Love in the shadows

hed the memories aside, focusing on the unfamiliar surroundings. Her long, curly brown hair was tied back in

her new surroundings. The beautiful sculpture and vibrant drawings that adorned the walls cau

of students, the slamming of locker doors, and the rush of footstep

h a boy, sending her books flying out of her arms. The boy was tall and lean, with

to pick up Olive's scattered books. Their hands touched b

oices overlapping in a humorous way. The boy, st

u okay?" he asked, his vo

nd stood up. "Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry again," she mutter

wd, the boy watched her go, a t

. She took a deep breath, reminding herself that she was here on a scholars

familiar faces of her classmates. She felt a familiar

the same boy who she had collided with in the hallway standing in front of the

then sat down next to h

was barely a

started. We have a few new students joining us this semester, and I'd

r of attention. She hesitated for a moment be

" she said softly, he

smile on his face. Olive felt a flutter in her chest

Olive. "Welcome, Olive. We're

greeting, and Olive sat down

over and whispe

s, her expression neutral. She didn't r

on the board and asking occasional questions. Olive listened intently, t

tudents. "And that's all for today, folks. Your homework i

d one more thing. For our next project, I'd like you to work in pairs t

ank. She hated

s to discuss and decide on your partners. Remember

flurry of activity as student

what to do. That's when Kwa

live's cheeks flushed as she

h, s

sparkling with enthusiasm. "So,

grew more uncomfortable. Olive found herself steal

barely audible. Olive glanced at her watch, feigning surprise. "Oh, I'm so sorry, but I really need to go." Kwan's face fell, but he nodded understandingly. "No worries, I'll walk you out

home, relieved to be leaving the chaos of school behind. As she rod

long driveway to her aunt's sprawling mansion. She pushed open th

lls, her footsteps echoing off the high ceilings. She eventua

laimed, turning to smile at Ol

her backpack onto the flo

kling with interest. "That's gre

icious smell of pancakes wafting from the oven. "W

traveled, sweetie. He'l

ittle miffed. "He didn't e

of the oven. "I'm sure he meant to, dear. B

She washed her face, brushed her te

able for dinner. They chatted briefly about their day, and Oliv

her room, feeling tired. She climbe

the extra rest. She was jolted awake by Aun

e to get up! You don't wa

an getting ready. She quickly showere

already waiting by the front door. "Let's

y. She followed Aunt Carol out to the c

n was minimal. Olive was still waking up

e a quick smile and a pat on the shoulder. "Have

ut of the car. She watched as Aunt Carol drove aw

shouldered her backpack,