“GOD, I FEEL LIKE dying..." I groaned as I sat down at a table in the far back of the cafeteria. It was my friends and I's signature table, if you will. Luca had literally scared off some Sophomores in our freshman year to get the table - not the nicest way to ask for the secluded table, but what works works.

Someone plopped in the seat next to mine. "Dying? Shouldn't you be at the hospital then?" My eyes shot open as I recognized the owner of the singsong voice. Who else do I know with such a happy-go-lucky voice? I don't hang around the happiest of people.

"Catherine?" I asked, knowing the answer. I shuffled around to face her while still laying my head against the hard surface. I saw her grin down at me, eyes shining in the rays of sunlight.

"Yep!" Catherine cheered, still smiling. I offered her a meek smile in return (although, she couldn't see it with my mouth covered up by my arm...). Catherine, after endless staring - which she seemed to do a lot - looked behind her, her happy grin shifting mischievous. I cocked an eyebrow at the gesture and couldn't help myself from seeing what she was looking at.

I bit my lip in annoyance. Great, just great. I should have known that if I fed one cat, the others were sure to follow. There, just entering the cafeteria, was none other than the newest addition to our school. People surrounded them like flies, some trying to start conversations and others gawking, much like the rest of the cafeteria. I would also be caught gawking, if not for the harsh fact that I would be their new seatmate during lunch. It was awful enough to smell them the entire time during class (not to mention their odd antics), but now I couldn't even enjoy my food in peace.

Wait, hold that thought. Eat? Eat what exactly? I was so excited about eating lunch that it didn't even occur to me. Can I eat human food still? There was only one way to find out. Pushing myself off the table with my hands, I got up just as the two new guys say down across from me.

"Where are you going?" Said Catherine in a frantic. I looked to her, catching that same gaze in her eyes. It was indecipherable. I couldn't tell what she was saying through her eyes like I could with Avery and Victor.

The other two also looked at me, somehow matching that same, peculiar look in their eyes.

I gave Catherine a quizzical look. "Where? To get food." Where else would I be going, anyways? I can't just back out of my promise to sit with her, might as well suck it up.

Heh, suck.

This time, the smaller boy - Jaymes, was it? - spoke up. Rather quickly, too. "F-Food? Why are you—" the ravenette next to him jabbed him in the ribs, cutting off his jittery trail of questions. I still caught onto what he was implying.

"Why not? It's lunch, isn't it?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him. What was he insinuating, that I was fat? The nerve of that guy.

Jaymes must've seen the look on my face because the next second he spluttering out all kinds of apologies - in different languages, too. "S-Sorry..! I didn't mean.. Gomenasai..! Lo siento, lo siento!" He would have kept going if the other guy didn't smack the nap of his neck, causing him to rub it and now direct his sorries to the his friend.

I was dumbstruck. Jaymes sure had... character, I guess. I laughed nervously, weirded out as I said, "uh, it's okay. I'm gonna go get some food—" because I really need to test my theory out, "—but do you guys wanna come with?"

Catherine smiled. "No thanks," she paused, "go ahead. We already ate before we came here, so we'll just stay here."

I nodded. "Okay." I went to the lunch line and stopped halfway when I realized I'd forgotten something. "Oh, and, if two other people show up, they're my friends. They might try to... scare you away." I could imagine it now. Victor walking up to the table and seeing a stranger sitting there. he would starts to puff his chest out and stride to them like some kind of gangster with a loose temper; which was partially right, he did have a loose temper, but he was nowhere near close to a gangster.

Jaymes laughed at me. "As if he could scare us," he probably meant to whisper that to himself, but now that I had super hearing, it was as clear as speaking was. I gave him a questioning look but offered him no response as I turned my back to him. I really wanted to test my new theory out, and what but a better chance than now? Although, maybe testing this out in front of new (and suspicious) people isn't the best idea.

Me knowing me, I was impatient as hell. If I had an idea - maybe something like a book idea - then I would act as soon as possible.

I picked out which of the two lunches I wanted and walked back to our table. I only got a few things today, since, by just the smell, wasn't as hungry anymore and it would just be wasted on me. So, I just got mashed potatoes and two chicken wings. Very easy, very simple. And hopefully, very good.

I saw that Avery and Victor were now seated in their usual spots. Avery to my left and Victor to hers. As far as I could tell, they all seemed to be getting along with each other. I smiled when I saw that Avery had a real smile for the first time today, finally washing away the painted one. Maybe I'm judging these new kids too hard, if Avery and, hell, if Victor is making friends with them, then what was holding me back?

The fact that I'm a vampire? Was that it, though?

Nevertheless, I managed to smile when Catherine caught me walking towards them. "Yay, she's back!" She squealed happily, latching onto my arm as I sat down. Wow, she's acquainted fast. In the corner of my eyes, as Catherine clung to my side, I saw both Victor and Avery roll their eyes at each other, passing a message through looks.

I nicely got Catherine off my side so I could have elbow space. When she obliged, I decided that it was now or never. I made eating seem like a big deal when it I nodded. "Okay." I went to the lunch line and stopped halfway when I realized I'd forgotten something. "Oh, and, if two other people show up, they're my friends. They might try to... scare you away." I could imagine it now. Victor walking up to the table and seeing a stranger sitting there. he would starts to puff his chest out and stride to them like some kind of gangster with a loose temper; which was partially right, he did have a loose temper, but he was nowhere near close to a gangster.

Jaymes laughed at me. "As if he could scare us," he probably meant to whisper that to himself, but now that I had super hearing, it was as clear as speaking was. I gave him a questioning look but offered him no response as I turned my back to him. I really wanted to test my new theory out, and what but a better chance than now? Although, maybe testing this out in front of new (and suspicious) people isn't the best idea.

Me knowing me, I was impatient as hell. If I had an idea - maybe something like a book idea - then I would act as soon as possible.

I picked out which of the two lunches I wanted and walked back to our table. I only got a few things today, since, by just the smell, wasn't as hungry anymore and it would just be wasted on me. So, I just got mashed potatoes and two chicken wings. Very easy, very simple. And hopefully, very good.

I saw that Avery and Victor were now seated in their usual spots. Avery to my left and Victor to hers. As far as I could tell, they all seemed to be getting along with each other. I smiled when I saw that Avery had a real smile for the first time today, finally washing away the painted one. Maybe I'm judging these new kids too hard, if Avery and, hell, if Victor is making friends with them, then what was holding me back?

The fact that I'm a vampire? Was that it, though?

Nevertheless, I managed to smile when Catherine caught me walking towards them. "Yay, she's back!" She squealed happily, latching onto my arm as I sat down. Wow, she's acquainted fast. In the corner of my eyes, as Catherine clung to my side, I saw both Victor and Avery roll their eyes at each other, passing a message through looks.

I nicely got Catherine off my side so I could have elbow space. When she obliged, I decided that it was now or never. I made eating seem like a big deal when it really wasn't, but I suppose, for me, it was somewhat of a big deal. If I could manage to eat this and feel replenished, this would change a lot of future things.

"You gonna eat that?" Avery asked, munching on dried fruit she brought from home. She can't buy school lunch, so she brings some weird food from home every day, each food weirder than the last. I’m known to be an extremely picky eater, and knowing this, Avery would steal my school lunches. Since, she couldn’t get her own. It was a win-win situation for the both of us but today, that rule did apply.

Frowning apologetically, I said, “sorry, Aves, feelin’ kinda sick today, I think I’m going to try to eat something.” Ignore the pouty face, Genevieve. Ignore it. Avery, still pouting, went back to eating her sad food choice, munching sadly. I sighed, feeling bad. She was probably counting on me for lunch, too. Just this once won’t matter.

Ignoring the building guilt, I dug a spoon into the mashed potatoes and brought the plastic to my lips. Immediately, I knew my plan was trashed. The smell – that God-awful, revolting smell – stung my nose like ice, causing my face to scrunch up in dismay. Holy Hell, now I know what that nasty smell was when I entered the Cafeteria; it was their food.

Gulping, I took a bit of the food, failing to notice three sets of eyes staring at me as I did. The instant (and I mean the very instance the food hit my tastebuds), I spat it back out. A nasty feeling swarmed in my stomach, the same feeling I felt after I feasted upon Luca earlier today. Disgust.

“Heh.”

My heart froze by the sound of laughter. It was quiet and almost inaudible, but I could hear the mockery in the laugh. Almost as if they expected this reaction.

I looked up from the repulsive food and, instead of seeing amused faces, I saw confusion and concern. I cast the looks away for a second, knowing that I heard the laugh come from the oh-so silent and mean-looking Rintaro. He was looking back at me, his eyes monochrome. Were my ears playing tricks on me..?

“Jesus Gen! What was that for? I literally felt your spit on my arm,” Avery drawled out in a gross tone.

“What?” I asked her, putting my spoon down with a sad frown. Guess human food is a big, fat no.

“What?! Whaddya mean, ‘what?’! You literally just spat your food on my arms!” Cried Avery, wiping her arm with a napkin aggressively. I pouted in response.

“But it was nasty,” I whined, pushing my tray towards Rintaru’s space, and lying my head back to the table. “I just wanna eat..!” My whining was never-ending, apparently. I was upset by this point. Being able to eat human food with my friends was my last chance at humanity and I couldn’t even have that anymore. I hoped that maybe, if I could eat the same things I used to, then I wouldn’t be such a monstrosity.

There was no going back and doubting myself now. I’m a vampire and could no longer call myself a human being. Especially not after Luca.

“What? So you really are sick?” Avery hummed. She was sipping on Luca’s chocolate milk. “I just thought you were lying.”

“And why would I lie about food?” I huffed in irritation. I always gave her my food, why’s she so upset about just this once of not giving in?

Avery chucked. "I don't know, you've been lying a lot lately. You tell me." I stiffened in my seat. I felt her and Vic's eyes set straight on me, looking at me like a stranger. "You never lie. Never could lie, actually."

I fiddled with my spoon, playing with the disgusting dish while I thought. She was right, I really couldn't lie. At least not to the people close to me. I was easy to read, showing my emotions on my face like a colorful canvas. Even so, there was no way I could ever tell them the truth. Even if I did, they wouldn't believe me. I fear nobody would and then, the next thing I know, I'm in a mental institution for clinical vampirism.

I dropped the fork and gave my best friend's my attention, ignoring the peering gazes of the three strangers. "I know... I know. And, I'm sorry. I've been going through something right now and it's just been messing with my head." It wasn't the full truth, but it was part of it. I didn't lie, just didn't say the whole truth.

Avery went to talk - probably object to my simplification - but Vic was quicker. "What? Wait, what's this about lying, Gen? You two get into another fight without telling me again?" Sighed Vic, rubbing his temples. He was always the one to find out about me and Avery fighting in the most awkwardest positions. Like, he would be trying to hang out after school as a group and play games until he saw the two of us trying to kill each other with our eyes, instantly knocking him off his happy mood.

I shrugged. "I guess."

Avery gasped. "I guess?!"

"Dammit, I wanted to go to the Arcade today too..." Grumbled Vic. "I ain't got no cash to go myself."

Avery hit Vic on the back of the head. "That's what you're worried about?! Games?! Genny is over there keeping some huge secret from us and you wanna play video games, seriously?"

Vic whined at the hit and started soothing his head. He glared at Avery. "Yeah, well some people don't wanna stick their noses in places where it's not wanted. If she even was hiding something, she'll tell us when she's ready."

God, I could've given him the biggest and most bone-crushing hug right now. I knew he would understand. I smiled at him, my smile painted with thanks and guilt. I wish I could tell them. I wish I could get this pain off my chest. I wish I could confess.

I wish.

Wishing was for good people and I no longer fit that category.

Someone cleared their throat. We looked and found it to be Jaymes, who looked awkward and nervous. Shit, I forgot about them.

"Um," he started, "so, how is this school?"

I blinked. Vic blinked. Avery blinked. What a weird tension-breaker question. Laughing a bit, Avery shook her head and resumed eating her dried fruit silently. I gave her a pleading look, to which she rolled her eyes at and started to give me the cold shoulder. This would take a while to fix. Hell, why did this have to happen? I don't have the mentality for this today.

Vic seemed deep in thought but said nothing as he always neglected to. Vic never - and I mean ever - shared his feeling with us willingly. He fills himself up with so many thoughts and worries that Avery and I can literally feel his stress emitting from his pores and would press him about it. Well, I guess Avery always did the pressing and I asked if he was okay and needed a shoulder to cry on. I knew neither Vic nor Avery would answer Jaymes, so I put it upon myself to speak up.

"It's okay," I began plainly, "just like any other school. People stick in groups and ignore the others pretty easily." Jaymes hummed in response, taking in the small bit of information.

"And what of the council?" Queried the blonde once more. I furrowed my brows in thought. Council? What council? We don't have any of those—oh. Ohh.

"The Student Council you mean?" I mean, what else could he have meant? Its not like this was some prestigious private academy or anything. I was definitely not brought up by money, that was for sure. Not like I was complaining anyway; mom has went through hell and back for us by herself and I was not about to be a greedy brat over expensive stuff like an private school.

Jaymes remained silent, thinking. "Yes, the... Student Council. How is that?"

I snorted. "As if I know. Do I look like the type to be in their crabby club?" I laughed and shook my head in disbelief.

He stiffened at my laughter. Out of literally nowhere, his eyes started to blaze In unforeseen anger. "Do not mock the council, you—"

"Oookay," Catherine intervened, her very own eyes conveying the same anger as Jaymes, but unlike Jaymes, anxiety swam in her anger. She looked at me, erasing any trail of anger. "Sorry ability him, we used to be part of the Student Council back at our old school. He's—no, we're—a bit touchy I guess."

I scoffed, looking away from her angelic demeanor and to the disgusting plate of roadkill. "A bit touchy my ass..." I felt Jaymes's heated glare directed towards me, but I ignored him. If he was going to be rude to us at our table then I was going to childishly act like he wasn't here.

Yeah, childish—I know.

Catherine started soothing her friend by whispering sweet nothings in his ear, his hard look slowly softening. By the way he was leaning on her chest, I would have assumed they were a thing. Unless they're siblings? Who knows, I certainly don’t. I dint know a thing about these strangers, and if I were honest...

I looked to the strangers. Catherine and Jaymes were still whispering to each other. As off as it was, I couldn’t hear a thing they were muttering about even with my new freakish hearing. Then, I looked over towards Mr. Silent. He was broading in his spot, back as straight as a board and eyes never leaving my face. Chills ran down my spin at his empty gaze. How long has he been staring at me? I looked away, feeling uncomfortable under his dark eyes.

I’d rather not know them anymore.

I have enough to deal with already. My mom, Luca’s death and people’s upcoming suspicions, a strange voice in my head and finally, the curse running through my veins that was changing my DNA at this very moment in time. If I had to guess, these three newbies were just as odd at they looked. Meaning, getting mixed up with them would only make another problem on my plate to eat.

Curiously, I looked back to Rintaro. Just as expected, his eyes were locked on me just as they were minutes ago. He knew I caught his eyes, yet he didn’t break away. He was analyzing me, reading the pages in my book like it was nothing. I gave him a weird look, hoping he would catch on and look away. Stubborn as a mule, he just cocked an eyebrow in response, his lips a fine line. I sighed in defeat. Whatever, he can stare all he wants for all I care.

What I didn’t expect was him to actually speak to me.

“Paris Genevieve, was it?” Rintaro asked flatly. I had a hunch he already knew my name.

Still, I replied. “Yeah… Genevieve Paris.” I didn’t bother giving him my nickname. I figured he’d ignore it, anyways. He just screamed professionality and it made me feel like a peasant beneath his fancy shoes. “And you’re Rintaro Philips?”

“Why would you even show up to school?” Rintaro pressed, completely ignoring my question at hand. I didn’t care for that, my ears solely focused on his question instead. I was sure I looked like a rabbit in his eyes as mine widened, full of surprise. What did he mean by that? He didn’t even know me.

“Excuse me?” I exclaimed, not bothering to leave the rudeness out of my tone. Did I ever do that, anyways?

He crossed his arms over his chest, somehow never breaking the deadlock sight on me. I swallowed a lump in my throat, not finding the nerve to look away this time. Somehow, I felt that if I looked away, I would regret it. Catherine and Jaymes looked between the both of us, their faces now void of emotion. Just what were these weirdos thinking? I couldn’t figure them out.

Chillingly, it seems Rintaro already had me figured out.

But there could be no way he knew about this morning. No way in hell. I was alone, I was alone. That side of the woods was always deserted unless my friends and I hung out there. I was our secret area, and escape from reality. Yeah, I didn’t make sure I was alone, but if he had, in fact, seen me, he would have tried to stop me, right? Any sane person would have.

Instead of giving me a straight answer, he said, “you’re very much excused, Miss Paris.” Oh, how I wanted to growl at his sarcastic ass.

“What’s with them?” I heard Avery whisper to Vic. I wanted to reply for him, but I knew it would be odd if I could hear their whispers so finely, so I bit my tongue. Avery was ignoring me for now and I knew she wouldn’t ask me questions directly until she calmed down.

“Rin, we shouldn’t ta…” What started off as loud slowly became an unintelligible whisper as Catherine muttered to Rintaro, them casting me sideways looks during.

Okay, if I was suspicious of them earlier, I definitely was now. We’re they even trying to be discreet now? It was painfully obvious that they either wanted something from me or they knew something they shouldn’t. But that should be impossible, I didn’t even know them for Pete’s Sake!

Catherine walked back to the spot next to me and gave me a soft smile. I wish I could believe the smile was innocent, I really do. But that was really hard for me to do now, especially after Rintaro’s question.

They knew something. I don’t know they know or how they do, but I was no stranger to them as they were to me. I don’t know if that or the vampirism scared me more.