Demigods at Rookwood

Chapter 8

Scarlet

I stood at the door, trying to gather all my courage.

I had to clear my name. I had to stop Ivy from hating me. I hadn't stolen anything. I had to prove it.

I swung open the door and took a deep breath.
Don't be such a baby, I told myself. There's nothing out there.

I forced myself to walk into the hallway. As my eyes adjusted, I made my way to the stairs.

I wasn't far from reaching them, when someone hit into me from behind.

I turned around to see who it was.

It was Hazel.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Going to the bathroom" she said, standing up. Hazel grabbed a cap that was laying next to her on the ground.
"What about you?"

"What?"

"What are you doing out in the hallway at this hour?" Hazel asked.

I shrugged. "Same as you"

"You're an awfully long way away from the bathroom"

"So are you"

"True" she said. She looked at the floor for a moment. "What are you actually doing?"

I was silent for a moment, trying to come up with an excuse.

"Are you maybe trying to clear your name?"

I looked at her. "How did you know that?"

She shrugged. "I saw Penny tell Mrs. Knight on you. I think she blames you for her clothes being stolen"

"No kidding Sherlock"

Hazel was silent for a moment.
Then; "I'll help you".

"Huh?"

"I'll help you clear your name"

I looked at her suspiciously.
I didn't trust the exchange students. That stunt Piper had pulled in class wasn't helping matters either.

I sighed. "Fine. Just promise me you won't tell anyone"

"I promise"

The 2 of us made our way to the stairs. It felt like triumph when we finally got to them.

"I can do this" I muttered quietly so Hazel couldn't hear what I was saying. "I'll prove them all wrong"

"Where to first?" Asked Hazel, as we got down the stairs.

"The kitchens" I whispered, without a second thought.

We tiptoed around. Carefully we made our way to there.

A sign that read 'COOKS AND DINNER LADIES ONLY. KEEP OUT' had been added to the entrance.

I rolled my eyes. As if the thief would be deterred by a sign!

Hazel pulled the handle.
"It's locked"

I put an ear to the door.
I could hear muffled noises.

I figured it was just mice, but I lead Hazel away from the kitchens anyway.

"Where to next?" She said. "Maybe the Library?"