already hurting my eyes and burning my skin which gave me a headache. And it was only my first day. I couldn't understand why my parents couldn't homeschool us like other vampire families. But then again - we weren't the normal family. I didn't like the school I was placed in and I certainly didn't like that wolf girl. But after our conversation at lunch, I kind of warmed up to her a little. She didn't seem like the kind to want to know every little thing about me and my family before reporting it to her pack leader. Talking with Corey made me curious about her and her way of life. I mean, we have been told stories all our lives about werewolves - but how much of it was the truth? She's kind of fascinating in her own way. With her bleach blonde hair, with odd brunette streaks in it (I wasn't sure if they were dyed or not), her piercing (and sort of intimidating) blue eyes, her shorter height and proud stature. And she had made friends with humans - something I have a hard time wrapping my head around. I don't think that I could ever interact with humans. As oblivious as they seem sometimes, some of them take in all of their surroundings. How long would it take for people to notice my paleness? How long would it take for me to slip up and show my fangs? I'm still learning to retract them. How long until one of them notices?

I had Art without Corey after lunch and it was nice to be away from her and her stench. I found it hard to focus on my work though. The argument at lunch was stuck on replay in my mind. I listened to the clock tick away softly on the far wall, counting down the minutes until the class was over. I glanced at my timetable. English. One of my favorite subjects so that was good.

Before long the bell rang dismissing us from the lesson. I kept my head down as I walked through the halls and was thankful that I was able to walk in the shade. My eyes were already irritated and I could feel my skin burning. If school wasn't torture enough. I eventually found my English classroom, with a bit of help, and soon discovered Corey sitting at a desk talking to a couple of people. Her bright blue eyes found mine and she offered me a polite smile. I offered her a tight smile in return before I found myself a desk in the back corner opposite the windows. I closed my eyes and allowed myself a moment peace before the lesson started.

Shakespeare.

Of course, in all English things we were going to learn about Shakespeare. Don't get me wrong I was a fan of the famous author but some of his work is a tad overproduced. I could hear continuous tapping coming from somewhere in the room and I soon discovered it was coming from Corey. I attempted tuning my ears to something else but I couldn't seem to stray away from the sound. I grew annoyed and hadn't realised that I was clenching my teeth. It was a surprise that I didn't shatter my own fangs.

Our teacher gave instructions for a paired activity. We had to discuss a scene in one of the plays that we would be further looking into throughout the year. I kept my eyes low hoping that no one would approach my desk. Unfortunately, there was one in particular who couldn't stay away.

"Good dawning to thee, friend." I looked up and saw Corey offer me a smile. I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes but rather replied.

"The good time of day to you, sir." I stared at Corey waiting for her reply. She looked around uncomfortably before her eyes rested on mine once again.

"If you can look into the seeds of time and say, to which grain will grow, and which will not, speak then to me," she said softly in a serious voice. I took a deep breath and seemed to smile to myself.

"If thou seeks forgiveness," I began just as soft my eyes firmly locked with hers. "I desire you in friendship, and I will in one way or other make you amends. Such as we are made of, as such we be. How now must thou offer a sincere apology?" Corey leaned away from me confusion written all over her face.