Hours passed with no word about Mary's decision. I worked on my homework for awhile alone while answering IMs from my brothers, insisting that I was ok and everything was fine. After my homework was finished and my reading done for the next day, I decided that hiding alone in my room wasn't how I wanted to spend my life. I took my phone and my room key with me and went to explore my new home. I went down to the living room, figuring it was best if I pretended to be social. Professor Rhodes was in the living room, watching a sitcom on the TV while she was grading homework, a goblet of dark red liquid on the end table beside her. She looked up as I walked into the room. "Hello, Samantha," she smiled at me, welcomingly.

"Do you mind if I join you?" I asked softly. She smiled and looked even happier.

"This is your house, too," she reminded me. "You have as much right to the room as I do. However, no, I do not mind if you join me. You can change the channel if you'd like," she indicated the TV. I sank down onto the comfy couch and curled up, tucking my legs under me. I shook my head at her offer.

"I like this show," I told her. It was one my brothers and parents and I would sit around watching the new episode of. It reminded me of home and that made me smile. We spent the evening in companionable silence, making occasional comments about the show or school. It was nice to be somewhere I could relax and be comfortable and safe. I texted my dad before bed and let him know that I was safe and happy.

I made sure to lock my door before going to sleep. I didn't think I would have trouble with Professor Rhodes here, but I wasn't taking chances. I set my alarm and went to bed, hoping tomorrow would be a better day, now that I had a safe environment.

The alarm woke me too early the next morning. I showered and gathered my school things before heading to breakfast up at the school. Professor Rhodes walked up to the school with me. It wasn't far from the house. "Try to get to know your classmates. If you have trouble at meals, let me know and we'll try to make meals ourselves at the house," she promised. "Your safety and well being is our biggest priority right now. But you'll be safer, and happier, if you can make some friends," I nodded. I had been trying to make friends, but it was so hard when everyone seemed to be against me from day one. It was also hard, when Mary hadn't accepted my invitation to move from the dorms. I figured I would have heard by now if she had.

I headed inside and got my breakfast in the cafeteria. I looked for somewhere to sit. Mary waved me over to our usual table. I walked over hesitantly. I wasn't sure I would like what she had to say. She looked down as I approached, her face turning red. "I appreciate that you invited me to move into the house with you..." she started. I quickly figured where this was going. "But I don't think it's a good idea. I'm sorry, Sam, but I need to think about my future and living with you isn't going to make me any better liked by the rest of the vampires," her words stung and I felt tears come to my eyes. I wouldn't give our audience the satisfaction of seeing me cry. "I still want to be your friend!" she added quickly. "I just don't think moving is a good idea. Plus, you'll be safer there alone." I nodded and cut her off.

"No, I understand. Thanks for letting me know." The words caught in my throat as I fought back the tears. I turned, intending to find another table when Shannon, Emily and Meaghan came up to me. Shannon wrapped an arm around me and led me to their usual table with Emily and Meaghan flanking us and keeping people out of our way. They promised that everything would be ok. They were my friends and they weren't going to abandon me. After some sniffles, I gave them a small smile, and thanked them for their friendship and kindness.

"We're friends," Shannon insisted. "That's what friends are for. Now off to class with you, little Apprentice," she smiled at me as the bell rang, warning us all to get to class. I grinned at her and gathered up my things. "If you don't mind the company, we'll come by your place later to work on homework," I nodded.

"I'd like that," I told them as we headed off to our different classes. Things would be ok. Not everyone here hated me, just for my background, just for something I couldn't control