Chapter 7: Part 1/5

Tuesday 10th February, 2026

Lily seemed to be enjoying her first geography lesson. She was new to the concept of rivers meandering, but she picked it up quickly. “This is pretty cool,” she said, partway through the lesson.

“You call me a nerd for so many different things but you think geography is cool,” I said.

“I think it’s cool,” Alice said. She was a row behind, sitting next to Grace.

“So do I, but someone that bullies me for being a nerd doesn’t get to say geography is cool and get away with it,” I argued.

“Do they teach geography at demon school?” Mason asked. He was sitting next to me. In an ideal world, we would both be sitting next to our girls, but we chose our seats long before either of us sealed the deal.

“There’s no such thing,” Lily said.

“Stop asking demon questions in public,” I said, under my breath. All of my friends were growing more fascinated with her, and were refusing to leave her alone. She answered their questions happily, because she likes talking about herself, but they needed to be careful while we were at college.

Lily was sitting a row in front of us as we all whispered back and forth. Poppy is the only one of my friends who didn’t take geography at A-level. None of the others are pursuing it beyond college, so this is their sit-off lesson. They are here because they enjoy it and can do that casually, but also so we can hang out and chat. They try their best not to distract me too much because it is important to my future prospects, but sometimes it’s hard to stop them, especially when there’s a new and interesting topic in town. Lily was exactly that.

Mrs Harris is a sweetheart too, so she doesn’t mind a bit of whispering as long as you get through your work and listen when it matters.

“Nice to meet you, Lily,” she said as we entered the classroom at the start of the lesson. “Caroline told me all about you. I’m very happy that you’re taking my lesson. We have a great group here and you’ll be more than welcome.”

“Thank you,” Lily said, smiling.

“What exactly did my mother tell you?” I asked. Mum and Mrs Harris are best friends, and they talk about almost everything. I was hoping that my summoning of a succubus was off-limits. Mum is pretty open about any and all things, but this was my secret to share, and not hers.

“Homestay student, right?” Mrs Harris said, which made me feel a lot better. I didn’t want her knowing that I am a sexual deviant. “Or is it an exchange student?”

“Exchange,” Lily said. “My family moved to Italy, but they wanted me to finish my education here in case I decide to go to university here.”

Her lying was often impressive to watch, and she was clearly enjoying the Italian background and Italian surname that my mother had given to her in a panic.

“I love Italy,” Mrs Harris said. “A beautiful country. Buongiorno to you then, Lily. Let me know if you need anything.”

Lily smiled awkwardly, her eyes narrowing. She clearly didn’t know much Italian. “Bon-jaw-no, ” she said, before we scurried to find her a seat close to our group.