"Hmmm burp."
Alice shot Kira a disgusted look.
"Will you quit staring at me like that?" Kira rolled her eyes. "Thanks anyway, the meal was superb." Whatever," Alice muttered.
"We've got English next. Let's get going."
Go ahead. I need to grab a few books from my locker," Kira replied. Alice walked into the class, and as usual, Liliana was already standing at the front of the room, spouting off whatever nonsense she called a morning speech. "Good morning, guys," Alice greeted.
"Good morning, Alicia," the class responded in unison everyone except Liliana, who puffed and turned her back with a loud scoff. What's her problem now? Alice shook her head and made her way to her seat. She pulled out her English assignment and began reviewing it.
"Ugh," she groaned under her breath. "I messed up this whole part." She grabbed a pen and began correcting the errors when Kira slipped in unnoticed. Alice, what are you even doing?" Urhmm hey, Kira. You're back. I was just fixing some mistakes from my homework."
Suddenly, the class fell quiet.
Good morning, Miss Maison," the students greeted the teacher as she walked in. Everyone stood except Kira. "Kira, why are you still seated?" Miss Maison asked with a sharp glare. Uh, so Miss Maison," Kira began with a dramatic sigh, "my waist… it hurts so much. Ouch! I don't even know what's wrong with it." Alice glanced over, giving her a pointed look.
"What? I'm in pain. Can't you see? Ouuuch," Kira groaned again, clutching her side like she'd been shot. Miss Maison narrowed her eyes. "Is that so? Well, I suppose I should call Mrs. Wilson to check you out—" "Wait, huh? Mom? Why would you call my mom?!" Kira shot up like a firework. "Oh? You seem fine now, Miss Kira?"
"Uh…uh…"
"Save it. You're out of excuses. Your habit of disrespecting teachers is becoming alarming. I think the principal needs to hear about this," Miss Maison said, shaking her head with disappointment. "You may all sit."
Just as they did, Liliana mumbled under her breath, "How many warehouses does it take just to store your ego?" Kira gave her a deadly look. "And I wonder why some people don't learn how to mind their own damn business."
"That's enough, girls!" Miss Maison snapped, her patience thinning.
Books were pulled out, and class began in full swing. But then, the door flew open and in walked the principal with a boy right behind her. "Good morning, students," Principal Tracy said. Good morning, Ma'am Tracy," the class chorused, all rising to their feet.
Alice and Kira, deep in their books, didn't notice at first. The classroom suddenly erupted in whispers."Wow, he's so handsome," one girl whispered. "Is he a model?" another swooned.
Kira raised her head, clearly irritated. But when her eyes landed on the newcomer, she gasped. "Oh. My. Freaking. God." Her jaw dropped as if she'd seen a Greek god descend from Olympus.
"There we go again," Alice muttered, glancing up with a smirk only for her breath to catch in her throat. Oh wow… He really was stunning.
"Kira… is he a demigod or an angel sent straight from Heaven?" "I bet you, Al, he's all that and more."
The class was silent for once. No chair dragging, no idle talk. Even Miss Maison looked amused. "I think I finally understand the meaning of peace in this classroom," she teased. "And it's all thanks to the fine gentleman beside me."
The boy gave a soft, dimpled smile that sent the girls into silent chaos. God, that smile…
Alice whispered, "It makes me want to reach out and flick a finger across that dimple."
Young man, please introduce yourself to the class." "I'm Japheth Brunlow. I'm here on a full scholarship. Nice to meet you all I hope we get along well." Japheth, I'm assigning you to the seat next to Liliana. Is that okay, Liliana?" Of course, Miss Maison," Liliana said, smiling sweetly like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. I've been sitted alone for a while now so why not?
That's because you're a witch," Michael blurted, triggering a wave of laughter. Liliana shot him a death glare. That's enough, kids!" Miss Maison barked, bringing the class back under control. Alice leaned over to Kira. "This day just got a whole lot more interesting."
Kira smirked. "He hasn't even said two sentences and the whole classroom is already worshipping him. But between us, we still have the advantage." Alice flipped her silky dark curls. "True. His scholarship's cute, but we fly private." Kira grinned. "Exactly. Let the games begin."