Chapter 1: The first encounter

2020, October, Wisconsin, USA

Two weeks after my dad's burial, my stepmother just disappeared all of a sudden, leaving me alone in the empty house. Though it was not something new since my dad was a jet-setting type, leaving me most of the time with my step-mom, who wasn't around most of the time as well. However, this time around, my dad won't be around for good. He was tragically attacked by a wild animal of some sort while he was on a hiking trip with his two close buddies. Fortunately, his friends were fine, but unfortunately for my dad, he didn't survive and what was strange the most, his blood was drained empty. What animal could have done that? I honestly didn't believe that it was a wild animal. It was something different, but I didn't know what either, so I'd just stick to the police report for now.

“Cassy, we will miss you! We've just started being friends and now you're going away already.” Jesse mopped and hugged me, pulling me back from my deep thoughts. We were in our new favorite spot in the school cafeteria having our lunch. It would be my last day attending the same school with them since the next day I'd be flying to Europe.

“I know. If I can choose, I'd stay here, but what can I do? I'm just seventeen,” I said gravely, willing myself not to cry. I just couldn't cry in front of other people even with friends. I didn't really like showing my emotions to anyone and that might be the reason I didn't have many friends. I was a very reserved and aloof person which could often be mistaken as a snob. But just as I'd finally made friends, I'd be moving to a place called Hampstead in North West London where I would be staying with my only close relative or probably my only relative, Aunt Mary. All I knew about her was, that she was my late mom's cousin and a spinster. My mom had never mentioned Aunt Mary since she died giving birth to me before she could even say anything to me.

“Why does your only relative has to live in England? My God! It's more than three thousand miles away! I'm really gonna miss you, girly,” grumbled Leah and hugged me as well. I knew they were avoiding mentioning my dad's death, afraid that I would break down or something and I was thankful that they didn't. I couldn't talk about it, not yet. I was still hurting...

“Yeah, me too,” I replied trying to hide my sadness, but failed. I'd really miss them since they were my only friends. My whole high school life from 9^th grade to 11^th grade, I was always alone and when Jesse and Lea became my friends, I was really happy. Sadly, I'd be leaving soon to another continent that I'd never been to my entire life. A foreign place where I knew nothing of and the one thing that I was dreading of, I'd be transferring to a new school where I'd be treated as the new kid with no friends. It would be like back to zero again. I let out a mouthful of air from my lungs. I'm surely gonna miss Wisconsin...

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London Heathrow Airport

I sighed as soon as I got out of the airport, feeling homesick already. Welcome to London, Cassidy. Welcome to your new home... I lazily took a cab and told him my aunt's address. Unknowingly, tears started falling from my eyes as the car started to move. I hadn't cried since I heard the news that my dad had passed away even during his burial. Not a single drop, but now, all the kept emotions I had hidden for weeks just burst out. My shoulders shook as I cried my heart out when the realization finally sunk in. I'm an orphan now... I told myself bitterly. My dad was gone and I'd never going to see him again.

What kind of life is waiting for me here?

“Are you alright, hun?” The kind-looking cab driver asked when he heard me crying. I just nodded and wiped my tears, willing myself to stop crying. I was glad the driver didn't pursue talking to me but occasionally peeked through the rear mirror to check on me. He looked concerned, but still, I would want him to just leave me alone since I was not in the mood for any conversation. I stared out through the window to avoid the curious driver's eyes. We were traveling for the past forty minutes when the car suddenly made a rumbling sound, then the car slowly died down at the side of the road.

“What happened?” I asked, a bit worried.

“I'm so sorry, hun. Car engine trouble. Will it be alright if you take another taxicab? I believe it will take quite a long time to fix this arse of a car.” The cab driver gave me an apologetic look. I sighed but nodded since I had no choice. After I paid him, I took my luggage, got off the car and looked for another cab. Unfortunately, all of the cabs were taken so I decided to walk while I searched. I didn't realize I was walking far from the main road.

“Amazing... Don't tell me, I'm lost. This is just what I needed on my first day here,” I muttered to myself as I looked around. I checked my watch and it said; six past twenty in the evening. It was getting dark already so I looked for someone that I could ask for direction when all of a sudden I bumped into something hard which almost made me fall on my bum if I didn't grab hold of it. I glanced up, expecting a wall, but I was surprised to see the most beautiful creature I'd ever seen in my entire existence. I didn't even think there was such a person as handsome as him who existed. His beauty was beyond comparison not even the most handsome actors, singers, or any other celebrities could surpass or much less be compared to him. He had this pair of seductive, icy-blue eyes that looked like they were glowing in the early, dusky night. His glossy raven hair slightly shadowed his right eye with silvery-white streaks on his fringes making him look so hot like a rock star, with a perfect nose and red lips that were so tempting, but what was most striking about him was the paleness of his skin. I had pale skin too, but he was way paler than me to a different degree. It was like he hadn't seen the sun for a very long time. My fancy thoughts were disrupted when I lifted up my eyes to see his gorgeous blue eyes turned dark with rage. “I-m s-o sorry.” I apologized nervously, thinking that he got mad because I bumped into him and didn't say sorry. I continued when he didn't answer, “I didn't m---”

“Let go.”

“W-what?” I was confused. He appeared furious, but surprisingly his voice sounded enticing. I bet he can sing well... I dreamily thought, forgetting about his scary stare. He was very tall, too, I noticed as I craned my neck to gaze into his mesmerizing blue orbs. I'd think he was more than six feet tall.

“My arm. Let it go, this instant,” he commanded in his really nice, husky voice. Wait, what did he say? I didn't catch what he was saying since I was more focused on his voice and his abnormally fascinating face.

“Um, w-what was that again?” I asked shyly, still a bit stuttering as I gaped at him.

“Are you a fool? I told you to let go of my bloody arm. Now, would you mind letting go?” His chill and rude remarks splashed cold water in my face, which made me get back to my senses. I let go of his arm, feeling embarrassed for realizing that I'd been gripping it the whole time. But one thing that hit me was that his skin was freezing, like ice-cold freezing. He felt like a hard, cold metal that was why I didn't realize I was grasping his arm till then. I honestly thought it was a lamp post or something.

“You're freezing cold. Are you OK?” I whispered almost to myself as he turned his back on me and started walking away, but stopped in his tracks when he probably heard my voice which I doubted he would. I also wondered why he was so cold when it wasn't even winter yet. It actually still felt a bit summery around here.

“I will be as long as you are not around,” he replied calmly, but it was contrary to what his eyes expressed. They were glaring at me with the utmost contempt while his chest was heaving in an uncontrollable manner. He looked so scary, but I couldn't understand why I didn't feel scared at all. I was, in fact, worried.

“I think you're not OK. You're trembling.” I walked toward him, but he backed away immediately while giving me a deadly glare.

“Do not ever come near me!” He hissed and ran off, disappearing into an alley, and leaving me awestruck.

“What the hell was that...?” I uttered to myself in confusion as I stared at the alley that he disappeared into. Honestly, that was really weird and creepy. I tried to just shrug it off and started to walk in the opposite direction when my phone vibrated in my jeans pocket. It was Aunt Mary calling, so I stopped and answered it.

“Where are you now, Cassidy?” My aunt's clipped voice sounded more irritated than worried that I began to worry. I'd be living under her roof for a long time, after all.

“Um, I think I'm lost, Aunt Mary,” I answered, feeling a bit anxious about my situation. I heard her sigh before she replied.

“Can you describe the place where you are now at the moment? I will ask someone to fetch you,” she said afterward. I felt relieved hearing that and gave her the description. I waited for the car my aunt said would fetch me after the call ended and occasionally I glanced at the alley where the weird yet beautiful guy disappeared into. I wasn't really sure, but I could strangely feel like someone was watching me, observing my every move. I shook my head to get rid of the creepy thoughts I had and decided to play a boring game on my smartphone to ease the uneasy feeling I had. After a few minutes of playing it, I got bored so I just listened to music instead and hum along with it while I closed my eyes. I felt relaxed all of a sudden. After all, music had always been my safe haven ever since I was a kid, and felt lonely or scared of monsters under my bed. Yeah. I believed in monsters. I knew they were real even until now. I just didn't get to see them. I had finished listening to a few songs when a fancy red sports car stopped in front of the footwalk from where I was standing and then a tall guy went out of the car. A handsome blonde with brown eyes. He lazily walked toward me and without a word, took my luggage from me. He then went to the back of his car and effortlessly placed my luggage in the trunk.

“Hey! Who are you and why the hell are you taking my things?!” I yelled and walked toward him with my hands on my waist.

“Are you not the niece of Miss Brown?” He asked and arched his thick eyebrow while giving me a quick assessment. My brow furrowed and crossed my arms protectively in front of my chest.

“Well, um, yeah. How do you know?”

“Because you are the only one standing and carrying luggage in this area, you Muppet.”  He grumbled and turned his heels toward the car and got in the driver's seat. Did he just call me stupid? I took a deep breath and let it go. It was my first day in London and I wouldn't want to turn it into my worst first day ever. Thinking about it, my thoughts went back to Mr. Weirdo just a while ago. He was rude to me too, and this one was another cocky asshole.

Why do I have to deal with two jerky English dudes on my first day here? I asked myself begrudgingly.

“Miss Muppet! Are you coming or not?” He called out and popped his head out of the window. I silently went toward the car and opened the door in the back seat. “Sit here, Miss Muppet. You surely did not think that I'm your private chauffeur, do you?” He said in a sarcastic manner while he pointed to the passenger seat. I sighed and closed the backseat door, then went to sit beside him. “Buckle your seatbelt, Miss Muppet---”

“Don't call me that,” I said with a frown and put on my seatbelt.

“Why? I like it. It suits you well.”

“English jerk...” I mumbled and gazed out of the window.

“Thank you very much.” He smirked at me and fired up his car.

“Are all English guys, jerks?”

“Are all American girls have no sense of style?” He asked and looked at me, up and down. I knew I didn't wear fancy clothes like the popular girls in my previous school in Wisconsin, but I didn't think my clothing style was that worst for him to look at me distastefully. I was wearing a black simple blouse with a matching black cardigan, tattered jeans, and a pair of black converse canvas shoes. I didn't see any problem with my outfit today though.

“Why are you being mean to me?”

“Because I got called to come here in the middle of having fun in an all-nighter just to fetch your bloody arse.”

“So, why did my aunt ask you to pick me up?”

“It's a long story.” He said with a sour face. A couple of minutes passed, and he slowed down and stopped the car on the driveway of a big and beautiful house with a wide lawn. My aunt had been a spinster, well that was what I had heard, so I wondered how she felt, living in a big house alone. That must be very lonely and I knew somehow how that felt... I sighed and got out of the car. As soon as I was out of the car, I saw a stern-looking, middle-aged woman with thick glasses, waiting for us on the front porch. She must be, Aunt Mary. She looked scary though... I thought inwardly. Mr. Cocky Blonde took out my luggage and carried it to the front porch and said Hi to my aunt.

“Thank you for bringing home my niece, Mr. Reid. I do hope you behave more properly next time. Remember, this is your last warning.”

“Aye, aye, Mistress!” He said with a grin and whispered something to me. “Good luck,” he said meaningfully and walked toward his parked car after he excused himself from my aunt. What's that supposed to mean? I thought to myself.

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“This will be your room from now on, Cassidy,” My aunt said formally after she escorted me to a spacious room, complete with antique furniture. The room was pretty, but it was the complete opposite of my previous modern room. I was completely looking out of place. It actually made me feel like a rug in a shiny, vintage room.

“Thank you, Aunt Mary,” I said and smiled timidly. Looking at my aunt made me really feel intimidated. She had this somewhat habitual action of giving me a disapproving look. I felt like she didn't like me the moment she saw me. That made me wonder. Do I look that unlikable? I mean, the first guy whom I bumped into, seemed to hate me, then Blonde also gave me the same reaction, and now my aunt. I just couldn't help, but felt pity for myself.

“Tomorrow morning, a seamstress will come here and measure your size.” She informed me, again with her formal tone of voice.

“Uh, um, what for?”

“Please do address me properly as Aunt Mary when we are in this house. However, if we are at St. Claire, never forget to address me as Headmistress. I wouldn't want anyone to think that my niece is being rude to me when they hear you speak to me like that. Is that clear, Cassidy?” I nodded, feeling the tension between us. She may have delivered her words politely, but her tone of voice was cold and demanding. This was what Mr. Cocky Blonde must have meant when he said, Good luck. It was meant for my aunt who seemed to be a terror, hiding in her formal facade. “Very well. As for your inquiry, a seamstress will come tomorrow and measure your size for your school uniform. You will attend the class at St. Claire Academy starting this Monday and I must warn you, wearing of school uniform is strictly followed in accordance with the school rules.”

“Yes, Aunt Mary.” I complied obediently.

“Good. Oh, and please do remove that bothersome dark eye makeup you're wearing. That I may say, is absolutely prohibited in school.”

“Yes, Aunt Mary,” I repeated the same words like a mantra. I'd never imagined that my only living relative would be this tyrannical. What is she like as the school principal, then? I cringed as I imagined it.

“Alright then. Dinner's served at seven. Don't be tardy,” said Aunt Mary, or rather ordered before she left me.

“Wow, that was exhausting...,” I muttered under my breath and dropped my luggage on the carpeted floor. I glanced at the cuckoo clock hanging on the wall opposite the four-poster bed. It said; six past forty-five. I'd got fifteen minutes left before dinner time, so I decided to open the French door to the balcony. The night breeze instantly blew gently on my face as I gazed through the almost dark surroundings. My room's balcony was overlooking the backyard so I could see the wide lawn and the greenhouse from where I was at the moment. I started humming one of the songs that I often listened to and closed my eyes while I inhaled the coolness of the night air. It was like a habit of mine when I felt sad, nervous, or agitated about something. Then, all of a sudden, I felt like I was being watched. The same feeling I had earlier. You could say, it was intuitive. So, I immediately opened my eyes and looked around. There it was, a dark silhouette of a tall man standing by the tree, just beside the greenhouse. I wasn't sure since it was kind of dark and a bit far, but I thought he was staring at me. I blinked my eyes to make sure I wasn't imagining things and he was gone or was never there.

 “Nice... Real nice. Now, I'm seeing things. I must be hungry,” I blurted and went inside the room again. I closed the door tightly and locked it. Even if it had been just a fabric of my imagination, I'd better make sure I could be safe in my room. Who knows...“Oh, shoot! The dinner!” I slapped my forehead for almost forgetting about it. I ran to the bathroom in my room and quickly washed my face and removed my overly smudged dark eyeshadow. Then, I ran out of the room to find the dining area. I was glad when I found it just in time. My aunt seemed pleased to see I wasn't wearing any dark eye makeup and so we had a nice, quiet meal.

That night, I dreamed about the strange, scary, yet gorgeous guy. He must have been in my head for me to even dream about him. When I woke up the next day, my aunt scolded me for making the seamstress wait. I knew blaming Mr. Weird-slash-scary, wouldn't do me any good so I decided to just forget about him since we would probably not see each other or bump into each other in a big city such as London.

====####====

Today was my first day at my new school as the new kid, of course. Big deal. Yeah. No. Honestly, yeah, it was a big deal. I was pretty worried about people noticing me since I was new. I would not say, they would stare at me because I was pretty---I was far from pretty. Just a plain-looking girl with pale skin, lame brown eyes, and long, messy raven hair that hung wildly about everywhere and covered most of my face---but because they'd think I was being weird. That was what most of the students in my previous school thought of me. The weird, emo girl in black. That was what they used to call me since I was always alone, eating lunch in the same corner every day with my hair hiding my face. Some even teased me and called me, Sadako---The famous scary girl with long black hair in the Japanese horror movie called; The ring. I must say, they had a pretty twisted imagination, but thankfully that changed when I made friends as senior year started. Now, I would be going back to first base. I sighed as I fixed my school uniform which I'd give credit to Mrs. Bailey for making this uniform as fast as one day. Though, I'd wish she didn't. Wearing school uniforms, especially since I had to wear a pleated skirt, bothered me. They seemed really uncomfortable and inconvenient. I'd rather wear my comfortable, wash-off or tattered jeans and shirt than this fancy uniform and black knee-high socks. I suddenly missed my school in Wisconsin. At least, I didn't have to wear a uniform in that school and I missed Jesse and Lea already. I sighed once more before I went out of my room. I looked at my assignment slip which my aunt gave me last night. It said my first class will start at eight-thirty and it was just seven past thirty-five. My aunt went ahead of me already since she told me she had lots of things to do as the headmistress of the school. Well, whatever that was, I'd totally be fine with it. I would surely feel tense, sitting beside my aunt in a car anyway, so, I was actually thankful that I would commute to school today or for the whole school year for that matter. I must be a bad and ungrateful niece for even thinking about such rude stuff, but I'd be lying if I would say otherwise. I shrugged my not-so-good thoughts off my mind as I reached the bus stop and waited for the bus to arrive.

=====####======

I arrived pretty early for my first period so I decided to just sit on a bench near the parking area, but away from many people to see. I picked a good spot beside a big tree and sat down, then I took my iPod from my backpack and plugged the headphones into my ears. I listened to the songs of my favorite band, My Chemical Romance. I reclined my head on the bench and closed my eyes. As usual, I hummed along as the music blasted in my ears at full volume. I'd been listening to maybe a couple of songs when I drifted to sleep. I wasn't sure for how long I had been sleeping when I jolted out of sleep, feeling like someone was sitting beside me and staring at me. I jerked my eyes open immediately, alarmed, I turned my head on both right and left sides of the bench, but there was no one. I was alone.

“Ha! Me and my creative mind.” I shook my head and when I glanced at my watch, it said; eight past thirty-two. “Oh, crap! I missed the bell!” I slapped my forehead and hurriedly ran to find my classroom. I was huffing and sweating really hard when I arrived in the classroom.

“And you must be the transfer student?” A man with hair that was almost white, with thick, round glasses hanging on his nose asked while he gave me a grim expression.

“Yes, Sir. I'm Cassidy Adams.” I said bashfully and gave him my assignment slip.

“You are five minutes late, Miss Adams, but I will excuse you for today since this is your first day,” he said without smiling.

“Sorry, Sir. It won't happen again and thank you.” I tried to smile, but looking at his steely expression, my smile faded.

“Now, go to your seat,” he ordered and silently I looked for a vacant seat. As I roamed my eyes in the classroom, I saw some girls glaring at me so I averted my eyes and upon doing so, I came across, Mr. Cocky Blonde, sitting at the back, smirking at me. I already guessed that he was attending this school based on his conversation with my aunt last Saturday, but I didn't expect to be in the same class with him. Just great. I thought to myself. I hastily walked toward the empty seat at the back near the window, but someone tripped me which almost made me kiss the floor. I heard soft giggles and I realized they were the girls who were glaring at me a while ago.

“Girls, be quiet!”

“Yes, Mr. Roberts.” A girl with fake-looking bleach hair said and smirked at me. I decided to ignore her and went to my chosen seat. The class resumed and I was in the middle of trying not to sleep during the boring class with Mr. Roberts when I heard gasps, especially from girls. I then heard Mr. Roberts’s angry voice again, but I didn't mind it and just continued on doodling in my notebook.

“Another latecomer. Also, not wearing of school uniform. And you must be?” Mr. Roberts muttered snidely.

“Caleb Scovell. I officially enrolled in this school just today and that explains my tardiness and for not wearing the school uniform, if you were so inclined to ask.”  My head snapped to the front almost immediately, not because of the newcomer's smug reply, but because it was familiar. In that fleeting moment, my eyes locked with his icy-blue eyes that were as cold as the night sea.

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