I can’t help but let out a deep sigh. I didn’t belong here, and it was obvious. I hadn’t figured out how I would dodge the questions just yet. Maybe this was an opportunity to find out how much people knew. It was a guess, but I figure Una had her nose in everything here.
“Come on, I can tell there’s a good story behind you.” She jumps up on her bed and lands on her knees.
“Don’t have much to tell, really. I’m pretty boring.” I said, knowing whatever I tell her would probably make the rounds around the school, even if her intentions were good.
“I know you’re not a full-blood. So, how did you manage to get in here?” Her eyes are as wide as her smile at the thought of getting the dirt on me first.
I grin at her enthusiasm. Then my mind drifts off to the envelope in my pocket, and I can’t help but wonder about its contents. Something I couldn’t share with Una, “Is there a bathroom around here?”
“Down the hall, red door on the left.” Una’s body slouches over, and the smile from her face fades. Just as she opens her mouth to speak...
“I’ll be right back.” I jump up and head to the door, not wanting to give her any time to object. This letter was burning a hole in my pocket.
I fling open the door, and enter it to the hallway, closing the door behind me for Una to take the hint. Students are sitting on some comfy lounge chairs in the extra-wide hall. I feel their eyes on me as I walk by. My only thoughts are about Ivor and the letter.
I let myself in the red door and make my way past two girls who are blow-drying their hair in front of the large mirror. The one closest to the door scoffs as me as I pass and leaves the bathroom, but not before she calls me a “mutt.”
I open the stall door to the bathroom, furthest away from the door and lock myself in. I practically rip my jacket trying to get the buttons undone. I reach in and pull the envelope out. It smells like Ivor. I bring it to my nose and take a deep breath in, feeling like I’m twelve again and have a crush on the next-door neighbor. There was something about them being dangerous...
I slowly pull the flap of the envelope open, not wanting anyone to hear. I pull the paper out and open the folds. 12 Valdon Street. Midnight. I flip it back and forth, expecting more. The disappointment doesn’t last long when I realize I could see him again. Tonight.
A loud knock on my stall door breaks my concentration, and I almost drop the letter on the floor. I hadn’t noticed the bathroom grow quiet. I bend over, and the stall next to me is empty. Another loud knock on my stall door – whoever it is, is impatient. That doesn’t narrow it down to anyone in particular.
“Give me a minute,” I yell. I flush the toilet and crumple the paper at the same time, drowning out the noise. I hesitate but then flush it. Once it disappears, my heart resorts back to its regular palpitations.
I open the door, ready to fight if I have too, expecting it to be Alexandra. My mood quickly shifts as I see Una standing there.
“Sorry, Clark is back in our room. He wants to speak with you. He can be very impatient.” Una steps back, perhaps afraid of the warrior look on my face.
“I just have to wash my hands.” I offer her a fake smile and hope I didn’t scare her too much.
“He’s quite smitten with you.” Una jumps up on the counter, full of smiles. The last moment is forgotten.
“It would never work. He’s a wolf.” I blurt out, then regret what I said. Perhaps my opinion of wolves is changing. “And I think you’re reading it wrong.”
“That’s a stereotype,” Una said under her breath. “He’d put his life on the line for you.”
“Why would he need to do that?” I turn the water off and grab the paper towel to wipe my hands.
“Figure of speech. Are you sure you’re okay? I know we can be a lot.” Una jumps down as soon as I pass her and open the door to the hallway.
“I’m fine. Just tired.” I said, as we made our way back to our room. This time the hallway is empty, and there is an eeriness in the air. “I just need a good night sleep.”
I open the door and Clark is pacing the floor. He looks up, and once he sees me, he lets out a big sigh, and his body relaxes.
“I heard about Alexandra. You can’t mess with her. Do what she says.” Clark is clearly annoyed with my lack of listening.
I turn my head as I catch a whiff of his wolf scent. I’d have to let that go. He was here to help me. “I will.” I force myself to face him. Can he tell that I’m lying?
“Stay away from them too,” Clark added, through a tight jaw.
“She understands,” Una said, from behind us, standing up for me.
Clark stands down.
“Quite a day!” I walk past Clark and sit at the top of my bed. I glance at the clock. Ten to eight. “How do we get food around here, anyway?”
“Cafeteria is closed off due to the accident, same as classes were.” Clark sits on the floor, in front of the door.
“Not to worry,” Una smiles, she opens her armoire to reveal a grocery store. “Food sucks around here.” She digs into a cubby and pulls out a plate of frozen wings. She places them on her desk and holds both of her hands over the plate. Within seconds, a ball of energy forms and the wings are smoked
