The Nightfall Chronicles

The Last Replacement - 7

"S-sorry, what?!" he stammered, eyes wide in disbelief. My cheeks flushed instantly, my heart pounding in my chest. Why did I say that? I quickly scrambled to gather myself, already preparing to laugh it off as a prank, hoping to save face.

But before I could get the words out, the security guard bellowed at us from across the courtyard. "Hey, you! Get back to class!"

I cringed at the interruption, but before I had time to feel embarrassed, Nathaniel's hand suddenly wrapped around mine. "Let's go," he said, pulling me back toward the building. His grip was firm but gentle, and I was too stunned to protest. My mind was still reeling from the confession but the warmth of his hand kept me grounded in the moment.

As we reached the door, he turned to me with the most charming smile, his eyes locking with mine in a way that made my stomach flip. "We'll meet during lunch," he said softly, his voice almost teasing. "I'll give you my answer then."

And just like that, my insides turned into a zoo - my heart racing, butterflies swirling, and every thought I had jumbled into a chaotic mess.

After our second encounter, complete with a sudden confession and the unforgettable moment of holding hands, I drifted back to class, completely in a trance. Everything around me felt distant, like I was walking through a dream. My feet moved on autopilot - I didn't watch where I was going, didn't notice the teacher entering the room, and didn't join the class in greeting her.

I was utterly lost, still replaying those brief, intense moments with Nathaniel in the garden. His hand in mine, that smile, the promise of meeting again during lunch - it all swirled in my mind, making it impossible to focus on anything else. I barely registered the world around me as I sank into my seat, my thoughts still tethered to the garden and to him.

Focusing on the class felt like Mission Impossible. I knew I couldn't afford another lecture for zoning out, so I made an effort to concentrate. But, of course, I failed miserably. My mind kept drifting back to Nathaniel. Every time I tried to refocus, his face popped into my thoughts, making any attempt to pay attention completely useless.

Eventually, I just gave up and decided to pretend I was listening. Nodding occasionally, scribbling random notes - it was all an act. Those two classes dragged on endlessly, each minute feeling like an eternity. I kept glancing at the clock, wishing it would move faster. All I could think about was lunch, when I'd finally get to see Nathaniel again.

A huge part of me hoped, desperately, that he liked me back. But another part - just as large - felt oddly certain that he did. There was something about the way he smiled, the way he held my hand, that made me believe maybe, just maybe, he felt the same way.

After what felt like an eternity, the bell for lunch finally rang. The moment my teacher stepped out of the room, I bolted, barely waiting for the sound of the door closing behind her. I could feel my heart racing as I hurried down the hallway, eager to see Nathaniel again.

Moments later, Tia appeared by my side, quick as ever, and without missing a beat, she looped her arm through mine. "Whoa, what's the rush?" she asked, laughing as she struggled to keep up with my pace.

I slowed down slightly but couldn't hide the anticipation in my step. I didn't tell her why I was so eager to get out of class, though I'm sure she could sense that something was up. I could barely contain myself. All I could think about was Nathaniel and what was waiting for me during lunch.