I woke up unusually warm. I noticed Verena’s arms wrapped around me, her face in my back, and my face flushed bright red. I knew this was because I was overheating, so I stuck a foot from out of the covers. Verena mumbled in her sleep, and cuddled further into me. I didn’t want to wake her up, but I needed to see what time it was, and of course, get away from her. I knew she wouldn’t like me being so close to her. I turned to face her, and she yawned a bit. I gently poked her nose, not wanting to speak incase that made her angry. She opened her eyes and looked up at me, before her face flushed a deep red, as she was most likely overheating too, and she shoved me, pushing herself away, and pushing me off the bed.

“What was that for?” I asked, now fully awake.

“I was-- you were--,” She started, her eyes wide, “You--... oh nevermind.” She huffed, sitting up.

I got up and stretched, rubbing my head from where I hit it, and opened up the closet. I was trying to be nice in my mind, but everything I was doing was wrong. I should just ignore her. I truly meant what I said, and I don’t plan on scraping up gum for a snack anytime soon. I grabbed some clothes and changed, and heard Verena squeak, her face redder than before.

“Aren’t you going to do that in the bathroom or something?!” she stammered.

“Um… no? We’re both girls, so why should it matter?” I answered, throwing my clothes in a small basket near the bathroom, and shutting the closet.

“Why should it matter??” She repeated, seeming to have backed herself into the wall, “It should matter because that’s unrespectful!”

I laughed a bit, “Okay well,” I did a fake bow just to spite her, “I’m very sorry your highness.”

She rolled her eyes and got up, opening the closet for herself as I moved towards the door.

“I’m going to go get breakfast,” I said, opening the door and walking out, quickly shutting it behind me before I could hear more than a sliver of a snooty response.

I looked down one side of the white hallway, then the other. It seemed to stretch for miles, and I sighed. This is my life now, better get used to it.

I made my way to the cafe-like place using the signs I found along the walls. After most of the kids here had gotten food, including Verenda, who’s now surrounded by other stuck-up kids, Mrs. Miller and Dr. Mayben made an announcement.

“Ladies, gentlemen, and otherfolk, on the 25th we’ll be having a party. This is a perfect way for you to make some new friends, and possibly even meet a future partner!” Mrs. Miller said, smiling.

Who could even be thinking about dating at a time like this? I glanced over at Verenda for really no reason at all. The air gets dusty and weird without her around. I shook my head, looking back up at Mrs. Miller.

“A party, huh?” I could overhear Verenda giggle rudely from her table, “that’s stupid, but that means I’ll get to get away from Alex for a night! Sounds like heaven.”

Her friends all laughed, and I looked away. That even sounded stupid. I’m one to talk though…

Dr. Mayben looked over all of us again, as he seemed to enjoy doing that, “We’ll be hosting at 5pm sharp in the ballroom, but you can come anytime after that as well. We’ll have food, drink, and music.”

I stirred my coffee, looking absently down at the steamy drink. This could be a good opportunity to meet people I guess. Maybe I’ll find my new Ellie.