One Star Away

Chapter 25

"Prism!"

Prism hardly had time to blink as she entered the lunchroom before a pink blur barreled into her, nearly knocking her onto the floor.

Azalea scanned her up and down. "Where have you been? So many scary things have been happening, and I... I was here all alone." She sniffled. "I-I mean not alone obviously, but my friends weren't here and you weren't here and..." her voice hiccupped.

Prism hesitantly patted Azalea's shoulder, hoping she was doing the whole comforting thing right. "I'm sorry. I... forgot something in my room and had to grab it real quick."

Azalea smiled a little, shoving strands of her pink hair, that flowed freely down past her shoulders, out of her face. "I'm glad you're safe. I kept hearing sirens, but I didn't want to go outside because of the Warden."

Prism nodded, her eyes drifting past Azalea to scan the lunchroom. The tables and chairs had been pushed to the sides, but only a couple students still milled about in the empty area. More students were slowly flowing back in as they realized that the school was no longer in danger of being set on fire, and the action was over and they didn't want to face Mrs. Pernel's wrath, but Prism couldn't spot Tavis or Jade anywhere in the mass of murmuring students.

"I hope they don't cancel the celebration because of this."

Prism's gaze flicked back to Azalea, who was twisting a strand of hair between her fingers.

Prism frowned. "Celebration?"

Azalea's eyes widened. "You haven't heard of it? It happens every year normally around midterms, but this year, it's a bit early. The whole school gets so excited and happy." She sighed dreamily. "It's my favorite time of year."

Prism's heart skipped a beat. How could she not have noticed? "This celebration... when is it?"

Azalea bounced from foot to foot, beaming. "The day after quarter exams!" She paused and made a face. "Prism, are you all right? You just turned really pale? Are you sick?"

Prism swallowed the lump in her throat, forcing a weak smile. "I-I'm fine, but... I... I have to go do something."

Azalea's smile fell. "Oh, okay, see you-"

Prism didn't hear the rest as she darted away, bumping into a couple students, who threw her angry glares or annoyed looks, but Prism didn't notice. Her pounding heart and heavy breathing drowned out all other noise. She stumbled into the wall and leaned against it as her mind spun.

The quarter exams were tomorrow, and this celebration... it came after them.

Prism lifted her wrist, the surface of her watch catching the light. Only two days and ten more hours left. Today, tomorrow, and then... the celebration, and the end of their given time.

{<>}

Tavis scanned the halls. No one in sight. He looked back at Lyn and gave a thumbs up before sprinting across it and taking cover around the corner.

Lyn walked across the hall much slower and much too relaxed for Tavis's comfort.

"Aren't you overreacting?" she asked. "The Warden is outside. She's not going to randomly traipse through the halls right now. Just stop goofing off, and let's get to the lunchroom."

Tavis made a mock face of offense. "I'm trying to hone my spy skills, and you can never be too careful."

"Tavis."