The House of Night

Zoey had witnessed her first fledgling death. It was the most horrific and disgusting thing she had ever seen. Classes were canceled for the day, and good thing to. Half the school spent the day in the common rooms, crying. Zoey seemed to be the only girl in the school not crying. Jack was a big help the whole morning, he helped deal with Stevie Rae and keep her calm. Now it was time for lunch and the entire dining hall was silent.

Zoey was carrying two trays. She had forced Stevie Rae to sit down, at there usual table of course, and wait until Zoey came back with the food. She was getting anything special, just some chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. She wasn't sure if Stevie Rae could handle much more. Setting the trays down she smiled a soft and reassuring smile at Stevie Rae. "Apple juice?" When all she got was a bob of the head she sighed and went to get there drinks. A Mountain Dew and an Apple Juice. Sitting back down at the table she noticed Stevie Rae had already eaten half of her sandwich. "So you are hungry."

Stevie Rae just nodded her head as she continued to devour her lunch. Grabbing the apple juice she popped it open and chugged 3/4 of the container. Inhaling deeply she sat back in the booth and closed her eyes to relax a bit.

Jack came up, taking his first bit out of an apple and swallowing it, "How's she doing?" He said, looking at Zoey but nodding towards Stevie Rae. Sticking the apple in his mouth, he sat down, steadying himself as he sat. "You have anything else going on today?"

Zoey leaned back in her seat and smiled softly. "I think she'll be okay." Yawning gently she rolled her neck and sighed gently. "Nope, nothing planned, why? What did you have in mind?"

"Oh, Nothing. I was just kinda thinking about going for a walk. You know, out there," Jack said, nodding out towards the door, "But if you're tired, that's cool. Maybe we can set something up sometime."

Icene made his way to an empty table across from them. He had managed to coerce more of the liqour from his source. He grimaced, this wasn't the same stuff....tasted more like 100 proof Vodka which, to him, was only good when you wanted to completely drown yourself. Since he couldn't do that, he decided stomaching it with lunch was the next best thing to wasting it.

Stevie Rae picked up her tray and smiled as she stood. "You two go ahead and have fun. I think I'm going to sit with Icene." Winking at Zoey she turned and skipped over to Icene's table and sat down across from him. "What's up!"

Zoey smiled softly and looked over at Jack. Shrugging her shoulders she stood and disposed of her tray but kept her soda. Walking back over to Jack she leaned her hip against the table and smiled. "Ready?"

Hopping back up, Jack nodded to Zoey, "Sure, I'm ready whenever, Let's head out. See ya later, Stevie Rae," He said as he waved back to the table, slowly walking towards the door of the cafeteria, taking the last few bites of his apple.

Polgara sat on the floor in a corner of the common room, her knees pulled up using her legs as a surface to set her notebook on. Her hand moved slowly across the page, weaving a web of words to hold her until the days events could be pushed from the forefront of her mind. She paused only to push her bangs out of her face.

Naylinn walked into the room, her journal against her chest. She walked over to a couch, sitting down with her legs curled under her. She began working on her sketches.

---

Zoey smiled as they walked outside. Inhaling deeply she let out a deep breath and grinned. "I'm happy here. Happier than I've been in...well, a very long time." She ran a hand down through her hair. Her pocket began vibrating and she sighed. Sliding her phone open she giggled and replied. "My grandmother. I can't believe I ever taught her how to text."

Jack chuckled at Zoey's comment, "It is really nice here. I've really enjoyed my stay here already. So...was there somewhere you wanted to go? I figured with everything that's gone on here today, we could really use to get out and get some...fresh air. You know, be away from the school for a while," He said as he looked down to Zoey and smiled, winking at her.

"Are we aloud to leave campus? Because if we are there's a nice Starbucks a few blocks away. There French Vanilla Cappuccino's are to die for!" She giggled as her phone vibrated again. This time when she checked it she just deleted the text and continued walking with Jack. Zoey smiled had fadded slightly after the last text, but she tried to hide it.

"Huh? Yeah, we can leave campus. We just can't be gone for too long," Jack said, looking back down to her, "Hey, you alright? Something get to you?" He had seen her face dim a bit after reading the text. Nothing too serious, but just enough to invoke a reaction from him.

Zoey's head snapped up. "Uh, yeah, I'm okay." Rubbing the back of her neck she turned down the path that led to the front gates of the school. "So, is Starbucks okay?" She could go for a doughnut right about now too.

Jack raised an eyebrow, "Alright, if you say so. Starbuck's sounds fine to me." He tapped his pocket quietly to ensure he had his wallet there before he put his arm across Zoey's shoulders. He figured even if she was alright, a little bit of comfort was always welcome.

Before leaving the school they made sure to cover up there marks.

Zoey leaned her head against his as they walked. Smiling softly she looked up into his eyes. "Thanks." They left the school grounds and walked the two blocks to Starbuck's. As they walked into the cafe they were surrounded by the small of coffee and baked goods. "Mmmm." Grinning she walked over to the counter and looked at the menu. "What are you having?"

Jack smiled, "Any time, Zoe." He took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet mixture of coffee and the baked goods, "There's only one thing I would ever think of having, A good iced mocha. Now what do you want?" He said as he pulled out his wallet, "I'm buying."

"Awe, I didn't even have to pull the, "I forgot my wallet" trick. Your so nice." Zoey stood on her tiptoe's and kissed his cheek. "Thanks." Turning to the cashier she smiled softly. "A large French Vanilla cappuccino please!" The girl took there order and gave Jack there total. A tray appeared in front of them with there drinks already made. "Ooo! We don't need a tray, but thank you." Zoey quickly grabbed there drinks and waited for Jack to pick a place to sit.

Jack blushed slightly as Zoey kissed his cheek. He pulled out a crisp bill from his wallet and paid the cashier, "Keep the change," he said as he nodded to the barista before turning back to Zoey, stepping up to the booth next to where she was standing, tapping the back of the booth seat, "how's this? Or would you rather sit somewhere else?"

Zoey shrugged her slender shoulders and say down. She placed Jack's drink down across the the table from her and leaned back to begin enjoying her's. "I see why we have to cover our marks now. It's a pain though. I wish my marks weren't so...big?"

Picking up his drink, Jack nodded. "Yeah, it can be a pain sometimes. I can't even go swimming in public with mine, but there's just some things that you have to give up. With great power comes great sacrifice," He laughed gently, "I don't mean to scare you with that, I'm just messing with you. Truth is though, what you see as a hassle now opens broader horizons for later. I've learned that I can just go out and swim late at night, and since I can "see" people, i don't have to worry about being seen very easily."

Zoey had been listening to Jack. He was easy to talk to and an interesting person on top of that. She opened her mouth to reply to what he had said but instead she froze as the door open and in stepped a very familiar person. Some how he sensed her and turned to stare. A girl was standing at his side tugging at his arm. Zoey's eyes shifted to the girl and she gasped. It was Olivia, she had been a very good friend of Zoey's. Her eyes slid back up to Thomas' and they stared at each other for a few more moments before Zoey broke away and turned back to Jack. "Do any other students have elemental affinities? Neferet told me the earlier that a circle with affinities for those elements is the strongest of circles. Oh by the way, I'm not sure how, but Neferet knows I have an affinity for all 5 of the elements. She seemed...excited about it."

Jack glanced around confused for a minute before returning his gaze to Zoey, "Yeah, there's a few. Like your own roommate. Stevie Rae has an earth affinity. There's only 6 of you that have elemental affinities, though. There's many more with other abilities like mine and Magi's than there are those with elemental abilities." He took another drink off his mocha and sat back into the booth.

Nodding her head, Zoey stared at her hands. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed someone walking towards their table. She didn't need to look up to know who was approaching them. "Zoey..." She flinched at the sound of his voice. Looking up into his eyes she forced a smile. "Hello, Thomas." Thomas looked over at Jack and nodded his head before turning back towards Zoey. "So, your...your doing okay?" Zoey ran a hand through her hair and nodded. "Yes. Thomas this is Jack, Jack, this is my ex, Thomas." Thomas cleared his throat and frowned slightly. "Ex? I didn't break up with you..." Zoey snorted and rose from the booth. "Thomas, don't do this right now. I'm with a friend right now, we'll talk about this some other time." Picking up her drink she held her hand out to Jack. "Let's go."

Shifting his eyes over towards Thomas, Jack took Zoey's hand and stood up, holding his coffee in his other hand, "Alright Zoey, lead the way," He said quietly, keeping an eye on Thomas. He stepped out from the booth and waited for Zoey to head out. He didn't trust Thomas any at all right now. He seemed to be the rather agitated type, and defiantly someone Jack wouldn't see eye to eye with.

"Zoey, please. Don't do this!" Thomas was almost pleading with her. Zoey lased her fingers with his and tightened her hand. She needed his strength to leave. Thomas reached out a hand and wrapped it around her arm. "Zo, I'm begging you." Zoey pulled away from Thomas and turned so she could see him. "Thomas, don't touch me. I already said, I don't want to have this conversation with you right now." Looking up into Jack's eyes she frowned and sighed. "Please take me back to school."

Jack looked to Zoey and nodded. He looked back up to Thomas and shook his head before leading Zoey towards the door. He kept a firm, yet cautious grip on Zoey's hand, in case Thomas decided to get it in his mind he wasn't going to let her leave with him. They may not be dating, but Jack could already see that this probably wasn't going to end easily, and that Thomas was near desperate.

They made it out the door and then Thomas burst through and came at Zoey. He threw his arms around her waist and ripped her away from Jack. "I'll take her home. Thanks but you can go ahead and run along." Zoey's eyes were scared as she stared at Jack. Thomas had never been violent before but that wasn't stopping him now. "Jack..." his name escaped her lips, barely above a whisper.

Jack spun quickly on his heels and had Thomas by the neck of his shirt in one quick swoop as soon as he felt Zoey being pulled away, "I think I will be taking her home, thank you. She asked Me to escort her. Now if you will so graciously let go of her and walk away, I will let go of you," Jack said as he stared Thomas in the eyes, lifting the man gently of the ground with his fist, "And if you decide you aren't going to let go, You don't want to know what happens afterward."

Thomas instantly released Zoey. Getting to her feet she quickly moved away. "Jack, let's go, please." Her hands were on his shoulders, tightening softly. Thomas just stared at Jack as Zoey talked. "I'll leave her a lone, man. Just, stay cool."

Jack tilted his head in a sort of nod, "Good choice. Let's go, Zoey," he said, never taking his eyes off from Thomas. He turned towards the door and hooked his arm under Zoey's, gently leading her from the store.

Zoey clung to Jack as they walked along. They made it about a block and Zoey tugged on Jack's hand. "I need to sit down." She didn't notice until that moment that her entire body was shaking. Her hair was blowing but there wasn't a breeze, she was very warm, she could hear waves but there wasn't any water, she could small hay and freshly mown grass, and her spirit felt very tired. "Jack...I can feel them. The Elements. I can feel them."

"Huh? Oh...OH, ok," Jack said in a moment of confusion. He had never felt the elements, then again, he wasn't aligned to any of them. He took Zoey's hand and gently led her over to the street curb, gently helping her sit before taking a seat next to her.

Sitting down, she closed her eyes. Running a shaky hand through her hair she sighed gently. "They're comforting me. I feel them brushing against my skin, my nerves, easing my mind. It's an amazing feeling." Zoey leaned against him and smiled softly. Opening her eyes she turned and reached for his hand and squeezed gently. "Thank you. He's never been violent before. I don't know what came over him."

Jack sat quietly for a moment, closing his eyes. He could feel the rush of her spirit flow over him like a torrent of water. It was a refreshing feeling. "You're welcome. I couldn't just let him do that to you. Heh, I guess I'm getting kinda jealous here with the whole protective thing and all...By the way...Zoey...your energy feels fantastic. It's been a while since I've been this lucid and just let someone else's life force wash over me."

A shiver ran down her spine as she watched his expression. He was gorgeous, inside and out. It was amazing. Leaning forward she gently kissed his shoulder and looked at him gently. "I'm glad I made you feel that way." Zoey continued to play with his hand as she watched his face.

A smile crawled across Jack's face as he heard the slight sound of her kiss and the melody of her voice. He slowly opened his eyes and turned his head towards her. He leaned in and gently kissed her forehead. He spoke in a soft voice, nearing in on a whisper, "Thank you."

Standing, she walked a few feet away. Turning around she smiled at him and held out her hands. "Come on, let's go home." Grinning she jogged a few feet away and turned towards him, grinning. She could really start caring about him, Zoey already had feelings for him, but they were growing, and fast.

The smile on Jack's face grew even bigger as he watched Zoey get up and run off. He hopped to his feet and took to a light jog in pursuit of Zoey. Catching up to her, he took her hand. "You know, despite everything that happened back at the coffee shop, this has been one of the best nights I've had in a long time. Seriously, Thank you Zoey."

Placing a hand on his cheek she smiled and kissed the cheek her hand wasn't resting on. "I agree, we should do it again some time." Lacing her fingers with his she led the way back to school. "I'm surprised you no longer have a girlfriend. Your truly an amazing person." Zoey couldn't help but smile as she thought about her new life and new friends.

Jack blushed slightly in the dark, but quickly tried to cover it up with a response to what Zoey said, "Well, with someone like Jewel, can you blame me?" He chuckled at his own remark, "But thank you. I'd like to think you're the more amazing one of us, with your affinity and all. Then again, We're vamps. I don't think there's much that's really average about us anyway."

"I don't think our affinities have anything to do with it." Running her finger along his skin she smiled as she looked over at him. "Especially with you." Zoey inhaled deeply and blushed. Shaking her head she smiled. "Sorry. I'm getting personal. You may not want that..."

Jack shook his head, "You're alright. I can deal with personal. I talk to the dead for goodness sake. What do you think they have to say? Trust me, it's not usually about the weather. And me, I'm nothing that special..." He walked along side her with his fingers laced in hers as he stared up at the night sky, "I really needed someone like you. Someone who could make me see things differently."

Zoey looked down at her feet and smiled. "Glad I could help." Her pocket vibrated just then. Sighing, she pulled it out of her pocket and grinned. "Grandma." Sliding her phone open she read the text message. It was a picture of her lavender farm in full bloom. Holding up her cell phone in front of Jack she smiled. "That's my grandmother's lavender farm. Isn't it beautiful?"

Jack smiled at the flowers, "That's beautiful. I used to have a lavender bush that grew right outside my window. There really is nothing better than waking up early to the scent of lavender filling your room," He shifted his arm, instead of holding hands with her, he draped his across her shoulders, pulling her in closer.

Wrapping her arm around his waist she smiled and sent a reply back to her grandmother, making sure Jack couldn't read the screen. "I'd like for you to meet her. I'm going to try and see if she can make it up here on Parents Day." Checking her phone she groaned. "Which is tomorrow..." Zoey sighed as leaned her head against his chest and smiled.

Jack gave a light sigh of his own, tilting his head down and nuzzling the back of her head, "That'd be cool. Maybe you can meet my mom if she comes up this month." He pulled his phone out of his pocket and slid it open, checking the time.

"'If'? You mean you don't know?" They'd walked through the gates of the school and stopped in front of the fountain a Nyx. "It's about dinner time. I'm surprised you could stand me for that long." Zoey smiled as she sat down on the edge of the fountain and lightly splashed the water.

Jack laughed slightly and took a seat next to her, "Yeah. Mom only comes out when she gets the chance. She tries to make it out whenever she can. Dad never comes out. He's...not really understanding of what happened to me. But as for you; I have no idea how I couldn't spend this much time with you. You're great. A lot more lively than the old dead-beats I used to deal with," He laughed at his comment. It's kind of hard to be less lively than a dead person.

Zoey made a gentle jab at his ribs and laughed. "True. I tend to be loud also. I'm not sure I could see the dead wanting to be loud." Carefully she splashed a little bit of water at him and jumped up. Jogging away she turned around a skipped backwards. "Why don't you take me to dinner?"

"You know, it doesn't really matter how loud they want to be. I'm the only one that can hear them," Jack laughed as he jumped up, chasing after Zoey. She didn't know he used to be a former track athlete in High School. "Sure, dinner sounds great."

Zoey slid her hand back into Jack's and smiled. It was a perfect fit. He soothed her and calmed her nerves. She walked beside him as they walked towards the cafeteria. The doors were propped open so they walked in. The room went silent suddenly. "I believe your more popular than you think." Stevie Rae was across the room and gave her a thumbs up. Rolling her eyes she tugged Jack towards the line. Jewel appeared in front of them suddenly. She eyed Zoey carefully before turning her attention to Jack. "Can I speak with you for a moment?" Her tone was hard and cold as she spoke to him. "Alone."

Jack stopped abruptly, staring at Jewel, "What do you want? I don't know what I could have done to offend you now," He said in a cold tone with a slight sneer on his face. He was clearly disgusted at her tone. He gently let go of Zoey's hand and turned to her, "I'll just be a moment. Looks like someone decided to have an issue again."

Zoey smiled gently and nodded her head. Giving Jewel a once over she rolled her eyes and walked towards the buffet table. She grabbed her food as quickly as possible and her soda and joined Stevie Rae at their usual table. In the mean time Jewel had walked out of the room and waited until Jack had joined her. "Your cheating on me with the freak now?" Her anger simmered slightly as she walked up to him and rubbed her hand against his crotch. "Come on, Jack, let's go back to my room and roughen up the bed a little. I know you like it." Her eyes twinkled slightly as she watched his face, still rubbing the crotch of his pants with he fingertips.

Jack backed away from Jewel slowly, "Hey, of all people, who are You calling a freak. Look Jewel, you and I had our go. We're done now. Even if I was with her, I wouldn't be cheating on anyone," his eyes narrowed on her, "Now, will you and your nasty self just leave me alone. I definitely don't need you any more. I'm trying to live my life like normal, without having some crazy ex-girlfriend hanging all over my back." With that, he turned back towards the cafeteria doors, stopping just short of opening the door, "good bye, Jewel." And with that, he swung the door open and stepped back in, going to grab his food.

Zoey and Stevie Rae looked up when Jack walked back into the dining hall, alone. "Z, he looks pissed." Zoey nodded her head and stood up. "Be right back, Rae." Walking over to Jack, Zoey gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Jack..." She whispered softly and ran her hand up and down Jack's back. She didn't know what happened but she would make him feel better, no matter what it took.

Jack closed his eyes and sighed, letting his head hang, "That's just how she is...always has been that way. And now, she apparently can't get over me," He said in a hushed, almost pained toned. He clenched his fists tight in a moment of thought, took in a deep breath then exhaled and looked up before turning back to Zoey, "But I'll be alright. I promise. The real question is, how are you doing?"

"As long as you stick around. I'm great." Tugging on his sleeve she smiled and walked back over to there table. Sitting down, Zoey scooted over and made room for Jack. Bringing her knees up to her chest and smiled softly, leaning her head against the back of the booth. She watched him carefully. He was easy to watch, calming.

Jack looked over to Zoey and smiled before stepping up to the buffet, "Hmmm...What do we get tonight?" He said as he picked up a plate. He threw on a variety of food items and grabbed himself some silverware before going up to the drink machine and pouring himself a glass of Coke. Wine really did not appeal to him tonight. He'd rather just have a soda if he may have to deal with Jewel again tonight. Then again, maybe a stiffer drink would be in order afterwards. He took his food over to the booth and sat next to Zoey, "Well, I'm glad that's over."

Smiling softly, she ran her hand up and down his back. She even ran her hand through his hair once. "I could leave you alone. Maybe it would make your life easier." Zoey had been joking but as the words came out of her mouth it saddened her greatly. So sad that her throat began to tighten as tears welled up in her eyes. "Um..." Clearing her throat she sniffled and looked away.

Jack turned to Zoey, pressing an index finger to her nose, "Hey now, don't think like that," he said as he wiggled his finger against her nose, "Like I said, Jewel's just an ex-girlfriend. I can care less what she has to say. If she can't get over me, That's her problem and she'll have to deal with it alone if it ends up that way. I'm going to live my life how I want to. Without her interference."

---

Magi was heading for the dining hall when he saw Jewel and the retreating back of Jack. "Having a fight, are we? Now Jewel, what could you have been fighting Jack over?"

Jewel turned on her heal and stuck her tongue out at Magi. "Mind your own fucking business, nerd." Turning on her heal she stalk back to her dorm.

Stevie Rae stood up and waved at Magi. "Magi! Come eat with me!"

Magi smiled softly at Stevie Rae, nodding to her but held up his hand to say 'just a second'. He gracefully moved over to a table, and taking up a glass of wine. He then moved over to were Stevie Rae was. "Are you feeling better, Stevie Rae?" he asked softly.

"Yes, so much I'm thinking about have a slumber party in our dorm tonight. You, me, Jack, Damien, and Zoey. What do you say?" Stevie Rae's eyes sparkled at the thought of it.

"Sounds like fun..." Magi said as he sat down across from her. "I hope I will not be the only one providing the music..." His voice was musical and held a joking tone that spoke that he didn't actually mind being the music provider.

"Come on!" Tugging at Magi's are she grinned. Running over to Zoey she grinned. "We're having a slumber party in our room tonight. You me, Jack, Magi and Damien." With that she ran back over to Magi and giggled.

Zoey looked at Jack, eyebrows raised. "Um, did you know about this?" By the look on his face she could tell he didn't. "Do you want to go?" Her voice was calm and quiet so that no one else could hear there conversation or how excited she was.

Jack drew a very confused look on his face, "Well, I definitely had no clue, but yeah, sounds like fun. I hope you all don't mind if I eat first. I mean, I did just fill my tray up," he said with a light chuckle as he began eating a forkful of seasonal vegetables.