The Wanderers Beginning: The Wanderers, Reborn, & Unforgiven (65 page)

  
              My room was on the fifth floor and there were no elevators. So we had to trudge up the five flights of stairs to get there. I barely made it to the third floor before I had to take a break. Not that I couldn’t handle the steps, it was just a lot harder when carrying about fifty pounds of luggage.

  
              Dean rolled his eyes at me, called me pathetic, and took my heaviest bag. When we finally reached my floor, we figured out that my room was at the end of the hall. I dragged my luggage behind me and kept my head down. There were a few students here and there gossiping about - I assumed - their holiday break. About everyone we passed said hi to Dean or gave him a high five. All the girls swooned as he walked past saying their hellos
. “Hi Dean,” “Hey Dean,”  “Welcome back,” “I’ve missed you.”

  
              “Megan, Sherry, Kylie.” He smiled and winked at every single one of them. It took everything I had not to gag. I shouldn’t have expected anything less. Of course Dean would know everyone, and by everyone, I mean all the girls.

  
              When we reached my room he handed me my bags. “Alright, you think you can handle it from here?” I rolled my eyes. “My room is the next floor down, 407. So if you need anything just come find me, but knock first.” He winked and gave me a light punch on the arm. “I’ll come get you for dinner later,” he called over his shoulder as he jogged down the hall. “Ladies,” he said, throwing his arms over two blonds who started to giggle. I rolled my eyes and turned to unlock my door with the key they had given me at the office.

  
              I opened the door to my new room and carried in all my stuff. The room was fairly large, bigger than my dorm in Vermont. Inside were two full size beds, two nightstands, two chest sets, and two small closets. The bed closest to the window was already taken and decorated with what looked like very expensive, designer fabrics.

  
              I looked around the room. I didn’t see anyone else so I assumed my roommate was off mingling somewhere. I was nervous about meeting her. This time I wouldn’t be lucky enough to get someone I knew.

  
              In my investigation of the rest of the room I discovered we had our own bathroom. The bathroom wasn’t very big and most of it was taken up by my roommate. “It could be worse,” I shrugged, closing the door. On the empty bed there were two brown boxes with my name on them. After further digging, I learned they were my books and uniform. The uniforms reminded me of a catholic high school. There was a few pair of black slacks, navy blue and black V-neck sweaters, and of course the dreaded plaid skirt. It wasn’t as bad as I pictured. The majority of the skirt was black with thin blue and green stripes. There was also a few button down shirts; black, white, and light blue. At the very bottom was gym clothes, knee high socks, and a pair of regulatory shoes. “This sucks,” I huffed, sagging down on the bed. I was beginning to feel like I was in some reform school where everyone was a drone.

  
              I took a deep breath and tried not to let it get the best of me. I was contemplating taking a tour of the school, but I remembered the brochure saying they would do that during orientation. Instead I decided to unpack my stuff to pass time until dinner and change out of my wet jeans so I wouldn’t catch pneumonia.

  
              It took me only about thirty minutes to unpack my things – so much for killing time. I thought I’d take a tour of the school despite them giving us one later. I figured I could venture more on my own this way. I grabbed my IPod, pulled up the hood on my sweatshirt, and set out to tour the school. I took the steps two at a time down to the first floor. I didn’t bother to check out the other floors, I figured they were all the same plain, brown tile floors, beige walls, and the same wooden doors that all the rooms had.

  
              When I reached the bottom, I pushed open the cool metal door receiving a frigid blast of air to my face. I flinched at first not used to this cooler climate. I braved the cold, cranked up my tunes, and headed down the small shoveled path. There was a large building to my right, which I learned from the map I studied on the way over here, held the classrooms. Another building not far to my left was the teachers’ dormitory followed by the gymnasium, auditorium, and dining hall. In the distance was another building. I assumed it was another set of dorms since it wasn’t listed or marked.

  
              Fighting the bitter chill, I continued with a light stride, absorbing everything I could. The grounds were fairly large and in the middle of everything stood a three tied fountain. There were several tables with chairs and benches spread throughout the garden. Giant oaks lined the school’s massive barrier. I scooted carefully across the snow, taking in the different structures and agriculture. I had apparently reached the end of my tour when I stumbled upon what looked like an entrance to a maze. “Cool,” I said to myself. There were two angel statues on either side followed by wooden benches that sat in front of the towering hedges. I thought it odd to have a maze like this at a school.

  
              I moved closer, letting my curiosity get the best of me. I took a step forward ready to check it out when someone grabbed my arm. I instantly tensed and turned around ready to strike. My attempt was cut short when the person blocked my punch. “Gabe?”

  
              “Sorry Miss Ella. I didn’t mean to startle you. I called your name. But when you didn’t answer me I thought something was wrong,” he said.

  
              I took out my headphones showing him why I didn’t respond. “I was just going to check out this maze,” I said.

  
              “I know. That’s why I stopped you. With this weather, it’s not a good idea to go exploring. It’s tricky in there and I wouldn’t want you to get lost.”

  
              I looked back inside the maze. He was probably right. With this snow and ice it would be hard to walk through, not to mention I had no idea how big this maze was or where it led to. If I couldn’t find my way out I might freeze to death. “Thanks Gabe. I’m really glad you’re here,” I smiled at him. At least then Dean wouldn’t be the only one I knew.

  
              “What are you doing out here all by yourself?” he asked. “Why isn’t Dean with you?”

  
              I gave him an,
‘are you serious’
look. Even he had to know that was a dumb question, but by the expression on his face I would guess not. “I’m meeting up with him for dinner. Didn’t want him cramping my style,” I said, getting Gabe to crack a small smile. Most of the time Gabe was in serious guardian mode but every now and then I could get him to relax and get a smile out of him.

  
              “Understood,” he nodded. “You should head back inside. It’s getting dark and that’s when the real chill sets in. I’ll walk you back.”

  
              I mumbled thanks as we headed back to the dorms. Gabe had left earlier than we did. He had more on his plate with helping out and everything so he wanted to get a jump start. In a way I was glad Gabe was here. Even though the school had its own guardians, I felt better knowing Gabe was close by. Before we parted ways, Gabe told me he would have his cell phone on him at all times and if I ever needed him don’t hesitate to call. I waved goodbye and shot back up to my room to wait for Dean to come get me for dinner.

  
              I walked into an empty room. If this was any indication that my roommate wouldn’t be around much I think I might like her. Happy to have the room to myself for the meantime, I did a little spying.  I wanted to get a feel for what my roommate was like. You know, just making sure she wasn’t some crazy vamp out to get my powers.

  
              I didn’t find much except for a bunch of stinky, expensive perfumes, a lot of Mac cosmetics, and a few style magazines. I stopped my snooping and sat down on my bed. I wasn’t sure what time dinner was, so I laid back on the bed, and listened to my music until Dean came and got me.

             
I ended up falling asleep and by the time I woke it was almost seven. I cursed at myself and checked my phone. I had two missed calls and one text from Dean asking where I was and why I wasn’t picking up my phone. He also said he was leaving without me but would save me a seat if I ever decided to join him. That was over an hour ago. I called him to see where he was at. He said he was still in the dining hall and would wait for me.

  
              I grabbed a couple bucks from my purse, slipped them in my back pocket, and made my way to the dining hall. Dean gave me simple instructions on where it was. It wasn’t that hard to find, I probably could have found my way here on my own.

  
              I opened the doors to the dining hall and stepped inside to a fairly crowded room. I half expected it to be empty by now. The room looked like any other lunch room I’ve been in. Black and white tiled floors, round and square tables spread out everywhere and filled with students. Over to my left were large glass windows that showed an outside patio filled with benches and tables covered with umbrellas. I’m guessing the students would sit out there when it was warm.

  
              I made my way into the line and searched my options, which wasn’t much. There were a few cold sandwiches, veggie snacks, and basically nothing I would eat. “Out of the way freak,” said Mackenzie, the girl who knocked me over earlier.

  
              She bumped me so hard I almost fell face first into the coleslaw. I opened my mouth to come back with what was hopefully a witty retort when I was stopped short. “Let’s just get through the first week without me having to come to your rescue all the time,” Dean said, pulling me to the other side where there was a whole different option of foods.

  
              “That is the second time that bitch –”

  
             
“Ella, I’m trying to help you out here the best I can. Now just shut up and trust me,”
Dean said, but he didn’t speak the words out loud. He said them inside my head so only I could hear. I knew his power was to project thoughts, but knowing and having him actually do it was still a shock to me.  He rolled his eyes and pulled me through the line. I learned there were two different sections, one for cold food and one for hot. This side had tacos and I was more than thrilled.

  
              I stuffed the shells with meat, leaving out all the lettuce and stuff, because, you know, that just leaves less room for the gooey good stuff. I grabbed an icy tea and followed Dean out to a table. He gestured to the seat next to him and even pulled out the chair for me. I’m pretty sure he was just showing off for the girls at the table.

  
              I pulled my hood down and got a few startled glances from the people around me. I didn’t understand what they were staring at and was starting to feel uncomfortable.
“Your blue streak,”
Dean said in my head.
“You were quite the topic of conversation earlier.”

  
              “Why?” I asked out loud, causing everyone to look at me. I forgot I was the only one who heard what Dean said.

 
             
“I’ll tell you later,”
he replied, rolling his eyes. “Ella this is Sienna and Cameron,” he said, pointing to a petite blond across the table and a slightly taller brunette. They both smiled politely and gave a quick wave. “And this is Reagan, Blake, and Austin,” he gestured to the other side.

 
              The three boys looked like a bunch of preppy, stuck up fraternity boys. I just put on my best fake smile and pretended to be nice.  “Really Dean, since when did you volunteer to be a guide for the handicapped?” Mackenzie snickered. She sat down at the table across from me followed by two blonds flanking her side.  I glared at her. I wanted to leap across the table and scratch her pretty brown eyes out. Seriously, what was this chick’s problem?

  
              “Come on Mackenzie, you know I never volunteer for anything,” Dean said, flashing his cocky smile. “And this is Ella, my sister,” he continued in a cold tone, making it clear not to mess with me or you would have to deal with him. Everyone at the table took another collective stare. Looking at me as if they now understood why Dean was hanging out with someone like me.

  
              “Sister?” Mackenzie smirked, looking me over.

  
              “Well, not everyone in the family can be as good looking as me,” Dean said, getting a laugh from the table. I just ignored him and started to eat my dinner. As soon as I sunk my teeth into my taco, Roman Ashby sat down right in front of me. I was taken aback by his beauty. It was easier to see him now without the sun glaring in my eyes. He ran a hand through his wavy black hair making it puff and stick out slightly to the side. His strong facial features made him look more like a man than a boy, and his eyes. His eyes were like a deep dark pool of ocean water. When I looked into them I felt like I was getting swept away. There was something about this boy, his hair, his eyes, his strong facial features. He reminded me a lot of Tristan. I quickly looked away feeling a pang in my chest at the thought of him. Afraid I might lose it in front of everyone, I kept my eyes down, and took a breath. When I managed to get a grip, I looked back up to see Roman’s eyes looking back into mine. I understood why I thought I saw Tristan earlier when he helped me up. Their similarities were uncanny, but then again lately every guy with dark hair and blues eyes reminded me of Tristan.