The Grove
Page 3
“So you’re trying to tell me that this isn’t a mistake.” Rome slapped the crinkled up envelope down on the desk. “And did you just say, witches?” He gave the dean a questioning look. “I think somebody slipped a little crack into your coffee this morning.”
Kaleb snickered at that.
“Neither of you is off to a very good start.” The dean exhaled just long enough for them to take in his stern expression. “Mr. Navarro, how else would you explain what you’ve seen other than to call it magic? I understand you’ve been living unaware of your origins, and this may come as a shock to you, but you come from a very prominent magical line. And of course, after discovering that you were, in fact, gifted, the academy was more than eager to admit you as a student.”
Somehow, Rome doubted that last part the most. “You know, I’ve been the butt end of a lot of jokes before, but never like this,” he said.
“This isn’t—” The dean harrumphed. “I apologize for the rude awakening, but I’m afraid I must inform you that this is all very serious.”
“No, what you need to apologize for is toying with someone’s life. It’s not funny.” Rome realized now that this was what he’d come all this way for (to rightfully give them a piece of his mind). “I’ll admit I’ve done some things I’m not proud of, but that doesn’t give you the right to go around dangling a rotten carrot in front of my face. I get enough crap as it is. And I can’t imagine something like this being legal… Not that it would matter. Every lawyer in town is probably an Alumni.”
“The Collective makes their list,” the dean said. “We just send out the acceptance letters. If they say you are gifted, then you are.”
“The Collective?” Rome mumbled.
The dean smiled cryptically in response.
“And what, they just ‘magically’ know?” He tossed the letter at him, watching as the pages fluttered to either side of his desk.
The dean laced his fingers together patiently. “They have their ways,” he said.
Rome stared out at the chaos still lingering on the floor. It was as if the last few minutes were hitting him all over again. “I’m sorry, about your office… but I didn’t ask to be here.”
“Before you leave, I think it best I show you something,” Oakland said. He stood from his chair, stepping over the scattered papers to find a particular book on the shelf.
Rome frowned as he accepted the worn yearbook.
“What’s this about?” he said.
“You should skip to the senior photos and see for yourself.”
It didn’t take Rome long to skim through the list of names, stumbling upon the one the dean was clearly looking for him to find – Donna Navarro. He stared down at the old photo, eyes glazing over the image of her face. “…She went here?”
“Your mother was an exemplary student, or so I’m told.”
Rome ran his palm over the back of his neck, letting the pages fall closed. He’d almost forgotten about the boy lingering on the sofa, but certainly not the one seated beside him.
“What about him?” he asked. “Why is he here?”
Kaleb spared him a glare. When he spoke, he addressed the dean directly. “Was it deliberate, having me wait in the same room as him?” The dean gave him a blank expression, his face devoid of the secrets he’d expected to find. “Somehow I’d envisioned that you’d at least be courteous enough to address me in private, and not with an audience.”
“Maybe it’s smarter that he didn’t,” Shawn said.
Oakland frowned, ignoring Shawn’s commentary. “I must admit, you’ve lost me a little. I do apologize for the circumstances, though. We had not been expecting you to arrive for some days still.”
Kaleb shrugged. “My father is nothing if not prompt.”
“I’m sorry,” Rome said, “but who the heck is he and what is he doing here?”
“Mr. Leonté is an honored guest,” the dean said.
Rome scowled at him. “You do know he has fangs, right?”
“Of that, I am aware.”
Shawn sat up, smoothing a palm over his slacks. “I’m feeling the need for a little clarification myself,” he said.
The dean lowered elegantly into his chair, straightening the few things still left on his desk. “Mr. Leonté will be attending full time as a student.”
The room was silent, stifled by what he wasn’t saying.
Kaleb exhaled, propping his feet up on the desk. They were both still clearly waiting for an answer. “I’m half witch,” he said. “And that’s the only half any of you are supposed to know about.”
Rome reserved a moment to stare, and in that moment, he could do little more than resent the knowing look reflecting in Kaleb’s eyes. He had something on him now. And if there was one thing Rome hated, it was feeling vulnerable. He brought his attention back to the dean. “I’m not sure how good I’m going to be at any of this. Are you sure I even have…?” He couldn’t bring himself to say it.
“We’re sure,” Oakland said curtly. “And I assure you, this will get easier with time. Unfortunately, there are certain things that simply need to be addressed.” He sat back. “Vardel offers both standard classes, and specialized classes which are reserved solely for students enrolled in the gifted program. As you can imagine, these classes are centered on the study and utilization of magic.” He slid two thick directories across his desk, along with their schedules. “Standard students are unaware of the nature of these specialized courses, and it is to remain that way. Now there will be no biting other students while you are here, and I expect you all to remain discreet.” He fixed Kaleb with a wary stare.
“Trust me, I’m not looking to put a target on my head.”
“And a fine job you’ve done thus far.” The dean sighed. “Shawn, I understand if you are no longer up to the task…”
“I can handle it.” Shawn got to his feet, smiling warmly at the two unlikely newcomers. “Why don’t you let me show you around?”
Rome lingered near the door as they drifted out of the room, taking one last glance back at Vardel Academy’s dean of students. He couldn’t help but dwell on how differently his morning could have gone, had he just went to Lincoln. It would have been easy. Boring, even. He probably would have gotten in trouble by second period, and everything would have been as it should. Instead, he was following a vampire and a witch down what felt like a rabbit hole. If only he knew what was waiting for him on the other side.
Chapter Three
Wishing We’d Known
Large doors lined the hall, and vibrant light fixtures spanned the length of the ceiling. In the wake of what had transpired though, Vardel seemed to shine just a little bit less. Rome kept his eyes fixed on his boots, watching his reflection in the polished hardwood. He followed Shawn through the busy corridor, trying to ignore Kaleb’s presence at his back. He rarely found himself comforted by the company of others, and today was no exception. He was drifting through a sea of people, caught up in the sensation of them washing around him. Perhaps he would have enjoyed the scenery more, had he not been preoccupied with letting things sink in.
“Student dorms are here on the third floor,” Shawn said. “You’ll each get a room in the East Wing, which is reserved for gifted students specifically. Boys are on the north side of the hall, girls to the south. Curfew starts at nine, and you’re not allowed to leave this floor then.”
Rome moved around a group of passing students, ignoring Shawn’s growing list of rules and guidelines. That’s when he noticed her. Oddly enough, it had been her perfume he’d recognized first. “…Autumn?”
The blonde halted upon hearing her name. “Rome. What are you doing here?”
“Attending, I guess.”
An overwhelming curiosity came over Autumn’s features. Half of her mouth twisted into a smile. “Do you mean…?” She glanced at the two standing behind him. “What program are you attending for?”
“Gifted,” Shawn replied.
Rome shot him an a
nnoyed glare, turning his attention back to Autumn. If there was anyone he could trust it was her. He signaled her with a nod, taking a few steps away for some semblance of privacy. “I really don’t know what to make of all of this,” he said.
Autumn smiled from her eyes. “I’m so glad you get to go here. My mother waited to tell me, too. It wasn’t exactly an easy transition, but it was worth it.” She watched him give her a dry expression. “Rome… how do you think I opened your door this morning?”
“I knew something was off about that.”
Autumn tried not to laugh at his discomfort. “Just don’t tell anyone I did that, alright? I could get in serious trouble.”
Rome nodded. “I won’t.” He slipped his hands into his pockets, lingering uncertainly between the person he knew and the ones he could do without. Something she’d said came back to him then. “I thought you were starting college?”
Shawn took a few strides forward, butting into their conversation. “Vardel offers a wide selection of college level courses,” he said. “Many gifted students choose to continue their learning here.”
Autumn nodded, finding amusement in Rome’s peeved expression. “I’m not quite sure what I want to do yet, but I think I’d like to be a healer, so I’m taking classes here for that. It helps if you’ve taken a lot of specialty electives prior to graduation.”
Rome frowned. “I see…”
“Well, I can tell you need a bit of time to settle in and get used to everything still. We’ll catch up later, okay?”
He nodded begrudgingly.
“Come on,” Shawn said. “There’s plenty more to see.”
The lounge led them towards another wide hall, continuing down and around in the particular shape of the building’s structure. Rome glanced out a set of glass doors, past the accompanying balcony at the grounds below. Shawn slowed to a stop a few seconds later.
“These are your dorms,” he said.
Rome glanced at him. “They’re right next to each other?”
“Sorry to say, but yes.” Shawn watched them walk up to the doors after he’d handed them each their keys. “You’re actually assigned to the opposite rooms,” he said. “You’ll find that your uniforms have been laid out for you. Don’t worry about size, they’ll automatically adjust to fit. Now, if you two would go ahead and get changed, we can reconvene near the dining hall before orientation.”
Rome scoffed. “Dining hall? What, are you guys too good for cafeterias or something?”
“Just… try to blend in,” Shawn said. “And I’m here if you need anything.” He glanced at Kaleb. “That goes for the both of you. My room’s just down the hall there, and I’m the only RA for the boys in this wing, so don’t hesitate to come to me if you have a problem.”
Kaleb, who had been silent the entire time, finally spoke then. “Doubtful I’d go running to a witch to solve my problems for me.”
“That’s completely up to you,” Shawn said. “But keep in mind that I also watch for and report inappropriate behavior to the dean. I’m your peer, but I also have certain responsibilities to uphold.”
Rome’s lips quirked upwards in agitation. “We got it.”
“Good. Then I’ll see you downstairs.”
They watched him shuffle away, turning the corner and presumably making for the stairs. As soon as he was out of sight, the pair locked eyes. Kaleb tossed his key at Rome, clearly entertained as he fumbled to catch it. Rome chucked the other key at him in response, frowning when Kaleb caught the small piece of metal with ease. Kaleb smirked then, disappearing into his room. Living next door to each other was certainly going to be a challenge.
Rome stared down at the lock, feeling the pins set into place as he inserted the key. The door opened into a spacious room, revealing an arched window spilling light across the hardwood. A queen-sized bed took up one wall, covered in crisp white sheets and decorative pillows. The frame of the bed was made of solid wood, and the nightstands that sat on either side were done in a matching cherry. A decent desk and two tall bookshelves sat opposite them, and a closet jutted out by the side of the door.
Rome tossed the directory, watching it slide over the desk and crash into one of the shelves. It had been a while since he’d had his own room. The couch he slept on hardly instilled that sense of home sweet home. It smelt like whiskey, and sweat—among other things. He slipped his backpack off and sat down on the edge of the mattress, feeling it dip under his weight. His gaze caught on his reflection in the mirrored closet doors, and he took a second just to stare.
“Yeah, you’re not buying this either, are you?” he said.
He turned to look at the garments draped neatly across the bed. They appeared to be entirely too large, yet when he slipped them on, everything fit like a glove. It wasn’t nearly as off-putting as he’d imagined. He reached for the tie last, draping the silky material over his shoulders. It had been a long time since he’d worn one. In the mirror, he watched his hands move as he looped the tie over and around. It wasn’t a fond memory, but funerals rarely are. Rome glanced at the wingtips on his feet, wiggling his toes. So much for being honest, he thought.
Shawn was waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs, an irritated expression painting his face. It wasn’t until Rome spotted Dallas (giving him an earful) that he understood why.
“For the last time,” Shawn said, “you have just as much say as I do. Now if you have a problem, I suggest taking it up with the dean.”
“That is just like you to try and hide behind the dean. Like we don’t already know whose side he’s going to take.”
Shawn pinched at the bridge of his nose. “Dallas, it’s the first day of school. We haven’t even held tryouts yet.” He stared at him pointedly. “Why are we arguing about this already?”
Rome stepped off the stairs, folding his arms together. “If you just want to tell me where to go, I won’t waste anymore of your time.”
“Excuse me,” Dallas said, “we were having a conversation. But if you’d like, I can tell you where you can go.”
“Dallas—”
“What… are you guys like best buds now?” He slipped his hands into his blazer, watching as Shawn slowly came unraveled. “Maybe he should join the soccer team. That way you two can hang out together all of the time.”
“Need I remind you that you get to choose half of the team?” Shawn said. “We’re supposed to be working together, not accusing one another of picking favorites.”
“No, you’re right,” Dallas said. “You wouldn’t want your girlfriend getting jealous. I know how testy Ian can be.”
A string of sounds that barely resembled words left Shawn’s mouth, and Rome chose that moment to slip away. They were so busy bickering they didn’t even notice. He managed to get a few feet from the scene before an unfamiliar voice stopped him.
“I see you’ve met our resident pain in the ass.”
Rome glanced over his shoulder, barely acknowledging the passing comment. The guy was leaning against the wall, one shoe pressed to the paint. Rome had seen people like him before at Lincoln. He had dirty blonde hair shaved close on the sides and wore a tattered vest over their pristine white dress shirt. Sporting rolled sleeves, colorful tattoos, and gauged ear piercings, the only thing he was missing was a cigarette pinched between his fingers.
“I’m really not in the mood,” Rome said. The guy didn’t seem to care.
“You’ll have to forgive Mom and Dad. They’re always like that.” He pushed away from the wall, stopping to introduce himself. “Danny,” he said. “Let me guess, another Lincoln High survivor?”
Rome tried not to smirk. “What do you want?”
Danny dropped into a quieter voice, moving along with him through the herd of people. “I thought I might interest you in a pack of cigarettes. Maybe some gum, if you’re trying to quit?”
Those two questions told Rome everything he needed to know. “I’m not interested,” he said. “So take your spiel somewhere else.”
“So you aren’t trying to peddle everything under the sun?”
Danny gripped at the strap of his messenger bag, setting him with a defensive stare. “I’ve got my reasons…”
Rome gave him a look before stepping into the dining hall.
“I don’t need to explain myself to you,” Danny said, “but I can guarantee it’s nothing as nefarious as whatever you’re cooking up.”
“Then what is it?” he asked.
Danny sighed. “It’s what most everyone in this room will never understand. Not all of us were just handed a scholarship, you know. Some of us have to work to keep what we have.”
“How did you know that, about the scholarship?”
Danny grinned, the expression brightening his eyes. “Around here, information’s as good as gold. And it travels fast, my friend. If you want to keep something under wraps, it’s best to play it close to the chest.”
The advice was taken in silence.
“So,” Danny said, “what do you think of this place so far?”
Rome shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s a little much, I guess.”
“You’ll get used to it. Everything new always has a shelf life.”
The glass doors at the back of the room opened and Autumn stepped into the dining hall. She strode happily towards Rome, waving at him from the short distance.
“Look at you!” she said. “You sure clean up nice.”
A singular laugh left his lips. “Don’t…” Rome didn’t know how she did it. Autumn always had a smile on her face, and she always managed to make him smile too, whether he wanted to or not.
“Orientation’s going to start soon,” she said. “Did you maybe want to sit together? Or I could just show you where the auditorium is.”
“I guess,” Rome said. “But I don’t want you to feel obligated.”
Danny grinned at the blonde. “Hey.”