#moonlightfalls

Candace favored him with a very genuine smile, “You noticed me? I thought everyone was so engrossed in the music they were oblivious to all else.”

Takeo gave her an eyebrow waggle, “Hey, good music is one thing, but I’m not blind when a cute chick makes an entrance. So what made you late this morning?”

Candace actually blushed a little, “Well, I was actually told to start tomorrow instead of today. I just got into town yesterday afternoon. My Great Aunt’s funeral in the morning rather complicated things.”

“Oh wow. Were you close?” Takeo’s smile dimmed slightly at this revelation. “Wait, if you were told not to start until tomorrow, why are you here?”

“I think I didn’t realize how much she cared for me, since I’m here as part of her dying wishes. I was just so curious to learn more about the school and meet my fellow students, so I came in once I was well rested!” Candace was exuberant on this point. It was true, after all. “It seems I missed out on some speech or instructions or something this morning though.” She frowned slightly.

Takeo’s smile recovered, “It’s hard to tell with some people, isn’t it? Well I hope you’re liking what you see.” He gestured and winked, and Candace blushed again. “I wouldn’t worry too much about the intro speech this morning. They’re bound to repeat it again, and have it in writing in a dozen places or something ridiculous like that.” He laughed, “You know, real bureaucrats around here sometimes. Anyhow, I’d better get to my next class. Be seein’ ya!”

As he turned to go, Candace called out, “Oh, can you point me in the direction of the computer room?” Takeo spun on one foot till he was facing her again and pointed to a door just past her, “You’re nearly there Ace!” Then he spun again and hopped over one of the stair bannisters on his way up, taking three steps at a time.

Feeling that this was definitely the right choice, she went into the spare room upstairs where her magic mirror was installed. “Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” A ghostly face appeared in the mirror, “You know it’s you, my dear, but need we really always start out that way?” Candace grinned. “It’s been a rough day, Azrael. Besides, sometimes it’s nice to hear it. Apparently Aunt Tabitha was a big deal at this school when she was here. I haven’t found out precisely why yet though. Also apparently there’s sometimes a waiting list to get into the school. And this town has a curfew. A CURFEW. The school is full of good looking guys though. So that’s a bonus.”