– Where am I? – Arabella slowly woke up on the hospital bed from unconsciousness.
She finally opened her eyes. She was out of danger. The wound she had suffered was stitched with nine stitches. She had lost a lot of black fluid. She was connected to some strange device that was injecting a large amount of fluid into her veins. Emilie was now beside her. Orion was nowhere to be seen or heard. The memory of him saving her was hazy. Emilie noticed she had woken up, so she gently took her hand.
– Take it slow... Are you feeling better? – she asked.
– I don't know... I guess so – Arabella answered, not even sure how she felt at the moment.
Coming back to life confused her. She felt like she had missed most things.
– What happened? – she continued, hoping to find out everything that had occurred.
– You don't remember anything at all? – Emilie asked softly.
– I only remember that a skeleton-zombie attacked me and that someone came to me after I got wounded – she managed to pull out only that from her brain, eagerly waiting for Emilie to tell her what happened next.
– Skeleton, whaaat? – Emilie looked at her wide-eyed, completely shocked by what Arabella had just said.
– Skeleton-zombie – Arabella repeated.
– You have to tell Orion! – Emilie exclaimed, then continued.
– He saved you – after saying that, her heart started pounding.
He saved her life...
She was right, it wasn't just her imagination.
– He carried you all the way to the hospital and didn't want us to call an ambulance and waste time. He was really worried about you – Emilie went on.
– Where is he now? – the question slipped out of her mouth, mixing with the atmosphere.
She didn't want to say it. Her heart had overcome reason, and she lost control over her feelings.
– He went with Ren and Rin.
– Have the doctors said anything about my condition?
– Orion told me they said you'll probably be released the day after tomorrow because your body is strong and recovers fast.
– Was he there then too?
– Yes. He didn't want to leave until you woke up and he was sure you were out of danger.
– Is the project ruined now? – she changed the subject.
– It's just suspended.
– When will we continue?
– I don't know. Don't worry so much about that. You need to recover, so rest. I'm going to the snack machine so you can try some treats.
Left alone, Arabella closed her eyes to rest.
After a few days, the whole team returned home. Arabella was almost fully recovered. While she was in the hospital, everyone from the team had visited her except Orion, whom she hadn't seen until she boarded the rocket for the journey home. He hadn't addressed her. He seemed completely cold and emotionless. Skillfully hiding a billion feelings. Just like her... But both had to stay focused because in two days they had a math competition. They learned it was crucial for them, as the winner would be named student of the year. They were the only ones competing. It was a tough decision for the teachers since both were outstanding. Returning home, they started preparing. Several of them had sessions with Professor Margaret. They were fully dedicated and barely spoke. Arabella was especially focused because she wanted to win. She always won and always took first place. Now, with him there, things had changed. He was brilliant and she considered him dangerous competition.
The day before the competition, she was finishing her last preparations. Her studying was interrupted by the doorbell. She hurried down the stairs and opened the door.
She kept looking at Orion.
– Maybe not.
– You're annoying me!
– With what I have, you won't have to prepare anymore.
– Interesting – she said sarcastically.
He walked past her again and entered the house. He started going up the stairs.
– Who told you that you can just come in like that?
He didn't care about the question. He confidently continued up the stairs.
– We both know I'm a frequent guest here and it's not the first time we've hung out in your house.
– You're not a guest, you're just annoying.
– You think I'm annoying on my own will?
– Then why are you annoying on someone else's will?
– Exactly!
He entered her room and threw some papers onto her desk.
– Here are the problems that will be on this year's competition.
– Why would I take them from you?
– Why not?
– How can I be sure you won't betray me!
– I don't know. Try it and see what happens – he challenged her.
He left her house without any detailed explanation or a goodbye.
***
Before the competition started, she met him in the hallway. He had brought her out as soon as she arrived in the classroom and put away her things. Now she reluctantly stood in front of him, looking him straight in the eyes.
– Have you gone through those tasks? – he asked her.
– Why would I?
– Those tasks were your only hope to beat me.
– Those tasks, along with every record of them, have been destroyed. Judging by you, that hope is gone too. Too bad I can still beat you without them.
She winked at him, then they both went back into the classroom.
Another creature, who knew about the competition, overheard their conversation. It concluded that Arabella had the problems for the competition and decided to use that against her, in case they lost.
The bell rang, and the battle between them began. They sat side by side, ready for the decisive clash. As soon as they got their papers, they carefully examined every problem. After scanning them, Arabella realized she could relax because she knew how to solve each one. Time passed, and she slowly neared the end. In the last five minutes, she handed in her paper. Orion was still working. She left the classroom as soon as she finished packing. She was in a good mood, having managed to finish everything.
The next day, the math class was tense for both of them. Professor Margaret was about to announce the winner any moment. Liv was sitting next to Arabella, acting as her support.
– And... the winner is Arabella! – Professor Margaret gave Arabella a gentle smile.
– Congratulations, Arabella! – she continued.
Arabella was both shocked and happy. Liv hugged her and genuinely shared her joy. Everyone celebrated her victory until the break.
In the hall, they met with Kasy. They agreed to spend the break together so Arabella could finally get to know him. After greetings, they started talking. Arabella was convinced Kasy was kind and very polite. He loved to be active, cracked jokes, and was very witty. Their hangout was interrupted by the arrival of a creature.
– Arabella, Professor Margaret said to come see her when our shift ends – the creature said.
– Why?
– She didn't say.
– Okay, thanks.
The creature left them, and they got ready to leave the break hall.
– I'll wait for you outside the academy when you're done, so we can go home together – Liv said.
– Okay, thank you.
They parted ways, and Arabella went to her next class.
She wanted to know why Professor Margaret had called her again. She wasn't sure what it was about. Her mind raced with countless thoughts. The previous classes had been full of events, so all those thoughts faded as she focused on the lesson. When the bell finally rang, signaling the end of her shift, she headed to the math classroom. She knocked on the door and then quietly entered, finding Professor Margaret writing something.
– Come in, Arabella – the professor looked up from the pile of papers in front of her and seemed serious.
– Sit down...
– How can I help you, professor? – Arabella asked, sitting opposite Professor Margaret.
– By telling me the truth...
– Sorry, but what truth?
– About the competition... why did you cheat?
– But, Professor Margaret, I didn't cheat in the competition.
– You knew which problems would be on the test.
– I didn't know about any of them.
– One creature reported otherwise. It heard you say you got them from someone.
– But... I really didn't know.
– I'm sorry, Arabella... You're disqualified from this competition, and Orion will take your victory. He solved all the problems correctly except one, where he made a small mistake.
A moment of uncomfortable silence followed, then the professor continued:
– I didn't expect this from you. You surprised me...
Arabella was silent, staring at her carefully.
– You lost my trust, and probably the trust of all the other teachers. With this victory, you could have gone far... Really, Arabella... you didn't need this.
She lost her trust and reputation. Nothing would be the same after this. And she wasn't guilty. She had thrown all those problems in the trash as soon as Orion left her house. But now, that fact was worthless. She felt deep anger. She was blamed for something she hadn't done, all based on a false tip-off. She started suspecting it might have been Orion. He cared just as much about winning as she did. They were fierce rivals. She knew how easy it would have been for him to sabotage her. But still, deep down, she hoped it wasn't him. She felt them growing closer and everything going the way she secretly wished. For now, she had to keep her creature under control and stay calm, at least while she was with Professor Margaret in the classroom.
– You won't be participating in any competitions or projects for a while – Professor Margaret said sharply, after Arabella pulled herself away from her swirling thoughts and focused back on the lecture.
– You're dismissed – she added, still in a harsh tone.
– Alright. Goodbye – Arabella replied, then walked out.
She didn't feel the need to apologize for something she hadn't done. She stormed through the academy, not even sure how she had made it to the exit. Waiting for her outside was Liv, holding an umbrella. Brilliant rain was pouring down. The sharp droplets struck the planet's surface with an anger matching her own. She ran up to Liv, who brought her umbrella closer.
– What's wrong? – Liv asked, noticing Arabella's upset state.
– Where does Orion live? – Arabella demanded, voice tense.
– Why?
– I'll tell you later. Just tell me where his place is.
– It's not nearby. Near the café – his building is the second one from there. He lives on the top floor – Liv explained.
– Okay, thanks.
With directions in hand, Arabella started walking.
– Where are you going? – Liv called after her, beginning to run to catch up and hand her the umbrella.
– I have some things to clear up with him.
– That's far.
– Doesn't matter.
– Take the umbrella at least!
– I don't need it, thanks – she said, distancing herself completely.
The shiny rain intensified. She let the cold, sharp drops pierce her skin, burning hot with everything that had happened before. Step by step, she moved toward his apartment, knowing this was the moment to settle everything between them. Everything that had happened… everything that could lead to the disappointment she most feared. The path to his place wasn't short, but she burned slowly the whole way, turning into a flame. The rain didn't calm her as she had hoped. She was soaked, completely wrecked by the downpour. As she neared the building, the anger almost overwhelmed her. Climbing the stairs, the storm raged through her body. These were the last moments where only the storm existed; soon, a hurricane would take over. A hurricane that would either destroy her completely or calm her entirely.
Reaching the door, she knocked sharply. Moments later, Orion opened it, but Arabella didn't give him a chance to speak, fueled by her anger.
– What's your problem with me? – she demanded, pushing past him into the apartment.
His living room was small, with a tiny kitchen and a couch. The whole place was painted dark blue. He slammed the door behind him and stepped toward her.
– What are you talking about? – he asked.
– About how you might have reported me – she finally spat out.
– I didn't – he answered calmly.
– You have no proof you didn't. And you cared just as much about winning. I wouldn't be surprised if it was you – you're ready for those stupid games – she accused.
He looked at her silently for a moment.
– As if I even care about those victories – he said, grabbing her hands and pinning her against the wall.
– Don't lie to me. You do. You've always cared only about winning, no matter what stood between us – she said quietly, her heart pounding fiercely.
Pressed to the wall, she felt his body again. Slowly, a shiver ran through her as their bodies drew closer, his grip tightening.
– What kind of relationship??? – he snapped without thinking.
He put on his armor again, pushing them back to the start. Just as things between them began to normalize, he drew a line.
They stared at each other in silence, their bodies pressed tight.
– Forget it… it doesn't even matter… none of this means anything to me anyway – she said, looking at him one last time.
She dived into the depths of his dark eyes and almost drowned – she could've left herself there. Then she struck him to break free from his tightening hold. He thought she would continue the game, but she didn't. He released her, and she disappeared behind the door, leaving him completely alone.
She knew her last words were a complete lie she stubbornly told herself. She wasn't okay. She was burning. Again. They were so close. She was so close to reaching him, to understanding his creature…
Outside, the shiny rain still fell, now cooling her down, while she marched fiercely, refusing to let those emotions take over.