These thoughts helped me drive away the tears, and I began to analyse my actions, looking for the reason for Cedric's rudeness: either rudeness was a characteristic of his character, or I'd done something to him. But with what? I was only surprised that Morgan read Baudelaire. Isn't that an insult to him?! That I dared to question his high literary taste?

"I will never meet him again. Never again. He is a rude and proud man! – I thought, walking briskly to the bus stop. – But it's my own fault! I let myself make the mistake of giving Cedric Morgan qualities that he doesn't have and never had. That's a lesson to you, Viper: don't open your mind to anyone and don't be seduced by a pretty face. Because there may be a monster hiding behind it. Like this Cedric."

The fresh air and the walking helped me: I no longer felt the burning in my chest that had come from Morgan's insult. I got on the tram and pondered, searching for a way I could refuse Cedric's "help" and never see him again. I was mentally going over ideas, analysing the possible consequences, when suddenly I saw a way out, not quite legal, but one that would allow me to keep the university administration out of it. Strange, why hadn't I thought of it sooner? And, for the first time in three days, I breathed a sigh of relief.

The very next day after the first class, I asked my friend Julia to switch places with me.

– Switch! – she replied with a joyful and surprised exclamation (although there was more joy than surprise). – I mean, I'll study with handsome Cedric, and you'll study with my nerd? You ask?!

Julia was glowing with happiness, and I guess I was, too, from the joy of getting rid of Morgan's boorish society and from the fact that my friend had expressed her full and enthusiastic consent.

– So, we have a deal? – I said.

– I'm in! Viper, you're wonderful!

I smiled, and my friend kissed me on both cheeks in gratitude.

It was as if a huge stone had fallen from my soul: I was relieved that I wouldn't be seeing Cedric Morgan again.

– Will you have to make arrangements with him? Does he know you're going to switch with me? – Julia frowned suddenly.

– Trust me, he'll be pleased! He doesn't want to study with me. So he'll be glad," I replied, quite sure of what I was saying.

– That's just great! – Julia was delighted, but suddenly added quietly: – But why doesn't he want to study with you? Did he tell you that?

– No, he didn't say it, but I know it. He can't stand me.

– Why not?

– We didn't get along.

– You say that… Is he so bad at helping you, or did he harass you? – my friend asked me.

I laughed merrily at the suggestion, and at the very thought that Cedric Morgan would ever condescend to pay attention to a girl like me, or even molest me.

– No, it was just to show me how much he disliked me and how stupid I was compared to him. And you know I never liked him," I replied cheerfully to my friend's silly question.

– And I'm sure Cedric's a sweetheart! He may have treated you like a pig, but it's not going to be the same with me! – Julia said firmly with a determined look.

– Maybe I'm just crazy," I suggested.

– No, you're just very strange. Not wanting to be with Cedric? And even when you have the opportunity? Are you sure you won't regret your decision?

– No, I'm not!

– And you won't ask to switch back?

– I swear!

– Well, then it's a deal. I'm so glad. But I have to run to a couple of… So, here's the deal: your meeting with my, I mean, now your nerd, is tonight at the library, five o'clock, table four.

– Great!

– When am I meeting Cedric?

– Oh, I think I forgot to make an appointment with him," I frowned. – But I'll find out where and when tonight and I'll let you know.

– Great! I'm waiting for your call! – Julia kissed me on the cheek and walked with a light, beautiful step into the classroom.

I was extremely satisfied. All that remained was to somehow arrange a meeting with Cedric. But even that matter resolved itself: Morgan himself had passed me a note through my classmate.

"Can't make it today. Tomorrow at five, same place," the note said, written in beautiful, firm handwriting. Brief and indifferent.

"Does he seriously think I want to meet him again? He's also overconfident as a donkey!" – I thought grudgingly, crumpling the note and smiling mockingly.

No, Cedric. We'll never see each other again. You will never hurt me again.

I texted Julia a message: tomorrow at five, desk number 8.

At five o'clock I was in the library. My new "friend" turned out to be a nice smart girl from the sixth year – Marit. She was a little surprised to see that I sat at her desk instead of Julia, but I convinced her that it was the will of the management. Marit gave me a friendly smile and we started the class.

How different the class with Marit was from yesterday's class with Cedric! This sweet and friendly girl tried to help me as much as she could. Also, unlike Morgan, she didn't push me or treat me like a silly little girl. With Morgan, all I felt was discomfort, anxiety and excitement. And that's not to mention the icy, contemptuous look he gave me! But with Marit, I was interested, comfortable and relaxed. I was extremely pleased that I was able to get through it all. I was not afraid for Julia, because she was so charming and beautiful that she could melt even Morgan's icy heart.

After class, I headed home. Strangely enough, I was very tired, but the joy of being rid of the bastard I hated lifted my spirits and warmed my soul, and I walked cheerfully to the bus stop.

Farewell forever, Cedric Morgan!

I don't know what came over me yesterday. Why did I get so mad and take it out on Viper? I didn't have the slightest reason. But the fact remains that I took out my anger on the girl, insulted and humiliated her. Why did I get so worked up? Because she asked me about a book I was reading? That's ridiculous! For such a small thing, which was not even a hint of mockery or insult to me, I began to behave like an ill-mannered brute. I could see the confusion, surprise, even pain in her eyes when the rude words against her came out of my lips. My voice was icy and callous. Normally, I only speak so harshly and coldly to mortals, wanting to scare them away. Apparently, this behaviour had become such a habit that I couldn't behave any other way.

The whole day was spent thinking about what had happened.

Why had I behaved like a real bastard? Wishing to push Viper away?

"I must need to apologise," I came to a thought. But suddenly, out of nowhere, came a disgruntled voice, "Apologise? To some mortal? I have to apologise to that stupid girl? No. Why would I do that. Where did this softness come from? Where does such an idea come from? She's only a mortal!"

Damn… Stop! What was that harsh thought? Where did it come from? As soon as I started to think something kind about Viper, my vampire pride would immediately rise up in me. This time I wished my pride would obey the command of reason: I should have kept my temper in check and done the decent thing. Yes, I will apologise to Viper for my piggish behaviour… No, there will be no apology! What am I thinking? People don't deserve any involvement or sympathy!

Oh, here we go again! What's happening to me? Am I having a split personality? Or is it my vampire nature fighting my conscience? But how do I suddenly have a conscience? Me, who has never apologised to anyone in my life (parents and Markus don't count) and treated mortals with the disdain that is inherent in higher creatures over lower ones? Why do I care about Viper's feelings and opinions? After all, what is she? A mortal girl I've only seen a few times in my life! Just a speck of dust in my eternal universe.