VIII

~Unknown~

I do my homework, and I do it well. I found the registration office in a short amount of time. I swallow the disgusting liquid I got from an acquaintance. It’s something I’ve used in the past, but I hate using it when I do.

It’s a potion that doesn’t last too long, but allows me to distort my looks. I have no idea what people see when they look at me, but it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that they don’t recognize my actual face. The fact is that I’m highly recognizable, so I need to do everything possible to keep my identity under wraps.

I open the office door and walk up to the counter. “What are you doing here?” I lean forward and give her my best smile.

“I was hoping we could go out tonight. I told you I wanted to get to know you.” She smiles shyly at me, and I swallow the bile threatening to come up. I put a bag on the counter, making sure I maintain eye contact. “Where is everyone?”

“They are on lunch. I fill in while they are out and then I leave later. I have a later class.” I push the bag forward, watching her eye catch the bag.

“I got you something. I want you to wear it. You’ll look amazing in it.” She slowly reaches for the bag, looking inside. I watch her eyes light up, and I internally roll my eyes. I figured this would be the reaction. It’s actually kind of pathetic.

“I have twenty more minutes and then I’ll change.” I lean in farther, making sure to catch her eye.

“Change now.” I put authority into my voice, making it impossible for her to deny me. She hesitates briefly before pulling the bag off the counter and walking off. I waste no time hopping over the counter and moving to the computer she was sitting at. I’ve dabbled in many tech subjects and have become fairly savvy. It’s helped me keep tabs on my little flower in the past.

I type into the system, keeping an eye on the hallway where she disappeared. It takes me a while, but I finally find what I’m looking for. Akia Bradshaw; interesting that she changed her name. I’m sure that’s part of the reason why it was so hard to find her.

I pull up her class schedule and quickly take a picture of it with my phone. I dig through the dormitory information and find what I’m looking for there. I need the RN, so I know who to visit. I take a picture of her information as well, a plan already forming in my mind.

I exit out of everything, leaving the computer exactly how I found it. I hop over the counter and stroll out of the office. I need to find Marina so I can get closer to my mate.

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It’s been days since I got my information, and I’ve been following Marina. I finally found a good time to approach her. I have Akia in my sights, but there’s no need to go after her yet. She has nowhere to go, so there’s no rush.

I swallow the liquid again and clench my eyes shut to weather the taste. I’m going to have to tell them to make it taste better. I’m not sure how they’d do it, but I really hate this taste. I take a deep breath and rush forward to the door of the coffee shop. I bump into her, wrapping my arms around her to keep her steady. “I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, just spilt my coffee.” I put a sad look on my face, making sure to balance her.

“You have to let me make it up to you. Please, let me replace your drink.” She turns her head and looks at me. She nods, and I hold the door open, watching her walk back inside. It’s time to work my magic, and I have a limited time to do so.

~Akia~

It was definitely all in my head. It’s been days since I came home, and I thought that someone had been in my room. There has been nothing else since then: no more visits, and there’s been nothing amiss around campus. I guess stress is starting to get to me.

Matt and I have been seeing each other more often. It’s been nothing major, just coffee dates and studying. As terrified as I am, I’m enjoying getting to know Matt better. It’s such a great guy, and I’m cautiously optimistic.

I sigh and kick off my shoes as soon as I get to my room. I drop my bag onto the couch and slump down next to it. The dorm room isn’t typical. I guess the norm is a room with a bed and a closet on each side. The rooms here are a little more than that.

When you walk into the room, you are dumped into a living area. We have a couch, a chair, and a television. There’s a small kitchenette, nothing you can do any real damage in. On each side of the room are doors that lead to our separate bedrooms. We have a bathroom between the rooms, and each of us has a door in our room that leads to the bathroom.

Our room isn’t luxurious or anything; all the rooms are like this. I like the space that we have in the dorm room. It feels like a mini-apartment. I kick my feet up and let my body relax. Classes have been taxing lately, but it will all be worth it in the end.

There’s a knock on the door, causing me to groan. I really don’t want to get up right now, I’m too comfortable. Thankfully, I hear keys in the door, so whoever just knocked is being let in by Esme. I hear voices, upbeat and happy.

My body is rocked when Esme plops on top of me. “Hey girl. How was your day?”

“It would be a lot better if you’d get off me.” She leans over and kisses my forehead before getting up. “Who was at the door?”

“Just me.” I scramble to sit up, finding Matt settling into the chair. I smile, trying to duck my head. “Sorry I didn’t call first, but my evening freed up and I was hoping that you’d let me take you to dinner.” I take Matt in, loving his black slacks and navy blue shirt. The sleeves are folded up to his elbow, revealing his strong arms. My mouth goes dry as I look at the man in front of me. “Well?” I slowly stand to my feet.

“Let me change.”