Tales & Time (Lost Time Academy #1)(10)

“So red is your colour? I’m more a pink girl.”

“I didn’t choose these sheets actually. My mum bought them in case I got powers,” I explain, smoothing down the sheet, “though the blanket is mine.”

“It’s not too bad. She could have picked worse,” Tavvy replies, winking at me as she chucks the finished quilt my way. “I only started here two months ago when I got my powers. So we are in the same year, and luckily for you, I bet the same classes,” she tells me as I put my quilt on my bed. I’m happy to know someone at least for my first day tomorrow.

“Awesome,” I eventually say, sliding off my coat after the bed is done, and pulling out my phone from my bag.

“They are serious about technology and how it’s banned here. I’m just warning you, as a friend, that you should hide that,” she says as I slide the phone inside the pillow case she hands me off the floor before putting the pillow on the bed.

“I know, but there is someone I need to stay in contact with, secretly at least…and he is worth the risk,” I say, sitting on the bed, and she sits next to me. “Even if I can’t actually tell him anything truthful, I just want to hear his voice.”

“A boyfriend?” she asks, wagging her eyebrows.

“An ex-boyfriend now,” I reply, trying to keep my voice from catching, and she gives me a sad smile.

“What’s his name?” she gently asks me.

“Quinton,” I reply with a tight smile.

“A sexy name, but I’m guessing he is human?” she asks, and I nod.

“Don’t fall for a human,” she says softly, and I laugh humourlessly.

“It’s too late for that. I love him already, but it’s clearly not meant to be between us now,” I say.

“How long were you together?” she asks me, seeming curious now.

“About a year. We grew up together, well, him, me and the four other boys that lived on my street. When the others moved away three years ago, it was just us left, and I can’t lose him now,” I say.

“Okay Madi, but as long as he is just a friend now, it won’t be a problem. I don’t want you hurt, even if we did just meet. I’m sure your parents told you about the arranged marriage thing,” she says, her eyes hold a note of worry.

“I know…but I didn’t choose this. I didn’t choose to walk away from Quinton, and I need to know he is okay. I need to know he is going to move on and have a life, even if it isn’t the one we planned together,” I whisper, harshly wiping my eyes. “Sorry, we just met, and I’m blurting out my depressing life issues.”

“Hey, I get it, Madi. We have all left people behind back home. Look, they have trackers on 24/7 for phones. If you want to use it, go to the roof; it’s the only place that would be safe, and it is difficult to get up there, so they don’t check it. I’m sure your book will help you find a way up,” she says, and I smile, thankful for her advice.

“Thank you, Tavvy. Any other advice I need to know before I go to sleep?” I ask her, desperate to change the subject now because it damn well hurts to talk about Quinton.

“Just one thing. There are four brothers here that unofficially rule the academy. The girls that follow them around will do anything to get their attention. They will make it their mission to destroy you if you mess with the brothers, so it’s best to stay out of their way,” she suggests, “though I’m not too worried, considering you just got out of a relationship. Everyone is waiting to hear who they are going to be arranged to marry. Their last fiancé died recently.”

“Yeah, I’m not looking for anyone right now, and I’m sorry someone died... So, what’s so special about the brothers anyway?” I ask her. She doesn’t need to worry, no one will remotely interest me, not so soon after leaving Quinton.

“They are hot, for one, and extremely powerful. They basically rule the school, and even the teachers are scared of them,” she says. “There are rules for us, and rules for them.”

“They sound like assholes,” I mutter, yawning. It’s been a long ass day.

“They are, but I wouldn’t go calling them that. One of them is super creepy, and he can pull you into another dimension he made as a kid. Everyone is scared of him, and he always wins fight class. Well, except his brothers who can beat him when they feel like it,” she chuckles. “Either way, it’s best to stay clear.”

“Then you have nothing to worry about. I will stay away from Mr. Creepy,” I say, and she laughs. She climbs up the ladder and into her bed, still chuckling as I give her a confused expression.

“You haven’t seen them yet. I bet your attitude might change.”





Chapter 5





“Your first class is history,” Lane says as I finish brushing my hair and look over at the open book on my bed. I pull my black hoodie closer around me, hoping that my casual skinny jeans and shirt is the right dress code. Though looking at Tavvy just behind me, I’m guessing it is fine. I don’t know why anyone is worried about the bathroom down the corridor. I went this morning to use the toilet and freshen up with Tavvy, and there was nothing but a slightly old-fashioned bathroom.

“History is the worst class. You should have gotten here yesterday; the first class was Drama where they spend the year teaching you how to act if a human sees your powers. It’s the best class,” Tavvy says as she pulls on her leather jacket which matches her leather leggings she has on. I couldn’t pull that outfit off if I tried, but Tavvy’s skinny waist makes it work. I just threw on my comfy clothes with my trainers, and called it good enough. I’ve never been one to bother with what I’m wearing. I pull my hair up into a high ponytail as I watch Tavvy pick up a book like mine from the dressing table and open it.