An Old Cliché (by Rachel Green)
When Jennifer Smith enrolled in her new school she shed her name along with her hair. Since none of her peers knew her from her old life she chose the name Vixen; an attempt to emulate the cunning and self-preservation of the animal. Those of her classmates who chortled about it behind their hands did so only once.
'Hi, it's Jennifer, isn't it?'
Returning to visit her parents had been a mistake. Despite outward appearances, tension ran high in the Smith household and now to be recognized by one of her old schoolfriends was icing on a long rotted cake.
'Sure. Justin, isn't it?'
'That's right.' The 17-year-old fell into step beside her. 'What are you doing now? I left school last year.'
'This and that.' Vixen shrugged and walked into the alley behind the library. 'Extended education mostly.'
'Still?' Justin followed her. 'You were always the clever one.' He put his arm around her waist. 'What are you studying?'
'If I told you I'd have to kill you.' Vixen's eyes held none of the smile her mouth showed.
'No really.' Justin laughed. 'You can tell me.' He stopped and pulled her closer, his other arm completing the circle around her back.
'I can't.' Vixen reached behind her and put her palm over his hand.
'No, go on. Is it something stupid?'
His eyes widened as Vixen spun around, snapping his elbow and his neck in swift succession. 'I warned you,' she said as his eyes glazed. 'Assassin.'
[The second short short story series is announced and explained here.]