8 Chapter five: Don't trust a pretty face and a nice smile

As usual another day of school progresses in their second hour class. This particular morning the teacher has an announcement to make. "We have another new student transferring today. Class this is Victoria Lewis. She's studying aboard from the city."

"It's a pleasure to be here." The girl says with a small bow.

Brooklynn looks up from flipping through her noteboook to see a girl standing in front of the room. Having on the typical school uniform and short green hair with bright blue eyes. She's really cute and it's suprising to see a new student transfer in right after her. Sonny who was originally doodling in his notebook stops as soon as she starts talking.

"Looks like we have another new student," Raylen voices from behind. Victoria going to take the extra desk brought in by the window.

With that the lesson begins as usual but Sonny for one can't stop staring at her. This is intriguing behavior to her since he's never acted this way before. "Someone seems to be interested in the new girl," she teases. Snapping him out of his fixated gaze.

"Huh? Yeah, I guess..." he mumbles, returning his attention up front. That isn't the reaction Brooklynn was hoping for, but she doesn't get the chance to pry any further before being called up to the board.

After class has ended Brooklynn goes over to Victoria's desk as she is still gathering her belongings. "Welcome to Langfield. My name is Hira Collins. I know how it feels to be the new girl. If you need any help on where classes are you can always ask me."

"Oh, are you new here too? Thanks, I'll definitely keep that in mind," she replies, giving a sweet smile.

Josef walks up joining in on the conversation. "I think you will really enjoy your stay here. My name is Josef. It's a pleasure to meet you, Victoria."

"Please just call me Vicki," she insists, and it's cool to hear she has a nickname also. Even if Brooklynn can't go by her's here.

Sonny who has been waiting 'oh so patiently' graps Brooklynn's wrist trying to guide her towards the door. Although this time she doesn't budge one inch. "Let's go, Hira. We are going to be late to third hour."

"We still have plenty of time."

"I better hurry myself. It'll be bad showing up late on my first day in the class. Thank you all for being so welcoming. I hope I see you later on today." The girl hurrying past them out the room.

"It's surprising to see someone else enrolling here so soon. Hopefully she likes it here." Josef following her out leaving the other two alone, as students of the next hour start coming inside.

Heading down the hall Sonny and Brooklynn walk in awkward silence. Glancing over at the boy who appears to be in deep thought.

What is his deal excatly? I thought he was interested in her but he wouldn't even speak to her. Maybe Sonny was just too shy though it didn't come off like butterflies was the case.

The more she ponders his odd behavior the clearer it becomes she can't simply let this go. "You could've introduced yourself to her. For someone who couldn't stop staring during the lesson I thought you'd at least say hi. Don't tell me you were too scared to talk to her. I didn't take you to be that type of person."

"That has nothing to do with it. Even if i was I'm not like you with Josef. I would talk to the girl directly rather than stalk them from the shadows." He finishes with a smirk and his usual smart remarks is making her blood boil.

"Shut up! I'm not a stalker I-"

"I want you to stay away from that girl." His tone suddenly firm and expression serious. A complete change of attitude from just moments before.

"What? But why?! So much for you crushing on her. She seemed really nice."

"I-I just don't trust Victoria. I can't explain it but I feel it's best if you keep your distance from her."

"I don't know what has gotten into you. You just met her and you're already judging her. You didn't even give Vicki a chance." Brooklynn argues, as they go upstairs reaching their fourth period classroom. Just as she's about to go inside, not wanting to hear anymore of his nonsense, Sonny catches her arm.

"Please Brooke, I know this sounds crazy but trust me," he whispers. Though it more sounds like a plead than an order. The burnette hesitant for a second then slowly jerking away once the bell rings. "Bro-Hira!"

"Yeah, I got it. Watch out for her." She can't believe another possible friend is now overuled because Sonny gets a bad vibe from her. Granted he was right about the Gores thing on her first night here, but that's a different situation from this. Victoria is just a kind girl studying here from the city. What could he possibly sense wrong with her? Not wanting to think about it anymore she opens her book for class.

As lunch time rolls around Brooklynn and Sonny just get their food looking for a free table. Suddenly a girl's voice calls out to her from behind. "Hey Hira, I'm happy to see you."

"Oh hey, Vicki. Have you been finding your way around okay?"

"Yes, I haven't had too much trouble. Mind if I eat with the two of you?" she asks, and Brooklynn can practically feel his gaze on her. Regardless she can't just turn the girl down for her to sit by herself.

"Of course, we're just looking for a free table," Brooklynn replies. Quickly moving to spot them a table before Sonny can interfere.

On the right side there's a free round table towards the exit where Raylen sits alone with her food. Without a second thought her feet walk over to the girl. "Hey Raylen, mind if we sit here?"

"Oh Hira, sure I don't mind." Setting down her novel and Brooklynn can't believe she has her nose in a book even during lunch time. Still it appears Raylen eats by herself so maybe she could use the company.

Sonny begrudgingly takes the chair to the left of Brooklynn as Victoria goes on the opposite side. "The food looks so good compared to public school lunches. It's such a new experience attending a private school. Back home I didn't even have to wear uniforms."

"It was a big change for me too. How do you like it in the city?" Brooklynn questions, taking a bite of her salad.

"It's always home to me. The bustling noises throughout the night and packed streets is something I grown accustomed to. Though it is nice to have a break from that lifestyle here."

"I would like to take a trip there one day. The boonies life in Ymirk Creek can get pretty boring." Which is actually the truth. Even here in Chadlen seems to be much more to do than back home. With the little time she's been here it's only been spent training, so she hasn't had time to sightsee at all.

"It's cool we have so many classes together, Hira. I have you in a lot of them too." Now looking at Sonny who hardly acknowledges the comment with his eyes glued at his tray.

"Yeah, we do."

Honestly his funky attitude is ruining the mood, but she seems to pay no mind to him turning to Raylen next.

"Is that a book from the Aquilos series? I'm a sucker for fantasy novels."

"Yeah, I'm on the third the book and it's really good. I always end up reading another chapter."

"I don't really read much but does it have romance in it?" Brooklynn asks, the two starting to explain the plot to her.

Though Sonny is mostly silent the three girls talk about various topics. Really all of them chatting like this reminds her of hanging out with Dena and Ashley. Vicki and herself seem to have a lot in common warming up to the girl even futher. After what feels like shorter than she wishes the bell rings. "Thanks for allowing me to eat with you guys." Victoria tells them while grabbing her things.

"I'm usually content by myself but this was a nice change of pace," Raylen admits with a small smile.

"Let's eat together again tomorrow, okay?" Brooklynn adds, entirely ignoring the look Sonny is giving her.

"I'd like that. Well bye for now." The mint haired female first to go out the cafeteria.

Saying goodbyes to Raylen next the pair start off down the hallway. Brooklynn now giving the ginger a knowing look. "Doesn't she seem nice? You were just overacting earlier."

"I said I don't want you socializing with her. Now you've taken it a step futher by inviting her to eat lunch with us again. Hopefully she doesn't plan to continue this thanks to you."

"She didn't do anything wrong!"

"And I want things to stay that way! That's why I need you to have nothing to do with that girl." He snaps right back and obviously beyond reasoning with at this point. Not feeling the energy for yet another argument, picks up her pace to create at least a little distance.

...

When school is over the teens are taken to the agency once again. This time she's to start practicing with her other spells besides the telekinesis. As usual Sonny takes over but the agents leave the room this time. Normally they'd stand and watch nearby. "Trust me, it's best they aren't around during this lesson. Today we'll focus on your electric shockwave, ice abilities, and something called elastic. With every power you have to think in your mind what it is you want it to execute."

The boy hoping on top of a small table that was brought in the room by Jerry. "Electricity is up first. You already saw me use this just the other day, so you should have an idea on how it works."

"Alright..." Closing eyes and clearing her head of any other distractions. If this works like her main power than all it takes is concentration. When feeling the power seizing up in her hand she quickly stretches it out. "Electric shockwave!" The electricity shooting all over the floor throughout the entire room. Now she understands why Ron and Jerry left.

"Good job. Now try to do the same thing but with your ice instead. Be careful with this one though. It may be a little hard to control."

"Okay." Brooklynn repeats the same process but when aiming it goes right the direction Sonny is sitting. The boy falling backwards as the whole back table is left completely frozen. "Whoops."

"You know, it isn't going to do you any good if you kill your own guardian before the real mission begins," he mutters. Standing on his feet and her giving a sheepish smile.

"Sorry, this power is harder to control than I thought."

"It's a lot to handle but you'll get the hang of it soon enough. Even to the point where you don't need to concentrate anymore, and can cast spells instantly."

"I sure hope so. I want to be fully prepared before we set out."

"Well you're progressing at a much faster rate than Ryder had so there's that. Our last ability for you to learn today is the elastic. It's like a strong rope you can form that can grasp to just about anything." Sonny demonstrates by picking up the table with a long glowing orange stream that resembles a rope comes from his hand. Actually it's the very spell Gores used to tie her up with. "Just like with every other power all it takes is control."

Setting down the ice covered table upright, Sonny orders for to copy what he just did. It takes a few tries and then a couple more, until she's finally able to wrap the elastic around its leg, and drag the object across the room.

"Looks like you're catching on just fine. Let's start from the beginning with the electric shockwave again. I'd like us to go through them all one more time before leaving," he instructs. Brooklynn nodding as she goes to start from the beginning. With them practicing like this the earlier disagreement becomes an afterthought, putting all her efforts into training.

The time they finish a second round it's close for curfew to get dropped back at the school. Brooklynn wearing a huge smile of victory on her face as they head over to the dormitory. "Training went pretty well today. I mean other than when I almost froze you soild and all, but I think I'm getting the hang of this."

"With the way you're doing you should be able to complete your mission and go home soon enough," Sonny comments. Her upbeat mood is taken down a notch as she fully lets sink in what was just pointed out. When the mission is over she'll be able to go back home. When first dragged to do this she wanted nothing more than that, but now to leave so soon feels a little weird. Sonny gives her a suspicious look after waiting a long minute for any reply.

"You really think so? That's good..."

"For a second there I thought you were kinda upset to be leaving so soon. It's going to be really hard for you to say goodbye to me, isn't it?" Resting his hands behind his head and Brooklynn lets out a snort.

"Don't flatter yourself because this has nothing to do with you. I...just didn't think about that fact too much." Opening the doors as he follows in behind her.

"Good but try not getting too cocky from one decent day of practice. We'll be working with new spells tomorrow. Anyway goodnight."

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The next day during her fifth hour class Victoria walks into the room joining Brooklynn and Raylen talking towards the back. "Hi you guys."

"Hey, Vicki." The burnette greets with a smile. At least in this hour she can talk to the girl in peace without Sonny butting in.

"Ah, I was wondering if you two, um..."

"What is it?" Raylen asks, titling her head with Victoria's mumbling.

Though the girl looks hesitate for a second she slowly continues on. "Would you girls...like to go explore town with me today? I saw a shop I've been dying to check out since getting here, but I didn't really wanna go alone. So I was wondering if you wanted to accompany me?"

"Sounds fun, Hira?"

"Uh..." Feeling the pressure with both gazing at her expectedly. The answer should be an easy one and yet...

"It's okay if you're busy." Victoria insists with a sad smile. Probably taking her silence as a rejection. Is she really going to let Sonny's assumptions stop her from having a good time? Why is she even considering it!

"No! I'm totally free so let's do it."

"Great! I'll see you after school then," she squeals, going to take her seat as the bell rings. Raylen is about to follow but stops when noticing Brooklynn's worried expression.

"What's wrong, Hira? You seem like something is on your mind."

"It's just...I have plans with Sonny today. I wonder how he'll react when finding out I made commitment to go with Vicki instead. Even when he specifically told me not to."

"Why would he say that?"

"He...doesn't get along with Victoria well, so he isn't sure if I should trust her either." That's close enough to the truth at least before accidentally letting something slip she isn't suppose to.

"Really? I don't think he will mind too much. You guys seem to hang out together everyday, so you can go again some other time. And maybe him and Vicki just got off on the wrong foot. Whatever the reason it shouldn't affect your relationship with her," Raylen replies, and honestly she makes a good case.

"You're definitely right. Hmm...if I go out with her and Sonny doesn't know he can't do anything, right? That's perfect! Raylen, listen to me. Today in eight hour I'll ask to go to the bathroom five minutes before the final bell. I'll grab my stuff out of my locker and then meet you at the front doors, okay?"

"Sure, but is all of this really necessary? Can't you just tell him the truth?"

If only it were that simple but Sonny made clear his feelings yesterday. "I'm afraid that's not an option. Please help me with this. If Sonny asks you anything about me make up an excuse." Giving her pleading eyes the shorter female lets out a soft sigh. Promising Brooklynn her word before going back to her desk.

The rest of the day goes by smoothly enough. Sonny questioning what has her so chipper but her only response is a wide grin. When the end of eighth hour approaches Brooklynn keeps track of the time. Glancing at the clock it's only a little over five minutes left.

Okay, I have to ask now.

The minute she stands up Sonny's attention quickly turns toward her. "Where are you going?"

"If you must know I'm going to the bathroom."

"Can't you wait until class is over?" he whispers, as she pushes in her chair.

"I have to go now. I'll be back."

Not to say when I'll be coming back.

Before he can get out anything else she's already making her way to the teacher's front desk. Mr. Adams frowns letting out a deep sigh as he looks up from his game of sudoku. "Can I go to the restroom?"

"Can't you wait another five minutes?"

"It's an emergency."

"Go ahead and go." Brooklynn quickly shoots down the hall to stop by her locker first. Collecting her things she goes downstairs and waits for the girls by the front doors as discussed.

(Sonny POV)

"Of course she still isn't back," Sonny mumbles to himself as the bell rings. Glancing over at Raylen she speedily gathers her books, avoiding eye contact with him as she rushes out of the classroom.

"What's her problem?" he mutters, starting to pack away his own belongings. He might as well hit his own locker since he has to wait.

(Brooklynn POV)

It isn't long before Raylen and Victoria both walk up together. The new gal giving a small wave as they approach. "Hey Hira, ready to go?"

"Yup, let's get moving. I haven't had a chance to look around town either, so it'll be new for the both of us. Raylen can be our tour guide."

"Sure, we can catch a bus from here to the shopping district." The white haired girl leading the way for them. Brooklynn pauses looking back at the school once more. She feels kinda bad leaving Sonny like this, but if he just wasn't being so difficult none of this would've happened. Well aware he'll be waiting to lecture her when she returns better have fun while it lasts.