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Plus, Ashley's kind of admirably fearless like that - she simply refuses to let worries or close calls stop her from fully living life and finding joy where we can. However crazy and unpredictable my double-life as a mafia princess on the run gets, amazing Ashley somehow always keeps me centered.
I'll admit, I was still feeling kinda wary about being out and about in public so openly again, especially after our brush with danger at the mall. But Ashley wasn't about to deny me another taste of blessedly normal high school experiences.
The next morning, I got ready eagerly to accompany Ashley to school again before our planned shoe shopping excursion. I decided on a casual but stylish outfit, wanting to blend inseamlessly with the other students today. The taste of normal teen life still felt exhilaratingly novel.
On the drive over, Ashley filled me in happily on all the latest campus gossip and drama. Her humorous takes on scandals and intrigues had me laughing until my stomach ached. I realized again how much I had missed this - easy laughter and companionship without fear or secrets between us.
Before I knew it, we had arrived at the sprawling ivy-covered campus. Walking at Ashley's side, I felt a little thrill just being part of the bustling crowds moving between classes. I soaked up the atmosphere, enchanted again by this quintessential high school experience that had always been denied to me before.
When we reached Ashley's first classroom, she impulsively hugged me tight. "I'm so glad you're here today," she said warmly. "Now try not to miss me too much during English Lit! I'll catch you right after."
I smiled as she disappeared inside the room, leaving me in the rapidly emptying hallway along with a few other stragglers. I didn't mind waiting alone during Ashley's lessons - it gave me more time to casually observe and marvel at the orderly world of academics and extracurriculars here. Everything just seemed so wonderfully, blessedly ordinary.
The warning bell rang, and I realized I was the only one left lingering in the corridor now. Not wanting to attractundue attention, I decided to wander outside to the sprawling courtyard until Ashley finished class.
I had just settled comfortably on a bench in a shaded alcove when hurried footsteps approached. I glanced up to see one of the teachers bearing down on me, his expression stern. My pulse spiked anxiously.
"Young lady, shouldn't you be in class right now?" the man demanded, scrutinizing my casual outfit.
I froze, realizing I had no ready explanation for why I was on campus but not actually a student. Before I could stammer out a response, a smooth voice suddenly spoke up from behind me.
"Mr. Abbott, hi there! Natalia's with me today - I'm giving her a tour of potential schools she might transfer to."
I glanced back in surprise to see none other than Derek sauntering over, giving the teacher a polite smile. Mr. Abbott's annoyance faded slightly at the sight of the handsome, well-liked boy.
"Oh, I see. Well, tours should really be scheduled through the office to avoid confusion," the teacher admonished, though his tone had lost its hard edge.
"You're totally right, my mistake," Derek responded easily, seeming unfazed. "I'll be sure to do that going forward. But I figured a more personalized experience might help sway Natalia here into becoming a student."
He shot me a conspiratorial wink that I took as my cue to play along. I turned back to Mr. Abbott, hoping I appeared properly demure and scholarly. "Derek has been so helpful showing me everything unique your school has to offer," I offered brightly. "I'm sure I'll have lots to consider after such an enlightening tour."
Mr. Abbott seemed mollified by our polished explanation. "Very good then. Well, I'll let you continue without any further interruptions. Have a nice day, Derek, Natalia." With a final perfunctory smile, he continued on his way.
I let out a shaky breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Derek maneuvered himself casually closer on the bench, giving me a roguish grin. "That was a close one. Don't worry, I've got quite a knack for talking myself out of trouble."
Now that the anxious moment had passed, I realized this was the second time Derek had conveniently appeared just when I was backed into an awkward corner. But I decided not to question my streak of good luck just yet.
"Seems you have a talent for talking me out of jams too," I replied with a small laugh. "Thank you again for the quick thinking. I owe you one."
"Don't mention it. But I am starting to suspect you might not be a prospective student after all," Derek said, eyeing me playfully.
I glanced down, abashed at being called out. But Derek nudged me good-naturedly. "Hey, don't worry, I won't pry about why you're really here. Your secret is safe with me." His easy charm was comforting, even if he was still mostly a mystery.
Derek gestured for me to follow him as he stood up from the bench. "Come on, I know the perfect spot to continue your 'tour' away from any more curious teachers," he said with a playful grin.
Intrigued, I fell into step beside him as we meandered across the sprawling campus lawns. Students lounged on blankets nearby or tossed footballs, taking advantage of the mild weather between classes. Their laughter and easy camaraderie reminded me yet again of all I had missed out on until now.
We walked in comfortable silence for a bit until the crowds thinned. I realized Derek was leading me toward a more secluded area at the edge of the grounds. Up ahead, a low stone wall marked the boundary of an oak grove that looked almost enchanted in the dappled sunlight.
Derek easily hoisted himself up to sit along the broad wall and patted the spot next to him. I joined him there, letting my feet dangle as I took in the pastoral view. Beyond the shady oaks, the academy buildings were just specks in the distance. Out here, it was all birdsong and rustling leaves.
"Not bad, right?" Derek said, surveying the scenic overlook with satisfaction. "I come here sometimes to get away for a bit, clear my head."
I nodded, breathing in the earthy scents. "It's really peaceful. Like a little pocket of wilderness so close to campus."
"Yeah, most people don't even realize this place exists. I found it accidentally freshman year just exploring." Derek leaned back on his hands casually. "Now it's my special retreat when the grind of classes and practice gets to be too much."
I was charmed that he had chosen to share this sanctuary with me. Though we still barely knew each other, something innate told me I could trust Derek's intentions. He seemed to intuit a likeminded restless spirit in me.
