I woke up the following day feeling tired but determined to avoid Brendan at school. It had been a busy night for the lightworkers. We worked through the night healing so many people that I lost count by morning. We visited the sick wealthy man in the New York apartment and helped him as much as we could. I could see an improvement in his condition but the total regeneration of his organs was still a long way off.

We helped animals as well as people, including a family of wolves that were caught by a hunter’s trap. As soon as the animals stepped on the trap, it pierced their leg and captured them in a net, leaving them to bleed out slowly. Dad called the spirit guide of the wolves and asked them to keep the animals calm. I cut through the net and Dad pulled them from the trap. There were six in total, a male and female adult wolf and four pups. We healed them and destroyed the trap before sending them on their way. The spirit guide appeared to me and Dad in the astral world and thanked us. It was my first time seeing a spirit guide and it fit the description I had seen in textbooks. It had a wolf head and a human body, similar to those depictions of ancient Egyptian deities.

I made a mental note to tell Charlotte and Pamela about this experience. I had served with my mother as a lightworker for years, assisting the children who pass out at a young age. Finally I was beginning to experience new things on the astral plane, things that I’d been sheltered from as a child.

I flew to school early that morning, determined to arrive ahead of time. I had three subjects on my timetable for the day, Science, Astronomy and Music. I sat at the front of the science classroom before Miss June Atonia arrived. She was a dark woman with mixed heritage, beautiful hazel eyes and caramel complexion.

“Rebecka, how lovely. You’re eager this morning.”

“Something like that, what are we studying today?”

“I’m not going to introduce anything new this year. We’re going to revise everything I’ve taught you and prepare you for the exams.”

“Yes, of course.” I nodded and smiled, determined to be a model student.

A few minutes later, other students began streaming in. My eyes were immediately drawn to Brendan at the exact moment he stepped into the classroom. He was dressed in casual jeans and a snug fitted t-shirt which showed the outline of his tall, muscular frame. He chose the desk on the left side of me which made it hard to ignore him. Charlotte and Pamela sat in our usual seat at the back and I suddenly wished I’d sat with them but it was too late.

Miss Atonia took us through the structure of an atom and why it was reflective of the structure of the universe. I nodded and made lots of notes but I couldn’t focus on everything she was saying. Brendan’s scent was particularly potent, invading my nostrils against my wishes. My pen dropped on the floor around halfway through the lesson. Brendan lowered his head to pick it up, brushing his fingers against mine at the same time. A small tingle went through my fingers where our skin touched.

“Oh sorry,” Brendan whispered. He sat back quickly and looked straight ahead, as if the moment didn’t occur.

The rest of the lesson proceeded in tense silence between me and Brendan. I was hyper aware of his every move and even found myself counting the rhythm of his breathing at one point. I couldn’t wait for the lesson to end as every minute dragged on. I nodded to everything Miss Atonia was saying but without a clue. The bell finally rang after what felt like a lifetime of torture. Brendan was the first person to leave and yet again I was surprised by how quickly he moved.

I sat with Charlotte and Pamela at lunchtime, and we were joined by Charlotte’s twin brother, Jeremy, just like old times. Perhaps sensing my mood, I was relieved when nobody asked me anything about being sent to Mrs Morgan’s office. Jeremy did most of the talking, apparently there was a party on Saturday. Rosalind Henry was celebrating her 18th birthday and had nearly invited half the school.

“You don’t even talk to her. How did you get an invite?” Charlotte slapped Jeremy on the back playfully.

“I know the right people.” Jeremy stuck out his tongue.

“Let me guess, Victoria Barnes?”

I half listened as I scoped a spoonful of seasoned roasted vegetables in my mouth. Charlotte was asking Jeremy to get party invites for all three of us when I spotted Brendan by the food stall. I wasn’t the only eye drawn to him, most of the girls had already seen him and were whispering. Brendan ordered his food and walked to our table, causing my heart rate to increase.

“Hi Rebecka, can I sit with you today?”

Brendan flashed a devastating smile, leaving me speechless. I couldn’t believe it. He ignored me since the headteacher’s office yesterday and now he wanted to sit with me.

“Hello Brendan, of course you can sit with us,” Pamela replied before I could gather my thoughts.

Brendan set his tray on the table and sat next to me. “I would like to say Rebeka’s told me lots about you but I’m afraid she hasn’t.”

I looked at Brendan in disbelief and saw amusement dancing in his eyes. He was messing with me.

“Are you going to introduce me to your friends?”

“This is Pamela, Charlotte and Jeremy.” My voice came out squeaker than I intended. The fact Brendan was sitting with our table wasn’t lost on the canteen. Every eye was trained on us.

“Are you twins, at least you must be related.” Brendan pointed at Charlotte and Jeremy.

“We’re twins,” said Jeremy.

“Nice to meet you all,” said Brendan. “Any friend of Rebecka is also my friend.”

“Is that so? Since when?” I asked through clenched teeth.

“Since yesterday, when we decided to be friends.” I locked eyes with Brendan in a silent battle of wills and quickly lost myself in his eyes. My stomach clenched as I saw my own desire reflected in his gaze. I forgot that I was sitting in the middle of the school canteen under the watchful eye of the entire student population.

“Ahem . . .” Jeremy cleared his throat, bringing me back to the present.

I looked down at the vegetables on my plate and lost my appetite.

“I was saying to Charlotte and Rebecka before you joined us that Rosalind Henry is throwing a party on Saturday evening at her house. Are you planning to go?” Jeremy asked Brendan.

“Jeremy, it’s not your party. You can’t invite people on Rosalind’s behalf,” I said.

“You sound like you don’t want me to be there,” Brendan said with raised eyebrows, challenging me to deny it.

“No, Rebecka is right,” said Jeremy.

“Don’t worry, I’ve already got an invite, but I’m not sure if I’m going yet,” said Brendan.

“It’ll be fun, you should definitely come along,” said Jeremy.

“I’ll think about it. It depends on whether Rebecka here is also going,” said Brendan.

“That’s ridiculous, I don’t even have an invite.”

“I told you I can get you an invite quite easily,” said Jeremy.

“See, problem solved. We’ll go together.” Brendan declared.

“Are you asking me out as your date to this party?”

Pamela leaned forward in her chair, eager to hear Brendan’s response.

“Do you want to be my date? You can if you want.”

The arrogant smirk on his face irritated me but I couldn’t think of a smart comeback without seeming rude before our audience.

“I’m not sure if I’m going yet,” I said.

“You know people are saying that you two are matched, is it true?” Pamela asked. I noted a hint of regret in her tone. I suspected she liked Brendan and wanted him to show an interest in her.

“We’re just friends,” I said.

“For now!” said Brendan.

“Can we come to your house on Saturday morning? We can all leave for the party afterwards?” Charlotte asked, who seemed to have found her voice again.

“I’m not sure if I’m going yet. I’ll let you know by tomorrow.”

“We can always go to my house instead,” Pamela offered.

“I know.” Charlotte sighed and cast her eyes down in disappointment. She loved visiting my house because of James, who barely took any notice of her. Charlotte wasn’t ready to accept the reality of James’ match to Lily.

“Is anyone excited for the sports championship this year? Jeremy asked. “Who do you think is going to win?”

“Earth. We’re simply the best,” said Pamela.

“No way, Earth scored near the bottom of the league table last year. The trophy is going to be lifted by Fire again.”

“Do you know which team you’re in, Brendan?” Jeremy asked.

“Water.” A brief spell of silence followed this declaration before Jeremy and Charlotte burst out laughing.

“What’s so funny about that?” Brendan asked.

“Water hasn’t won the sports championships for years. They usually come last or somewhere near the bottom,” Jeremy explained.

I couldn’t believe Jeremy was so excited about the annual sports championships already. Although I shouldn’t be surprised, knowing how much he loved playing sports. Every student was assigned a team based on their zodiac element; Fire, Earth, Air and Water. It seemed to me that each year the competition between the teams became more fierce. It was a magnificent occasion where parents, students and teachers came together.

“Water signs do not have the strongest track record for sports but they do earn points for good behavior,” I said. I didn’t know why I felt the need to defend Water, but I did. Teachers assigned points or deducted points from each student based on their conduct for each day, including quality of homework. All the points were added together at the end of the school year, including points from the sports championships. The overall winner was crowned with the school trophy at the end of year feast.

“Yes, but nobody cares about the school trophy. It’s all about the sports championships,” said Jeremy.

“I don’t think so, speak for yourself. Just because you care about the sports championships doesn’t mean everyone else does.”

“Oh come on, Rebecka!” said Jeremy. Turning to Brendan he said, “Don’t listen to her, everyone cares about the sports championship, even the teachers want their own signs to win.”

“Whatever!” I pushed my plate away and grabbed my bag. “I’m going to use the bathroom really quickly. I’ll meet you guys in music.”

“Me too, I need the bathroom,” said Brendan.

“No you don’t. Stay right here.” I shot a warning glare to Brendan who winked at me in return.

“You can’t stop me from going to the bathroom,” he chuckled as if he found the idea hilarious.

“Fine, then you need to use a different bathroom. I’m not going to be late today because of you.”

“Alright,” Brendan held up both hands in surrender.

Charlotte and Pamela both witnessed our exchange with surprise. I still hadn’t told them everything that happened between me and Brendan in the bathroom and the forest.

***

The rest of the day passed without any disastrous incidents although I was pleased to arrive at my lessons on time. Music was a fun, chaotic experience with Mr Philp Sackson, a middle aged music teacher who liked to walk around barefooted. He didn’t breath down our shoulders like some of the other teachers. His style of teaching was similar to Mrs Miller although less formal and structured. He expected us to compose a masterpiece of original music for our final exams and asked us to start working on it from now. Several instruments were scattered through the room, each one connected to headphones. Students were free to practice on the instruments or write music on the computer. Mr Sackson had a highly developed gift of claudience with very sensitive hearing. I heard him say to my parents once, when we ran into him on a weekend, that he was able to control his gift and tune out of anything he didn’t want to hear.

Most students whispered among themselves under the guise of working together. I suspected that Mr Sackson knew those who were truly working and those who weren't but he turned a blind eye. I sat with Charlotte and Pamela on the computer, trying to write some musical notes but they chatted excitedly about Rosalind’s party, making it hard to concentrate. I managed to avoid Brendan for most of the lesson, although he didn’t seem keen to speak to me either. I knew that I would have to invite him to my house at some point to satisfy my parents' curiosity but couldn’t figure out how to do it under the watchful gaze of Charlotte and Pamela.

Astronomy, our final lesson for the day, gave very few opportunities to speak. Mr Richard Allen, one of the oldest teachers in the school, demanded absolute silence at all times. He had thin graying hair and was inclined to meditation at all times, which meant he abhorred all noise. Each student was given a telescope and asked to watch the heavens and note down our observations. The classroom was dark with an open ceiling, allowing each student to point their telescope to the sky, although it was difficult to see during daytime. Mr Allen taught both Astrology and Astronomy, maintaining that the two fields of study could not be separated without causing harm to the other.

“Last year I taught each of you how to cast a horoscope without the aid of computers. This year, every student must be able to interpret their own horoscope and predict one major life event in the future. Your exams will test your ability to do this and the accuracy of your observations in the heavens.” Mr Allen paused for breath and surveyed the students for a while.

A blank look covered his face and I couldn’t tell whether he was lost in rapturous mediation or looking through our auras. Nobody said a word, the entire class appeared frozen and I heard the blood pumping through my veins like a drum beat. He sat on the teacher’s desk, his movements slowed by age. Light from the sun shone on his profile for a brief moment, revealing all the lines of wrinkles on his face. Suddenly he looked much older, like somebody in their 80s, much too old to be teaching. Many people at Waterside Valley lived in good health beyond 100 years, so it was hard to tell somebody’s age from their appearance.

“You may begin,” said Mr Allen.

I picked my telescope and focused it on Venus, the planet of love, beauty and harmony. It was approaching a close conjunction with Jupiter, so I noted that in my journal. Pluto was also leaving the constellation of Capricorn to Aquarius but knowing Pluto’s strange orbit, the process would probably take years. I was about to note this in my journal when I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was Brendan, waving his telescope at me like a weapon. He was the only student not focusing on the heavens.

“What is it?” I formed the shape of the words with my mouth without speaking out loud.

“How do you work this thing?” Brendan shook the telescope.

Everybody was preoccupied with the view through their telescope and oblivious to me and Brendan. Mr Allen was sitting straight behind his desk with his eyes shut and arms carefully folded on his lap. He appeared as if in deep meditation and was certainly not paying attention to the class.

I took the device from Brendan and showed him how to use it. “You pull it this way and adjust the lense to bring the image close.”

“But what I’m I supposed to look for? It’s hard to see anything beyond sunlight,” Brendan whispered.

“This telescope is similar to the X-glasses. Once tuned correctly, it can reveal a whole new world that you’ve never imagined before.”

“Fine.” Brendan sat on his cushion and pointed his telescope to the sky once more.

It was only after the lesson was over that it dawned on me that Brendan was still very new to the school and probably had a lot of catching up to do. He was probably unfamiliar with the constellations, the zodiac and the subject of Astrology in particular. I made a mental note to ask him about it but he left as soon as the bell rang.

***

I was quiet on the way home, flanked by Pamela and Charlotte who were both making jokes about Mr Allen. I was lost in my thoughts, thinking of what to do about Brendan when Charlotte’s voice came through my flying jet.

“Can we chill at your house today?” Charlotte asked.

“I’m sorry, I’ve got a lot of homework to do. You can come on Saturday if you like. You were right, it’ll be easier to head to the party together.”

“Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow then.” I waved goodbye to Charlotte and Pamela.

James and Will were listening to music in the living area when I got home. I said a quick hello and went to my room. I took out my homework from Plantology which was to describe the qualities of fast growing plants compared to slower growing plants. I jotted down some notes from memory. Plants that grow too quickly also die relatively quickly compared to slower growing plants, like an oak tree, which could live for thousands of years. It all depends on the tree’s archetype in the region of ideas which is sometimes called the second heaven.

Suddenly a knock sounded at my door. I set my pen down and pulled the door open. Will was standing there with a big grin on his face and a plate of fruits in one hand.

“Is that for me?”

“Yes, I thought you might be hungry.”

“Thanks.”

I took the plate and set it on my desk. Will was hovering outside my door, clasping his hands nervously. I’d never seen him like this before.

“You alright, Will?”

“I was about to ask if you were alright.”

“I’m fine. I was just finishing my homework.”

“Ah I see, do you need any help?”

“No, it’s quite easy.”

“I heard what happened. . . your suspension . . . nearly got suspended. I wanted to see if you’re alright?”

“I don’t want to talk about it, but I’m fine.”

“Okay, well I’m here if you need me.”

I narrowed my eyes in suspicion, “Did James set you up to this?”

Will shook his head. A tiny smile settled on his lips, lifting his face. “No. Why would you think that?”

“Where is James?”

“I’m not sure, probably somewhere in his room.”

“I thought he’s with you downstairs, listening to music.”

“He was, but now I don’t know where he is.”

Will widened his smile, deepening the dimples on his cheek. Unlike Brendan’s thick curly waves, Will’s hair was long and fell into his eyes, hiding a large forehead. He was growing a beard on his chin but the overall effect suited him. I got the sense he wanted me to invite him inside my room although I wasn’t sure why.

“Thanks for the fruits Will, they look delicious.”

“Are you sure you don’t need any help with your homework?”

“Yes, it’s actually not too difficult. I’ll call you if I need some help.”

“Okay.”

“Alright.”

I waited for him to walk down the stairs before I closed my bedroom door.

“Well that was weird,” I whispered to myself. Will had never cared about my homework or whether I was hungry after school. Perhaps he was bored and needed something to do with his time, which wasn’t like him. In fact he was normally really busy. I barely got to see him around the house.

I pushed the incident to the back of my head and focused on Plantology. The weekend was looking busy with Rosalind’s birthday party on Saturday and the family dinner on Sunday. I knew that I probably won't be able to do any work during the weekend.

I was pleased with the progress I’d made by the time Mum called me down for dinner. Will was seated at the dining table and it turned out he was having a sleepover. I blinked in surprise that he was sleeping over in the middle of the week, rather than during the weekend. I saw him staring at me a few times during the meal, although he didn’t look away when caught, but responded with another bright smile. Mum, Dad and James were having a heated debate about the people living outside the network.

Apparently word about our community had spread and people everywhere were trying to find where our towns were located. Waterside Valley wasn’t located on any map. Although hidden in the Rocky Mountains, it also couldn’t be found by accident. There were nature spirits charged to protect the community by leading anyone astray who wandered within the territory. James and Mum were pleading for a more open community where we allowed outsiders to come and go, so they could benefit from the higher vibrations which permeated our atmosphere. Dad was opposed to the idea, saying that would be the end of our way of life. Everyone around the table was oblivious to Will’s behavior.

“Is there something on my face?”

“No, you look fine. Beautiful in fact.”

Blood rushed to my face, warming my cheeks with pleasure at the compliment. Nobody had ever called me beautiful before, although I knew he was exaggerating. I could accept that I was attractive with the right level of make up, but calling me beautiful was a stretch. My skin and hair were both dark with light freckles across my nose which I thought was too long. I was lost for words and didn’t know what to say. Will had never paid this much attention to me before, he preferred to banter with James. I dived into my plate of tomato pasta and decided to ignore him.

“What do you think, Will? As the future mayor of this town the decision will probably fall on your shoulders at some point in the future,” said Dad.

“Ahem. . . my parents still have a lot of years in them. I don’t think I'll be taking the reins anytime soon.”

“Yes, but what do you think?”

“I agree with all your view points to an extent. I think we need to do more to encourage outsiders to see the beauty in our way of life, but I’m not sure that opening our community is the right way. Bad company does corrupt good character, we’ve seen that over and over again throughout history. In fact it’s the very reason why we had to set up these communities in the first place. To give us a place to thrive away from all the wickedness and perversity on earth.” Will paused for a sip of water, his eyebrows pinched together in thought.

“I’m thinking something along the lines of sending. . . what should we call them . . . ambassadors. Yes, I like that word, ambassadors to the countries and cities that are still struggling, in addition to the work we already do as lightworkers. That will be a good place to start. We can have a more direct influence and encourage those who are nearly ready to join us. I would like to see the size of our communities double and many new towns set up within my lifetime. The Dolton’s family moving in has been a great success and is a great example of how we can welcome new members.”

My jaws became slack with surprise at the depth of Will’s response. I thought he was staring at me the whole time and didn’t realize he was paying attention to the debate.

“Very well said, Will. You’re filled with wisdom and this town will be in good hands under your leadership,” said Dad.

“I’m not so sure the Dolton’s move has been a success. Only time will tell but I heard their son, Brendan Dolton, has had quite the effect on Rebecka,” said James.

I shook my head in disbelief, “What is that supposed to mean?” I narrowed my eyes in warning at James.

“Nothing, whoa calm down. I didn’t mean anything by it. It was you who told us yesterday that he’s the reason for your recent lateness which nearly got you suspended in school.

I couldn’t help but to roll my eyes at James. He was up to his old tricks, trying to lure me into an argument and I fell for it each time. “Yes, but I wouldn’t say he’s had quite the effect on me.”

“How else am I supposed to put it, when he’s made you late a few times and nearly got you suspended within less than a week. Anyway I’m looking forward to meeting him, is he coming over on Sunday?”

Will suddenly looked ill, as if someone had poisoned him. Mum cast a sharp look at James, forcing him to close his mouth.

“That’s enough, James. I’m sure it was all one big misunderstanding. I doubt Brendan would make Rebecka late on purpose. We don’t achieve anything by pointing blame to others,” Mum said.

“He does it all the time Mum. See I told you he starts all our arguments, he’s just trying to get under my skin.”

“Oh darling, James doesn’t want to hurt you. Say sorry to your sister, James.”

“I’m sorry, Rebecka.”

I wished Will hadn’t witnessed that because he was upset, although he arranged his face into a neutral expression after that and focused on his plate. I noticed that he ate very little food. If there was one thing I disliked about our community, it was the lack of clear boundaries. Everyone knew everything about each other, there was nowhere to hide. For example, anything I do within my bedroom could be seen by anyone with clairvoyant vision, although the practice was frowned upon unless done for a specific purpose.

“I’m full. I can’t eat anymore. I’m going to bed,” I said.

“Okay Rebecka, don’t forget to do your exercises before you sleep so your body can heal. We’ll meet on the other side. . . let’s say within the next hour?” said Dad.

I nodded and pushed my chair back.

“I’m also full. Thank you so much for the lovely food Mr and Mrs Frost.”

Will stood up and followed after me. I was halfway up the stairs when he caught up with me.

“Rebecka wait!”

“What do you want from me?” My tone came out harsher than I intended and I softened it with a smile.

“Nothing, I just wanted to ask you about this Brendan guy. Is he troubling you at school?”

“No, why does everyone keep asking me about Brendan. We’re just friends.”

“Alright, but I want you to tell me if he troubles you at all.”

I stopped outside the door to my room and placed a hand on my hip. “Why would I do that? Firstly, I’m perfectly capable of standing up for myself. Secondly Brendan is not troubling me, nor will he trouble me in future. He’s new to the area and needs friends not enemies.”

“Alright, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause any upset. It’s just that James said —”

“You need to stop believing everything James tells you about me. By the way, don’t think I didn’t notice you staring at me during dinner. What was all that about?”

James looked at the floor as if it was the most fascinating thing in the world. “I think you’re beautiful Rebecka and when I’m around you, I just can’t help myself.”

He looked into my eyes and I felt a warm sensation through my body, but not quite the blazing heat I’d come to expect from Brendan. The affection in his eyes was unmistakable.

“Really, since when?”

“You’ve always held a special place in my heart. I shouldn’t say this but you and me . . . we’re —”

“Will?” James called from the bottom of the stairs.

I never heard what Will was about to say. I nursed the feeling of disappointment because I knew whatever he was going to say was important. All these years, I’d thought of him as my brother’s best friend. Never once did I think he felt any affection for me. Whatever he thought was between us, might be too late. Brendan had captured my interests and he was the one consuming my thoughts day and night.

Under normal circumstances, every care was taken to ensure that children who were matched according to their birth horoscope grew together as friends for love and affection to develop naturally. I hadn’t felt anything for anyone until Brendan arrived. At this stage, I was hoping for Brendan to be my match and the last thing I needed was for Will to complicate matters. Also James would probably be against it and make my life more difficult if I was matched with his best friend.

Suddenly James appeared on top of the stairs, panting as if he’d run a mile. The smile on his face faded as he sensed the mood between me and Will.

“There you are. Is everything alright?”

“I was just saying goodnight to Rebekca.”

“Oh, I see,” James grinned as if he found something highly amusing about the situation.

“Well I was going to tell you, according to Mum, the guest bedroom needs new bedsheets and pillows. We can share my room if you don’t mind? The bunk bed is still there.”

“That’s fine, I don't mind James. Good night Rebecka.”

Will followed James up the second flight of stairs which led to the master bedroom and James' bedroom, both of which were bigger than mine.