Juliana Paramour walked through the empty halls of her new school, Starlight Academy. Where is everyone? the brunette thought, gazing at the beautiful buildings, and flowery gardens. She had just arrived at the school, and had been told that her bags had already been taken to her room, but they had neglected to direct her to her room.
So, now she was walking along, hoping to find someone who could help her. Suddenly, she heard excited whoops echoing out in front of her. She smiled, and jogged off toward the noise. She found herself in the open doorway of an indoor tennis court.
Two boys where playing, laughing as they whacked the ball back and forth. One boy, a blond, spiky-haired adolescent, was grinning, and laughing as he served the tennis ball to a thin, red-haired boy, who was smiling quietly. They darted around the place, stretching to catch the ball.
"Entertaining, isn't it?"
Juliana jumped at the sound of someone speaking behind her. She turned around to find herself facing a tall, brown-haired youth. He was smiling at her, one hand in his pocket, while the other loosely gripped a tennis racket. Juliana smiled, and said, "Yeah! It looks like they're really enjoying themselves."
"I should think so," he said, a warm amusement glowing in his cinnamon eyes. "They never stop smiling. You'd think they'd had those grins painted on."
Juliana laughed, blushing in spite of herself. "I'm Juliana."
"Enchantee," he whispered, as if he were telling her a secret. He took her hand, and placed a burning kiss on the back of it. His lips had a gentle roughness to them, a commanding, yet thoughtful air.
And the sensation set Juliana's face ablaze. "Likewise," she said awkwardly.
He looked like he was about to say something, but a whoop of victory interrupted him; the blond boy was bouncing in place, his arms stretched above his head.
"Prince!" he called to Juliana's companion. "Prince, I challenge you! I need a worthier opponent than this louse!"
"You won by one serve," protested the red-head. "Don't go getting a swollen head, Alex."
"You're just a sore loser, Gerard," retorted Alex, pointing at him with his racket.
Prince laughed, quickly intervening, saying, "Guys! Stop your arguing and come over here! There's someone I want you to meet!" Prince smiled at Juliana.
They trotted over, staring at the stranger. "Who's this?" Alex asked.
"Guys, this is Juliana. Juliana, Alex Hutchenson. Gerard Stiles."
"Hey," she said, lifting a hand in greeting, which Alex grabbed, and eagerly shook.
"Pleased to meet you!" he said happily. "I hope you enjoyed the game."
"Yeah, it was cool. Um... I'd kind of like to keep my hand attached to my wrist, if you don't mind?"
"Oh! Of course!" He dropped her hand like it was a hot coal, still beaming. "Are you new to this school?"
"Yes," Gerard answered before she could even get the word out. "Juliana Paramour. Tenth grade. Good student. Resides in Julie Merchant's Hall." He looked at her. "Is that correct?"
"Uh... yes. How do you know all that?"
"I'm in charge of the students' files. I memorize all of the new students and their information."
"Oh. Okay? Stalker...."
Gerard looked like he was going to respond, but Prince's hand on his shoulder stopped him. He looked calmly at Juliana, said, "Gerard likes to know everything. Don't worry about it."
"'Kay. So, if you know everything, does that mean you can help me find my room? The secretaries said my luggage was already there, but I don't know where there is."
"Of course he'll show you how to get there!" interrupted Alex. "Won't you, Gerard?"
"Very well," he said, leaving the court while Juliana followed.
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