Chapter 4
New Beginnings
Today is our first day of school at Wenham High, complete with new books and school supplies and the same old façade. I step out the front door of our home, reluctant to embark on this new adventure. I take in the beauty of the land we have purchased, the deep green hues of the grass and many trees; it is so beautiful I can taste it, like a fresh, ripe melon. The sun is beginning to rise, turning the sky beautiful shades of pink and lavender. I watch as Alexander pulls out of the garage in his pearl-white Cadillac Escalade, I grab my bag that’s resting on the porch swing. Matilda and Danika are already in the vehicle, and he stops at the front steps to let me in.
As we drive through town, I see a sign: Welcome to Wenham, Massachusetts Population 4875. I guess it’s 4883 now. The streets are busy with parents bringing their children to the first day of school and older students stopping to pick up friends on their way. I enjoy the chance to make these observations, for over the years, people’s mannerisms have changed drastically. What better way is there to blend in than copying the traits of those I watch?
I turn my attention to my new ‘little sister’ to get a feel for her state of mind. She appears excited; with an ear to ear grin she twirls the straps of her knapsack around her fingers. She looks about ready to pop right out of her seat. “Are you sure you are ready for this?” I ask.
“Seriously, Sophia, it’s been a year already. Aren’t you ever going to trust me?” Her snarky tone drives me batty. “I’m ready to start the day, to be a high school student. Please do not ruin this experience for me.”
“Fair enough. You should enjoy high school, and I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. Just don’t screw this up for all of us.” At least I’ll have Alexander and Matilda to help keep her in line.
Stepping out of the car I instantly feel hundreds of eyes on us, and I try to ignore the whispers in case of any judgmental remarks about the new family in town. On the contrary, my siblings appear to be enjoying the attention. I am happy being slightly more obscure. I follow my siblings through the school grounds. I’ll not let all the prying eyes bother me, for I’m only here to support Danika and ensure the safety of those around her. People are too trusting these days and should be more aware for their own protection.
We take our time walking to the main office. The school building is picturesque. It looks to be about a century old, made of rustic brick, with a large staircase leads to the front doors. There is well-developed greenery, some kind of ivy, climbing the walls and framing the windows. So much detail, I think to myself. They don’t make buildings like this anymore.
A charming smile beams across my brother’s face, and his brown eyes sparkle in the morning light. “Well, kids. Are we ready for this?”
Matilda gives a slight wink of her ocean blue eyes. “Back to the land of the living.”
“Let's just get this over with. I hate not knowing what will happen. I hope people will just stay away from me. Why do we even bother?” I grumble.
“You know why, Sophia. It’s because of me, though frankly, I don’t give a—”
“Danika! I will not tolerate you speaking like that. You will act like civilized a human being. As for you, Sophia, if you aren’t careful with your negative talk, you will be the one that causes Danika to fail. We must keep her calm.” Matilda’s eyes grow darker with her anger.
She’s right; it is time for me to lighten up a little bit.
“Come on, Sophia. Try to enjoy yourself, maybe even make a friend or two.” Matilda encourages in a calmer voice than a moment ago.
“Who in their right mind would...?” I stop myself without finishing my sentence.
Alexander is mad this time. “Try to be a little more positive and supportive of Danika.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll try not to be so skeptical and miserable.”
Walking into the building I notice the walls are a pale yellow and lined with blue lockers. To my left is the library, framed with glass walls, as if to invite people in. Inside it are many cubicles and rows of student iMac computers. I am sure I have read most of the books on those shelves, but I look forward to finding the ones I have yet to read.
To my right is the main office. It’s very bright, with white walls and large windows so they can observe the happenings outside. Everyone’s going about their business. A middle-aged man heading over to the wall covered by small mail slots, one for each staff member or school group; he retrieves his memos for the day. A chest-high counter separates the room on one side from chairs on the other to create a waiting room, of sorts. In the work area, there are several cubicles and four larger offices, I assume for the higher officials of the school. The engraved nameplate on the front counter says Ms. Jennifer Hunt.
A nice-looking woman with a warm, welcoming smile greets us. Her straight blonde hair and blue eyes put Matilda to shame. “You must be the Pierce family. Welcome to Wenham High!”
At that exact moment, everyone in the office stops what they are doing to catch a glimpse.
“It’s not very often that a new family moves to town. Most families have been here for generations,” she adds.
Alexander smiles back. “Thank you. My name is Alex, and these are my sisters, Mati, Sophia, and Danika.”
As she hands us our class schedules, locker assignments, and school maps, Ms. Hunt smiles again and says, “I trust you will enjoy our little town.”
“Thank you,” we say as we exit the office.
We stand in the hallway outside the office as the students begin to file in for their first class.
Alexander passes our schedules and information out while announcing everyone’s first class. “Mati, you have chemistry. I only ask that you do not blow up the school on our first day. Sophia, you get to enjoy history. That should be easy enough for you.”
“Ha ha. Very funny,” I say with a hint of sarcasm, still slightly bitter that I have to be here at all.
“Well, Danika and I have English in our respective grades. We can meet at lunch in the cafeteria. Enjoy your day, girls,” he snickers.
We part ways and begin to look for our locker assignments and classrooms. Alexander helps Danika find her way. This allows him a chance to check up on her without the tension between the two of us.
I have my head buried in the school map, trying to keep a low profile and avoid the curious whispers around me as I search for my classroom. I really just wish they would pay no attention to me. I must keep my cool and avoid bringing attention to myself. Suddenly, I manage to embarrass myself. Turning around I bump into him, my books fly out of my hands. Although I could catch them, I allow them to hit the ground. I need to remember that not everyone has super reflexes, and I want to appear normal. That is when I hear it for the first time: the most beautiful, friendly voice I have ever heard. I don’t understand how or why, but his voice changes my mood from the very first syllable he speaks.
“I’m so sorry! Are you alright?” the enchanting voice asks, already beginning to retrieve my books off the floor like a true gentleman.
Never have I been so distracted before. As he kneels beside me, I catch a whiff of him. He has the most incredible scent, so perfect I can taste it. He is like a perfectly aged wine, sweet and robust. He is like nothing I have ever smelled before – simply intoxicating. Maybe Danika is not my biggest concern. I want him more than anything I have ever desired before. I should worry about myself for a while. Will I be able to resist this incredible man? It is almost as though he is perfect for me. It has been years since I have been so tempted, and now with hundreds of eyes burning into me, I am tempted once again. I want to run, to scream, but I can’t. What can I possibly do? A long time ago, I made a vow–a pledge to never again follow through with such a temptation. I must remain true and strong, but...but I am so unsure of my ability to do so. He is like a bright candy apple at the state fair. I know I shouldn’t, but it is so hard to resist. How long can I resist a temptation
such as this? I take a slow, deep breath–as my heart beats a little faster, but I want to, just so I can intake his amazing scent and enjoy the mouth-watering moment a little longer.
Then I look up. “Ahhh…ummm...I mean I am. Thank you, although it was my fault for not paying attention. Please accept my apology. Are you okay?”
“Don’t worry about me. Name’s Nathanial McCord, but everyone calls me Nate.”
As I look up at him holding my books that he’s gathered, I realize he is magnificent. This young man is the most amazing creature I have ever come across. He offers his hand to help me off my knees and brushes his finger through his creamy chocolate-brown hair. Each strand falls back in place and reminds me of an expensive French truffle. His eyes are the most beautiful sapphire eyes I have ever seen. I am completely enamored by him, rendered speechless. This tall, athletic, perfectly muscled wonder with beautiful broad shoulders stands in front of me with a puzzled look upon his face.
“Are you sure you are alright? You look slightly out of it. Did you hit your head?”
This is not good. I attempt to talk myself down, but there is so much adrenaline running though me. Okay, Sophia, just get this over with and move on to class. Forget about him, this could be real trouble. You have worked too hard to throw it all away now. “Yeah, sorry. Just a lot on my mind I guess I better get to class.” Mind your manners and don’t be rude, I scold myself. “You said your name is Nate? I’m Sophia Pierce. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“And you as well, Sophia. I can see by your schedule we have first-period history together. May I show you the way? You know...for the protection of the other students?” he jokes while already leading the way with my books still in hand.
His joke relaxes me just enough to smile and follow him to class. “Thanks...and very funny, by the way.”
Immortal Embrace Page 4