Fated Encounters

Chapter 2: Hidden Truths

Angela had never imagined sneaking anyone into her room, let alone a boy. Her heart raced as she closed the door softly behind her, locking it with trembling fingers. Patrick stood near the window, peering out as if to ensure no one had followed them.

"You're safe here," she whispered, though she wasn’t sure if the words were for him or for herself. The room felt smaller with him in it, but there was a strange comfort in his presence.

Patrick turned to her, his dark eyes scanning the room. It was modest, with stacks of books piled on the desk, and papers strewn everywhere, evidence of her exam preparation. She felt a wave of embarrassment and quickly cleared a space on her bed, gesturing for him to sit.

"Do you think they'll find you?" Angela asked, her voice tinged with worry.

"They won't. Not if we’re careful," Patrick reassured, though the weight of everything happening still lingered on his face.

For a few moments, they sat in silence, the air thick with unsaid words. Finally, Patrick spoke. "I promised I'd help you with your studies, didn't I?"

Angela hesitated before handing him a book. As they worked through equations and formulas, she found herself glancing at him more than her notes. There was something different about Patrick. He seemed so focused, yet there was a quiet intensity, a weight on his shoulders.

After a few hours of studying, Angela closed the book, feeling her brain start to fog. "That's enough for today."

Patrick leaned back, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "You’re smarter than you think, Angela."

She looked away, trying to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks. "Thanks… but I have more questions. About you. And… our people."

Patrick’s expression shifted, becoming serious. "There’s a lot you need to know. About the Astonians, about your parents… and about why you’re the key to everything."

Angela’s heart skipped a beat. "The key to what?"

"To keeping our people safe," he said softly. "The Astonians were once a strong, hidden community. But because of humans, many were killed, and the rest scattered. Your parents were leaders, Angela. They died protecting what little remained of our world."

Angela's mind whirled as Patrick's words sank in. Her parents. She had always thought they died in an accident. But now, this changed everything. "Why didn’t anyone tell me this before?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Patrick sighed. "Will wanted to protect you, keep you hidden until the right time. But now, with the book in danger and the aliens closing in, you’re the only one who can stop them."

Angela stood up, her body tense with the flood of emotions. "And you? Why are you here, Patrick?"

He stepped closer, his voice low but steady. "I’m here because I have to be. Because we’re connected in ways you can’t even imagine yet. And because I won’t let them take you or the Andasastra."

Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, everything else faded. It was as if the entire world had narrowed down to the space between them, filled with all the things they weren’t yet saying.

Angela stepped back, overwhelmed. "I need time to think."

Patrick nodded, understanding. "I’ll be here when you’re ready."

As the night deepened, Angela lay awake, her mind spinning with everything she had learned. Patrick’s presence in her room, the truth about the Astonians, and the weight of a future she had never asked for—all of it seemed too much. But somehow, with Patrick nearby, she felt stronger. Maybe, just maybe, she could face the destiny that was waiting for her.