I walked back to the changing room without another word. I changed quickly and made my way to the head teacher’s office which was near Mr Gildon’s greenhouse in the main school building.

Brendan was seated in the waiting area outside the office. I wondered how he always arrived ahead of me. Perhaps he knew of short cuts around the school which I didn’t, although I knew this was unlikely as he was still new.

“Hello, Mr Kingsley,” I smiled at the school secretary who had worked for Mrs Morgan for as long as I could remember. He was a middle aged man with rapidly thinning hair. He had the look of someone who needed to spend more time outdoors.

“Take a seat Rebecka, Mrs Morgan will see you shortly.”

I chose the furthest seat from Brendan, who didn’t look up or acknowledge my presence. He appeared as equally determined to avoid me as I was to avoid him. Every minute felt like an hour. I figgerted in my seat, first crossing and uncrossing my legs. My nervousness didn’t go unnoticed by Mr Kingsley who cleared his throat, looking pointedly in my direction. I tried to sit still for a few minutes but I couldn’t stand the tension in the room.

“Ahem . . . errrm, can I use the bathroom please,” I asked Mr Kingsley.

“Hurry, Mrs Morgan will be calling you shortly.”

I nodded and went in search of the nearest bathroom which was along the same corridor as the plantology classroom. The bell had rang for breaktime and students were lounging around the corridors. They stopped and stared as I passed, whispering behind their hands. I heard snippets of ‘forest’, and ‘she’s with Brendan’. I couldn’t believe the news had travelled that quickly. Brendan was right, the school was a hotbed for gossip. The whispers followed me all the way to the bathroom until I locked myself in a cubicle. I used the toilet quickly and washed my hands.

By the time I made my way back to the headteacher’s office, Brendan was no longer in the waiting area. He had been called inside and was no doubt telling his version of events to Mrs Morgan. I sat down and resigned myself to waiting, but in the end I didn’t have to wait for long before Brendan walked out of Mrs Morgan’s office. He swept past me without a single glance in my direction. Mr Kingsley gave me a sympathetic look as if he understood my inner turmoil.

“Mrs Morgan will see you now, Rebecka,” said Mr Kingsley.

I walked into Mrs Morgan’s office to find her sitting behind a large wooden desk. Her hands were folded on the table before her and she pointed to the chair opposite. She had mousy brown hair with thick glasses which hinted at her powerful intellect. I sat before her and bestowed a nervous smile. She had a no nonsense look on her face which told me that I had to tread carefully.

“Rebecka, I want to be straight with you. I’m disappointed to see you in my office for breaking school rules in your final year at Waterside Valley. Let me give you a piece of advice, if you wish to rebell, you should’ve done it years ago. This year is the most important year of your entire education. You need to focus and pass all your exams otherwise everything you’ve worked so hard to achieve will come to nothing.”

“I’m sorry Mrs Morgan. I promise that I’m not trying to be rebellious —”

“Then tell me what on earth you’re doing in my office.”

“I’m . . . Sorry. I did. . . I didn’t mean. . . to be late.” I struggled for words, knowing the story didn’t make sense in my own head. The truth is that I didn’t have to speak to Brendan in the bathroom, outside the Art classroom, or in the forest, during lunchtime. In all those cases I didn’t hear the school bell but I knew I was running late. The truth was that I wanted to carry on speaking to Brendan, to have his company and to satisfy my curiosity about him.

“Save your breath. Brendan’s given me a thorough account of your friendship to date. Mr Randals has recommended that you should be suspended. Tell me why I shouldn’t suspend you today?”

“All I can say is that I’m sorry, it won't happen again. Look at my past record. You know I’ve been a model student from Kindergarten till now. . .” I shrugged, exhaling a long breath. “The truth is that I’m under trial, Mrs Morgan. Everyone is tested at some point in life. Please don’t suspend me. I didn’t try to break the school rules on purpose, I’ve just made some silly mistakes.” I pleaded with tears in my eyes, hoping that Mrs Morgan would see my sincerity.

“You consider it a silly mistake to walk into the forest at lunch time when you know it’s forbidden?”

I looked down at the laminate wooden flooring, shame flooding my senses. I knew that she could smell a lie like a mouse could smell a rat, so I had to be honest. The fastest way to guarantee my suspension would be to attempt a cover up.

“I’m sorry, you’re right I shouldn’t have done that. I knew it was against the school rules and yet I went ahead. I just needed space to think. Somewhere I could be at one with nature. To meditate.”

It seems I had said the right thing because Mrs Morgan nodded, understanding reflected through her eyes. She twirled her chair and stood up. She was still a tiny woman with a well rounded petite frame. One look in her eyes and you knew not to underestimate her. She ruled the school with an iron fist.

“Very well. I’m going to give you another chance but I’ll have to inform your parents. Focus on your studies and for goodness sake stay away from Brendan Dolton. You’ve always been a model student Rebecka and a lot of students still look up to you, especially since you’re a lightworker. Don’t let me down.”

I released the breath I was holding and dropped my shoulders in relief. “Thank you, Mrs Morgan.”

“You may go.”

I jumped from the chair and almost sprinted out of the office. According to the time in my pocket, there was 30 minutes remaining for the sports lesson. I knew by the time I walked to the sporting arena and changed into my kit, the lesson would be over so I decided to wait in the library instead. There were no other students around so I sat in the seating area next to the book shelves and absorbed myself in a historical novel about World War 2. I didn’t know how much time had passed until I heard Miss Clarie Horton behind me.

“It’s home time Rebecka, libary is closed.”

“Oh, I didn’t realise. Thanks, Miss Claire.” I replaced the book on the shelve and raced outside. Students were mounting to the skies everywhere in their flying jets. I spotted Charlotte and Pamela waiting for me.

“There you are. I knew you were still here because your flying jet is over there,” said Pamela.

“Hello to you too,” I said.

“Come on Rebecka, just put us out of our misery and tell us what’s going on?” said Charlotte.

“I don’t want to talk about it. I just want to go home.” I opened my flying jet and stepped inside.

“The whole school is buzzing about you and Brendan. Are you suspended?” Pamela pushed for answers.

“I’m not suspended.” I mounted the flying jet in the sky and headed straight for some low hanging clouds. Pamela and Charlotte flanked me, and we flew in a V formation.

“Lucky girl, how did you get out of it?” Pamela asked.

“I don’t know, I thought I was gone for sure.”

“What about Brendan? Is he suspended?”

“I don’t know.”

“I hate it when we go through the clouds. I can’t see anything.” Charlotte’s voice came through my flying jet loud and clear as if she was standing next to me.

“It’s so much fun. I love it,” I said.

“Tell us what’s going on between you and Brendan. Miles Garraway said he saw you hugging and kissing in the corridor outside the Art classroom yesterday. Why didn’t you tell us? Rumors are that?}{ you’re matched. Is it true?” Pamela asked.

“That is not true, gossiping should be made illegal at this school.”

“So you didn’t kiss outside the Art classroom? Why would Miles make something like that up?” Charlotte asked.

“I don’t know. You’ll have to ask him that question. He jests with everyone, I wouldn’t take him seriously if I were you.”

“Tell us what happened in the forest then?” Charlotte pushed.

“I told you, I don’t want to talk about it.” I flew out from the clouds and headed towards the middle of town.

“That’s not like you to hold anything back from us,” Pamela said. I could hear the accusation in her tone.

“I didn’t say I’m not going to share what happened. I said I don’t want to talk about it at this very moment.”

We flew past the town and circled around the main administrative buildings, the giant greenhouse and public gardens. I thought about going around the whole town for a while to delay the inevitable. I didn’t fancy the prospects of rushing home for another lecture from my parents, after the experience with Mrs Morgan.

However, I suddenly felt a distinctive urge to get home as quickly as possible. I knew it was my mother’s call to the microchip in my head. Her telepathic link to me wasn’t as strong as what she shared with Dad but I knew immediately it was her.

“I need to go home, Mum is calling,” I announced to Charlotte and Pamela.

“Fine, we’ll see you tomorrow then,” said Pamela.

“Bye.”

***

Mum, Dad and James were seated around the living area when I got home.

“Hello darling, have a seat. Would you like anything to drink? You must be tired.” Mum smiled and pointed to the coffee table where a selection of freshly squeezed juice, orange, apple, pear, and grape were on display.

I stood in the doorway for a while, unsure of what to make of it all. Dad wore a welcoming smile on his face, like he was glad to see me. However James avoided looking at me and cast his eyes towards the window as if there was something fascinating outside. I shrugged my bag to the floor and sat at the end of the L-shaped sofa.

“You must be tired from school, Rebecka. Why don’t you help yourself. Are you hungry? There’s some biscuits too,” said Mum.

I narrowed my eyes in confusion, baffled by her attitude. Maybe this was some kind of trap to soften me up before my punishment. They would’ve received the report from School about the near miss suspension. I shrugged and poured some orange juice and biscuits. I’d missed lunch and I was very hungry. They watched as I chewed slowly, just as I’d been taught. I felt like a germ under a microscope being studied by three pairs of eyes. After a while I couldn’t stand the tension any longer.

“Mum, Dad, what is all this about?”

“How was school today?” Dad asked. James rolled his eyes and tapped his foot, impatient to get to the bottom of this meeting.

“School was okay, not the best day I’ve ever had but it could’ve been worse.”

“Do you like your biscuits?”

“I love them, these are great but I can’t figure out what flavour they are?”

“It’s lemon and Cinnamon with Custard,” Mum replied.

“Mum!” said James.

“Alright fine, I’ll cut to the chase.”

“Thank you!” said James.

Mum relaxed her shoulders and took a deep breath. I knew the lecture was coming. “Rebecka, we’ve had the most alarming report today from your headteacher, that you were late yet again to one of your lessons. We had this conversation yesterday about lateness to lessons, didn’t we?”

I nodded quickly. “We did, I’m so sorry. I promise it won't happen again.” Suddenly the food tasted like acid in my mouth.

“You said that yesterday, that it wouldn’t happen again,” said Dad.

Mum shot a warning glare to Dad. “What your father is trying to say, Rebecka, is that we love you very much as a family. We want you to feel at home here and to open up to us. If there is anything going on just tell us. We’ve all gone through the teenage years and we know what it’s like. We’ll not judge you, we’ll support and cherish you no matter what.”

I shook my head in disbelief. This wasn’t the lecture I was expecting. My parents were being lenient for a change, Offering support instead of punishment. “Will you support me if I get suspended?”

“Ahem —” James cleared his throat loudly and Dad looked uncomfortable for a few moments before returning back to the carefully arranged smile.

“Yes, we’ll support you. Our love for you is unconditional. There is nothing you can do to reverse that.”

“Even if I followed the wrong crowd, did drugs and went to jail?”

Dad chuckled, “The chances of that happening are so slim as to be nearly impossible.”

“Would you go that far, knowing you’ll lose your privilege to serve as a lightworker?” James asked.

“Of course not! I just want to know what the answer would be?”

“We would still love you Rebecka, even if you chose to destroy your life. We know you wouldn’t because we’ve been told this is a trial you’re going through,” said Mum.

I stood and paced to the window and back before turning to face my family. The false smile had dropped from Mum and Dad’s face, replaced with pity and compassion. However James was frowning, much like I was. Hot tears burned my eyes as I felt the truth of my mother’s words. I had always known I wasn’t good enough to be their daughter. I was a lightworker who could barely even heal. I didn’t deserve their love.

“Oh baby, please don’t cry.” Mum wrapped me in a warm hug.

“I’m sorry Mum . . .I just don’t want to let you down. . .I’m trying so hard.” I hicoped a few times and wiped the tears on my top.

“You could never let me down even if you tried. I love you Rebecka, more than you can think or imagine.”

“I love you too Mum. This isn’t what I was expecting. I thought you would punish me.”

“I think you’re too old for punishments now.”

I pressed my lips together and nodded, quilt and shame over my feelings for Brendan flooded my heart. In some ways it would’ve been better if they punished me. This show of love and affection left me defenseless.

“Who told you that this was a trial?”

“Your headteacher told us. She said you mentioned something along those lines,” Dad said.

“Have you seen anything in my future? Have you spoken to the Adepts?”

“The Adepts? Of course not, why would I?” said Dad.

“Nevermind. I thought they may have revealed something to you about me and Brendan.”

“You and Brendan? Who is this kid?”

“He’s the new kid. The one we picked up to the Recovery Center a few days ago, Dad,” said James.

“I remember, the one involved in the motor crash?”

“Yes, him. He’s the hottest news in town apparently,” said James.

“How come you know so much about him, James?”

“Because I —”

“Stop, I don’t even want to know.” I held up my hand and turned away from him.

“Is there something going on between you and this kid, Rebecka? Be honest with me?” Mum said with raised eyebrows.

“I. . . I don’t. . .well actually there is something.”

“Yes?” Mum said.

I closed my eyes for a few minutes as I searched for the right words. I couldn't exactly tell them that everytime I looked into his turquoise eyes I felt strange lustful thoughts, that I knew were sinful but oh so deliciously tempting.

“Well. . . you see, Brendan is my friend. I’ve been late to lessons because I lost track of time after speaking to him.”

“How did he become your friend?” Dad asked. He sounded confused, as if trying to understand a complicated Math problem.

“I’m not sure, I guess we shared a connection after his motorbike accident. Although before you ask, he barely remembers me from that night.”

“If he’s your friend then invite him here,” said James.

My eyes widened in surprise at the suggestion before I could control my reaction. I could tell from the self satisfied look on James that he was up to something. The last thing I wanted was to have Brendan in my house.

“I think that’s a good idea. After all, we’ve met all your friends. Invite him for this weekend,” Mum said.

“Sorry I can’t, I’m meeting Charlotte and Pamela on Saturday.”

“What about Sunday?” Mum suggested.

“But Sunday is our family time.”

“It doesn’t matter. He can still join us, can’t he Keith?” Mum flashed a smile at Dad who nodded in agreement. I guessed they must have passed a telepathic message to each other. I don’t know what they hoped to achieve by meeting Brendan. I would have to wait and see.

“Okay, fine. I’ll ask him, although he might say no.”

“But he might say yes.” Mum clapped as if someone had won an award.

“Can I go to my room now?”

“Yes of course you can. Do your homework quickly and come for dinner. We need to go out early tonight.”

I picked my bag and walked to my room as quickly as possible without running. Rather than doing my homework, I sat on my bed for the next hour, thinking over everything that happened at school, especially my conversation with Brendan in the forest. He must have followed me into the forest, that was the only explanation that made sense, which meant he sought me out on purpose.

I couldn’t believe I was nearly suspended. The best thing for me would be to never speak to him again, but now I had to invite him to my house. I had to be very careful around him from now on. I called out to Ariel, my angel and sure enough he appeared in my room within a few minutes. His aura was so bright that it filled my room with a white blinding light. I couldn’t see his face so I shielded my eyes and bowed my head.

“Rebecka?”

“Ariel.” I peeped through my eye lids, his aura was drawn back in although his face was still shining. I had seen an angel’s aura several times in the past, which could stretch out for a mile, but this was the first time Ariel had let out his aura in my room. He was beautiful and graceful at the same time and I felt comforted by his presence.

“You called me, Rebecka.” His tone was neutral and serene, not the joyful excitement I had come to expect from our encounters.

“Yes. . . I errr, I wanted to ask you a few questions. . . if you don’t mind.”

“Angels are not omniscient and I certainly don’t know everything, but I’ll do my best to answer. What is troubling you child?”

“Well it’s about Brendan. . . and me. Is he my match?” Angels had access to cosmic wisdom, so they certainly knew a lot more than human beings. I had learned a lot from Ariel about the Angelic way of life, the seven worlds and the beings that inhabited them. Although I had a strong intuition, I didn’t have access to the fountain of cosmic wisdom in the same way as Ariel.

“Rebecka, you know you shouldn’t be asking me that. You’ll find out in a few months' time, in December, during the matching ceremony.”

“I know . . . I know, but I want to know. Please, I just want to know whether it’s Brendan.”

“I can’t tell you that.”

“Why? Don’t you think I should know, before I draw close to him as a friend?”

Ariel’s eyes blazed with fire, something I’d never seen from him before. His posture was still serene but that fire was a clear warning.

“Rebecka, I’ve shadowed you over four lifetimes and within that time, I’ve watched you grow into what you are today, a beautiful human being, full of compassion, love and kindness. I like to think we’re friends. I’ve gained tremendously from your growth and now it’s almost time for me to take my rest after this life is over. Angels live for thousands of years but when we rest, we don’t come back until a period of time equal in duration to the life just spent. I’ll not be assigned as your Angel for your next life because it’s time for me to move on.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to understand what it all meant. “What are you saying and how does this have anything to do with me and Brendan?”

“What I’m saying is that your growth affects my growth. We all have an effect on each other in this world, whether we know it or not. You’re under trial and the choices you make in the next few months will determine just how matured you’ve grown in spirit. You knew very well that I can’t reveal the identity of your partner before the matching ceremony. Do you think you can persuade me to change my mind?”

“Are you being promoted? Does it depend on my actions?”

“Smart girl, I will be promoted after I take my rest but it’s not entirely dependent on your actions although we affect each other. You must exercise your free will and do the right thing. Learning to stand on your own feet is your key lesson for this life.”

I nodded and clasped my hands together in nervousness. “Can you tell me at least whether I should be friends with Brendan?”

“Friendship is always a good idea.”

Suddenly I felt the impulse to go downstairs for dinner and I knew it was my mum calling me again.

“I need to leave and your dinner is being served. Hurry, you don’t want to be late at home too,” Ariel smiled and a familiar expression of joy crossed his features before he vanished from my room.

I slumped on the bed and closed my eyes for a few seconds. Friendship with Brendan sounded great but I knew it wouldn’t be enough. I’ve known that since the first time I saw him in plantology. It would be pure torture to control my craving for him while acting like friends. The truth is that I want him to be my match, to marry him and have his children. Maybe Sunday wasn’t such a bad idea. He would meet my parents, they would see the connection between us and match us straight away. I smiled and took the stairs two at a time to the dining room. The food smelled great and everything seemed brighter.