Seize A Lost Identity

Chapter 19: School Days and Growing Connections

The school bell chimed, releasing it into another day, but walking through the crowded hallways, Xio and Jules felt as though the world had suddenly twisted. The sound of students talking, running from class to class, and walking from room to room receded into the distance. It was, for just a second, only the two of them.

Well, this is how it feels to be," Jules commented, gently shoving Xio, while walking towards their first class. "I haven't been in school in ages."

Xio gave her a grin that stretched from ear to ear. "This isn't so bad, right? You get to be surrounded by all these nice, friendly people, he said with a sarcastic tone, eyeing a group of boys who were staring at Jules from across the hall. "Seems like everyone's so friendly around here. Can't walk a block without somebody looking at you.

Jules snorted. "Hey, I'm not complaining. It's not as if I'm used to such a high degree of scrutiny. Back at the café, I'm the one doing the gawking when people eat my pastries. She shrugged dramatically. At last I can be the one who is envied. It's a win-win."

Xio raised an eyebrow. "Admired, huh? Guess I should be worried, huh?"

"You should be," Jules teased, smiling slyly. Don't worry though, I'm on top of the only person currently worth paying attention to, she winked, and Xio rolled his gaze toward her and playfully nudged her forward.

Sitting together out of class, Jules sat at Xio's side as they both acted like the rest of the class [3]. It wasn't hard for them to get noticed—their easygoing energy and banter stood out amidst the usual cliques and groups.

The teacher started the lesson, but Xio wasn't really paying attention. He leaned over to Jules and whispered, "Hey, I'll make a deal with you. If I can get you laughing in this boring class you owe me a favor.

Jules turned her head, raising an eyebrow. "A favor, huh? What's the favor?"

Xio grinned mischievously. "I'll think of something, but you'll owe me."

She rolled her eyes, but couldn't help laughing. "Alright, but don't get too confident. I'm not that easy to impress."

You'll see," Xio winked, and pivoted back to the lesson, though he was already scheming his next move.

Later, during a history lecture, Xio nudged her again, this time with a piece of paper folded neatly. He just nudged it onto her desk without being observed by the teacher.

"I bet you 5 bucks you can't guess the teacher's next words.

She giggled lightly, looking up at the teacher who was in the middle of talking. Okay, I'm betting 'And that's how they built the pyramids'.

Xio raised an eyebrow and laughed. "Seriously? You've got it, don't you?"

Hold on, Jules answered with a grin, . "You still owe me that favor. She leaned back in her chair, watching Xio's reaction.

Xio sat up straight. "Oh no. What have I gotten myself into?" He groaned dramatically. "Alright, fine. I'll owe you something. But only because you're so good at this. But don't think I won't get you back."

"Don't worry, I'm keeping track." Jules grinned. "I have a feeling you'll be paying me back in no time.

Midday got closer by rapidly and the school cafeteria was a chaotic place with students clamouring to find something to eat and chatting excessively. Xio and Jules discovered a peaceful spot, where they made the most of their meals.

"So, what's next on the agenda? Jules asked, poking at her salad with a fork.

Actually we can easily miss the next lecture and do something fun," Xio said, still in his chair, his hands behind his head to the extent that he seemed to be on holiday instead of in class.

Jules raised an eyebrow. "Skip class? Seriously?"

"Why not? We've got the whole day ahead of us. What's the worst that could happen? he asked, grinning mischievously.

"You're unbelievable," she laughed, shaking her head. "No wonder people call you a troublemaker."

Xio's grin grew even wider. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Jules sighed dramatically, pushing her food aside. "Okay, okay. You win. What's your big plan?"

Xio inched closer, his voice becoming a barely audible murmur. "I was thinking we could go take over the teacher's lounge.

Jules blinked, confused. "Take over the teacher's lounge?"

"Yeah!" Xio exclaimed. "We just walk in, make ourselves some coffee, and chill out. You know, rebel stuff."

Jules burst out laughing. "You're nuts."

C'mon, it'll be fun,"" he begged with a theatrical pout. "What's the worst that could happen?"

Jules scanned the cafeteria seeing a couple of stares from the other students. "Okay, I'll admit, it's a little tempting. However, and this is important if we're detected, it's you, not me, who's going to be communicating the truth.

"Deal!" Xio said, leaping to his feet. "Let's go!"

The rest of the day went by in a haze of joking around, playful banter, and light-hearted fun. At every crossing with a cluster of pupils, Xio and Jules would look expectantly at one another, a bond between them, unspoken, strengthening with every glance, every collective moment.

As the school bell rang, both of them were in a happy mood. No flashbacks, no heavy memories—just two people enjoying each other's company, as if the world around them had been made for them to navigate together.

As they stood outside, ready to head home, Xio tossed her a smirk. "So, ready for tomorrow?"

Jules grinned back, shrugging casually. "Why not? It's not every day I get to hang out with the coolest guy in school.

Xio laughed, running a hand through his hair. "You're just saying that because I'm your personal comedian."

"Maybe," she said, winking. "But you're definitely better than the cafeteria food."

"That's a compliment, right?" Xio asked, smiling wide.

Of course, Jules replied, that search in her eyes and glitter on her teeth. "Just don't expect me to forget it."

As they walked off together, the sound of laughter and joking filled the air, leaving behind a trail of memories—new ones, untouched by the past. And for the first time in a long time, it felt like the future was a wide-open road, just waiting for them to take the next step.