Fragile Pathways

Chapter One

Ariadne nodded, shaking her hand as well. She shifted her weight on to her left leg and ran her hand through her brown hair. It was a nervous habit for her, and she was nervous. Extremely.

"So, Ariad," Black, or Nick, said, directing her attention back to the students, "where do you live?"

She froze for a second. Where did she live? "I, uh, don't quite know."

"We live about ten minutes east of the school," Katherine supplied. "Just down the road."

"So, we may live near you?" Hunter asked. Katherine provided the address and a look of recognition passed across the twin's face. "You're Erich's fiancée!" 

Katherine's head fell forward, her hand flying to her head. "That... would be me."

Ariadne widened her eyes, looking to her mother. "Fiancée? I thought he was just your boyfriend!"

Katherine looked up, having the decency to at least look apologetic. "We were going to tell you once you got settled in. It just happened a week ago. When we were preparing your room."

"Nice going, Hunt," Nick hissed at his brother.

"Thanks, Mum," Ariadne huffed, running a hand through her hair again. Her hazel eyes shone with anger. An engagement was a big step in a relationship and she couldn't even tell her daughter?

"I'm sorry," Hunter provided.

"Don't be," Ariadne shook her head, "thank you."

"Well," Mr. Longo clapped his hands together. "Shall we head towards the concert? I'm sure the students can take Ms. Carter to the auditorium while the teachers and yourself get acquainted, Mrs. Carter?"

"That sounds wonderful," Katherine nodded. Mr. Longo gestured for the four teenagers to leave.

They walked the halls, silently until they turned the corner, until Hunter spoke up. "I really am sorry," he sighed.

"Hunter, I don't mind. Thank you. My mum may mind, but I don't. So, where do you live, then? In relation to me?"

"We live across the street from Erich," Nick offered. "If you'd like we can give you rides to and from school. We have first and last period with you."

"That would be wonderful," she nodded in thanks. She turned to the other girl walking at her side. "Erin, correct?"

"Yes," the girl smiled. Her eyes were a deep brown, nearly black color, shining with mirth. With a simple look at her anyone would be able to tell she was a generally happy person. "I'm in the most classes with you, apparently. All but two. Pre-calculus and chemistry. I have them flipped as opposed to you."

Ariadne nodded. "And what about you two?"

"Every class of yours you're stuck with at least one of us," Hunter grinned, wiggling his eyebrows. "We're only both in your first, last, and lunch."

"What are my first and last class?" She murmured, looking at her schedule.

"English is first," Hunter nodded.

"Then economics-"

"-and then a free period."

"After that is chemistry, and then lunch."

"Next is psychology, and then law."

"And then pre-calculus!"

"I feel like you two know too much about me," Ariadne muttered, earning a smile from the three walking with her.