When Summer Becomes Winter

Chapter 17: Some Problems Don't Even Need Solutions! Just An Ear!

Summer 28

"Remember, the test is Friday! Be sure to study more tonight, and don't try to cram it all in the night before!" Mr. Barrett exclaimed as the bell for our dismissal rang. The four of us began to pack our belongings, heading out of the classroom's door.

"Ah, Leonel. C'mere for a second." Mr. Barrett said as Leonel blushed before looking down in embarrassment and shame, walking back to his father. I couldn't help but feel bad, considering I was the one who pretty much put him in this mess.

Leann and Orland were waiting for us outside the academy when I stepped out the door, a look of concern on Leann's face.

"I really hope Leonel can spend time with us soon. Being grounded has to be the worst." Leann said, looking down in sorrow.

"Yeah, and it's my fault that he's grounded." I said with a sigh, Leann's head darted towards me.

"Your fault? What on earth did you do, Clara?" Leann asked horrified as I blushed, causing her to blush as well.

"Oh! Are you talking about-?" She stopped when she noticed that Orland was still around us.

"Ah...the-the...you know? The thing?" Leann asked, trying to be as discreet as possible as I raised my brow. However, before I could let Leann know that Orland already knew.

"Uh...the thing you two are talking about; does it begin with a B and end with a Y?" Orland asked.

"Yes! But, Orly, how did you know about it?" Leann asked in a hurt way as Orland blushed.

"The Sylphs told my family and me, way before anyone else found out!" Orland exclaimed as Leann blushed.

"Oh, right. I kind of forgot about them." Leann said with a sigh. It was awkwardly silent for a second.

"It doesn't feel right for just the three of us to hang out and exclude Leonel. It would be different if he said no, but..." Leann looked down.

"Maybe the four of us could hang out when Leonel's no longer grounded?" Orland suggested.

"That would be best." Leann said, a small smile on her face.

"Well, I guess, see everyone tomorrow?" Orland said as Leann and I nodded.

"Yeah, see everyone tomorrow." I said as we started going our separate ways.

"Guys!" Someone exclaimed as we stopped in our tracks, looking over at Leonel rushing out the door and towards us.

"Oh. Do you need something, Leonel? Or does Mr. Barrett?" Orland asked as Leonel approached us.

"No, dad doesn't, but sh-should we all hang out today?" He asked as our eyes widened.

"Ah, but aren't you grounded, Leonel?" Leann asked, Leonel's face flushed.

"Well, yes...however, dad made a deal with me. I'm not going to get too into the deal; however as long as I'm back here by five-thirty, it'll be fine." Leonel said with a smile.

"Oh! Wonderful! Where shall we hang out?" Leann asked.

"We'll have to avoid the east and west end of town. I-I can't let mom nor grandpa catch me." Leonel said.

"That's reasonable." Orland said, placing his hand to his chin. "We could hang at Falling Star Path, or maybe the pond?"

"Oh! I vote for the Falling Star Path!" Leann exclaimed.