Seraphina Vs Jessica

The sound of Malakai's car engine faded into the distance, and the lingering warmth of his kiss still tingled on my lips. Watching him drive away, heading to the headquarters of our thriving enterprise, The Crimson Drop, I couldn't help but feel proud of him. It was incredible how our synthetic blood product had revolutionized the lives of so many vampires, giving them the joy of tasting food once more. But as much as I admired his dedication, I knew the next few days without him would be... dull. He would be gone until Saturday morning, leaving me to face high school life alone, at least for a while.

As I returned inside the mansion, the morning sunlight filtering through the tall windows cast a golden glow across the grand foyer. I took a deep breath, centering myself. It wasn't like I couldn't handle a few days of school without him. I had survived centuries dealing with far more complicated situations. Still, there was something about the teenage world of Forks High that irritated me more than any battle or political intrigue ever had.

I walked upstairs, heading toward my room to prepare for the day. The smell of fresh roses wafted through the air, reminding me of the beautiful gardens surrounding the manor. The familiar scent always brought a sense of calm, a quiet serenity amidst the chaos of daily life. But today, there was an undercurrent of annoyance I couldn't quite shake. I had sensed Jessica Stanley's growing disdain towards me for the past few weeks. Her sharp glances, muttered comments, and snide remarks hadn't gone unnoticed. I wasn't one to be easily provoked, but her jealousy was like a buzzing gnat—persistent and irritating.

After showering, I chose a soft lavender blouse with delicate lace trim, pairing it with dark skinny jeans and ankle boots. I ran my fingers through my long, chestnut hair, letting it fall in loose waves down my back. As I slipped on my leather jacket, I caught my reflection in the mirror—calm, composed, and ready. With one last glance, I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs.

Drusilla was in the kitchen, her small form perched on one of the barstools as she enjoyed her breakfast. Her black kitten, now a constant presence, was curled up at her feet, purring softly. I smiled at the sight. The bond between Drusilla and the kitten had only grown stronger since the day they met.

"Good morning, my love," I greeted, brushing a soft kiss to the top of her head. "Behave while I'm gone, alright?"

Drusilla grinned up at me, her eyes sparkling. She nodded, signing, "I will. Be careful."

I nodded, squeezing her hand gently. "Always."

As I left the mansion and headed to school in my sleek black Audi, my thoughts lingered on Malakai's absence. He had an air of calm that could diffuse even the most volatile situations. His presence made the world seem a little more stable, and without him here, I was already bracing for the onslaught of mundane teenage drama.

The drive to school was uneventful, the familiar drizzle of Forks misting the windshield. When I parked, the parking lot was already buzzing with students. I stepped out of the car, my boots clicking softly on the wet pavement as I made my way inside. Immediately, I could feel the eyes on me—the whispers, the admiration, the envy. It was all part of the daily routine now, and I had long since learned to tune it out. Most of it, anyway.

Jessica Stanley was waiting for me by the lockers, her arms crossed over her chest, and her eyes narrowing as I approached. Her posture was one of thinly veiled hostility. She was practically vibrating with the tension she'd built up for whatever confrontation she had planned.

"Seraphina," Jessica began, her voice sickly sweet as she stepped in front of me, blocking my path. "You think you're so perfect, don't you? With your designer clothes and your perfect face. But just because you've got Malakai wrapped around your finger doesn't mean everyone likes you."

I raised an eyebrow, my patience already thinning. "Jessica, if you have something to say, I suggest you say it clearly. I don't have time for games."

Her eyes flashed with anger, and she stepped closer, her voice dropping to a low hiss. "You're not so special, Seraphina. We all know you're just using Malakai. Someone like you doesn't deserve him."

A laugh escaped me before I could stop it. Jessica Stanley thought I was using Malakai? The idea was so absurd, I couldn't help but be amused. I tilted my head, giving her a long, steady look. "You think I don't deserve him?" I repeated slowly, incredulity dripping from my voice. "And what exactly qualifies you to make that judgment?"

Her face flushed red with embarrassment and rage. "I... I just know that someone like you isn't good enough for him! He's sweet and kind, and you... you're—"

"Intimidating?" I finished for her, my voice low and dangerous. "Or maybe you just can't stand the fact that someone like Malakai could never be interested in someone like you."

Jessica's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, her words escaping her. For a brief moment, I almost felt sorry for her. Almost. But then I remembered the countless times she had tried to undermine me, to provoke me. And today, I had little patience for it.

"Listen to me carefully, Jessica." My voice softened, but the threat was clear. "You don't know anything about me or Malakai. And you certainly don't have the right to pass judgment on our relationship. If you ever try to stir trouble between us again, I promise you'll regret it."

Jessica took a step back, her bravado crumbling under my gaze. She stammered something incomprehensible before turning on her heel and storming off, clearly humiliated.

I sighed, leaning against the locker for a moment. Teenage drama was as exhausting as it was ridiculous. But at least that encounter was over. For now, anyway.

As I walked to class, I couldn't help but think of Malakai, wishing he were here. He would have found the whole situation entertaining, and likely would have had something witty to say to Jessica that would have left her speechless. Two more days, I reminded myself. Two more days and he would be back. And then everything would be back to normal—or as normal as it got for us.

When the bell rang for lunch, I headed to the cafeteria, my thoughts still occupied by the morning's events. Alice Cullen had been sitting with her siblings at their usual table, and I had a feeling she had witnessed the confrontation between Jessica and me. Her expression was neutral, but I could tell she was curious.

As I made my way to my usual table, Alice glanced over at me with a knowing smile. She waved me over, and with a sigh, I obliged.

"Jessica seemed... riled up this morning," Alice commented, her tone casual but her eyes sharp with interest.

I shrugged, sitting down across from her. "She's been jealous ever since Malakai and I arrived. She finally worked up the courage to say something today."

Alice's smile widened. "Oh, I noticed. You handled it well. Most humans wouldn't have kept their composure the way you did."

I smirked. "I've had a few centuries of practice. Teenage jealousy is nothing compared to some of the things I've dealt with."

The conversation flowed naturally from there. Alice was curious about our family, and I was equally intrigued by the Cullens. Despite the tension between Edward and Malakai, I found myself warming to Alice. She had an infectious energy about her, and I could see why the Cullen family valued her so much.

As we spoke, I couldn't help but wonder what Malakai was dealing with at headquarters. He always handled his business with a calm efficiency, but I knew the weight of his responsibilities was immense. I just hoped everything was going smoothly for him while he was away.

By the time lunch ended, I had agreed to meet up with Alice and her siblings after school to discuss the upcoming family gathering. It was clear that Alice was determined to make it a success, and I had no doubt she would.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully, and as the final bell rang, I made my way back to the parking lot. Sliding into the driver's seat of my Audi, I couldn't help but smile as I thought of Malakai's return. Two more days. And then, perhaps, things would be a little less dramatic.