Chapter 14: Chapter 14

I was in a heap of trouble. I stare at my homework for a long time already. I couldn’t focus on the words I wanted to write in my essay for our literature class. Heck, I barely recall our reading assignments at this point.

My fingers hovered over my keyboard as I tried to think of the right word to end the sentence. I only have a few minutes left before classes start.

I closed my eyes and typed in the ending that I remembered and simply paraphrased it. I transferred the file to my flash drive before I went in line to have my paper printed. Admittedly, it wasn’t my best paper, but considering the amount of time I had and my lack of focus, it was better than nothing.

After printing my paper, I checked my watch and saw that I had less than a minute before my next class.

I hastily got my bag and ran as soon as I was out of the library. I dodged the other students and heard a few angry calls from the other kids when I almost bumped into them. I was just in time because I managed to arrive at the door before our English professor could enter. As we met in the hallway, I smiled innocently at her while she just fixated on me with a look through her thick glasses.

“I’m not late,” I told her with a smile.

“But you barely made it.” She says before entering the room.

I let out a breath of relief as I followed her inside.

As classes started, I could still barely focus on the discussion. It’s like information is trying to enter my brain but is never really processed correctly. In the end, I just jotted down notes, including the ones that she would say, and figured that I would just review them when I got back home.

The rest of the classes were the same. I understand nothing because a certain rogue prince was floating in my mind the whole time. It doesn’t matter how much I push the thoughts aside or what; he just keeps popping up.

I know that Rose and Ace said they would handle it and inform me as soon as they discovered something, but I just can’t stay put. It felt like something was urging me to take action for myself: to look for further clues like I was the only one who could find it.

Another part of me was pondering over Zereif’s words. That Kellar has grown up just like us. I wonder what he looks like right now. Does he still have the same soft and warm look in his eyes? Is he the same built as Chace? Moreover, I wonder who’s taller?

I immediately blushed when I realized what I was thinking and immediately distracted myself by taking down notes.

What was that? What the hell is wrong with me? It’s like I was back in my 10-year-old self, crushing on my best friend.

It was silly, and no one knew about it, especially my sister. God knows what she’ll do if she finds out.

The agonizing lecture finally ended the moment that the bell rang. I began to gather my things from my desk at the same time as when the other students began to leave. I noticed a strange feeling around my neck - or more like the absence of something.

I glanced down, and my eyes widened when I didn’t see my Student ID. My hands flew at my neck, trying to feel the strap that wasn’t there. Then I began to rummage through my bag, trying to see if I must have placed it there. Nothing.

My ID was missing!

I sat back down on my desk, trying to think and recall where I last placed it calmly. I was sure that I had brought my ID with me when I came to school. And I was certain that I still have it when I went to the library this morning. I even used it as my identification code in the printer to print my paper.

That’s it! I took my id off when I scanned it on the school printer! I must have left it in the library.

Grabbing my bag, I hurriedly made my way to the school library. The first thing that I did was check the printer that I used this morning to see if it was there. It wasn’t.

My brows furrowed with worry as I went to my last resort and asked the school librarian, hoping that someone found it and give it to them.

“Good afternoon, Miss Claire. Did someone leave an ID this morning?”

Miss Claire, the young school librarian, glanced up at me from her computer. She and I are already familiar with each other because I spend most of my free time studying in the library, especially during the exams. “I’m sorry, Stella, but no one gave me an ID this morning. Why? Did you lose yours?”

I sighed and rubbed the back of my neck. “Kind of. This morning, I was in a rush and probably left it by the printer.”

“Why don’t you try the Lost and Found box by the school accounting office?” She suggested. “You might not have left it here and must have dropped it in the school hallway.”

I smiled at her. “Yeah. I’ll do that. Thanks, Miss Claire.”

I was losing hope at this point. What are the odds that it would be in the lost and found box? If I were to guess, it would be less than half of the school’s population. Still, it won’t hurt to try my luck.

I headed downstairs towards the student accounting office. The box was located just beside their door. I peaked from the glass box to see if there were any signs that my ID was in there, and when I didn’t, I slumped my shoulders devastatingly.

I guess I’ll have to issue another one. Good thing that the cashier is nearby.

“Miss Stella?” A familiar voice spoke.

When I turned back, I saw Leo and the rest of the student council members behind him. As soon as he saw me, he smiled. “There you are.” He says. “We’ve been looking for you.”

My eyes widened as I immediately stiffened. “Really?” I cocked my head to the side. “I’m not in some sort of trouble, right?”

“What? No.” Leo looked surprised about my question and immediately got something out of his blazer pocket. “Here.” He handed it to me.

As I glanced down, I let out a gasp. “My ID!” I couldn’t help but let out a squeal as I grabbed it from his hands. And then I stopped as soon as I remembered who I was with. “Sorry. And thank you very much!”

Leo laughed, “It’s fine. We’re glad to see that you’re happy. Enjoy your lunch!” He said before walking off along with his other peers to where I assume their club room.

With my ID in my hands, I was finally able to relax for the whole day. I still had a hard time focusing on the topics during class, but it was becoming more manageable. Soon, classes finally ended.

I wasted no time as I hurriedly got out of school. Classes may end for them, but I still have another class in another realm to attend. I had just made it past the gate when I heard a familiar voice from the man wearing a black leather jacket and a ball cap to hide his face.

“Seems like I was just in time.” He chuckled. When I paused to turn to him, the man gave me a smirk while lifted his cap off of his head, sending his red locks of hair framing his face. “Classes will be delayed for 15 minutes. What do you say that you accompany me for a while?”

I blinked in astonishment as I tried to process what was happening in front of me. What is the King of Thalia doing here?