"Remember that your population maps are due on Monday," Mr. Jacobs announced, writing the requirements on the board. "If any of you have questions about the assignment, now is the time to ask."
A few students stood and approached his desk, while the rest of us busied ourselves with copying down the requirements or engaging in hushed conversation. I looked around the world cultures classroom, my eyes lingering on the empty seat where Frog used to sit.
It had been one week since my adventure in Gulbrania, and for the most part, things were okay, even though I often found myself thinking about my experience there. After I woke up from the sedation, I found myself in a holding cell in the castle, but besides a grisly interrogation from some guy named Alm Hetapats, my stay was actually pretty pleasant. The guards there fed me really great food and always had books and movies to keep me entertained, and they kept me updated on what was happening. I was able to surmise that Mrs. Youngblood was the one who had recruited my father in the first place, and that both of them had been sent to a secure facility on a remote island. My only complaint had been that they never let me see Frog. Eventually someone official came and told me I was free to go home, and they took me on a fancy boat to the nearest airport and sent me back to Indiana. I still hadn't told my mom the truth about where I had gone, and I didn't know if I ever would. If she knew, it would probably give her a heart attack.
All things considered, the trip was a success. I had warned the prince, who by some crazy chance had turned out to be Frog, and I had made it back home in one piece. I was incredibly grateful for those circumstances, but I couldn't help but feel a bit empty.
Every time I thought of Frog, dozens of emotions would surface. I couldn't quite wrap my mind around the way that he looked, or the fact that he was a prince, and about to be a king. All I knew was that I still cared about him. But I had to let that go. I hadn't heard from him since our meeting, and I figured it was because he was busy doing whatever princes do. And sure, he had kissed me and held me close, but maybe he went around kissing lots of girls. I had to forget him, and it was just as well, he was probably a jerk now anyway. Most attractive guys I had encountered were. I was just some girl from his unpleasant past, and he didn't have time for me. It was okay. We were in two completely different worlds.
But that kiss had been epic. Even the memory of it made my cheeks flush. I had a feeling that kiss would be in my dreams for a long time.
"What are you thinking about?" Miranda asked, nudging my elbow and bringing me out of my daydream.
"Um, nothing," I replied, blinking my thoughts away.
Miranda raised an eyebrow. "Well, whatever it was, it made you look a lot happier than you have been in a while."
"What are you doing this weekend?" I asked in an effort to change the subject.
She smiled and looked down at her hands. "I'm going with Milo to a small comic convention in Indianapolis. Do you want to come?"
I smirked. "No, I'm going to catch up on some schoolwork," I replied.
The way Milo and Miranda had been getting along was truly inspiring. Miranda had changed a lot and she seemed to have gotten back some of her confidence. It helped that Wyatt had transferred to another school. Apparently, the school board had gotten their hands on some footage that showed what Wyatt did to me on homecoming night, so he had been kicked out of the school district. It was a relief for both me and Miranda to have him gone.
The bell rang and Miranda and I walked out into the hallway where we usually met Milo to go to the cafeteria.
"They're serving corndogs today!" Milo exclaimed, waggling his eyebrows. "I am so excited!"
I laughed. I wished I could get that excited about corndogs. Milo and Miranda fell into their usual chatter and I walked quietly beside them, letting my thoughts wander to some pastry I had eaten in Gulbrania. Suddenly, I heard someone call my name.
"Kayla Morrison!"
I turned around and froze. There he was, wearing jeans and a sweater and looking as near to perfection as you could get. He walked toward me, and the students in the hallway seemed to part to let him pass. My heart was practically beating out of my chest, but I tried my best to hold my ground and remain calm.
"Kayla Morrison, I am in love you. I have always loved you."
So much for remaining calm.
"I know I've changed," he continued, glancing down at himself, "in more ways than one. But what has remained constant is the way I feel about you. You are amazing, and I just want to spend as much time with you as I possibly can."
I grinned and rushed into his arms, and in one movement he lifted me off my feet and kissed me. It seemed like everything else disappeared as I felt his lips on mine, and I was filled with inexplicable happiness, because I knew this kiss would not be the last. Just as I was beginning to get lost in the feel of him, I felt someone pulling on my arm. We broke apart to find Milo cautiously separating us.
"Sorry to break this up," Milo said, looking uncertainly at Frog, "But she's in love with my friend, so I think you better back off."
Frog stepped back and looked at Milo in wonder, then folded his arms across his chest and smiled. "Wow, Milo, thanks for having my back," he laughed. "That takes a lot of guts."
Milo furrowed his eyebrows. "What? What are you talking about?"
"Milo, it's me. It's Frog."
Milo's jaw dropped and he stared at Frog for several moments. But then he squinted and nodded.
"It is you! That's incredible! What happened? You get bitten by a radioactive spider or something?"
Frog chuckled. "Not quite. It was pills."
"Really? Can I have some?"
"Trust me, you don't want them."
Milo inclined his head. "Fair enough."
Frog turned back to me. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to come back to Gulbrania with me this weekend?"
I stepped back, a little shocked, but thrilled at the prospect of spending time with him.. "I, um, I'd have to ask my mom."
"I already asked her," Frog replied, looking pleased with himself. "She already said yes."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Some lady taught me that I should always ask the girl's parents for permission first."
"Well, in that case, I'd love to."
Frog beamed at me and took a step closer. The hallway was practically empty now, leaving just the four of us standing there. "I was also hoping that eventually, you'd like to move there. We have an excellent university and great programs for developing leaders."
I took a deep breath. It was definitely something I would consider, but it was a little overwhelming. "Do I have to decide right now?"
"No!" Frog exclaimed. "First you'd have to see the whole country and spend enough time there to see if it's for you. But I think you're going to love it. There's really a lot more to it than meets the eye."
"That seems to be a theme with you," I said quietly.
Frog blushed, which was undeniably charming, then he glanced back at Milo. "You're welcome to come to Gulbrania too," Frog offered.
Milo looked sideways at Miranda, who had been standing there taking everything in with a slightly dazed expression. "Maybe another time," Milo replied with a small smile. "I've got plans this weekend."
Frog looked between Milo and Miranda, then looked at me for confirmation. I gave him a slight nod.
"Cool," Frog said simply. "Well, you're both welcome to come anytime."
"Thank you," Miranda responded, looking a bit surprised.
Frog again turned his attention to me. "You ready to go?"
"Right now?"
"Well, you can wait until the end of school if you want, or whenever you're ready. I've got a jet waiting. It's on the football field."
I opened my mouth to voice my surprise, but Milo beat me to it.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" He exclaimed. "You've got a jet? Who are you?"
Frog shrugged, looking a little sheepish. "I'm the prince of Gulbrania."