Celestial Beginnings

By Rebekah Daniels

Being a descendant of a fallen angel, nephilim Malachi Starkman, is all about his duty in protecting mankind and preventing Satan’s army from growing any further. He leads a squad of talented warriors on this quest to preserve humanity, but as leader, he feels every aspect is his responsibility. After centuries of fighting, he is starting to feel burned out, and wondering if this is his sole purpose on Earth.

Local teacher, Trinity Bradshaw, has been trying to move on from her turbulent past but it doesn’t seem to want to let her go. Therefore, when a deliciously handsome man with alluring eyes says he wants to help her, she cannot say no. So many obstacles stand between the two, but neither of them seem to be able to walk away from the other. Will they find common ground or will she just be a liability in his quest to destroy the one that has plagued him for years?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebekah Daniels
• Release date: Aug 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9780985636555

Rebekah Daniels

I am a romance author from the Midwest that is married to my best friend and have four children to show for it. They are my everything! Along with pranks, Nerf wars, and numerous practical jokes, our home is filled with an abundance of love.Being an author to the world of love, passion, and adventure is a thrilling experience. As of now, I'm in the middle of my Nephilim Series, but I have many more ideas for future books. Stay tuned and don't miss out!

Book preview

CELESTIAL

BEGINNINGS

by

Rebekah Daniels

Nephilim Series

"We fight to defend the honest, the trustworthy, and the noble. I fight for the good of salvation."

Malachi Starkman

CELESTIAL

BEGINNINGS

by

Rebekah Daniels

Copyright 2013 Rebekah Daniels

Edited by Jason Sinner

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. This book may not be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without the permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and review.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locals is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

This book is dedicated to my very supportive husband that never let me get discouraged and always believed I would succeed. I love you dearly for that.

A special thanks to my father who took the time to proofread and edit my story. You were a wonderful sounding board and your opinion means the world to me.

Prologue

There once was a time when everything was right and peaceful in heaven. God had his angels that were his trusted servants, and his archangels that were strong and loyal. Things were all as it should be until a time when all hell broke loose.

There was an archangel that was one of the most angelic beings ever to be. He was a trusted confidant to God, he was the most majestic, and not another one could compare to his beauty. This celestial being’s name was Lucifer.

Lucifer wasn’t satisfied with his trusted position and wanted more, much more. He came to believe that he should be the Almighty, and started conspiring to overthrow God and take his place of power. In his delusional conquest, he convinced a group of angels to side with him and go to battle against their former brethren. Because of this, the Great War in Heaven started.

There was a fierce battle between angel and angel, brother and brother. The remaining two thirds of God's angels fought valiantly for their lord. There was much killing, but neither side would relent that easily.

Through the intense rage and hatred that Lucifer was feeling, he began to transform from the angelic creature he was to an enormous and fierce blood red dragon. This menacing dragon had seven heads, ten horns, and a deadly forked tail. With the transformation came a renewed sense of energy fueled by his rage.

After seeing the transformation of Lucifer, God’s noble archangel, Michael, knew that something needed to be done. He charged at the raging dragon and fought with all the strength, skill, and speed that God had granted him. The battle waged on, and Lucifer began to tire. The number of angels left in his army had dwindled, and he knew the end was coming soon.

Lucifer and his band of followers were eventually defeated. God quickly cast Lucifer and the remaining traitorous angels down from heaven and onto Earth to wait until final judgment could be made regarding them. From that day forth, the once angels were now demons and they served under the great evil, now known as Satan.

Satan declared that he and his band of demons would do everything in their powers to thwart God’s plan. Opportunity finally arose shortly after, when along came man. God’s very own perfect creation―placed on the same rock as his nemesis. The temptation was just too sweet for Satan to ignore. He soon found out what a powerful tool this temptation could be.

As more people populated the planet, Earth became the Devil’s own playground. Anytime he could intercept God’s will or intentions, he would take it. The more time he spent there, the more rage fueled his being. Soon, he was getting his thrills by instilling greed and selfishness into men and women. He started to rebuild his army in order to defeat The Almighty by turning as many souls as he could to the side of evil. Satan and his demons would torment the innocent or bargain for their souls.

Still, his favorite form of corruption was temptation. It worked so well with God’s precious Eve; but he wanted to go bigger… better. Therefore, when the Watcher angels showed weakness to some Earth maidens, he pounced. A little push here, a little nudge there, and voilà… fallen angels.

Satan just sat back and watched as things unfolded. The longer the angels were away from heaven, the more devious they became. He smiled when the fallen gave away trade secrets to their fair maidens, and he laughed when children that God never meant to be were conceived. It was a devilishly joyous time when these children grew into monstrous giants with unbelievable strength and powers, combined with a mean streak a mile long.

The world was becoming corrupt at an astronomical rate. These half-breeds were evil incarnate, and the vile was spreading like poison. His army was going to be unstoppable! Now he had this new weapon, these nephilims.

Chapter 1

His kisses were so soft, especially when he kissed her leg… right there. She couldn’t help the small noise that slipped from between her lips, Ahh.

Trinity Bradshaw couldn’t remember the last time she felt so thoroughly cherished. She moved her hands around his body, loving the feel of the solid muscle underneath his warm skin, the way everything shifted as he moved his hands down the backs of her legs.

You like? He asked, before he ran his tongue down her inner thigh. His husky voice sending chills through her body.

It took a moment before she could formulate a clear thought. She knew what she wanted to say, but the only thing that came out was, Mmm.

His laughter sent vibrations all the way from her nether regions to her toes, and she almost came on the spot. He was taking his sweet time, tormenting her with his tongue and teeth.

Soon she could feel his hot breath right in front of where she wanted him the most. He leaned forward and she heard him inhale deeply before letting out an audible groan.

Then you are really going to love this, he stated, right before her world turned upside down. Leaning forward, he used his tongue in one long stroke from the bottom of her opening all the way up to her over sensitized nub.

She tried to control her reaction, she really did, but she was lost. Her hips flew up off the bed, so far that his mouth was momentarily disengaged. In a split second his hands were on her stomach pushing her back down to the bed. Moving them to her hips, he securely pinned her down.

His mouth was back on her before her hips hit the bed. He was doing figure eights with his tongue that felt so good but were just as frustrating, because he was missing the places she wanted―no needed―his tongue to be.

She felt herself splintering and needed to grab onto something to stay grounded. Reaching out, her hand came into contact with his head and she ran her fingers through his hair, tugging a little harder to show her frustration.

He must have gotten the hint because in the next instance his tongue was on her clitoris lightly sweeping across and over. She needed even more but didn’t know how to tell him. Please, she begged.

He paused in what he was doing to look up at her. I know, Baby, I know. You’re just the best thing I’ve tasted in a long time. Looking back down at him, she admitted to herself how utterly handsome he was. The tussled look of his hair and slight smirk gave him a boyish charm, but it was the hunger in his piercing green eyes that made her insides clench. Sugar and Spice… As he spoke, he inserted two fingers into her opening, …but you’re not very nice, are you?

Wow that felt good. She reached down and grabbed the comforter on either side of her, and threw her head back when she arched into his touch. He was moving his fingers slowly in and out of her. His hand, his magical hand, was driving her insane. When she looked back down at him, she noticed that he was still staring at her. Finally, she realized he was still waiting for an answer to his question. It took a couple tries to get anything coherent out, but she sucked in a breath and finally spoke. Not tonight, I’m not.

He obviously liked this answer because he bent his head back down to her and continued where he had left off. He was more vigorous this time, using his teeth, tongue… even the scruff of his slight facial hair was doing wonders to her. All the while, his hand never stopped what it was doing. She watched him while trying to control herself, thinking that if this was an Olympic sport, he could win the gold.

She couldn’t take it any longer, it was too good, and she was too close. Trinity reached down to grab both of his upper arms and gave a gentle tug. Please… now… I need you now! Her words were broken as she tried to catch her breath.

When he looked up at her, he must have seen something in her face that convinced him because he relented and began to kiss his way up her body. After finally making it all the way up, he settled himself fully on top of her and kissed her deeply, passionately.

Eventually, she felt her body relaxing and she wrapped her arms around him. It felt so good to have this man, so strong and gloriously naked, lying on top of her. At this moment, she felt so safe. She started to run her hands over his body, where she could reach. When she stopped at his shoulders, she dragged her nails down his back as far as she could reach. It was not hard enough to break the skin, but there was enough pressure to make his whole body shudder and a deep groan be pushed from his throat.

There was now a new sense of urgency in him, because the next thing Trinity new, he pushed up from the bed by his elbows. While staring down at her, he ran his large, strong hand quickly down her leg, stopped at her knee, and pulled up to place it at his hip.

When she felt the tip of his manhood at her opening, she knew that this was it. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back.

Open your eyes.

The commanding tone to his voice made it so she couldn’t deny him. When she opened them, his face was directly above hers.

I want you to keep your eyes open so you can see exactly what you do to me. His voice was strangled and it was the last thing he said before he thrus―

Trinity gasped as she sat bolt upright in bed and looked around disoriented. It took her a minute to figure out where she was… in her own bed and no man in sight. Ugh, her body was still humming, but at the same time, a sense of loss fell over her. Frustrated, she groaned and collapsed back down onto her bed, throwing her hands over her inflamed face. It was just a dream! I can’t believe it―a freaking dream!

******

Trinity was lying in bed, just staring at the ceiling. After several attempts to get back to sleep, she finally realized there was no use. She was too hyped up from her dream to even come close to relaxing enough to fall asleep.

As she lay there, she thought about the day that was ahead of her. Today was officially the end of her summer vacation. She loved her job but was not looking forward to today. She was a photography teacher at the local high school and loved educating her students on something she had such an interest in, but the first week was always the hardest. Cringing, she remembered the first days last year. She liked getting to know her students but she could only take so much of… Who dumped who... Who’s dating who… and her personal favorite, OMG; you would never guess what this person did. It usually took one or two days for everyone to settle in and get to work, but they just had to throw in an extra day this time and start on a Wednesday.

As she was lying there, she knew she had to get up, but couldn’t get the will to do so. It had always been hard for her in the mornings. She loved to sleep, to dream, and just relax in her bed. It was what she loved most. When she found out she was getting a raise this year, she probably should have gotten the AC fixed in her car. Instead, she forked out the money for a new pillow-top mattress. The people she knew loved to tease her about, what they called, her obsession.

Grudgingly, she decided it was time to get out of bed. Not that she was going to get back to sleep any way… damn dream!

With one last stretch, she moved and sat on the side of her bed. She then got to her feet and made herself start moving before she could lie back down. Quickly, she walked across her cool hard wood floors in the direction of her bathroom, reminding herself again to save up for carpet or a rug of some kind.

She was not a morning person. Her bed was always so warm and her house was always so cold in the mornings. There was always that early chill that her house could just not keep out, which was now making her hesitate to strip down and get in the shower.

Isn’t it supposed to be warm at the end of August? She grumbled to herself, as she reached in to turn on the water. When the temperature was at just below scalding, she took her clothes off and stepped under the water. Nothing could have stopped the long, drawn out, sigh that came out of her mouth once she did.

Knowing that she didn’t have too long, she quickly shampooed and conditioned her hair before shaving her legs. The stream of water beating down on her still sensitized skin made her remember the man her mind had just conjured up. She pursed her lips when she couldn’t piece together his face. His image had been slowly slipping from her memory. She could still remember everything that went on though; where his hands touched; where his mouth had been. She remembered what she had felt like when he stared at her with those intense eyes. She could almost still picture him on top of her, spreading her….

BAM, BAM, BAM

SHIT!! She jumped. The interruption successfully cut off her wayward thoughts.

Hey, are you almost done in there? I’m going to need a shower before work! her friend Nicci shouted from the other side of the wall.

Ugh! What the hell? This is so not fair! she said to herself, more frustrated than when she went into the shower.

What was that? BAM, BAM, BAM Hellooo! came irritatingly from next door again.

Keep your pants on. I’m almost done. Trinity shouted at the wall.

She then heard a chuckle. "That’s the whole problem! I need to take them off and get into the shower!!"

This made Trinity roll her eyes. You’re lucky I love you, she hollered, before shutting off the water.

Trinity and Nicole Summers, Nicci as she called her, had been friends now for fifteen years. They had been put into the same foster home and had immediately hit it off. When someone goes into the system, you hear both good and bad stories. Unfortunately, they got the latter. Nicci was almost two years younger than her; therefore, she felt it was her right to shield and protect her whenever possible by sometimes redirecting the heat onto herself. Nicci in turn would always be there to help her, sometimes even before Trinity knew she needed it. Their bond solidified when they spent most of their time in the house with each other; whether that be working, sleeping, or hiding.

Through the grace of God, they were moved and things got better. Anyone could see how inseparable they had become, and luckily they found a place that took them both in. It finally felt like they had a normal life. They would go to school; they had chores, and eventually got jobs. Trinity even went on a few dates. No matter what they did, they always stuck together.

This is why it was so hard when Trinity started going to college in the city while Nicole was still in high school. The separation between them was hard, but Nicci eventually went to college somewhere else as well. They were still always there for each other when the other one needed something. Their bond was too strong.

In the end, they both came back to each other. Now, Trinity had her job and Nicci, bless her heart, became a social worker. When both sides of this dilapidated duplex came up for rent, they pounced. Of course neither of them made a ton of money, so the low rent was just what they needed. The only way they could get the apartment so cheap though, was because they couldn’t call the landlord for any building maintenance issues; hence, the temperature inside the house matching the outside.

After finishing drying off and getting ready the rest of the way, Trinity went to her kitchen to scrounge up stuff for breakfast. She was not one to keep a lot of food in the house, so every morning was always hit or miss.

Finally giving up, she walked over to the back of her kitchen and out the sliding glass door that led to the back of her house. Yeah, it’s a tad chilly… and still wet, she thought once she got outside. She hunched her shoulders and bowed her head to ward off some of the rain. It felt like it had been raining forever, but in actuality, it had only been the last couple of weeks.

She walked over to the other back door to the house and let herself in. Nicci always had what she was looking for.

The moment she opened the door, the smell hit her nose. The aroma was actually making her mouth water. Apple muffins?

Close, they’re Apple Cinnamon Muffins. Nicci walked in and frowned when she saw her. No jacket?

Trinity waved off her concern and sat at the table holding two steaming mugs. I’m fine; it’s only a few feet. She picked up the mug closest to her and went to take a sip. Just as it was about to touch her mouth, the scent took her by surprise. Ack! Coffee. This must be yours. She couldn’t put it down fast enough.

Actually, it’s more like ten feet, but you should still wear a jacket. What if you accidentally lock yourself out and I’m not home? With it being wet and cold, you could get sick if you were out there too long. Nicci walked over to pick up the other cup and traded it with the one still in front of her.

Trinity lifted it up and breathed in. Ahh, you know me too well. Taking a sip of the delectable hot chocolate, she instantly felt her body relax. It was something she always loved to have in the morning, especially on a chilly one like today. On other days, it was normally a diet soda on the go. Nicci hated giving her either, always complaining about the unhealthiness of them, but usually relented with what she referred to as the lesser of two evils.

Trinity looked up at her friend and again noticed the dramatic physical differences between the two of them. Where she was average height, with more than enough curves, Nicci was more on the shorter side, and skinnier than Trinity liked to see her. She always admired Nicci’s golden locks, wishing she had a different color other than mud.

The physical differences weren’t the only ones. Trinity was more laid back, and tried to make the best with what the world gave her. Nicole, on the other hand, was straight laced, and was always worrying about something that she needed to fix. The only problem with this was that Trinity never failed to do something that would concern her, even with the smallest things.

If I get locked out, I have a spare key. If that doesn’t work, I know where you keep yours. In an afterthought, she added with a smile, Plus… being cold doesn’t make people sick, bacteria do. She chuckled when Nicci shook her head in exasperation. Taking another sip of her drink, she set it down before continuing. You can’t live your whole life on what ifs Nic. Where is that gonna get you?

Settling back, she made herself comfortable at the table. She was trying hard not to concentrate too much on the smell of the muffins. Jeez, she was hungry! Just as the thought crossed her mind, her stomach growled. Nicci must have heard, because she rolled her eyes and walked over to the oven and checked on the muffins before taking them out.

Walking back with a plate of muffins, Nicci finally answered, but it was an answer Trinity already expected to hear. Safe, that’s where.

Looking over as Nicci sat down; she finally paid closer attention to her friend. Hey! Are you okay today? You look kind of tired.

Nicci ran her hand through her short blond hair. Thanks a lot! Is that your way of saying I look like crud?

You know I didn’t mean it like that. Nicci remained silent and brooding. Exasperated, Trinity knew what would make her friend talk. Fine, don’t tell me! If you do though, I’ll tell you about my dream last night. She’s always had the most interesting dreams, and Nicole loved to listen to her tell about them. When they were kids, she used to call it her story time. Trinity sat back and gave her friend the half smile that said, I have a secret….

Okay, Nicci said, taking the bait, you first.

Trinity was already shaking her head no before Nicci finished talking.

Nicole finally caved, and slouched back in her chair. Ugh, it’s no big deal! It’s just this case I’m looking into. Everything seems fine, but there is something off about the kid. Every time he looks at me it’s like he is trying to tell me something, but every time we talk, he says everything’s okay. Maybe I’m just being crazy, she finished, out of breath.

This sobered Trinity out of her carefree mood. It always happened when they started talking about Nicci’s work. She knew the work her friend did was good, but it just brought back a lot of memories she would rather not remember. You know what you’re doing. Trust your instincts, they hardly ever steer you wrong. Pausing to take a bite of muffin, Trinity then asked with a partial mouthful, Have you talked to him alone?

Yeah, but whenever I do, he seems so nervous, then he gets defensive and storms off. I don’t know! I’ll figure something out though, don’t worry. She ran her fingers through her hair again, something Trinity knew to be a nervous habit of hers. She eyed her suspiciously, knowing there was more, but decided to keep quiet. Moments later her friend’s face lit up.

So… tell me what makes the notorious sleepyhead look like she didn’t sleep a wink last night. Trinity couldn’t help the blush that rose up her cheeks, or the grin that started to form. Nicci suddenly sat up straight. Oh, this is gonna be good!

It’s nothing really, just a good dream. Trinity cleared the frog that suddenly was in her throat and tried to finger comb her hair. Do I really look that bad?

You know you look fine, stop stalling.

Trinity sighed and continued. Well, parts are starting to become fuzzy, but I was with… She waved her hand in the air as if to help her think of the words. I was with a man and we were… She decided to just come out with it. Oh fine, I had a sex dream. Well, not technically any sex, but a lot of foreplay. It was a great dream, what I can remember, but now I am tired and frustrated and feel I could snap at any moment. She was out of breath from trying to say everything in one breath.

Nicci had long since thrown her hand over her mouth. Of course she was trying hard not to laugh, the little wench! Pretty soon the hand was not enough, and she let out a snort before falling into a round of giggles.

Yes, yes, hardy har har.

Nicci put one hand to her chest and held up the other one palm out. I’m so sorry, it’s just… Her ongoing occasional giggle defied the word of apology. It’s just, you are the last person I would see having a dream like that.

What is that supposed to mean? Trinity scowled.

Oh, don’t take it the wrong way! It was nothing against you, but you are always with the here and now. It seems you never fantasize about anything. Maybe your subconscious is trying to make up for lost time.

She frowned, wondering if her friend had a point.

Aren’t people that have sex dreams supposed to be in a better mood?

Nicole’s words brought her back to the conversation. She had wished this wouldn’t have come up. It was going to be tricky to explain. Trinity started picking apart her muffin more than she was eating it now. I don’t know! When I woke up, it felt like I had lost something. The feeling won’t quite disappear.

Nicci just looked at her before she gave a slight nod. I think I know what’s wrong. When Trinity just raised an eyebrow in question, she put her hands up, palms out, and went on, Just hear me out. You woke up frustrated and alone. Maybe your mind is telling you that it’s time to jump back in the saddle, find a man.

Trinity checked her watch. Whew, she wouldn’t have to lie. Standing up, she distractedly answered, It’s time for me to go.

Look, I’m serious, Rin! It has been a long time, and now you are dreaming about being in bed with random strangers. Maybe you woke up on the wrong side of the bed because you missed that connection you had in the dream with mystery guy.

I’ve been there already, and I’m not ready for another relationship right now. She shut her eyes to ward off the memories.

Not everybody is Seth, Rin! There are some good ones too. You just have to look for them. You’ll never find them if you don’t open up someday.

Trinity gasped at his name being mentioned aloud, and lashed out, You’re one to talk. You have never given any man a chance, ever. And opening up? As far as I know, your therapist and I are the only ones you’ve opened up to. I already tried that once and look where it got me!

She managed to squelch the shudder that started in her body. Being reminded of things in her past made her go a little crazy sometimes and do stupid things, like wig out on her friend. She really didn’t want to have this conversation again, but she also had to leave before she was late for work.

I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. You’re just worried, and I took it out on you when I started to panic. Walking around the table, Trinity wrapped her arms around Nicole.

It’s okay. Really, it is, she said, reassuringly patting Trinity’s arm.

Looking down at her watch, she started moving to the door so she could get back into her home and get her stuff. I really do have to go. It doesn’t set a very good example to the students if the teacher is late the first day.

Yeah, I have to get to work as well. Nicci stood and started gathering up her sweater and purse.

Trinity made it back to her side of the house, and quickly grabbed what she needed. Locking the door as she left, they met again out front. They were walking to their cars and Nicci obviously thought of something she forgot to ask because she paused before going around to the driver’s side. Oh yeah, how good looking was your mystery guy?

It sounds so bad, but most of what he looked like has faded, making me forget a lot. She paused trying to remember more. I think he had dark hair. Trinity perked up when she recalled another detail. Oh, but I definitely remember his eyes! she said pointing to Nicci. They were a gorgeous green.

Hmm, that’s nice. I’ve always been partial to blue eyes myself, but whatever.

Trinity really had to haul it to the school before she was late. She was about to get in, when she heard Nicci’s best Mom voice. Bye! Have a good day at school, dearie.

Trinity just laughed and waved goodbye, thinking how nice it was to have a friend like her. She was a little infuriating at times, along with argumentative and pigheaded, but irreplaceable, none the less.

******

Trinity started off towards school, going over in her head what she was going to talk to her students about. Being the first day and all, she didn’t have to get too involved in the information yet.

Man, she needed to unwind. It had just hit 7am, but it felt like she had already had a full day. From this morning’s romantic escapade to the third degree about finding a man, and all the way to Seth getting mentioned. This did not bode well for the day to come.

She did need to start trusting people a little more again though. It was hard, when she still didn’t have closure from her past mistake. Seth decided to run away after everything. She guessed he preferred life on the move over jail time. It was hard for her to ever completely relax, when she had no idea where he was. Plus, she knew that not every man is like Seth, but then she remembered how he was a good guy at first too.

She was just not ready to date. Men were trouble, plain and simple. Maybe she should get a dog. No, they are too much like men. They both need too much looking after, and DAMMIT, she wanted someone to finally be there to look after her.

Since she was ten years old, she had always been taking care of someone else. She loved Nicci; however, being the older one, she took responsibility for her. Even when they were sent to the Keltners’, the foster family they eventually ended up with, she never let go enough to fully trust them. Who would blame her? She was surprised that Nicole let go as much as she did after everything she’d been through.

Since finding someone to take care of her wasn’t going to happen in the near future, she would just settle with her heated throw to keep her warm at night, and her pint of mint chocolate ice-cream for comfort. Trinity pulled into the parking lot of the school. Looking down at the clock, she realized she only had a couple minutes to spare. She finally found a space to park, and high-tailed it inside. Out of breath, she stepped into the teacher’s lounge just as other’s were leaving. After a few how are you doings and how was your break, she managed to get what she needed and make it to her room with just a minute to spare.

Her beginners’ class was filled with people she had never taught before, unlike the advanced class she had in a few hours. That didn’t mean she had no idea who these kids were. A lot of them she recognized from being in the hallways or from gossip told by the other teachers.

Here we go, she thought as the bell rang.

Welcome, everyone! I trust you all had a good summer break? There were a few muffled responses, and all she could think was, I know what you mean kids.

When she was about to say more, the door to the room came open and a few stragglers stepped in, two girls and a boy.

You’re late. Yay, Captain Obvious. Taking a deep breath in, she was determined not to let her bad mood ruin the start of her first day.

We know; we’re sorry, one out of two girls spoke up.

We got lost! the other one whined.

Now that just takes the cake. Trinity leaned against the side of her desk with a knowing look on her face. Stay right there. She pointed at the late comers that were trying to take a seat. What are your names? Leaning around her desk, she grabbed her roster. In the process, she caught sight of something that made her a little uneasy, but decided to address it in a minute.

The boy that had been silent for the whole time finally spoke up, Hugh Donovan. There was no worry or remorse in his voice, and he said it while looking Trinity straight in the eye. Oddly enough, it gave her a little more respect for him. The girls on the other hand were a nervous wreck, and she could tell that all they wanted to do was sit down and disappear. Well, they picked the wrong day to pull this.

Alicia Browning, the first girl that had spoken said, almost at the same time the other girl spoke up, Stephanie Roberts.

Trinity looked down at the roster and smiled when she found what she suspected. Stephanie, it says you are a junior here, is that true? When she looked up, she closed her folder and put it on the desk behind her.

Yeah, Stephanie stated, clearly confused where this was going.

Did you just move here? Trinity asked, already knowing the answer. What about you two, are you new to the school?

They all gave the answer she knew she would hear, no.

So, you really got lost? Trinity asked in a knowing tone.

The whole class was whispering at this point, and she knew the kids were getting pretty embarrassed. The girls anyway, Hugh looked like he could stand there all day and not care. Never the less, it was time to bring this to an end.

It was Hugh that finally spoke up when no one else would. No, we did not get lost. We were in the halls talking and didn’t realize how fast the time went by. We will try to not let it happen again.

Now she knew she liked this kid. Thank you, Mr. Donovan, for your honesty. She let the last word drag on. You may all have a seat.

She stood up and turned to the class to start, but felt she needed to clarify something first. I am not a hard teacher to please. The girl, now known as Stephanie, rolled her eyes at that statement. "I expect two things, honesty and respect, and I do not tolerate a lack of either one. If you are going to be late, fine!