Four Fangs

007 - Leap of Faith

Trees swayed in the slight breeze and I watched the leaves swirl in the air as I propped my head against the glass. After a month in this class, I knew just the right angle to tilt my eyes out of the sun while still being able to watch below me. Colorful mosaics designed by students surrounded the goose-shaped fountain in the courtyard. Our mascots were the Aqua Bats, but apparently they used to be the Fighting Geese. Those were dark times. Whoever came up with the former mascot was probably assassinated sometime in the last hundred years. Unfortunately, the current student body couldn't avenge the loss of the school's reputation. My enemies, I mean opponents, would taunt us with the chicken dance at every single volleyball game. Just the thought increased my blood pressure.

The teacher ambled from his desk to the front of the room, clearing his throat. "It's nine A.M., and you know what that means."

"That it's too damn early," muttered a guy in the back just loud enough for the students to hear but not Mr. K. Low laughter spread through the room.

"Alex, bring your backpack up here."

He grumbled at the prospect of being relegated to the special chair again. "But I didn't do anything."

"Then what is everyone laughing at?"

"My incredibly entertaining personality."

"Come here right now or I'll write you up."

"Look," Maria nudged me, "your favorite eye candy, right on display."

"I don't have a crush on him!" I whispered as harshly as I could. "How many times do I have to tell you this?"

"But he's the quarterback."

"So?"

"He's going to play football in college, which means he'll be famous, which means he'll be rich," she said, as if I was missing the most obvious thing in the world.

"You make good points," I admitted, "but I don't really like him. He's annoying. And I doubt he'd like me either."

"It's a shame what happened to Brandon. He was nice. I couldn't believe he'd do something like that."

"Everyone has secrets."

"Yeah." She picked at her nail polish. "I wish we could go on another double date."

Pretending to pay attention, I thumbed over to the next page in my textbook. "Is that the reason you're trying to set me up?"

Maria didn't bother pretending, instead applying the second layer of cherry gloss to her full lips. "I was also thinking it might help you get over your heartbreak."

"My heart is fine, but thanks for the concern. I just don't want to date anyone right now." And besides, he looked like a brick. A blonde brick. I don't understand how anyone finds that attractive.

Maria raised a perfectly angled brow. "Sound like what a heartbroken girl would say."

"Stop teasing her," Katy hissed.

"Okay-" she started to reply before the teacher cut us off.

"Before we get started today, I have an announcement. We have a new student in our class."

Right as he finished the sentence, the door flew open and in stepped an all-too-familiar, platinum-haired, grey-eyed, vampire.

"And there she is." He turned to her. "I know it's your first day, but please be on time in the future."

"Sorry," she yawned, covering her mouth, "I'm still getting used to the time zone."

"There's a free seat in the back row. I'm sure the previous occupant won't mind."