Chapter 3

“Uh…is it just me or are these people checking us out?” I wondered aloud as Leo and I walked to a second-row seat. Let me let you in on a little secret, some wolves can read minds but that’s not something I am blessed with. Leo never talks about his powers but mine -? Let’s just say it’s a little strange. But what I lack in mind reading, I more than make up for with my ability to read people’s faces and I just wish these people staring didn’t all have the same bland expression on their faces.

Leo shrugged nonchalantly, he didn’t seem to mind being the center of attention. “They are staring. It’s normal, we are the new kids.”

“Well, they don’t have to stare like we are exhibitions at the museum.”

As we took our seats, Leo suddenly leaned in closer. This is the first time in my life that he has ever been this close since we both became teenagers and he became a playboy. My heart picked up pace and my eyes drifted down to his luscious lips, this would be a good time to stake my claim and warn off any potential girlfriends. I know I’m a silly girl with a silly crush who can’t let go. I wanted him to kiss me right then but he wasn’t even looking at me when he spoke next.

“You know it would help a lot better if you weren’t staring as much.”

I frowned at the subtle chiding tone in his voice but before I could process that, he leaned back with a small smile. “I know how you like to be a little difficult, Ginny, but try to blend in. I’m sure school wouldn’t be that bad.”

And I ask again, since when did Leo become so responsible?! It’s freaking me out! I’m not sure I like this version of him – I mean I love him but this version? Nah, cancel my order.

A few minutes later a very slow instrumental music began to play and everyone rose so we did the same – I am a tall girl, come on I’m a wolf, what did you expect? – looking over the shoulder of the girl in front of me. There on the lower floor was a stage, raised so that those of us upstairs would have no trouble seeing what was going on.

A group of students were playing in a small orchestra band in a corner and at the center of the platform was a microphone. The huge auditorium was hushed and only the orchestra played. From the side of the stage, a door opened and Head Administrator, Mary Thompson and her Assistant, Thomas Firth came out with a couple of teachers all dressed in corporate wear. Some of the teachers lined the hall, getting lost in the sea of students all of whom were dressed in their complete uniforms, including blazers.

The orchestra switched keys and began to play the national anthem. As if everyone didn’t resemble a group of tin soldiers before, they looked even more stuffy as they stood at attention.

I looked over at Leo to find him reciting the anthem so I joined in. Strangely, I began to feel a tingle at the back of my neck. Someone was watching me. I snuck a look after pretending I was only trying to readjust a strand of my hair and that’s when I saw the scrawny ginger-head boy staring at me. He looked away very quickly but only a few seconds later snuck another glance.

Everyone really is curious about the new kids. What, Princeton doesn’t get new kids every year? I mean, looking at the children of who is who present here I’ll say this school is top-notch for the children of the elite.

I kept my gaze on gingerhead to see if he was going to sneak another look but while he didn’t stare again, I got the impression that he knew I was watching him.

Suddenly the round of applause that followed the national anthem jeered me out of my moment and when I turned back to the stage in front of me, they were beginning the school anthem.

“Do you think going to a public school would have been better?” I drawled to Leo who was staring at the display of the anthem lyrics projected on the huge screen on the wall behind Mary Thompson.

“Maggie gave us the best money can buy,” was his response.

I guess. Well, if Leo is taking this seriously then I guess I have to too. So I made a decision there and then that I Ginny Dark Storm will be a good student and make good use of this opportunity. It’s not every day a rich heiress adopts you and gives you the life you once thought was so far out of reach from you.

Besides, I tried to convince myself might actually like it here.

The school anthem was over and the students took their seats.

Mary Thompson, smiling, walked up to the microphone.

“A lovely morning to you students.”

Everyone chorused. “Good morning Ms. Thompson.”

“I see you are dressed smartly in your uniforms and I can’t express how happy that makes me. I am once again reminded of how much I love this job. Taking care of you kids and shaping you to become the future leaders of nations is the best reward any educator could ever ask for.”

The teachers clapped and agreed with her. Why is everything in this school so robotic anyway? I couldn’t shake the feeling that they strove to present a picture of perfection but I bet deep down somewhere there are some rotten eggs in this school. I mean come on, not everyone here is as tight-assed as Mary Poppins, right?

I sighed and tried not to slump in my seat. I could kill for some excitement right now.

“I am glad to inform you,” Mary Thompson droned on with her smile, “that we have new students joining us for the new term. Leonard and Ginger Dark Storm, you will get to know them as the days go by. Also, I will like to inform the final class seniors of the selection of prefects for the new school session. The administrators and members of the staff have met together over the holidays and discussed the selections of prefects.”

She turned serious and turned her gaze upward to where us final class seniors sat.

“Be reminded that although we have published the names of nominees on the notice board for you to check out, those names are subject to change. We want the very best students to represent this school and we will not tolerate unruly behaviors from our seniors. Anyone is replaceable.”

While everyone clapped, someone in the row in front of me, two seats away scoffed. “As if anyone could replace me.”

I glanced at her from the side of my eyes. Jet black hair, high cheekbones, long luscious lashes framing very green eyes, and a pouting full mouth. She’s pretty, tall, and sassy. Don’t tell me. Let me guess, she is the most popular girl in school?

Obviously. You can never have enough of those in high school. Even every high school Barbie movie has one of her kind. Unoriginal.

She noticed me staring and didn’t make any effort to hide it as she threw her thin arm over the back of the seat and turned to face me.

“Stop staring, newbie.”

“My eyes are mine to do as I wish.”

She snorted. “Oh really? Anyways, I wouldn’t blame you, I bet beauty is rare to come by where you come from.”

She thinks she’s all that. Ha!

I would have retorted with something smart if her friend beside her hadn’t put a hand on her shoulder.

“She’s the new girl, let her be, Emmy.”

Ah yes, here comes the minion. And another minion was sitting on the other side of the dark-haired Barbie. Seriously these girls are so Barbie Dairies 2006. I’m guessing there’s a Todd and Kevin somewhere sitting among the jocks.

“You are right, I can’t be seen talking to a newbie.”

“Yeah who knows what that would do to your reputation,” the other minion said. Both minions were blonde which is a first because usually the main mean girl is blonde and she’s always at the center because how else will you know she’s the main character and her minions are usually brunette. Keep in mind that one of them usually suffers from an eating disorder.

Anyways these ones might be different. I’ll keep an open mind.

“She’s pretty,” Leo said beside me and I realized he was looking at Emmy.

My heart sank. I wish I had the power to make her hair disappear or to make her eyebrows and lashes fall off.

I couldn’t keep that thought out of my mind as I rose when the assembly was over. All my life I have tried to get Leo’s attention but just one glance at Emmy with the green eyes and he’s already in love. Do I even have a chance?