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Chapter 10: First Day Jitters

"Mwahahahaha,"

The evil laugh had me stirring in my sleep. Why did it sound like Dem? But it couldn't be. The voice reminded me too much of Enceladus.

"This is just the beginning. Don't think this will be so easy"

The message echoes throughout my head until I'm woken up in a jolt.

"Nike, honey, I know it's early, but you're starting school today and we need to get you and you're brother ready for your first day. Nikai has to be there extra early, and we're going together, so get dressed please."

One thing is for sure. I am NOT a morning person. Not to mention the bad start to my day that I had had while sleeping.

I shouldn't be so nervous. I've fought countless monsters! But I'm scared of a school? I was definitely still getting used to mortality.

The sweet smell of breakfast compelled me from my bed. I got dressed in my favorite patterned, flowy, toga-like dress and sandals but as soon as I walked downstairs Victoria turned me right back around.

"Nuh uh. You're school uniform is in the top drawer of your dresser."

I didn't know what that meant, but I walked back to my room to find out.

The outfit consisted of long socks, a navy blue skirt, and a white collared shirt. It was definitely not something I wasn't used to wearing.

I returned downstairs with my new, uncomfortable, outfit, ready for food.

Nikai sat at the table, drinking a bitter smelling drink, in his nice pants and white collared shirt, begrudgingly prepared for day one of choir class.

I shovel down my food. It's waffles with strawberries and cream.

"This is definitely my new favorite food. Where is the food like this in Olympus?" I ask.

"I'm glad you like it. Now, we are running late, so let's hit the road." Victoria says.

And just like that I pick up my school bag, filled with the textbooks Victoria picked up for me, and head to school in the Jeep.

Victoria drops Nikai and me off at the front office. "Okay. Nike, the office will give you your schedule and a map of campus. Nikai, the office should get you your role sheets and direct you towards your classroom. You're all set! So remember our cover, and have a great day!"

Nikai and I watched her drive off. It felt like having to say goodbye to someone for the last time.

Despite our dramatics, we walked into the office. Immediately, two ladies rushed to help us. Well, rush to help Nikai with googley eyes. But Nikai wasn't giving them the time of day. He completely brushed off their attempts to be overly helpful while neither of them actually help him. I clear my throat.

"Oh, hello miss." One of the ladies answered my call jealously looking to her companion who got to help my brother. "How may I help you?"

"I just need my class schedule and a map. I'm new here."

"Oh!  You must be Nike Thompson! Pleasure to meet you. I'm Miss Jacobs. You won't see much of me because I work in the office. Lanie!" She calls to someone who just walked by the office. "Can you show Nike around please? Thanks honey." She doesn't even wait for a response before she is trying to get Nikai's attention again.

"Have a nice day Nikai!" I laughed to myself because I knew that he wished that he could leave with me.

"Hey, you're that girl from the beach! I'm Lanie. Pleasure to meet you. Is that your brother??? He's gorgeous." Her eyes were practically popping out of her head.

"Mhmm. I'm Nike. It's nice to meet you Lanie."

"I'll show you around. What does your schedule look like?"

"Uhh, looks like I have Chemistry first."

"Me too! What teacher?"

"Mr. Stevens."

"We have the same class! How exciting! Though Stevens is quite the bore."

"Oh, well I'm sure it will be fine."

"What class do you have next?"

"I have Chemistry, then Algebra 2, then Weight Room, then Lunch, and after that I have English, French, and World History."

"We have Chem, English, and History together! And of course you can sit at my table at lunch! Let's go fun your locker. What number?"

"It is number thirteen."

"Ooo, unlucky." she laughs. "Come on, I'm number fifteen."

As soon as I had dropped of my books And received my back I started wondering where Jonah was.

"Who are you looking for?" Lanie questions.

"Oh, no one."

"That look on your face isn't no one."

"Look, it doesn't matter."

"Mhmm, we'll see about that."

The school bell rings. "We better be off to class now, that's the warning bell and chem is across campus," Lanie reminds me.

As soon as we start walking down the hall I spot Jonah. Talking to friends, and walking our way. I don't think he noticed us so quickly turn around and tell Lanie that I think we need to walk the other direction.

"But that's the long way... ohhhh. It's Jonah isn't it. Oh course it is! You need to be careful about him. Almost everyone has a crush on him. After all, he is the lacrosse captain. But ever since the accident with his last girlfriend... he's been completely detached."

That's not how he seemed when I met him. "Oh, okay." I brush off her words. He would just be a distraction. But I can't shake the feeling that I already know him. And what accident?

We continue walking to class, skipping the confrontation for now.

The late bell rings.