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  He just shrugged. “You can borrow Elise. She can be a handful sometimes,” he joked. I blinked back. He was as fond of his sister as Cole was. Wow. He is human after all. I laughed at that thought, not at all minding that he was right in front of me. When I looked back at him, he was staring at me with a shocked expression on his face, which he immediately changed back into that flat expression. He wasn’t fast enough this time, because I noticed him clench his hands right after he sported that vacant expression. I sighed. We’re back at that hatred thing.

  I glanced at my watch while finishing the last of my coffee. It was already 7:45. I didn’t realize we’ve been sitting here for that long.

  “Let’s go to class,” I said as I stood up and threw my cup into a nearby trash can.

  “Are you feeling better?” he suddenly asked, clear uncertainty written on his face.

  I was surprised at his question. “Yup,” I began. “… And you?” I hesitantly continued.

  He looked as surprised as I was a minute ago. He just nodded.

  I don’t understand him at all, and I feel like giving up on the whole process of understanding how his twisted brain works.

  Of course, I didn’t do that. He was far too interesting to just let go of.

  Throughout the entire morning, he sat right next to me. I don’t know if he was that persistent in driving me mad with his nearness, but he successfully managed to make me forget about that dreadful nightmare. So, in a way I was grateful to him again.

  It was now lunch time, and we were at our usual table at the cafeteria. By now, rumors about the junior transferees have spread like wild fire. The hushed whispers continued on as I spotted Cole and Elise walk through the cafeteria. When I caught their eye, I waved them over to our table. Elise’s face immediately lit up, and I saw Cole roll his eyes as she skipped her way to us. They reminded me so much of Adrien. They didn’t mind people talking about them and just continued on walking confidently as if they didn’t notice anything.

  “Guys, meet Elise and Cole.” I introduced them to everyone on the table. “They’re Adrien’s younger twin siblings,” I explained as I watched my friends’ expressions change from confusion to understanding. They must have noticed the similarity in the eye color, because I saw their eyes lit with amazement the same way mine did this morning.

  I smiled and turned to the twins. “These are my friends. Nick, Anne, Jessica, and Sandra,” I said, motioning for them to sit while introducing my friends in the order that they were seated.

  Adrien stayed silent the entire lunch hour, much more silent than he was yesterday. He wasn’t really joining in on the conversation. I found it strange, especially when I noticed how exceedingly watchful he was of me. When I left the table to buy orange juice, I could easily feel his eyes on me, following my every move. And when I was back on my seat, I noticed him let out a ragged breath as if he was relieved or something.

  When the cafeteria’s coffee machine suddenly broke down, I knew something was up with him. The awful, loud, crashing noise was enough to make everyone jump in surprise. Not him, though. It was like he expected it to happen. I saw him jump up from his seat beside me with one of his hands instantly on my shoulder. His expression didn’t look surprised at all. It was just filled with intense concentration. As soon as he realized it was just the coffee machine, he dropped his hand from my shoulder and sat right back down. But I could still feel him tense up, his eyes still in the direction of the machine.

  I was more perturbed when I realized that it wasn’t just him. I noticed the twins eyeing the entire cafeteria. It wasn’t the normal calm grazing of the area, too. They were acting like they were surveying the entire cafeteria or something. I sighed at the idea that they might be more like him than they led me to believe. I guess it was normal for them to inherit some weird attributes from Adrien. Then again, I guess weirdness must run in the entire Fields family.

  When school was over, I decided to walk home so I could pass by the cemetery. I continued on pondering with my thoughts, reverting back to that nightmare. Now that Adrien’s disconcerting nearness wasn’t around me, the nightmare came back in full swing. As if that still wasn’t enough, my thoughts kept roaming back to how Adrien and the twins acted during lunch. It was such an odd display of behavior that I couldn’t take it off my head even if I wanted to. Somehow, the events during lunch equally matched how the horrible nightmare bothered me.

  I have no idea if I was that deep into my thoughts that I wasn’t able to notice anything that happened next. I was instantly stunned when I heard a loud horn not far from where I was standing. It was coming so close and so fast towards me, the sound of its horn growing louder each second.

  All of a sudden, I felt that familiar, safe presence that has been haunting me. I felt a rush of wind running towards me, and the next thing I knew, I was flying with my heart running wild. I vaguely remembered being enveloped by something strong and warm before I was swiftly turned so I was facing downward. Then I felt a thump, and the flying stopped.

  I blinked at the sound of someone groaning. I gasped when I realized I was lying on top of somebody. I hurriedly lifted myself up, but that person’s arms wouldn’t let go. I looked up, and my eyes widened when I saw Adrien clasping his eyes shut. He seemed like he was in pain.

  “Adrien?” I called out to him, unable to keep the fear off my voice. He winced and slowly opened his eyes. “Are you alright?” I didn’t know what just happened, and I panicked. I felt him loosen his hold on me so I immediately got off of him, helping him sit as I settled myself on his side. I skimmed my eyes all over him, instantly stopping when I saw both of his arms scraped.

  I frowned. What exactly happened? Why was he here anyway? I turned when I heard footsteps behind me. The twins were both running towards a car, Elise slowly signaling the driver to roll down the window to his side. What are they doing here, too? I gazed back at Adrien, still confused. I noticed his face suddenly harden when Cole and Elise made their way to us.

  “My house is near here. I can clean your wounds for you,” I said to him, my voice was filled with concern.

  “I’m fine. Don’t worry about it.” His tone was so harsh that I was completely taken aback by it. I looked at him to see that his eyes were holding a menacing look, and his hands were clenched into fists. I felt my own anger flare up. I didn’t tell you to come and rescue me!

  “Adrien, what exactly is your problem? I didn’t do anything to you. Do you honestly have a switch on your emotions? Because your mood swings are driving me mad!” I blurted out, pausing to catch my breath. “You’re furious at me one moment, teasing me the next, then you’re being nice the moment after that,” I continued on. I was looking at him heatedly when a sudden idea struck me. “Are you bipolar?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

  I broke out of that angry trance when I heard someone laugh. I totally forgot that we weren’t alone. I turned around and blushed profusely when I saw Elise and Cole double over in laughter. I gently bit my lower lip and turned my attention back to Adrien. He just stood there, stiff as a board with his jaw dropped. I bit my lip harder when I saw him regain his composure. When he did, his eyes lit with amusement.

  Adrien obediently came home with me after that. Cole and Elise came, too, and Nana was more than happy to meet them all. She was particularly fond of Elise, who equally returned the affection she was giving her.

  While the twins and Nana were busy in the kitchen, baking up something for snacks. I was with Adrien in the living room, thoroughly engaged in nursing his wounds.

  “Adrien, thank you for what you did. You didn’t have to, but you did anyway. And for someone you clearly have repulsive feelings with.” I murmured immediately before I lost my courage. I could feel my cheeks flaming as I was squeezing water out of a towel, letting it fall straight to his wounds. I refused to look at him and focused on taking calm breaths instead.

  I was shocked when he stopped my hand from continuing on with what it was doing, sending
those all too familiar electrical currents flowing through me. I looked at him then and saw that his eyes were filled with hesitation.

  “Skylar, I don’t hate you,” he started. “I didn’t have any choice. I had to,” he said with conviction.

  Chapter 6 - His Arrival and My Doubts

  I blinked, staring at him as I registered what he just said. He had to? What does that mean? Was he feeling obligated to do that? Was he forced? Rage rushed through me as several thoughts ran through my head. I immediately pulled my hand away from his grasp and stared darkly at him.

  “Well, next time you won’t have to,” I snapped.

  Right at that moment, Nana came out with Cole and Elise. They sure picked the perfect timing to come out of the kitchen.

  Adrien just looked at me sadly. He looked like he was battling with himself over something as he looked away from me, clenching his hands as he did so. I felt my eyes water up because of the anger that cloaked me.

  “Gran, it’s so nice of you to bake for us,” Elise said as she hugged Nana.

  “But we really have to go,” Cole interrupted, affectionately holding both my Nana’s hands.

  Understanding was clear on Andrea’s features. “Yes, my dears. Please come back soon,” she said as she both patted the twins on their cheeks.

  I didn’t even get to look at them. I just sat there, clenching the towel as hard as I could, completely ignoring the pain it brought to my hands. Elise went and patted me on my shoulder. I could only nod at her and Cole as they headed out of the house, pulling Adrien with them.

  As soon as they were out, Nana rushed over to my side, gently taking the towel from my hands and wrapped me in her arms as the tears slowly started to flow. I don’t know how long we stayed like that, but Nana was extremely patient with me, rubbing my back and just leaving me to cry my eyes out. After what seemed like hours, I finally managed to stop the tears from falling.

  “Thank you, Nana,” I said silently as I kissed her on the cheek. “You’re simply the best.” I settled down on the couch as she placed my head on her lap. We stayed like that for a few minutes. I just let her stroke my hair until I was completely calm enough.

  “Skylar?” she cooed. I knew then that she wanted to ask what happened. She only used my name in rare situations like this.

  “Hmm?” I hummed as she continued on patting my head.

  “You know you can talk to me,” she started. “I’ve never seen you act like that.” She whispered as she kissed the top of my head.

  “I know. I just… he confuses me.” I frowned, struggling to get the words out. Just the thought of him and his fascinating silver-grey eyes set my anger and confusion back. I sighed, taking calm, deep breaths to sooth me.

  “Give it time, dear. You’ll figure it out.” Nana didn’t say anything else after that. She just continued on stroking my hair.

  As the night continued on, I just stared at the ceiling of my bedroom. It was really disturbing how much it upset me that he said that.

  What did I expect him to say anyway? I rolled over. I’ve been doing that a lot in the past couple of hours. I still couldn’t get myself to sleep despite my deprived state of that luxury last night. I sighed and finally gave up. I changed my position and moved all my pillows to the opposite end of the bed as I comfortably settled myself there, my head completely gazing at the masterpiece on the wall.

  I just stared at it for a few moments, hoping that it would work wonders for me like it did last time. It wasn’t long before I finally dozed off. I did, however, feel that familiar aura cover me in what seemed like a warm, comforting embrace.

  I was suddenly swathed in a thick fog. I couldn’t see anything beyond the packed cloud of smoke. I willed myself to move until I could see something clear enough.

  I stopped when I suddenly walked into what looked like a room. I continued on walking until I could distinguish what else was inside. I could only make out chairs and desks… a classroom? I wasn’t sure. The fog was still following me everywhere.

  All of a sudden, I almost bumped into someone. I was shocked when I realized that I did bump into him, but I actually went through his body as if he was also made of the mist that surrounded me. I stopped on my tracks and turned back.

  I could make out four hazy figures, but I couldn’t be sure. It was still hazy everywhere. I went closer, near enough so I could try to make out their faces. I could make out two individuals with fair heads, standing beside someone with a darker head in between them. It looked like they were discussing or arguing with someone.

  I turned my head around to the far end of the room. The fourth figure stood there, leaning against what looked like a window or was it a wall? This figure looked trapped as the three appeared to be coming closer to her.

  Suddenly, a loud, explosive sound went out. I could only cover my ears in time to block out some of the sharp sound. When I turned to look at the figures, the first three were on the floor. I turned to look at the fourth figure and saw something extensively bright behind it. The light was too dazzling that I had to shield my eyes a bit.

  Was it possible that she was the one responsible for that intense light? I got really curious as I stepped closer to her.

  Just then, I saw what appeared like a pair of arms enclose her. They came from within that light and almost looked like snakes as they wrapped themselves around her, pulling her along into the bright ball of heat.

  Everything was much foggier after that. Then it got extremely warm as I felt myself being hauled away, my eyes giving into the heaviness as the heat swallowed me.

  I sighed as I dragged my feet down the stairs, making my way to the kitchen. I had a weird dream again. At least it wasn’t like that nightmare. I stopped myself as I shuddered at the reminder of that awful nightmare.

  Nick and Anne would be here any minute to pick me up. We had planned on going early today so we could have Anne tutor us on some of the Calculus problems we didn’t understand.

  When I reached the kitchen, Nana was still busy frying up bacon. I went and hugged her from behind, snatching a piece of toast as I went away to sit on the table.

  “Good morning,” I called out as I heard the front door of the house close. They were here.

  “Good morning, Andrea,” Nick said and sauntered over to Nana to give her a peck on the cheek. Nana just laughed and smiled at him. “Oh, and you, too, Sky,” he said as he settled himself down beside me.

  I rolled my eyes at him.

  “What’s for breakfast?” Anne excitedly cried out as she made her way to the chair on my other side.

  “Bacon and eggs, Dears,” Nana replied in a singsong voice.

  Anne clapped her hands in a giddy way that made us laugh. She just rolled her eyes and picked a toast from the plate on the table.

  “Hey, guys. Jessica’s having people over her house this coming Saturday. Can we go?” she asked before she started munching on a small piece of the bread.

  I thought about it. “Sure. That seems like fun. Nick, you’re coming, right?” I turned to look at him.

  He shrugged. “Do I have a choice? Both your parents,” he started. “…and guardian,” he said as he thoughtfully glanced at me. “…won’t let you out that late unless they know you’re with me,” he said cockily, but we let it slide. What he said was definitely true. Nana and Anne’s parents wouldn’t let us out late at night, unless they were sure that Nick was coming. They formed a special bond with the guy and left both me and Anne to his care, knowing full well that Nick would always be there for us if ever something went wrong.

  Nana patted Nick’s head as she happily placed plates of bacon and eggs in the middle of the table. We gladly ate our breakfast and drove off to school after that.

  As much as I would like to be in school every single day, I wasn’t feeling that happy about it today. School meant classes, and classes meant having to see Adrien every single hour. I groaned.

  “Sky?” Nick draped his arm over my shoulders. “Are you feeling
alright? You seemed out of it since yesterday,” he said as he placed his hand on my forehead, checking to see if I have a fever.

  I smiled weakly at him. I really didn’t want to talk about it. “It’s okay, Nick. I—” I didn’t get to finish what I was about to say as I suddenly felt that familiar aura again. This time it was different, like it was completely engulfed with anger. And it was coming fast.

  I turned around and saw Adrien furiously stomping his way towards us. I glared at him, wondering what’s wrong with him today. He stopped when I stared hard at him. Cole was behind him, putting his hand on his brother’s chest as if he was trying to hold him back from something.

  I pulled Nick and Anne towards the direction of the library, which, unfortunately enough, was right behind the spot where the Fields brothers were standing.

  We walked past them. I smiled at Cole and Elise, who seemed to have just come from the parking lot. They both smiled back and pulled Adrien to the opposite direction to where we were going.