Children of the Sea

Chapter 8

 I got up out of Angel's car in front of the dorms. In silence, I closed the door behind me, but he rolled the window down. I turned to him and crouched so I could see him.

"Do me a favor. Next time hang out with my sister." He said in a gruff voice before he took off again.

Frowning a bit, I spun around and slouched a bit. I began walking through the fragrance filled courtyard before I realized I had left my bag in my class for lunch. I groaned as I turned my course to the main building instead.

By now class was over and most people had left the building. Without people, the halls seemed to be a bit eerie. As I walked the only people I really saw were people studying in the library and teachers leaving the building. Slowly, I approached my classrooms' doors and jiggled the handle. However, It was locked and I cried out in distress, kicking the door. I put my face to the cold glass and peaked in. In the far corner, I saw my backpack lying on the ground near the windows. I jump, even letting out a soft yelp as I hear a voice out of nowhere.

"Need some help getting in there?" I spun around and saw a boy who looked vaguely familiar.

I sat paused, thinking to myself and began to look a bit worried. I suddenly remembered he was the boy from my history class. My face flushed with embarrassment as I realized I had just been staring at him.

"I-I'm sorry. Yeah. I left my bag in there." I confessed, glancing down.

"Here... come with me." He smiles and began to walk down the hall.

I didn't understand how walking in the opposite direction would help me get it back. However, I was willing to do what needed to get it back. I trailed behind him, looking at his dark brown hair that stood out against his pasty pale skin.

"Elsie was it?" He said and as he spoke I recognized his accent to be French.

"Er. Yes. I-I never got your name." I said softly.

"Ah. Yes. Forgive my manners. I'm Roland Finch. A pleasure to meet you." He smiles as he glanced back a bit.

I returned the smile with a half smile, but it faded as I noticed something strange about him. His eyes. They were a rich, cornflower blue with deep, chocolate brown specks and spots in them. They were almost identical to my own. Before I could comment he pushed the door open and exited the building.

I followed him out the door and trotted to catch up with him as he rounded a corner. He continued to walk along the stone exterior of the school. As I got closer to him I realized he was counting quietly. It was strange, very strange in fact.

He suddenly stopped and looked at me with his warm smile. "This should be your class."

I didn't really understand how being outside would help so I just looked up at the window. I guess he noticed my confusion and let out a small chuckle.

"Oh. Excuse me. The teachers lock the classroom doors, but the windows don't have locks on them." He said, looking up at the window.

"I don't know why they don't have locks, but whatever. Might as well use it to our advantage. Here I'll give you a boost."

He intertwined his large hands to make a cup for my foot. Holding onto one of his wide shoulders, I put my foot into his hands and he slowly lifts me up a bit. I pushed the window open just wide enough to climb through. I grab my backpack and peaked out the window.

"Catch," I said as I tossed my bag to him before smiled as he caught it.

"Your turn now." He said with a bit of a smirk.

"W-What? N-No." I slightly shook my head. "Y-You'll drop me."

"I won't. I promise." He stuck his arms out and I chewed on my cheek, anxiously.

"F-Fine," I said, sticking my legs out the window.

After a second of hesitation, I pushed myself off the sill. As I started walking I closed my eyes, preparing for impact. I never hit the ground though. Instead, I landed right in Roland's arms.

"See. That wasn't so bad." He says softly as I open my eyes.

I nod a bit, my cheeks going red as he sets me down. I straighten out my uniform as it had gotten a bit wrinkled as I landed. He only gave me another of his friendly smiles.

"T-Thank you," I mumble out quietly as I pick up my bag. "I-I think I'll be going back to my room now. Gotta study..."

"Oh. You should let me walk you back." He offered.

"N-No. It's fine..." I shook my head.

"I insist. I would enjoy talking to you more. Getting to know you better." He said, still smiling.

"Alright..." I mumble.

I began walking back along the side of the main building, Roland at my side. He was quiet for awhile, but never stopped his beaming smile. I kept glancing at him every few seconds, feeling a strange aura coming from him. My eyes focused on his, that were nearly exact copies of mine.

"See something you like." His head tilted my way.

"W-wha-..." I paused as my face turned into a rosy pink in response.

He chuckled a bit as he turned to me. "My eyes. Right? They're just like yours."

I slowly nodded as a reply. It was weird. He easily pinpointed my exact thoughts.

"Yes..." I said softly as he gave me what appeared to be a sly look.

I then realized he knew something I didn't. There was an eery silence for a few seconds as we walked. It was like he wanted me to ask about it. Just as I opened my mouth to question him he quickly started speaking.

"Behind the school is a greenhouse. Be there tomorrow after class. I'll explain... it... to you." He said and turn around, walking towards the school again. I didn't have a chance to say anything else.