Chapter Nine

"Nobody is perfect, so what?"

"Truth or dare?" Clover asks Desmond during free period. The four of us are sitting at our usual table with our undone homework glaring back at us. Dylan and I are the only ones attempting to finish our homework while Clover is attempting to engage us in a childish game of Truth or Dare.

Desmond smirks. "Dare."

I groan softly in annoyance. Those two will always pick dare for a reason. And it is always the same dare for each other. Nuts snuggles on my lap in his sleep.

"I want you to kiss me," she says.

"Gladly." Desmond plants his lips on Clover's without any hesitation. They should be grateful that there are no teachers around during free period or they could have land themselves in detention.

"Can you two go to another table or something?" Dylan demands, glaring at the couple. They are distracting us and we have to work hard if we want to get a scholarship. Not everyone has rich parents like Desmond.

"Why don't you two go to another table?" Desmond shoots back.

Dylan growls and closes his homework. "That's a great idea. See you later, Clover."

I scoop Nuts into my hands and follow Dylan to the other side of the room, away from them. Clover does not seem to mind when we leave her alone with her idiotic boyfriend. Clover is a good friend, but I prefer not to stick around with that pompous ass.

"I just wish that Clover just dump him," Dylan grumbles, falling into a seat close to the window where the sunrays hit his skin. Almost instantly, I see him turning a little green as the chlorophyll in him functions with the presence of sunlight.

I can feel my skin turning green too as I take a seat opposite of him. I sigh in relaxation at how good it feels. Wide awake, my Guardian runs under the table where there is shade.

"You know that she's happy with him, jerk or not. At least Desmond does not cheat on her," I state, opening the work I was working on.

"How do you know whether he cheats or not?"

"Instincts."

Dylan does not say anything after that. He understands though. My grandmother and I are the very few Light who still practises our inherited gift of feeling anything that is living. Therefore, I always trust my gut feeling. My skin is very sensitive whenever I touch any living thing, even if it is by accident. This is why I can feel Dylan's frustration two days ago when he accidentally brush his arm on me. This gift can also be a curse as well, if I'm not careful.

"I'm so glad that it's Friday," Dylan comments out of the blue. "What class do you have after this?"

I scrunch my face as I try to remember my timetable. "Science, I think. Ugh."

"Lucky you. I have Math. At the bright side, I can see Elise."

I look up from my book and turn my head to my right where Dylan's crush is sitting alone doing homework with earplugs stuffed in her ears. "It's about time that you ask her out. You better man up before we leave school and your chance of ever seeing her again will be zero."

My friend tucks his long hair behind his ear. "Dude, I may be a man, but not a good looking one. I mean, would girls like her go out with weirdos like me?"

"Don't judge a book by its cover, Dy," I advise, rubbing my chin.

He burst out laughing out loud which gains us unwanted attraction, including from Elise. He continues to wheezes as he struggles to stop the laughter falling from his lips. "Oh my, you looked like you were stroking an invisible beard!"

I cast him an annoyed look. "You're so random."

"And you're so funny."

We finish our homework before second period starts. Science is a subject compulsory for all students to take, unless if they take the three main science subjects. Very few people take the science subjects since us Light are more interested in art subjects. Our education ministry had science and mathematics compulsory for all Light students and are required to pass in our national examination.

After Science, I made my way to Literature. I take my assigned seat at the back of the class and Nuts munches happily on the acorn I gave him. I can't help but daydream during class when Mr Brooks talks about the novel The Hastes and Celia Chronicles. I've read the book once and I know enough that it is a boring book.

"Miss Lanster!"

I jolt awake at the mention of my last name. I blink a few times to see Mr Brooks looking at me with disappointment.

"I expect you to stand when I ask you a question," he tells me.

My cheeks burn. Every pair of eyes land on me as I stand awkwardly. This is what I get for not paying attention in class. This is just great.

"I didn't catch your question, sir. Can you repeat it?" I say, looking at his writing on his board to find no questions.

Mr Brooks shakes his head. "In the novel The Hastes and Celia Chronicles, the author had mentioned three battles between Dark and Light. Name the battle where Hastes' brother died in and how."

My mind turns blank. The answer is not written on the board so I assumed he had already erased it. Just my luck. I look at my surrounding for inspiration and hope that my brain suddenly pops up an answer. Nuts is busy with his acorn to care about my wellbeing. Some of my classmates snicker whilst others give me looks of sympathy.

Mr Brooks turn around to write something on the board. From the corner of my eyes, I see someone passing me a note with neat handwriting.

Battle of Hour. Holster got stabbed in the heart by General Nordin.

"Am I getting an answer from you, Miss Lanster? Or do I have to send you to detention for not paying attention in my class," Mr Brooks says without turning.

I muster up all the confidence and pray that the sender is brilliant. "Battle of Hour. Hastes' brother, Holster was stabbed in the heart by the Dark General, General Nordin."

My Literature teacher turns around with a surprise look on his face. Every one of my classmates does the same, except some has their mouth hung open. I know that no one, besides Mr Brooks, would have known the names of two of many minor characters in an ancient story.

I owe the sender for saving my butt.

"Very good. You may sit down," Mr Brooks mumble. I quickly do before he can ask me any more questions.

Nuts runs up to my awaiting hands and rubs his soft fur against my skin. He sends me waves of happiness through my gift. At this very moment, I'm grateful that grandma taught me to master the Light tradition.

The sender of the note is sitting next to me where it is usually empty. The blond boy has his eyes on his copy of The Hastes and Celia Chronicles. Mr Brooks must have introduced him earlier but my mind was too preoccupied to notice our new addition. Nevertheless, I'm so glad for his presence or I would land in detention by now.

Thanks, I write on a new piece of paper. It takes me a few seconds to stare at my messy handwriting compared to his and then silently pass it to him. The boy hesitates while looking at me. After he reads, he doesn't look in my direction again.

The rest of the period passes. I can't help but stare at him, studying his features. A few minutes later, I recognize the blond boy. Two days ago, I bumped into him by accident when I was rushing to the performance. I have completely forgotten about him.

Not only that he's a new kid, but a smart one. I should at least say my thanks and apologize personally. The least I can do is show him around since he's new in town.

Before I get a chance to talk to him, he disappears right after the school bell rings. Other than Literature, the new boy does not share any classes with me.

I sit next to Dylan in our orchestra arrangement during Music. Other than guitar, I play the flute for the school orchestra. Everyone who takes Music is required to join the school orchestra and has to play their assigned instrument by the school.

"Rumour says that the new kid helped you during Literature," Dylan tells me the moment I take out my flute from the case.

"Nixie confirms that rumour," I answer, referring myself as a third person. It's annoying how so many people are so interested in newcomers. I should have expected it since we haven't had a new student for quite some time. "You know anything about him?"

Dylan shrugs. "Nothing much. Just that he takes the three science subject and is excellent at everything he does. Not to mention he's a little bit of an antisocial."

No wonder I can't find him in any of my class. The information somehow surprised me. It is rare for Lights to take Chemistry, Biology and Physics subjects. He doesn't look like a science person.

"Must have come from a rich family," Dylan mumbles, polishing his trumpet. He knows very well not to look at me since I am giving him a disapproving look. Dylan shouldn't judge the new guy's choices in life and draw quick conclusions. I get that Dylan is frustrated with his financial situation, but he shouldn't lash out his frustration.

The Music teacher comes in and the class goes silent. We don't have another chance to speak about the new boy since our teacher is pushing us to play until my mouth starts to swell. Our teacher is a little crazier today since our performance is in another three more weeks.

Nuts is the only one looking like he can laugh if he can. Lucky thing that he is a squirrel or he would join us unable to speak properly.

"See you outside," I inform Dylan during break. "I need to stop by at my locker."

He waves me off without a word.

The school building is empty during lunch. Everyone must be outside in the field, enjoying the sun. Nuts cling onto my shoulder as I walk towards the senior's row of lockers. I'm surprised to find the new boy leaning against a locker with a thick book in his hands. His eyebrows scrunch in concentration as he reads the Biology book.

This is my perfect opportunity.

"Hey," I greet, walking up to him.

The blond boy jumps, caught off guard. "Hello," he says coolly. His voice as deep as a tenor singer, if he ever sings opera.

"What are you doing here? You should be outside with others."

He stares at me. Confusion swirls in his eyes. "Outside?"

I give him an odd look. "Yeah... It's break and it's the time to, you know, enjoy the sun?"

"Oh... right. I apologize. I didn't know that."

He is close his thick book and is about to leave when I stop him by saying, "I'm Nixie Lanster. Thanks for helping me during Literature."

I am truly grateful for him. Teachers just like to test students as an excuse to humiliate them and probably 'inspire' the students to study harder.

"It is no trouble. My name is Marcus," the boy says, staring straight into my eyes. Feeling a little self-conscious, I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Nice to meet you, Marcus. You were at The Point on Wednesday, right?"

"The Point?"

I nod slowly. "Yeah, the big stage. You know, in front of the Mayor's office? I accidentally bumped into you and ... so, yeah..." I give him an awkward smile.

It seems like he remembered because he then look at Nuts. "Yes. I'm glad you found your friend."

"Why don't you join my friends and I for break? I mean, if you don't have any other plans of course." I bite my lips as I wait for his response. It takes him a minute to think about my offer and accepts.

After leaving my books in the locker, Marcus follows me outside. People gather in groups. Some are just lying on the ground with their eyes closed. Some chat with their friends.

"So what do you think of Brightsbury?" I ask him curiously. "I hope we treat you well since you're our first newcomer since... well, anyone can remember."

Marcus looks everywhere with fascination. He looks like someone who just entered another world. "Brightsbury is interesting."

I nod awkwardly. "Well, to me it's boring since I've lived here all my life. I hope one day I can travel all over Light, just to experience different culture and stuffs like that."

Marcus just nods. Every time I look at him, I catch him staring at my face and looks away to look at something else. His skin has a light green colour just like every Light under the high intensity of natural light.

I find Dylan sitting on the ground close to Clover and Desmond. The couple is talking amongst themselves, leaving Dylan looking bored. He smiles at the sight of me, but the smile transforms into a frown when he sees Marcus next to me.

"Hey, guys," I say, plopping on the ground next to Dylan. "This is Marcus."

Clover looks up from Desmond's face to study Marcus's physical appearance. She studies him with sharp eyes and then turns to me with a knowing smirk. Desmond does not look thrilled that Clover's attention is no longer on him.

"Hello," Marcus says.

A chorus of greetings comes from my friends. I pat on the space next to me. "Come and sit, Marcus."

Dylan grins. "Yeah, Nuts won't bite."

Marcus sits. "Nuts?"

"My Guardian," I answer him, nodding at the squirrel in front of me. The squirrel tilts his head on one side and stares at Marcus. I can tell that he is evaluating whether he likes Marcus or not. I'm not surprised to find him glaring at Marcus. Nuts doesn't like anyone, apart from me.

"I heard you take the three science subjects. Isn't it difficult?" Dylan asks with curiosity.

"I don't find it so. It is pretty logical and easy if you understand the basic concept," Marcus replies confidently.

"But you're studying Literature too!" Dylan continues shoot questions.

Marcus shrugs. "I have a small interest in Literature. Who doesn't like The Hastes and Celia Chronicles? It is a piece of art with complex character development that actually intrigues me. They are also part of our history and results in our current way of living."

All of us groan at his response.

"Congratulations, Lanster. You made friends with a nerd," Desmond sneers at me.

I roll my eyes at him. "You're just jealous that there's someone smarter than you at the only subject you excel in."

Clover burst out, laughing. "Burn!"

I cock my head to one side as I study him. Marcus looks a little tense. He barely moves the moment he sat with us. Everyone starts to ask him question which melts his guard down a little. Whenever he glances at me, I give him a small smile to assure him. That causes him to relax more.

"Do you have siblings in this school too? Or are they so much older or younger?" My turn to ask.

"Actually, I don't have any."

"You're the only child?" Desmond asks in shock. Heck, everyone is shock. I have never heard of someone being the only child and every Light comes from a large family. By large, I mean more than four siblings at least.

Marcus warily nods. "Yes, I am. My parents are... infertile. That is, after they had me."

It quickly goes downhill from there as none of us have any idea what to say to that. Clover quickly saves the dying conversation. "Where are you from, Marcus?"

"Vivid."

"Oh!" Dylan exclaims. "That place is famous for their art and all. Am I right?"

Marcus looks a little uncomfortable. "I guess."

An idea hits me. "Hey, would you like to come to an art festival later today? Maybe it will make you feel more like home or something. I know that it must be difficult for you to move away from where you were born."

Clover gives me a wink, which I shake my head at. Is being nice and friendly a crime? Maybe this art festival can help him feel more at home here in Brightsbury.

"That would be splendid," Marcus tells me.

I can't help the smile that is growing on my face.

The smile falters a little when I see that he does not smile back.

Author's Note

It's been a while since I updated Equilibrium. Don't worry, I'm planning to continue writing! ;)

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-M.