Chapter Six

Rosalie Crimson McKenna PoV:

I was definitely tense after Rieka's sudden disappearance, but strangely, something changed in Ethan. Something in him was triggered by his sister's reaction. He grew more distant and stopped invading my personal space. But I'm curious as to why she fled so quickly. Did I make a mistake? She knows how her brother is, so why would she abandon me with him? I mean, I'm a little irritated with her. She can't just leave me alone, especially while we're on our "Campus Tour." So far, I've liked it, but her actions now speak a different language. I turn to Ethan, hoping he knows something because he has a strange expression on his face. "Do you know what's going on with her?" I look up at him because he is taller than me, but he also looks down. I nudge him slightly, making myself visible next to him.

"Huh?" He comes out of his trance and stares at me. "Do you have any idea what's going on with your sister?" I look at him with interest. "Oh... ehm... no. I mean, she was probably not feeling well. But it's getting late, and we should get to our classes." He stuffs his belongings into his bag and slings it over his shoulder. He walks to the exit, ready to leave the sports hall, but not before looking back at me. "Are you coming?" Shit … I'm at a loss for where to go. Rieka said she'd show me because we're in the same class. "But I'm not sure where I need to go." Your sister wanted to show me, but..." I mumble the last part, disappointed. "If that's okay with you, I can show you." I was taken aback. I wasn't expecting him to be so nice. Okay, apparently I was too stunned to speak. He simply sighs and steps in front of me. "All right, listen up. I know I was a jerk, and I know I shouldn't have acted the way I did, but that's just me having a big ego and refusing to accept that not everyone is taken in by my charm. So please accept my apologies."

This boy never ceases to surprise me. I also have the uneasy feeling that his sister's sudden outburst is to blame for his change in demeanor. "I accept your apology, but I still don't like you," I warn him as I walk past him. "That's fine with me, but you still need me." He says, smirking. I scoff at him. "Come on, I'll bring you to the classroom," he says as he walks past me. I followed him, and as we walked down the corridors, we actually made small talk. Maybe he's not so bad after all.

"Here we are, princess," he says as he approaches the classroom. I scoff at him for the second time today. "Could you please stop calling me that?" I inquire, my voice slightly annoyed. "What? What do you mean, princess?" He grins as he tries to approach me. "Just shut it and go to your class," I tell him as I push him away. "Oh, you've let me down now." Princess, not even a thank you," he responds corky. Before he can say anything else, I slap the back of his head and rush into the classroom. When I look around, I notice that the majority of the students have already taken their seats. Rieka is nowhere to be found. But what's the deal with her? She simply left me alone with Ethan. . I know he doesn't seem too bad and we got along in the last few minutes, but that doesn't change the fact that she abandoned me. I also had no idea Ethan had a soft side. So, yes, I am upset with her. Whatever the case may be, I'm going to give her the cold shoulder.

I look around for a free seat and find one in the back that is just right for me. Back there, you're not getting much attention. I walk over to the back and sit down, taking out my belongings such as paper and pen. I see Rieka walk through the door just as the bell rings. She appears a little rough around the edges, as if she just finished a marathon. Something is wrong with her, but it is up to her to tell me what it is. I notice her eyes darting around, most likely looking for me, but before we can make eye contact, I open the book in front of me and pretend to read. You're probably wondering why I'm going to give her the cold shoulder, and the answer is: I'm not sure. We haven't even been friends for a day, but I already felt a spark between us. I feel at ease around her, but her sudden disappearance from the sports hall hurt. Like when someone you trust betrays you. My emotions or feelings may not make sense right now, but they are still valid. I couldn't keep thinking when I heard her beautiful, nervous voice. "Can I sit here?" When I look up at her, she gives me a slight smile. I simply nod at her before returning my attention to the book in front of me. She takes a seat beside me and pulls her belongings from her back. Not long after, our teacher enters the room and begins the English lesson. Today's topic is "writing." It's not a bad topic, and I'm actually interested in it. Maybe it will help me write my emotions more clearly. But the more we get into it, the more I notice Rieka sneaking glances here and there. I'm curious as to why she abruptly left, but she also deserves the cold shoulder. The problem is that my curiosity is getting the best of me. It would only be fair if I listened to her instead of assuming the worst. I sigh silently, having lost the battle with myself. First, I check my surroundings to see if our teacher is paying attention, but he appears to be deep in his explanation. When I look over at her, I notice she is tense and deep in thought. I chose to nudge her out of her trance. "What caused you to leave so abruptly?" I ask quietly as I notice her staring at me. She takes a while to respond, her mind racing, and I can see it in her eyes. "I'm really sorry for just leaving, especially since I know you don't like my brother," she says as she fiddles with her rings. She probably doesn't even realize she's doing it. "But, uhm... I went to the restroom earlier because I wasn't feeling well." She explains, still unsure of herself. I should not have assumed anything. It's fine if someone doesn't feel well. I really need to stop overthinking everything. "Oh, don't be sorry. I was simply intrigued. Ethan wasn't so bad after you left, but you're right; I still don't like him. Don't worry, he just brought me here," I assure her. Personally, I believe Ethan and I will have a love/hate relationship. If we get closer, or if I should get closer to Rieka, we'll be like siblings. She remains silent for a moment, not that I expect an answer. But she looks at me as if I'm lying, her brow furrowed. "What's with the expression? You didn't expect that from your brother?" I ask her sarcastically. She simply laughs and responds, "To be honest, I didn't, but maybe he can behave on occasion." "Perhaps he can," I say. I smirk back, trying to get under her skin. Our teacher calls out for her before she can respond. I try hard not to laugh while he does so. "Miss Varon, if you find my lesson so boring, you have the privilege of going and stopping to disturb my teaching." I notice her staring at me, probably because she was called out rather than me, which makes it difficult for me not to laugh. "I apologize, Sir, and it will not happen again," she says respectfully. He simply nods and resumes the lesson. She turns her back on me for the remainder of the lesson. Probably to avoid being called out again.

We go to our Mathematic lesson together after our English lesson, talking about God and the world, and take our seats in the back of the classroom. I try hard to pay attention during the lesson, but I don't understand Math at all. I'm like an unsolved case. I glance over at Rieka's sheet, noting that she understands the subject quite well. I nudge her under the table with my knee, forcing her to look at me. "Do you think you could give me some tutoring lessons?" Because math isn't my strongest subject," I ask, a little nervously and quietly, hoping that the teacher won't notice. "Sure, just let me know when and where" She gives me a genuine smile while writing down her phone number on a scrap of paper. "Thank you," I mumble, blushing slightly. Rosalie, damn you. Gather your thoughts. I take the paper and place it in my bag. I'm hoping the day goes quickly so I don't embarrass myself any further. I raise my head to see her smirking. I roll my eyes at her before lightly shoving her. Well, I thought it was lightly, but she falls down with the chair before I can react. We lock our gazes on each other, and after a few seconds, we burst out laughing, completely forgetting that we are not alone and that we are in a classroom. "Miss Varon and Miss McKenna!" Oh my god. "After school detention for both of you, and you're dismissed for the rest of the day," I nod, trying not to laugh, and she does the same. We pack our belongings and exit the classroom. We look at each other again in the corridors before bursting out laughing again. My mother is going to kill me, but I don't care. It's the most fun I've ever had, and for the first time in my life, aside from my family, I actually enjoy being in someone else's company. "What do you want to do now that we have the rest of the day off?" She asks, smiling and swinging her arm back and forth like a child. She's really cute. Wait, what? I can't think that way about her, at least not yet. Before I continue spiraling, I shake myself back into reality. "How about we go out to eat and get to know each other a little better?" As we approach our lockers, I suggest. "That sounds good to me. I'll see you at the cantina in five minutes. Except you don't remember where it is?" With a light smirk, she says jokingly. "That's hilarious. You should start your own comedy show." I respond sarcastically. "I believe so as well. It's great to know we're riding the same wave. See you in a minute," she says, waving as she walks around the corner. I simply smile and shake my head. I'm not sure what it is between us, but we definitely have a connection.

So, what should I do? What if my family has to relocate again? The connection we might have would be pointless. Should I still give it a shot? Should I keep my distance to make things easier in the future? Is it worth it if I don't maintain my distance? I'm at a loss for what to do, but hopefully I'll find my answers soon.

To be continued ...