Element

✭ Chapter 15

As I overcome my puzzlement with Rhodes, I recognize the fact we technically can't be spending all our time at the willow, especially when we aren't supposed to be out.

But the willow tree has become a place where I can just spend quality time with Rhodes, someone who apparently makes me very happy (yet sometimes confused) to be around. I realize it's not safe for me to be walking around this time of evening, so I get brave and fly up pretty high. I soar above the field and trees right to the balcony of my dorm.

I smile. That was fun, I think to myself. The door unlocks and I walk inside. My stomach rumbles- we skipped dinner. I realize Kaelie, Brooke, and Alanna haven't seen me since lunch, (well, Alanna saw me in math), and they're probably concerned.

I make a mental note to find them first thing tomorrow. After being real stressed the past few days over Rhodes' test, I realize I'm pretty tired. I change, and fall right asleep.

But I have strange dreams. Like Alanna saving Rhodes instead of me. I wake up at 3:00 am crying. I take a few deep breaths and open the window to let some fresh air in, then attempt to fall back asleep.

Eventually, I do.

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It's Thursday morning, and I'm excited for Flying. We have a quiz on our first Advanced standard, altitude control. It's a standard in all three levels, but important nonetheless.

I know I'll ace it. In fact, I'm sure Rhodes will too, just in the Intermediate group. I get dressed- stretchy leggings and a tank top- and head to the Dining Room, my spirits noticeably higher than in the past few days.

I find Brooke, Alanna, and Kaelie all outside the entrance. Convenient. I walk up.

"Oh, Ramaya! We were really worried!" Brooke says, as soon as she sees me.

"Don't worry. I had... uh... a thing going on," I say, unconvincingly.

"Right... well, at least we know where you are now." Alanna says, wiggling her eye brows suggestively.

"Yup. Let's go eat!"

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Everything goes fine, first through third class. But my happy streak is slightly severed when I see Parisa walking to class with Aately. Ellis runs up from behind.

"Hey! Parisa! Hey!"

I see Parisa sneak a peek back at Ellis, giggle along with Aately, and keep walking, intentionally ignoring her. My cheeks flush red. I'm pretty mad at Parisa for that. I remember what Rhodes said, and try to ignore Parisa's actions, but I'm furious with Aately and her flu-bug rudeness.

I see most people arrived to Flying earlier today. I walk up to the Advanced group and say my hellos.

Rhodes gives me a slight smile from the Intermediate group. My cheeks blush lightly and I smile and wave back. But he turns and ignores me.

Weird.

A minute later, the quizzes begin. Five people at a time from each group go to the field and do a pattern their level indicates. The Beginners' one is so easy I almost laugh, but refrain.

Rhodes does very well, only looking nervous the very first lift up. Then he gets the hang of it. I'm pretty sure everybody in the Advanced group passed. So, a successful day in Flying.

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After classes, I'm alone at the willow, awaiting Rhodes. I practice a flying backflip, and land it nicely. I smile, and look around for the millionth time in the last few minutes.