HOUSE OF RETURN

Chapter 2

The next day at school, Annika, Jamal, Danya and Tyler walk in the halls.
"It's great to be back." Jamal sighs.
"You're happy to be back?" Annika laughs.
"I'm just happy because I'm with Danya." Tyler holds Danya's hand.
Danya pushes him away. "Please just leave me alone!"
"I don't understand you!" Tyler shouts. "I know you like me! Why can't you admit it?!"
"I don't know what you're talking about!"Danya runs away.
"Ugh!" Tyler storms off.
"Well then!" Annika says.
"I still have faith in them," Jamal says. "They're my favorite couple! Besides us, obviously!"
Jamal grabs Annika's hand.
"I have to go to the bathroom," Annika says."Save our spot in class so we can sit with each other!"
"Okay!" Jamal goes to English Class and goes to their spot but Sami is sitting there.
"Hey," she smiles. "I saved our spot for us."
"Um, that's kind of where Annika and I sit."Jamal looks away.
"Oh.... I see how it is," Sami stands. "You know, you never really broke up with me, Jamal. So technically, we're still dating. And you're also dating Annika. I know you still like me. That means you have to choose. Me or Annika?"
"Hey," Annika walks in. "What'd I miss?"
"Nothing," Sami walks away. "I was just leaving."
Annika sits next to Jamal.
Mrs. Andrews comes in. "Welcome back, class! I hope everyone's excited to be back at school!"
Everyone groans.
~
During lunch, Danya and Tyler talk in the lounge.
"Danya, you know how I feel about you. And I know you feel the same way. I would do anything for you.... That's why I'm wondering why you just won't admit it and be my girlfriend."
Danya blushes. "Alright. You can be my boyfriend, IF you pass my test. In order to be with me, you must give me flowers, you must be on a magazine cover and you MUST have a ride to drive me around. No exceptions. Bye!"
Danya runs off.
"Are you kidding me?!" Tyler lets out.
He runs to Hunter. "I need your help!"
"Not now, Tyler." Hunter rolls his eyes.
A girl with light skin and dark hair with brown eyes runs up to them. "Hi, Hunter!"
"What do you want?" Hunter groans.
"Who's this?" Tyler asks.
"I'm Grace." The girl replies. "I'm Hunter's sister. I'm from the House of Poseidon."
"You have a sister?!" Tyler exclaims.
"Yes." Hunter sighs. "This is her first year here."
"Welcome to Harwood." Tyler says.
"Thanks." Grace says. "You must be Tyler. Hunter told me all about you."
"I hope all good things!" Tyler laughs.
"They were!" Grace smiles. "I think you're the hottest guy here."
"Oh, um-" Tyler backs away. "Thanks?"
Tyler runs away.
"What's his problem?" Grace laughs and walks away.
Hunter rolls his eyes.
~
After school, Jamal and Annika walk together away from the school.
"This is nice." Annika blushes.
"Wait, what's that?" Jamal points to an abandoned library.
"Something we should probably stay away from." Annika says.
"Nah, I think we should go in. Come on! It'll be scary!"
"Exactly the reason why I don't wanna go!"
Jamal takes Annika's hand and pulls her inside.
They gasp and hide when they see Victor and Mr. Sweet inside.
They eavesdrop.
"Tell me again, why you took me here?" Mr. Sweet asks.
"I'm looking for the Book of Athena." Victor grunts. "It contains the recipe for the Elixir of Life, since last year's attempt failed."
"I don't want to be involved in this again." Mr. Sweet says. He goes to the door and sees Annika and Jamal hiding.
"What are you doing?" Mr. Sweet asks.