Chapter Text
Louisiana Bayou
Eve's House
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Afternoon
Landon Kirby and Rafael Waithe stayed behind with Eve in the Bayou while the others were touring the school. Eve wanted to show them where the Crescents lived.
"And down there is the camp. I am hoping most of the kids there will transfer to Hayley's school soon," Eve explained. Her long blond hair was spilling down her back and she smiled as she surveyed her lands.
Rafe smiled, "You love this place, huh?"
Eve nodded, "It is home...But it is also soaked with the blood of our people. Sometimes I wonder if the cost was too high. You know, I lost my brothers, my sister, my parents to these wolf wars and I never even triggered the curse."
Landon pushed a hand through his curly black hair. "Why not? I mean, doesn't something drive you guys to, you know, kill?"
Eve laughed and put an arm around the young runaway.
"Maybe some, but I always focused on healing folks. Mary and I were almost the only ones who didn't kill a human in our teens. That kept us safe to look over our people when the Crescents were cursed to be human only on the full moon. Maybe that was providence. But enough talk of the past, let's go down and I'll introduce you to some of the kids," Eve prodded.
Rafe frowned, looking around the swamp. It was hot and sticky but yet somehow alive. He thought he saw a gator in the water, but he wasn't sure.
"Why would they want to stay here? We heard the new school is going to be real nice. I mean, not trying to be rude...or nothing, but why stay in this swamp?" Rafe pressed.
Eve shrugged, "It's become home. Maybe of these wolves are from all over and came here for a big battle last year. They settled and formed their own families. Maybe you two could convince them to move on. Plus, they don't have many rules or regulations out here. It's gonna be hard for them to adjust to society, but there ain't no future here..."
Landon saw several teens cooking over a fire.
He whispered to Rafe, "What are they drinking? It smells like paint thinner!"
Eve's sharp wolf hearing caught the whisper. "Yup. That would be moonshine. The two of you ought not to touch the stuff. It will knock you on your hind ends!"
Rafe snickered and threw an arm around Landon.
"Well, Lan can't hold his liquor, but I can. A sip or two won't hurt," Rafe retorted.
Mary's House
Evening
"Grandma, you know where that blue bucket is?" Ollie hollered from the bedroom. Ollie laughed a little as he tossed Landon in Hayley's bed. He didn't want these boys puking in his and Jack's room.
Mary walked in with a small garbage can covered in a plastic bag.
"This ought to do it," Mary said in her deep voice. "Lemme get 'em some water. These two don't look real good now."
Ollie agreed. He had joined the party at the camp after a small supper with Mary. She had been pleased that the okra was plentiful enough. Ollie hadn't been planning on staying out late, but by the time he got there both Landon and Rafe were falling down drunk and making asses of themselves.
An Hour Earlier
Ollie promised Eve he would take them home so she could get some sleep. A girl who knew, who reminded him a little of the late Modeste, was trying to get the boys settled down.
"Karli, hey," Ollie said. "I got them. Guess they thought they could handle the shine, eh?"
Karli giggled, "Yeah, the others thought it was funny until I reminded them that they could die. Glad you are here. Everyone else is passing out in the tents."
Ollie nodded, as he tried to sit up Landon.
"I see that. Are you fixing to come to the school with us?" Ollie asked. He leaned Landon against a log.
"Nah, I like it out here. Since I left home, I've been here...," Karli said shyly. She was a tall, slim girl with dark skin and braids. They clattered softly as she spoke. Ollie flushed as he realized how pretty she was.
"But the school is going be real nice. What is there out here to do besides hunting and partying? Don't ya want something more?" Ollie wondered, looking back down now at Rafe, who was moaning.
"I used to want to be a nurse. Eve thinks I am good at healing, but I don't know. I like hunting out here," Karli pointed out.
"We can find places to hunt at the school. It's a real big place and there are acres of land and forest. Look, I am not telling you want to do but I would like it if you came," Ollie said, surprising himself.
Karlie bit her lip and nodded. "You need some help with them?"
Ollie was about to say no, but then Landon slumped over to the left of the stump.
"Yeah, can you take him? I got Rafe. I promised Eve I'd look after them," Ollie volunteered.
Karli looked impressed, "Oliver, that is mighty kind of you. When you are out here with Jackson, you always seem like a big oaf...Maybe I will think about this school?"
Ollie grinned, "Good."
French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana
The Compound
Aiden sat on the gallery overlooking the street. It was early but there was already a busker playing music for the tourists outside. He had emptied out his guitar case cash several times.
Josh came up behind him with coffee. "Here ya go. It's amazing that the kids are still sleeping. They must have been worn out."
Aiden took the coffee gratefully. "Thanks. They were running like crazy. Maybe we could invest in a hamster wheel like preschooler sized?"
"Or a treadmill? I think Elijah said something about them putting in a state-of-the-art gym at the school," Josh shared.
"Nice. I can't believe we can't go home. I mean, I know the baby vamps got our stuff that wasn't destroyed, but still..." Aiden said quietly.
"I know, babe. But it's not safe there right now. This compound is spelled and more protected than anyplace in the city. But I am kind of excited to move to this school. It's like a new adventure," Josh gushed.
Aiden said, "Yeah, I wonder how Landon and Rafael did in the Bayou. Did you tell Mary that we are picking them up on our way."
"Not yet. You know she will want us to stay for lunch. I mean, I have grown to like crayfish, but not sure that Sara would eat much," Josh said dryly. "Not sure how picky Christopher is."
"Josh, do you think we can really take care of two more kids?" Aiden asked in a rush. "I mean, some days I struggle just with one kid."
Josh put down his coffee cup, now empty, and knelt by his partner.
"Sweets, I will be with you. Linda is gonna take over things here with Marcel's blessing. You won't be like a single dad anymore. I will be there with you every step of the way," Josh proclaimed. He took Aiden's hand and kissed it. "I swear it."
Aiden smiled and breathed out slowly. "Okay. I guess I'm just nervous...I love the kids, I really do."
"I know. Look, we've been through a crazy attack with Emily's dad and all this angel business. It's over. We can now move on. Hayley is taking classes by correspondence. You can do the same. Heck, maybe I will even have time to finish my computer science degree. Babe, this is the beginning for us. It's a new life," Josh said with feeling.
Aiden smiled and leaned forward to kiss Josh.
They heard laughing. "Why is Papa on the floor?" Sara giggled. Chris ran out and put his small hands on the railing.
"Look, they just gave that guy a dollar!" Chris shouted at the pedestrians below. "I want a guitar!"
Everyone laughed and Josh scoped up the kids to go back them breakfast before they left for the Bayou.
Former Fleur-de-Lis Sanatorium
Same Day
Hayley and Jackson finally got to spend the night together alone. Her bedroom here at the school was beautiful. The walls were a kind of old-fashioned wood paneling that looked whitewashed. Her floors were a light wood and she had a canopy bed. Everything was new, but looked antique to go with the architecture of the old building. Jackson woke up Hayley by rubbing a long stemmed white rose against her cheek.
"Stop, that tickles," Hayley moaned.
"Nope. You told me to wake you up early," Jackson affirmed. "And you also said we have a crapload of stuff to do today!"
Hayley finally opened her eyes. "You are right, of course. So...last night was nice."
Jackson laughed as Hayley snatched the rose and smelled it.
"Yeah, it sure was. You realize that we are both adults now and shouldn't have to sneak around anymore," Jackson concluded.
Hayley smirked, "True, but I don't think we should be a bad example. Plus, sneaking around is kinda fun."
Jackson threw back the covers and picked up Hayley as she squealed.
"Fun! My room looks like a prison cell compared to your room," Jackson joked. "Now, how about we break in that big marble bathtub in your huge bathroom?"
Hayley groaned, "No, but we do have time to try out the giant shower. It has multiple shower heads..."
Jackson put her down. "Deal."
Afternoon
After a busy morning of meetings and phone calls, Hayley was exhausted. She had hired several more teachers, a counselor, and a business manager by phone. Jackson had secured a groundsman whose grandfather had worked here during the 1918-19 New Orleans influenza epidemic.
Jackson looked at his phone and smirked.
"Everyone is on their way. Ollie texted that Rafael and Landon got really wasted on moonshine last night at the camp!" Jackson shared.
"Really? Did they convince any of the wolves to come here? Ollie had like one job," Hayley muttered.
Jackson looked back at his phone. "He didn't say. But you know Grandma, she probably had him out in the garden all day. The rooms are ready for everyone to move into. Hey, did you decide on a name for the school yet?"
Hayley frowned, "I wanted The Mikaelson School for the Young and Gifted, but they thought it would be a magnet for their enemies. How about Crescent Academy?"
Jackson scrunched up his face. "I like it, but this place ain't just for the wolves. What about...?" Jackson typed in something in his phone. "'Omnis Academy for Talented Youth."
"'Omnis'? What does that mean?" Hayley asked, not hating the name.
"All in Latin. Sounds fancy, right?" Jackson prodded.
"Yeah, I kind of like it," Hayley said. "I'll run it past Marcel...But he said it is up to us."
"Up to you," Jackson said, as he went over and embraced her. "You're the boss."
Hayley tilted her head. "In a sense, but Coach will have to be the head mistress until I get my degree. It will be hard work, but I have a good feeling about all of this."
Jackson smiled, "I am just so happy to have you back. When you were gone...I was crawling the walls. Hayley, don't ever leave me again!"
Hayley leaned her head on Jackson, "I won't. I promise. I will never let myself be taken again...Jack, it was awful. I thought I was going to die a few times. I don't really know what they did to me or what they wanted."
"It's over now," Jackson reassured her. He heard something.
"I think the others are arriving. Let's go down and greet them."
Dinner
Hayley looked around the huge formal dining room table and smiled. It was happening. Coach Cormier and her girlfriend, Lou, sat to Hayley's right. Jackson was on her left flanked by a still green looking Landon and Rafe. Then, the trinity was seated. Tristen, then Aurora, and then Lucien. The three ancient vampires were on their best behavior, having been heavily compelled by Elijah. Aurora had her own nurse, and had been given an infusion of medication already today. On the other end of the table, sat Josh, Aiden, Emily, Christopher, and Sara. Sara insisted that her Wolfie, stuffed animal, get a chair. Chris covered the toy with his blanket, never letting the thing out of his sight after recently losing it.
Elijah and Marcel had gone back home, but Elijah had informed Hayley that Tristan had freed the witches from the Sisters. He was concerned that they had been through a lot and may need some extra help adjusting. Hayley told him that Emma, the new counselor, should be there soon. She, and a Mr. Dorian Williams, had come highly recommended.
Both witch sisters were red-haired, though Rowen was much plumper than Clarice. Alexis, the seer sat on their side, she was looking coyly at Lucien, but he was transfixed by Aurora. Hayley noticed that the young witch did not look happy. None of them could have been over 16.
Hayley cleared her throat and lifted her glass of sparkling grape juice.
"Excuse me, everyone!" Hayley started. Suddenly all eyes were on her and her throat went dry. Jackson gave her a smile and said, "You got this."
Hayley continued, "Um, thank you all for being here. This school has been my dream for a long time, really my whole life. It only came to be with a lot of help, but also because you all agreed to be here, so thank you. I know we have a lot of work ahead of us. But I want this to be a place where we can all learn and grow together in a safe environment. So of course, we have laid out some ground rules for the summer. We'll have a meeting about that tomorrow but I just act that we all behave respectfully and safely. Your rooms are all prepared and Coach, or rather Head Mistress Cormier, and I thought that it would be a good idea for us all to get to bed early after dinner. With construction still ongoing, we would ask you all to stay clear of the cordoned off areas until they are complete. Are there any questions?" Hayley finished.
"Yeah, what are you going to call this place?" Ollie boomed out.
Hayley turned to Jackson, "Um, Jack came up with it. It will be called the Omnis School."
Hayley raised her glass and everyone, even the kids, also took a drink. Ollie made a face. "What does that mean?"
"Omnis means all in latin," Jackson explained. "This school is for all of us: vamps, wolves, witches, and heck, even mermaids!"
Emily and Chris let out a cheer. Everyone laughed.
"I think it is wonderful," Head Mistress Cormier added.
"We have a special cake to celebrate our first night here. And then it is lights out. I can see that all of you are tired," the large woman inferred.
Alexis frowned, "But it's only 8pm!"
"Dear, I said after the cake. Now, you don't want to be the first one I use my paddle on here, do you? No complaining," the head mistress warned.
Alexi paled and leaned back in her chair, "Cake sounds good."
Jackson and Ollie went to get the cake.
Ollie muttered, "Can't believe what bakeries charge these days. I bet I could have made a better cake myself."
Jackson laughed, "I'd like to see that, Ollie."
"Maybe you will. But you can't tell Gram if I get an apron," Ollie begged. "Promise me, Jackson!"
Jackson had no idea what Ollie was talking about, "You are nuts, Bro, but I promise. Now, steady."
The boys set down the cake by Hayley and let her start cutting it. It had Omnis School written in icing followed by a crest with a crescent moon with a red background and a drop of water with white henbane blooms and purple vervain to symbolize witches and vampires.
"The drop of water is for mermaids," Hayley announced. "We wanted to include everyone."
"What represents your angel side?" Alexis asked Hayley.
Hayley gave her a perplexed look. "I don't know what you are talking about."
Alexis shrugged, "Oh well, you will."
Hayley let the head mistress take over cutting the cake and said, "Look Alexis, I know you are a seer, but can you lay off? I'm a wolf, pure and simple. I want nothing to do with angels or their like, got it?"
Alexis fumed, "Fine, be like that. Witches talk, you know. You may want to deny what you are, but it always comes out in the end. Screw your cake!"
Alexis stalked off and Lucien got up to go after her.
The head mistress grabbed his arm. "Please warn her that she best watch her manners. We are not putting up with that attitude."
Lucien shrugged off the big woman's arm. "Yes, Head Mistress, but she meant no harm. Alexis is just high spirited. Now, may I kindly see to her?"
"Yes, but you behave yourself, too," the head mistress warned the handsome vampire. Lucien's eyes sparked with mischief. He could not hide his love of drama and nodded.
Hayley groaned, "I didn't handle her well. But I don't want to think of those angels. They are trapped. They can't hurt anymore anymore."
Head Mistress Cormier agreed, "I know. You sit and eat a piece of cake. This is a happy night. I don't want to have to warm your bottom either."
Hayley smiled and sat and ate her cake. She noticed Jackson laughing from the threat. Miss Cormier turned to him.
"You eat also. And laughing at someone getting scolded is not nice, Jackson. You know better!" Miss Cormier chided.
"Yes, Coach," Jackson replied.
"That's Head Mistress now!" Hayley corrected.
Miss Cormier put down the knife. That's going to take some getting used to," she admitted. "Now, who wants ice cream?"
The kids hopped up and down and everyone ate their cake.
Midnight
Lou, was slimmer than the new head mistress, but also kept fit. She came into their quarters dragging Lucien on one side and Alexis on the other.
"Dolly, I mean, Head Mistress, I caught these two frolicking in her quarters and not being real quiet about it either," Lou said firmly.
Dolly Cormier stood up and put on her terrycloth robe.
"Well, my paddle is down in my new office but I think since this is the first time, our hands ought to do," the big woman determined.
Alexis wiggled out of Lou's grip. "No! It wasn't a big deal. We have been together a while...You have no right."
"Young lady, Hayley warned you at supper. You are here to learn and prepare for your future, not misbehave. Now, I think I will deal with you and Lou can spank your fancy friend here," Dolly pronounced.
Lucien paled, "Ma'am, I apologize for our indiscretion. It was in poor taste, but surely we do not need to be subjected to such a childish sanction!"
Lou laughed, "Boy, you are a fancy one. Look, kid, you're getting your little rump swatted and fussing is just gonna make it worse. I heard that Mr. Mikaelson made it impossible for you to contradict orders, right?"
Lucien frowned and nodded, "Yes, he compelled me to obey the authorities here..."
"Good, then both of you drop your pants," Lou said. Dolly and her dragged over chairs and sat on them, putting the miscreants firmly over their laps.
Alexis yelped loudly at the first punishing whack from Dolly's large hand. Even Lucien was squirming and begging for a reprieve after the first minute of getting spanked over his underpants. He had not been aware that his healing had been turned off. If he knew that, he would have stayed away from the attractive witch. If Aurora found out, she might not be pleased with him.
Eyeing the clock, Dolly nodded to Lou. "Warm up is over. Underpants down."
Alexis squealed and fought as Dolly took down her sheer bikini briefs. Lucien stood stoically and bit his lip to not fight back.
Both woman applied their palms where it would do the most good for another two to three minutes, sometimes stopping to lecture Alexis and Lucien about their behavior. Afterwards when their bottoms were pink and sore, their pants were quickly pulled up and each one got escorted back to their sleeping quarters.
Tristan was already asleep when Lucien got in. He was surprised that Lou tucked him in and kissed him on the forehead.
Clarice and Rowan were still up chatting in bed when the head mistress marched in with a chastised Alexis. She hugged all three girls goodnight and warned them to go right to bed.
"My hand is sore and I will go down for my paddle if I hear anymore nonsense, got it?" she warned. The girls nodded. Alexis sniffed and ignored the whispered questions of what happened until she realized they weren't going to stop.
"Lucien and I were kissing in the hallway and we got spanked. Now go to bed before I lose my temper and then we all get paddled!" Alexis warned. She flipped over and went right to sleep.
The sisters looked at each other and also decided to go to sleep, their curiosity satisfied.
END of Part 1