"But you have to agree, sour cream and onion chips are way better than salt and vinegar," my friend, Rose, interjected. We were currently walking through Aril University, debating on the best chip flavor.

"Well, that may be true, but barbecue is the best. No more arguing, you know it's true," James chimed in. He turned to his schedule, which he keeps on him at all times. "I don't have any classes all afternoon, you guys want to do something, like get food, or watch a movie?"

Rose checked her schedule. We had come to a stop in the courtyard, which wasn't as busy as usual, seeing as it was almost noon and practically everyone was heading to lunch. Some were eating at their dorms, in school, or one of the many shops outside the main building.

"I don't have anything either. How about you, Fiona?" Rose asked, brushing her fittingly red hair out of her beautiful chocolate brown eyes.

I already had my schedule memorized, since unlike Rose and James, I didn't do much other than school. "Guys, the only class I have in the afternoon is Spanish, and that's not on Tuesday, so yes, I'm free." I rolled my eyes. Of course they wouldn't remember that, however I like to pretend that they should know.

"Well. How about Henry's?" James suggests. Rose shrugs.

"Sure!" I try to ignore James and Rose as they hold hands. Of course my only friends have become a couple, leaving me as the third wheel.

We finally got to Henry's after making small talk about what we were going to do after college. We've discussed this at least once a week, but we still enjoy the prospect of getting out of college. James wants to be a realtor, and Rose wants to become an accountant. I am looking into law, however I don't quite know what to do yet.

When we were seated and all looking at menus, a boy with ebony hair and eyes like coal walked in. Our eyes connected, I fought a shiver.

These are the people my father warned me about before he died, I thought. He sat down in a booth across from us, not-so-secretly watching us. More specifically, me. James did not notice. Neither did Rose. Or so I thought.

After lunch, James made a restroom stop. Rose turned to me.

"So...? Who's the guy? What's his name? Ooh did you meet him in class?" Questions kept pouring out of Rose's mouth. I finally had enough and put my hand over her mouth.

"I don't like him, nor do I know him. I do know he is the son of my father's biggest business rival, at least when my dad was alive. Nothing for you to be concerned about," I whispered harshly. Rose turned pale. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I just don't want to talk about it, okay? Can we forget this ever happened?" Rose just slowly shook her head, looking at a spot behind my head.

I turned around, only to find the devil in the flesh.

"I was hoping I could speak to you. Alone, if possible," he forced out. He seemed to hate being in this situation as much as I do.

Looking into his eyes was like looking into an eternal abyss. Dark and never-ending. He also was about two inches taller than me, and milking it for all it was worth.

"Can we do this some other time?" Like never? I of course didn't say that last part. I didn't want to seem rude.

"Fine. Your eyes are interesting. Like the sea churning in a violent storm. I'm told that's what your father's eyes looked like too." He turned with a smirk and stalked off, leaving me seething at the mention of my father. Rose was fairly confused, my hand still on her mouth. I gently took my hand off of her face, and took a few steps back just as James arrived on scene.

"How about a movie in my dorm?" James said, unknowingly breaking the tension from the few moments before. I nodded, maybe a little too violently to pass off as normal, but James only gave me a questioning glance and took hold of Rose's hand, and we soon we're on out way.

Rose yawned. We were watching some sappy romance movies since we got here. It's now eleven fifteen, and I was trying to ignore the thoughts flying through my head.

How did they find me? Who told them? He couldn't have just asked around. I haven't used my magic in years.

A splash came from the TV as the two main characters fell into a pond, disturbing my thoughts. Rose seemed to be asleep now, and James was just watching her instead of the TV.

"When are you planning on kicking us out?" I stage whispered. He jumped, probably forgetting I was here, then shrugged.

"You guys are free to stay," he whispered back. I nodded, not wanting to deal with what would happen next time I was truly alone.

"Thanks James," I whispered, half asleep. He just nodded soundlessly, brushing his fingers through Rose's hair.

As he was falling asleep, I twirled my hair, thinking about what I should do. My father always said that if they found me, I should run. But now I'm in college. If I run, I lose my education. But if I stay, I might die...

Choices, choices. James was asleep. I lifted my hand at looked at the calluses from use of my sword. I tell normal people I fence, but in reality it is just me preparing for this day to come. I reach over and grab my cup of water from the side table, watching as the water slowly floats out of the cup and balances in my hand. I quickly put the water back, and pass out from exhaustion.