I glanced up at the professor. His hands were crossed over his chest, and he was just glaring at me intensely like I was a bug under a microscope. His pupils were shaking and I could tell that he was losing his cool. Also, did his beard grow longer by the second? I don't really know. Don't keep track of stuff like how long someone's hair is or how old they are.
I wish I could say that I remember every little detail about his appearance and personality like a stereotypical nerd in those TV shows, but in reality, I can't even remember his name. (He seemed fine with others addressing him as "Mr. Williams", so hopefully, my guess about his name was correct.) So in short, being called a nerd to me would be a huge compliment, even if it is outrageously false.
I gave up trying to figure out why he was staring at me like that and turned my attention back to the whiteboard, focusing on gathering info for the upcoming tests.
A faint glow was entangled between my fingers. At first, I thought it was just a trick of the light, so I awkwardly waved my hands around like I was swatting at an invisible bee, though it's raining cats and dogs outside and we were on the fricking 3rd floor. If I weren't a human being with an actual tangible body and a bucket-load of overpowering dignity, I would've just melted onto the ground, becoming one with the floor. I hope no one could see how freaked out I was internally. Fortunately, the bell saved me from any further humiliation, signaling the next period.
My surroundings blurred as I tried to juggle my focus between my strange glowing hands and the study material. Seriously, ADHD, frick you. I spun around, and there was Esmé, her face frozen in shock, eyes wide with horror. Christal had the same reaction, but I couldn't bear to look her in the eye after making a complete fool of myself as a human glow stick. What in the world just happened? Hands grasping my textbooks, I awkwardly shuffled past the stunned professor and hurried through the corridors, and guess what? Just moments later, I heard light footsteps trailing behind me. I didn't even have to turn around; that unmistakable aura told me it was Esmé who was following me all along.
I begged my legs to move faster, flung open the nearest door—thankfully, it was the girl's restroom. I tried to slam it shut behind me, but Esmé just breezed in before I could manage. Her face was less freaked out now, but her brows were still furrowed like she was deep in thought or something.
"Owl." Esmé murmured, still lost in thought. "Symbol. Owl. Glow. Isn't it weird? I hear whispers in the wind and now you're glowing. Think, Helen, think."
I stared at myself in the mirror, gripping the edge of the sink for support. Above me, a holographic owl flickered, its sharp silver feathers gleaming as if they could cut through the air, giving it a mind of its own and it kept hovering there for a second before it started to fade away. I glanced at Esmé, and we shared a look of confusion, both trying to make sense of the situation.
"What's the next subject?" Honestly, I'd be better off playing as an idiot with no care for the reality of the situation. Maybe after this discussion was over with, I'd organize my thoughts and form reasonings that actually matter, like the upcoming History quiz or the Math homework that I will absolutely just not understand and will definitely give me an even bigger headache.
"Greek Mythology and NO, I am not going to stand here like nothing happened." She snapped, snatching my books and shoving it violently into her handbag. "No one else reacted to this, Helen, only me and Christal. Isn't that weird how you were a freaking lightbulb and no one else noticed except for me, Christal and possibly Mr. Williams?"
But isn't that how it's always been? Creatures following us as children, spiders emerging from the darkness, strange noises from out of nowhere…
I started shaking my head and tugged on her arm. "Come on, we're gonna be late for class again."
"Helen, wanna go get some ice cream? It's on me." She then proceeded to wiggle her eyebrows and made a funny face until I burst out laughing. "If I'm correct, Mr. Brunner won't be there until 9:35."
"I think I'm good."
Honestly, ice cream did seem pretty good, but I didn't do any of my homework nor did I study for any of my tests, so I had to get there early.
***
We slowly paced out of the restroom and began to make our way to Greek Mythology. We were a few minutes late but I guessed that wouldn't be such a big deal because Mr. Brunner (the only teacher whose name I can remember) is a little slow on his feet.
Our seats were assigned pretty close together, so we all ended up in the front row. I sat next to Esmé, while the Christal girl was behind us with another girl. This girl was hunched over her phone, her back curving over like a question mark—not exactly a compliment. The phone's screen was glowing brightly as she swiped and giggled to herself. With pale skin and jet-black hair cut short, she wasn't exactly Snow White. Her lips were dry and thin, and her dark eyes were glued to her screen. Despite that, she had an eye for style. She wore a long black coat, a maroon sweater, and a pleated black miniskirt. Black knee-high boots completed the look, and honestly, Esmé would probably appreciate her fashion sense.
"Esmé, who's that?" I asked, nudging her legs. She grimaced and shot me a glare, but soon figured out who I was talking about. Leaning back, she whispered to Christal, who mouthed out the word "Nebby." Esmé turned back to me, relaying the info.
Nebby definitely looked intimidating. She had that aura of someone who could either pull you out of trouble or give you a hard slap if you messed up. I bet there's more to her than just her tough exterior, but I'm not exactly the best at reading people… I guess.
***
The classroom was bursting with color—banners and posters cluttered every wall. I kicked myself for forgetting my tote bag; now I had to rummage through Esmé's instead of minding my own business. After fumbling through her bag multiple times, trying to find my Mythology textbook, she finally tossed it to me. I scanned its contents: lip balms, pimple patches, but no textbook. Of course, I'd left mine in the dorm.
"Esmé, please tell me you studied for the test," I pleaded. "I need your notes."
"THERE WAS A TEST TODAY?" Esmé shouted, her voice echoing in shock before she slunk back into her chair, embarrassed. I facepalmed as a small notebook flew my way. I tried catching it, but it dropped on the floor. The cover had bold black letters, skillfully written: Nebby.
I glanced up at Nebs, who was staring at me with an unreadable expression. She tapped Christal's shoulder, asking for a rubber band. We locked eyes in a silent staring contest, and her emotionless gaze was... unsettling.
I blinked first.
Flipping through the notebook, I was greeted by doodles reminiscent of a video game character I once got obsessively attached to. Despite the blood stains (which I found oddly fascinating), her handwriting was neat. To my surprise, Nebby had used highlighters extensively. Finding the right pages, I began skimming through them, but loud giggles from Esmé kept distracting me. She was engrossed in some drama, as usual.
"Esmé, didn't you hear? We have a test today," I groaned in frustration. "Did you study yet?"
"No, but I remember everything," She replied confidently.
"Who is Jason, then?"
Esmé looked at me as if I'd just insulted her entire bloodline. "My ex."
"No," I said with a sigh, "in chapter 10 of Polyphemus."
"The Golden Fleece Guy." Christal chirped, doodling dragons in Nebby's sketchbook. And by the look on Nebby's face (not that she showed much emotion) oh, did she want to murder someone. To be honest, I didn't even remember who Jason was so a second hand question it is. Before I could get myself together to actually study, Esmé flashed me her signature grin in which she named Flirty Pattoottie. But don't be cringed by the name so much that you underestimate her, (though the name is cringy). She could be very persuasive if she wanted – speaking from experience.
Although today the class was being as noisy as ever, I swear I caught Christal mumbling something about Esmé being a show-off. Christal gave Esmé a brief glare before continuing to admire the ruby necklace Esmé got. I couldn't say I fully trusted this girl yet, but she doesn't seem like a potential hazard. It might be wise to form connections for future necessities, like forming allies through marriage in the 1900s. Most of my relationships are surface-level anyway, and I plan to use it to my advantage.
I looked back at the whiteboard. I was going to fail if I didn't concentrate, so I did. Well, I tried to. Loud footsteps kept getting louder and louder and my forehead creased.
I glanced out the window, trying to get my mind off the commotion. Suddenly, in a blur, a dark silhouette dashed away into the shadows. I rubbed my eyes to make sure that they weren't deceiving me. Disappointingly, the shadow had already vanished into the depths of the forest. It was very likely that it was a figment of my imagination but also wouldn't be too astounding if it was real. I've been through too much weird stuff to be surprised.
The footsteps quickened and got increasingly louder. I tore my eyes away from the window, cringing at the hollow sound of clanking footsteps on the tiled floors. The professor, I supposed, walked in. But… it wasn't Mr. Brunner.
It was a stranger.