I woke up and laid in bed for a while, reflecting on all the strangers we visited and healed. Life outside the network seemed very hard indeed and I pitied the people. I had seen first hand the consequences of evil thought patterns as a warning to myself. The lustful desires that Brendan invoked in me were nothing more than a trial. I was determined not to allow a repeat of the events of the previous day.

I got to school on time and was determined to ignore Brendan all day but my plans quickly crumbled. Brendan was the first person I saw. He was parking his flying jet in the clearing behind the school just as I arrived with Charlotte and Pamela. They giggled like silly little school girls when he turned and waved in our direction. I had to admit that he looked really good, better than the day before if possible.

“Oh my goodness, just look at him. He looks good enough to eat,” said Pamela.

I raised an eyebrow, “Really? Don’t you think you’re exaggerating just a little.”

“Eerr. . . no I don’t think so. Just look at him.” Pamela pointed at Brendan with her eyes, making it obvious to any observer than we were talking about him.

“Maybe there’s something wrong with your eyes, Rebecka,” Charlotte said with a smirk.

“I can see perfectly well. I just don’t think we should objectify him. He’s more than his body.”

“Oh yes, I forgot you can see into his soul. Can you tell us what his aura looks like?” Charlotte asked.

I widen my eyes in horror to show my revulsion to the idea. “You know I can’t do that —”

“Yes, yes, we know. You’re not allowed to use spiritual powers for anything other than service,” Charlotte and Pamela chorused together in what was supposed to be an imitation of my voice.

“I do not sound like that.”

“Yes, you do!” Pamela said.

“I do not! Anyway, what’s wrong with you two this morning?”

“It’s Brendan,” said Charlotte. They both cast shy glances in Brendan’s direction as he walked away and giggled. They made no effort to conceal their interest and I felt like dying on the spot. I prayed for the ground to open up and swallow me.

“You’re both being silly. Let’s hurry, we don’t want to be late do we?”

They both nodded and we walked to our first lesson which was Maths with Mr Paul Timson. I usually enjoyed Maths and did my best to concentrate during the lesson. I was already familiar with everything that Mr Timson was writing on the board - a deep dive on spiritual Mathematics and the meaning behind geometrical shapes such as the triangle, square and circle. However, about 10 mins into the lesson, I found my mind drifting. Brendan was seated two desks ahead of me and I couldn’t avoid seeing him without closing my eyes. I also couldn’t get away from Charlotte and Pamela’s whispering as they gossiped about him non-stop. Mr Timson was not the strictest teacher and he turned a blind eye to minor disruptions in his class. He was too absorbed in the subject to notice much else.

My head was buzzing with the onset of a headache by the time the bell rang for lunch. Despite my resolve, the strength of my feelings for Brendan confused me. I excused myself from Charlotte and Pamela at the earliest opportunity, pretending that I needed to use the bathroom. I escaped into the forest surrounding the school, grateful for the peace and quiet. Students were warned not to wander in the forests but I’d done it so many times that I knew there was no real danger. Many times I’d seen foxes, wolves and deer, harmless creatures who were happy to be left alone. They usually stayed clear of the school and humans in general.

My foot traced a well worn footpath and before I knew it I was standing by the banks of Apiopa lake. I removed my shoes and dipped my toes in the water for a while, ignoring the chilly weather. I closed my eyes and tried to recall the full moon service from the previous night, hoping to replace my confused state of mind with something clear, good and pure.

I don’t know how long I sat there but after a while, I felt a presence behind me. I smelled the spicy wooden fragrance he wore before I saw his face. Brendan stood behind me, leaning against a tree as if he owned it. His features were veiled, expressionless, guarded and weary as if approaching a wild predator.

“What are you doing here? Are you stalking me?” I asked.

“You would like that wouldn't you? Just like all the other girls, you wished I was chasing after you.”

I snorted in disbelief. He was so full of himself it was unbelievable. “I was here first. What do you expect me to think?”

“That I was just walking through the woods and happened to stumble across you sitting here like this.”

“Is that the truth?” I asked.

“Do I look like a liar?”

“I didn’t say you’re a liar! Now stop answering my questions with another question,” I snapped.

“You implied that I was lying, ‘Is that the truth’?.” Brendan released his hold on the tree and walked towards me. His turquoise gaze stood out, almost clear and shiny like orbs of light.

“Not really, I thought you might be mocking me. Why are you so defensive?”

“And why are you so accusatory?”

“This is impossible. I can't have a meaningful conversation with you,” I sighed. I selected some stones and threw them into the lake. The waves rippled across the surface of the water in a way that was satisfying to watch.

“You haven't tried to have a meaningful conversation with me.” Brendan stopped next to me, increasing my awareness of him.

“Okay fine, let’s try that now. What school did you go to before settling in Waterside Valley?”

Brendan paced back and forth around the lake, his handsome features were shaped in a deep frown.

“St Mary’s High School.”

“That sounds like a catholic school. Did you enjoy it there?”

“Yes.”

“What made you want to come to Waterside Valley?”

“I didn’t.”

I waited for him to say more but he didn’t elaborate. He was deliberately being evasive.

“What’s your favourite subject?”

He shrugged before picking up stones to skittle across the lake surface. “I don’t have a favourite subject.”

“There must be subjects you enjoy more than others?”

“Sure.”

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

“I don’t know yet? Do you?”

“No, not really, although Dad thinks I'll make a great healer.”

“That’s the thing. For most of us, our fate has already been decided by our horoscope.”

“That’s true, although the horoscope was chosen by us before we’re plunged into the womb. My family always taught me that I can do anything I want although I think it makes sense to follow the lines of least resistance. You must do what you’re good at, unless you want to develop new talents.”

“You’re right.”

“Wow, we finally agreed on something.” I punched my fist in the air.

Brendan chuckled. “You’re actually hilarious, when you’re not being annoying.”

The smile brightened his face, making him appear even more handsome if that was possible. I ignored the thrill of adrenaline which shot through my veins.

I lowered my head in a mock bow. “We aim to please, at your service.”

Brendan threw his head back and laughed, “I think I’ll keep you as a friend. I need someone to show me how things work around here.”

“It would be the highest honour to be friends with the great Brendan Dolton.”

“Stop it,” Brendan said with seriousness in his eyes but amusement painted his lips.

Suddenly I had the impulse to kiss him. I wondered what his lips would taste like? They looked soft, full, and delicious. I saw my own wonton desire mirrored in his eyes as he caught me staring at his mouth. I turned away from him and looked towards the lake to regain control over my raging senses.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to be friends.” My voice came out huskier than I intended.

“Why? Because you can’t control yourself.” Brendan grabbed my shoulders and turned me around to face him. His touch sent shivers through my body, causing my senses to go into a hyper awareness mood. He looked into my eyes, searching their depths for goodness knows what.

“I can control myself.”

“Liar. I see the desire in your eyes. You might be a lightworker, but you can’t control yourself around me anymore than hundreds of silly girls in that school.”

“I’m working on it.”

“Good. You should work really hard.”

“Wait, who told you I’m a lightworker”

“Are you kidding me, it’s pretty hard to ignore all the gossip that goes around this place. This community does gossip a lot for a town that’s supposed to be for good people.”

“We’re not perfect, we’re still evolving.”

“That I can see.”

“Look if we’re going to be friends I think there’s a few things we should agree on. Rule number one is no touching. At no point should any part of your skin come into contact with mine.”

Brendan opened his mouth in surprise, raising the thick eyebrows in question.

“Wiat, you’re being serious. . . Okay what’s rule number two?”

“We shouldn’t be alone together. Outdoors is fine but not when we’re inside.”

“This is ridiculou.” Amusement danced in Brendan’s eyes and I could tell he wasn’t taking it seriously.

“This is for our own protection. Think of it as if you’re helping me whilst I’m working to control my desires. I’ve already been matched to my life partner but I won't find out who it is until December. If I’m seen with you in a compromising situation, it could ruin my chances.”

Brendan looked puzzled, as if I’d just spoken french.

“You know about the matching scheme right? That every young person in this town is assigned a life partner who is revealed at the age of eighteen.”

“Yes . . . I’ve heard of it. What baffles me is why that means I can’t touch you. Friends hug all the time, don’t they? You hug Charlotte and Pamela all the time?”

“Yes but that’s different —”

“How is it different? Is it because they’re female and I’m male? What if they’re lesbains?”

My eyes widened in shock, before I covered the giggles erupting from my lips. We had our fair share of those who’d chosen the celibate path. Suddenly an alarm bell sounded from my pocket. It was an old wrist watch that Mum had given me this morning to help me check the time and stop me from being late.

“Look, I think we should get back. Lunch is over in 10 mins and I still have to collect my sports kit from my locker for our next lesson.”

“Did you eat any lunch?” I sensed a hint of concern in Brendan’s tone.

I shrugged and followed the footpath back to the school grounds. Brendan fell into step beside me.

“I’ve got some sandwiches in my pocket. If we’re going to be friends then I better offer you some.”

“What kind of sandwiches are they?”

“Do you like peanut butter? Wait, are you allergic?”

“I'm not allergic but you’ve surprised me. I didn’t think of you as a peanut butter kind of guy.”

Brendan chuckled, “Really? And what does a peanut butter kind of guy look like?”

“I don’t know. Maybe someone who is thin with a spotty face.”

“Haha, very funny.”

Suddenly, Brendan touched the back of my neck, causing me to jump at the electric impulse which ripped through my skin. I slapped his hands away and placed a five step distance between us.

“I said no touching.”

“Yes I know, it’s rule number one. Your tag was sticking out and I was just tucking it in. You’re welcome.”

“You did that on purpose. You’re a rule breaker.”

“I love breaking rules but I didn’t do that on purpose.”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes before I carried on walking. A short while later, we emerged from the cover of the dense woods. The trees became thinner until I spotted the school building ahead. There were no students in sight which told me we’d missed the lunch bell yet again.

The sports teacher, Mr Cole Randals, was the youngest but strictest teacher in the entire school. He demanded discipline and pushed the students beyond the limits of their physical endurance, his motto being that a healthy body makes a happy life. I was on shaky grounds already with my recent lateness and the last thing I needed was to add to that record.

“I can’t believe I’m going to be late again. Looks like we missed the bell,” I groaned.

“Hey, chill. It’s not that bad, students are late all the time.”

Anger swept through my veins like a drug, a sensation I’d never experienced before. I pushed Brendad but came against a solid wall of chest. I wanted to throw something at him or punch him. Anything to wipe that smirk from his face. He restrained my arms behind my back easily as if holding a doll.

“You pushed me, I thought you said no touching?”

“Let me go!”

“Not until you’ve calmed down. Are lightworkers supposed to behave like this?”

“You think this is a joke? I’ve already endured a lecture from my parents yesterday and I promised I'll not be late again. Why do you think I’ve got that alarm in my pocket? You still don’t understand how things work around here do you? Everyone has to be on top of their game, honest and good, otherwise you’re seen as bringing the community down. Why don’t you find out what happens to those who go astray in this community?”

I paused to draw a deep breath. My chest was heaving as if I’ve run a mile. I didn’t register what time Brendan released me but suddenly I found my hands free. He folded his arms across his chest and was staring at me as if seeing me for the first time.

“Don’t you think you’re overreacting? We’re late for a sports lesson it’s not like we’ve committed murder.”

Exasperated, I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose. “You just don’t get it.”

“I'm sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you. I’ll not bother you again,” said Brendan.

Brendan turned and walked into the main entrance. I was routed to the spot and watched him until he disappeared from view. A part of me wanted to skip the sports lesson all together, to pretend I’ve got a stomach ache and felt sick or something. However I dismissed the thought before it was fully formed. Deliberately lying to cover up my lateness would only make things worse. If my parents didn’t catch me then the Adepts certainly would. I resigned myself to my fate and walked inside the school to find my locker.

***

The sports arena was nearest to the Art classroom, set apart from the main school building and well concealed by the trees. It was a magnificent complex with capacity for seating three times the school’s population. A game of baseball was well underway so I slipped into the changing room and quickly changed into a green polo shirt and shorts, stamped with the school’s crest. I tried to slip to the back of the baseball queue where students were waiting their turn to swing the ball but Mr Cole Randal had already seen me. Miles Garraway was holding a baseball bat and getting ready to swing when Mr Randal blew his whistle to pause the game.

“Well, Well, Well, look who finally decided to grace us with her presence.” Mr Randal gave a mock bow, causing the students to giggle. He was an athletic and handsome young man, in his second year of teaching since he finished college. He had an uncanny ability of making you feel as if he were your friend but at the same time could dictate the strictest discipline.

“Wait, let me guess. . .” Mr Randal paused and searched the students until his eyes stopped on Brendan. “Brendan, just arrived a few moments earlier. Does your lateness have anything to do with him?”

“Eerrr. . . hmmmm. . .errrrr. . .” I stammered for the right words. My tongue felt heavy and I couldn’t push the words beyond my lips.

“Think carefully before answering. Mrs Miller told the teachers yesterday that you and Brendan walked into her lesson late. I didn’t believe it but now I do.”

I hated the suggestion in his eyes as he glanced between me and Brendan. Whispers broke out among the students. I felt like a criminal on trial. Pamela shot me a dirty look. Charlotte refused to look me in the eye. Brendan looked as if he didn’t care and found the whole thing rather boring

“What do you have to say for yourself?”

“I’m sorry Mr Randal. It wouldn’ happen again.”

“You’re right it wouldn’t. I’ll be sending my recommendation for your suspension to Mrs Reeds Morgan.”

My jaw dropped in shock. I covered my mouth with both hands. A quick glance around the pitch suggested the other students were equally surprised. I blinked rapidly to stop the flow of tears which threatened to overcome me. The bored and carefree demeanour was wiped from Brendan’s face, a deep frown had settled in its place. Mr Randal usual punishments included asking students to jog around the field until the lesson was finished. Never in my wildest dream did I think he would suggest suspension from the school.

“Mr Randal, I’m truly sorry. Please give me one last chance. I’ll not be late to this or any other lesson ever again. I promise.”

I couldn’t control the flow of tears any longer and gave into them. Me. Rebecka Frost. Suspended from Waterside High School. The implications didn’t bear thinking about.

“You thought this was a joke didn’t you? You were warned yesterday and you can’t even offer an adequate explanation.”

“I’m so sorry. I went to the woods. . . meditate during lunch . . .” The horrified look on Mr Randal’s face told me I’d said the wrong thing. “I’m sorry . . . I know students aren’t allowed in the woods . . . Brendan found —”

“Save your breath. You can give your explanation to Mrs Morgan. Off you go.”

I closed my eyes for a few minutes and hoped I was in a bad dream. Perhaps I was in my astral body, which is why it felt so real. I would wake up any moment and dismiss the whole experience as a bad dream. But that moment never came. I pinched myself.

I shivered as the cold breeze cut through my skin, which I wouldn’t feel if I was in my astral body. No this wasn’t a dream, but the harsh reality of how my life had changed within the space of a few days with the arrival of Brendan. The words of Ariel flashed through my head. This is it. It must be the trial. I had to be strong. This too will pass.