New Rome

20. The Exile

Arly was slumped across her desk in class, sighing sadly. She'd loved her stay in the capital. Kaze had taken her aboveground and it had been incredible. It had rained! The novelty of rain had made the experience seem wonderful and Arly had danced around in it like a little kid. For once, so distracted that she hadn't worried about what Kaze had thought of her. The way the air had smelt and the feeling of the wind - she'd dreamt of it every night since.

"Arly?" Her friend, Gnaeus, waved a hand in front of Arly's face. "You alive?"

Arly sat bolt upright, surprised to see that the class was emptying around her. It felt like she'd only just sat down, how had the hour gone by so fast? "You slept so soundly, I half thought you dead." Gnaeus teased. Arly stretched her stiff arms and back.

"Take pity on your dumb friend and shares your notes with me." Arly pleaded, gathering together her belongings.

"You refer to the notes that I painstakingly imparted from mind to paper this last hour?"
Arly clung to Gnaeus's arm and began a mixture of begging and compliments as they exited the classroom.

"Lady Arly," a voice chimed. Gnaeus and Arly stopped, their path obstructed by the beautiful Layala.

"Oh, just Arly is fine," Arly mumbled, flushing with embarrassment.

"Can we help you?" Gnaeus asked, with a bite in her tone that surprised Arly. Gnaeus was usually more respectful when speaking with their seniors.

"Did you have fun in the capital?" Layala asked, ignoring Gnaeus. Arly nodded, flustered about what she should say. Probably she should come out with some profound observation about urbanisation or something of that sort. But Arly's mind was blank and she felt suddenly very stupid. "It was sweet of Kaze to take you aboveground," Layala continued.

"How did you-?"

"I'm pleased he's being such a good big brother to you."

Arly's heart seemed to be in her mouth just then. Big brother...

"Hmm," was all she managed.

"If he's ever mean to you, speak with me. Kaze can be such a tyrant I know, but if he's harsh with you – tell me all. And I shall avenge you." Layala promised, tossing her lovely hair over her shoulder.

"I thank you." Alry replied, her voice lacking volume.

They parted ways and Arly continued down the corridor in silence. Kaze must have told Layala about taking her aboveground. That made sense, the two were friends – Arly remembered the time Layala had come to the male dorm in search of Kaze. Perhaps they were more than friends. It made sense, the most perfect guy in school should date the most brilliant girl and Layala was beautiful and clever.

Arly clung to her bag strap, her head bowed miserably. She's allowed herself to hope, she realised that now. Because Kaze and her had gotten so close. But now she needed to be rational. Kaze had surely paid attention to her, just because it had only been the two of them. If Layala had been there – things would have been different. Arly's shoulders trembled, as if she'd received a blow. Kaze probably did just see her a sister, a little sister – stupid and insignificant.

"Strike her words from your mind – Arly." Gnaeus spoke up, interrupting Arly's depressing thoughts. "She's just jealous."