"Crap," I say low enough for only me to hear. I was in my third period class, physical education. They had a whole uniform for this one class as you would be sweating on them and not your regular clothing. It consisted of a bright yellow shirt with the school logo, an eagle, and shorts or sweats. Well this time they were in the swimming stage of the class as I was informed which was fine by me. I knew how to swim.
Swimming was the first thing I was enjoying about this school but now I was back in the changing rooms ready to use a shower stall and change back into my regular clothes when I came upon them on the ground. Which I wouldn't have mind if it weren't for the fact they were laying on top of a giant puddle.
I had gotten to the class a little late as I took my sweet time finding the pool as I thought this school wasn't even big enough to host one, again I was completely wrong.
Meaning that I was left with the last shower stall, the one that always dripped and everyone came to accept that. The thing is that there's a bench just aside the shower part, where I had folded and left my clothes in. I had contemplated stuffing them in one of the lockers in the changing room but decided against it as I was already in hot water for being late.
At least my bag was fine as a slight dab with dry cloth should do the trick. I picked it up and placed it away from the puddle, thankfully none of the contents fell out.
Sighing I pick the clothes up and asses the damage. I had kept my bra on as I rather had been bra less throughout the day, since I had my jacket and could zip it up. I sure as hell wasn't going to swim bra less. I did swim pantie less. I had taken my underwear off since it'd be less uncomfortable with one on throughout the day. Now it was pointless as I should have as well swam with everything on.
My jacket was the same as my bag it just needed to be wiped dry and it'll be good as new. Luckily, at least I tell myself, was that the clothes were all dark. Black mostly. So the wet stains weren't as noticeable.
Mark, I need your help. I tell him through our link. I messed up.
After I tell him my dilema a voice speaks from behind me. I had forgotten to close the stall curtain as a girl with light brown hair, just as light brown eyes, and olive skin stood there assessing my mess.
"Oh, that stool is really old. It caves in on itself dumping anything on top to the ground. I'm not sure why they still have it as it doesn't support anything above half a pound." She says with disapproval.
Have you tried calling The Burke's. I'm sure they're more than willing to help, Mark answers back.
I hadn't realize I was just staring at the girl and she was staring back at me as if expecting a conversation or something. I slowly close the curtain leaving her stunned on the other side.
"Oh, okay, umm, have a great day," she mumbles walking away.
I rather not bother them with tribal things. They're working and I doubt they'd rush out to come and help me. I reply. Not fully believing everything I said.
Won't hurt to try. Call them. Mark insisted.
I take a moment as I realize I was wasting time debating rather than doing. I turn the shower on and wash the pool water as best I can from my hair. I wasn't even prepared enough to have gotten shampoo or soap to wash the chlorine off. Focusing just my hair try to strain the water off the best I could before turning to change from my wet pool clothes to my puddled wet clothes.
And here I thought all I had to worry about was finding something to put the wet clothes in.
As much as I try to tell myself that it wasn't all bad, it was worse. The clothes cling to me like a second skin. I wring the pool water as best I could from the uniform hoping it wouldn't drip all over the place. I ponder wether or not to shove them in my bag but think best not ruin the things inside.
I step out to a room full of girls chatting and laughing as they straighten their hair, reapply their makeup, or just simply sit idly by for the bell.
Speaking of which it rings as I headed towards hand dryer on the wall only to discover it broken.
Heading out each step is more uncomfortable than the previous. I was not going to survive today with these clothes. People stared at me but I kept telling myself it was because I was new and not because I was completely drenched.
Just call, Mark kept insisting.
Taking a deep breath I walk to a corner and pull my phone out. I had the wet clothes under my arm as they soaked my jacket yet again. But I really didn't have anywhere to put them in. Pulling my phone out I decide to call Angie.
"Hello?" Her confused voice answers.
"Hey, Angie. Sorry to bother you but I'm in a situation." I try to sound cheerful but I am anything but.
"Vanessa?" She asks. "How did you get my...never mind. What do you need?"
How did I get her number? Maggie. Maggie got her number and how did Maggie get it? Only Maggie knows.
Ash left clothes for you on your bed. Mark informs me as I tell her how my clothes got wet.
"I think there's something I could wear on my bed, if you don't mind or aren't too busy. Which if you are, I completely understand." I quickly say.
From the phone I could hear as someone was calling her back as they needed her help, "okay, I'll see what I can do. Try and have a nice day, okay?" She finally says.
Before I could respond the line goes dead. So much for that, I tell Mark.
She'll come through. He reassured me but I don't hold my breath. The second bell was about to ring so I quickly make it to my next class.
It was literature with a Mr. Dover, he was an older man much older than the previous teachers I've had. He looked posh, it was the only word that came to mind when you saw him. Although he was balding, he seemed to have more hair than Mr. Shwerb. He was small and lean. Dressed in a suit and all. He politely welcomed every single student that walked through the door.
"Ah, Ms. Rye, very nice nice to meet you," he extended his hand towards me which caught me by surprise. Most teachers just stared at me and send me off to my seat. Managing a smile I shake his rather burning hand. "Are you feeling all right, dear?" He asks catching me out of guard. I nod as I go on ahead to take a seat.
Again most seats on the back were taken so I walk to the middle row towards the side with the windows and sit on a stool. Like homeroom this one had long tables for two students. It wasn't a science class since posters of famous literature quotes adorned the walls.
I sit on the isle seat as everyone quietly sits waiting for the profesor to begin. He takes place at his podium and clears his throat.
"All right class we will continue to deliberate on the poem I had assigned over the weekend." He earns groans from the class which he quickly settles. He seemed to be the only one to have his class in check.
As I reach for my bag that I had set on the empty chair next to me I notice a light tremble on my hands. Seeing that made me shiver as if a splash of freezing water was doused on me. Noticing my hand set a whole thing in motion. My teeth began to shudder as my body kept have jolts of shivers. Hugging myself I try to think of anything but the fact that now I was freezing. It was as if I'd sat in a walk in freezer and decided to stay there for hours.
I grit my teeth hoping it'll stop them from shuddering. I couldn't help but react to the washes of cold I began to get. Shivering when they wash over me.
A movement caught my attention as a guy a few seats ahead of me began to mouth something to me. I couldn't really understand as I kept shaking.
"Are you okay?" He whispered softly. If it weren't for my super hearing I wouldn't have caught that. I just stared at him.
He gave me a questioning look so I decide to give him a thumbs up. With a shaky hand and all. I even threw in a smile. I'm fine, I thought to myself. I'm always fine.
The teacher continue with his lecture but I was occupied trying to stop shivering.
"Yes, Mr. Quinn?" Mr. Dover says.
"Sir, I was wondering if I may get permission to use the facilities," the guy that asked me if I was okay responds.
I hadn't even realize he had his hand up. Mr. Dover smiled as if pleased to be ask in such formal way. Which was odd, I would have just said "can I use the bathroom" which would have probably gotten me a no from Mr. Dover.
"Yes, you may," Mr. Dover politely said.
Another shiver washes over me as the guy walks to the door but not before turning and making eye contact with me. He nods his head towards the door as if telling me to follow.
I let a few seconds pass before I find myself raising my hand as well. "Yes, Ms. Rye?"
"I, too, wonder if I may use the facilities," I find myself saying. Was worth the shot. I was more thankful my voice didn't come out in stutters from the way my teeth were shaking.
"Why yes, you may, be quickly as there might be others that would need to use them as well, please," he says with a bright smile.
The class was grumbling as if they all planned on asking to go. I grab my things and head out.
The guy was leaning against the wall beside the door waiting for me.
"Took you long enough," he jokes. He has dark short hair that looks messy as if he hadn't brushed it. I doubt it would look better brushed but he made the messy look work for him. His grey eyes glint with tenderness. He gives me a lopsided smile as he approaches me. He seems to be the same height as me.
He was wearing a leather jacket, well pleather one, a faded red shirt, and dark jeans. He kept looking at me as he slowly got closer.
We were standing face to face when I realize the whole time I was looking at his eyes. I had forgotten my rule of not to stare, especially in the eyes of another werewolf. Yet here I was staring right into his grey eyes.
"I'm going to put my arms around you, okay? Don't worry I won't touch you just get close enough to emit warmth." He says as I stood still not fully registering what he was saying.
When a shiver passed me he stretched his arms around me but kept his distance. He was close that I felt his heat but his arm never enclosed me as they hover over me. It looked as if he was hugging a wider version of me.
The warmth was welcoming but it wasn't really helping as my hands continue to shake.
"You should change before you get hypothermia, maybe we can find something in the lost and found. Maybe not, I don't think anyone wants to wear what's in there. I can ask the girls if they have anything to spare," he mumble most of it to himself.
I didn't say anything as I awkwardly stood there basking in his warmth. I was lost in thought when I felt something envelope me, he had put his jacket on me when my mouth began to shudder again.
A throat clearing interrupted us as I slowly turn to face the same woman from this morning, she looked annoyed.
"Ms. Rye, your guardian is here with some clothes," she said monotone.
Looking between me and the guy she just shook her head and spun around. Walking away before I could say anything. For someone with six inch heels she walked really fast. Before I could lose her I turn to the guy and hand him his jacket.
"Thanks," I mumble out before rushing to catch up to the woman. She really was walking with a purpose. I don't turn around but heard the soft click of a door closing, I guess he walked back into class.
By the time I reach the office the woman was already typing away on her computer. I glare at her as she could have waited for me and walked with me here since we were both heading the same way.
Angie stands from one of the waiting chairs. She smiles apologetically at me as she comes to stand by me.
"I'm sorry it took me this long. I was helping on a surgery, I'm really sorry," she repeats as she takes my shaken state in.
"It's okay," I try giving her a smile but my face seems frozen.
"Want me to go with you?" She asks handing me a bag. I nod and we both head to the nearest bathroom.
She stands outside my stall as I quickly take my wet clothes off, a dry towel is the first thing I see inside the bag Angie brought me. Happily I take it and pat myself dry. Using it to cover myself as I take my bra and underwear off as well. Reaching for the bag I find a push up bra and a laced underwear.
Ash, I grumble mentally. But I put them on nonetheless. I also find a pair of skinny jeans and a sweater shirt. It was a little big but I think it's meant to be like that. It goes off one shoulder but I don't mind as it's the most comfortable thing I've ever worn. So far I'm not regretting a thing. I find a pair of socks and a pair of ankle booties.
Just as I finished changing I see another small bag, I pull it out to find it's a makeup bag with mascara and eyeliner along with other makeup I don't even use. A small brush was also there which I really needed as my hair got extremely tangled.
Shoving the cold wet clothes including the P.E. uniform that I been carrying around into the bag that Angie brought I step out.
"Thank you, really I appreciate it," tell Angie as she smiles approvingly at me.
"Don't mention it, I love that outfit by the way," she tells me as she reaches to touch the fabric of my shirt.
It was giving me some warmth and that is all that I really cared about at the moment. Brushing the knots out I put some mascara and eyeliner on before reaching for my bag and dousing myself with perfume.
"Here let me take that back with me. I'll wash it when I get home,"she reaches for the discarded bag with the wet clothes. Before I can stop her she cradles it in her arms.
"You should get back to class." She tells me sternly before we both laugh and walk out the bathroom.
"Thank you, Angie. You're a life saver." I wave bye to her before the woman from the office stops me. "Take this to your teacher," she thrusts a paper at me as she quickly turns and walks back to her coop.
Grabbing the paper I read that it was a pass saying I was in the office attending personal matters. Heading back I hand the teacher the note. He had an annoyed look on him when he saw me walk in but as soon as he read the note I handed to him he gave me a smile and asked me to take my seat.
"She changed, didn't she?" A girl asks her neighbor.
"Yeah, I wonder what's that about," the neighbor answers.
Here we go again.