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𝑷𝑹𝑬𝑺𝑬𝑵𝑻, 𝑺𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆
𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟑
"Okay, people, you've got fifteen minutes. A storm's on its way, and I want to be on the road before it hits," Mr. Summers yelled from the front.
Ariella rubbed her hands together as a chill wind blew past her, sending a shiver down her spine. She followed her class through the forest, trying to warm her body from the cold. She glanced at Valerie, who walked beside her and noticed the strain on her friend's face.
Valerie sighed. "I'm freezing."
Ariella frowned. "Are you sure you should be out here?"
"I'm not going to live my life in fear," Valerie told her. "The police are doing their job looking for whoever kidnapped me, and the doctors said it would be best to get back to a normal routine."
"I see," Ariella said, concern and guilt for her friend wading through her.
"I'll deal with the stares because, apparently, our town is filled with nothing but nosy bitches," Valerie said, glaring at a few students who quickly turned their gaze away.
"Anyway, what about you and Clark?" Valerie asked, turning to face her.
Ariella rolled her eyes. "Nothing."
"Hmm," Valerie replied. "Are you sure? Because you guys looked really close that day, you found me."
Ariella sighed and squatted down, picking up a rose quartz and brushing off the moss with her other hand. "Chloe's in love with Clark," she revealed.
"What?" Valerie said before squatting down to face her. "That's news, but it doesn't change how you feel, Ari."
Valerie was right, but Ariella couldn't tell Clark how she felt now. One, it wouldn't be right, and two, if he didn't feel the same way, it would change their friendship.
She rose to her feet and put the rock in the bag slung over her shoulder. "We're better off as friends."
"Ari," Valerie said.
Ariella turned to face her friend. "Can we talk about anything else?"
"He cares about you," Valerie pointed out.
"When is this whole geological scavenger hunt over?" A voice called out from behind Ariella.
"Speak of the devil, and she will appear," Valerie muttered.
Ariella elbowed her in the side. "Stop it."
"Not having much luck?" Pete asked.
"Someone's doing a little more ranting than digging," Lana answered.
