13. The Rules of Wolfburg
1084 Words
Jane immediately sat down next to Sophie. She glared at Geralt, but the man ignored Jane's protests.
"Sure, we're old friends," Geralt replied.
Jane closed her eyes. She hoped Geralt wouldn't say outrageous things to Sophie. She had to make sure the girl stayed here.
"Old friend?" Sophie turned to Jane. "You too?"
"Huh?" Jane pretended to be surprised. "Hmm, I can't say that."
Sophie began to make up stories in her own head. She didn't know anything about her mother. Smith never said anything except that she was born without a father.
"You must be surprised, right? But you shouldn't have to worry. You'll be safe here. All your tuition and expenses are covered by the university. But...." Geralt gave a warning with a smile. Sophie didn't like Geralt's smile. Too mysterious. And Sophie really hated mysteries. She wanted someone to explain what was going on.
"But what?" Sophie asked.
"You can't leave this place. You must obey the rules of this place. Your grades will be monitored by Jane. She will be your guardian. Since you are not yet twenty-one, some things are not allowed. Alcohol, s*x, using your power without permission." Geralt explained, and Sophie found it impossible to do the things Geralt said.
"Power? What power?" Sophie asked.
"She doesn't have it, Geralt. I can't detect anything." Jane interrupted the conversation.
Geralt shook his head. "She has it, Jane. I saw something but couldn't tell," Geralt replied.
Jane's eyes narrowed. She knew Geralt could see what will be to happen. And Jane believed that. She believed in Geralt's vision. But what did Geralt see? Why didn't Geralt tell Jane?
"You won't tell me, Geralt?" asked Jane.
Geralt clasped his hands together. His body language showed that he couldn't answer Jane's question.
"No," replied Geralt. "It's too sensitive."
Sophie couldn't understand why Geralt and Jane were saying something strange, something she couldn't understand.
"Can we speak in a better language? You are talking about something I don't understand. I am sorry, Mr. Chancellor. You asked about my mother. I can't say how she is. She died giving birth to me. My uncle and aunt never said anything to me about her. So I don't know," Sophie said.
Geralt is shocked to hear that Sophie's mother is dead. "Christine was dead?" His mouth gaped. He looked at Jane, and the beautiful woman looked the other way.
"I'm sorry, Geralt. I just found out, too," replied Jane.
Geralt immediately stood up. He approached Sophie and hugged her. "I am sorry to hear that. I didn't know your mother was dead. She was a very cheerful and beautiful girl. How could her fate be so tragic?" said Geralt.
When Geralt talked about Sophie's mother, Jane didn't seem too happy with it. It's like something Jane is hiding.
"Geralt, why did you ask me here? I have a lot of work to do." Jane interrupted. She didn't want Geralt to keep her here.
"Oh, I just forgot." Geralt let go of Sophie's arms. He quickly sat back in his chair. Geralt changed his facial expression to be more serious. "She hasn't been able to study at Wolfburg yet. She has to take her final exams at her school. Even though she got a special scholarship, I still want a high school diploma. So Sophie can only take the next semester of education."
Sophie was confused. She had already gone far from the Arcade. She had no way to go back there to finish her high school education.
"Wait, you want me to go back to high school? I don't want to! I'll stay here!" Sophie screamed. She didn't want to go back to her friends who bullied her. Especially having to live with Nora and Smith again.
"You don't have to worry. You're going to school here. You don't have to make it back to the Arcade. There are too many people, and it's dangerous to pack. You're going to school online. Your exams are next month. You'll finish them all. That's the rules, Sophie." Jane explained.
"Online?" Sophie muttered.
"But you can walk around the campus. Be friends with the other pack members. Don't be afraid," said Geralt.
Sophie lowered her head. It felt so hesitant to spend the day in this strange place with the attitude of people who were not friendly to him.
"Looks like they don't like my presence. They look at me like I'm some weird creature," Sophie grumbled.
Geralt and Jane looked at each other. They understood Sophie's concern. But the girl had to go through all of this.
"Gradually, they'll like you. You don't have to worry. You're in Jane's care. And Jane is my mate. No one will ever dare to ostracize you. But be careful with Sarah and Sam. They may be a little different, but they will also accept your presence. Sam will be delighted with your presence, "said Geralt.
Jane sensed that Geralt had something to say. Why did he emphasize Sam's name? What's going on between Sam and Sophie. Does this have anything to do with Geralt's vision?
Jane thought that Geralt was done with his introduction to Sophie. She immediately stood up. "Sophie, come on. You're going around campus today. Melisa will be with you. I thought you were close to her now." Jane asked the girl to stand up.
Sophie immediately did as Jane asked. Jane walked out as well as Sophie. More and more questions were swirling in Sophie's head. Geralt and Jane are people who know their mother. Could it be that her scholarship had something to do with it?
Jane walked without looking back and forth. She does look cold sometimes. But sometimes, it seems so affectionate. Sophie couldn't understand it. She wanted to ask, so she hesitated because Jane's face showed seriousness.
Jane took Sophie to the lobby of the main campus building. There were already Melisa and Roy, his boyfriend.
"Hi, Sophie!" said Roy. Another friendly person to Sophie, Roy. They didn't look at Sophie with the strange and curious eyes the other students did.
"Melisa, today it's your job to show Sophie around. Introduce her to the campus. Explain the rules. Don't say anything weird because I'll find out. Do you understand?" said Jane to Melissa.
"Alright, but let Roy and me into the woods after class is over. I want to have fun with my boyfriend," said Melisa.
Jane looked at Sophie. It seemed she was hesitant to let the girl be with Melisa.
- Writer
