Chapter 4 Plan revealed

A protracted week finally ends. As the second day of the fledgling week tapped gently at the door, Bella hastened to class early, embarking on a mission to decipher the mystery of David's absence.

The schoolyard, enveloped in the morning's sunshine, was silent for the gentle caress of the sea breeze through the areca palm fronds, whispering as secret sweet nothings exchanged between lovers. The classroom was quiet, only Bella amidst rows of vacant desks. Finding a peaceful corner in a bustling city like this was not easy. Yet, she involuntarily paused at a lonely desk at the back, her eyes sagging heavily, laden with an unspoken sorrow.

A ceaseless wait ensued for Bella as individuals slowly came in; even Linda arrived, yet the one she waited for remained an echo in the void.

As roll call commenced, Bella reminded herself David was akin to an elusive balloon, flying carefree across diverse horizons, impervious to grasp or comprehend. Anxiety rippled through Bella, pondering if anyone would realize David was again absent.

"Class monitor, bring the list to me," said Professor Brown.

Startled, Bella complied and retreated to her seat upon placing the attendance sheet on the teacher's desk. Professor Brown scrutinized the list meticulously, her ballpoint pen sweeping from top to bottom. Bella's hands pressed firmly against her femoral; though stationary, they seemed to tremble beneath her. Her countenance darkened, the rosiness of her skin paled to an ashen hue, and with but a slight observation, beads of sweat could be seen dappling her lovely visage.

Professor Brown, beaming, cast a contented glance over the room, her spirit lifted for her lesson was adored by the students. Since committing to this subject, she had grown accustomed to complaints of disinterest or neglect from many, for the General Law course indeed presented itself dryly. Yet, she cherished it for the invaluable insights it bestowed.

"We're all here in such admirable numbers; I commend the spirit of everyone," she praised. "At the end of this month, our final exams loom, so today, I'll ask a few of you to answer questions to help revise the material for everyone."

A murmur swept through the class at the unexpected announcement. Somebody, diligent in their studies, remained poised and eager. Bella, however, found herself paralyzed, a worry weaving through her thoughts: What if she calls on David?

No sooner had the question whispered through her mind than Professor Brown's voice, crisp and decisive.

"David Smith, can you tell me how marriage is defined according to the current Marriage and Family Law ?"

The class fell into a hush, eyes darting, seeking the absent one. Professor Brown continued speaking after waiting in vain for a student to stand.

"Come now, David, rise and answer so I and everybody may know."

Bella's heart was on the brink of leaping out from its ribbed cage. The fragmented echoes of Professor Brown's words reverberated unsettlingly in her ears. With her composure slipping away, her face revealed a profound worry akin to a transgressor caught red-handed in some illicit act.

"Class president, is David present today? His name is on the list, but it seems he isn't.

Professor Brown began to harbor doubts about David's attendance that day. Bella's eyes, shimmering pools of nervousness, purposefully avoided meeting the teacher's gaze. Fear, though merely a sensation, governed her entire being, making her sluggish and crumpled. Her ears pulsed with indescribable sounds.

Bell's body seemed to freeze and paralyze her limbs, draining her strength. The energy life had departed, leaving behind merely an empty vessel, its soul having drifted elsewhere.

If it weren't for Linda's nudge, Bella might have forgotten that it was her name, Professor Brown was calling. After moments of stark terror, she gradually rose, eyes meeting Professor Brown's, tears threatening to cascade down like a confession on the brink of utterance.

The classroom fell into an abyss of silence, every gaze fixated on Bella, with a secret perilously close to exposure. Upon discovering Bella's deceit, the teacher would be furious, yet she knew nothing to say save the truth.

Suddenly, from the doorway, hurried footsteps announced the arrival of a tall young man, sprinting into the room as though he was pursued. A fleeting moment of haste and fright passed David's face before dissolving. With calm steps, he approached Professor Brown, standing before her.

"Why are you just arriving now?"

David, ever so composed, explained himself, "Professor Brown, I was here early but stepped out due to a minor health issue and, thus, am late. I seek your understanding."

Professor Brown gazed upon the student before her, not a flicker of skepticism in her eyes. His arrival, albeit late, negated the need for further inquiry. She spoke gently, "Return to your seat and prepare your lesson."

Now, Bella began to feel each pulsation within her breath. There had been a moment when she thought her heart might cease to beat, yet from this day forth. She would resent him for plunging her into a predicament, nearly casting her as an unforgivable culprit.

Throughout the lesson, she remained silent, head bowed, her eyes affixed to the pages of a book she held no fondness for. It was, after all, preferable to gazing back towards the last desk in the room – occupied by someone who, in a moment, had become the person she loathed most. She no longer cared whether he noticed her or what he thought of her – his momentary lapse had only amplified the distance between them, making the already distant relationship even more remote.

In subsequent lessons, she seemed to transform into an entirely different person, no longer possessing the joy and enthusiasm of Mondays. Unconcerned with appearances or anyone's smile, she attended classes as if it was merely a student's duty, and during roll call, she no longer cared to pronounce his name. Her demeanor altered in such a manner, yet one thing remained unchanged in a small corner of her desk drawer - the candy still rested in its familiar spot.

However, it was not just a single piece but ... an entire packet, upon which was affixed a tiny note.

"I intended to give you one each day, but today marks our last lesson. Opportunities to meet again will be scarce, so please accept them all. I apologize."

Though she tried to remain indifferent, Bella's resentment fluttered away at this very moment like a bird taking flight. She looked towards the back of the classroom, but David was not there; he had left earlier than the others. Involuntarily, in this instant, her heartbeat plummeted into a painful abyss. The emotions of early adolescence are often finely tuned to the most minute gestures and actions. Bella lived through those lustrous years of her life, yet an undercurrent of unease perpetually flowed beneath her mind, for she could not control all that transpired around her.

From now on, Bella's memories would carry an additional person to remember, someone who helped her realize how easy it is to befriend a stranger but how difficult it is to forget one we once knew. Seeing Bella distantly lost in her thoughts, as if enveloped in a haze, Linda picked up a piece of candy, intending to unwrap and consume it. Bella, showing her discontent, snatched it away. Observing this, Linda pouted, "Not letting me eat your love token, huh? Have you fallen for him? Be honest so that I can play matchmaker." Linda teased Bella gleefully.

The blushes on Bella's cheeks blossomed into vibrant red due to embarrassment. Bella waved her hand, signaling that Linda would cease her playful torment, but this friend knew how to jest persistently. Annoyed, Bella stood up to leave, yet behind her, the voice of Linda resonated, each word articulate, saying, "If you like someone, then quickly confess."