Within the hour, Mrs. Nasberry ended her class, and everyone started to gather their belongings.
Nora suggested as we were gathering our things. "We should get lunch somewhere today."
"You know I love food!" I joked, but it was hardly a joke because I love to eat, especially since I have an extra three mouths to feed.
"I know you do," Nora giggled at me. "I'll catch you later at the cafe. Unless you want to go somewhere else."
"The cafe works for me. I will meet you there in an hour." After saying goodbye to Nora, I was outside and on my way to my next class.
"Ohh!"
Until someone collided into me head-on before I could move to the side. All my folders fell onto the snowy ground, including my handbag.
"I'm so sorry!" the lady exclaimed, and her cheeks flushed from being rather embarrassed because she was too occupied with looking at a piece of paper in her hands. She certainly abashed herself with the humiliation she was at fault for.
"It's no big deal," I reassured her before trying to bend over to pick up my stuff. Round baby bumps never make this an easy task for any expecting mother, of course.
She offered when she saw me struggling. "Oh, goodness. Here, let me help you."
Before I could protest, she collected my folders and handbag faster than me, thanks to my round pregnant belly.
"Luckily, it's not windy, or that might have been bad," she added, handing me my things.
"Thank you. I need to be going before I am late for my class." I smiled, taking my things, and then I walked around her, which may have been rude on my part, but it's better this way. I can't risk making any new friends because I can't handle losing them to some vile vampire who would likely kill them because of me.
"Hey, wait!" she hollered. "What's your name!"
Of course, I heard her boots tromping after me through the snow that was susurrating beneath her snow boots.
"It's Victoria," I replied. "Let's head to the sidewalk."
Once we reached the sidewalk, I walked along it, hoping to get rid of her, but of course, she came hauling after me like some stalker.
"It's nice to meet you, Victoria. My name is Stella." She presented a genial smile with her introduction as she strolled beside me, but I wasn't sure to trust her.
Vampires seek to slink themselves into my life with the calamity to cause chaos and harm. Who's to say she isn't a vampiress? Certainly, with how persistent she's acting in wanting to talk to me was creepy, or she was just desperate to talk to someone. Even if she isn't a vampiress, I still need to be careful. Humans die around me. Elena, Ben, Billy, and even Rebecca all died by Rex and his clan because he was hunting me, which is what Hunter vampire species do. Sick twisted games are what their Kind is notorious for. From the moment he smelled my blood at the club, it was game on for him and game over for me.
Minus Rebecca, I was good friends with Elena, Ben, and Billy. Even though Rebecca and I couldn't stand each other did not mean I wanted her to die a tragic death. To this day, her dying eyes still haunt me. I still remember the way her eyes glazed over at the realization that Rex had ripped her heart out of her chest. She was still alive long enough to comprehend what happened, and it was a ghastly panorama.
Unlike her, poor Billy never knew what hit him when he got turned into an ice sculpture because he was trying to save me from Rex's advisor, who had an ice gift. Even though he died a hero for trying to protect me, his demise always eats away at my heart.
I'm surprised Nora is still alive, but I've begged Kai to make sure she remains safe even though he despises humans, and she will never be a part of the Collin Coven. Not to mention, if Nora ever finds out that Vampires are a real thing, Kai will kill her, or the Vampire Covenant will send a vampire to do it. Unless they are granted humans or destined mates, then humans are forbidden from knowing the truth about their existence. Aside from having Nora as my human friend, there is no way I can invite another human into my life. Plus, Kai will not approve because of how badly he hates humans, and he scarcely tolerates Nora. He'll only accept the humans in his Coven because, by the Brightest Blue Moon, they'll either be vampires or vampiresses, myself included.
"I'm sorry to cut this short, but I must be going," I told her and walked along.
"Hey, wait!" Stella chased after me. She wasn't giving up or taking a hint.
"Look—"
"I'm sorry if I seem pushy or desperate, but I could use a friend. I just moved here, and the college is new to me. Anyway, I'm trying to find Professor Mark's class. No one will help me. Do you know which way I need to go?" Stella frowned as she babbled on before she inquired about directions. Of course, she was attending the same class I'm trying to reach.
I sighed because it broke my heart to notice how sad her mopey eyes pouted. "Follow me. I'm heading to his class right now." I stiffened a smile.
Curse me for having such a golden heart. If she gets murdered by a vampire, I shall cut out the kindness in my heart and bury it in a hole somewhere far away from me.
"Thank you for letting me tag along," Stella beamed happily as we walked along the sidewalk.
Not a moment later, we arrived inside Professor Mark's research center.
"Victoria, it's wonderful to see that you'll be joining us today. I see the new student has arrived as well. You must be Stella," he greeted.
Stella vigorously bopped her head up and down like a cheerful child. "That would be me." She enthusiastically beamed.
"It's nice to meet you. Since you both are late, I guess you'll be partnered up with Victoria Collin," he declared.
Looks like I won't be getting away from her anytime soon. In the back of the class, we took a seat at the long table beside each other. It's the same table Rebecca and I sat at.
"I wonder how long Stella has to live?" I heard some guy whispering from the right side of the room.
Another woman replied in a hushed tone. "I give her less than a month, and Victoria will get her killed."