The New Life

Chapter Thirteen

13VA Fanfic TNB Sequel_Chapter Thirteen

"You sure you didn't misplace it?" Dad asked.

"No. I'm sure. Very sure that I didn't misplace it nor bring it out with me. It disappeared." I replied, wondering if I should tell them about the tunnels and midnight parties. After all, we were all novices, and I don't want to get Macon and the rest into trouble.

Ryan must have guessed my thoughts, because he exchanged a look with Macon and Derrick. Then they started to explain about the tunnels and midnight parties. Once in a while, I caught guilt flashing past their eyes.

Guardian Matthews and my parents didn't speak. I couldn't see Uncle Eddie, since he was standing behind me. I could imagine his frown of disapproval though.

Nobody spoke after the explanation. Guardian Matthews' disappointed stare at the boys is something I never hope will ever be directed at me. I bite my lip, and hesitantly stepped out. The head guardians and guardian instructors of academies are usually like the parents of novices, and having one, especially the head guardian directing such a look at you, well, it definitely doesn't feel good.

"Guardian Matthews, I understand that you are upset about this, but having them admitting this, don't you think is enough? They didn't know that this will happen during those times." I said, trying to speak up for them. When I received no reply, I continued.

"We all make mistakes."

That is enough to divert everyone's attention from the boys to me. Guardian Matthews glanced up at me.

"Why are you so forgiving? From what I know, that book belongs to you- and I'm sure your father informed you the importance of it." Guardian Matthews said, frowning.

I nodded. "Yes, but I also understand that blaming them, or any of the novice, for that matter, will not bring the book back. If the priority now is to look for the book, then we think of ways to do it, not blame anyone."

Nobody spoke, in fact, they seem to really listen to what I have to say. So I carried on.

"Blaming is easy, and anyone could easily put the blame on me as well, seeing that I left it lying around, despite knowing its importance. Granted, I left it in my dorm, but I could have prevented this by bringing it with me or leaving it with my parents instead. I didn't." I said, hoping it will help the boys.

Lucky for everyone, Dad intervened. Within us, we decided not to reveal what it is that is lost, but interrogate the students by class.

I can't help thinking how much trouble have I created since I stepped foot into this school. I sighed, looking everywhere but the people by my side.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up to see Uncle Eddie staring at me. He shook his head and gave my shoulder a couple of taps before squeezing it. That gesture saying 'Don't blame yourself.'

Sometimes I just resent having someone being able to read my feelings.

****

At the mention of the tunnels and parties, a huge number of students whom we suspect know about them had a few similar reactions. Type One and Type Two.

Type One is being plain horrified at the idea that they were caught. The panic and shock in their eyes were almost comical.

Type Two being guilty and ashamed for novices, while for Moroi, it is guilty yet trying to act as if they are innocent.

It is so much easier to get information from novices than Moroi, since novices are basically guardian-in-training and knew that things are really serious if an interrogation is used. Also, since novices are directly under me, as Queen of Dhampirs, they are more likely to speak than most snobby Royal Moroi.