Chapter 109: What Could be Inside the Book
Andria’s POV
I had forgotten to meet up with Mel as promised. I wondered how she felt. But that’s not something I had to worry about now, after all, she never cared about my whereabouts when I went through what I did in the hands of her friend, Larissa.
"What’s the matter, Ari? You don’t look so happy with the news," Becca asked, concern etched on her face.
"I couldn’t meet up with Mel today, like I promised," I stated. I saw their face turn sour.
"Mel wouldn’t be this sad if roles were reversed, so cheer up," Arlo stated, clinking his spoon against the plate.
"We are all set for the elections next week. We have secured loyal voters, and our major threat has been eliminated," Liara squealed excitedly.
I was excited about the victory, too, but I couldn’t help thinking about Larissa’s family. Something could be done on her behalf since they didn’t know about Larissa’s involvement with the vampires, nor were they involved.
"But you know the sad part, after the elections come exams, therefore we’ve got to prepare for that too," Arlo said, beating against his plate nervously and drawing me out of my thoughts.
"You seem anxious about the upcoming examinations?" I asked him.
"Not that I’m anxious, but I don’t do so well in exams, so nothing excites me about the exams drawing closer after the elections," Arlo replied nonchalantly.
"Aria is a genius; she could help you out..." Liara started, but I cut her off.
"Liara is a genius too; she just loves downplaying her intelligence and shifting responsibilities to others," I said, then I turned to Liara. "You don’t always have to be this way. You are a princess; one day, you will have to assume the responsibilities of your subjects."
Liara looked sad after the words came out of my mouth. She looked like she wanted to say something, but decided to keep it to herself.
"Why the sudden outburst, Ari?" Michaela asked, worry grazing her face, "You just hurt Lia."
Maybe I’ve taken this too far. The thought of contesting for these elections and having to carry the responsibility of the student body was already weighing on me.
And Mel was also a student. Even though she hadn’t been so good to me in the past, I still have her as my responsibility.
"I’m sorry for lashing out at you that way. I’m just bothered about some things that I can’t discuss. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you," I apologized sincerely.
’What are those things bothering you? We could help you with that if you told us what that was. Is it about the Alpha successors?" Becca asked.
"No, it isn’t about the Alpha successors, but don’t pry. I prefer not to discuss it, I’ll sort it out myself," I replied to her.
"Then you have to control your outbursts, don’t take it out on anyone next time, Ari," Arlo reprimanded.
"I heard you, Siiiir," I made sure to stress the word sir, and everyone burst out laughing.
At least, I was finally able to make them laugh, especially Liara, who has been moping.
They had already finished their lunch a few minutes before I finished mine.
"Now that we are all done, we should head back to our dorms. I’m already very exhausted," Arlo stated.
"You complained about your performances in exams, and I suggest that you and Becca should come over to Liara’s apartment tonight, we will all be having a reading sleepover session with questions and answers. I’m sure that would prepare you well for the forthcoming exams," I suggested.
"You see what I was saying about Ari, she is a genius, and with her and probably me around, you wouldn’t have to think about failing your exams," Liara exclaimed.
"Ha, you got me there," I said, shrugging her shoulders, and we chuckled.
"Meanwhile, we have to talk about your detention. You will be returning there by tomorrow, right? And how do you find that old Luna who teaches students in detention?" Becca asked, her eyes glistening with so much interest.
I pondered if it was okay to tell them that there wasn’t any old Luna there; instead, it was Sir Kaelric.
"Ari, why aren’t you saying anything?" Becca persuaded.
We were almost close to the dorm areas now, and I had to go to my dorm to pick up some things I would need for a week at Liara’s place, so I decided that it was a good time to change the topic.
"I would be telling you everything that happened during my detention after our question and answer session, as for now, I have to hurry and get my things before it starts getting dark," I replied to them.
"Ari, I would come with you. I would love to be of help in packing your things, because I don’t trust you to come back," Liara insisted.
"I would come over for the sleepover just because of that gist," Becca chipped in, "So Liara, you have to make sure she comes over."
"Of course, she’s not slipping right through my fingers this time," Liara assured, and the rest burst into laughter.
I’ll keep looking for ways to avoid the discussion until they forget about it, but if they persist, I will be left with no choice but to tell them; after all, it won’t harm me if I do.
We reached the juncture where we had to part ways to get ready for the night, and Michaela finally spoke up a while later. "Where are we to meet? Since we are staying over at your place, but you are heading to Aria’s place."
"When you guys are done, you can call me on the phone and I can tell you where we are at," Liara replied, and we turned to go.
She swung her hand onto my shoulder, and I didn’t like the gesture, so I removed it and held her hand instead.
We arrived at my apartment, and I pulled out my keys and opened it. The apartment was tranquil, with just an open book on the center table.
Liara stared at me, and I stared back at her. "Mel! Mel!" I called out to her, but no answer.
Liara walked over to the open book on the table and immediately took a look at it; she dropped it instantly.
"Ari, this is for you," she stuttered, shivering uncontrollably, a single tear dropping from her eyes.
What could be inside that book?.