Nightmares at Everglade Falls

5. Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Gabriel

You have got to be fucking kidding me.

Isabella is going off about the reshuffling, but I can’t focus. My eyes are fixed on the little fairy girl dragging Ophelia away. Something about her makes me uneasy, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.

“Are you even listening to me?” Isabella snaps, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I turn to her, forcing a smile. “Of course, honey. What were you saying?”

She huffs, crossing her arms. “I should totally report the teacher. I’m not working with Thomas. He never attends classes.”

I see Owen approaching and taking a seat beside us. Isabella turns to him. “Switch with me,” she demands.

“Nope!” Owen bops her nose playfully. “I want the fairy.”

Isabella rolls her eyes. “C’mon! Trade with me. I will owe you one.”

“Nah-ah. I am working with her.”

“It’s just one assignment,” she mutters. “Or maybe I’m reassuring myself. I really cannot afford to fail this class. Damn Mrs. Renault!”

I know she’s upset, so I try to comfort her. “It will be okay, babe. You know I will never let you figure out a class by yourself. I will help with whatever you need.”

“You promise?”

“Of course, honey. But let’s talk about this later. We all need to be heading to math class anyway,” I say, kissing her cheek. “I’ll be your partner for the rest of the classes.”

She smiles weakly, handing me her books to carry. With Owen beside me, we make our way to the next class, leaving behind the chaos of the elemental control classroom.

Throughout the day, I catch glimpses of Ophelia sitting in the corner with Aurora Dewdrop, the fairy whose name I only recently learned from Owen. It’s odd seeing them together. Owen has never shown much interest in the fairies, so I’m surprised he knows her full name. Something’s definitely going on with my best friend, and I can’t shake the feeling that I’m missing out on something important.

But as much as I want to figure out what’s happening with Ophelia, my focus is elsewhere. Isabella’s been fussing since this morning, and I’ve spent the rest of the day trying to appease her. It’s exhausting trying to balance my responsibilities as the head boy with my relationship issues.

During my last class of the day, my mind keeps drifting back to Ophelia. I catch myself staring at her a few times, wondering what she’s thinking. But every time our eyes meet, she quickly looks away, and I’m left feeling frustrated and confused.

As the final bell rings, signaling the end of the school day, I make my way to the administrative building. I need to take care of something before I can head back to my dorm. The principal is expecting me.

I step into Principal Celestia’s office, feeling a knot form in my stomach. She looks up from her desk, her expression expectant.

“Gabriel, good to see you,” she says warmly. “Please, have a seat.”

I sit opposite her, trying to keep my nerves in check. “What can I do for you, Principal?”

Celestia leans forward, clasping her hands together on the desk. “I’ve made a decision about this year’s school game,” she begins. “We’re going to go with soccer.”

Soccer. I nod, making a mental note to inform the rest of the students later. “Sounds good, Principal. I’m sure the students will be excited.”

She smiles, pleased with my response. “I’m glad to hear that. Now, I wanted to ask you about Ophelia’s orientation to the school. How did it go?”

I hesitate for a moment, debating whether to tell her the truth. But then I remember Isabella’s words earlier and decide to lie. “It went well,” I say, forcing a smile. “She seemed to settle in just fine.”

Celestia’s smile widens. “That’s wonderful to hear. Ophelia seems like a bright young woman.”

I nod in agreement, though my stomach churns with guilt. I hate lying to Celestia, but can’t risk Ophelia getting into trouble. Not when she’s my responsibility.

I don’t want the principal thinking that I refused to do as she asked me.

“Well, thank you for the update, Gabriel,” Celestia says, standing up from her desk. “You may go now.”

I rise from my seat, offering her a polite nod before leaving the office. As I make my way back to my dorm, I can’t shake the feeling of unease gnawing at me.

Isabella is waiting for me when I arrive, a small smile playing on her lips. “Hey, babe,” she says, reaching out to take my hand.

I return her smile, grateful for the distraction. “Hey, Isabella. Sorry, I’m late.”

She waves off my apology, pulling me into a tight hug. “No worries.”

I wrap my arms around her, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me. Isabella has always had a way of calming me down, even in the midst of chaos.

We spend the next hour hanging out in my dorm, talking about everything and nothing. It’s a welcome reprieve from the stress of the day, and I find myself losing track of time in her presence.

Eventually, the dinner bell rings, signaling it’s time to head to the cafeteria. Isabella sighs, reluctantly pulling away from me.

“Well, I guess we should go eat,” she says, flashing me a grin. “Race you to the cafeteria?”

I chuckle, playfully nudging her. “You’re on.”

Together, we make our way to the cafeteria, laughing and joking as we go. For now, at least, everything feels right in the world.