I entered the classroom. Raina and her two girls wore smartass expressions that I just wanted to kick off their faces.
“Come sit.” Mr Farley gestured to the only empty seat in the class.
I held my head high and walked to the opposite side of the room and sat next to a cute boy. Eli walked in after me and all the girls gasped and the boys stared in envy.
“Do you mind if i watch, sir?” Eli asked with such formality it was sexy.
“Not at all, Mr De Luca, please, come in.”
Eli walked and leaned against the back wall with his arms folded. I watched as the girls forced their eyes from Eli and back to the old teacher at the front.
“Hi, I’m Rylan,” said the boy next to me.
I looked at him; his eyes were as blue as ice and his hair was dark, so it made them 'pop' even more.
“Ruby,” I replied.
“That's pretty.”
“Thanks.” I tried to focus on whatever Mr Farley was saying, but Rylan's cologne kept taking my mind elsewhere.
“So you’re new, huh?”
“Have you seen me before?”
“Well played. No, I haven't.” He laughed.
“Ruby, would you care to explain why?” asked Mr Farley.
I froze and glanced around at all the staring faces; I glanced back at Eli, who was highly amused at my embarrassment.
“I… I… uh, I don't know,” I muttered.
“No, of course you don't, and you aren’t going to find the answer gazing into Mr Pascacio’s eyes. Look at your text book. Thank you,” he announced.
I died from embarrassment in my chair. Moments later, the bell rang, perfect timing; I had to get out of this class.
“For the record, Ruby, you can gaze at me anytime.” He chuckled.
“Lucky me.”
I grabbed my bag and left the room. The cool air hit my red cheeks and cooled them down.
I tried to walk as fast as I could; I was too embarrassed to talk to Eli and too upset to talk to Mila. Going straight to my dorm and getting dressed for dinner seems like the best choice.
I pulled the small key from my bag when I reached my door.
“You forgot this,” said Rylan.
I turned. He was holding my textbook firmly in his hand.
“You could have waited until the next class," I informed him.
I couldn’t help but glance nervously around the corridor.
“Relax, no one saw me. Besides, I was only returning your book.” He handed my Botany textbook over to me.
“Thank you, how did you get here so fast? I left before you.”
I gestured for him to come inside. I had my bag in one hand and the key in the other; I couldn’t hold a textbook as well.
“You’re new; you don't know the shortcuts like I do.”
The shadow of Eli’s figure appeared in the door way. “Boys are not allowed in the girls’ dorms.”
I turned abruptly and there he was.
“Right away, Mr De Luca,” said Rylan sarcastically. Rylan winked at me and then left.
“What are you doing, Ruby?” asked Eli
“I was on my way back to my dorm to get ready for dinner and he appeared. He had my Botany book. I had my bag in one hand and I was unlocking the door with my other hand…” I explained.
“That's unacceptable.”
“It’s the truth.” I wasn't sure if I detected a hint of jealousy in his voice. Either way he was pretty frustrated. “I think I’m old enough to look after myself. You aren't my father,” I protested.
“Dinner is in an hour,” he retorted, with attitude, closing the door loudly.
I felt guilty; my last comment was a low blow. He was only looking out for me and enforcing the rules. I was happy it was Eli that came, anyway, anyone else would have given me detention.
I wanted to make it early to dinner so I could talk to Eli; it bothered me that he was upset with me and I wanted to fix it. I opened my wardrobe and pulled out a strapless, aqua coloured dress. Mila definitely had good taste in clothes. I accessorised the dress with a small pair of peacock earrings and pair of beige flats — they were the best match for my dress.
I opened my door to leave.
“You look amazing,” Mila gasped. Her dress was beautiful, it was long and white, and something you would wear to the beach.
“Thanks to you,” I said awkwardly.
“Can I come in?”
I stepped aside and let her in. An awkward silence hung in the room until she sat on my bed and managed to talk.
“I'm really sorry. It was Raina. After you left with Eli this morning at breakfast, she came over and she promised she’d stop bullying me if I told her where you were from. It was so selfish of me, I know, but she’s picked on me since kindergarten and I felt like I deserved a break.” She sobbed.
Her eyes started getting red-rimmed as a single tear fell down her cheek. I walked over and sat down next to her. I couldn’t hold a grudge. It felt wrong after all she’d done for me.
“It’s okay. It would have gotten out at some point, its high school. You can't keep secrets; might as well get it over with. She isn’t going to stop until you stop giving her ammo to use against you.”
Mila hugged me.
“I am truly sorry.”
“Me too.”
The common room was alive with discussion and laughter. I scanned the room for Eli but he wasn't there. How disappointing. Mila pulled me by the arm and sat us down near Rylan and his friend. My stomach growled as a plate of roast chicken and vegetables was set down in front of us.
“This is Mila,” I said, introducing Rylan to her.
It was funny, I had been at school one day as opposed to Mila, who had been at this school since god knows when, and here I was introducing her to people. Rylan, in return, introduced us to his friend Zavion.
We chatted and laughed over dinner. I had a really good time; it was definitely the highlight of my day, but when dessert rolled around, Raina thought it was her duty to ruin it.
“Where’s your guardian now, Vampire?” she teased. She was sitting a few seats down from Mila and I.
“I don't know, we aren't joined at the hip,” I replied, trying to sound indifferent.
“That's not what I heard.”
My heart sped up a few beats. Here we go; my first rumour. “And what did you hear, Raina?”“That you an Eli were pretty joined at the hips in the cabin,” she trumpeted.
A few people snickered and I swallowed hard, trying to control my anger.
“If you have a problem with me, tell me now or keep your mouth shut.”
Raina smirked; she knew she got to me. “Defensive, much?” She giggled.
“What's going on?” Rylan asked.
“Oh, nothing; just Ruby being a whore, but apparently that's normal.”
I jumped out of my chair but a hand wrapped around my wrist, preventing me from running across the table and kicking her off her chair.
“Ruby,” the voice said firmly.
It was Eli. I didn’t turn to face him, all my attention was on Raina.
“Now, now Raina, play nice. We all know who the biggest whore is, don't we, Zavion?” Rylan sneered.
Zavion and many others started laughing. Raina's face turned red and she leapt from her chair.
“That’s enough!” boomed Mr Aleksandrov all the way from the teachers’ table.
If only a few students were watching before, all eyes were on us now.
“Eli, escort Miss Moore to her dorm. Tay, take Miss Guild to hers, and Jaycee, take Rylan and his friend to theirs.”
A woman stepped away from the wall. I could tell she was a guardian. She wore her incredibly blonde, almost white, hair in a tight bun and her clothes were tight; she looked like she was prepared for a fight at any second.
I was fuming with anger as Eli dragged me from the common room but he didn't direct me to the girls’ dorm. Instead he walked me to the medical block and we sat down on a flight of stairs.
“What are we doing here?” I asked, my tone thick with attitude.
“We can't exactly walk alongside Raina to the dorms; she’ll just upset you more.”
“Let her. She’s in for a rude shock.”
“Ruby, you’re better than that. You don't have to prove yourself to people like her.”
“You don't understand,” I snapped. “She doesn't even know me and she thinks she has the right to even speak my name. No. I won’t stand for it.”
There was a long silence. Eli watched me intently, making the silence seem longer.
“I would like to go to my dorm room now.”
“We’ll leave when you have calmed down.”
I stood up. “I'm not asking for your permission.” I began to walk away.
“Sit down.” I was intimidated by how calm yet threatening he sounded.
I leant up against the wall. I wasn’t completely disobeying him, but I wasn’t full complying, either.
“Why are you so angry over this?” he asked, walking over and coming to a stop in front of me.
I glanced down at my feet, avoiding his eyes. Suddenly I became embarrassed by my outburst.
“I just wanted to start fresh but she is making it difficult… and then she brought you into it, and it upset me because you’ve done so much for me. I didn’t want her to disrespect you.”
He took a few steps closer to me. He was so close I could feel heat radiating off his body and I could smell his alluring cologne. “She’s jealous of you; you’re so strong and confident, despite everything you’ve been through. You’re fierce and caring, and on top of everything you’re—” He paused and inhaled sharply. “So beautiful.”
My heart pounded faster as he traced the back of his hand down my cheek and along my collar bone, leaving tingles in its wake. He stepped forward and I leant backwards slightly, pressing my back firmly against the brick wall.
“Sometimes, I have to look twice at you just to see if you’re actually real. That much beauty is dangerous.”
My breathing intensified as he leaned closer. Was this really happening? He searched my eyes for a sign of hesitation but I wanted this, I wanted him. I pressed my lips slightly against his and his hand traced the shape of my body before resting in the middle of my back. The kiss began slow as we tested new waters, but it intensified rapidly. It became passionate and hungry; we lost our hands in each other’s hair as we urged our lips together. I pulled my lips away; I needed a breather, to clear my head. This was dangerous; I didn’t want to do this to him. If we were caught, he would be in trouble regardless if I started it or not.
Eli turned abruptly, running his fingers through his hair like he was frustrated with himself.
“Eli, I—”
“Let’s go,” he interrupted
“But—”
He shot me an agitated look. It was clear that he wasn’t about to discuss what just happened between us.
The walk back to my dorm was awkward, to say the least. I couldn’t help but glance sideways at him. His face was hard; he was so frustrated with himself. It was dangerous, what we did.
It is forbidden; if the higher power ever found out, Eli would have to kiss his guardian angel life goodbye and he’d be banished to live amongst the humans, powerless and alone.
“Do you have your key?” Eli asked sternly.
I was too consumed in my thoughts to realize we had arrived at my room.
“I left it unlocked,” I muttered.
Eli turned his back to me and headed down the hall.
“Eli… I—”
He turned precipitously, frustration still dominating his features. I couldn’t have this conversation in the hallway, it was too risky. I was going to have to speak with him one on one when I had the chance. He took a few quick paces towards me.
“It was a mistake. It won’t happen again. Ever.” His tone was harsh and quiet. “Goodnight.”
He left.
Panic
The blaring of his clock radio woke me up with a start. I threw the covers back and sat up on the edge of the bed. Bleary eyed, I peered at the clock.
“Six a.m., right on time.”
This morning, I woke up with mixed emotions. Eli and I kissed last night and it was amazing and passionate. Even though he told me when we got to my dorm that it was a mistake and it won't happen again, it did happen, and now I know he feels something for me at least. During the kiss everything just seemed to fall into place and when our lips touched… no words can explain how I felt.
“Are you ready yet?” Mila’s voice echoed through my front door.
Today was Saturday, which meant no classes. Before our night was ruined by Raina and her obscene comments last night, I promised Mila I would go with her to see Sam and Cloud do their fighting assessment. Apparently, every second month, guardian angels in training put their skills to the test, literally. They battled it out to get a good grade. Not only was I excited to look at something other than a textbook, but I’d also get to see Eli.
“I just woke up,” I replied, opening the door and letting her in.
“Well. Get your ass into gear!” she squealed excitedly, forcing me into my bathroom.
A red singlet and baggy jeans seemed appropriate enough. I checked myself over in the mirror once more. My hair was perfectly straight and long, so I let it hang down my back.
“How much longer do you think you’ll be?
“Almost there,” I called, removing the bandage from my wrist.
Yesterday, Eli and I both got bonding tattoos, which enables Eli to feel my emotions and in return, I can feel when Eli is nearby. I examined the tattoo. It was a pretty black feather with a red tinge.