Forbidden Fruit

Chapter 26: Betrayal

Today is the Exhibition prepared by the Specialists from Red Fountain. Bloom is here in our room applying a plant conditioner on Stella's hair that Flora had prepared. I had opted out of that, since I didn't really think my hair needed any extra care. While they're doing that, I'm lying down on my bed reading a book about potionology, that Palladium lent me earlier, while listening to the girls and answering whenever they talked to me.

"Is something wrong, Bloom? You look like you've got lots on your mind."

Stella says.

"Is it that obvious?"

Bloom replies groggily.

"I wouldn't have pointed it out if it wasn't..."

"...Yeah, there's just a lot on mind lately."

"Do you want to tell me about it?"

Stella asks her. Bloom sighs softly.

"I'm just so confused about everything that's been happening these days. Like, who I am, why I'm having these strange dreams about Daphne and what even is Lake Roccaluce. I just feel so lost..."

"Look, all I know is that the past can't be changed, but the present is still in your hands. You should call Brandon and tell him what's up! You guys really need to clear the air."

The conversation goes on for a bit. I decide to head out at the same time as Stella goes to wash out the conditioner from her hair, both feeling that Bloom will probably need some time to think.

I head for the library to return the book I've been reading, since I just finished it. While browsing for more books, I can't help but overhear some fairies whispering.

"Do you think they're seeing each other...?"

"I'm sure of it! Do you see the way he looks at her?"

"Isn't it romantic, though? Forbidden love..."

"Romantic?! Are you crazy? He's probably grooming her!"

"Or she's seducing him and asking for it."

"Awful!"

"We don't have any proof, though. Maybe it's all just rumours."

"If Miss Faragonda finds out, Professor Palladium will be in so much shit."

"Onyx should be the one sent away from Alfea! She's the outsider here... What was the big idea anyway to bring an Ankelon into our school?"

I blink a few times, starting to feel the weight of their words. It seems like they know more than I hoped. I know that my presence in Alfea is jeopardizing Palladium's career and reputation. Tears start stinging my eyes.

What if I become a burden on him? What if he ends up hating me if our secret comes out and people find out? I can't bear the thought of losing him, but I don't want to become the reason of his misfortune, either... Maybe I should talk to him? No... If people keep seeing us around each other, it'll be confirmation of the rumours going around.

As I ponder on the situation, my phone vibrates. I open it and see a message from Palladium, asking me if I'm free to go to the Red Fountain exhibition that's going on later today. I let out a little gasp. This is way too risky. Everyone will be there. If we are both seen together at that event, it will be very bad. I need to talk to Palladium to explain my concerns quickly. I respond to him with a short "we need to talk" text, to which he replies telling me to meet him in his office.

I let out a panicked sigh and head there while looking behind me constantly, feeling as though everyone is watching my every move. I knock shyly on Palladium's office door and he answers with his usual "come in".