Everyone gathered around for the result of Professor Mathew's test. Emily got up to check on hers. She had gotten a C. That was good for her. Good enough to not be scolded for not putting your effort into becoming a better person.
She already had an earful of everything she went home, adding her grades to it would collapse her ears.
The teacher stood in front of the class and smiled warmly. "Good morning, everyone. I have some exciting news. We have a new student joining us today. Everyone, please give a warm welcome to Jake!"
The students clapped and cheered as Jake stepped into the classroom. Emily, who was sitting at the back of the room, gasped in surprise. Jake had been her best friend in high school, and she hadn't seen him in years.
Emily quickly ran up to Jake and enveloped him in a big hug. "It's so good to see you again!"
Jake smiled and hugged her back. "It's so good to see you too, Emily. I'm so glad we get to be in the same class again."
The teacher smiled. "Well, it looks like you two already know each other. Jake, why don't you take a seat and get settled in? I'm sure you'll fit right in."
Jake nodded and thanked the teacher before taking a seat next to Emily. The other students welcomed him with warm smiles and friendly waves.
The teacher smiled again. "Alright everyone, let's get back to our lesson. It's great to have you here, Jake."
Jake smiled and thanked the teacher again before getting settled in for the lesson. Emily and Jake exchanged excited glances, thrilled to be reunited after all these years.
After the class, Emily and Jake got talking.
'Do you remember when we were in high school and we used to hang out all the time?'. Emily asked.
'Of course, I do! I miss those days. We had so much fun together. Jake replied.
'Yeah, I remember all the parties we used to go to and the late-night movies we watched
'And don't forget about the time we went to the beach and stayed out all night!'.
'That was one of my favorite memories'.
'Mine too. It's so nice to look back on all the good times.' Jake sat in the classroom, watching Emily with a satisfied smile on his face. He'd been hoping to get into the same class as her for months, and now it had finally happened.
He couldn't help but admire her from his seat. He'd always been drawn to her, the way she carried herself, her beautiful face, and the way she always seemed to be the center of attention.
He watched as she talked and laughed with the other students, and he was glad that he'd finally be able to spend more time with her. He felt a warmth in his chest as he imagined spending the next semester with her, learning and growing alongside her.
He smiled as he thought of the possibilities, and he silently wished that this semester would be one of the best of his life.
'Yeah, it is. Although, I have to admit that I'm glad we both moved on to bigger and better things. I'm just surprised to see you here. Wow. Who would have thought.' Emily giggled.
'Me too. But I'm still glad that we can look back on our high school days and remember all the fun we had. By the way, how's Meghan? I was hoping she'd be here, seeing how you guys were besties and all Jake said warmly.
The color of Emily's face changed. If only he hadn't mentioned that name, her day would have been blessed. Talking to him, she almost forgot about her reality.
'She should be fine. It was nice meeting you, I gotta go Emily said as she stood up from the chair and dashed out.
As fast as her legs could take her, Emily ran home.
Jake had been looking forward to this moment for weeks, if not months. He'd liked her ever since they were friends. She became his high school crush.
He knew they would meet, and no matter how long it took, they would be united again. Maybe this time, he would have the courage to tell her how he truly felt.
He had been so nervous when he saw her but she had smiled in recognition and greeted him warmly. She had asked him how he had been, and they had talked for almost an hour. Jake had been surprised at how easy and comfortable it was between them, and as they parted ways, he had felt a strange sense of contentment.
As Jake walked home, he felt a lightness in his heart. He hadn't expected to feel so happy after seeing Emily, but he couldn't deny the feeling of joy that had filled him. He felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
He was so glad that he had taken the chance to come to this school. He had other choices, but Emily was here so that was where he decided to study. It had been worth it, he thought to himself. He was thrilled to know that Emily was doing well and that they had been able to reconnect after so many years.
Jake felt a sense of peace as he entered his home. He was so grateful for the time he had spent with Emily. He couldn't help but smile as he thought of her and the wonderful conversation they had shared. It was worth it.
Jake stepped into his room, a feeling of unease settling over him. He had been gone for a few days, and something felt off. He searched the room for any signs of something wrong, but couldn't find anything out of the ordinary. He sat down on his bed and began to take off his shoes when he felt something strange. He looked down and saw a small figurine on his bedspread. He had never seen it before and it certainly wasn't his. He picked it up, examining it closely. It was a wooden carving of a strange creature he had never seen before. He was about to put it back on the bedspread when he noticed a piece of paper tucked into the back of the figurine. He picked it up and read the words written in big block letters: "YOU ARE BEING WATCHED". Jake felt a chill run down his spine. Someone had been in his room while he was gone, and they were sending him a warning.
What could this possibly mean?