Abnormalities

(Lena's POV) Chapter Three

"Are you ready for school, hun?"
I emerged from the hallway, showcasing the classic Santez grin, as a sign of pride and excitement. Not only was my first day of school was starting, but I was given senior classes. Senior classes! For a junior! Although, I shouldn't be surprised. It's been this way since around seventh grade. I looked to Mama, holding my home lunch in her hands as she stood by the door way.
"I've been ready since Kindergarten, Ma."
Mama laughed. "Same as always. Let me get a picture of your beautiful face before I take you, okay?" She pulls out her phone; the sound of light plastic charms clinking against her cupcake print-wallet case takes me back to every other time she wanted to take a picture for her baby girl.
I step out the door, where lighting is decent. I wave to one of the neighbors as he heads for work, carrying a toddler in one arm and a briefcase in the other. He must be his kid to daycare or preschool, I'm assuming. I turn around and flash yet another Santez smile towards my mom, as she repeatedly smacks the button on her smartphone like every other proud-of-their-child mother would do. I pose, turning my back towards her so a the focus of a few pictures are my two year old bag, sticking out my legs, ruffling my hands through my hair. I keep going until the space on Mama's phone runs out, which happens too often.
Ten minutes later, I'm on school grounds. I look up and can't help but grin at the fat buildings in front of me; school has always had a special place in my heart. I look around, spotting some familiar faces from past years, and some new ones too. Most likely, they're freshmen. Confidently placing one leg in front of the other, I strut towards the central quad, where I usually hang out during break. The bronze timber wolf statue gleams in the early morning sunlight. I hoist my body up onto the base of the statue and get into a comfortable position, watching as more and more students flood through the school gates.
I spot my friend Abigale Softrulle, one of my closer friends I've known since middle school. I think that, since we're both apart of the racial minority here in Old Ranch, we instantly clicked together. I call out her name, pulling her away from a meif'wa boy and towards my little spot.
Abigale is one of the kinder people on campus; she's caring, has a soft spot for animals (all the meif'wa LOVE HER. Like, seriously), and will take time out of her day to help tutor younger students. I've always liked that about her. She also has a great sense of style too. She normally wears a baby pink scarf around her neck, which is usually accompanied by a grey sweater, skinny jeans, and knee high boots. It goes well with her light complexion, bright blonde hair, and teal irises.
"Heya boo, how's it goin'?" Abigale asks, resting her arms on the concrete base of the statue.
"Not sure. We'll see what happens after these first few classes, that's for certain!" I exclaim. I look around the quad; my eyes dart from one hybrid to the next. A group of lamia slither towards the benches, a few rito kids fly up to the building roofs to eat breakfast, and, strangely enough, the kid from two days ago walks up to the same meif'wa kid Abi was talking to early. The two bro hug, talking somewhat excitedly towards another. What a strange change in mood, I ponder.
"So, Lena," Abi says, breaking my attention. "Anything interesting happen over the summer? I want to hear it all!"
I grin, and go on to say, "Well, I had a few 'bat' intrusions. My dad chased them darned critters out with a frying pan."
"Ah, I see. Sounds like Todd couldn't get over the breakup."
"Dang straight... He came in literally three days ago, and already I regretted opening the window. Do you know how much he reeks of McDonald's fries? It's embarrassing that I ever dated him," I say with a sigh.
Abi drops her bag and rubs her tired face. "Shouldn't you be more worried about him placing a curse on you? He is a vampire, after all. What if you got in a really sticky situation, where you had an interest in another guy and he threatened them with a 'devil's kiss' or whatever they call it?" Abi anxiously asked in her soft, sweet voice.
"Abi, you're overthinking things. He wouldn't go that far, right?"
"You're forgetting, this is Todd Santos we're talking about. Manager of the local McDonalds, known for almost killing a few people."
"Right, right," I huff. I play with the trinkets on my charm bracelet Abi gave me before summer started a few years ago. Every year, she gives me a new charm to add to the collection. It's become this little tradition I enjoy, and because of that, I've started doing the same for her.
"Abigale!" The meif'wa boy from earlier calls out, waving his hands high in the sky. Before Abi waves back, I notice that my neighbor still hasn't left his spot. He turns around to look, but shys away as he proceeds talking to the other boy.
"Who's that?" I ask sweetly. Abi turns around and grins, replying with a giddy "He's my boyfriend!"
"Oooh, when did you two start hitting it off? I'm curious!" I say. "I honestly thought you and that Auster kid would've worked nicely."
Abi giggles, blushing. "I thought so too. But, Cameron over there really understood me, I guess. He's really nice, and we share a lot of the same qualities. Auster was kinda upset that a cat boy one-uped him in terms of winning me over. Cam and I have been dating since around the middle of June, I believe?"
"You'll have to introduce me to him sometime. He seems like a good guy to be around!"
Cam calls once more, and Abi leaves to talk with him. I smile, knowing that my friend was happy.
The first bell rings. I pull out my predetermined schedule and rush towards the 300 building, where my first class would start.