The Wanderers Beginning: The Wanderers, Reborn, & Unforgiven

by Jessica Miller

  Dean hid most of the week and I was worried something was wrong. He just kept telling me he was catching up on his sleep and to leave him alone.

  I didn’t bother him anymore.

  The weekend before school started Roman asked me to stay with him in his room and promised me Dean wouldn’t be there. He said Dean had plans to spend the night somewhere else. Where, I did not know, and didn’t want to. I was happy to oblige to Roman’s request. Spending the night in his arms warmed my heart and made it easier for me to sleep at night. Of course Roman had other plans than sleep, but I was too nervous about Dean accidently walking in. So I told him he would have to suffer with cuddling. He didn’t seem to mind.

  Chapter Twenty-five

  For once I was actually excited for school to start. I was looking forward to seeing my other friends and I was actually excited to be mentoring the new students. I think I was the only one though. I thought maybe since they were new they wouldn’t be tainted by the many rumors that had been floating around last year about me. And since they were new I understood how they felt and could help them relate and also they would get to know me for me and not the freak everyone else thought I was when I started.

  I was hoping to start a new outlook on life. I wasn’t going to hide from my powers or be ashamed. I was going to embrace them and try to accept who I was. I was going to be starting the school year with my best friend Josie and my wonderful boyfriend, Roman, by my side. With their help I knew I could handle anything.

  “Okay seriously, I never thought I’d see the day I had to wear polyester,” Josie complained, fidgeting with her skirt that she hiked up way too high. She insisted I wear a skirt too because I had killer legs and should show them off. I told her I would only wear it if she stopped pulling mine up higher. It was still warm enough so I didn’t mind the skirt. I topped off the look with a light blue polo. Josie also insisted I wear my hair down.

  I would have rather wore it up, but she reminded me I was to embrace my powers, not hide from them. So much for all those hats I bought to cover my streaks. “So when do you have to go babysit all the newbies?” Josie asked, while she still tried to pull my skirt higher.

  I smacked her hand away. “I’m not babysitting. I’m their guide.”

  “Whatever, better you than me.”

  “What time is you first class?” I asked, while I slipped on my ballet flats.

  “It’s at ten and it’s with that horrible Mr. Atkins.”

  “Mr. Atkins?” I asked, not remembering him.

  “Yeah, that hideous man that kept telling me I was fallen and trouble.”

  “Oh,” I said, remembering that atrocious meeting in March when we had to tell all the teachers about the attack on the school.

  “And we have to spend half the day with him,” she groaned.

  “Why?”

  “Because for some reason he’s the only teacher who knows the most about our kind.”

  “He didn’t seem to want to jump on the angel band wagon.”

  “I know,” Josie said.

  We were interrupted by a light knock on the door. “Come in,” I called.

  “Good morning,” Roman said cheerfully, walking over, and kissing me on the cheek.

  “Good morning,” I smiled back, kissing him on the lips, wanting more.

  Josie cleared her throat and Roman pulled back. “Good morning Josie.”

  “Roman,” she nodded. “Say, did I ever tell you how much I love a man in uniform,” she winked.

  “Down tiger,” I warned her.

  She shrugged, throwing me a coy smile. “Do you have any cute brothers?”

  “No,” he said curtly.

  “Sorry I asked,” she said, noticing the sudden change in his mood, and stomped off into the bathroom.

  “Roman?” he ignored me. “Roman, what was that all about?” I asked, not liking his sudden attitude toward Josie.

  “Sorry, nothing. I just…I’ll go apologize,” he said, heading to the bathroom.

  “Josie,” he knocked on the door. “I’m sorry. I was being a dick, forgive me, please?”

  She opened the door with her arms across her chest. “You’re lucky I’m a sucker for a boy with an accent.”

  “And one in a uniform?” He threw her his most charming smile, the one that few could resist.

  She hit him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You’re forgiven, but only this once. Don’t do it again,” she warned.

  “How about I keep an eye out for any new potential single men for you,” Roman offered.

  “Good idea, just make sure they’re cute,” she said, grabbing her bag and heading out the door. “See you at lunch,” she called over her shoulder.

  “Finally, alone,” Roman said, pulling me close and kissing me. His hand slipped down to my behind and I pushed him away.

  “Tempting, but I’m going to be late,” I said.

  “Would you like some company?” he asked, holding out an arm.

  “You want to help me show the new kids around?”

  “How else am I going to make sure no one comes and sweeps you off your feet?”

  “And scope out potential hotties for Josie?” I added, smiling. He rolled his eyes as he escorted me out the door and to the quad where I had to meet the new students. Aidan told me I would have seven students and gave me a list of their names. All I had to do was give them a tour of the school and then drop them off at the assembly.

  Piece of cake.

  They were right where they were supposed to be, at the entrance to the auditorium. Having Roman with me made me feel better about not having to do this alone. I laced my fingers with his as we approached the new students.

  “You know,” Roman said, leaning in close. “I really like this whole skirt look. I think you should wear one more often.”

  “Don’t get used to it,” I smiled, elbowing him.

  We reached the students and I tried to remember what Aidan had gone over with me on what to say. Drawing a blank, I figured I’d start with the basics. “Hey everyone, I’m Ella and this is Roman and we’ll be taking you on a tour of the school and if you have any questions we’ll be happy to answer,” I said, smiling kindly.

  “Nice streaks,” someone sang.

  “Um, thank you,” I said nervously, feeling the knots start to twist in my stomach.

  “So are you that girl everyone’s been talking about?” they continued.

  “Excuse me?” I craned my neck to look and see who was talking. A blonde with a Barbie like figure, manicured nails, and Gucci sunglasses stepped out from the crowd wearing a, I dare you smile. My jaw dropped. I stood there speechless.

  “Nice to see you too,” she said, noticing my shocked expression. “You can close your mouth now, unless you plan on catching some flies?”

  “Cassidy, I…what are you doing here?” I was so beside myself at the sight of her my brain wouldn’t function properly.

  “This is a school, isn’t it?” she said sarcastically. I nodded not wanting to make a dumb comment. “Okay,” she said, drawing out the word. She took a step forward and pulled her sunglasses down to the tip of her nose, exposing her baby blue eyes. She gave Roman the once over and my hand tightened on his. “Nice arm candy,” she smirked. “I see you traded up.”

  “Cassidy you’re –”

  “Witch,” she finished for me, pushing her sunglasses back up and skipping over to me. She linked her arm with mine, pulling me away from Roman. “So how about we skip this little lame tour thing and get to the dirt.”

  “Cassidy, I’m sorry,” I said, pulling my arm away from hers. “I’m glad to see you, but we’re going to have to catch up later. And as lame as this little tour might be I can’t get out of it.” I walked back over to Roman and the group, leaving Cassidy where she was. Now was not the time to dwell on why or how Cassidy was here. I decided I would get to that later.

  “Okay so before we start I’d –”

  I was interrupted again. “Oh my god, you’r
e the one everyone’s been talking about,” one of the boys said.

  My hand tightened around Roman’s again. “Look, I think there’s been a mistake.”

  “You’re the girl with all the powers,” he said, not caring that this was clearly making me uncomfortable.

  I looked to Roman for what to do. This was exactly what I hoped wouldn’t happen. Roman stepped forward and spoke for me. “Look, when we said we’d answer your questions we meant about the school and to make things clear, yes she has multiple powers so I wouldn’t piss her off.” Roman turned and smiled at me.

  “Thanks, I think.” I turned back to the group. “Okay so again my name is Ella and this is Roman and yes I have lots of powers and with every new power I get it turns parts of my hair blue and any other rumor you heard is not true. So how about we get back to the tour?” I said, turning with Roman and hoping the rest would follow. I thought if I just put it out there they would shut up.

  The group followed suit without any more questions regarding me and the many rumors and for that I was thankful. I decided to skip the introductions, seeing no one else seemed to care. When we finished the tour of the school, I dropped them back off at the auditorium and waited for Josie like I promised. The boy who had asked about me in the beginning came and stood beside me. “I wanted to say I’m sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean to offend you,” he said sincerely.

  “It’s fine,” I said, not wanting him to feel guilty about being curious.

  “I’m Trevor by the way,” he said, extending his hand. I took it and smiled politely at him. “That’s Jason over there,” he gestured over his shoulder. Jason did not seem like the socializing type.

  “You and Jason know each other?” I asked, trying to be polite and keep the conversation going.

  “We’re cousins,” Trevor said. “He doesn’t talk much. He just keeps to himself. He’s a ‘loner’,” he air quoted.

  I looked back over at Jason. He kind of resembled a younger Mark Wahlberg, while Trevor looked more like Chase Crawford. No resemblances between them accept for their dark hair. There was something about Jason though, I couldn’t stop staring at him. He caught me and the look he gave said he didn’t appreciate my staring.

  Embarrassed, I quickly looked away. “Just ignore him. I always do,” Trevor said.

  I saw Josie waving at me from the door. “It was nice talking to you Trevor. I’ll see you around,” I said, excusing myself to join Josie and Cameron.

  “Hey, who was that?” Josie asked.

  “One of the new kids I had to show around today.”

  “Lucky you. Check out my 90210 crew,” Cameron pointed behind her. Standing there, were four blondes with the latest designer hand bags and all texting on their phones. Anyone that passed them they gave nasty looks and dissed their appearance. I just shook my head. “Where’s Roman?”

  “He’s talking to Justin. He said he’d meet me inside.”

  “Well isn’t it the dynamic duo,” Cassidy cooed.

  “Cassidy, holy shit,” Josie said.

  “Sup, Jo.”

  “Wait, you’re not freaked out?” Josie and Cassidy looked at me confused. I leaned in closely and whispered, “You do know that Josie died?”

  “Yeah and she’s an angel,” Cassidy said, like it was no big deal. Seeing my stunned expression, she continued. “Ella, I’m a witch and have been for a while. I’ve always known about angels so seeing Josie is no big surprise to me.”

  “Then why are you just coming here now?”

  “Right, so my parents think I have no control and are tired of me ‘misusing’ my powers,” she mocked. “According to them there were too many incidents that could have been avoided if I knew how to use my powers properly.” She shrugged, not caring. “So Josie, I noticed Ella already has a new boy toy. How about you? Am I flying solo?”

  “You definitely have a partner in crime,” Josie smiled, leading Cassidy into the auditorium.

  “Okay, so who was that?” Cameron asked.

  “Come on, I’ll explain,” I said, walking inside. I panned the room in search of Roman and instead I found Riley. I waved at her and she came running up and threw her arms around me.

  “Ella, I missed you so much. How was your summer? What happened? Are you and Roman okay?” she said in a rush.

  “Riley, take a breath.” She stopped and inhaled deeply and then let it out and smiled. “Summer was good and yes Roman and I are back together and I missed you too,” I said. With everything going on and everyone coming back to the school I didn’t get to see any of my friends yet because it was so hectic, but I knew I would see everyone today.

  I found Roman near the middle with Justin where he saved us seats. Shortly the auditorium was filled and the teachers were filing in. The students quieted as Aidan took the podium. He went into welcoming all the new students, rules and regulations and blah, blah, blah. I tuned out somewhere around dress code violations. In my defense I was too distracted by Roman’s hand on my knee and the way he would slowly move it up and down wandering dangerously close to the inside of my thigh. Not able to take anymore I grabbed his hand and held it tight in my lap. He looked at me from the corner of his eyes and I could see the cocky smile pulling at the corners of his lips.

  I elbowed him and turned back, trying to pay attention this time. “And one last thing,” Aidan announced. “Will the following students please rise. Roman Ashby,” I looked at Roman while Aidan rattled off more names. Roman just shrugged, not knowing any more than I did.

  “Lauren Becker, Josh Dickenson, Cameron Cowell…”

  Someone mooed and Cameron turned to the culprit. “Good job Kerns. I see Playskool made a toy easy enough for even you to learn. Now can you make an oink, oink sound? You know it’s that sound your girlfriend makes when they fill her trough.” The boy glared at Cameron as she earned a few snickers and cat calls from her classmates.

  “Enough,” Aidan yelled, silencing everyone. When he had everyone’s attention again he continued reading the names. “Mackenzie Hilliard, Dean McCallister, Ella McCallister…” My stomach churned at the sound of my name as I stood up wondering what the hell this was all about and why we were getting signaled out. By the time he was done, there were about twenty students standing total.

  “For those of you who are new this year, these students standing will be your advisors. Any questions you have or assistance you need you can ask anyone of these students.” Aidan paused for a moment, letting everyone get a good look at us and making me want to crawl under my seat. “You are all excused and may proceed to your classes.”

  I turned to Roman. “Okay, I know why I have to be an advisor, but why are you?”

  “They asked me and I said yes,” he shrugged. I didn’t argue. I could understand why they asked him. Roman was the type who got along with everyone and was very outgoing.

  We walked together to our first class and sat in the back as usual. The day went by slowly. All our teachers just did a review of last year and explained to us what we’d be working on this year. Having just spent the summer catching up, I zoned out during the reviews.

  I had spells and casting with Dixon and Cassidy this year. Dixon nearly flipped his lid when he saw Cassidy. He instantly linked to her side and made her his partner. Roman wasn’t in this class with me this year and I was a little disappointed. In fact, as I looked around the room I started to notice that I was the only one in there who wasn’t a witch. I pulled out my schedule to double check and see if maybe I got my classes mixed up. Nope, according to this I was supposed to be there.

  Unsure of what was going on, I walked up to Ms. Kraft, who was sitting behind her desk observing the students. “Ella, how can I help you?” she said, smiling pleasantly at me.

  “I think there might have been a mistake,” I said, referring to my schedule.

  Her smile widened as she pushed back the slip of paper. “There’s no mistake. This is where you are supposed to be.”

  “Then why is everyone he
re a witch except me?”

  “I requested that you be in this class. Your level of expertise is greater than the rest of your kind and with all the powers you possess I feel you will excel better in this class.”

  “Oh,” I said, returning to my seat. I looked around the class worried Ms. Kraft was wrong. These students definitely appeared to be more skilled than I was and the only two people I knew were already partnered together.

  I sighed and rested my head on my hand and waited for class to begin. I guess I was luckier than I thought, because just before Ms. Kraft started class, Sienna came dashing through the door out of breath. I waved to her and she smiled, running over to sink down in the seat next to me. “Woo, that was close,” she said, panting. “I had to high tail it here from the other side of the quad.”

  “What were you doing across campus?” I asked.

  “I promised Ms. Kraft I would pick up a few herbs for her while I was home.”

  I was glad to have Sienna as a partner, but I still felt like an outcast being the only vampire in a class full of witches.

  I only had one class with Roman this year and none with Riley. Since we weren’t new anymore, we got moved to regular powers classes and with our special training sessions I no longer had to take self-defense. This left me with a full hour to do whatever – I wasn’t complaining.

  At lunch, Dixon, Cassidy, and Josie were scoping out all the new guys while Riley and Sienna chatted about their summer. Cameron and Dean kept throwing each other guilty looks and Austin sat there like he was ready to explode. Mackenzie had already recruited some new members for her coven so Sienna was out and we had to move to a new plan. Dean said he would help to get information out of her but I told him that was so not necessary. His way of extracting info was not something I wanted to know about.