Harper Brooke has a crush on Steve Andrews, the tall, handsome boy who just moved into the house opposite hers. She was happier on learning that he would join her high school soon.
However, a twist for Harper or tragedy for Steve struck.
Due to a n...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
By the time English class rolled in, Harper's head was foggy. She slumped over her study table, welcoming brief darkness by closing her drooping eyes. The injury by her lips has faded, and the one on her knees left a purple zigzag which she covered by wearing her comfy cargo pants.
She lifted her head at the incoming call ringtone. With a groan, she participated in the class.
"Hello, students," Professor Frank greeted with a bright smile, appearing charming as ever in his crisp light blue shirt and fringe-up haircut.
"Good afternoon, sir," came in a loud chorus.
"I hope you are all okay and are taking care of yourselves. It's still 'stay at home' for you. Please, abide by the rule. It's for your safety. Linton Hill is out of harm's way. Still, we are clueless about when the page might turn. All right, students"
"Yes, sir"
"Last week was a success. Most of your essays were incredible, except for three of you. Don't worry. I will not take your name. Do your extra essay and send it to me on time."
Nobody replied. They all stared at the screen with neutral faces. Harper is conscious that Steve and she are not part of this. Thank goodness
"As for today, we'll study another topic for argumentative essays, and we have a poem to discuss too. The theme is the end of the world. It's pretty ironic, right."
Everyone's smile broke into a peal of laughter.
"I laughed too, kids. Poems should be in the last chapter. It's called Fire and Ice by Robert Frost. Find it, please."
Harper skimmed over the pages quickly and returned her gaze to the screen.
"As I've mentioned, Fire and Ice revolves around the theme of the end of the world. First published in the year 1920 in Harper's Magazine-"
Harper's heart starts to beat faster. Knowing the prankster Professor Frank, he'll make a connection.
"Harper Brooke, you will start first and alternate each line with –" he instructed, moving his finger around the screen and stopping at-
"Steve Andrews, all right, you may start."
Taking a deep breath and attempting not to blush, she avoided glancing at Steve and read the first line aloud.
"Some say the world will end in fire."
"Some say in ice," Steve followed.
"From what I've tasted of desire."
"I hold with those who favor fire."
Harper cannot tell if his voice turned seductive suddenly when the words desire and fire rhymed. Glimpsing at him, she continued.
