Frost

XXXII.

(^this is my favourite aesthetic)

After dinner I all but sprinted back to the dorm room. 

I could barely choke down the meat loaf being served, with my mind still reeling from our lunch adventures in Ms. Belcourt's office. I couldn't shake the black orb image from my mind, it haunted me, staying put in my brain throughout Self-Defence and History class. 

When I got back to the dorm, Blythe hadn't got there yet. I stripped off my uniform and slipped on a pair of grey sweats and a matching hoodie, the grey stood out against my milky white skin and made me appear more ghastly than I already was. I gathered up my hair and tied it into a bun at the top of my head, blowing a piece of hair off my face, I grabbed my cell and flicked through the messages. Our 'Save Lucy' group chat was blowing up, questions about the black orb thing, and why it targeted Lucy in the first place. I sent a quick message to Alfred that I wouldn't be at today's lesson, making up a lame excuse about too much Calculus homework. It wasn't exactly a lie, I've been trying my best to grasp the nature of this new world and all these distractions aren't helping me academically. I used to be good at school, at least, that was before I realized the world isn't exactly what it seems. 

I stuck my phone in my back pocket and left the dorm, locking the door behind me.  

Okay, I just need to get to the infirmary unscathed. 

I walked down the stairs, passing students as I left. I didn't know if Belle was still in the infirmary, it's been over a week since I fainted and was able to talk to her. 

I tiptoed down the hallway and found myself standing in front of the familiar large double doors leading to the infirmary. I pushed it open and slipped inside, the infirmary itself was like a blinding white light. High cathedral ceilings with large candle chandeliers, windows, and rows of pristine beds with curtains used to separate them. There were no nurses inside, and only a few curtains were closed surrounding three beds. I couldn't remember which bed was Belle's, but I wandered closer to the far left of the room where I was brought to when I first arrived at Thornhill. 

I was sure it was the same bed I was brought to when I fainted after seeing that cat. 

When I approached the bed, I stood in front of it. Where did I go? Trying my  best to retrace my steps, I moved to a bed three down to my left and peeked inside. 

Belle Ricard was still lying there. 

Her bruises and cuts from the last time I saw her had healed up, but there was still remnants from her attack. She looked almost angelic lying down in her bed, her hands were pinned to her sides, and as soon as I slipped inside her makeshift room, her eyes popped open from sleep. 

"Sorry to wake you" I whispered to her. 

"I knew you were coming" Belle gives me an innocent smile as she tries to sit up in her bed, "I've been waiting for you to come visit me again. I knew you would!" Her grin becomes larger.