The Freak (mxm)

Chapter 13: The Meeting - Part Two

"I don't feel like an adult. I feel like a teenage boy who everyone's annoyed with" (Helen Fielding)

NOUR'S POV

There are way too many people around me, shifters of all size, gender, age and origin. They look like ordinary humans on the outside, but if you're being extra attentive you'll notice the differences.  It's particulary the case with some species, like birds. They tend to be skittish folks, with amazing reflexs and they usually think there's above the others. Well, then again, it depends on the kind of birds. One of my classmate in high school was a raven and believe it or not, he was an absolute sweetheart.

I'm currently sitting with two girls and an older guy and I don't feel confortable. I always wonder how people manage to act so casual with each other. Whatever the topic,  I don't have much to say, although I force myself to make small interventions now and then, so people won't think I'm a weirdo. But it requires a lot of my energy, and I am very much looking forward to going back home. 

"So, Nour, do you have a boyfriend?" the older guy asks while winking at me.

"Wow, always so straightforward, Nicolas" the blond girl laughs, slightly shaking her head. "You don't even know if he's into guys."

"There's no point in being subtle, Reneta. I've been telling you that over and over again." Nicolas retorts. "Life is too short for that. Besides, I have a feeling that this guy is as straight as an arrow. Am I right, pretty boy?"

"Watch your tongue, the pretty boy is gonna b- "

Before I have time to finish my sentence, which would have certainly  pissed of the old fart, I'm being interrupted by someone with a very deep voice:

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen. Please join the area of the clearing which has been allocated to you - you'll find the number at the back of your convocation. Please do it as quickly as possible, so we can proceed with the Meeting. As you already well know it, it is quite dangerous for us to be all reunited in the forest so the more efficient we all are, the sooner you can return to the safety of your houses."

There's a mumble of agreement, then everybody quickly goes to the area they've been allocated and I start slightly panicking. I have to hurry if I don't want to be the last one standing in the middle of the clearing like an idiot. Okay, let's have a look at my convocation. Where is it already? It's not in my pockets! Oh, right, I put in my backpack. So, I am in Area 4. Where is it? Suddenly, I see Rémy standing among a small crowd and I hurrily walk in his direction, completely forgetting that I'm supposed to be mad at him. The people in this area seem quite powerful and I can't help to get a bit closer to Rémy. Of course, I'm not scared, it's just - well, you know. 

"Rémy! Thanks God you're here! Is it Area 4?"

I grab his arm and he frowns at me, looking like he wants to remove his arm from my hold before he decides against it. Maybe he can sense my distress, because he puts his hand on my shoulder and replies softly.

"Erm, no, this is Area 2. Area 4 would be on your - "

"Nour!" the deep voice from earlier interrupts him, making every head turn in our direction. Oh, the disgrace. "You're in Area 4, which is the one on your right, next to the plane tree."

I nod, joining my peers with what I hope sound like a casual gait, when deep down I feel like running at the sound of the very authoritative voice. Urgh, I hate it when all eyes are fixed on me!

Once I'm in Area 4, I quickly scan my surrounding. There are 8 areas, and there are quite a lot of people in my Area, while there are only six people in Area 1. I almost jump when I see two familiar faces looking at me from Area 1. These freaking lions! Although, I'm pretty pleased to see that the younger one has a hateful expression on his face. Having his nose broken probably hurts like a bitch, eh?