Learning To Let Go

Believe in Hope

We were one of the first few who had managed to squeeze ourselves through the door into the dining compartment. I spotted Jacob and elbowed Rene. She grinned and dragged me over, pushing me down into the chair next to him. He looked over at us and smiled.

“Hey guys! How are the Lively Twins doing on this horrid evening?” he asked. Back in District Twelve, Rene and I were known as the Lively Twins as we were always running all over town, gossiping.

“We’re fine. You?” Rene replied. He shrugged his shoulders and turned to speak to Garreth on his left. I saw Aaron enter the room alone and sit down at the opposite ends of the compartment. I sighed to myself and shook my head.

“What’s wrong with Aaron?” she asked playfully, flicking my arm. I rolled my eyes and said, “Well, when you were napping, he asked to speak to me. So obviously out of politeness, I said yes. He then brought to a compartment which was more like a pretty garden. There he told me he liked me and I let him down,” I said, blushing. Rene looked deep in thought before saying, “Honestly, I’m not surprised. He’s been asking all the girls in our class if you like him.” I felt my mouth drop in shock. “What?!” I said, hitting Rene.

“Whoa, ladies. Calm down,” Jacob said, playfully hitting my arm. I felt tingles go down my back as I turned to him and said, “You’d want to stay out of this.” This seemed to make him more curious and he began to pester Rene, asking her what happened. I zoned out and looked across the compartment at Aaron. He was staring at me, and when our eyes met, he blushed and looked away. I slowly turned back to Rene, who was still talking to Jacob. Jacob waved his hand in front of my face, saying “Hello? Isabella? Back to Earth please.” I swatted his arm away and said, “Sorry, just daydreaming.”

He snorted and whispered, “More like checking out Aaron Johnson.” I ignored him and turned to Rene, who was deep in conversation with Hianne. I groaned and turned back to Jacob, who still had that stupid grin plastered on his perfect face. “So, am I about to find out who that person you like is?” he asked, true curiosity in his voice. I rolled my eyes and punched him playfully. “Maybe,” I said, knowing how much suspension killed him. He pouted and I chuckled.

Just then, Rochelle and Michael, our mentors for this year, entered the compartment and said, “You all are probably hungry, so, let’s eat!” And instantly behind them, appeared a dozen waiters bearing trays of heavenly food. All talk was abandoned as everyone tuck into the scrumptious meal before them.

As I was helping myself to some mashed potatoes, I felt Jacob tap me on the shoulder. I put my plate down and turned to him, eyebrows raised. “Meet me after dinner at eight in the garden compartment,” was all he said, before turning back to Garreth. I felt a smile spread across my face as I checked the clock hanging on the wall behind Rochelle. Great, two more hours to go.