Homeroom had yet to start, but the stares of those around me did not drop at all. For some reason, I had become the center of attention. I am not sure if it is because I was no longer hiding my face or what, but all I can say is that I am really tired. No matter how much I tried not to think about it yesterday, my mind was completely stuck on the scent from the meat fridge. Even now, I could feel my saliva filling my mouth. So, I ended up not getting any sleep.

It might sound strange, but I do think I might have an idea of why this may be, especially since I Googled my current appearance and came up with only two options. I couldn’t sleep, so I had nothing better to do but self-diagnose myself. One was albinism, which I know I do not have since fangs did not fit the bill, not to mention my hair is not white but silver. And the other was a vampire.

Being a vampire would explain a lot. For one, the sun. Being in the sun did not turn me to dust as the stories say but it does make me feel very weak. The second thing is that I have crazy reaction speed, borderline possession with how I move on instinct. This also includes my crazy strength I suddenly have. My eyes and fangs were the third thing. And finally the sweet scent of the meat fridge that had bloody meat inside.

If, for some reason, after being reborn, I am truly a vampire, it makes me wonder even more just who my mother truly was. She had the same appearance as me. But from what I know, Vampires do not age. Nor do they die easily. If they get wounded, they will heal quickly. This I checked myself last night as well.

I am not one to self-mutilate, but to test it out, I did cut myself with my razor, only for the cut to instantly heal. Strangely, though, the blood that flowed from my cut did not smell at all. It also had no taste. I was trying to confirm my doubts about blood, but I do not think a vampire can actually feed off their own blood.

At any rate, all signs were pointing towards me being a vampire. Crazy as it may be, I am not actually all that surprised but more relieved to know what is going on with me. But it still does not explain why no one else has noticed my strangeness.

One thing I do question is, though, will I need to drink blood, and how will I deal with that? It's not like I can go up to just anyone and drink their blood. I could probably knock out the green tea bitch and drink her blood. However, I have a feeling it might end up tasting like shit.

As I was lost in thought, the homeroom teacher walked in with a familiar figure walking behind her. Brown hair braided into pigtails. Thick black-rimmed glasses. It was the same girl from yesterday. It’s kind of strange. This girl never entered my class in my past life.

I watched her out of curiosity. She was like a small cat looking around at everyone in the room. When our eyes met, though, I saw a smile bloom on her face. “Everyone this is Sophia… Sophia?”

The homeroom teacher, who was wearing her normal tracksuit since she seemed to hate dressing up for school, was just as confused as everyone else when the girl named Sophia suddenly ran over to me and gave me a big hug.

“Um… Just so you know I am not like that…” I figured I would make things clear from the start.

“Pfft! Hahaha!” Sophia was not the one who responded, but Mr. Idiot, who had also been staring at me all morning. Billy Harris seemed to find my words very funny just now. Why? I will never know nor do I care.

“Umm Sophia?” I asked, gently pushing the girl back.

“So-sorry! I just saw you and couldn’t resist. Thank you so much for yesterday.” Sophia grabbed my hand and smiled at me. “If not for you, I do not know what would have happened.”

“It’s fine. I was just doing what others would have done. Those three idiots got what they deserved.” I replied with a soft smile. I could tell Sophia was truly grateful and was not speaking out of courtesy.

“You really are like how I imagined! My name is Sophia Blackwood. I hope we can be friends.” Sophia looked a little anxious as she asked to be my friend. To be honest, it was strange. Being able to make a friend in high school was something that never occurred to me. I figured it would need to wait until at least college.

But Since Sophia seemed sincere, I saw no reason to reject her. “Sure. Let’s be friends.”

“Miss Blackwood. Can you please introduc…” I watched as Sophia suddenly turned her head and glared at the homeroom teacher. Seeing the cold look that made one think she was about to murder someone made me rub my chin. This girl seemed to be much more than she appeared. I guess as the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover, is on point when it comes to this new friend of mine.

“You… just take a seat ove… Miss Blackwood? That seat is already…” It seemed my homeroom teacher was not having a good day. I watched as Sophia turned to the girl sitting next to me and put her foot on her chair.

“Move, before I make you move. I wish to sit next to my friend.” Yep, I really should not judge a book by its cover. The seemingly harmless-looking girl was currently kicking the chair of the seat next to me, scaring the crap out of the girl currently sitting in it. She was rushing to collect her things in a panic.

“I will move! I will move! Just let me get my things!” The poor girl was slightly chubby and had all her things all over her desk. It was not easy trying to gather everything when the chair was being kicked non-stop.

I felt kind of bad since it seemed to have somethign to do with me. Also, this girl never actually did anything to me in my past life. “Sophia, was it? Can you let her finish gathering her stuff. There is no need to rush her.”

Sophia suddenly turned around and looked at me while nodding her head like a docile lamb. This girl was indeed interesting. “If Elle says so! I can call you Elle right? Since we are friends?”

“Yeah, that’s fine.” I nodded with a smile before turning my gaze to the homeroom teacher, who was currently ignoring the situation. Blackwood was a name I had heard before, but I really can’t think of where I heard it though. I don’t think they are part of the business world. At least, I don’t think so anyway.

Class was just about to start when a clamor came from my side once more. Sophia had picked up the desk next to me, which was now hers, and moved it so that both our desks were touching. This was not how classes were normally held. Desks were not pushed up next to each other, nor were they allowed to be unless you were doing a class assignment. But the homeroom teacher who heard the noise turned, looked at Sophia once and then at me before quickly going back to writing on the chalkboard. “As you can see, we will be having a school-wide meeting in the auditorium…”

This teacher was really ignoring everything. And my new friend was smiling, staring at me instead of looking at the board.

- - -

Earlier that morning, in the principal's office. A partially bald-headed man with a bad toupee sat in his faux leather chair with sweat dripping from his brow. His grey suit was also starting to get drenched in his own sweat as he looked at the young man sitting across from him and then at the young girl standing there, swaying back and forth without a care in the world, who he knew very well. Nothing seemed out of place in his office, which was filled with bookshelves and globes of all kinds, except for the stark contrast of the two uninvited guests.

“Mr. Blackwood.. Wha-What brings you here today?” The principal asked while wiping his sweat once more. He was very nervous and had to make sure he picked his words wisely or he might not get to go home and see his wife ever again. He feared he would become food for the fishes.

“Nothing much. It’s just that my sweet and innocent sister has expressed her desire to be in the same class as her new best friend, Noelle Alastor. I came here today, so you can arrange this.” Nicolas, Sophia’s brother, picked up one of the globes from the principal’s desk and began playing with it in his hand. “I am sure you can make this happen right this instant, right?”

“Of-of course! I can easily do that…” The principal cursed on the inside. He did not know why the girl who was specifically placed in the special class with the kids who would not cause problems was now wanting to go to one of the other classes where all hell could break loose.

He was no stranger to Sophia Blackwood. She was a demon in sheep’s clothing. If anyone crossed her the wrong way, they would end up in a bad spot, like the three young men who just recently dropped out of school. He heard from the police that they underwent a black market sex change operation. But what he did not tell the police was that these same young men had called the little demon out. She was scary. Scarier than her brother and father.

With shaky hands, he pressed the button on his phone. “Have Mrs. Johnson come see me.”

A few minutes later, a young woman in a tracksuit walked into the office. “Principal, I am trying to gather my things for homeroom. I can’t waste time since class is about to start.”

“Mrs. Johnson, Miss Blackwood will be joining your class from today onwards.” The principal's words made Mrs. Johnson freeze. There was not a single person in the entire school who did not know the little demon. She turned her head almost mechanically as she looked at the young girl whose brown hair was braided into pigtails and smiling brightly and innocently.

Mrs. Johnson looked back between her and the principal a few times before feeling as if the world was coming to an end. She had no idea how she was going to deal with this little demon.

“Just handle things as we have discussed before when getting a new student.” The principal gave a friendly reminder using the code phrase he had come up with a long time ago when the girl first entered the school.

“Right. I will do my best.” Mrs. Johnson took a deep breath and looked at the two people in the room and forced a smile. She already knew who the young man was since she had his and his father’s images imprinted in her mind since day one. “You must be her brother. I will be your sister’s new homeroom teacher. I will do my best to make sure she can settle in easily with the rest of the class.”

“Good! I am glad to hear that. After all, my baby sister is the princess of my family. I hope there will be no issues.” A blatant masked threat. Mrs. Johnson felt a chill run down her spine. She really wished she could run away, but there was nothing she could do about it. She really wondered what made this girl decide to want to join her class of all classes.

Of course, this would become clear after the girl entered the classroom and attached herself to Noelle. Mrs. Johnson did not know what to make of this since she had always looked down on the girl due to her reputation in school.

It was not just her but all the teachers who worked here did not like her due to her reputation. This was why they always looked the other way when it came to her being bullied.

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

But now, things would need to change, especially after her sudden change in appearance and attitude. This was even more so now since she would have a demon protecting her. However, Mrs. Johnson did also think that this might be some new form of bullying, but after seeing the demon's actions just now, she knew this was not the case. “I will pretend to see nothing…”

- - -

I thought that Sophia would bother me during class, but surprisingly, she kept quiet and paid attention in class. This was kind of a relief since I needed sleep. I did not need to pay attention in class since I had already learned things once. I just needed to sleep now while my mind was clear of anything that would keep me awake.

In a way, I am grateful to this clingy girl next to me who does not seem to understand what personal space means. But since I feel that she means no harm, a kind of instinct, if you will, it allows me to pass out in peace. Viva la sleep…

“Elle, it’s time to wake up. It’s lunch time.” A familiar yet unfamiliar voice entered my ears. I slowly opened my eyes to see Sophia looking at me.

“It’s already lunchtime?” I yawned and stretched. I can only say I love schools that only make you change classes for labs. I got to catch up on some of the sleep I lost last night. But the thought of food was starting to make me remember the smell from the fridge once again.

“Yeah, it’s lunchtime. We should go get something to eat.” Sophia took my arm and pulled me up. I could only sigh as I let her drag me along.

Surprisingly, Sophia was not much of a talker. We both walked quietly through the halls and made our way to the food court. Normally, I would go for my normal sandwich, which was quick and easy to get, but I felt the urge to have something more… well… alive.

I know it sounds sick, but the cravings I keep having are just driving me insane. It might be better to wait until I got home but who knows when I will be able to raid the fridge?

Sadly, my quiet time with Sophia did not last long. We had only just entered the food court when we were stopped. “Look at this bitch. She still dares to come to school. I heard you were selling your body to greasy old men.”

I looked at the person who was speaking and saw that it was Maria and her friend Rachel. Rachel had been the girl from the store. “Oh! Rachel Black Panty. What brings you here? You wish to lie on the floor again? What’s this about old greasy men? Did you sleep with your father or something?”

“You! I was talking about you! You slut!” Rachel yelled. She really had a foul mouth. Screaming slut this, slut that all the time.

“Sister, you shouldn’t change the subject. There are witnesses. I really wish I could protect you, but…” Maria did not finish her sentence. She was trying to imply that I had been selling myself. A perfect green tea bitch act.

“Oh really? AND WHO was it that saw me?” I asked with a faint smile on my lips. “Was it you? Or was it you?” I looked between the two girls. “Because if you both saw me do such a thing, wouldn’t you need to be in the same line of work?”

“How dare you! Do we even need to stoop so low!? A bitch like you who opens her le-Oof!” My eyes went wide as I watched a small fist slam into Rachel’s face. I didn’t even get to do anything before Sophia made a move and was now sitting on top of the girl beating her face in.

“You dare to keep slandering Elle!? Do you even know who she is!? You only hear a one sided story and start making fun of her? Maybe losing all your teeth will make you keep your mouth shut from now on!” I can see now that my temper is still too good. I am still being too nice. I really need to learn from Sophia.

“Get off her! Who the hell are you!?” Maria yelled out. While she did yell, she did not dare to step forward, she was too afraid of Sophia.

I ignored what Sophia was doing and stepped in front of Maria. “Maria, my DEAR SISTER… Do you think the same thing as your friend there?”

My lips curled up into a smile as I reached out and gently caressed Maria’s face. “Do you?”

I watched as the fear in Maria’s eyes began to take over, and her expression faltered. She quickly shook her head no. “No! Sister, I would never believe such a thing! It was all Rachel. She dragged me over even though I said it wasn’t true.”

Although I heard the bullshit coming out of her mouth, my ability to think was really causing an issue at this time. The smell of something sweet was overtaking my senses once more. I looked down to see blood flooding out of Rachel’s mouth, making me feel slightly dizzy.

It was then that a thought entered my mind. How good would it be to drink some of that blood? While I know this was a very disturbing thought, I really couldn’t help but lick my lips.

I quickly closed my eyes to clear my mind before turning back to Maria. “Fuck off before you end up like her. If I see you again spouting more bullshit rumors about me, watch what happens to you. Sophia.”

I ignored the stupefied Maria and tugged on Sophia’s arm to get her attention. “Let’s go I am hungry.”

“Sorry! Elle let’s go quickly!” Sophia stood up and wiped the blood on her cheek, smearing it, and smiled as if she had not just beaten Rachel's face in. I was not worried about repercussions. From what I have seen thus far, this girl was probably untouchable.

But I really did wish to lick that cheek… I bit my lip to regain my senses once again before walking forward. It seemed having Sophia around was good for clearing a path as well. Not a single person dared to step forward.

“Elle, if they call you later don’t worry.” Sophia hugged my arm as she spoke. “No one can touch you with me around.”

I smiled and patted her hand. Sophia was a very loyal girl, it seemed. “The same goes for you. If anyone dares to touch you…” I cracked my knuckles on my free hand, causing Sophia to giggle.

“Wha-What can I get you girls?” The man at the window of the place that sold steaks seemed to be very scared of us. He had a shaved head and wore a white collared shirt that read Steak House on it in red with a yellow strike mark under it. This stall sold steaks, and it smelled very good. I had always wanted to try it but never had the chance before.

“Can I get a seared steak? I want it basically raw.” I answered, causing the man to give me a strange look. But I did not care. Right now I needed to find something to curb the desire welling up within me.

After getting our food, Sophia and I sat down at a table nearby. Those around us quickly scattered, not daring to sit even a few feet away from us. The smell of the steak tickled my nose, but the scent of blood on Sophia was still very vivid in the air. Or I just have heightened senses, so I am more sensitive to it.

I bit my lip and took a bite of my steak, hoping that it would satiate my cravings. But as I chewed and chewed, I couldn’t help but frown. The meat here was different from my house, that has freshly butchered meat. I cut a piece off and sniffed it, only to put it down. I was very disappointed. “Elle? It’s not good?”

“It tastes fine but not what I was expecting. It just tastes like steak.” I sighed and placed my fork and knife down. Before grabbing the plate and standing up. “Sorry Sophia, I need to go for a walk.”

Without waiting for an answer, I got up and scraped my food in the trash before putting my dish up. Only then did I walk out of the food court and headed towards my usual spot. It seemed that Rachel had already been taken away. I am sure I will hear about it when I get back.

As I passed through the double doors leading outside, my arm was once more hugged, and the sweet scent filled my nose again. I turned to look at Sophia and felt like crying. This girl had no idea what was going on.

I really could no longer take it. I could feel my breathing becoming heavier. I pulled Sophia with me as I rushed to my normal spot, but this time, I went behind the shed where I had originally met Sophia at before.

As soon as we arrived, I spun Sophia so that she was facing me and looked at the blood on her cheek. I couldn’t stop the saliva from building up in my mouth as I swallowed hard. “Sophia what I am about to do may seem strange and I am sorry.”

“Wait. Wait! I am not ready for thi… huh?” I had licked my thumb and wiped the smear from Sophia’s cheek before sticking my thumb in my mouth and sucking on it. The blood had long dried, but it still tasted very sweet.

I could see the confusion in Sophia’s eyes as I slumped down to the ground and sucked on my thumb. “This is strange indeed…”

I couldn’t help it. I sucked every last trace of the blood off my thumb before looking up at Sophia. “I know… I can’t help it. The blood on your face was making it hard to think.”

“Blood?” Sophia wrinkled her brow and looked at me from top to bottom before kneeling down in front of me and placing a hand on my shoulder. “Will you be okay?”

“Yeah… I think. Sorry weird right? Seeing someone who craves blood?” I did not want to come out and say, hey, I am a vampire! I mean, no one would believe me.

“Your actions startled me since I thought you were going to do something else but well, everyone has their own quirks right?” Sophia forced a smile, which made me wonder if I was going to lose this new friend of mine. I could only hang my head and take a few deep breaths.

“I will try not to act like that again in front of you.” I could only say try. After all, there was no telling what the future would hold.

“It’s fine.” Sophia sat next to me and leaned her head on my shoulder. “In a way I guess it is my fault since you did seem to want to escape and I had not taken into account that I had blood on me. But now I know. So next time I smash someone I will do it so that they don’t bleed.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. Sophia was even stranger than me. But she was turning out to be a good friend. “We should head back to class. Although I am unsure how long we will be able to stay.”

“Ah, don’t worry. They will have to call my parents to be there. And as long as you are with me no one can put the blame on you even if they want to.”

I hate it when I am right about the bad things in life. As soon as we returned to class, we were called to the principal’s office. It was there that I was met with two people who were staring daggers at me. “You little bitch, what the hell did you do to your sister’s friend!? Get on your knees and apologize!”

I looked at the woman who had just tried to force me to prostrate in front of everyone in the room and snorted. “Mrs. Thatcher, why are you trying to act all authoritative? Do you think just because we are not at the house, that I won’t revoke your momentary expenditure?”

“You! Are you threatening me!?” I watched as Linda’s face turned bright red in anger. It was quite amusing seeing her so mad. In my previous life, she was always so high and mighty, calling me ugly and stupid even though my grades were good. I guess she just found satisfaction by degrading me as much as she could.

“Elle, whose this bitch that barks before even knowing what is going on?” I almost choked on air hearing Sophia’s poisonous tongue. It was really amusing seeing a cute and harmless looking girl spewing some of the harshest things at people. The look on Linda’s face at this time was priceless.

For a woman dressed from head to toe in luxury brand goods and wearing enough jewelry to start her own jewelry store, her expression made her look like a mad woman who had just been dumped by her rich husband for no reason. In her red dress and black high heels that do not even look good on her, Linda looked as if she was about to pounce on Sophia and strangle her to death.

“Wh-Who the hell are you to be speaking to me like that!?”

“Mrs. Thatcher, please calm down.” I watched as the principal’s face paled. It seemed that I was right about Sophia. She was someone with a very special identity. Which was not strange in this school but for even the principal to be acting as if the world was about to end proved Sophia’s family was not to be messed with.

“Calm down!? This little bitch just called me a bitch!”

I shook my head before deciding to step in as well. I can’t have my toy get broken before I got my fill of playing with it. “Linda, I think you need to first think before you speak. Calling someone a bitch who called you a bitch is basically admitting that you are a bitch.”

“Hahaha! I like this girl!” A voice came from the door before Linda could scold me. “I see why my sister is so keen on you.”

A handsome man walked in. He was tall but not skinny or fat. He was not overly muscular, either. But you could tell he worked out, which allowed him to look quite good in his black suit and tie. He looked at me and smiled, which was kind of evil with those looks. I hate to admit it, but he was kind of my type, although I would never date a friend’s brother since that would be awkward. But eye candy was still eye candy.

“Brother! Listen to this!” Sophia ran over and hugged her brother. “This old woman started scolding Elle before even knowing what was going on. Elle didn’t even do anything, and the woman was freaking out.”

“Oh? Then she was calling Elle a bitch?” Sophia’s brother looked down at her with a questioning gaze. The look in his eye was basically saying if you say no, then I will end her.

But if he ends her, then it will be bad for me since I wouldn’t get to play. So before Sophia could answer, I cut in. “Yes, she was busy calling me a bitch. She only knows a few words. Bitch and slut being two of them the rest are: and, its, and you.”

“Noelle Alastor! I am your step-mother!” Linda shouted, but I only raised my hands and began clapping.

“It’s a good day you learned a few more words! Very good, I will be sure to put a new gold star on the chart on the refrigerator at home.” It’s like raising my own child. Linda was growing up so fast!

“Sister! Why are you acting like this? At home, you are the same. Always looking down on us.” Oh! The green tea bitches acting card has been activated. Sadly, its damage is still zero.

“Maria, I would just shut up if I was you or I might ask the principal to use the broadcast room to kindly tell everyone everything you have done to me since I was eight years old. You keep putting on this facade of being a pure and kind girl but sadly there are a few people here who are now standing over the garbage losing their lunch.” I pointed at the two siblings who were actually hovering over the principal’s trashcan dry heaving.

“Brother, what is that? As soon as she spoke I started to feel chills running down my spine and my stomach started to turn.”

“My Dear Sister, that is what we called a wolf in sheep’s clothing. She puts on an act of a pure and kind girl, but in truth, she is just acting so that she can make people side with her while scheming against others. I bet she will make a fine gold digger. In a few years she will probably be waitressing at one of our clubs.”

I decided to ignore the strange conversation the two siblings were having. Amusing, yes, but not something I wish to jump into.