The Light and Dark in Us

6. À bientot, Odette

I tumble out of bed the next day, still tired and upset about having to leave the insanely comfortable bed.

I take extra special care in getting ready that morning, not entirely sure why, I just feel as though I want to...impress.

I retrieve my satchel from the floor and open my door with my foot, stepping out in the corridor with an energetic smile on my lips. 

Jamie's there, outside Ellie and Lottie's dorm, with a...suitcase. He's leaning against the wall, chewing gum.

I approach him. "What's happening?"

"Um. I can't tell you."

"Oh."

His chewing fills the silence.

"I didn't take you for a gum person."

"I'm not."

"Why are you acting strangely?"

He rights himself, and this reminds me of how tall he is. "Why do you ask so many questions?"

I find myself smiling. "I like to know things."

He smirks. "You weren't so sure last night."

"That was overwhelming! And...I'm guessing it's got something to do with your suitcase. Where are you going?"

Jamie looks as if he's considering something, his eyes flit up and down the empty corridor, then he leans in towards me to whisper in my ear. "I'm not going to tell you."

I roll my eyes, stepping away from him, "Well, I suppose I'll see you again when you return, Jamie Volk. Say goodbye to Lottie and Ellie for me."

"À bientôt, Odette. (see you soon Odette.)" Jamie leans against the wall again, his eyes following me as I walk down the corridor.

I try to ignore the butterflies in my stomach, but this strange boy is so... intriguing. I find myself only wanting to know more about him.

I turn at the last second. "Um, Jamie?"

"Yes?"

"When will you be back?"

"I'm not sure, not long."

"Okay."

"Okay."

I leave after that, finally.

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The few days and lessons that follow are calm, peaceful, relaxing...boring. I get on with my work, turn in homework on time, but don't see much of my friends. I struggle fitting them in with all the studying I have to complete to keep up with my work. So I decide to make time for them.

We have lunch and break together everyday, and it's often we meet up after school too.

I go to dance club again also, there are only a couple of other pointe dancers, so we stick together, making up little dances or stretching. It's good, but I miss Lottie, and...despite barely knowing him, Jamie.