I heard loud mutterings of dissent amongst the girls around me.
“Not fair. Melanie didn’t do anything wrong.”
“She stood up for us against Twin Peaks Katrim.”
“And now she’s being punished.”
“That is so not fair. It’s all that Amiella’s fault. Stealing Duncan from Melanie started all this.”
Severin Kell cleared his throat and it carried loudly on the public address speakers.
He continued once quiet returned to the gym floor. “Caelum Desanto and Melanie Cardwell will also participate in after school cleanup duties alongside students currently serving out their detention sentences. The other students suspended over this incident will not be required to serve out an additional punishment. With this announcement, I hand over proceedings to Principal Mason.”
He stepped aside for our Principal, Lavinia Mason. She had a piercing stare that was said to intimidate most if not all the academy staff. Very few people could say no to her. It could also be said she ruled Galatea Academy, rather than led it.
Severin Kell bowed politely, then walked back to his place in the background, alongside Simone Alucard and the other members of the Student Council.
My eyes were focused on Principal Mason, my ears listened to her speech, but my attention was definitely elsewhere.
So it was just Caelum and Melanie that were held most responsible.
I felt queasy.
The furtive stares I was garnering were anything but friendly.
Then I heard a male classmate whisper, “Duncan was there as well. Why wasn’t he suspended? Why does Desanto have to bear the blame?”
“Yeah, Desanto was right. The good looking guys always get all the breaks. Pisses me off.”
“And wasn’t Armand the one who shouted out that Haruka was the only one in his heart?”
“Yeah he started the whole thing.”
My heart jumped and crashed into my ribcage. When it landed it was panicked and wouldn’t stop beating fast.
Another male student whispered, “I think they made Desanto the scapegoat because he’s a Familiar.”
“No, don’t you get it? He made himself the villain and by doing that he stopped the fight in the cafeteria. And he stopped the girls from making fun of Melanie.”
“I get it. He’s a fan of big breasts yet he supported Melanie when the girls made her cry.”
“I guess he can’t stand the sight of a girl crying.”
“Damn that bastard. What a heart of gold.”
“What a great guy….”
Someone sobbed, “Even though he’s a Familiar, he’s so selfless.”
“And he likes them small too.”
“…small boobies are the best…”
Siobhan whispered angrily, “Will you guys shut up. Stop putting that Familiar on a pedestal. He’s a pervert. Can’t you see that?”
One guy hissed back, “I happen to like small breasts. Does that make me a pervert too?”
Another said, “Yeah, the kind that fit in your hand are perfect. Too big and your hand gets swallowed up.”
Someone else added, “She’s top heavy. She doesn’t understand us.”
A girl snapped, “Shut up, Gunther. You think we like having heavy breasts? These things are a pain to lug around, and it’s hard to find the right bra.”
Alistair snorted loudly. “So says the girl who enjoys being ogled during swim class.”
“I do not enjoy being ogled.”
“That’s bullshit, Éclair. You wear last year’s swimsuit so it can stretch more around your chest.”
“Shut up, Alistair. At least I’ve got something to show.”
“You swim backstroke so your tits stick up out of the water!”
“Shut up. Shut up. Shut up.” Muffled sobbing followed.
I thought Éclair might be crying into her palms.
I did believe Alistair had a point. Éclair was short but she was what Caelum would call a Pocket Rocket. She had an explosive body packed into a small, five foot frame. I knew guys had a thing for short girls with all the right curves, so she was quite popular during swimming class. And she was cute too.
Popular with the boys, but not the girls, as evidenced by some of my male classmates coming to her defense. “Hey, Alistair made Éclair cry.”
“Cold hearted bitch.”
“I’d choose Éclair over Alistair any day.”
“We love watching Éclair swim backstroke.”
“She’s jealous because she has to pad her swimsuit.”
Alistair clenched her hands and trembled in anger. “Aggh—shut the Hell up!”
Her scream was so loud it echoed inside the gym.
It silenced the Principal in mid-sentence.
It silenced the students muttering amongst themselves.
Stunned quiet descended upon the assembled students like a heavy shroud.
I was too scared to make any noise, let alone breathe.
After a long agonizing moment, the Principal straightened and asked in a cold voice, “Who said that?”
Alistair groaned under her breath.
I prayed in vain no one would rat her out.
Éclair announced loudly, “She did—Alistair Kell. She’s the one you want.”
The girl bounced on her heels and forcefully pointed at Alistair.
Alistair hissed, “You little cow. I swear I’ll pop your tits when I get my hands on you.”
“You can’t pop them. These are real not like the ones you put in your bra.”
Alistair made a go for the girl, but I reached out and held her back. “Alistair—don’t. You’ll get into more trouble. Please, you have to ignore her.”
She growled through clenched teeth. “I’m going to squash that midget first chance I get.”
The Principal leaned forward over the lectern. “Alistair Kell Avenir, step out of the assembly and join the suspended students at the back of the gym. Now, young lady!”
Alistair stopped struggling, so I released her arm. She wouldn’t look at me as she stepped out of the ranks of our classmates. I lost sight of her as she walked to the back of the gym.
But a few moments later I heard her declare loudly, “I’m small and I’m proud of it!”
This triggered of a fresh round of mutterings.
Then someone started clapping which quickly grew into an avalanche of support for her.
Our esteemed Principal called for order and quiet.
But Alistair didn’t quit. “And I’m declaring my candidacy for Student Council President at the next elections.”
Siobhan gasped, “What? What did she say?”
Alistair yelled from the back of the gym. “You hear me Simone Alucard. I’m going to beat you fair and square. You’re Eff cups tits won’t save you from defeat.”
The Principal snapped angrily, “That will be enough young lady. One week’s detention. You’ll serve your time along with Desanto and Cardwell.”
Alistair managed one last show of defiance.
“When I’m President, I’ll declare today ‘Small Bust Day’!”
The Principal couldn’t contain herself anymore. “That does it. Get that young woman out of here. She’s suspended for a week.”
And so, Alistair Kell Avenir made a stunning declaration, earned the support of half the female student body, and garnered the enmity of the other half.
What a day this turned out to be.
I turned my head and looked at Siobhan. “What—what are we going to do?”
“Huh?”
“I mean, are you going to vote for her?”
Siobhan looked conflicted then peeked down at her Dee cup chest.
“I—I don’t know. I really don’t know.”
#
(Caprice)
Once the general assembly concluded and the students were dismissed, I sent Caelum a quick text message to his palm-slate.
YOU IMBECILE.
Then I messaged the Countess.
I’LL BE THERE FOR TRAINING. JUST SEND ME THE DETAILS.
I was so angry I almost threw my palm-slate into the distance.
However, as per the promise I’d made myself two years ago, I showed no outward indication that my feelings were bubbling like molten lava.
I walked with a perfectly expressionless face back to class.
However, if I’d caught one glimpse of Caelum I might have lost control and throttled him.
#
(Caelum)
I was suspended and restricted to the dormitory grounds during school hours.
After class I was expected to perform the school a service by serving out my detention as a member of the janitorial staff.
So that Wednesday afternoon, while the students were busy making their way out of the school, I was busy walking to the administration building’s courtyard where I was instructed to join up with my fellow inmates.
I saw Alistair Kell. She had an amused look on her face as she brushed away a lock of wispy auburn hair from her eyes.
I was shocked to see her smile at sight of me and give me a thumbs up.
I couldn’t help grinning at her weakly as I took a spot on the line beside her.
“That was cool,” I muttered, “declaring your candidacy.”
“I’m planning to represent the girls that have been under-represented by that huge breasted Alucard.”
“Ah. So you’re going head-to-head with Simone.”
Alistair nodded and chuckled evilly. “Don’t you mean bust to bust?”
I bit my lower lip so as not to join her.
Alistair said, “I’m surprised, though. For you to support the less endowed female community.”
I took a quick breath. “I…I got lost in the moment.”
“What do you mean?”
“I get annoyed when I see a pretty girl cry. I just couldn’t help myself.”
“Oh…so you fell for Melanie.”
I gave her a shocked look. “Huh—no, no I haven’t.”
“But I thought you told Haruka you loved her.”
I blanched and lost my train of thought for several heartbeats. “She…she told you?”
“Yeah, and she told us that she loves you too.” Alistair looked a tad sad. “But I think the two of you just got carried away.”
I frowned. “No, my feelings for her are real.”
Alistair gave me a thoughtful look. “But she’s not the only one you have feelings for, right?”
“Ah—” I couldn’t reply to her, so I turned away slowly.
Alistair was right. I loved Haruka, but I had feelings for Caprice as well. Strong feelings.
Alistair sighed. “Well, it seems you’re the kind that can’t ignore a damsel in distress. Here comes the damsel now.”
I looked in the direction Alistair was staring.
Melanie Cardwell walked toward the loosely assembled bunch of detainees. She was dressed in her uniform like the rest of us, but she carried herself along with a fluid grace that captured my attention.
Wow. How could Duncan turn his back on a girl like that?
She was really pretty, and graceful, and exuded elegance with every step and breath she took.
She rivaled the Countess in every respect except her chest.
I frowned. There was a hint of despondency in her eyes. I saw it when her eyes met mine, just before she nervously lowered her gaze.
My heart jumped.
No. No. This can’t be happening. This cannot be happening. Why is my heart beginning to pound like mad?
Alistair’s words cut through my raging feelings like a cold blade. “Duncan turned his back on her when she awoke as a Familiar.”
I spun my head around and stared at Alistair in complete shock.
Then a cold dislike for Duncan Armand settled into my chest.
Melanie had slowed to a stop. She was nervously running her gaze over the assembled students. I thought for a moment she might turn and flee, but then she swallowed, threw back her shoulders – puffed out her mediocre chest – and walked toward me.
Her voice was low and a little husky, which I hadn’t noticed when she confronted Twin Peaks Katrim in the cafeteria.
“May I?” she asked, indicating a spot beside me.
I shrugged lightly. “Ah…yeah sure.”
Melanie stood a couple of feet away from me.
I tried not to look at her directly. In the corner of my eye I saw she was looking off into the distance with the despondent look I’d noticed earlier.
I took a deep breath and held back a sigh as I offered her my hand. “We haven’t met.”
“I know who you are,” she replied politely. “Caelum Desanto afil Lanfear.”
Alistair quipped, “The one and only. Thank the gods for that. Can you imagine the state of this academy if there was more than one of him?”
I gave Alistair a surly look, while withdrawing my hand. “You’re such good company to be with.”
Alistair shrugged. “Haruka doesn’t complain.”
I sensed Melanie tense up beside me.
She spoke in an icy tone. “So you’re Haruka Amiella’s friend. I’ve heard a little about you.”
Alistair and I turned to look at Melanie, but it was Alistair who said, “Haruka’s my friend, but Caelum has known her since they were children.”
Melanie gave me puzzled look. “Haruka Amiella is your childhood friend?”
I nodded a little reluctantly. “Yeah. We go way back.” I shot Alistair a quick look.
Don’t you dare blab! Don’t you dare tell her a thing.
Melanie was staring at me with a penetrating look. “Childhood friends….”
I gave the girl a wary look.
She narrowed her eyes ever so slightly. “So you’re just childhood friends?”
I hesitated and didn’t know how to reply.
Melanie didn’t miss anything as her eyes searched my face. “Do you like her?”
I felt my chest tighten involuntarily. “She’s my friend. What more do you want me to say?”
Melanie turned away but I saw sadness in her eyes. “Yeah…what more is there to say….”
I frowned inwardly, wondering if Melanie was much like I was – a Familiar in love with an Aventis.
Abruptly she straightened and looked up at the sky. “Thank you….”
“Uh, sure.” I leaned toward her an inch. “But what are you thanking me for?”
I watched her inhale raggedly. “For—for what you said in the cafeteria. For making those girls shut up.”
I couldn’t stop myself. I suddenly broke out into nervous laughter, and ran my left hand through my hair. “Ha ha. Well, you don’t have to thank me. I do stupid stuff all the time, and I just—it just pissed me off seeing a beautiful girl cry.”
Melanie’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“Ah, I mean. I don’t like to see girls cry. It really twists my heart when I see tears in a girl’s eyes.”
Gods, I was making this worse with every word I said.
Alistair muttered, “Haruka told me you were honest, but I didn’t think you were this honest.”
I grimaced and then lowered my gaze. “I guess you’re right.” I quickly faced Melanie. “I’m sorry. I meant no disrespect.”
The blonde beauty gently shook her head, though she had a conflicted look on her face as though she wasn’t able to get my measure.
Damn this girl was pretty.
Duncan was a real ass for turning his back on her.
Ah, damn it. I think I’m falling in love just looking at her.
Oddly, now that she was standing beside me, I wasn’t bothered by her small chest at all.
She turned away quickly, her short blond hair swishing a little as she did.
“Thank you….”
I blinked. That was twice I was thanked in the span of a minute.
This was unprecedented.
Today was turning out to be first in a few ways.
&nb
sp; The teacher assigned to supervise us came by. She walked in the company of the head of the academy grounds staff.
I gave the students in line a quick look.
There were seven of us serving out detention by performing a service to the school.
A couple of other girls, and two students from either first or second year high-school.
I sighed inwardly, then focused on what the teacher said.
After a few words of warning, telling us to behave and follow instructions to the letter, we were directed to a nearby change room where the lot of us had to dress in less than flattering work coveralls. Then we lined up in the courtyard, and received our instructions to head out with a supervising grounds keeper.
Wearing the orange and white coverall, I really felt like a criminal.
I stuck out like a sore thumb as I walked with the other detainees to the storage room where the cleaning equipment was kept. The few students that remained on academy grounds gave us a wide berth while smiling at us pitifully.
If there was any consolation or small blessing, it was that Alistair and Melanie where in my group of four students being punished.
The fourth member of our chain gang was a short first year male student.
During a moment of dull monotony as we cleaned up and swept one of the four gardens, the kid walked up to Alistair and boldly declared he would support her candidacy.
“I’m Klaus Kasper, and I’d like to be a part of your election campaign.”
Alistair stopped working and stared at him blankly. “Huh?”
“You are intending to run for president, aren’t you, Lady Alistair?”
I stopped what I was doing.
Lady Alistair? Did I hear him right? Was this guy serious?
Then I noticed the way his eyes shone as he looked up at Alistair who happened to be a couple of inches taller than him.
I didn’t miss the blush spreading across Alistair’s cheeks. “Ah, well, I did say that…didn’t I.” She glanced away shyly.
Ah, that girl can make that sort of face!
I think I felt my heart jump just a little.
Klaus nodded happily like a pet puppy wagging its tail. “You certainly did, Lady Alistair. I was honored to witness your bold declaration. Oh, and if I may be frank, my preference are Aye cups.” He grinned happily. “I like them small too.”
Pride x Familiar Page 25
