The Book of Willow- Princess of the West

4.

Maia dragged her sore, aching body from the locker rooms. Gym class? What an archaic method of encouraging physical exercise. It probably didn't help that she hasn't worked out since freshman year. But a badass with superpowers didn't really need to, right?

A wistful smile played at her lips; happy that Miles didn't witness her incredible lack of physical prowess. Saying her hand-eye coordination is similar to a newborn giraffe's is probably a gross over-estimation.

The last straggler out of class, Maia felt very ready for lunch. Low blood sugar made her dangerously grouchy. She pressed her hand to her stomach, feeling it rumble then growl in agreement. She pushed past the double doors, a loud noise out of nowhere shocked her from her thoughts. Maia squeezed her eyes shut and swung her hand.

"Maia! Ouch!" Maia's hand made direct contact with Miles' forehead. "You slapped me! In the face!" A perfect handprint appeared in deep red, right across his forehead. Served him right for scaring her.

Maia stifled a smirk, "I didn't slap you in the face, OK? I just... high-fived it!"

Miles' face contorted with confusion but he quickly shrugged it off. "No worries. I'm all good," He said, easily sliding next to her as she walked toward her locker.

"What are you doing here, Miles?" Maia leveled apathy at him but as usual, Miles wasn't deterred.

"Waiting for you to get out gym so we can have lunch together," He said, slipping her backpack off her shoulder, surprisingly without complaint from her and placed it on his. "How was Gym?"

"I want to stab everyone," Maia replied in a wry tone. She opened the locker, then turned with an outstretched hand. Miles handed her the bag. The whole transaction occurring smoothly, as if they'd done it a million times before.

"Do not get blood on your outfit. We gotta get lunch in a second and that would raise way too many suspicions," Smiling in his usual manner, Miles leaned his shoulder against a locker.

She couldn't help but return his smile. He really had a way with people and he didn't give up. After nearly a full day of abuse, she decided to throw him a bone, "Thank you for enabling me."

"Love you too, Cupcake." He gave a wink and a smile. Maia sighed, shutting her locker, and headed for the cafeteria.

The lunchroom was just as crowded as she expected. It didn't help that every eye in the room suddenly turned when she and Miles walked through the door. She was used to the attention of others on the first day. And sure it was a little uncomfortable but the humdrum usually died down after the first week. But with Miles at her side, she had a sneaking suspicion she'd have to get used to it.

She frowned when she overheard a girl whisper to her friend that she must be Miles' new 'thing'. Like she'd ever give him the time of day. She was tempted to stop in her tracks and give that gossiping twat a piece of her mind but she was already garnering too much attention. She bit her lip and kept facing forward.

"Woo! I'm starving Mai, let's get something to eat." Miles took off ahead of her toward the serving area. His long legs moving quickly to beat the lengthening queue.

But something wouldn't allow Maia to follow him. An urge compelled her in another direction. Moving of their own accord, her feet drew her to the opposite side of the room. There sat a group near a wall of glass, stretching almost the entire length of the cafeteria. The massive ceiling to floor glass wall overlooked an amazing courtyard bursting with trees and flowers, most of which she couldn't name.

When her eyes found the group again, Chance's head snapped up and around to face her as if she'd said his name aloud. Maia's brows furrowed in a grimace. 'Did he just... summon me? Only my parents do that. What the fuck?' She turned sharply avoiding his gaze as she made her way back to the queue.