New Us

Dragon

Nathaniel was a really nice guy, very serious about his role as student council president but nice. We were heading back to the council room just after 3rd ended. Our trip to the bookstore took longer than expected so we walked across the courtyard in a bit of a hurry to save time. He had things to do, I understood that but it didn’t stop me from feeling a little melancholy. I really hope we get the chance to hang out more in the future. I made myself a mental note to ask Snow for advice…along with chewing her out of course.  

“You know, I never caught your name.” Nathaniel gave me an apologetic smile as I looked up from my schedule. He was right; I never gave it to him the whole time we spoke.

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks and prayed it wasn’t very obvious how embarrassed I was, “I’m so sorry! I’m Dragonfly. Dragon for short. I’m usually not this disorganized…”

My gaze fell downwards, facing the ground to avoid making eye contact.

“What an unusual name. It suits you,” My head snapped up at the compliment, seeing a genuine sweet smile brighten his face. He looked very oblivious to how his words made me feel. My heart soared in my chest and the butterflies seemed to be back stronger than ever in my stomach.

Get a grip Dragon! I smiled, hoping it looked like one instead of another grimace,”T-thank you…”

“Not a problem,” he said, looking straight ahead now that we were nearing the entrance to the building. I stifled a sigh, sending daggers at the door. I had no idea why I developed such a lure to Nathaniel but it was definitely there and refusing to leave.

He opened the door and stepped back a little to let me in first, “After you.”

Before I could stop myself, a small giggle escaped my lips as I walked in. I mentally chastised myself, keeping my eyes glued to the floor once again. I hated what a hopeless case I was when it came to boys.

But Nathaniel didn’t seem aware of my slip up as we walked through the hall, turning a corner. I sneaked a look up at him, noticing the confused expression that claimed his face. I wondered what could have possibly been going through his mind when my own registered voices down the hall, growing louder the closer we got.

“Students are supposed to be in class…oh,” Nathaniel’s voice registered familiarity when our eyes fell upon two girls in some sort of a stare down. He seemed to have recognized one of the girls, most likely the blonde because I knew the other too well.

Why today? Why couldn’t she avoid trouble for one day? I pursed my lips together in a disapproving line as I headed towards my sister. Her jaw was clenching and unclenching, a sign that she was trying to control herself. That came as a surprise to me. Usually, she would just blow up. I heard Nathaniel hot on my heels as we came to a stop beside the two.

Snow’s eyes shifted to meet mine briefly, a flash of surprise crossing them. The blonde in front of her straightened up, a cold calculating look in her green eyes as she stared me down. I tried not to shift uncomfortably under her gaze. 

“Oh? There’re two of you?” It looked like she was about to say more but Nathaniel intervened,” Amber. Why aren’t you in class?” I couldn’t help but notice similarities between the two…were they related?

Amber looked up at him, a smile on her lips as she tried to pass as sweet,” I was looking for you. The teacher sent me to run some errands. But instead I ran into some trash.” Snow stiffened at the insult, trying very hard not to launch herself at Amber. I took a step beside my sister, hoping she wouldn’t do anything rash. I didn’t know what was happening before Nathaniel and I got here but hopefully it didn’t cause more of a problem.