GULTY

T.H.U.R.S.D.A.Y

"Why didn't you just submit the test yesterday McKenzie?!"Naomi flared as she snatched the test project from McKenzie's hand.

" hey, I was busy alright "

" sure, of course you were gonna say that. You don't care about anyone else but you "

" why are you getting worked up over it? It's just a silly mistake, not like we're gonna get in trouble or something "

Naomi scoffed.

" I'm submitting it then, and I don't need your help with it... " She stormed off down the hallway.

McKenzie couldn't help but feel guilty. Okay it was her responsibility, but she didn't lose it right? Why did she get angry about it?

_____________________

Mia watched from a distance as Lonan sat alone on one of the benches in the school garden.He didn't come to school the previous day and she also didn't see him in his house. why does it all seem like he's avoiding her?

"He shouldn't stay away from me yet, I still need to find out things about him,"She muttered within herself.

Not thinking twice, she walked towards the school garden and pushed the gate open.

She looked as Lonan gazed his eyes on the sky. She couldn't help but suspect him the more today, he wore black jeans and a grey hoodie. He didn't forget to cover his hair, as usual. what's with all the hiding?

"will you stand there forever?" Lonan's voice suddenly came up and Mia jolted out of her thoughts.

Lonan tilted his head to look at her. It was only for a minute before his eyes snapped to the side.

" what do you want? "

" I...I... actually...ah-... " She stuttered, causing Lonan to look at her, once again. Was she nervous seeing him?

Taking a deep breath, Mia closed her eyes.

" I want to apologise. " She uttered unexpectedly before

opening her eyes to see Lonan's reaction. His face held no single emotion, at all.

" I'm sorry "

" why? "

" breaking into your house, I...I guess that was a crime... "

" do you feel bad? "

" sort of...

Lonan didn't reply. A nod was enough for him.

" do you accept my apology? " Mia asked again

" can I ask?"

" what? "

" what were you really doing in my house? "

The question came unexpected. Mia gulped down at nothing as she figured a way to answer him.

" I wanted to see you "

" why? "

" to talk about the test... "

Somehow, Lonan knew she was going to say that. And honest, he wasn't ready to hear about the test, not now at least. He knew why she broke into his house, it amused him that she couldn't admit the truth. Is she really certain about knowing what's going into his life? Will she be able to handle it?

The bell suddenly rang, cutting the awkwardness short. What a perfect timing

" are you going back to class? " Mia looked at lonan

" in a minute"

" oh, okay then... " Mia turned and left. Lonan finally let out his breath.

He was holding it since he came close to him. Her scent did something to him. He didn't want to let his desires out. Not here, and definitely not now.

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"Where were you? you didn't come to the cafeteria,"Naomi said as Mia entered the classroom, only a few students were in already.

" sorry, I was at the library. "

" it's okay... " Naomi said

" you didn't feel lonely, right? "

" No, don't worry Alexa kept me company... "

" oh, that reminds me, did you guys submit the test yesterday? "

" yeah...w-we did... "

" great, glad we're over with it " Mia smilled

The rest of the learners filled the classroom. McKenzie got in with Sierra and her eyes went to Naomi. Surprisingly, she walked past their desk without saying anything. Lonan got in last, everyone was looking at him but of course, they didn't dare make any comments.

The teacher followed after a few minutes.

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In a modern apartment, a woman, Mrs Williams watched with joy as her daughter opened her eyes. She couldn't believe she had thought she lost

" oh honey, you're awake! " She hugged her, but immediately moved away when her daughter winced.

" oh, I'm sorry " She muttered with sadness as she watched her daughter's bandaged arms.

" Pearl, what happened to you. Who cut you " Mrs Williams asked

Pearl held her head, at least trying to find an answer to her mom's question. But she couldn't remember anything, it's like her memory just flushed.

" I don't know mom... "

" anything? Where did you go last night? "

" I don't know mom "

Mrs Williams sighed. They just moved into Illinois and already something bad has happened to her child. What is the meaning of this?

" I'm fine mom, I'm starting school tomorrow "

" you can't start school now, wait till your wounds heal...I'll report you to t... "

" it's nothing, I'm fine mom "

" are you sure? " Mrs Williams said looking at her daughter seriously

" yes Mom, I'm sure.. "

" alright, take a rest then while I fix dinner... " She kissed her forehead and left Pearl's room.

Pearl held her head again, trying to remember at least a single thing but her mind was blank.

"It's no point, at least I'm alive, right?"She mumbled before closing her eyes to sleep.