Eden laughs at me as he dodges the things I’m throwing. It’s effortless for him. He moves so fast he’s all but a blur.
That just makes me more furious. I need to hit him. Since I can’t seem to do so with objects, I rush toward him to pummel him with my bare fists.
I’m fully aware he can keep me from touching him, yet he doesn’t. Instead, he freezes in place. He allows the punches and laughs all the harder at my pointless efforts. Which, of course, makes my tirade feel pointless.
My anger settles into something else entirely, a desire to figure out where I stand in this new environment.
I’m kind of surprised that I haven’t fallen in a heap on the floor. I’ve always been so sick it’s difficult to believe that without my meds I’m still standing here able to breathe and fight. In the past, I’d already be in the hospital.
This part is amazing. However, there’s way more to deal with, and being bullied just as I’ve gotten started, is one of them.
“Go ahead, Ember. Get it all out of your system. You’re not hurting me in the least. You aren’t the first newbie to have this kind of reaction. Everyone thinks their lives will drastically take a turn for the better when they arrive and discover their talents. In some ways, they will. But, nothing is equal anywhere you go. Some things never change, no matter where you are, and bullying is one of those,” Eden easily says as my fists fall to my sides.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask in exhaustion. I’m panting away, having lost my breath, while Eden stands there as if nothing has happened. He’s as fresh and untouched by all this as a daisy in the sunshine.
“Look, you don’t know much about who you are, but you are aware of who your father is. He’s not a particular favorite of most of the students here, or the teachers, for that matter. You think being different in a human school is difficult to deal with, but it’s nothing compared to this one. Here, it’s gonna get tougher. The sins of the father are taken seriously in this place, and you’ll suffer because of it.”
I bite at my lip, trying to work all this out in my head.
“That’s not fair! I don’t even know him! Hell, I didn’t know what I was until you showed up. Why should I be paying for whatever he’s done?” I argue.
Eden crosses his arms over his chest and stares at me with his cold, black eyes. “We don’t know you, but we all know him. He’s locked up, but you’re here. He can’t be reached, and you can. That’s just logistics. Face it, you’re not going to be liked, and you might as well get used to it. Toughen up, or get lost in the shuffle. Jak helped you even though it’s not the natural thing to do. Most of us won’t, and that’s just the way it is. You got help because you’re new, but that won’t last long.”
I look around the room, hoping to see compassion or at least understanding of my situation. Someone here must want to be my friend and help me through all this new stuff. I can’t be on my own. Surely, not.
I don’t find what I’m looking for in the faces I see. The friendliest face I encounter is that of Jak, the werewolf who freaked me out earlier. Now, back to human form, and the face I remember, he comes toward me with his hand held out. In it, is a paper that he offers to me.
“Come on, take it. I got you an extra since I predicted you’d need it. Take it. I won’t bite,” he says, making a reference to his alter ego, and offers a hint of a grin.
“Oh, but you will,” I tease right back, getting used to the idea that he’s more than just a guy. I should have suspected there was more to him than met the eye. This explains his comment before about only what I am being inherited. “What is it you’ve got for me, and why didn’t you explain about yourself when we met?”
“It’s your schedule. Yours got ripped up just like I figured it would. I made sure there was an extra copy, so take it. Otherwise, you’ll never know where you’re supposed to be. The same thing happened to me, and a few others, when we arrived. It sucks, but that’s what happens when you’re not one of the cool ones. As to why I didn’t explain about myself, I don’t like to announce it to everyone. Too many already call me a freak. Why add you?” he answers with a shrug of his broad shoulders.
I stare at his silver-blue hair, and his gray-blue eyes, hidden behind his thick black glasses, and wonder why someone with his beauty can be deemed a freak. Yes, he’s a werewolf, and that part of him does freak me out a little. Yet, when he’s like this, he’s not in the least bit freaky.
I don’t dare mention my observations for fear of chasing him away, but I do need some answers.
“How do you handle the bullying? I mean, what should I do?” I ask, really needing a solution so that I don’t feel so downhearted.
“Keep your head down. Don’t look anyone in the eye, or be confrontational. Ignore any nasty remarks. Try to be invisible when you can. Blend in with the furniture. The less you’re noticed, the less trouble will come your way. In other words, make them forget about the fact that you’re here.”
His words aren’t a solution. Hiding doesn’t fix anything. Temporarily, though, I’ll do as he says. What else can I do? I’ll figure out something better eventually, but until then, I have to follow his instructions. Bullies here can do far worse things to me than those back home.
I head to my dorm room at the end of the day. It’s a sanctuary for me. I can’t believe how nice it is. It’s nothing like the dirty dorms at colleges. Sure, there are built-in desks and storage units, but they’re really nice ones. They’re clean, modern, and large. Everything is sleek and streamlined. On the desk are state-of-the-art computers for each of us.
Big windows behind the efficient, yet comfortable, beds, allow tons of light to spill across the room. The light gives the space a cheery glow. There’s nothing depressing about these rooms. They’re bright, spacious, calming, and a place to get refreshed. Mine can also be a haven away from the bullies.
Outside those windows is the expansive campus. I can clearly see the main building, realizing much of what I've been through are separate buildings connected by a single long hallway below, with its graceful Greek architecture. It’s picture-perfect, faded to a lovely color, over the centuries.
I plop down on the plump, deliciously soft comforter, and think about what I’ll put on the bare walls to make the room feel more like me. I decide it needs posters; especially ones of the bands I adore. A few pictures of hot guys from those bands wouldn’t hurt to add some color to the space.
A few bright pillows in awesome reds or blues will make my bed more like me. It’s beautiful already, but generic in beige and white. I have plenty of money to decorate any way I choose. Money is what Mother considers as love, so she throws it at me regularly. I’d laugh about it if it weren’t such a pitiful way to deal with your child; your own flesh and blood.
My imagination is going wild as I drift off to sleep. It’s been a stressful day, and my eyes refuse to remain open.
The sound of thunder awakens me. Heavy rain, and strong winds pound at the windows above my head. The building shakes, and the glass rattles as the storm rages. There’s no light now. Not even the lamp on the desk is shining to ease the blackness of the room.
I glance at the windows and realize there are no lights anywhere. The storm has cut off the electricity. I don’t have any idea of the exact time, but I realize it must be the middle of the night.
The deep darkness makes me uneasy. Bad things happen in dark places. I squeeze a pillow to my pounding chest for comfort, hope the storm calms soon, and the electricity is restored. It’s frightening, and I have no one to ease my fears.
I bite my lip, drawing a drop of blood. The windows are shaking so hard, I wonder when they’ll break, and allow the torrential rain to soak me. I shiver at the thought.
A weird glow appears in the far corner. There shouldn’t be any light coming from there. I pull my trembling legs against my chest, and huddle as close to the wall as I’m able, without leaving my bed. I curl up, desperately trying to become invisible just as Jak told me
to do.
The glow becomes clearer, and a vague outline forms within it. Instead of making my fear worse, it eases it. This strange occurrence is all too familiar to me. It’s happened too many times to freak me out.
I can see the dead, which is what I’m experiencing now. I should have recognized the glow for what it is, but I didn’t expect such a thing to occur in this school. A part of me assumes that ghosts are students. Why not? They have werewolves, so ghosts aren’t that odd a leap.
And, that is what’s standing in my room; a ghost.
Chapter Eight
"Is every last soul just fucking me over?
With tears on their shoes
And ice on their shoulders."
~ Badflower
Though not the first ghost to appear to me, this one may be the prettiest. She’s young, delicate, and pale. That’s not true of her clothing, however, nor her halo of short curls. Her dress is heavily beaded, spangled, and a deep green. It matches her eyes, and compliments her red hair. A beaded band wraps around her head, marking her as a 1920’s flapper girl.
“You’re not alone, sugar. I’m right here with you. Never mind the darkness. You’re safe with me,” the vision announces.
Forgetting about the storm, and all my fears, I focus on the young woman who appears to be about my age, though long dead. She’s friendlier than most ghosts, and has come to me in my time of need.
Taking a deep breath, and loosening my grip on the pillow, I cautiously ask her, “Who are you? What is it you desire from me?”
I ask these questions out of instinct, mixed with experience. Often ghosts want the living to provide a solution for something they were unable to accomplish while alive. Some want me to tell their families they’re doing okay, and not to mourn them. Others seek vengeance for their deaths, which I can’t provide. A few want me to find something they’ve left behind, and bring it to light. I don’t always understand what they want and am seldom able to help.
I don’t particularly like my ability, but I have to live with it. I’m a freak because of it.
“My name is Deidre. I went to school here once upon a time, long ago. It didn’t look like this then. If I’d had separate quarters like this, I might still be alive,” she tells me. “Tell me your name.”
It doesn’t seem to amaze her that I can see, and hear her. She fully expects it. I suppose I shouldn’t be shocked about it. Ghosts seem to be drawn to my presence. They’re guided to me wherever I am.
“I’m Ember. Was this your room?”
“No. This building is too new. It didn’t exist a hundred years ago. The one that stood here was destroyed fifty years in the past. My room was shared with six other girls, including the one who took my life,” Deidre states as if it’s no big deal.
“I’m sorry to hear that. Why would a roommate, and fellow student take your life?” I inquire out of true curiosity.
“Jealousy. That emotion is nothing new. It’s been a problem since the beginning of time. Margaret was my friend, but she put a stake through my heart while I was sleeping. That part of this school hasn’t changed a bit. Jealousy, aggression, and prejudice are still around, as you’ll discover soon enough.”
“I already have, but that’s not what I want to talk about. Does the fact that you were staked mean you were a vampire?” I ask in astonishment.
“Well, of course.”
“Why are you here? Why are you appearing to me?” I continue questioning. There are at least a thousand things I want to know.
“To ease you through the storm. To talk. To gain a friendship. It’s over now, though. So, I must go,” she replies sweetly.
“No! Wait! I’ve got more questions,” I burst out.
“I’ll be back. Goodnight.”
She leaves as quickly as she came, and I’m alone once more. Why didn’t I ask the reason her friend was jealous? Why am I so upset that she left before the night ended? I’m normally relieved when a ghost goes away and leaves me alone. This is different. This isn’t a haunting. It’s a friendship.
I jump when the light on the desk pops on. The storm really is over, and the electricity has been restored. I should be happy about that, but I’m not. Deidre won’t be returning tonight, because everything is back to normal.
My sleep is restless for the remainder of the night. I’m awake before the sun has risen. My body is tired, yet my mind is working overtime.
I dress in the same type of clothes I’ve always worn, at least since they became my choice and not my mother’s. Black to match the way my soul feels, and to honor the fact that I see dead people. A skirt with chains to announce that I’m different; a goth freak some would say.
This isn’t the blending in that Jak would prefer, but it’s me. I can’t be anyone else.
I need to eat, or I wouldn’t step foot in a cafeteria that contains so many students. I’m hoping I can hide among the crowd, just another face among many. You know, hiding in plain sight.
I’m wrong again. As I walk in, I feel it. The eerie prickle that tells me all eyes are on me. None of them feel friendly. They follow me every step I take. Murmuring voices are all I hear. They’re talking evil things about me behind my back. They don’t know me, and yet, I’m aware that the words being spoken are filled with derision and hatred. It’s not fair.
I refuse to bow my head. I’ve done nothing wrong. I’ve hurt none of them. My father is who he is, and that wasn’t up to me. No one has that kind of choice. We’re born out of someone else’s choices; terrible though they may be.
I pick food that can be eaten quickly and sit at an empty table. I know without asking that I’m not welcome to join any others. A shadow hovers over me briefly and then disappears as someone sits beside me. I’m afraid to look at them for fear that they’ve come to bully me. I can’t handle being called names right now. I simply want to eat in peace.
“I see you survived the night and the storm,” I hear, recognizing Jak’s voice. “I wondered how you’d do. I thought you might have run home and one of us would be forced to fetch you again.”
“I’m not leaving,” I say in my own defense. “It was just a storm, something to be endured that doesn’t last forever. I suppose I should say thanks for you rescuing me from eating alone. It’s kind of you.”
“I shouldn’t be doing it. Don’t get used to it. This is a one-time thing. I won’t be doing it again,” he replies a little rudely.
“Why is that? Is it because of Hades? Is he your excuse for blowing me off, too?” I angrily answer.
“As I’ve said before, I’m considered a freak because of what I am. I do my best to not bring attention to myself whenever possible. Not only are you new, and the daughter of a hated deity, but you’re also considered a freak of sorts. I can’t make a habit of being seen with you. It will make things worse for me,” Jak explains hastily.
“So, I’m not good for your image,” I proclaim, crossing my arms and glaring at him.
“And, I’m not good for yours,” he replies with a nod. “We sort of multiply the hatred when we’re together. I’m not being rude, just honest. It’s better for both of us if we stay away from each other and keep our heads down.”
“Yeah, I get it. You’ve mentioned that several times.”
Keeping my head down isn’t normal for me, nor do I want it to be. I’d rather confront the issue head-on, and get it over with. If I want to remain at this school, then I can’t take Jak’s attitude as my own. I’ve been there and done that, and it never works. I will find another way, eventually.
“I’ll show you to your classes, then I’m done,” Jak says, rising from the table.
“I don’t expect any favors from you after what you’ve said. So, I won’t blame you if you don’t choose to be my guide,” I tell him.
“Letting you get lost isn’t an option. And, you didn’t ask for help - I offered. Let’s go before the crowd decides it’s time to leave with us.”
My first class is one that I’ve been nervous
about since I first took a glance at my schedule. It involves magic, specifically sorcery. This has absolutely nothing to do with seeing, or speaking, to dead people. There’s a humungous possibility that I’ll suck at it. And, I definitely despise sucking at anything.
There are all those eyes again. Can’t they give it a rest, and let the new girl find a seat without boring a hole through her head with laser glares? Shit, I almost wish I were sick like I used to be so I could skip this class. Where’s a massive allergy attack when you need one?
Of course, it’s my continued bad luck that the only empty seat is in the center of the classroom at a table I’ll have to share. At least I know the person I’ll be sitting next to. It’s none other than Eden, who doesn’t even bother to greet me when I take a seat. I don’t really expect a greeting since I’ve been informed that being seen with a freak like me is bad for anyone’s image. I know I can’t expect any help of any kind from him. He’s made that perfectly clear, so I hope there’s no trouble in this class.
The whispers and rolling eyes continue behind my back until the teacher finally decides to make an entrance. His terrifying gaze shuts the whole class up. He lets his eyes wander over each individual student, seeming to dare them to speak or move. His steely stare settles on me, and I know this isn’t going to go well.
I don’t look him in the eye. I make myself as small as possible, slinking down in my chair. “Please be invisible. Please be invisible,” I say under my breath. This is what Jak told me to do, but it doesn’t feel as if it’s working.
I turn my eyes toward the far corner of the room, though the teacher’s eyes are burning a hole in my head. There, in the least noticed corner, I spy what can only be considered the most gorgeous man alive. He has bedroom eyes, heart-shaped lips, and just the right amount of scruff on his handsome face. If terror didn’t have a hold on my throat, I’d sigh in ecstasy. I have no idea who he is. He’s young, but he’s definitely not a student.
Bane of Hades (Guardian Academy Book 1) Page 4
