I didn’t know why she did them, but I wasn’t going to worry about them right now. I pushed those thoughts aside for later and looked at the kitche... clock. It read ‘8:47’. I still had a bit more time to get ready before I go to Jessica’s house.I finished my cereal, turned off the TV, went up stairs to have a short shower, brush my teeth, shave a little and change my clothes. I wore a white shirt and my best jeans. I checked the clock again, ‘9:28’. “Shit, I’m late!” I said to myself. I ran. Elizabeth was as stunning as ever when she arrived, and was the belle of the ball at a special dance arranged in honor of her return. She danced gracefully with any number of suitors, and even once with her cousin Marcus. We had not had a chance to talk properly since she returned, but she whispered as we circled on the dance floor how much she missed Madeline in Paris, and asked how Madeline had been? I told her that she had survived, but missed her older cousin terribly, and Elizabeth held me. “Then what are we doing here?” Ayn asked, his voice rising gradually. “What are we going to tell the rest? That there’s no point? We got all up for nothing? We will just die on our feet, like these poor shmucks? Without a chance to fight?”Xavier took hold of Ayn, as the man was struggling, swinging his arms, and moving around like he was drunk.“Listen to me, Ayn,” Xavier’s voice was just as loud, but calm. “Everyone knows the risks. And at least we know what’s coming our way.”Xavier’s voice and. I was used to getting looks and stares, I usually dressed pretty slutty now that I think back. This one was just enough over the top. The teachers in the hall were staring at me as I walked in. Some boys were following me to my locker. I passed the principals office and he saw the gang following me down the hall and came out of his office. "Back to class!" I hear him shout as I feel his large hand on my shoulder. "Come with me young lady, we need to discuss something in my office."We walk back.