Grace Academy

Part Seven

"Can I open my eyes yet?" Mel asked.

Her hand was glued to Jess's as he lead her down a hallway.

"I don't like being in the dark so long."

He laughed. "Just a few more steps."

A door creaked open and she was guided a few steps beyond.

"Open."

Mel stared around her in awe. She was in the centre of a massive library with shelves running three storeys up to the roof. Several sofas were littered around the room with a roaring fireplace in the centre of it all.

She ran a hand over the nearest shelf.

"It's beautiful," she whispered. Then she shuddered when she recognized the spot where she saw Jess lying crushed.

She cringed away from it and turned to him. "Why did you bring me here?"

He grinned again. "I thought you might like getting out of your room, I guess." He glanced at the fire. "Though I must admit it can get pretty warm in here."

She laughed and nodded. "Why don't we go outside. My legs are aching."

"Rough night?"

Mel shrugged as they moved outside. "You could say that." She felt Jess's frown piercing her soul.

"Care to explain?" he finally asked.

Seeing no way to avoid the answer, Mel did.

Leaves crunched softly under their feet as they walked on a path around Grace.

"You don't believe me," Mel concluded, eyeing the expression on his face warily.

Jess shook his head. "I do, actually. I'm just trying to make sence of what could have caused what ever that thing was."

"Maybe you arguing with Luce." She bit her toung as soon as she said it, silently cursing herself.

He stopprd short. "What?" His voice was scarcely audiable.

Mel shook her head and laughed shakily. "Sorry," she said. "I need to put a guard in front of my mouth. You two just seem tense when you're close."

Jess snorted unexpectedly. "That's an understatement."

She smiled, playfully nudging him with her shoulder. "Do you mind if I ask why?"

"Let's just say our worlds don't collide that well." He glanced at his watch. "I should go. Mrs Grace has some sort of task for me."

He jogged off, flashing her a final grin before dodging into the building.

Mel took in a deep breath and continurd down the path. She stiffened shen a figure fell into step next to her.

"Someone as lighy as you shouldn't be walking alone through the shadows," Luce stated. "It could be... dangerous."

She frowned up at him. "How so?"

He shook his head. "I think you know why."

They walked in silence for a while, heading into the building and moving up to her room.

"So what are you doing on a fine day such as today?" Luce mused, leaning against her doorframe.

"Painting, if you must know," she smiled. "And you?"

He grinned mischievously. "Helping you, of course."