- Her crystal blue eyes scanned the room. Her classmates were still working on their tests, as to be expected. No one ever studied, or even paid attention in class. Why would they when Mr. Baker could care less if they passed or not? She let out a small sigh and sat back in her chair. She had been done for some time now. No, she wasn't a nerd. She didn't study her brains out just to get a good grade. She didn't even have to read to know the material. Elizabeth stared at the clock, willing it to move forward. Of course, she didn't posses that kind of power. If only she did. The old wooden door creaked open. Ellie was expecting the teacher from across the hall that Mr. Baker often helped to "fix the printer" for. Their affair had been going on for some time now. But instead of the middle aged woman that wore too much makeup and heavy perfume, two males around her age entered the room. Her head tilted slightly to the side. She hadn't seen them around before. It was a small enough town where everyone had at least seen each other around once or twice. You would easily be able to pick these two from a crowd.
They were taller than average. There wasn't a doubt in her mind that the basketball coach would try recruiting them. They looked athletic enough. Both had emerald green eyes that stood out with their tanned skin and brown hair. If not for their haircuts, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the two. Every head in the room turned up except for the one needed. Mr. Baker had his head buried in the newspaper from last month that he used to cover up his daily naps. He only looked up when one of the identical boys cleared his throat. The one with short hair stepped up to Mr. Baker and handed him a slip of paper. The shaggy haired boy followed closely behind. It was obvious who the more dominate one was. After a short conversation and a frustrated sigh, Mr. Baker stood and called the class to attention.
"Listen up! These two'll be joining you in your misery from today onward. Austin and Spencer Mitchells." He didn't introduce them individually. No one knew which was which. Elly glanced around the room. People were whispering to each other, giving their friends and neighbors their opinions on the new kids. "Go ahead. Find an open seat wherever..." Mr. Baker muttered as he sat back down in his seat and returned to his newspaper. Elizabeth sat in her seat, watching from the corner of her eye as one of the twins walked toward her. She was on her guard until she remembered the seat in front of her was vacant. The short haired twin sat down in his seat, holding eye contact with Ellie. He wore an obnoxiously confidant smile on his lips as he dropped his bag to the floor and turned to face her.
"Is he always such a grouch?" He asked with a small chuckle. Ellie should have just shrugged and said something sarcastic and unappealing to ward him off. She was bored and curious, so she decided to take to more friendly approach. She simply shrugged, her blonde locks falling over one shoulder. "Usually. He hasn't had his shot of vodka yet." He laughed quietly to himself and glanced back at Mr. Baker. "An alcoholic? Seriously?" Elizabeth nodded as she crossed one leg over the other. "I mean, It's only an assumption. I've gotten a whiff of his breath after he's had a sip out of that coffee mug and it's definitely not coffee." The twin grinned and nodded, becoming a bit more comfortable with his game. He offered a hand for her to shake. "I'm Spencer, by the way. And your name, beautiful?" Elizabeth mentally rolled her eyes.
She stared down at his outstretched hand. She didn't like having skin to skin contact with people. She didn't have OCD and she wasn't afraid of germs. People were the same as books. With one touch, she knew their life story. A slip of a hand, and she knew Mr. Baker's life within a few minutes. It was the only reason why she knew his marriage was failing, his daughter despised him, and he stopped going to his AA meetings at the beginning of the year. Elizabeth had a gift. One that she very much wished she could return.
Elizabeth covered her hand with her sleeve before grasping Spencer's hand. She didn't care what he thought. It was a matter of time before the rumors about her being a freak reached him, anyway. "Elizabeth. Pleasure to meet you." She slipped her hand from his and leaned back in her seat. So the other is Austin. She looked around the room for him until spotting him on the other side. He was being bombarded with questions. He didn't look like he wanted to answer any of them, but by the looks of it was politely answering the ones he was able. Spencer caught her looking at his brother and let out a soft sigh. "He's not the most social guy." Ellie glanced over at Spencer. "He never has been. But then again, twins are usually polar opposites aren't they?" Something seemed odd about his smile. Like there was something more to it than just what he said aloud.
She didn't do anything but nod. "I guess so..." She mumbled. Thankfully, the awkwardness was broken by the lunch bell. Everyone was quick to stand and gather their things. Ellie guessed most of the class was too fascinated by the new kids to finish their tests. She slipped her bag onto her shoulder and turned to walk out the class. Spencer ended up blocking her path. "Do you mind joining me for lunch? So far you're the only one I know here." Elizabeth knew that if he wanted to, he could easily find another lunch partner. Ellie bit down on her bottom lip and looked up at the time. She didn't have time to argue or try to get past Spencer. He didn't seem like the kind to give up. "Sure, I guess... Your brother can join if he wants."
She wasn't sure if the group she usually sat with would take the newcomers lightly. They didn't warm up to new people. She just hoped they wouldn't cause a scene in the middle of the cafeteria. Elizabeth walked out the door, glancing over her shoulder to make sure Spencer and Austin were following behind her. Spencer came over and draped his arm around her shoulders. It made her uncomfortable, but she didn't push it off. "So, this is my brother Austin. Austin, this is Elizabeth. She's invited us to lunch." Ellie pressed her lips slightly together. More like you invited yourself...
Elizabeth was preparing herself for the wrath when she entered the cafeteria. She was reluctant to enter, but knew it would be worse if she didn't show up at all. She walked in and made her way to her usual table. Four people were immersed in conversation when she arrived. Crystal with her slender model figure and her firey red curls was sitting closely beside her love interest Cameron. They were opposites in every way. Crystal looked confidant with everything she did, while Cameron sat quietly next to her, nodding every now and again. Emma was chatting with Crystal as she curled her wavy brown hair with her index finger. Then there was Damien. Everything about him read 'Back Off'. His dark black hair, his mannerisms, his bright blue eyes. They nearly froze her in place when they met hers.
Ellie gulped when his eyes narrowed. He had spotted Austin and Spencer, and he wasn't taking it lightly that Spencer had his arm so casually around her. Damien stood and made his way over to Elizabeth. The other three put their conversation on pause when he stood. Whatever was about to happen would be much more interesting. Damien looked between Austin and Spencer for a moment. He didn't address either of them. Instead, he looked to Elizabeth for answers. "How are they?" Ellie glanced up at the two and cleared her throat. "New kids. Spencer and Austin. They needed a seat for lunch so I... invited them." Damien pursed his lips. He wasn't pleased with the fact that Ellie brought these two strangers along without asking for his permission.
"Only for today." He finally said as he snaked and arm around Elizabeth's waist.Damien was possessive. It was natural for him to be so. He had been ever since they were kids. All five of them have know each other since childhood. They were all the same, after all. They all had gifts that were given to them the moment they were born. The only difference was Ellie wasn't quite fond of hers. Spencer rose a brow when he saw Damien's actions. Austin stood quietly as always, inspecting the group. They didn't sit well with him. He knew they didn't want either of them there. Elizabeth followed Damien back to their table and plopped down next to him. He kept his arm firm around her waist as the two sat down. Ellie shifted uncomfortably in her seat. The tension was thick enough to make her feel claustrophobic.
The table was quiet. For once, even Emma was silent in her seat. Ellie glanced over at her. She seemed to be focusing on something, though she wasn't sure exactly what. Elizabeth cleared her throat again. Emma looked up at her, confused at first. Her normal friendly Emma expression came back to her before she finally spoke up. "So! Where'd you guys move from?" Elizabeth was surprised when Austin spoke up this time. "L.A." Emma's brows rose in curiosity. "Really?! God... I've always wanted to go there. Why would you move from LA to our crappy little town?" Austin glanced over at Spencer, who still seemed too shocked and angry to respond. "Our mom wanted a change of scenery. A more... family friendly environment." Elizabeth tilted her head slightly to get a better look at Austin. Now that she looked at him more closely, you could tell the differences between the two. Something about the way Austin's eyes shone in the light was familiar. Not in a good way. She turned away before Damien caught her looking. She didn't want to give him another reason to be upset with her.
Emma let out a small sigh and popped a grape in her mouth. "This is as family friendly as you can get.
