Forbidden Fruit

Chapter 14: The Day of the Rose

It's been a few days since the incident. I haven't seen the witches since, and that's the only thing that's keeping them alive right now. Next time I see them, they're in for a world of pain. I don't even care about the consequences at this point. Apparently, Faragonda sent a letter to Cloud Tower's headmistress, demanding her to take disciplinary action concerning the three witches. I bet she won't do a thing about it.

These days, every time I see professor Palladium, my heart starts beating really fast. Yeah, I'm aware that I like him more than a teacher, and that's a problem. Student teacher relationships are not appropriate in a school environment. As if I'd ever be in a relationship with him... It's probably one-sided anyway.

"You're already awake, Onyx?"

Stella yawns and stretches her arms as she gets out of bed.

"Yeah. Did you sleep well?"

She nods as she stretches some more.

"Are you going somewhere today?"

She asks me. Oh yeah... Today is the Day of the Rose. The day we're supposed to celebrate our mothers. Too bad mine doesn't even consider me her child.

"No, I won't be going anywhere. You?"

"Me neither."

We change and get out to say goodbye to Flora and Tecna who are both going back to their home planets. On the way out, we see that everyone else is also leaving.

"Hey, Onyx!"

I turn towards Professor Palladium who's heading towards me with his luggage.

"Professor..."

I feel a bit awkward around him... But I should at least properly face him before he goes.

"I just uh... wanted to say goodbye before leaving."

"Yeah... Bye..."

"Are you going to see your mother too?"

I shake my head, not really knowing how to answer.

"Oh. Do you... want to talk about it?"

"It's okay. You should go spend time with your mother while you can."

"Alright. I'll see you tomorrow then."

I smile and wave at him while he leaves and waves back.

I head back inside with Stella, Bloom and Musa and we head for the cafeteria to eat breakfast. There's literally only the four of us.

"You're not going to see your parents back on Earth, Bloom?"

Stella asks her while putting some jam onto a piece of toast.

"You might think this is silly of me, but... I just feel like I'll be even more homesick if I go back for just one day."

Understandable, I guess.

"How about you guys? Why did you decide to stay here?"

After swallowing a bite of her sandwich, Stella took the liberty to answer Bloom's question first.

"Well, the King and Queen of Solaria haven't exactly been on good terms recently... When I go back to visit, it feels as though I'm unwanted in the middle of their bickering. I'd rather just spend my time in peace."

"That must be horrible..."

Bloom answers with concern.

"Enough about that. What about you, Onyx? Why are you staying?"