Entwined

Entwined Ch. 9

~9~

~Krystel's POV~

The weekend passed without another interruption. Samantha's foot was already fully healed when we woke up for classes. I left my sketchbook on the shelf, afraid to even look at it.

While I was applying my makeup, she went on and on nonstop about how she was going to massacre Aphrodite. I was surprised she was still ranting when we got to Soc 101, her southern twang ringing in my ears, "…and I swear to God almighty if she even lays a hand on you, I'll get Kenickie to put her in a headlock and I'll kick her so hard in the stomach she'll be pukin' for days-"

"Samantha," I had to interrupt, "I know you're mad, but I'm fine. Neferet said I could come to class if I wanted to."

"But what about your…you know…" She pointed at my forehead.

I looked around the room. Several people were staring, including Tom, but his eyes were on Samantha only. Bill was sitting next to him silently, his gaze fixed on his desk. He didn't acknowledge anything around him, as if he was in his own dimension. 

I felt a tap on my shoulder and Mickee came into view, her hair bouncing. I immediately knew she was concerned, "Kenickie told me that you were okay, but I wanted to know for myself. And I heard about your Mark, too…" She glanced at the floor shamefully. "…can I see it?"

"Well…" I squirmed uncomfortably, aware that everyone was watching me now. Everyone except Bill…

"You don't have to if you don't want to." Mickee whispered quickly in an understanding manner.

"No, it's fine," I felt my chin tilt up. I should be proud about this. I should be proud that I'm special. I quickly swept my bangs to the side and, in an awkward union, everyone gasped (well, except Tom, Samantha, and…Bill). So many people muttering at once; it was like standing next to a beehive.

Then Neferet strode in and there was instant silence. "I see you guys have welcomed Krystel back," she regarded me and smiled. Everyone took their seats, but it was hard to concentrate with all of the emotions weighing down on my head.

"Krystel, you needed to speak with me?" Neferet called out to me before I could set foot out the door. I felt a chill go through me. Should I really tell her?

"Uhm, yes." I made my way over to her desk. She observed me with careful, kind eyes. "Well, you know how you gave me that sketchbook?"

"Yes?" Did something happen to it? Do you need another? I have plenty."

"No ma'am, I just…" Do it! "I've been drawing these really weird pictures lately. They don't really make any sense, but I feel like they're…important."

She nodded and held out her hand, "May I see them?"

"Uhm, I left my sketchbook in my room."

"Well, that's okay. Come to my office when you get the chance."

"Thank you," I said softly.

"I'll be sure to inform your teacher of your tardiness."      

I wish Sketching 101 hadn't flown by like it did. I wanted to spend more time on my portrait of Leonardo DiCaprio. He was such an amazing actor…

Because of our growing circle of friends, we needed a bigger table during lunch. Kenickie found a perfect one at the far end of the dining hall. Georg was in a deep conversation with her about Alchemy (since they're both upperclassmen) and Gustav was just listening. Samantha and Mickee were squealing about Gucci's new purses and Dior perfume and all the other girly things that gave me and Tom a headache. Even Bill was voicing his opinions about the shirts that were "sooooo last season".