After the new year,the days of the first week seemed to blur as resumption of the new term was approaching quickly.
The playful nature of the students was overtaken by the drive for knowledge,and Maybrooks' students could be seen hurriedly finishing their assignments or getting books needed for the new term.
Daniel didn't have much to do.He had completed all his assignments and gotten his things ready for school.
Because Tara hadn't completed hers,she was seldomly online.
After much thought,he decided to ask Tara what she wanted instead of getting her something random.
This new term,he was determined to get even closer to Tara.
"Ugh!! I'm hopeless" Daniel thought as he lay on his bed.He didn't sleep too well the previous night and that was because of her.Everytime he closed his eyes,he saw Tara.
"I'm under her spell" He whispered.
The new term came around ,and things didn't change.Everything was the way Daniel remembered.The numerous cliques in school were still present with the members acting like they were on top.
A ring echoed throughout the school for students to converge in the auditorium.
Daniel hadn't seen Tara yet ,but he was sure she'd be at the assembly.
That wasn't the case.First period started ,and there was no sign of Tara.The bell for close of the day went off ,and Tara didn't show up.
"Damn" Daniel muttered dejectedly as he walked back home.His heart felt really heavy as he was looking forward to seeing her again.
He thought of going to her house but decided against it.
Elsewhere,someone was also feeling Tara's absence.Julian couldn't count how many times he passed by her class to check if she was present.
"Hey" Cassandra said,walking towards him.
"Hey" Julian replied, unconsciously stepping back.
"Relax,I'm not going to kiss you again" Cassandra laughed.
"That's a relief" Julian chuckled."But it's nice you got over me.Look at you,many guys would be happy to date you"
"But they're not you.I only want you" Cassandra pouted
"Cassandra—"
"I know I can't have you ,but we can be friends, right?"
"Sure" Julian smiled, extending his hand for a handshake.
"You've seen me naked, silly" Cassandra said,ignoring his hand and going in for a hug.
Julian gulped as the softness on his chest caught him unawares.
"I'll see you around" Cassandra waved.
"Yeah" Julian nodded.
Tara was also absent the next day and the day after that.
On Wednesday after school,Daniel decided to go to her house as he was very worried.
"Who is it?" Joyce asked.
"It's Daniel, ma'am" Daniel said.
"Oh Daniel.How are you? Come in" Joyce said,ushering Daniel into the house.
"I'm fine ma'am.Tara hasn't been in school for a while ,so I came to find out what's up" Daniel said.
"Oh" Joyce said softly as her smile disappeared."Uhm Tara's upstairs.It would be better if you hear from her"
"Okay" Daniel said,noticing the way Joyce's expression changed.He hoped nothing serious happened.
He climbed the stairs rather hastily before bumping into Tara at the top step.
"Hey" Daniel said.
"Hey" Tara said with a sad expression.
"Uhm—" Daniel didn't finish what he was about to say before Tara yanked him by the arm.
"What was that for?"
"Room now" Tara said,walking ahead.
Daniel obliged and followed her to the room.
"Sit!" Tara said harshly.
Daniel took a deep breath before sitting next to her.He didn't know why his heart always raced faster when he was near her.
"You weren't in school yesterday and the day before that.Is anything wrong?"
Tara took a deep breath before lying on the bed."Yes, Something's wrong"
"What?"
Tara watched as his brows furrowed.She didn't want to do this.Infact,she wasn't in support of it.
"Daniel" Tara started softly."I'm leaving"
"Leaving? Where?"
"I'm leaving the country" Tara said darkly.
"Why? When? How?" Daniel said confusedly.
"Well,my father has been appointed as the manager of a branch in London"
"Isn't that like in another continent" Daniel said loudly.He was very mad ,but he didn't know who he was mad at.
"I don't know.As for the when,My mom and I will leave on Saturday"
"But today's Wednesday" Daniel muttered.
"Yes" Tara confirmed." I don't want to go"
"Then don't" Daniel shouted
"It's not that easy.My dad was extremely ecstatic when he heard the news ,so I can't just say no.It would break his heart."
"But—"
"Shh" Tara shushed him by placing a finger on his lips."Don't make this harder than it is.Believe me,I've considered all situations,but none would work out"
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Daniel said as he bowed his head.
"I found out on Monday ,and I figured you would come over today or yesterday" Tara said softly.
"So this is it" Daniel said softly.
"Yeah" Tara replied."But—"
A sudden bang from Daniel on the bed interrupted Tara.
"I'm not accepting this" Daniel said before leaving her room.He bade Joyce goodbye with a forced smile then walked sadly home.
"Why?" Daniel muttered.He was feeling very sad."Why does the universe hate me.The one girl that cares about me,the only one that I had many firsts with has to leave me.Why? Who in this world cares about me other than her?" He stopped at a nearby park and sat on a bench."My life sucks" He said,gazing at the clear,blue sky.
"Do you really have to go?" Leyla asked, restricting him from leaving her bed.
"Yes.I told you I sneaked off ,so I have to get back before they notice" Maxim explained,trying to peel her hands off his waist.
"Are you really going to leave me again?" Leyla pouted
"You know I don't have a choice.This is the downside of being born into a rich,noble family like mine.Your family decides everything for you" Maxim sighed heavily before turning to face Leyla."Just a week and a few more days before I come back to you.Can you wait for me?"
"Fine,but hurry back"
"Yes ma'am" Maxim chuckled as he leaned for one last kiss.
The kiss threatened to turn into something passionate ,but maximus hastily pulled back.
"We'll have time for that when I get back" Maximus smiled before leaving the house.
"There he goes" Leyla muttered sadly