Chapter 9; Feeling at Home

A Home for Scales

Written By : SecretSerpent22

Warning: some content may be disturbing or upsetting to some viewers, discretion of/for the viewer is advised. Ok here we go!

Chapter 9; Feeling at Home

I stayed in bed the next morning, and most of the day too. After last night they wanted me to just relax and take it easy for a day. Hudson and Jagal said they would inform my teachers I was sick or something to excuse me from classes and pick up any work for me. Raymond refused to look at me, he told Jagal he'd stop harassing me, and glaring at me if he would be allowed to stay. Jagal wanted me to answer that... I allowed him to. I could be the bigger person this way, and there was also the fact he had no one else here. I didn't want to hurt him the way he hurt me. Like I said, the bigger person in the end. Hudson really wanted me to go out to the counseling department by the offices and just talk to them too. Let them understand what had happened. I didn't... at least not first.

After going back and forth through email for a bit, I got a quick meeting set up for 11:30. It was only for half an hour but he had also wanted to speak with me. And I happily agreed to that.

I traversed the empty courtyards and park. I made sure to schedule the meeting around this time so little to no others would be out. I entered the office and the secretary at the front waved. I felt a little nervous being here, but overall I knew it had to be done. I entered Mr. Hansenburg's office at 11:30, right on time. I knocked and opened the door slightly, letting the headmaster know of my arrival. "Um, hello sir." I said nervously, peeking my head and body in the doorframe.

"Nikalandra, come in come in." Mr. Hansenburg said sitting at his desk shuffling through a few papers. He organized them in two piles on his desk and set them aside, looking up at me with a fairly blank expression. "You've made a bit of a name for yourself on campus. I hope you are doing well?" He perked up a little trying to be more friendly once again. He was dressed in relatively the same apparel he was in when we first met. However this time he had a blue and black checkered tie.

"...Yeah, yes I am doing good." I replied.

"I hope this isn't the rooming situation? I know things might not have been the easiest transitions-"

"No, that isn't the reason." I interrupted. He thought for a second scratching the back of his neck.

"This about the rumors of your medication then? I've heard some reports of drugs being used on campus." he got serious for a second, "You aren't selling yours right? And have been using them at appropriate times?" He raised an eyebrow, awaiting my answer.

"Well, no I haven't sold them to anyone.... I did get overheated yesterday and I'm sorry for my carelessness... It wasn't wise of me-" This time he stopped me.

"No need. It was hot, and I've gotten an email from your friends Jagal and Hudson already detailing what happened. Try to keep hydrated though, hopefully this drought ends soon." he smiled. They already informed the office for me too? He noticed my surprise. "I believe this rooming system has worked out well for you, am I correct? You have some good friends there."

I smiled, I truly did. "I couldn't ask for a better family here." He clasped his paws together.

"Splendid, I'm glad to see you're being welcomed just fine."

"...Sir, do you know about Raymond?" I asked after a pause. He sighed, quietly nodding.

"Jagal explained this as well, he could be suspended or even kicked off campus for harassment, threats, and in some cases verbal assault-"

"No I don't." I looked down, realizing my sudden outburst. "I'm sorry to interrupt again. Jagal's all he has right now, as much as he might've hurt me last night." I sniffled recalling his words. "I'd rather not have him removed." he nodded and smiled. I felt better about my decision. "There was someone else though... that might've... been more physical." I stated, was this the right thing to do?

"Oh, physical in what way? I have no reports on this?" He leaned in intrigued, his hands rested under his muzzle and his eyes worried and studying me.

"The first night... well it was my decision to follow him... but they beat me up pretty bad..." I was growing more and more silent and breaking up the story as I continued. I recalled the hurt, the confusion.

"Do you want to make a report? I can have a chat with them, you know."

"I don't want them penalized, I just don't want to be threatened anymore. It's hard enough to deal with all the staring and comments in the park..."

He sighed, shaking his head. "Alright it's your choice I suppose then. Though I have to encourage you to tell me if this were to ever happen again. Deal?" he said. "I'm a little upset that someone has gone this far, but I don't want to force it out of you. And if stares and comments cause you to struggle this much as well, I encourage you to speak out, first tell them to kindly stop. Or you can just report it." he shrugged his shoulders. Why is he so nice to me? I thought. As if he read my mind he spoke again. "Don't worry I don't play favorites here, but the well being of you is what I care about. You don't see many of your situations in this world so I want to make sure you're well taken care of... I'll let you in on another secret." He drew in closer, lowering his voice. "I don't mean this poorly by any means, but many schools are judged differently based on their students. By having you here it shows us as more welcoming and encouraging to our students. You aren't a trophy or anything but you help out this school a lot for that."

I pondered all this, let it sit. It kind of did suddenly feel like he was using me, "But you're trying to be the bigger person in regards to other schools then?" I said. He chuckled, nodding his head.

"Precisely." he responded with a big smile over his face. He's kind of like me, or am I like him then? "I wouldn't doubt it if you told me other schools rejected you because they felt it would hurt their image. Many are selfish and judgeful like that unfortunately." I nodded, that's what Sunrise University did to me...

We didn't have much more to discuss after that but I was to go down and do a quick check on my mental stability with the counseling department. According to them, I did good when it was done. The small dove avian was talking with me after finishing up. "You seem to know how to deal with most situations and comments very well. Keep it up and if you are feeling like you need to talk with anyone...."

"I have you all here, and my roommates." I responded.

"Perfect," she said giddy, "Well have a good rest of your day. Be safe." She was nice at least, and knew how to help me relax a little more. Very inviting, I know of yet another place where I'm safe.

I returned to the dorm room. Staring at the 247 stationed on the door. I entered. I was greeted by Jagal and Hudson who had a few pages and notes for me. They smiled and greeted me warmly. Raymond was facing the other way. "Raymond?" I asked. Everyone looked at me, I caught him turning his head slightly.

"Uh...what?" He said, I approached him. Jagal and Hudson got concerned, what was I going to do, they were probably thinking? I stood in front of him.

"I don't know why the stereotype is to hate crossbreeds. I never thought it was fair. I never asked for any of this. Unfortunately I can't change who I am physically or genetically. I don't know what kinds of grudges you might have against me, but I still want to try and grow. I just want this to work, for all of us right? What do you say?" I waited, Jagal smiled, he was happy I was giving his friend another chance. Hudson smiled too. Raymond just stared down at the ground.

He didn't say anything. I tried, that's all I can do, I thought as I walked away from him. "Fine, it hurts though. The past and all that... but fine." he looked up a little. "I guess there's no harm to it." I smiled, I had won, we had. Jagal and Hudson cheered. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but that's life. We all just push on right?

"Now who's hungry?" I asked. I picked up the free food card. "We only have until midnight for this thing, better not let the rest go to waste huh?" Everyone agreed, getting up. The work here is tougher, the relationships a bit more complicated. I wouldn't ask for any difference. This is where I belong, with the new friends and family I've made here.