SIX: FIRST DAY

After dinner, my roommates and I began heading to the other block, along with some students, while others stayed behind. As we climbed down to the second flight of stairs, I couldn't help but stare into the hallway, all the lights were back on.

“Walk fast” Daphne called in front of me and I doubled my steps to meet up.

***

Daphne pushed the door open as we entered our room, but Phoebe stayed outside.

“I'll see you guys later” Phoebe muttered in a small voice before walking away.

“What's that about?” I asked Daphne who shut the door.

“Learn not to be nosy, it'll help” she scolded and I looked down embarrassed. “You'll have to keep a low profile, so people won't be too interested in you” She warned.

“I know” I replied, I was a little annoyed at her tone but I had no idea what she was and I knew she was just caring for me.

I sighed and tossed myself onto the bed, my bones creaked and my muscle ached and soon I embraced the darkness and slept, dreaming of monsters trying to eat me, dark scary halls and piercing grey eyes.

…..

The next morning I woke up early and had my bath quickly. Thankfully I had no weird encounters in the bathroom.

I wore a top and a pair of jeans before hurrying to the headmistress’ office. I needed to get my uniform before the assembly started.

I wanted to ask Daphne what time assembly was, but she was still asleep when I left the room and Phoebe wasn't back yet.

I briskly walked up to the door. Taking in a deep breath, I raised my hand and knocked, once then twice.

“Come in” the lady's voice inside called and I turned the knob before coming into view.

“You're the only one I'm expecting at this hour” the secretary says before pulling out a nylon bag.

“It has your uniform, sports wear and pajamas” she said and I gratefully accepted it before spying into the bag.

Pajamas?

No one was wearing pajamas yesterday, though I did notice a few people in similar clothing.

After thanking the woman again, I left her office, quickly heading to my room to change before going to the assembly.   

I heard voices outside and rushed down the stairs I had come through yesterday evening, everyone was lined up. It seems like there's some kind of order to it. Once again I couldn’t help but feel like I was being watched and I caught the glance of a shadow, just like when Daphne had told me the truth.

“Avery!” A familiar voice called  and I turned in that direction. Speak of the devil or should I say monster. Daphne takes large strides towards me and soon she is at my side.

She suddenly pulled me close to herself, her grip strong. “Vampires and Dhampirs are at the end of the line to my left” she whispered and pulled back before walking away.

I was still shaken by the whole news and my dream yesterday did nothing but add more terror. I dragged my feet across the ground making my way to the line, and just like Daphne said there are a bunch of pale looking people, who didn't bother with my existence.

I stand behind them and that's when I notice they are oddly tall, including the girls.

“Good morning students” a voice called and I can only assume it's the headmistress as I can't see what is in front of me. 

“Today, I expect you all to be seated in class,no loitering in the halls and especially in the forbidden building, your classes today will hold till noon” the lady said rather sternly.

Forbidden building?

“Good morning students, just as you know we the dragons will be taking over as sports executives, sports resumes on Saturday” a piercing voice said and I recognised it immediately.

“Anthem” Someone called and suddenly they all began to sing a strange song and I just lip-synced along. 

Soon the assembly is dismissed and everyone begins to scatter. Someone bumped into me and I staggered but didn't fall.

I walked in the crowd and made my way successfully into the hall and released a sigh of  relief, but just as I'm about to take another step, I'm suddenly pushed and I topple over about to fall but I'm caught by an arm. I swallow hard, my head would have crashed on the ground.

I looked up to say thank you, but no one is there and the arm that caught me feels like a phantom. Some people give me weird stares and I begin to walk quickly.

I pulled out my class schedules and headed towards my first class of the day, it's at class 5.

I walked up the stairs and came to the second floor and my hands began to tremble on their own. The hall seemed normal, all the lights on and students buzzing around.

I try to convince my feet to move while assuring myself last night was a one time incident.

I walk smartly making my way to the door of class 5 and I hear the voice of the professor inside.

Shit I was late. 

I took a deep breath before opening the door.

“That was how the dragons came to…..” the professor pauses when he hears the door open.

“I don't tolerate late coming” he sighed tiredly, placing his book on the table, his eyes yet to meet mine.

“I'm sorry sir” I began to apologise and he turned to look at me, about to say something but he stopped.

He stared at me wide eyed, and soon his countenance began to fall. His eyes hold something looking like regret and his eye brows furrowed.

“It won't happen again sir” I apologised bowing my head, not knowing if the teachers were monsters as well and what kind of punishment students received.

“Celest?” He called one of the students in the class.

I hear footsteps and I find my professor's shoes in front of me. I gently raised my head and he's still staring at me. I stare back confused by the look in his eyes. Had I done something to him? I only came late. I guess he really hated it. 

“Sir I….”

“Celest” he called again, this time looking at me and I froze in confusion.

“I'm Avery sir…..” I replied and he watched me as if waiting for me to clarify, he looked disappointed before moving back.

“I haven't seen you in my class before” he cleared his throat and I watched as he adjusted his glasses.

Even the professors here were handsome. He stood tall and was dressed in black and white, his shirt clinging to his muscles. 

“It's my first day sir” I muttered and he nodded, not looking at me.

“Introduce yourself to the class” he ordered and I took a deep breath before facing my class and they stared back at me.

“I'm Avery Martins, nice to meet you all” I said softly.

“What are you?” Someone shouts from the crowd and I looked up to see the weird girl from the bathroom with her legs crossed on her desk.

“I'm a Dhampir” I replied and turned to the professor who was still staring at me and he suddenly looked away.

Part of the class bursts out laughing. “That explains so much” the girl cackled and their laughter seemed to annoy me.