Submitting the answer sheet to the teacher in charge, she left the room and took her bag from the locker. She liked to carry it, just in case.

The school was usually over when the exam was finished so instead of going to the cafeteria to wait for her friends she went ahead and walked outside the school. People either had not finished the exam or had simply chosen to go home instead of waiting but she wanted to wait.

​​

She leaned on the railing and continued to look around the school.

Adeline turned around when she saw a rustle in the trees. The wind was not blowing that hard to shake them.

She leaned into the direction a bit more and then turned around. Whatever it was she was not dying in a school and then becoming folklore with everyone putting stuff in front of her locker.

Turning around from the railing, she began to climb the stared when she heard something.

A growl.

With a glance, she turned around to look and saw ... Nothing. Her heart picked up more pace.

Not bothering to look at it anymore or find out about it, she quickly ran inside and sat Infront of the reception.

"All okay sweetie?" The receptionist asked with a smile and in a. Gentle voice.

"Yes," Huffing and puffing from her run for life she answered the receptionist shakily.

The woman nodded and got back to her work. She ignored Adeline's presence and didn't bother to make small talk.

But should she not tell her? If could be a wild animal for all she knew and someone could get hurt because she chose to not inform the authorities responsible.

"Um, Ma'am," Adeline hesitantly called her. What if she does not believe her?

But at least, she informed.

"Yes, honey?" Glancing at the girl once she continued to work.

"I saw—no I heard something in the trees behind the school." With wearily looking expressions she talked about what had happened.

That had the attention of the reception immediately, "Like animal sounds?" She whispered with her eyes wide.

"Yes," she truthfully answered.

"Are you sure?" The woman asked again with a concerned expression rather than giving her a suspicious look.

"Yes, I heard some rustling and growling in the trees. That is what exactly happened." In the firmest voice that she could muster, she said the words.

"Did you see anything?"

Adeline shook her head, "No, I ran inside immediately after I heard it."

"That's great. A good decision." Getting up from the chair the receptionist said, "I will immediately send a warning and message for the authorities." She smiled at her and then walked to the principles office.

Adeline nodded a little, even though she knew that lady won't be able to see her.

"What did you do?"

Startled, she jumped around and saw Dylan. The boy that Elizabeth liked. But where did he come from and why was he breathing heavily?

"I bet your pardon?" She asked as she stared at him.

"I asked, what did you do?" He said as he sat down on the waiting chair as well. There was a gap of one choice in them.

"Nothing," she answered. "I heard something animal in the woods and I came to inform." She shrugged.

"Ah, that is good." He nodded. "But don't go out alone." He warned.

"Thanks for the warning. How was your date, by the way? If of course, you don't mind me asking?" She raised her hands a bit showing that it was his choice and she had no problems with him saying no.

"Well," he scratched his neck, "I was good. Better than expected."

A genuine smile came to her face. She was so happy about that. "well, I am really happy to hear it. I hope the best for you."

"Than—"

The bell rang, signalling that it was the end of the exam and now they all had to hand in the sheets and walk out.

"I'll leave you to it." He tipped his head a bit and then walked away.

She didn't get a chance to say goodbye and she didn't bother to call him for this. Walking back to the entrance she waited for her friends there instead of going out.

"Hey," Elizabeth came in first. "How was your exam?"

"Pretty good," Adeline giddily told her and then pointed. "That's Marshal and Christine!"

"How was yours?" Elizabeth asked them as well.

Christine who stood in front of Adeline answered first. "All good, I should have a B." Then she peeked behind Adeline and said, "Okay, your beau is staring."

"What?" Adeline mumbled becoming self-conscious immediately.

Elizabeth immediately hit Christine and harshly whispered, "Don't tell her that!'

"Wha—he is watching!" Christine muttered as she rubbed the area where Elizabeth had hit.

Elizabeth whispered something to end again and they continued to argue. Marshall was busy typing on his phone and ignoring them.

Adeline lowered her head a bit. She could hear her heart beating but right now, it seemed like it was beating in her throat. She blew some air out and heaved a little. Her chest had some tightness making her feel a little light-headed.

Her eyes wanted to look back at him. She wanted to turn and look at him. His eyes were filled with love for her. She wanted to be with him.

Why was she away from him?

Should she not be there, standing next to him, making her and him whole?

She closed her eyes. What this feeling? She just want to run to him and hold him in her arms and just lever let go.

The feeling of longing was too much for her to bear.

Just one look, something inside her begged. Just once.

She shook her head slightly, forcing her to stay where she was. She had to hold her ground. After all, it was her who had broken up with him.

"Hey," Marshall touched her shoulder. "You coming?" He pointed to Elizabeth and Christine who were already standing by the door and looking at her.

"Yes," she muttered. "I'll follow behind."

Marshall nodded and started walking out to his friends. Adeline followed him but in slow steps.

Whatever had come over the last sensible cell of her brain, she turned around to look at him.

And that's when the bond sparked.