Arogen

Chapter XII

"You woke up?!" I observed, surprised.

She grinned at me sheepishly before crawling out of bed and getting dressed. Looking around, I found that most of the girls were still asleep. I took off to the bathroom to wash up. I walked quickly inside, washed my face, moisturized my hair, brushing it out until my shiny curls locked in place. I walked back and got dressed, throwing on my white blazer. I glanced at my phone. 8:20 AM. Satisfied, I gathered my things leaving with Star to start our second day of class. We walked out to find the boys sprawled out on the couch, goofing around. After spotting us, they jumped up excitedly, making their way towards us.

"On time?" Joel commented with an impressed look about his face.

"Thanks to this one." I replied, nudging Star beside me. She shrugged with a grin on her face, tugging Joel towards the door.

"Let's go guys!" she shouted in excitement.

Holding my ears, shook from her sudden outburst, I groaned, "Too early, Star!"

I fell into pace with Tom, walking behind Joel and Star.

"How'd you sleep?" asked Tom, thoughtfully.

"Like a baby. You?"

"Not too well."

"Why not?"

"Had a lot of things on my mind." he replied, distantly.

"Hey Saron, wanna fly up today?" asked Star excitedly, looking back at me expectantly.

I froze, not knowing what to do, Mr. Sharp's warning echoing in my mind.

"I- I can't." I replied weakly, my throat drying.

"Come on, it's easy! You can do it!" Star encouraged, stretching out her wings. Seeing Star release her wings, Joel let his out with a snap, displaying his thick, black wings.

"You guys go ahead, really." I insisted, shooting them a smile.

Frowning, Star looked to Joel who nodded, before they took off soaring past the staircase to the top, laughing. They effortlessly weaved through the pack of students climbing up the staircase and the few flying nearby them. Joel looked down at me and Tom, grinning before doing a graceful, somersault midair. Star's eyes widened in enthusiasm before copying his movement.

"You can go Tom. I'll meet you guys at the top." I offered, eying Tom's gaze sensing his desire to spread his wings and join them.

"No. It's fine." he said looking at me, convincing himself more than me.

"Alright." I agreed, noticing the set look on his face, deciding not to press him further.

We climbed the stairs quickly, finding Joel and Star at the top, giggling to one another.

"What's so funny?" Tom joked with a smirk on his face.

"That was so fun! Guys, you have to join us next time!!" Star squealed, shooting me a determined look that said she wasn't taking no for an answer.

I smiled at her eagerness. As I walked down the hallway, I noticed them stumbling a little less than before. I walked slowly, matching their pace so as to not arouse any suspicion.

We arrived at the forked path, bidding farewell to the boys before disappearing down our path. We walked quickly to our first class, arriving early this time and settling in our seats near the back. The class flew by, my mind occupied elsewhere. I couldn't help myself, my mind always seemed to wander back to Zion no matter what I did.

"Hate that class." Star muttered on our way out.

I rolled my eyes in agreement before she took off to her next class. Focusing my eyes, I found myself once again searching for Zion. I found him walking quickly down the dark hallway, imagining myself a few feet behind him before using my vampiric speed to rush to his location. I landed behind a cluster of students, Zion walking ahead, distracted. I steadied my breathing before walking past the group to catch up to them.