[b]Derek[/b] [u]September 6th - 8:45 a.m.[/u]

As class began and a substitute teacher came in, Derek sighed in relief. He hated listening to the teachers on their first day drawling about homework. He was a star student - honor society, even, but he hated it. HE sighed as he watched the teacher introduce himself and rolled his eyes. What an arrogant bastard. The girls seemed to be swooning. God, this was annoying. He sat back and looked at Angel briefly. She looked so gorgeous and had grown up so much. The small twelve year old was so much older looking. She didn't even look their age; she looked to be in her 20's. He decided to mention it another time. Today was going to be overwhelming.

He snapped to attention when Mr.Woods called her out. He watched in shock as Angel snapped back a sarcastic retort. He blinked, taken aback. She had always been so nice and polite. He shrugged it off; people hated introducing themselves. The teacher's response to her's was equally sassy. He stared at them with confusion, glancing back and forth. Did they know one another? It certainly seemed like it. But how? He was so much older than her. Derek couldn't help but fidget uncomfortably. Was she involved in something wrong? The vibe he was getting was nothing but animosity. Her reaction was nothing but carelessness and dismay. She was so different.. He had no idea how she was anymore. OF course years had passed and people changed, but this was a complete switch of her character. 

Angel introduced herself, then retraced her steps. He was thankful she had, because now people were nodding in agreement.  Her sighed in relief then laughed at her next comment. He highfived her when she returned to her seat. He went to speak to her, but Mr.Woods began taking attendance. After discovering Holly's absence, it sent him into a genuine display of dismay. He frowned. Who the hell was this dude? He was so freaking weird. The comments regarding Holly's character were drowned out. He was too uncomfortable wit t he situation. Unfortunately, nobody else seemed to care. He shook his head then jumped when the fire alarm went off. He swore as he banged his knee and stood up with his classmates. MR.Woods must have been terrified of fire-alarms, because his attitude was sheer panic. 

Derek stared in surprise when Angel took his hand then remembered she had been out for years. He smiled and held her hand back and squeezed it. [b]"It's okay, I'm here." [/b]He reassured her and smiled.[b] "I've got you, Angel."[/b]

[hr]
[b]Holly[/b] [u]September 6th - 8:45 a.m.[/u]

Violet tried to comfort her, but it wasn't working. The fire drill outside had people staring at them as well. By now, the ambulance had been called and the police had been notified as well. She was numb as she stared down at Madison. Holly against Violet and rested her head on her shoulder as tears streamed down her face. She watched as EMT's came over and loaded Madison's body onto a stretcher. One of the cops knelt in front of her and began asking questions, but she couldn't understand. Her mind was reeling. She felt hem grab at her and pick her up gently onto her feet.

The questions resumed once again. Holly quietly explained what she had heard: Madison's scream then saw her being stabbed in the neck. She had edited it so they didn't know it had been a vampire. The bite had been from the killer, she had said. She shakily was pulled aside away from the crowd. Holly called for Violet quietly to stay by her side and sat on the bleachers. 

She heard whispers but their insults were the least of her worries. Holly buried her head in her hands. When the principal told her that her parents were on the way, Holly's dread intensified. She looked at him and tried to beg him not to, but it was fruitless. She looked at Violet and then up as a familiar voice joined the crowd. [b]"Darling, I have it from here."[/b] A tall caramel brunette with her hair pulled into a bun was staring down at them with a gentle smile. She was in a detective's uniform. [b]"She will be coming to the police station for further questioning. You can ell her parents they will see her later. Thank you, Principal Greene."[/b] He huffed and beckoned the other administrators and cops away with him.[b] "Young lady, what is your name?"[/b] Phoenix smiled down at her gently, masking her concern and grief.

[b]"H-Holly."[/b] She stammered out, trying to act as if she didn't know Phoenix. Thank God. It was as if a weight had been lifted from her chest. She was shaking so bad she saw Phoenix bite her lip worriedly. Holly looked down at her hands so she didn't look Nix in the eyes. [b]"Blackthorn,"[/b] Nix scribbled down her replies on a pad of paper as she nodded along.

"All right Ms. Blackthron, can you describe the student who was attacked?" Her vocie was sweeter than sugar and warm and gentle. It reminded her of hot chocolate on a winter day. 

Holly stared at her briefly and nodded. [b]"Her name is Madison Moore, and she's a sophomore. She's very sweet and doesn't get into trouble. She does her homework on time and was President of Key Club last year."[/b]

[b]"Drugs? Alcohol of any kind?"[/b]

[b]"No."[/b]

Phoenix nodded and glanced around quickly. When no one was around, she looked at Violet. [b]"Good job, Vi, on the alarm. I'm proud of you. You're so amazing, sweetie."[/b] She then nodded to Holly.[b] "You'll come in the car with me. I'll get you out of today's classes, okay? We'll go to the hunter's base."[/b] Phoenix gently waved to Violet inconspicuously and left with Holly.