Twisted.

A Wish - Gregory and the Hawk

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It's not as if she'd been told that she was not to fraternize with middle class people. In all honesty, Cordelia Bexton would've talked to anyone who had the ability to speak, out of pure politeness and courteousness. That was just the way she was.

But she couldn't help that instinctual aura of arrogance that she had. Her eyes were naturally grave and sharp. She couldn't help that her face seemed a little pointy somehow, or that the tone of her voice and natural expressions on her face were normally deep in thought. It was just the way she was. If people had a problem with that, they could take it up with her virtually existent parents.

But all in all, she was good.

Del got out of the car, and immediately, a rush of adolescents drifting into the gates swarmed her. Girls, most of them, asking her about her summer, and what she did.

"Oh, nevermind me," Del said, good-naturedly, "what about you guys?"

They began to gush, in an attempt to impress Del with their explorations and adventures. Some of them, quite stereotypically, went to their summer houses and mansions, went travelling and toured the world in hotels and shopped in high class places. Truthfully, this did purely the opposite. Not one of them was fully able to communicate economic and true civilian statuses in any of the 'poor countries' they visited. No, they stayed at hotel suites and five star venues, and drank the crème de la crème from a city that already had a loss.

None of them actually knew. Del knew this was a shallow thing to assume, and that maybe they thought she wouldn't be impressed by those things, and maybe they knew those things inside but chose not to say them just in case she was the shallow and socialite heiress.

Quite obviously, she wasn't. But oh well, if they wanted to believe that, they could.

Del smiled and replied, laughed and nodded when it was the appropriate time. She giggled when they talked about a boy they met, and Del sank back into the deep crevices of her mind. The girls dispersed, and Del was left with one of the only amiable girls at her school. Or, at least, the only one she could stand.

Avarillia Byrd was more of a bookworm. A loyal and intellectual girl, she had dark brown hair that was styled conservatively. Her uniform was not changed in any way at all, and she had on glasses that obviously made her eyes smaller. She was the epitome of average, though her intellectuality and subtle wit was enjoyable. This girl was also on the Council, and was vaguely considered as Del's right hand woman. She was quite good at math, and though her weakness was apparently English, she still got a ninety-three in it. Ava was a year younger than Del, and the youngest on the Council.

Ava's family had risen from a low class position. Del respected her family for being able to pull through and become successful, and it did help that Ava herself had experience in third world countries. Somehow, Del got along silently with the girl, and there was no need for conversation. Not only that, but Ava seemed to be able to read emotions like a book. Lucky her.

"Good morning." Del said, with a whimsical voice. This was a rarety, and Ava smiled. To her, Del was a sort of role model, if you will. She considered herself lucky to be able to talk to this wonderful girl like this. In a way, Del was the older sister, and Ava felt safe with her, even if the Elite perpetually attacked and tried to bring down Del's iron reign, even resorting to threatening Ava herself.

"That's the first time you actually spoke this morning." Ava remarked smartly.

"You're good," Del replied, chuckling, "what news of the new student?"

"Alexei Rothman, apparently. Obviously high class, but something a little arrogant about him. Kind of like you."

Del was slightly miffed. Like her? She knew of her features, and her personality, but really!

"I saw him, that's how I can tell," Ava continued, "he's good looking, obviously. Definitely surpasses the last Elite member, the one who chose him. But he's slightly suspicious. Cunning, almost. Actually, no. Too cunning."

"Where is he now?" Del inquired.

"In the main office, probably, getting his schedule and that type of thing," Ava replied, as they got to the main doors of the large building, "why?"

"I believe that I should go and... introduce myself," Del said, smiling coyly, "You may leave now."

"Right. I'll see you at our first class." Ava called.

Del raised a hand lazily in leaving, and made her way to the main office. The grandeur of the school had amazed Del just a little bit at first, but she had gotten used to it quickly. Entering the office, her eyes swept around the office. Her messenger bag wasn't slung across her body, but just on her shoulder. It seemed more fitting, somehow. The secretaries almost stood up in surprise of her appearance, but she smiled.

"Good morning, Ms Harrigan and Mrs Harpton. How are you two this morning?" Del asked methodically.

"We're good. Yes, of course we are. And you, miss?" They nearly tripped over their words. Apparently, Del's status applied to the secretaries and staff too. How idiotic.

"Well, I'm here to see the talk of the school," Del said, smiling, "apparently, he's very good looking."

And apparently, he's to be the next leader of the Elite, she added silently in her head.

"Oh, yes, definitely! If I was your age, I'd totally be crushing on him." one of the secretaries harped, giggling.

It wasn't funny, but Del smiled anyway. As if on cue, the door to the headmaster's office opened, and Dr Byers popped out of the room.

"Ahh, Cordelia! How is it that you seem to show up whenever you're expected, without me calling for you?"

You could say that Dr Byers was probably one of the few adults that weren't Del's parents' whom she respected. Not only was he utterly unaffected by her wealth and status, but he was just as whimsical and crazy as Dumbledore from Harry Potter. To her, he was the perfect headmaster; helpful, intellectual but cryptic, somehow, leaving a bit of the puzzle for you to solve yourself.

"It's a gift, Dr Byers." she smiled, genuinely. The secretaries never saw that.

From behind him, a boy who resembled a man stepped to the side, and Del saw Alexei Rothman for the first time.

Ava was right, as she usually was. There was something about him that reminded her immediately of herself. He was also pointy, and his dark features but light coloured Russian blue eyes made for an odd and unusual face. Somehow, it was fitting. Del tried to think of an adjective to describe it, but for once, she was at a loss. His eyes were piercing, and just as she was doing, she could feel him analyzing her, sizing her up. She didn't like it.

Her posture became a little straighter, and her head tilted up just slightly. Somehow, he did the same. Mirror image. Mirror reactions. Strange.

"Cordelia, this is Alexei Rothman. He's new here, and I'd like you to show him around." Something in the headmaster's eyes told Del that he knew all about what was happening with the Elite and the Council. Ever since Del had started at the high school, the separation had caused rebellion. The ones who had suffered under the Elite's reign began to realize that they needn't suffer anymore. Del was a breath of fresh air to them, and to her, Alexei wanted to crush it.

That could not happen. She would not let it. But she couldn't show her obvious distaste so forwardly.

"Pleased to meet you, Alexei." Cordelia said, reaching out a hand to shake.

"Pleasure's all mine, Cordelia." he answered, shaking her hand.

Firm. The two of them were at match.

Cordelia could feel the gears in her brain begin to turn, for once. Maybe this wouldn't be as easy as she thought it would be. But she always loved a good challenge.

Finally, she thought of the adjective. Princely.

---

Alexei Rothman had completely expected it. The previous member of the Elite who had chosen him had told him about the happenings at their school, of the scary leader of the Council who was completely intimidating and slowly creating a revolution in the school.

No one could take her down, apparently. Alexei wanted to, desperately.

Other things had been filled in too. Apparently, though Cordelia had no idea about it, the leader of the Elite was completely partial to her. Vincent Vitali, a family that came from Italian mafia and wealth, was also good looking, but his easy going nature and mood were his key elements. He seemed to be a simple puppet, and Cordelia used his assumed admiration for her as an advantage.

But even so, Vincent was intimidating. Not only because of his gawky height, but also because he had many connections (mafia). He was dirty blonde, and not quite as sharp as the girl or himself, but he always seemed to have a smile on his face as well. Somehow, it was a poker face. Even Alexei knew to fear it more than he felt he should.

Cordelia showed Alexei around with cordiality and purely genuine intentions. She informed him of tips on getting around the school, hallways, and people to look out for. At the end of the tour, the first period class was approaching. She showed him to his locker, and told him that he could simply ask anyone at the school if he needed anything.

He smiled, and nodded. Cordelia left, satisfied.

No sooner than he had closed his locker, someone had appeared again. But he knew the face immediately and he had been expecting it, so no surprise was written on his face.

"Alexei Rothman." The statement. Dramatic, weren't they?

"Vincent Vitali." he answered.

"Have you been shown around the school?"

"Yes. By a dashing young woman named Cordelia Bexton. Quite an interesting girl." Alexei tried to use this new acquaintance to his advantage. Apparently, it worked.

"Really? She is, after all, the head of the Council," the last part seemed to be more of a mutter fo himself. "Anyway. You have been excused from your first period class to come meet the rest of the Elite. You already know me, obviously, and I assume that Frederick has already filled you in on most of the details?"

"That's right."

"Then let's go."

Vincent led them through a corridor and into a classroom that looked like any other one. However, its window was covered by dark black construction paper, and no one could see what was inside. A card-key was required to open the room, and a further combination as well.

When the door opened, Alexei was ushered inside quickly by Vincent, and he shut the door behind him. The room was not a normal room at all; in fact, it was a sun room. The roof and the walls were glass, and Alexei could see into the outside world. He could see the birds on the roof, and could see the sun sparkling. There were miscellaneous plants around the room, and small tables lining the walls. In the middle, a large conference table, and at it were seven other members, not including Vincent.

Alexei was introduced to them, and he remembered their names, but knew that they would not be extremely significant to him. Alexei was wise enough to stand until he was offered a seat, and ignored the looks he got from the females. He was sure that underneath the table, they were texting about him, gossiping. He ignored the clicks, and Vincent soon brought the table to his attention.

"As you all know, the Elite are a core group of the school society who are responsible for the social and personal reactions and actions of the school community. They are our responsibility; their sadness, their happiness, even their grades. We are important to this school.

"A problem has arisen as of late, caused by the rejection of the Elite position offering to Cordelia Bexton. As we all know, she is the head of the Council, and though four years ago, the head would've also been the leader of the Elite, she has changed this. In a quiet way, she is trying to cause a revolution, that is what I think.

"Although she is very beautiful and intellectual, it is important that someone must cause a little trouble for her. Don't we all agree?"

Alexei was able to read Vincent very clearly. He wanted her to be knocked off her high chair, so that he could take a stab and grab at her. How cunning.

"But what shall we do?" the other members muttered, after concurring his suggestion.

"I suppose we could kill two birds with one stone and let Alexei do this." someone suggested.

"What do you mean?" Vincent began to tense, and Alexei remarked that he was clenching his fists under the table.

"How about we have him... I don't know, romance Cordelia? That should distract her from her 'work'. Right?"

Against his will, the other members agreed. Vincent knew not to antagonize them, and began to sort out the details.

Alexei's task was simple; to bring down and romance the girl. Not only would he get the position of the leader of the Elite, but there were also table bets on him. Every single one of the members bet against him. They were extremely sure that Cordelia would not give in to him, and so, whoever won would spit out the money.

But the stakes were high. Not only because their bets in total came to a whopping three million dollars, but because if he lost, he would have to pay it back. He didn't have that amount of money, but he had to bluff.

He couldn't let anyone know. Alexei, not only needed the money, but he needed to be in this group. He needed the challenge.

He would complete it.

Soon enough, when the details were firm and decided, they dispersed. He went to his first period class, which was halfway done already, and found that he was in the same class as Cordelia. She was talking to a girl beside her, whom he'd vaguely recognized. She was apparently the right hand woman of Cordelia, or that was what he was told. A year younger than this year, but impeccably neat and smart. He introduced himself briefly, and the girls swooned. The boys at the back rolled their eyes, but grinned. Fresh meat.

They'd be in for something.

It became obvious throughout the day that just as Cordelia was to most girls, Alexei was a marge above the boys. Not only was he more athletic, more agile, and more intellectual, but he easily beat their appeal as well. He was like the male version of Cordelia! What on earth was happening?

Some girls whispered buds of rumours that were bound to start about what would become the golden pair. It was clichéd and utterly stupid, but they did. What would happen to Vincent? Would he be heartbroken over the matter?

And then, the last class of the day came along. English Literature, it was. They received a project that required a partner. Unfortunately for Cordelia, Ava's weakness was English, and she had a class that was a level lower, the level she was supposed to be in. Though many people wished to be her partner when this was announced, she saw from the corner of her eye, Alexei. Alone. Sans partner.

"Alexei. Would you like to be my partner?" she smiled, masking perfectly her emotions.

"Sure." he answered, also doing the same.

"So, what's it on, teach?" one of the boys said from the back of the room.

"You will be given a Shakespearean play and do an indepth research and analysis. I expect full reports, essay-style, and yes, that means with a thesis."

Alexei saw Cordelia roll her eyes, and he almost laughed. He kept a somber expression on his face.

"Cordelia? Who is your partner?"

"Alexei."

"Good. Your play is Romeo and Juliet. How fitting." the teacher mused. Alexei seethed. He hated that play, and by the expression on Cordelia's face (which held only the faintest of emotion), she hated it too.

"Well. This should be interesting." he muttered.

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A/N: Wrote this in one sitting.

Gyah. I already have this alll mappppeeddd outtttt. :D

R&R.