by VJ Erickson
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
"So, guys," said Hannah as they all stood outside in front of the classroom, "guess we should get started on these assignments, right? How's your brother, Joseph? He up to joining us?"
"I um…," Joseph began, shuffling nervously, "I mean, don't you think that would be weird?"
"Yes!" said Taylor quickly. "Hannah, really. I know you like everyone, but I just don't think Eric and I are going to be friends. He tried to attack me."
"Assuming Joseph did his job," said Hannah, looking at Joseph who nodded in agreement, "that version of Eric is no longer with us. We all have to act like nothing happened."
"That's all fine and good, but before 'nothing' happened, I was still not interested in hanging out with him. I mean... okay fine. I was a little. But I promise you that moment has passed. Way passed. I 'm sorry Joseph, it's just..."
"Say no more," said Joseph. "I love him, but I don't want to be around him most times either. Besides, I need to get this syllabus to him. Apparently it is of most grave importance according to Dean Dean."
"Careful," said Hannah. "You never know who is listening."
"Right, well gotta go. I'm sorry about Eric. I really am. I wouldn't blame you for not wanting to talk to him ever, but he's not so bad. He's just had a rough go of things."
Taylor didn't know what to say to this. She had no interest in giving Eric another chance, but she didn't blame Joseph for his brother either. So, she said nothing.
"So, bye...?" said Joseph, stepping backwards tentatively.
"Yeah, bye," said Taylor.
"See ya!" added Hannah. "Maybe we can hook up later for this interview assignment?"
"Yeah, that would be cool," said Joseph, and then he was gone.
"So, I'm thinking we should check out the library bit first," suggested Hannah.
"Oh?" said Taylor, not really paying attention as she watched Joseph walk off in the distance. "I guess Joseph seems nice enough. I would just as soon not have anything to do with either of them, really. I'm really not one of those people who needs this much attention."
"The library it is!" said Hannah, ignoring her. "It's right next to the science building, so we can kill two birds with one stone!"
She started off in that direction.
"Wait," Taylor said, while hurrying to keep up. "What is in the science building?"
"Science stuff," Hannah replied, as if the answer was obvious.
"What do we need science stuff for?"
"We're going to do science on you!"
"Oh, obviously," Taylor said glumly. "What are you going to do? Dissect me?"
"Good idea!" Hannah teased. "Hurry up. We haven't got all day!"
"Haven't we?"
"I thought if we finished up our assignments we could spend some time testing out your abilities."
"Do I... have abilities?"
"You might. Your blood certainly does seem special."
"What kind of abilities?"
"Well that remains to be seen, doesn't it? All the more incentive to get moving. Come on!"
Hannah picked up her already brisk pace, and Taylor felt she had no reason not to just keep up. This whole situation up until now just seemed inconvenient and unfair, but the idea of having abilities did a great deal to improve her outlook.
