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“Okay, maybe some other time,” says Kate.
The class is pretty demanding, because Ms. Warren is once again trying to pack three classes worth of information into one. I write non-stop, and when the bell rings, I can hardly move my right arm anymore.
“Man, next time I think I’ll just record the whole thing on my phone,” Max grumbles as we leave the classroom.
“Yeah, but then you still have to go through it all. I don’t know if that’s any better,” says Lucia.
“True,” says Kate. “But I have to say, I found today’s class really interesting. I never knew it was possible to maintain the energy level like that...”
We step out into the corridor, and a glance to my right makes me pause for a moment. The scene shouldn’t worry me, but something about it annoys me. Maybe because the girl is being so familiar with him; she looks so exuberant, and she gives him a hug. Without really thinking about it, I slowly start walking. I say mechanically to the others, “Go ahead without me. I’ll be right there,” and I walk toward the girl with the almost white-blondehair who’s hanging off Ayden. She’s really pretty, a little shorter than me, but slim. Her long, wavy hair tumbles loose down her back. She still has her arms around Ayden, and she’s looking up at him with a big smile.
“It’s so good to see you. I’m actually on my way to see Grandpa; he’s in a meeting with Dad. I’m going to take him out for a meal. I didn’t expect to run into you here. Are you on your way to class?”
“I’ve just been in a meeting, but yeah, now I have classes. How about you? Are you in town for a while?”
He sounds surprisingly cheerful. I haven’t seen him like this in a while.
“Yeah, I want to spend some time with Grandpa. We don’t get to see much of each other. But that might change soon,” she replies with a suggestive wink.
Ayden laughs and says, “Okay, you planning to make a change?”
She nods vaguely. “Maybe. That is, if everything goes according to plan.”
“So you’re up to your old tricks again. Don’t let your grandfather find out. Old man Cunningham can be pretty strict.”
The girl dismisses this with a wave. “He gives that impression, but he actually prefers things to be harmonious. But tell me about you. How are you doing? When I spotted you just now, you looked like you were about to sic Snow onto everyone and everything. What’s up?” She scans his face, moves a step closer again, and gives him a penetrating look. “Are you having girl trouble? That’s usually the reason men look the way you do. Although it surprises me. You’re usually pretty unattached. Just find a new one if this girl’s giving you grief.”
“It’s... kind of complicated,” he replies. “And right now, I’m not even sure what I actually want.”
His words take my breath away. It’s not just that he’s speakingso openly with this girl – he’s also sharing some really private stuff with her. And those last words pierce my heart like splinters.
“We should catch up again sometime. We always used to have loads of fun. It might take your mind off things.”
“Thanks, Claire. But first I really need to think things over and come to a decision.”
“Ugh.” She pulls a face. “Sounds serious. Well, I’m sure you know what you’re doing. Anyway, call me. Grandpa would love to see you again too. As would I,” she adds, giving him a peck on the cheek.
I watch her disappear into another corridor. Ayden’s eyes follow her for a moment, and then he continues on his way. I just stand rooted to the spot and don’t know what to do. His words echo in my head and momentarily sap me of energy. I’m gripped by an uneasy feeling that I can’t shake off.
Then suddenly, I feel energized. The shock is gone, and I know exactly what to do. Ayden is important to me, and I don’t want to lose him. My legs start moving of their own accord, then I start running and call out Ayden’s name.
He stops and turns around in surprise. The bell rings – the last chance to get to class on time. But there are more important things to worry about right now.
“I need to talk to you,” I say.
He raises his eyebrows in astonishment. “Now?”
I nod. “Please.”
“Okay.” He looks at me expectantly.
“I don’t know what’s going through your head. Since I told you about Noah, you’ve been keeping me at arm’s length. I get that you feel hurt. But I don’t know how to move forward.”
He looks at me, cool and distant. “Teresa, it’s not about the fact that you stayed in contact with Noah and didn’t tell anyone. Although I can’t understand why. Do you have any idea howdangerous that was? He could have killed you. At best, he was just squeezing you for information and using you. And you keep insisting you have some kind of friendship with him. It’s crazy. But like I said, it’s not just that. You’ve been through so much in the last few months, getting yourself mixed up in things...”
I interrupt him because I refuse to listen to this accusation anymore. “Mixed up in things? Stop making it sound like I’m some inquisitive little kid who keeps sticking her nose in things.”
“I didn’t say that. But you never asked for help. You always insisted on doing everything alone. And when you needed someone, you turned to Noah, our enemy.”
