Crimson Academy

FOUR

I've almost survived. One more class to go.

I thought this as I tried to find my eighth hour class.

It was room number 190, and I knew I was in the right place, but I couldn't find it still.

I stood in the middle of the hall, dismayed and staring at my schedule.

Ask someone.

"But I don't want to..." I said quietly to myself.

I'd gotten through the day without having to talk to anyone, and I didn't want to start now.

It's not that I really have a problem with people, or lack people skills or anything like that, I'm just awkward, and I never know what to say so I don't sound dumb, and because of that, I'm always made into a joke.

I looked up from my paper and saw a group of people.

They didn't look too mean or weird. I zeroed in on a twiggy brunette with glasses.

I made my way to them, totally undetected and tapped on the girl's shoulder.

Their conversation died immediately as the girl whipped around on me.

"HOW DARE YOU ENTER, THE GRINCH'S LAIR!?!? THE IMPUDENCE!! THE AU-DACITY!!! THE UN- MITI- GATED GALL!!! You called down the thunder. Now get ready, for the BOOOOM!!! Gaze into the face of fear... BOOGA!! BOOGA!!"

I stared at this girl.

You can only imagine that I was completely terrified, and embarrassed. 

Why in the world would someone scream The Grinch quotes at me?

I swallowed and didn't say anything.

I simply turned and started walking away.

"Dammit Jenna." I heard from behind me.

Following this, I heard the patting of feet across the floor, and then someone grab my wrist.

I turned quickly, startling the girl who was trying to get my attention.

Anything I had ever felt washed away as I stared down onto the face of the most attractive person I'd ever layed my eyes on. Also, her scent was intoxicating. It was a combination of whatever kind of perfume she used which was wonderful, and something a bit warmer than that, that was sort of like coconuts. It was sort of seductive.

She gave me a weak smile. "Hey... um... I'm really sorry about that. We're the drama kids, and movie quotes and song lyrics are the only things that really make up our pitiful, pitiful lives."

"Oh..." I managed awkwardly.

She smiled at me, and my heart skipped ten beats. She released my wrist and held out her small hand.

"I'm Victoria Crimson. Teachers call me Victoria or Miss Crimson, and my friends call me Vic, and that's exactly what I expect from you."

I nodded, took her outstretched hand, and cleared my throat. "I'm Aaron Green."

"My man A-Ron." She said and shook hands with me before letting go of mine.

My heart was jack hammering in my chest.

"So listen... did you need something? You looked like you were going to ask a question before Jen scared the pants off of you."

Blood rushed to my cheeks.

"Sorry my dude." Jenna said from behind Vic.

I shook my head. "Um... it's fine... uh... yes. I did have a question actually."