Edge Of Danger

Stella's POV

"All freshmen must come to with Ms. Honey for more information. Parents, I hope you all enjoyed this orientation, so any questions will be answered right now with me!"

That woman's smile was as deceptive as counterfeit money. Her teeth, while they seemed friendly and as pearly white as they could be, were very similar to a shark's.

I slowly stood up, and with the other freshman, went over to the other teacher, Ms. Honey. She took all of us to another room, then motioned for us to sit down. An older student, who was part of the freshman orientation, carried a tray of moderate refreshments, including fruit, lemonade, cookies, pastries, and something I could not recognize.

The student set the tray down and walked away, not making eye contact to any of us. The teacher got up and closed the door, the door locking with a click.

Guess there was no escaping now.

"Ahem," the teacher cleared her throat. "As you may all know, my name is Ms. Honey. Welcome to Skyfeller Academy High."

"Why thank you." A girl four seats to my right replied. Too matter-of-factly, I might add.

I came to the conclusion that I do not belong here at all. Period.

"Well then! I will be your English and Literature teacher for-"

"You mean Language Arts?" I smirked, "No need to be fancy."

"You!" Ms. Honey quickly adopted a strict tone. "Learn your manners. There's no need to interrupt. Understand?"

"Yes ma'am." I said with a smile, trying not to laugh in fear of this lady hitting me with her teacup.

Surprisingly, she simply sighed and continued. She stated the usual rules and regulations, then offered us the refreshments. Many of the students gave small smiles as they accepted these treats.

I poured myself a glass of lemonade, and quietly sipped it while observing the girl four seats to my right setting her napkin on her lap. Some students daintily nibbled on the shortbread cookies, while some eat the fruit on their plates. Finally a student takes note of the strange food next to the cookies and lemonade pitcher.

"Ms. Honey, what is that dish?" he asks shyly. Ms. Honey gives another smile.

"Oh, I'm very glad you asked. That is a special fruit torte that we sometimes serve at lunch. I'm very sure all of you would like it."

"Does it have peanuts?" Another boy asks, fixing his glasses.

"I assure you that if any of you have any food allergies that it is safe. Go on!"

With that, Ms. Honey stood up and passed out the plates of the fruit torte, along with a fork. When she came to me, she handed the plate, and with that, I carefully examined it. Deciding it was alright, I saw others also eating the torte, and they seemed to like it.

Lifting my fork, I ate a little bit of the torte. It was wonderful! Hints of almost every fruit were in there, mango here, some strawberry there, and maybe some plums as well. Before I realized it, I had finished the plate of that torte.

As everyone finished, Ms. Honey took those plates and just smiled.

Nothing happened, of course, we went by our own business and finished the rest of the presentation for the incoming freshmen; but I should've known that time that something big was happening. The realization never came to me even on the drive home, going through the cast iron gates of the school.

No, it came to me when it was too late.

I should not have accepted what was in that 'special' fruit torte.