Serene’s POV

Why did it hurt so much? It felt like someone was pinching needles in my heart, although there was this warm feeling inside me because of the way he had kissed me. I needed to get my head straight, I needed to think.

As I entered the dining hall it was bustling with activity. Everyone seemed to be discussing the tournament or the departure of Lourden. Someone shouted: "She had that coming," Another one said: "You are The Slap queen," a few of them whistled. It felt like everyone was tired of her and they were pleased she was no longer here to torment them.

Ralph came running and picked me up. " Woah, what are you doing?" I chuckled as he spun me around in the centre of the dining hall with others shouting in unison: "Yes, yes."

He finally placed me down: " Serene, I have never even thought that you would slap her but ’ BAM ’ you showed her what happens when someone messes with your friends." He was beaming.

" You realize I got detention for that," I told him amidst bouts of laughter. "A very small price to pay for action so grandiose." As he waved his hands in the air to tell me how colossal my action was sending me into fits of laughter.

We joined the others at the table who were all laughing at Ralph. "Zeph you are so lucky to have Serene, she took the perfect revenge for you. Since you would never hit a girl, she did it for you." Ralph placed his hands on Zeph’s shoulders and announced.

" Cut it out, Ralph. I am gonna kill you." Zeph got up and held his head in an armlock, Zeph’s face looked flustered. Leave it to Ralph to embarrass us all. " Okie, Okie, I am sorry. Let me go. Someone help me." Ralph shouted. " Let him go Zeph, he won’t do it again. " Alvene pleaded on his behalf.

Zeph let him go and Ralph scratched his head. "You are a meanie," Ralph teased Zeph again. "Sit down before I headlock you myself." Alvene threatened him and he quickly sauntered over to sit beside her while everyone else shook their heads. My heart felt at ease and full of love being surrounded by friends once again and sharing our meal. Only if Arlo was here as well, a tinge of sadness captured my heart.

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The next day we all received letters from home. Zian had written me back:

" Heya! Serene,

I know you are awesome and will always be. Your letter had a sad feeling to it, I know you won’t tell me much because you think I would get worried. But, remember you can always count on me to listen and cheer you up. Don’t be a stranger.

Everyone here is doing great. Grandma was a bit down but she is better now. Your father misses you a lot but he never says but it’s evident from his face whenever he talks about you. Crimzon is as perfect as ever, her flower shop is blooming and we spend a lot of time together. Our session has started here as well at FEI (Fairy Enchantment Institute) and Crimzon and I are attending but it’s not the same without you. The seat on my right side is always empty because you always sat with me.

Tell me in more detail how your life is there. Have you made new friends? What are the other students like? Have you been taking care of your health? Remember to eat on time.

So, until next time. Don’t forget to write to me back. I miss you.

With love from Zian. "

There was a green chrysanthemum inside the letter. I knew Zian had used his power to keep it fresh as he always did. I placed the flower in my hair.

He acted like my mother sometimes. There were tears in my eyes. Oh! Zian there is so much I wanted to tell him. But, I wasn’t sure I wanted to do that over a letter. And, I missed him dearly. So many emotions had piled up inside me, I felt like an emotional bomb ready to detonate any second. I decided to go out for a walk to breathe in some fresh air.

I went outside and sat in the garden near the fountains, a fresh breeze was blowing as we were heading towards more chilly weather. Tiny butterflies lazily sauntered over the flowers as one of them came and settled on the flower in my hair. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, feeling much more relaxed and calm.

As I opened my eyes I saw Zeph standing in front of me. " Mind if I join you?" He asked nervously. "Sure," I told him my heartbeat escalating. "I wanted to talk to you. Now that my head is clear and I am not under any potion or spell or elixir." His tone was sarcastic and he seemed upset about the fact that everyone kept drugging him.

"Are you doing, alright? I mean after all that Lourden fiasco. I know it will take time to heal from that emotionally." I asked him. "I’m still processing all that, it will take time to get over it but I am glad she is gone. I don’t know how much more I could handle. I hurt all of you in the process, but I did come to see you in the infirmary. You were asleep and I went back from the door. I also left you an apology note, it wasn’t much though." His facial expressions were sad.

"You don’t have to apologise, again and again, Zeph. I got your note and I wondered if it was from you. And, I hope she is gone for good from our lives." I smiled at him reassuringly and he smiled back.

" Can I ask you a personal question? " He said reluctantly looking at the fountain which was sending a light spray of droplets our way. I wondered what he had in mind.

" Of course, " although I was getting anxious about it. "What’s the relationship between you and Arlo? I know Arlo didn’t extract that information and helped us because of me, he detests me and even threatened me because I made you cry. I know he did everything for you. So, before I jump into anything I want to know I am not getting at the centre of someone else’s relationship." He replied in a serious voice as he turned to look towards me.

My heart skipped a beat, his assessment was so spot on. Arlo why would you go and threaten Zeph, I facepalmed myself in my mind.

" Arlo has a girlfriend, he cares for everyone very deeply but he has his way of showing I guess. He wants the team to remain stable because he hates it when we fight. He is a close friend to me but that’s all." Damnit the lies I have been fabricating recently amazed me. Well, not all of it was a lie I just didn’t tell him the whole truth. I didn’t want any unnecessary drama anymore, now that things have finally gotten back to normal.

He seemed to have relaxed with my answer: "Alright, good to know. Look all this is very new to me and I don’t want to jump into any relationship right away. I will need some time to get my bearings straight. Can you be patient with me?" His eyes didn’t leave mine.

" You are right, it has been exhausting and it’s all very new for me as well. I am regulating so many emotions and feelings. Most times I don’t even know what to do or say. But, together we can be each other’s support system and we can gradually make it work. I hope." And I let out a sigh I didn’t know I was holding for so long.

He touched my face gently with his right hand and smiled: "We will." As we sat there looking at the water in the fountain not talking anymore but knowing we will be each other’s support system and maybe one day we will be even more than that.