Chapter 4

BEAVERTON, OREGON

Cirilla's point of view

I hummed to the rhythm of the music playing loudly in my ears, trying to get distracted by the music and my drawing. Even though my efforts have been futile. The recent days have been unpleasant for me, coupled with the weird and bothersome dreams, more like nightmares I had been having. Flashes of nonhuman creatures chasing me.

At first, I thought it was just a dream, but I was not certain of that anymore. I'm starting to rethink that theory. It felt like it was more than a mere dream like they were missing pieces from my memory. But that's impossible, maybe I was just being paranoid with the fact that I still couldn't remember what happened the other night.

I placed the black colored pencil on the bed, gripping the yellow colored pencil, and bringing it to the sketchbook. I skillfully mixed it with a shade of orange, and after a while, I was done. Pulling it up, I stare intently at the image I had drawn. It was a picture of a figure. A man. He was unique and somewhat familiar. But I have never seen him. What intrigued me most about him was the flames that danced on his skin, and it appeared like nothing to him. I couldn't make out the features of his face.

The flames made his face hazy and unclear. His gaze was a bright shade of piercing yellow, or was it golden? It was difficult to tell. I had never met him, yet that image has managed to stalk my dreams these past few days. There was a certain familiarity that I couldn't begin to fathom.

I broke my gaze from the image. Staring at my phone. I gaped at the time in horror, I was fucking behind the clock and running late on my first day of school.

I clutched my bag. Diving my books, sketchbook, purse, and phone into it. I buzzed to the kitchen and grabbed a muesli bar and a banana. Hastily exiting the house. It was a blessing mum wasn't home. I didn't even know when she left this morning. It has been a week now since we moved to Beaverton town. So far, it was just there. I haven't had the time to explore the town. I had more important things on my mind, like admitting myself into the town's high school and finding a job to support myself as usual.

I munched down the last bite of my breakfast, then my phone vibrated with a message notification. I scrolled through my messages, going through my unread pile. An interview schedule popped up on my screen. It was at a bar I had stopped by two days ago, and I was scheduled for an interview with the manager right after school.

As soon as I reached school, I went through the hallways. I found the admin office and walked in.

The lady on the desk tilted her head and eyed me up from beneath her long lashes.

"Yes?"

Well, that was polite.

"I'm Cirilla Bane, it's my first day," I told her.

Lazily, she shuffled through her occupied desk and pulled out a map and class schedule. She handed it to me and without saying anything, she went back to her more important job of filing her nails.

Thanks for the damn hospitality!

I can't believe they actually pay her!

I navigated my way through the enormously large school. I got lost on my way to class. I found my first class, being twelve minutes late. I rushed in, apologizing and introducing myself to the teacher. He pointed at an empty seat at the back for me. I settled into my seat while dumping my bag on the ground.

The lesson began, and I barely paid attention to the teacher. Going through my class schedules. I studied the map trying to get a head over it, to avoid the embarrassment of walking into class late.

I began scribbling the meanings of some words taught by the teacher. I was engrossed in my action, but I felt it. It was hard not to. Growing up I tended to be sensitive and alarmed by my surroundings, and right now I felt a heated gaze, boring holes at the back of my head. I found that impolite and utterly annoying.

Slightly, I turned around, my eyes locking instantly with a pair of chartreuse eyes. They were deep and sharp. He had a well-defined jawline and brilliant yellowish hair that stood out. Falling messily in a perfect symmetry slightly above his shoulders. It gave him a manly, yet beautiful look. For a split second, we stared at each other.

His eyes twinkled. He pressed his lips together gently, the muscles around his cheekbones and jaw visibly relaxed and a small lip-tight smile cut through his lips.

I offered a smile of my own just to be polite. I pulled my gaze away, back to the scribbling on my book. But I could still feel his bothersome gaze on me.

I made it through a few classes and was glad as hell it was lunchtime. I had no appetite for that, lately everything that got into my mouth tasted bland. Instead, I decided to explore the school so I wouldn't embarrass myself as I did earlier today. I found the venue for some of my classes and even toured around the library and the school gym. I still had some minutes before lunch finished, not feeling like doing anything. I took out my sketchbook and sat out on the school lawn, getting soaked by the sun. I took the chance to look around, noticing an extremely large proportion of cute-looking guys with perfect masculinity and the whole package. The girls were also a beauty.

Lunchtime was over. I got up and made my way to my next class. A hand suddenly grabbed my arm. Instinctively, I spun around fast, freeing myself from his hold. It was the weird guy from my class.

"Hi!" He stared at me, pulling out a grin. A deep wide grin. His deep chartreuse eyes scanned me diligently. Before I could respond, he pulled my sketchbook out. "You dropped this" He had a rich, deep smile, and those eyes held mine cautiously as if intrigued and at the same time studying me.

"Thanks!" I collected my sketchbook, plastering a fake small smile.

"We take chemistry together"

"Yeah! I noticed you" It was really hard not to. He gave me weird vibes.

"I'm sorry for creeping you out in class. It's just that you're very pretty," He complimented with a bright brilliant smile.

Well, that was bold. "Thanks"

"I'm Niko."

I nodded, and he stared at me, expecting me to say something.

I mentally rolled my eyes. "I'm Ciri...Cirilla actually, but most people call me Ciri"

He smiled. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you…" He paused, "...Ciri"

"Yeah. Thanks again" I made my way to my next class. Thankfully, I strutted in before the teacher. I slumped into one of the seats beside the window.

I got a tap on my shoulder, tilting my head sideways. I was faced with the most beautiful girl I had ever met. Her honey-iced, brown eyes complimented her white, flawless skin and her long brown hair. If beauty had a face, then I swear it would be her.

"Hi there! I'm Lyra, "she chirped. Even her voice was sweet and melodious. She stuck out her hand.

"Cirilla" I grabbed her hand in a handshake.

"I've never seen you around here. Believe me, I never forget a face"

"I'm new here. My first day actually" I told her, leaning lightly on the table to get a better view of her.

"Well then, welcome to Beaverton High" She flung her hands in the air, dramatically. I couldn't help but break a smile. She was cute.

"I know every damn thing around here, so if you want to know anything I'm the right girl to ask" Her smile was genuine.

I nodded at her, smiling. The teacher roved in and began the class.

After class was over, I reached for the door and headed to my locker. I stashed some books in it, locking it.

"Hi, Cirilla!" I was stoned to see her again. Lyra.

"Lyra. Did you need something?" I asked unsurely.

"No. Yes actually. I wanted to invite you out since you are new in town. I'm heading to the mall and it'll be nice if you come along" Her eyes fell expectantly on mine.

I didn't know how to say this without sounding like my usual blunt and bitchy self. "I'm sorry, but I have plans already," I said flatly.

"Oh" Her eyes dropped, and then it beamed again. "I guess another time. See you later Ci" She kissed my cheeks and literally hopped away.

I glanced at the time. Oh, shoot! The interview.