The Devil Beside Me

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Serene

My head is stinging wildly. I look at my clothes and notice that I'm still wearing the same clothes from yesterday. I sniff my self and smell the residue of liquor from last night. I'm not sure of how I got here but I think Zeke helped me. As I remember him I immediately went to the mirror and check both the sides of my neck but haven't find any bite of fangs. I finish my bath and also didn't see bite from any parts. I guess he still didn't claim what we had promised. I was fixing my bed when I saw herbs put above my bed . It wasn't there when I woke up I thought. I run to the open window and scan through it but I see no one. I went to the kitchen and was boiling the herbs when Annabeth came in.

" What are these?" she asks and opens the pot

" These are herbs for hangovers, right?" she added quickly

" Uh yeah" I answer

" Did you drink last night?" she said sharply

" I -a little" I lied and bit my lips

" Who are you with?" Annabeth starts to bombard me questions. I don't know if I should tell her that I was with Zeke because I know she'll not be happy hearing it. So I said I drank with friends and I came home early and safely. She seems not convince but she let it slip because what matters now is today according to her.

I drink the boiled herbs and it took effect after few minutes

" Annabeth, why is the headmistress packing?" I tried to snoop

" I forgot to tell you I heard that she will be attending a convention in the Capital"

" Really, for how long?"

" Three days" we stared at each other with meaningful gaze then started to jump in excitement

" Ehem" a sharp voice came enough to make us stood frozen

" Headmistress" we said in unison and bowed

" You two really have no delicacy to hide your thrill on my absence"

"Forgive us headmistress" we apologize. After the headmistress reminded us about the chores even added many probably to get back on us , she left with the carriage.

" Here I thought we could have the time of our lives. I'm so tired" Annabeth complains.

" Serene?" she came rather weak

"Huh?"

" Have you seen him lately?" she asks and I have a wild guess of who it might be

" Who?"

" You know. " she trails and I understand

" I didn't why?" I said and bit my lips

" I was trying to find him but it seems that he's nowhere to be found. I've already asked around but no one knows him" she told sadly

"Rest now Annabeth. I'll finish this up" It's least thing I can do to console her. I'm sorry Anna, I really do.

" Are you sure? I'm still fine you know" she stood up and acted strong showing me her muscles

" I'm sure" I push her inside and took the bucket in her hands. Now holding a bucket in both hands I went to the well at the back of the orphanage

I was in the middle of pulling the water when I saw Zeke and accidentally release my grip to the rope. I tried to hold it back but lost balance instead and almost fall if not for Zeke who quickly get a hold of me.

" Are you still drunk?" he asks smiling. My cheeks heated from embarrassment. I fix my stand after borrowing foundation from him

" What are you doing here?" I ask