Misha the Beast Tamer

Chapter 20

My heart felt heavy as I waved goodbye to Stefan. I still had a little over a week left until classes returned.

Since locking eyes with Simon at the dining hall I was too scared to bathe alone, walk the halls alone, or do anything by myself. I mostly relied on Aqila to accompany me when she couldn't or was doing something else, I remained in the room. Most of all I dreaded returning to tracking class, my favourite subject. I had Aqila with me, but she couldn't protect me from my thoughts, the incident playing over and over in my mind and my body's reaction to those images; the sweating, uncontrollable shaking, my pounding heart, and the inability to breathe. No-one could help me with that, I hoped that time would become my saviour, eventually.

Before I could blink, the halls filled with student's, classes would resume tomorrow. I was excited and nervous. I didn't realise how much I actually enjoyed attending classes, I was already starting to miss them three days into the two week break.

I was doing some revision for the for tomorrow, when my mind wandered back to the night that Aqila tried to kiss me and also revealed her hidden feelings for me. I was surprised to find that she went straight back to acting how she was before that night the very next morning. She acted as if nothing had happened between us. She had returned to being annoyed by my existence, but also being there when I needed her.

I heard her muttering and writing behind the closed curtain seperating our beds and room. It seemed she was also doing revision for her classes tomorrow. I wanted to rip open the curtain and ask her if she remembered what happened that night and was what she said was the true. I reached for the curtain, but I chickened out. What if she didn't remember? What If she did remember, but wanted to forget? What if she got mad or embarrassed by me asking her about it? I sighed and pulled my hand away from the curtain. Maybe my questions were better left unanswered.

Afterall, Zac was waiting for me and I him. But I couldn't help thinking of the possibilities that could happen between myself and Aqila if she did confess and act on her true feelings towards me.

I shook my head, trying to shake those thoughts from my mind. By that afternoon, I couldn't even remember what I had revised that morning. My mind kept wandering, not only to thoughts of Aqila, but of Erik and Simon. How was I going to handle being in the same room as Simon?

Tracking class was the last for the day, I was excited to return, but also dreaded seeing Simon. I took my seat, Aqila sat beside me. I waited anxiously and tried to prepare myself for seeing Simon. My anxiety grew with every minute that drew closer to facing my fear.

Finally, Erik arrived and took his position behind the desk. Still, no sign of Simon. The class began, soon half an hour had passed, no Simon. I started to relax and enjoy the class. When the class had finished Erik requested me to stay back for a quick chat. Aqila was reluctant to leave, she stood by the door and listened in. Erik, once again rolled his eyes at Aqila being over protective of me.

" I will get straight to the point, Misha. I bet you're wondering why Simon did not turn up to class today?"

I nodded, and replied to Erik's question,

"Actually, you're right sir, I was wondering why he didn't attend class. What's happened to him?"

Erik let out a sigh

" He is banned from my class and has been sent to another. He will no longer be taught how to track or even get the chance to become a beast tamer. He lost that privilege when he decided to do what he did to you Princess.

Instead, he will learn how to look after the many rare beasts at our sanctuary. Maybe if he learns to care about something other than himself, he might actually make a good beast keeper and human."