Total eclipse of a heart (Embry Call)

01. Find a way in

I button up my denim shirt, rolling up the sleeves half way. Deciding on black jeans, I turn around to have a proper look of my body in the large mirror I bought three days ago. Dissatisfied with the loose look of the shirt, I tuck the front in and smile, finding that look much more suiting. Instead of my usual ankle high combat boots, I choose golden flats to go with golden embroidery on my book bag and take a deep breath before tousling my mid-length, deep brown hair in a small mess of wavy curls that fall back on my shoulders. With almost no make up, but a touch of mascara to make my brown eyes pop, I adjust my book bag on my left shoulder and head outside the dorm and to my first class.

To be perfectly clear, I am only seventeen, definitely underage! But, with my previous grades and credits, I had the option of attending classes since I turned sixteen. What can I say? I've always been a good student and an overachiever.

If you're doing something, you better do it right has always been my motto.

A little jittery, I look around the map I've been given. It's obvious the map has many shortcomings and isn't well adjusted for newcomers, but, despite my trouble, I find my way toward the building and look for someone who has an idea what they're doing.

Surprisingly, the first person I lay my eyes on is a tall, tan, long-haired girl I easily recognize from the photos: Rachel Black.

Swallowing thickly, I shake my head slightly in a mixture of happiness and nerves before heading toward her. I feel my feet drag a little, as if frightened to arrive at their final destination. No matter the amount of training, nerves are normal at this stage. From what my father tells me, they never really go away and it's up to me to learn how to deal with it.

I find comfort in those nerves, in the way my knees turn into gel and hands begin to shake, even when cold sweat comes down my neck as my heart turns frantic. I find comfort in nerves, because I find that nerves are good. Nerves mean you care.

Stopping right behind her, I clear my throat and tap her shoulder lightly.
She turns on her heel, her almost black eyes locking with mine with a curious spark and I smile meekly.

"I'm terribly sorry to bother you, but it's my first day and I'm a little lost with only a few minutes to spare before my first class." I try and rush my words to form an image of panic in a new student would have in fear of running late. It's not too far from my character, especially since I hate being late.

Corners of her lips curl upwards as her lips spread into an honest smile, one I hope to receive. She brushes a strand of her black hair behind her ear before speaking.

"It's no problem, really. Just tell me which class and I'll point you in the right direction." Rachel says and I return her smile, excitedly clapping my hands together.

"You're a lifesaver! It's English Lit with professor Gilbert." I tell her, knowing she's in the same class. I've checked her schedule before making my own, crafting a chance to run into her at least three times a day. English literature, Creative writing and Latin seemed interesting, mostly because I was already fluent in Latin and the rest didn't pose a big challenge for me...After all, the stories I have are straight out of a book, except I lived them.

I was more interested in photography and art, something I made sure to have on my schedule. If I'm to attend college, why not use the chance to learn something I actually like.

"I have the same class. Come with me." Rachel hooks her arm with mine, tapping my forearm with her free hand.

"I'm Rachel by the way. Rachel Black." I nod, reminding myself to pretend it's all news to me. I had to keep up a front, one that would pose as a perfect cover in case I need one after.