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Silversprings Academy. Sapphira Marilee stood outside the magnificent brick archway in the twilight that lead to her new school and new life. For the next four years she would call this campus home. Family circumstances were responsible for her transfer and while it was only a few weeks into the new school year, or perhaps because it was only a few weeks, it felt that much more awkward and troublesome. With a sigh she took a step forward.

“You can’t go in yet.”

If Sapphira was surprised by the voice she didn’t show it as she turned around to face the stranger that spoke to her. The long winding path lined with trees that lead to the school entrance which had been empty now served as a backdrop for the oddest person she’d ever seen.

A willowy figure stood straight with silver hair and violet eyes. A crescent moon dangled from the left ear and his or her smooth skin emitted a faint luminescent glow; sparkling silver dusted from the cheek bone to around the eyes. To match the rest of the appearance the person wore a black cloak to further conceal the issue of gender.

“You have been given a gift,” it declared in a pleasant voice that hovered between an alto and tenor. “Anything you want is possible within the campus; unlimited magic is now in your power.”

“Why did you give it to me?” Sapphira asked with a tilt of her head.

“You are the correct person to receive it,” the mysterious person answered without giving away the reason.

“Are there conditions attached to this gift?” she asked skeptically. It hurt to look at the figure too long. Not that the unnatural glow coming from them was too bright, rather all the glittered made the eyes tired.

“You may use the power without fear of consequence. Upon graduation you will no longer posses the gift, as well as anytime you venture outside of school grounds. You cannot kill anyone, bring anyone back to life, or force someone to fall in love. I shall check up on you periodically,” s/he informed Sapphira with a sweeping bow, ready to depart.

“Wait!” she shouted. She feared s/he’d disappear in the same manner s/he arrived. “What’s your name?”

A loud sound behind her had Sapphira turning around in alarm. By the time she looked back the person with silver hair and violet eyes was gone. A gentle breeze tugged at her long blond hair and carried the name “Polaris” to her ears.

“Polaris, huh,” she muttered to herself. “Magical powers…” She stepped over the threshold that would official bring her within the school groups. Nothing felt different. No special feeling, lights, maybe a crackle of energy. “Maybe it was some kind of prank.”

Sapphira wandered over the expansive lawns and weaved through the ancient trees that littered the area. She passed by the tennis courts and the fields that were used for soccer, lacrosse, and football. The sun was dying down but Sapphira wasn’t ready to check into her dorm yet. Instead she laid down in the grass on a nearby hill and eyed the orange cloudless sky.

“If I really had magical powers, I’d make it rain right now,” she mused.

Before her eyes grey clouds gathered and a gentle but steady rain came streaming down from the heavens. Sapphira lay there stunned. Blinking away rain drops, a slight smile slowly spread across her lips. With a thought she warmed the air; she didn’t want to get chilled.

She didn’t know how long she lay in the rain processing her new found powers. The overwhelming possibilities tired her and she realized she really didn’t have an interest in it. So instead she enjoyed the sensation of water rhythmically falling on her The feeling was different where rain hit her clothes compared to when it hit exposed skin on her legs or face.

“Are you an idiot?”

Sapphira opened one eye. A tall guy stood scowling under an umbrella. Other than that she couldn’t see his features clearly. She didn’t really care not being in the mood to get insulted by strangers.

“It’s pouring rain and you’re just laying in it?”

“Does it matter,” she asked closing her eye again. “I’m not disturbing anyone. And if you hate the rain so much it would be faster to stop talking to me and go inside.”

He didn’t say anything further and continued on his way. Sapphira waited long enough to ensure his departure before rising. Giving her hair a shake she followed the path to an open court yard complete with a water fountain that separated the girl and boy dormitory. Veering to the left she entered a large three story brick building.

A middle age women greeted her at the door and introduced herself as Donna. She welcomed Sapphira to Sivlersprings Academy and explained that she was in charge of the dormitory.

“The first floor is dedicated to the kitchen, dining hall, study rooms, a common room. This is the only floor boys are allowed to enter but only if with an appropriate chaperon. Curfew is 10pm…” Sapphira listened with half an ear about punishments for breaking rules and further explanation about the school. She really just wanted to change out of her dripping wet clothes and go to sleep.

With a sigh of relief, Donna finally left her alone in her room. It was suitable she accepted. A large four poster bed took up most of the room but there was space for a small desk and dresser. What mattered most to Sapphira was the private bathroom that connected to the room. Her luggage already sat at the foot of the bed.

She stripped down and rummaged through her clothes to find suitable ones for bed. Five minutes later she was snuggled under her covers listening to the rain patter soothingly outside her window. You can stop as soon as I fall asleep, she thought. Seconds later it stopped.

Knock. Knock. Knock. Sapphira opened her door the next morning to see two girls standing there wearing the school uniform of white blouses, grey sweaters with the school’s insignia, and plaid skirts. Students had the choice of white or grey sweaters and boys wore grey pants.

“Hi. Wow you’re pretty! Donna said we should show you around campus. I’m Christina and this is Zoe,” the shorter of the two girls said. She had light red hair and lots of energy. Zoe seemed more deserved and coolly surveyed Sapphira through dark eyes. “Are you ready to go?”

“It’s really not necessary for you to show me around all day. I have a good sense of direction, I’ll be fine,” she them scooping up her school bag and closing the door behind her. With that she took off down the hallway leaving her guides staring behind her.

“Well do it quietly. You wouldn’t want the parents down the hall to interrupt.”

Damn. He hadn’t thought about that. Besides, if and when he did seduce Lena, he had no doubt it would not be quietly. Instead he focused on the dry humor she just displayed. That was new.

“I didn’t know you were so witty,” Derek commented and reluctantly put some distance between them. No point in tempting himself.

“Shocking since we’ve known each other so long.”

“We could work on that,” he offered leaning in again.

Man he loved that snotty look she got when she raised an eyebrow in skepticism. Deciding his suggestion was pretty good he took off his coat and tossed it on the floor. He would start sweating soon if he had to wear it any longer in the hot room.

“Make yourself comfortable,” Lena muttered.

Derek grinned. She really did have a dry sense of humor. He was glad. He was beginning to wonder if the way she spoke was just part of her personality. Now that he’d seen a lighter side to her, he was going to discover the reason for her indifference. He already suspected her parents were the main cause.

“So…what have you been up to?” he asked trying for a casual tone.

Lena didn’t seemed impressed with his attempt at conversation. “Nothing.”

With the flat tone she used Derek was tempted to believe her. “No seriously. What do you do all day if you don’t go to school? You can’t stay here, you’d be bored to death! Especially with just your parents and that tutor guy you mentioned. You have any siblings?”

He jumped from one question to the next Lena wasn’t sure which one to answer. “No I don’t have any siblings. And I have yet to die of boredom.” She didn’t mention it wasn’t from lack of trying. Not that she wanted to try; her parents didn’t give her much choice in the matter.

They had a very strict life plan laid out for her and they intended to see it through in the most efficient manner possible. And they were nothing if not efficient.

“You’re probably better off not going to school anyways,” Derek assured her. He folded his arms behind his head and shifted so he could lean against the wall. He found it was easier to concentrate on the conversation if he wasn’t actually looking at Lena.

And now that his eyes were completely adjusted he could look around her room. His first impression was correct; the room was very tidy. Definitely not like any teenage girls room he’d ever been in. Where were the poster decorating the walls? Piles of make-up, nail polish, and whatever else they used? Clothes on the floor…

“Why not?” she asked, curiosity seeping into her voice.

Her question interrupted his train of thought. He quickly looked at her, surprised that she didn’t figure it out by herself. “You wouldn’t fit in.”

“Why wouldn’t I fit in?” She sounded insulted now.

He had light brown hair, more golden then brown, which contrasted with his dark arched eyebrows. His blue eyes looked around the room not taking in the scenery. His creamy skin was smooth and patches of pink flushed his cheeks. Lips, firm and red, pressed together in boredom or displeasure.

This young man captured my interest and attention in a moment. As my eyes scanned the room, my gaze focused on this brooding male. Occasionally those azure eyes would glint my way, yet not a flicker of his thoughts played across his face. His expression locked sternly in place; like a riot could break out before him and the effort to move, even one facial muscle was too much work.

I have experienced that feeling. Your body goes as numb as much as your thoughts. Every sound, every sight, passes by with distant indifference. It is not an uncomfortable numbness. Rather the feeling of being back in the womb: secure, warm. Often accompanied by this vague feeling is the sense of nothing to do. No urgency to complete an objective or arrive at a place. Its irritating really, when something interrupts my revere.

That guy’s name, I wonder what it was. What is his personality like? Is he a comical fellow (I don’t think so) or one of those people who hold themselves aloof from their surroundings and only open up around people they care for? The type of person who knows where they belong and make no effort to fit in when out of place. A sublet confidence assisted by an “I-don’t-care-attitude”. Yes, now we’re getting closer.

Our mystery man has a least one sibling I’d assume. Outsiders wouldn’t view then as particularly close, but they are. They both may be very busy, however, it does not lessen their bond.

He may or may not have a girlfriend. High school girls may be put off by his cool front and lack of attention. But I believe that once beyond that barrier they would find the stability and affection they need. Also, I think that particular girl would feel special because he would show indifference to everyone else.

His hair framed his face perfectly. None so far, have captivated my interest more that him. And I realize this was a one time meeting. Perhaps fate will bring us together again. If not… Maybe I’m just shallow and enjoying an enticing face. I won’t lie and say it’s some sort of observation a psychologist or sociologist would do. I can’t draw or sketch– which is what I really want to do—So I draw a picture with words.

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Derek was thankful that they were rich and plowed their driveway. It had snowed since the last time he’d been here and the crunching of his footsteps would have sounded extremely loud in the silence. Even the paths that lead to the backyard had been shoveled. He followed the small walkway around the house.

They had a hot tub on the ground floor deck next to the patio furniture. Trees crowded the boarder of the yard as if they could barely be kept at bay. It looked like the fish pond froze over since the fountain wasn’t pouring new water in.

Derek looked up and decided it was his lucky day when Lena’s room was the very last on the end and a tree twisted its way toward her small balcony. He was sure it was her room because the other balcony was larger. From what he gathered of her father, he wouldn’t tolerate her having a bigger or better room and that included the balcony.

As quietly as he could manage he scurried up the old tree and swung a leg over the railing. Derek though he could make out faint foot prints from before their last snow fall. He smiled thinking Lena snuck out this way and he was sneaking in. The blinds weren’t closed so he could see into her bedroom. He couldn’t see much since it was dark inside but he got the impression that it was very tidy.

He tugged at the sliding door and said a silent thank you when it slid open easily. Derek shook off the snow of his boots before entering. The first thing he noticed was the smell. The two times he’d been with Lena she smelt like snow and the cold but now he got his first real sniff of her; a light fragrance that could have been the air if it hadn’t been slightly sweeter and much darker.

“What are you doing?” Lena asked him.

“Holy shit you scared me!” He just about jumped out of his skin; instead he closed the door behind him, abruptly cutting off the cold air that was rushing in.

Derek squinted into the dark but couldn’t make out Lena outline. He wandered over to the bed and found her lying on top of the blankets; she didn’t bother to move.

“I thought you’d be asleep,” he confessed running a hand through his hair.

“Oh?”

“Would you stop staring at the ceiling?” he demanded. He didn’t sneak out of his house and into hers for nothing, and she wouldn’t even look at him.

“Sorry I’m very busy,” she said in her normal tone.

“Sorry I didn’t –

Lena gave an uncharacteristic giggle and sat up. He actually believed her for a second. He looked dumbfounded looked between her and the door. “Maybe I shouldn’t have come,” he muttered. “I’m losing my mind.”

“Why did you come?” she asked as she braided her hair. She was wearing draw string pants and a tank top and it distracted Derek greatly.

“Uh, I wanted to see you, and make sure you were alright.”

The amusement left her eyes. “They wouldn’t hurt me,” she said.

“Maybe not. Anyway I didn’t come to fight with you,” he said and planted both hands on the bed so his face was inches away from Lena’s.

“You came to seduce me in my own bedroom?”

“Thinking about it,” he smiled.

When nothing seems right and there’s no way out, what do you do? The silent night seems endless yet you dread the rising sun. Light shines upon your weakness and follows you no matter where you run. Murky night, oblivious darkness please hide me from reality. The time when nothing is expected of me, when I close my eyes to the world and leave, if only for a little while. Whispers and murmurs echo fondly but it’s the silent pleas that remain. Pliant lies serve as the humble truth. Eyes hide their knowledge and follow blindlessly. Deaf ears listen intently as feelings are mouthed. If I lay here will someone find me? Do I want them to? I want to sink into the snow and gaze at the stars. Make it so cold that it burns, and so bright that I can’t look away, so quiet that I listen. Seek solitude so you’re actually alone rather than surrounded by loneliness.

Lena escaped the house. It was a relief to be outside in the brisk air. Tonight it wasn’t cloudy so she could see the stars against the black backdrop that was the sky. Once again she climbed over the fence and snuck into to the Elementary school’s playground. There were many well worn paths through the snow that the young kids created; Lena followed one to the swing set. She sat down and grasped the cold metal chains. The sting bite through her white mittens but she didn’t let go, she gripped harder.

She pushed against the frozen ground and started the swings momentum. She stretched her legs and tucked them under. Lena leaned back as far as she could to get higher, to go faster. She watched the galaxy come closer than move away. The impulse to just fling herself off grew with each second. She felt like she would just fly into the heavens. Her hand loosed on the chain…

“Lena!”

She grabbed the chain tightly in surprise as her heartbeat raced. Derek was romping though the snow behind her. She slowed down as he made his way over. He snagged the swing next to her and sat down.

“What’s up?” he asked.

“Are you stalking me?” she asked.

“No,” he said and pushing back and with his feet. “Why do you ask?”

“You’re in a deserted playground at night in the middle of winter.”

“So are you,” he pointed out grinning.

“Yeah, I was here first.”

“Great view, huh?” Derek said ignoring her.

She ignored his comment and started to swing again. The swing was like her life; freedom in sight but something always pulling her back down. No matter how hard she worked, she would only be able to attain a certain height. A predetermined distance.

Lena stopped moving and let the swing come to a stop by itself. She was staring ahead so she didn’t notice Derek coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Do you always use that indifferent tone?” Derek asked, evading her question. Most girls would have squealed or broken free of his hold and yelled at him. Lena didn’t even react; it wasn’t normal. It made him wonder what made her behave this way.

“You’re the only one that has a problem with it,” Lena pointed out.

Derek sighed and released her. It was no fun if she didn’t care what he did. He sank back onto his swing and kicked aimlessly at the snow. “Are you a vampire?” he asked.

“Why do you ask?”

“Because you only come out at night,” Derek answered.

“Yes, I am,” she said.

Derek looked up. “Whoa, seriously?”

“No,” Lena said and smiled.

Derek had the distinct feeling that she was making fun of him. But he liked her better for it. This time it was Lena that sighed and looked up at the sky.

“You have to go, don’t you?” he said.

“Yes,” she said.

“Do you have a curfew or something?”

“It’s more like I’m grounded. I’m not allowed to leave the house without permission,” she sighed again.

“I’ll walk you home,” Derek decided. He took her hand and pulled her up. She slipped on the ice and she fell against Derek who seemed to keep his balance.

“Do you always have to be so forceful?” she demanded. She didn’t realize he was so tall; she only came up to his shoulders. Her heart beat faster as she took in his scent and felt the warmth from his body penetrate her.

She missed his response but resigned to the fact that he would walk her home. He helped Lena over the ice and snow and watched grinning as she swung her legs over the fence.

“You have a really nice butt,” he commented as he joined her on the other side.

“Thanks.”

“I’m sure you get that a lot at school.”

“I don’t,” she said.

“What are people blind?” Derek asked appalled.

“I don’t go to school. I have a private tutor at home,” Lena explained.

“Private tutor…what are you, a rich girl?” he asked confused.

“Kinda. Although my parent’s wealth isn’t my wealth.”

He was quiet after that, thinking about what he just learned. Rich, sheltered, and not allowed to leave the house. Probably doesn’t have any friends. Strict parents.

“We’re here, you can go now,” Lena said, pulling him away from his thoughts.

Derek knew the area well, yet somehow this large house evaded his knowledge. It was partially hidden by woods, a mini manor of red brick and large windows. It had a three car garage and a tidy sculpted yard under the snow. He realized the long driveway was also the cause of the concealment of the property; it snaked darkly behind them.

“Bye.”

“Whoa, whoa. Wait,” he said. He grabbed her arm to prevent her from leaving.

“Shh!” she shushed him hurriedly.

“I want to see you again,” he said, almost stubbornly.

“Why?”

The house lamps flickered on. As the only source as light it illuminated Lena’s long white coat and face. Her mittens, hat, and scarf matched; her hair was much longer than he originally thought. It went half way down her back.

“Because –

“Lena! Is that you?” a man’s voice shouted as the front door swung open. A serious looking man in his forties stormed down the walkway. “What do you think you’re doing wandering around outside without permission, and at night?”

“I just went for a walk,” she said indifferently.

“I see you met a boy on your walk,” he said looking menacingly at Derek. “Come on,” he ordered grabbing her arm and pulled her toward the house. “We are going in. You are not to see my daughter again,” he shouted over his shoulder.

Derek could see a woman in a robe waiting at the door with another man. The door slammed shut behind them and as distant shouting started Derek grimaced. He didn’t mean to get Lena in troubled. They way things looked he wouldn’t be seeing her any time soon.

Without last glanced, he turned and headed back down the driveway. He thought about Lena all week. He couldn’t get her out of his head despite the distraction of school, friends, and family. His friends didn’t believe him when he told them about meeting Lena. They though he made it up and ragged on him for fun.

Determined to prove it to them, Derek snuck out of the house to go see her. It was a little far to walk but the noise of the car would give him away. After five minutes he thought he’s risk it since it was so cold. He huddled inside his coat and walked faster. He was relieved that he didn’t meet anyone on the way; he didn’t really want to explain what he was doing walking around at this time of the night and despite his efforts, he looked suspicious.

Ah, it’s quiet. And I’m alone.

She closed her eyes and let the time pass. The snow formed to her body creating a warm cocoon. Totally relaxed, she felt herself drifting off.

Crunch. Thud. She closed her eyes tighter, as if that would block out the noise. Ignoring the steps coming toward her she remained still.

“Hey, are you dead?” a voice asked and poked her face for good measure.

“If I was, do you want to be responsible for my dead body?”

“No,” he said. She felt him lay down next to her. He remained quiet so she didn’t protest his presence. In fact she barely registered his presence at all. She just floated in a peaceful existence that was the present moment.

“It’s snowing.”

Now that he mentioned it, she could feel tiny drops of water collecting on her face. It was cold. And tickled when a snow flake landed on her lips.

Suddenly a warm pressure pressed against her lips. For the first time she opened her eyes. His face was close, very close. They stared at each other for awhile while he still leaned over her.

He had blond hair under a blue hat and bright green eyes; pink lips and cheeks flushed from the cold. Their breath mixed together creating a white cloud.

Her dark hair spilled out from under her hat and spread down past her shoulders. Her tawny eyes were framed by think eye lashes and her face just as flushed as his. Her lips tingled from the contact with his.

He lowered his head and kissed her again. This time more intensely. Her body felt hot and all her strength was being sucked out. She didn’t remember closing her eyes, only that she had to work to reopen them.

She tried to catch her breath when he released her; he was also breathing heavily.

“You don’t protest but you don’t participate,” he said. He was a little annoyed when she didn’t respond but more concerned.

“Hey, you okay? I didn’t scare you did I?”

When she still didn’t say anything he grabbed her upper arms and pulled her up. He didn’t like how malleable she was.

She blinked slowly a few times before saying, “I should go.” She stood up only to be pulled back down. She landed in the snow with a plop.

“Do you want something?” she asked.

“Your name.”

“Lena,” she said and stood up again.

He watched climbed over the metal fence with ease and walk away. “Aren’t you going to ask for my name?” he called.

“No,” Lena said without looking back.

“It’s Derek,” he told her anyway.

“Great,” he thought he heard her murmur and grinned. He wondered if he’d see her again. He hoped so.

***

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