Who's Story is it?

Chapter 4:

It was the first day back after the autumn holidays. It was warm and there was a gentle breeze. Neil and his best friend were in class early as usual. As the rest of the class walked through, something about Ariana caught the eye if Neil's best friend. Her naturally fair skin had turned pale and her cheeks were slightly brighter than usual. No one else could see theses ever so slight changes. These were changes so insignificant that only a true observer could see. "Neil, I have to go somewhere, I'll be back as soon as I can but I don't know how long that will be." As he was about to leave, Neil's face turned to shock, "Wait a minute. You're taking your bag with you. Where are you going and how long do you expect to be gone for minimum?" Neil's best friend looked at him, tilted his head sideways and gave a feint laugh "Hmhm. Don't worry, I should be back soon. Shouldn't be any later than first break. If I come back after first break than my little trip would be useless." Neil was still extremely perplexed, "What the hell. I don't understand. Where are you going and what are you doing?" Neil's best friend simply stared at him with his head still tilted and replied, "Don't worry. You'll find out when the time comes." And with that he left the classroom, on his way out of the school grounds, he ran into Scott, "Hey, you got a moment? I know you're probably late for class already but I just need to ask you something."

"Yeah sure don't worry. I got all the time in the world. Go ahead, tell me what's on your mind." Scott had a slightly annoyed expression on his face, "What do you mean you have all the time in the world? Class is about to start. You know what...never mind, I know what's gonna happen anyway. Absolutely nothing like always. Back to what I was going to say before, I did a little soul searching on the holidays and well I'm...I think I'm almost ready." Neil's best friend looked delighted to hear this development, "That's good to hear. You did say almost however so what's the last step, what's holding you back?"

"Well if you're not busy sometime today I'd like to talk to you about my previous relationship. I think if I can open up to you and get your opinion, I'll be healed and ready to find someone"

"If this is what you think will help then you know I'll be there for you. I can't guarantee I'll be able to today though but if not than I definitely will listen tomorrow. Sounds good?" Scott nodded and with that, Neil's best friend headed out of the school grounds on his unknown journey.

Neil and Scott had the same class next. They were both still curious as to where Neil's best friend had gone and what he was doing. "So where do you he went Neil? I mean you did just have class with him, did he tell you what he was doing?"

"I honestly have no idea. He just said he should be back by first break and I would find out in time." Neil and Scott looked at each other with the same annoyed and confused expression towards Neil's best friend. As the two arrived at their next class they were not surprised that he wasn't there. They were surprised that as the teacher called the role he did not notice his absence. He then proceeded to read the morning notices, "Year 9 blah, blah, blah...P and C yadah, yadah, yadah...Oh here's something that might interest you students. Next week Friday is the school swimming carnival. Nominations must be in by Tuesday next week. Events well u guys know what they are; one lap, two laps, three laps and then the muck around laps." Much of the class was uninterested but Noa was very intrigued at this information. He zoned out for much of the lesson pondering how he could use this event to further his quest to conquer Ariana. It was soon 1st break and thus Neil, Scott and Noa made their way over to the library.

As Neil was walking over to the library his best friend appeared once again, "I~ 'm back. Did you miss me?" Neil was not amused, "Where the hell where you and what were you doing?"

"Don't worry, you'll find out very soon as long as you think about it. On a slightly different but still related note I want you to stay next to Ariana this break."

"Okay, why though?"

"Noa is going to slip up today. It's not going to be the big one that throws him out of the picture but we can make a big step forward from it. Just stay next to her but don't stop Noa from doing anything." The two waited for Noa to arrive. He strolled in with a very arrogant strut. He was as brash and cocky as ever. He walked up to the group and placed one of his arms around one of Neil's best friend's broad shoulders. He spoke with extreme confidence, "Yo~. What's up everybody?" the group simply starred at the how much of a fool he had made of himself. Noa paused for a moment and started again, "Well you guys heard about the swimming carnival next week right?" everyone stayed silent and simply nodded to answer. "So how many of you are going?" as he asked he turned his attention specifically to Ariana. Neil, his best friend and Scott all shook their heads and remained silent to tell him that they were not going but also to show him how transparent he was being. Ariana replied, "No I...I don't think I'll be going"

"Aww. Come on. It will be fun. I'm going to be competing." Neil's best friend tapped Neil on the shoulder and whispered, "After his next sentence I'll take him away." He slipped an envelope in Neil's hands and continued, "Open this when I leave. You got it?" Neil nodded. Noa continued, "You'll get to see me shirtless and soaked. You know you want to." It was clear to Neil's best friend the disgust on Ariana's face. He moved over to Noa, pulled him away and said, ""Dude...I think you've said a little too much. Let's go inside bro." and so the two left and Scott and the rest of the group soon followed except for Neil and Ariana.

Neil opened the envelope to find a letter. It read Now that I've taken Noa away, ask Ariana if she is alright. Whatever her answer is keep your ears open for something along the line of being sick or having a headache. Once she does give her the medication within this envelope and tell her to take two tablets now and if the pain or illness persists to take another two in about four hours. The medication will also make her slightly drowsy so watch out for that. This is when you can make a big step forward and I'm sure you will. Good luck. Neil was absolutely astonished at this letter. He was astonished that he could predict this and that he could think this far and that there were signs that he could see and predict future events. This was not the first time he has done something like this but every time he does this, it never gets any less impressive. After a moment he turned his attention to Ariana, "Sorry about what happened there Ariana. That was a bit...awkward to say the least." Ariana turned slightly to face Neil and replied "yeah that was a bit...yeah but I'm..." she paused for a moment and placed her hand delicately on her forehead as if in pain. "Are you okay Ariana?" Neil asked in response. "I'm sure, I just have a bit of a headache that's all." After saying that a feeling of pain wafter over Ariana which was clearly visible. "I don't think you are alright Ariana. Here, take a couple of these. Its pain medication, it should help." Neil handed Ariana the packet of medicine. She popped out two pills and swallowed them without hesitation signifying the extent of the pain she was in. the two of them went inside afterwards to join the rest of the group. Soon after the pain medication started to take effect. An expression of relief was visible on Ariana's face as the pain receded but then the drowsiness started to come as well. She slowly started leaning towards Neil and eventually she was resting her head upon Sea's shoulders. As she drifted from conciseness, Neil gently stroked her long, dark and dazzling hair. As he did a very contempt smile slowly revealed itself upon Ariana's face. This was the big step Neil's best friend was talking about. This was a big jump in how comfortable Ariana was around Neil. As the break finished Neil woke Ariana up and the two, along with the rest of the group, started walking back to class. Neil and Ariana were clasping each-others hands, their excuse was that Ariana was still a little shaky but this was just another sign of how comfortable Ariana had become around Neil.

As the group was walking, Scott noticed something "Hey um guys...were we're missing someone?" he was referring to Neil's best friend. The group looked around and to their amazement, he had disappeared. The entire day had passed and his presence was not seen. Though this was not uncommon it was always unusual. With this most strange event everyone went home in confusion. This concluding the first day back for term 2.