Lucia.
"Seems you did that on purpose. Huh." I say to the ridiculously looking stranger who was unable to keep eye contact.
"I'm sorry. I didn't see the bag." I heard him finally say. And I pressed my lips and pinched my eyebrows giving a sharp glare. The stranger remained mute, unable to alter more words but lowered to pick my bag stretching to give it to me. Our eyes lurked. I saw a spark of light in her eyes and for a brief moment I felt a cold sensation on my feet. I paid little to no attention to it. The smell of fresh buttered bread wafted through my nostrils. So strong, like a comforting cloak. I saw her forehead bright in the light. Her nose squeezed like something had assaulted her nostrils. She tried to catch her breath, battling with the smell. I guessed a sweet metallic scent but quickly shoved it off, slapping myself back to reality.
"I'm sorry…here is your backpack." I heard the fellow say calmly. And
I hesitated, scanning her outfit for what felt like the umpteenth time. Something was off, but I couldn't say what it was. My eyes flashed to the car beside the stranger. Everything contradicted itself so I grabbed my bag. My stomach is twisting in irritation.
"I'm…Dianna. And I'm a new student." The words finally left her mouth so I paused, my eyes sizing her from head to toe. Her shoes screamed luxury but the clothes were a bit off. They lacked proper ironing.
"So what do you want me to do?" I say sarcastically. My fingers wrapped around my waist. But she didn't say a word. I noticed the trembling of her fingers beneath her dress. And the unsteadiness of our gaze. She walked past me immediately, her body closing into her skin.
My wolf, Zinab, tried to speak but I shut it up. This wasn't the time to tell me anything. But Zinab wasn't backing out. She pressed further, my veins growing weak. And my eyes are unsteady. I tried to overshadow its unrelenting urge by pinning my feet to the ground and shifting a step backwards but every attempt proved abortive.
"She's the one!" Zinab finally choked out. And instantly I regained myself then scanned the surrounding for any trace of Dianna but found no one. She was gone. I didn't understand what my wolf meant because she was the one. I shut my ears, waiting to hear Zinab speak again. But nothing, not even a sound. I swallowed hard, exhaling deeply as I grabbed my backpack with my fingers supporting the rope by the side then pushed my feets to move.
For every step I made, the face of Dianna showed in front of me. And everything blurred in my very eyes. I couldn't understand what my wolf was trying to say and this made every nerve in me rise in anguish.
Growing up Zainab had always been my close self companion. We always chat in the middle of the night, during weak moments and whenever I need help. And even up to now. I don't joke with her. Yes at times she could be overwhelmed and think things too deeply but I still loved my wolf regardless. Many of my friends say I'm lucky to have had my shift before eighteen. I was seventeen at the time and was already almost a year with Zainab. She's been a great inner wolf. I mean..I couldn't ask for the best if not her.
Elena's girl's academy was a dream come true for me. I've always dreamt of being here even if I never told my parents about it. I remember leaving the pack that coronation night. I just couldn't stand the sight of being mated to an ill- mannered bully. Alpha Kingsley was never and will never be my mate. And before the elders or luna goddess could proceed with the other rituals I had already fled the premises. And there, Zainab spoke for the first time. I remember how she helped me cross the borders between the Bluehost pack and our pack. But on my way of escape that night. I met Sonia, who was heading towards Elena girl's academy. She went clubbing and from her car, you could tell that was her school. She stopped and picked me up. We got to the school and since then for two semesters now, we've been close friends sharing lockers and bedspace.
One thing about Elena girl's academy was the way they train their girls. To be fearless, strong and optimistic. It was a martial arts school primarily focused on learning and martial skills. Sonia would tell me how the rogue wolves attacked the school some years ago and killed a couple of them.
Many claimed it was a school to keep runaway mates and maltreated omegas who come back for revenge after acquiring martial skills and learning about leadership. Though these were people's perfections and beliefs but it still stood fresh in my head. Elena girl's academy was that school for a girl's girl. Everyone was safe in here. Some slaves even get pregnant,run into Elena girl's academy to keep their babies. Their babies are trained and kept ready to fight. Most return back to their pack to take what rightfully belongs to them. Others stay back to safeguard the school. It is safe to say the school was a voice for the weak omegas, cursed and rejected lunas and even humans. They all come in on common grounds, striving and coping together. We were always ready to tear down any Alpha spotted or any male seen hovering around the school premises.
I got into my room, the hostel was quiet. Everyone had left for a social gathering. I had to settle in just right. Sonia was in the kitchen. Before me, was a delicious oatmeal and freshly made coconut juice. My favourite. I smiled at her. But the image of the stranger, Dianna, still lingered in my head.
"Whoa…uh.. this is great." I say to Sonia.
"Enjoy, I made it specially for you." Her eyes blinked with something uncertain and she stared back at her. I noticed she was trying to say something but before I could ask, she already choked out.
"Who was she?" Her neck twisted to the side, her body posture shifted slightly.
"Mm… you mean the person I was talking with outside by the gate entrance?"
She nodded and I adjusted myself to the chair, clearing my throat briefly.
"Um, nothing much. She's a new student. And she stepped on my backpack and that's it. There's nothing going on between us. Cos..I barely know her." My hands were trembling slightly and my feet grew cold.
"I didn't say there was something going on between you both. I only asked."
My breathing became steady and my posture calm. Sonia could really snap out at any time. That was her own flaw I didn't like.
"So where's she? Wouldn't you want to introduce me to her?" I heard her say and my spoon hung in the air, our eyes fixed at each other.
"Um,Uh… sure. But I don't know where she is right now." I finally broke the silence but Sonia remained calm, watching me closely.
"Is anything okay?"
"Um… yeah.." I nodded but she pressed her lips. But I just couldn't maintain eye contact.
"Eat up. It's almost time for our martial art training. The bell will ring in a few minutes." She said as she stood from the bed folding my clothes and hers. I paused,my breath returning to normal. And just then, a soft knock was heard on our door.