Adanic: Chapter 2

Everyone shifted uncomfortably in their seats. The girl’s pink eyes weren’t the only aspect of her complexion to stand out, although they might have been the most intriguing. Her silky chestnut hair stretched a few inches below her small shoulders. Her entire form was just as small; however, she was only slightly taller than me (not that that was surprising; most people were taller than I was). Her tan color her skin settled at was hardly noticeable, for even with it, she still had much lighter skin than most people at the high school. Her ensemble reflected that of a typical teenage girl. Overall, she was very pretty. As I took in each detail, I realized that her whole shape fit perfectly like a puzzle piece into the silhouette of my dream.
Not even Mrs. Lisa could conjure up the proper words. “Well, er…um, Topaz”, she said, looking at the schedule unwillingly forced into her hands. “Welcome to Vista. And this class”, she added. She looked hopefully to the rest of us, seeking help. “Would we have time to fit in a short introduction?” she hesitatingly suggested to the class.
The room burst out into sighs of relief and approval. Mrs. Lisa wasn’t big on introductions, but Topaz was looking slightly uncomfortable, almost shy, beside her. Obviously no one had seen her before…well, everyone but me, anyway.
By now the terror had slipped off my face. I was more alert and awake now, too, thanks to the almost-pleasant disturbance in today’s English curriculum. Instead I wore a mask full of true curiosity, as everyone else had.
“How about you tell us your name and a few hobbies?” asked Mrs. Lisa, politely. Then she added, a little quieter, “And quickly if you don’t mind. I’m not trying to offend you, but we kind of had a strict plan today… we’re a little behind on The Odyssey…”
“Oh, it’s no problem. I’ll be quick”, Topaz answered politely. My eyebrows pulled together as I processed the light, clear tone of her voice. It wasn’t anything like I had pictured it in my dream; with only a creepy grin and practically indefinable shape to work with, I supposed it wasn’t unusual to assume this.
“Well, my name is Topaz Cinada, for one”, she started, a friendly and excited smile pulling the corners of her coral lips upward. “My hobbies include watching action and sci-fi movies and shopping”, she finished, her smile still perfectly intact.
Everyone’s eyebrows rose at her brief autobiography, but they did not say anything, to my surprise; I had expected at least one comment, but none came. Somehow, her delicate shape didn’t fit her interests. Or her enthusiasm.
“Very nice!” Mrs. Lisa complimented, satisfied that class had not been cut shorter than thirty seconds. She smiled at Topaz and motioned to a seat the opposite side of the room I was on. The cluster of girls surrounding her snapped their spines toward her and greeted her warmly. I heard one of them say, “If you need anything, just let me know”.
She did not make eye contact with me the rest of class; her pink diamond eyes were fixed on either The Odyssey in the literature book or Mrs. Lisa went into one of her deep analysis discussions. Strangely, I did not feel bothered by her presence, as I would have expected to be. I didn’t even feel the need to look in her direction. I was fully immersed in the lesson; as I mentioned before, I had always liked English, especially when Mrs. Lisa taught it.
Things felt utterly normal…as if Topaz were just another student that had made it to the first day of school months ago when the rest of us did, rather than seeming to appear only last night in my dream. I was surprised myself to feel surprisingly relaxed and at ease.
English went by exceptionally fast. After the bell rang, I strolled to the door. Suddenly, a figure was next to me. I thought it was Akiko at first, but the painfully articulate voice was in my ear. “Did you get the message?” Topaz whispered, another friendly grin passing her smooth skin.
A jolt of shock passed through my veins and I could feel my face pale. “Excuse me?” I breathed. I wasn’t sure if I comprehended her question. Then I remembered my manners and tried, “Oh. By the way, I’m April”.
Her smile faded for a second, then it was back. “Okay. Nevermind; I see you have. See you 4th period!” She flashed me a bright smile before she turned to leave.
I stared back at her, completely dumbfounded. “Okay…”, I managed to say softly just before she was out of hearing range.