Secrets Unknown

<-*^Chapter Two^*->

Chapter Two-

Ever since this morning, Chloe has not left me alone. Seriously, I'm not used to having someone around. And that girl just never shuts up! I mean, I guess Hunter can deal with it because he's always silent so her yabbering can make up for it. I'm silent for other reasons: no one converses with me anyway and I have a lot of thoughts spinning in my head. What made matters a lot worse was that Chloe didn't even have a proper opinion. She always either stated the obvious or said something stupid. I know she means well, but can't she just leave or whatever? This whole 'befriending-her-boyfriends-sister' thing is not working out!

Oh, and that's not all either. Since Chloe was immensly popular, all her friends (why does she have so many friends?!) followed me around too. Voicing their equally-dumb opinions that were usually just an echo of Chloe's. I swear if this turned into my life I'd rather live in the mythical world forever. Why, again, did I choose to stay in the human one? Oh, right. Seeking the five other Svalyks in my town. Great.

"So then, she threw the coke at his face and he was totally drenched! I mean, I thought he totally deserved it 'cause he was such a mean pig and all. I guess I should have felt bad for him, but I didn't because did you see what that coke did? Who knew he worked out? His abs showed right through his shirt and I saw him in a different light, you know what I mean?"

No. No I didn't know what she meant. I also had no idea what she was talking about because I had tuned out long ago. Is this seriously what popular girls talk about? It's at moments like this that I'm thankful for being a loner.

"Yeah, totally!" I replied cheerfully. I plastered a fake smile on my face and waved at her enthusiastically, "Well it was just so much fun talking to you Chloe but I really gotta go! See you around!"

"Whoa, not so fast you!" She winked at me. "Don't think I've forgotten about the sleepover!" She waved and walked down the hallway, the rest of her posey following her. And eventually, at long last, they all disappeared and I was alone. Well, really, they were ten metres away but it felt like a breath of fresh air not to have them crowding around me.

"Hey!" Spoke too soon. I turned to see one of the girls smiling shyly at me.

"Hi, there." I replied half-heartedly.

"So we were wondering, could we tag along for the sleepover too? We should totally have a huge bonding session and then we'll become best friends! Wouldn't that be awesome!?"

I stared at her as I mentally freaked out, I couldn't do this!

"Uh.. Well, you see, I already told Chloe that I'm really busy this weekend, I've got stuff to do...maybe another time kay?" I tacked on the last part, not wanting to be mean. Her expression dimmed and feeling bad, I turned in Chloe's direction. Looking over her shoulder, I noticed Hunter walking towards us in a steady, calm pace, as if he had all the time in the world.

"Oh look, here comes Hunter. Well, as I said before, I really gotta get going. See you later Chloe." Hopefully not.

I made a beeline to the library where I usually spent my lunch period, relieved at the sensation of not being stared at by Chloe and her minions. I mean, friends. I totally meant friends.

Finally getting comfy in a bean bag with a new book in my lap, I allowed myself a peace of mind. Today wasn't the best day, but at least all that was over now.

"Gemma, read any good books lately?" I looked up to see the library monitor - a girl in my english and biology classes - smiling down at me. Why was everyone suddenly addressing me today? Thanks a lot, Chloe! I can't even have peace on my safe zone.

Before I could answer, the other monitor behind me piped up. "Was that...Grave Doubts you were reading earlier?" Her eyes went wide after she'd uttered the words as if she couldn't believe she was talking. She bit her lip and looked down, which caused my eyebrow to raise.

Nevertheless, my ears perked up at this. Someone who had a worthy opinion! Two people! I cocked my head to face her. "Um, yeah. Why?"

"Oh, well..." Her gaze dropped to her foot which was nervously drawing circles on the carpeted floor with the tip of her black combat boot. This was weird, such a shy, petite girl wearing such huge, badgirl boots? The red and white polka dot dress she wore fit her small frame a lot more. "I've wanted to read it for some time and...I've read the first books and was wondering..."

"Would you like to borrow it?" I smiled kindly, already fishing it out of my backpack. I'd read it far too many times already.

"Yes please!" She squeaked. "Thanks...Gemma, right?"

"Yeah, and you?"

"I'm Belinda." She hugged the book gratefully to her chest. "See you around!" She laughed shakily before waving and turning around, her fingers already opening up the book. She headed to the Media Center which was empty, air-conditioned, quiet and extremely comfortable. It was built specially for Sixth Form (the seniors of the school) to study in and had soundproof windows and sliding doors.

"You can go read in there too, you know." The other monitor offered. "I'm Kirsty."

"Hey Kirsty, yeah I know, but I kinda like the bean bag better." She smiled at me and looked like she was about to say more when the cranky librarian called out her name. She gave me a hurried wave and quickly headed over to the busier section of the library. I sighed, and returned to my book, wondering if I had actually, somehow made new friends. After my three and a half weeks in this school people finally talked to me. Oh gosh, just because a few girls said hi and were borrowing books from me, I thought they were my new buddies? I was seriously starting to doubt my common sense.

But never mind that, oh no of course my sanity being at risk wasn't the worst of my problems. I had only gone through the first few pages of my book before my own name was called by that cranky

"Your presence has been requested in the office." The cranky librarian grumbled. Ever since the first time I met her, one description struck me was  her lips. Her lips were very thin, almost like she didn't have any. I couldn't help my gaze being fixed on her non-existent lips every time she talked, and this time was no different. They seemed completely swallowed by wrinkles. Above them were some tiny wisps of white hair which were under a very small nose. Her eyes were halfway hidden behind a pair of spectacles on the bridge of her nose (it was a wonder they stayed on that voldemort-like nose). "Someone forgot to take their medication."

Medication? I wondered. What medication? Rushing off to the office, it suddenly clicked. Mavis. She was always making all sorts of excuses to get me out of school. But only in emergencies.

I was right, and as I walked to Mavis' car with her by my side I couldn't help but allow my previous thoughts about what it was this time to return. I soon found ot when Mavis placed a metal object in my palm. "For protection." She whispered, and that was all I needed. With a slight nod of understanding, I slid the object into my pocket. This could only mean danger was on it's way.

I hurried off to the bathroom where I discovered what the object was: a necklace. Not just any necklace, a crescent-moon-and-star type. I slung it over my neck and tucked it in my top so it was invisible. Protection, her hushed tone kept repeating in my mind. Protection? Oh, gosh, what was I up against?