Academy for the Cursed

Max finally took the hint and went back to eating, still thinking of ways to make this boy like him. He was a likable person! He was nice! And his new personal mission was to get the two boys at the end of the table to be his friends! He just had to figure out how to do it first. Once Ezra spoke up, Max beamed.

“Of course I can! What’s your first class?”

Elizabeth took a deep breath before speaking quietly. "Sorry, I, er, I actually have no idea where any of my classes are. I have a bit of a memory problem," she explained shyly. "But I don't want you to be late to class, or anything, only if it isn't any trouble - " she stopped, realizing she was speaking far too quickly.

(For some reason this didn’t give me a notification, I’m so sorry I took forever to respond!)
“I have Potions next,” Ezra said softly, silently wishing Max wasn’t so nice. I just don’t want to hurt you. Maybe Ezra would tell him about his curse, if they got to know each other more, but for now he felt too uncomfortable talking about it with anyone.

“I can definitely take you to Potions class!” Max said pleasantly. “And Elizabeth, if you have a schedule then I can look at it and see if I can’t help you too!”

"I um…" she paused, looking through her pockets before pulling out a neatly folded piece of paper and handing it to Max, looking at the floor. Great. Now she had to ask for help with one of the easiest things in the world. You're such an idiot.

“Oh, it looks like you have History first!” Max said, looking at her schedule. “Luckily, that’s pretty close to Potions! I can take you there!”

(hope it’s ok i chose a random class for you)

(Totally fine!)
"History, history," she whispered to herself, hoping desperately that she would remember with enough repetition. "Thanks - thank you, I appreciate that."

“Of course, don’t mention it!” Max replied, knowing full well his Managing Curses class was across the building. He was a fast runner, so he was confident he could make it. Besides the professor would understand.

"Are - are you sure you won't be late? Because I could probably just ask a… random person… or a teacher, or something," she told him earnestly. "I don't want to be any trouble."

With all this talk about classes, Ava took out her schedule to find out what her first class was.

“It’s not any trouble, I can show you to your class, it’s right by Ezra’s,” Max explained, neglecting to mention there was a goof chance he’d be late. “Besides, my professor isn’t too strict.”

Elizabeth hesitated before nodding. "Well… thank you, then," she breathed a sigh of relief. At least I won't need to ask a teacher where my class is today. Probably tomorrow, though, she thought with a wince. Teachers. The bane of her existence.

“Anytime!” Max responded, looking almost energized from having a chance to be helpful.

(okay this character is actually just a puppy in human form lol)

Elizabeth nodded silently, completely unable to comprehend why he was being nice. She wasn't offering him anything. So why was he helping her? None of it made any sense to her, but she was reluctantly grateful.

“Thanks,” Ezra said, hoping bad luck wouldn’t befall Max later in the day. I need to start being more careful. He took a deep breath before nibbling on the corner of his sandwich and counting down the minutes until lunch was over.

Max went to throw his tray away, knowing that lunch was nearly over. “Alright, the bell should ring any second now,” he said, gathering his stuff. True to form, the bell rang shortly after that. Max stood up and waited for Ezra and Elizabeth.

Ava finished her food and stood up at the bell. "I have history too. Do you mind if I come with you guys?" She asks the others.

“Not at all!” Max replied. “Let’s go, guys!”

Elizabeth nodded, floating over to where Max was and lightly folding her arms across her chest.

Ezra got up, threw away his lunch bag and came to stand a little bit farther away but still close enough to hear Max. I don’t want to be friends with him, I don’t want to be friends with him, I don’t want to be friends with him, Ezra repeated in his head, hoping that if he thought it enough it would be true.

Max led the way out of the cafeteria and down a couple halls to where the Potions and History classes were. “Okay, so the Potions room is the one on the right and the History classroom is the one on the left,” he explained, motioning to each.

Elizabeth nodded her thanks and glided quickly into her classroom. She found a seat in the very back corner where she couldn't obstruct anyone's view, and 'sat down' cross-legged, continuing to remind herself of why she was in a classroom.

Lexath had slipped away, they had the first period free, so they headed to the library. Libraries are where they spent most of their time at home, so they hoped it was a calming place.

Ezra was about to walk into his classroom, but he turned his head to look at Max. He opened his mouth to say something, but stopped himself and briskly walked into his classroom. I can’t risk it. I was easier with my foster dad, but… I can’t put anyone else in danger.

She followed them down the Hall and said a quick thank you before also slipping into her history class. She took a seat more towards the back because the only other seats left where at the front and she preferred the middle.

Max waved goodbye to all of them and rushed off to his class to hopefully beat the bell. Unfortunately, he did not, but lucky for him, that particular professor liked him, so he didn’t get in trouble.

Ezra sat at the back of his Potions class, even going so far as to scoot his chair away a few inches. He wasn’t used to be in a classroom this crowded, nor was he used to working with others. Ezra couldn’t stop wringing his hands out of nervousness.

(it’s fine!)

“This professor likes me,” Max replied. “I can talk my way out of detention.” He sounded more confident than he felt. “Just, um, look innocent?”