Jade never showed up to school. As I reached the front door, the feelings of anger subsided, and worry immediately replaced it. What if she was badly injured? It would be all my fault. I hadn't a clue why I pushed her in the first place. I wanted to stop considering the dreams as a reason for my actions… it just couldn't be real. I felt vulnerable without Jade right next to me in the hallway. Now everyone stared; when she was with me, she'd stare right back until they uncomfortably looked away. I didn't have the courage to do that. So I kept my head down, gathering my books, and tried not to be noticed. Sitting down at my seat, I awkwardly stared into a book, not able to read anything. I was too nervous. I had a clean record since I'd started preschool; not one detention. Ever. If Jade told someone… surely I would get an automatic detention. Maybe even a suspension. "Persephone?" "…yes?" I glanced up to see Ms. Dan worriedly looking down at me. "Have you seen Jade?" I paled, taking an uneasy breath before answering. "No, why?" "She isn't here… and you two are always together. I thought maybe you'd know where she was." "I haven't seen her at all today." I said calmly. I noted that I could lie with ease now. And that disturbed me. I never would be able to lie without breaking down and blurting out the truth. But I kept a straight face, I even managed eye contact with Ms. Dan. Was I even the same person anymore? Classes went by in a blur of paper and cheap erasers. When the lunch bell rang, I didn't even bother to go. I ruined my appetite thinking about how I'd changed; I didn't like it at all. Well… did I? People treated me with respect, I was noticed. Somebody people would talk about, but with nothing bad to say. I was a spectacle in the student body's eyes. That part… I didn't mind. I looked up, and widened my eyes a bit. I had been walking around school aimlessly, trying to make the lunch period go by. Of course, I ended up right in front of Mr. Hall's door. He did teach the class I had after lunch… but I felt as if I shouldn't be there. I was too early. He was probably still eating. I felt a tinge of curiosity grow in my stomach, and wondered what Mr. Hall did for lunch. Then I tried to shake the thought from my head. He was a teacher, he'd probably be eating like every other staff member here; in the teacher's lounge. Still, I was curious to find out, even if he wasn't in the room. I tentatively reached for the door handle, turning it sharply, and opened the door. I stepped inside, and put my bag on my desk. It felt different being here alone- "Persephone?" I screamed to the top of my lungs, whipping around, and a hand instantly covered my mouth. Mr. Hall looked at me with a worried expression, before gently releasing me. "What are you doing here? Class doesn't start for another twenty minutes." he asked. "I… I'm not hungry." I responded quietly. Of course, my own body betrayed me when my stomach growled in protest. Mr. Hall arched an eyebrow, and led me to his desk, sitting me in his chair. "Here… I hope you don't mind spaghetti." he handed me a still-warm container of spaghetti, and a fork. "I couldn't possibly"- "Just eat." he smiled, leaning against a desk behind him. I sighed, and stabbed the fork into the spaghetti, twisting it around before I brought it to my mouth. It tasted… like nothing I've ever had before. It was heavenly, almost. "Where'd you get this?" I asked surprisedly. Mr. Hall laughed, lightly tilting his head back. "I made the spaghetti." "How in the world?" I gaped at him in awe. "Let's just say I've had a lot of practice." he chuckled to himself, as if it were some inside joke I didn't understand. I simply nodded, cracking a smile before returning to the spaghetti. Soon, the container was empty, the only evidence that food was in there previously was the smell of tomato sauce and oregano in the air. I smiled sheepishly. "Ah… I guess I was hungry…" "I'm just glad you enjoyed my cooking." he smirked, immediately bringing a blush to my cheeks. "If you ever want more spaghetti, I'd be glad to bring some in for you." he said. "Oh, that's not neccesary…" I mumbled, making him smile. Embarrassed, I handed him the container, and our hands brushed against each other, making that feeling race through my palm again. "Sorry about that." "Don't be…" he murmured, taking my hand in his. I froze up, blushing even more. "Mr. Hall"- He pulled me closer, gazing into my eyes. "I told you, call me Ian." he whispered. "I-Ian…" I stuttered, and he shivered. And… I noticed his eyes grew a shade darker… at least I thought they did. But I was positive of one thing… I wanted to kiss him. Almost desperately. Mr. Hall leaned in, and paused, his eyes flickering to the door. Suddenly, I was at my desk, and I gasped in surprise. How did I get there so quickly? Mr. Hall was at his desk, grading papers as he normally would. Then the door opened, and students flowed into the room, still loud from speaking in the cafeteria. He knew the students were about to enter… but how? "Class, turn to page 386 in your textbooks." Mr. Hall said from his desk. His voice sounded a bit rugged, not as composed. …what just happened? --------------------------------------------------- What just happened? I'll tell you what! An an almost make-out session, that's what!