Millwood Academy - First Term

by Dawson, Tanya

  Chapter 7

  “You’re in here with me,” Una shoves a card into the door’s swiper and walks into our shared room.

  The room is small but functional. On each side of the room is one bed, a small desk and an armoire. Una had already chosen her side and what looks to be part of mine. The door of my armoire is filled with her clothes. Una notices my snarl and immediately closes the armoire door.

  “Sorry, I thought I would be alone, so I took over both spaces. But don’t worry I’ll get all my stuff out.” For the first time Una seemed embarrassed, and perhaps I was a little harsh on her earlier.

  “You can use it. All I have is what’s in that suitcase,” I point to the suitcase on my bed. They didn’t let me go back to Nelly’s to get any of my things, which was fine as most of what I owned would probably fit in one drawer. I couldn’t recall the last time I purchased something new. Nelly had a firm grip on the house, and what came in and out of it.

  “How can that be all that you own?” Una was clearly confused, as it looks like she had never been denied anything.

  “Positive.” I jump back on my bed and test its bounciness. It’s a spring bed, with a memory foam mattress. The most comfortable bed I had ever been in. I lay back on it and enjoy the full sensation.

  “You act like that’s the first bed you’ve ever been in?” Una sat on her bed and swung her legs back and forth. Reminding me of a little girl.

  “One this comfortable, yes,” I said, sitting up. The walls on my side of the room were empty, but Una’s side was covered in old antique paintings. There was a corkboard with pictures over her desk. Her space looks homey and cheerful while my space looks more like a prison.

  “You can take a painting from my side,” Una raises her hand toward them, “they were daddy’s idea. Not really my style.”

  “That was some pretty crazy stuff out there,” I said, hoping that she would be open with me. If this had happened before, she would know.

  “I wish I could say was an isolated incident,” Una’s eyes drifts to the floor, and she wipes her hands along her skirt. “It’s nowhere near the first death on campus.”

  “How many deaths have there been?” A slide my butt to the side of the bed so that my feet touch the floor. I was finally about to get some answers. Una seems to know everyone’s business.

  “It didn’t use to be like this. It started last spring. She was a new girl. She didn’t fit in.” Una jumps off the side of her bed and opens her drawer in her desk. “I took notes if you want to see them.”

  Una passes me the notebook, and I put it on the bed beside me, “isn’t anybody investigating the murders?”

  “There’s some sort of secret counsel. I don’t really know the details. I just know it keeps happening.” Una sits next to me and I feel uncomfortable.

  I’ve never had a girl as a friend. Even at Nelly’s house, there were girl hunters but none that I had ever grown close to. I’ve never trusted a girl, it was a gut instinct. But I was willing to try with Una. She looked like a supermodel. With long blond wavy hair, perfectly styled. And she smells like roses. I give in and trust her, mainly because I assume that Clark made this arrangement. I wonder how much she knew about me.

  “It must feel pretty scary around here. Has anyone figured out any patterns?” I open her journal and flip through the pages. I shift awkwardly, catching glimpses of her personal thoughts.

  “Let’s stop talking about this. This is your first day here, and the last thing you need to be thinking about are murders. I’m sure Principal Stanton will figure this out.” Una stood up and flips her long blond hair. She checks out her appearance in the mirror and smiles with approval. “Tell me more about you. You’re quite the hot topic around here.”

  I can’t help but let out a deep sigh. I didn’t belong here, and it was obvious. I hadn’t figured out how I would dodge the questions just yet. Maybe this was an opportunity to find out how much people knew. It was a guess, but I figure Una had her nose in everything here.

  “Come on, I can tell there’s a good story behind you.” She jumps up on her bed and lands on her knees.

  “Don’t have much to tell, really. I’m pretty boring.” I said, knowing whatever I tell her would probably make the rounds around the school, even if her intentions were good.

  “I know you’re not a full-blood. So, how did you manage to get in here?” Her eyes are as wide as her smile at the thought of getting the dirt on me first.

  I grin at her enthusiasm. Then my mind drifts off to the envelope in my pocket, and I can’t help but wonder about its contents. Something I couldn’t share with Una, “Is there a bathroom around here?”

  “Down the hall, red door on the left.” Una’s body slouches over, and the smile from her face fades. Just as she opens her mouth to speak...

  “I’ll be right back.” I jump up and head to the door, not wanting to give her any time to object. This letter was burning a hole in my pocket.

  I fling open the door, and enter it to the hallway, closing the door behind me for Una to take the hint. Students are sitting on some comfy lounge chairs in the extra-wide hall. I feel their eyes on me as I walk by. My only thoughts are about Ivor and the letter.

  I let myself in the red door and make my way past two girls who are blow-drying their hair in front of the large mirror. The one closest to the door scoffs as me as I pass and leaves the bathroom, but not before she calls me a “mutt.”

  I open the stall door to the bathroom, furthest away from the door and lock myself in. I practically rip my jacket trying to get the buttons undone. I reach in and pull the envelope out. It smells like Ivor. I bring it to my nose and take a deep breath in, feeling like I’m twelve again and have a crush on the next-door neighbor. There was something about them being dangerous...

  I slowly pull the flap of the envelope open, not wanting anyone to hear. I pull the paper out and open the folds. 12 Valdon Street. Midnight. I flip it back and forth, expecting more. The disappointment doesn’t last long when I realize I could see him again. Tonight.

  A loud knock on my stall door breaks my concentration, and I almost drop the letter on the floor. I hadn’t noticed the bathroom grow quiet. I bend over, and the stall next to me is empty. Another loud knock on my stall door – whoever it is, is impatient. That doesn’t narrow it down to anyone in particular.

  “Give me a minute,” I yell. I flush the toilet and crumple the paper at the same time, drowning out the noise. I hesitate but then flush it. Once it disappears, my heart resorts back to its regular palpitations.

  I open the door, ready to fight if I have too, expecting it to be Alexandra. My mood quickly shifts as I see Una standing there.

  “Sorry, Clark is back in our room. He wants to speak with you. He can be very impatient.” Una steps back, perhaps afraid of the warrior look on my face.

  “I just have to wash my hands.” I offer her a fake smile and hope I didn’t scare her too much.

  “He’s quite smitten with you.” Una jumps up on the counter, full of smiles. The last moment is forgotten.

  “It would never work. He’s a wolf.” I blurt out, then regret what I said. Perhaps my opinion of wolves is changing. “And I think you’re reading it wrong.”

  “That’s a stereotype,” Una said under her breath. “He’d put his life on the line for you.”

  “Why would he need to do that?” I turn the water off and grab the paper towel to wipe my hands.

  “Figure of speech. Are you sure you’re okay? I know we can be a lot.” Una jumps down as soon as I pass her and open the door to the hallway.

  “I’m fine. Just tired.” I said, as we made our way back to our room. This time the hallway is empty, and there is an eeriness in the air. “I just need a good night sleep.”

  I open the door and Clark is pacing the floor. He looks up, and once he sees me, he lets out a big sigh, and his body relaxes.

  “I heard about Alexandra. You can’t mess with her. Do what she says.” Clark is c
learly annoyed with my lack of listening.

  I turn my head as I catch a whiff of his wolf scent. I’d have to let that go. He was here to help me. “I will.” I force myself to face him. Can he tell that I’m lying?

  “Stay away from them too,” Clark added, through a tight jaw.

  “She understands,” Una said, from behind us, standing up for me.

  Clark stands down.

  “Quite a day!” I walk past Clark and sit at the top of my bed. I glance at the clock. Ten to eight. “How do we get food around here, anyway?”

  “Cafeteria is closed off due to the accident, same as classes were.” Clark sits on the floor, in front of the door.

  “Not to worry,” Una smiles, she opens her armoire to reveal a grocery store. “Food sucks around here.” She digs into a cubby and pulls out a plate of frozen wings. She places them on her desk and holds both of her hands over the plate. Within seconds, a ball of energy forms and the wings are smoked from the heat. “Voila.”

  Una passes me a plate and then one to Clark. “I’ve got fries if you want some.”

  “This is good enough for me. I’m not sure how much I can eat.” I rip into the wings and practically inhale them in a matter of minutes.

  Clark pushes his aside, “I’ve got somewhere to be.” He stands up, “You should both get some sleep.”

  I stay on the bed and offer him a nod. Una ushers him to the door. They speak outside in a whisper, and I can’t make out what they are talking about.

  “He’s so hot,” Una whispers, as soon as she closes the door. “How have you not jumped him yet?”

  I burst out laughing at the thought, but she’s right. He was good looking, and he knew it. “Have you ever...with a wolf?” I couldn’t help but ask. I regretted the words as soon as they came out of my mouth. But this was what girls talked about right?

  “Yes,” Una said with a burst of energy as she threw herself on the bed dramatically. “I’d do it again, and again.” She rolls on her side with a giggle and a longing look on her face. I immediately want to pelt her with questions.

  “What was it like?” I move in as close to her as I can while staying on my bed. I wanted all the good dirt she wanted to tell me.

  “Wild. Absolutely wild. I was ravished in a good way. They are so unpredictable. And they just want to please. They give more than they take if you know what I mean?” Una winks at me and falls back on her bed again. She lets out several moans as she slides her body back and forth.

  I can’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm, perhaps also from being overtired. Una was an open book. I loved that about her and perhaps even envious. I clammed up on any personal topics. Socially awkward as Nelly called me.

  “I know someone that was with Hunter.” Una’s head dangles over the side of her bed.

  I can’t help but inhale a deep breath. The thought of the weight of his body on top of me left me parched. I had to hold in my enthusiasm for her story. “He’s too into his muscles.” I tease, holding in any other questions I had before I burst.

  “He went all night.” Una laughs and rolls over on her stomach. “She couldn’t walk the next day.”

  “No, that’s what people want you to think.” I smile at the thought and wonder if it was even possible.

  “It’s true.” Una said, sitting up on the bed, putting her hand over her heart, “She wouldn’t lie. She showed me the bruises.”

  My head fell to the side, as my imagination ran wild. I could feel myself getting wet just thinking about it. He was a brute, his large frame filled with muscles. His stamina... I shook my head as soon as an image of Alexandra came to mind. A good reason to get yourself killed...

  “We should get to bed.” I laugh and pull the covers over me.

  “Is it true? What they say? That you don’t know what you are?” Una asked, once she was comfy in bed. She lies on her side watching me. Her eyes look sympathetic, and her smile has faded.

  “Yes.” I wasn’t sure if it was being overtired, or our new friendship, but I didn’t mind telling her. Maybe I feel like I should tell her because she’s been so open with me as well.

  “We’ll figure it out.” Una smiles, and I almost believe her.

  I pull the blanket up to my chin then pull the cord on my light. I smile in the pitch dark, as I wait for midnight to come.

  Chapter 8

  Finding the Vampire’s den was easy, who’d a thought they would have a civic number? I stand at the entrance to the driveway, unable to see what I’m about to walk into, my mind races with a list of serial killers – the human ones. How they stalked their prey, and here I am, accepting an invitation to a vampire’s den. Classic.

  The driveway is lined with century-old trees on either side of the road. It’s dark, and hard to see the house, but I imagine it to be old and massive, just like in the movies. I look back to the road and start to think that’s the path I need to take. After a moment of hesitation, I turn to leave.

  “Penelope,” Someone calls my name from the darkness. It’s one of the Stanton brother’s but which one, I can’t tell.

  I walk toward where I think the voice is coming from, all while regretting each step I take on their property. I wouldn’t show fear though. My pride is too big. But I did stop at a reasonable distance that I could outrun the vampire. Did I really just think that?

  “I’m here.” I raise both of my hands and flip them back to my sides. My senses race at every rustle of the wind and my eyes dart back and forth. Whoever it is, is enjoying every second of this. “I’m not moving another inch.” I stop at the edge of the driveway, just before the grass and cross my arms over my chest.

  “You came.” Ivor steps into the light. He’s wearing a three-piece blue suit. My guess is from the 1940s. It’s slim fit and hugs his body in all the right places.

  “Had nothing better to do,” I said, regretting my black jeans and sloppy red t-shirt that I had taken from Una, given the retail store in her closet, these were the least likely pieces she would miss.

  “I must warn you, Alexandra is here.” He said, walking toward me in a casual stride, looking more like a runway model on the catwalk.

  “Even better,” I said sarcastically, making a mental note that I had better call it an early night.

  “She’ll be on her best behavior,” he said, his voice mellow yet unconvincing. He stops a few feet away from me and offers me his hand, “She’s been warned. She won’t disobey me.”

  I don’t take his hand right away. I want to make him work for it somehow. I still didn’t know why I was here but knew it was essential and somehow related to the guy that was murdered. And that’s why I was here in the first place right? I repeated in my head. The chance to see my parents again was too strong, not to come here. If the vampires were involved, I’d figure it out.

  I lift my hand up, so he’d have to step forward to me. He’s hesitant but motivated to play my game.

  His cheeks widen as a small grin forms on his lips. He takes my hand and slips it under his arm. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

  I can’t inhale his gorgeous scent quickly enough. The heat of his body so close to mine makes it difficult to think of anything but it. I manage a half-smile and push my head as far to the opposite side of him, without looking like a freak, in hopes to slow the redness rushing to my face.

  “It says a lot that you are here. That means something to me.” Ivor said, as he guides us along the driveway to the house.

  As we turn the corner, the house suddenly appears, in all its glory. It’s better than in the movies. It’s a freaking castle! Lights hidden in the grass, reflect on its stone facade. The window panes are wavy, giving me an indication of how old the building is. The front door looks medieval, with its cast iron door knocker.

  “Most people are intimidated,” Ivor said, as he let go of my arm and looked down at me, “but I’m guessing you’re not.”

  I wasn’t about to admit that he’s right, houses like this mean something. They’ve been
around for hundreds of years and seen and know more than any of us ever could. Except, supernatural’s live for many lifetimes as well. “How long have the Stanton’s been here?”

  “Since the first brick was laid. My great grandfather purchased this land from the native people. He learned from them and passed it down to us.” Ivor’s hand squeezes mine.

  “You’re lucky to have those memories.” I avoid eye contact with him, with his rich family history he’d never understand my background. I’d give anything to have something passed down from my parents.

  “I’ve heard a little of your history. I hope one day you’ll feel comfortable enough to talk about it with me.” Ivor gazes down at me.

  I move toward the castle ahead of him. As much as I wanted to know everything, he knew about me, this wasn’t the place or time for that conversation. I’d rather see Alexandra than dive into that topic with him. Not that I think he wouldn’t be sympathetic, but I still didn’t know what side he was on. I’d know more by the end of the night.

  As we approach the castle door, it swings open, and Alexandra steps out with a scowl on her face. It’s a clear sign she is unhappy that I’m here, and she’s not going to hide it. She’s wearing a tight leather dress on her petite figure. Her long, straight, black hair contradicts her bright green eyes.

  “Alexandra,” Ivor said, clearly as a reminder.

  “Welcome,” Alexandra states, like a tween being told to do something, to get their cell phones back.

  “Thank you,” I mutter, wishing Ivor was at my side, and not behind me. I didn’t trust the bitch as far as I could throw her.

  “It shows a strong alliance, Penelope accepting our invitation. Don’t you think, Alexandra?” Ivor said, as he steps beside me.

  “Whatever,” Alexandra’s voice purrs in a low tone, her eyes fix on my every move.

  Ivor takes my arm and guides me past, Alexandra. I don’t miss the opportunity to show her my delight in her brother taking her down a notch.