Daemons in the Mist

Chapter 3 - Parallel Universe

3

Parallel Universe

Monday, January 9th

NUALLA

                       

“So who are you going to ask to the Winter Ball?” Nikki asked, staring out at the students around the atrium.

“I already have a date,” I replied as I flicked through Facebook on my tablet. I was trying to see if Patrick was in any of the pictures I had taken in the last four years. Maybe he was like a vampire and wouldn’t show up in photos. That would explain a lot, really.

“Really? Who?” Nikki asked, soda halfway to her mouth.

“Patrick Connolly,” I answered still flipping through pictures.

“Who?”

I pointed across the atrium to Patrick. “Him.”

“Never seen him before, he a new student or something?” Nikki asked as she looked curiously at Patrick.

I gave up flipping through the photos and rested my chin on my hand. “No, apparently he’s been here all four years—which is odd because I can’t remember ever seeing him before today. Hell, even Mr. Savenrue didn’t remember him, and Patrick’s in one of his classes.”

Nikki stared at me in disbelief. “What?”

“Yeah it’s weird, he’s in a lot of my classes, but I can’t remember seeing him before today.”

“That is kinda weird. Hey wait, when did this happen?”

“In the hall right before Chem. Michael was trying to make me go to the dance with him and Patrick stepped in.”

“So he saved you from Michael?”

“Yep.”

“Damn he’s good,” Nikki said, with a choking laugh. “You should keep him around; Michael repellent is always a good thing to have.”

“Ya think?” I said sarcastically.

“Though it was your damn fault for dating Michael in the first—”

“Hey, you said you wouldn’t pick on me for that anymore!” I said, pushing her.

“Sorry, it’s just so hilarious how badly you frakked up there.”

“I know I did, so please stop reminding me,” I sighed in exasperation. It was nice to see that my screw-ups made for an endlessly entertaining spectacle for my family.

I poked at my lunch as I looked out at Patrick. “What nationality do you think he is?”

“A mix,” Nikki replied without much thought.

“Well yeah, I figured that much, but a mix of what?” I asked as I turned my eyes away from Patrick to Nikki.

“My bet’s on some European and Asian,” Nikki answered after staring at him a few seconds longer.

“Yeah, I think you’re right, Nikki,” I agreed, turning back to look at Patrick.

“He’s really hot.”

“Most definitely,” I agreed over my can of soda. Nikki nudged me, and we both burst into giggles.

“So ladies, what’re we talking about today?” Shawn asked as he leaned between us with his tray of food.