I did everything I could to avoid Arron and Zedekiah. Arron was easy but Zedekiah, he's a teacher. You can't exactly avoid a teacher. I felt guilty after what happened... Even though Zedekiah doesn't know I just... Don't want to ruin things...
-A Few Months Later-
-Healing-
“Now, you have the entire class hour to finish the exam. When class is over and you still need more time to complete it, came back after your last class and take as much time as you need.” Professor Barabachus said when he handed the last exam out, “You may begin.”
I finished the four page exam in thirty minutes when everyone else just finished page two. The next fifteen minutes I just sat there, staring at the wall. Zedekiah gave most of his class the exam at the end of last week and gave the rest of the class a week to study for it so they could take it today. So, I have no book to read, no opinion to study for, nothing. Except I do get to pack up some of my stuff that I want to bring home with me for the summer. But we don’t leave tomorrow or next week, we get to stay here for another month and a half. Because Zedekiah has a field trip to the Emerald City in two or three weeks, and Nessa is going to the End of Year Ball with Quillam.
The bell rang, and I ran out of the class, ready to enjoy the freedom of no more classes, no more Healing, no more Yackle which means no more detention! Since I’m already done with History, I didn’t bother going since I would just be sitting there doing nothing. And Zedekiah said not to show up today anyway since we already took the final exam. Now to pack up some things and send them home.
-Three Weeks Later-
-Field Trip: Emerald City-
I actually managed to find a book to read during the long, three day, carriage ride to the City. I was in a carriage with Zedekiah, Liir, and Alethea. I’m glad that Liir was sitting next to her and not me; I might have pulled my hair out.
“Do you ever not read?” Liir asked.
“Do you ever not interrupt when I try?” I asked not looking away from my book. This was the 20th time he's interrupted my reading within 24 hours.
Zedekiah just chuckled, and I could feel Alethea’s glare.
“That is probably the shortest conversation I’ve ever had with you.” Liir continued.
“I could make it even shorter by punching you in the face. The ride might go a little faster too.”
Then Alethea laughed. This was unusual… Even for her.
“I’ll leave you alone.” Liir said getting the hint.
Alethea, Liir, and Zedekiah ended up having a conversation during the rest of the trip. When we got to the City, I finished my book. Good thing I planned on going to the bookstore.
“Read it, read it, hated it, poor writing, read it, loathed it, read it.” I said checking through the books, “Have it and hated it, read it-“
“Is there a book you haven’t read?” Someone said on the other side of the self.
“In the genre I’m in, not really, but there always seems to be something new.”
“Then try this, seems to be right up your alley.” Zedekiah appeared handing me a book.
“Read it, loved it, and I have to buy it.” I reached for the book only for him to pull it back.
“Let me, and you can continue checking through the rest of the books.”
“No, I got it. Give it to me.”
“No. I can’t let a stunning girl buy such an expensive book.” He whispered getting close.
“Like you’re made of money.”
“I’m sure I make more than you, that is, if you make anything at all.” He whispered in my ear.
“Give me the book Zedekiah.” I said brushing my lips against his cheek.
“Give me a kiss and I might consider it.” He whispered, stealing the kiss instead, “Then again, you really didn’t have a choice.” He walked away.
I shook my head and smiled, continuing to look for a book, but came up empty handed. So I went and walked around the City. Which I eventually ran into Zedekiah, not literally, but he did give me my book. Which I was excited about reading it but he wouldn’t let me until we went to the hotel, I only waited an hour, so it wasn’t all that bad. Well, it did help that Zedekiah and I were walking around together.
“If you aren’t getting along with Glinda, why are you going back?” He asked breaking the lingering silence.
“As much as I would like too I can’t exactly shut her out of my life.” I took a moment to think, “She’s the closest thing to a mother that I have, whether I like it or not.”
“Maybe you should have gotten a few more books.”
“I have plenty over there that I still have yet to read.” I started to trace my finger along the spin of the book I was carrying.
“Sounds like you have your summer all planned out.” He managed the grab the book, “I wonder if you’ll have time to write.”
“I’ll make time for you.” I smiled.
“Good.” He handed the book back, “You should head to the hotel and get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning.” He said.
I nodded my head, I was a little tired but I also wanted to read. Then I realized that he put something in the book. Once I got to my room, I started to flip through the pages when I came across an envelope with a key, a room number, and a note inside.
Just in case you miss me.
I walked down the hall of the hotel a few doors opened and closed here and there but one door really got me. Well... I more likely ran into an open door.
"Great Oz, what is it with you and running into things?" Zedekiah said grabbing my arm to keep me from falling.
"You're the one who opened the door."
"You walked into it."
I had nothing to say after that. No come back, no... No nothing. I looked at him and he had the grin on again.
"Come on, let's get some ice for that head." He said dragging me into his room, "Sit."
I sat on the bed as he went to get some ice. When he came back he placed a wet cloth on my forehead, "There," He placed the bag of ice on my forehead, "It's not too bad but you should keep ice on it for a few days."
I took hold of the bag and he sat next to me, "Thanks, looks like you do live up to your title."
He chuckled, "You're funny."
"No I'm not, but nice try."
He placed a kiss on my cheek.
"I should go. I told Nessa that I’d check in." I said standing up only to get really dizzy, almost ready to fall.
"Whoa." Zedekiah caught me and sat me back on the bed, "I think you need to lie down."
"No I'll be fine until I get to my room."
"I won't allow it. I'll take the couch, you just get some rest. Okay?"
"Fine. Suffer on the uncomfortable couch." I said laying down on the bed.
"Was that an invitation?" He asked lying next to me, wrapping his arms around me, "I know why you like to be cold all the time."
"Whys that?"
"So that I can give you my cloak, so I can hold you, to keep you warm." He breathed against my neck.
"I do like to be warm." I said digging my face in his chest.
-End of the Trip-
The week went by quickly; I didn’t even get to see half of what I wanted too. Being me, doing more than seeing, it would probably take me a year to get through what I wanted. But it was still one of the best times of my life. I planned on reading on the trip home, since I was otherwise occupied with my time, but the never really got done…
“Where are the other two?” I asked noticing that Liir and Alethea weren’t anywhere near the carriage.
“Nessa asked Liir to stay with her, since Quillam wasn’t able to come, and I think Alethea is tired of seeing your face.” He smiled, “More time for us.” He held out his hand helping me into the carriage.
“Whatever works for them.” I said taking a seat and opening my book.
Zedekiah drew the all of the curtain even reaching over to close mine, “When I said more time for us I didn’t mean for you to stick your nose in the book. I want to spend some more time with you before you leave tomorrow.”
I closed the book and tossed it on the seat across us and then looked into his eyes, “And what exactly do you have planned?”
He pressed his forehead against mine, pulling something out of his pocket, “I got this for you. I wouldn’t want you to forget me over the summer. I don’t want to find out that you found another guy-”
I kissed him, to shut him up and well… He was talking nonsense so I had to shut him up somehow, “With the reputation that I seem to have added, that won’t happen.” He smiled and opened his hand revealing a small emerald pendant on a chain, “Zed… You shouldn’t-“
“I did. It’s my job to make you feel special, even if we do have to keep it a secret.” He whispered putting the necklace on, “You look beautiful. I’m going to miss you.”
“Liar.” I said with a grin.
“Whatever you say.” He leaned in, pressing his body against mine, giving me a kiss. That really did last forever.
When we arrived back everyone was either in their dorms, at the End of Year Ball, or not where they should have been, and I was definitely where I shouldn’t have been. Zedekiah exited the carriage first and as I made it to the door he grabbed me by the waist, helping me down. Holding me close, he handed the driver a couple of bills.
"You paid him the take the longer route?" I asked.
"Not only that but, also to the front door of my house." He kissed me, "Spend the night with me, before you leave." He said, already leading me to his door.
“As if I have a choice."
He pulled me inside and closed the door behind him.