I gripped the phone harder to stop myself from crying as I listened to Ian talk about random things.
It was Tuesday morning and I decided to skip school breakfast and go to the administration office to call home.
".... and then she's like acting like I'm the problem, I told her to do whatever she wants, how am I the problem? Whatever, how are you? " He asked for the hundredth time.
" I miss you, idiot. " I said.
" Awww poor munchkin, I miss you more. " He said.
" Are you sure you're fine. You barely said two sentences since you called. " He asked softly.
" I... I am. " I said.
" What's wrong? Do I need to kick me to someones ass? " He asked and I rolled my eyes.
" I don't need you to kick butts for me, I can get it done myself. " I said.
" Yeah. I know. " I could tell he was smiling.
" You will be alright, Coco. " He said.
" I am alright. "
" You're not. Not right now. But whatever it is, I know you. You'll figure it out.
Just be safe.. " he said.
I nodded even though he couldn't see me.
" I love you, lil sis." He said before ending the call.
He's right.
I am better than this.
Stepping out, I wiped my face, pulled out my mirror and reapplied my lipgloss.
I smiled at my reflection.
" It's on, Xavier Cage."
******
Sighing for the hundredth time, I decided to close my book and take a break just one exercise left to complete the assignment but I was stuck again.
I've been in the library since third period and it was almost recess.
My red eyes mystery! This would be a good time to search for answers.
Standing up, I walked to the history section checking the shelves for anything interesting.
There was Ancient History, medieval History, World History, Fantastical History?
I picked out a few books and sat down to read.
Thirty minutes later, I found nothing strange or unusual.
This is pointless.
I sighed.
I'm not giving up so easily. I picked up the book on the history of Mount olives and re read for the fifth time.
The school was old, been around since the early 1800s according to the book.
I scanned through the pictures of buildings and scenery. The first senior students to graduate from the school in 1818.
The photos were not old and unclear.
Just then something caught my eye,
Four among the seniors were, Aaron Hansen, Jason Brown, Derek O'Brien, Ricardo Cage.
Could it be a coincidence that they had the same last names with four members of the fantastic five?
Maybe, but I wrote down the names.
If only I could see the photos clearly, I flipped to next page it was mostly photos of activities that took place in the school, I scanned it thoroughly hoping to find something.... there was nothing unusual.
Maybe I'm just being silly.
Anybody could have those last names. Or... Or the 1818 seniors were relatives of the boys!
That must be it.
"Ugggh...." I groaned in frustration, the girl seated close to me glared at me.
" Sorry." I mumbled.
Suddenly, something caught my eye. It was a photo of a girl, though in black and white I could tell that she had blonde hair, it looks like it was an accidental photo cause she wasn't looking at the camera, wasn't even the main focus of the picture but I could see her face clearly.
Kiara Jones, or at least an exact replica of her.
Frantic, I flipped the pages aggressively looking for any picture I can find of the girl but there was nothing. She wasn't among the 1818 seniors, she could have been a year younger or something and to find her I might need to check the whole senior yearbooks all the way back to 1818.
Yeah, I'm not doing that.
I brought out my phone and took a picture of the photo.
I flipped through to the founders page, the pictures there were much clearer.
The school was founded by a Feliz Marío Huntsenberg and Damien Alexander Afriel.
Their photo surprisingly wasn't the biggest.
They sat side by side in the picture, looking nothing more than thirty years old.
Hmm, there was the first superintendent of Mt. Olives, the biggest photo, Mr. Gregory Hamilton, he stood proudly, one foot on a bench and his elbow resting on his thigh as his hand supported his face. He had a sadistic looking smile, his facial features hard and his eyes.... Cold.
There was the assistant superintendent, principal, assistant, Dean, Administration and academic officers and Head of departments all dated to the year 2021.
For some reason, I couldn't shake the cold look of Gregory Hamilton's eyes, they were, soulless, almost murderous....
I looked at the next superintendent, pascal Hawkins, same eyes, the next one, same eyes and the next and the next up to the present one. Xavier MacMillan. They were all different people but with the same sinister smile and cold eyes.
Coincidence?
Just then, the bell rang for recess.
I rubbed my eyes and stood up, taking the book with me. Something was going on and I'm definitely gonna find out what.
" I'm sorry Miss but this book cannot be checked out." The librarian told me.
" Why?"
" School rules, Miss." He said taking it from my hand.
What kind of absurd rule is that.
I pursed my lips and walked out of the library.
Now if I thought everything was a coincidence before, not anymore. There is definitely something suspicious about this school, I know it!
But what is it? How is all this even related to the red eyed students?
Suddenly, I bumped into something hard, losing my balance and falling backwards.
I didn't hit the ground as I was enveloped by two strong arms and the most amazing scent ever. I knew it was him but somehow wished it wasn't. I can't deal with him right now.
I opened my eyes...
Fuck my life.
" You should be more careful, my love." He said.
I quickly stood straight and moved away from him.
" Like you care if anything happens to me." I say. He frowned a bit but didn't say anything.
" You were in there for three hours." He spoke.
" Yeah... I was doing Mr Pierce's impossible assignment." I said.
Stalker much?
Should I ask him for help with the assignment?
I mean he's only the best student in Mt olives maybe... No! Bad idea.
" Come on let's get lunch." He said, taking my hand in his, my breath hitched a little but I hid it well.
" Don't pull me." I murmured and he slowed his pace.
" Coco! Hi." I heard Paris's voice and I turned to wave at her with a smile as we walked on, she walked towards us.
" Hey. What's up." I greeted .
" I'm good. How are you coping, are you finished." She was referring to the assignment.
I shook my head, her eyes went down to mine and Xavier's joined hands she look at him.
" Johnson." He greeted then she looked at me as if to say 'you better start explaining.'
" Paris.... Xavier and I are dating." I said with a false smile.
" Obviously... Awwwn I'm so happy for you.." she beamed.
" Aren't you two the hottest couple in campus!" She says.
"I'll go get you lunch." Xavier said firmly before leaving.
" Hmmm" I answered.
" Okay ,Coco." Paris smiled and I tried my best to make my smile as genuine as I could.
********