My morning classes went by quickly. I absolutely loved my Psychology class. At the beginning of the class the teacher, who looked like he was in his late 20s, had sat in the back of the class and not moved for the first five minutes of the class. When he did move, he jumped up and yelled, saying that the teacher was late and he wasn't going to sit here waiting for him. I had watched in stunned silence as he marched towards the door, walked through it, and then spun around and entered as himself. He told us that we had just become a part of one of his recent psychological experiments and explained in detail what a hypothesis was and how it was used in an experiment. His teaching style was incredibly interactive and as I left the class I flipped through the textbook with excitement.

"Oh, come on, Sato. You can't read in the hallway. It's lunch!" 

I looked up to see Dajan had suddenly appeared next to me.

"Hey, Dajan. How are your classes?"

"They're fine. Nothing I can't handle. What about yours?"

"I like them!" I reported happily while walking towards my locker. 

Dajan's locker was at the front of the hall so I continued to my own alone where Iris was waiting for me with a smile. We quickly put our books away and then met up with Dajan to walk to the cafeteria together.

"How was your summer, Dajan?" Iris asked brightly. 

Dajan proceeded to tell us about the basketball camp that he had gone to in great detail. We both listened attentively until we reached the cafeteria. Dajan and Iris went into the hamburger line as usual, but I chose to get the chicken enchiladas. When I got my food I looked around until I spotted Rosalya's vibrant white hair and I noticed that she was sitting across from Melody. I walked over to them and set my tray next to Rosalya.

"Hey, Opal! How was your summer?" she asked exuberantly.

"It was great, how was yours?"

"It was AWESOME! Look!" Rosalya held up her right hand, showing off a sparkling purple ring on her pinky finger. "Leigh gave me a promise ring! Isn't that romantic?"

"Oh, it's so beautiful!" I exclaimed excitedly, admiring the little ring. I oo-ed and ahhed over the gift until Rosalya was satisfied and beaming brightly. 

"How was your summer, Melody?" I asked into the lull of conversation.

"Fine," she responded without looking up from her food. 

Just then Iris and Dajan sat their trays down with Brandon and Troy right behind them. Conversation sparked and I sat back, listening to everyone's stories. I deflected any questions about my summer with generic responses and turned the conversation back to the others since I didn't really want to tell anyone about my dancing lessons.

When I was finished eating I walked outside where my eyes immediately fell on Castiel who was standing alone, facing his tree. I took a deep breath and walked down the steps, moving forward until I was a foot from him then cleared my throat. Castiel turned and fixed me with his steely gray eyes. I stood silently, waiting to see what he wanted, but he stared at me for so long that I began to fidget.

Before I could ask why I was there, he suddenly thrust his hand towards me. His fist was curled around something small and angular wrapped in brown paper. I looked at the package and then at Castiel with bewilderment. Surprisingly he actually looked away from me but shoved the package once more towards me.

"Just take it," he muttered.

Slowly I reached out and took the package from him. I carefully unwrapped it and gasped in surprise and wonder; I was holding a glass statue. It depicted a red and orange fairy with arms over her head as if she was dancing. The detail was exquisite and I thought back to the open market where I had caught a glimpse of the blown glass sculptures. I had wanted to go and look but knew that I wouldn't have been able to pay for one after spending all the money on food, so I left them behind without taking a closer look. Gently I fingered one of the delicate wings, turning the statue this way and that and watching in delight as the sun made the colors shine before I looked up at Castiel with awe.

"Castiel, it's beautiful. Are you giving this to me?" 

Castiel shrugged wordlessly, still not meeting my eyes. I admired the little fairy again, stroking the curves of her lifted arms. Sadly, I shook my head and extended the statue back to Castiel with both hands.

"I can't accept this Castiel. I don't deserve a gift." Castiel finally faced me and I could feel anger radiating from him.

"Just take it," he repeated, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "You bought me all that food, I'm just paying you back." 

I looked at the statue in my hands again and felt a battle rage through me at my desire to keep the precious gift or to keep distance between Castiel and me. Looking at the sun glinting off the fairy's wings though I knew I didn't really want to let it go, so I brought it back and rested it close to my heart, protectively.

"Okay then. Thank you so much. It's really beautiful!" I said giddily and Castiel smirked at me.

"I figured you'd like something girly like this. I don't know what a sun fairy looks like but I thought that was probably close," Castiel remarked a little awkwardly.

I blinked in shock at that comment and felt my hands tighten around the little glass fairy. He bought it while thinking about the story I had told him, I realized in surprise. I looked down at the fairy with a new light and felt a true smile from deep in my soul bloom on my lips. I smiled up at Castiel, trying to express my gratitude without words. His eyes widened and he turned away, coughing slightly.

"She's wonderful. Exactly like the sun fairies!" I said with excitement, doing my best to keep a squeal out of my voice.

Just then I felt a small vibration in my pocket. I pulled out my phone and then glanced up at Castiel. He obviously hadn't figured out I was a mistake, and he had even gotten me a gift for the food I bought him... Maybe...

"Umm, Castiel..." Castiel looked over at me and I swallowed hard before forcing myself to continue. "Auntie wants me to take a picture with all my friends. Could I... maybe... take a picture with you?" 

Castiel regarded me with surprise and then shrugged. "Why not," he said gruffly.

Hardly believing that he had agreed, I nervously walked over to him. I stood next to him and held up the fairy statue so it would be in the shot too.

"Ready?" I asked and Castiel nodded. "One, two, three."

Just when I was about to snap the picture Castiel wrapped his arms around my waist and leaned down to place his chin next to my temple. The camera flashed and I jumped away from him, feeling his fingers brush gently against my stomach and back as I moved away. My face felt like it was going to melt, it was so hot. Castiel laughed and snatched my phone from me.

"Wait! What are you...?"

Castiel smirked and held it up for me to see. The camera had captured the picture right as Castiel had slid into position, his eyes bright with mocking glee while my own eyes were wide with surprise.

"Castiel, give it back!" I said desperately, wondering whether I dared to get close to him again. Castiel smirked at me then pushed a few buttons on my phone before tossing it back to me.

"Later," he said with a cheeky grin and walked back into the school.

I fell on the grass, holding the sun fairy with trembling fingers, embarrassed and in shock. What on earth made Castiel do that? I wondered as my body trembled slightly as I tried to not think of Castiel holding me gently around the waist. Suddenly the memory of him licking the ice cream off my finger came to my mind and I covered my head as heat flowed through my whole body.

What is wrong with that boy?  I thought to myself in complete disbelief.

My phone vibrated suddenly, pulling me out of my thoughts and I peeked at the screen, almost dreading what I would see.

Oh, my. He likes you!!! Please tell me you let him hold you for a bit! Your expression is so cute in this one. I'm changing my vote. Castiel is my new favorite for you! :D :D :D

I groaned loudly and hid my face in my hands once again. What on earth is going on?!?!?

After carefully depositing my new sun fairy in my locker, I walked to AP Biology in a daze, still trying to sort out what had happened at lunch without thinking about it so much that I made myself blush. I walked to my usual spot, the front row desk next to the window, and gazed outside as I tried to keep myself from blushing.

"Opal?" I turned around slowly, finding myself facing a worried Nathaniel. I felt my temperature slowly begin to drop and I forced myself to smile.

"Hey, Nathaniel. You're taking AP Bio, too?" 

Nathaniel nodded but still looked worried. "Is everything okay? You walked right by me even when I called your name."

"I did? I'm sorry. I was a little, uh, distracted," I said vaguely, trying to shove thoughts of Castiel away and focus on Nathaniel.

"Did you go to meet Castiel?" So much for that plan, I thought ruefully as I nodded slowly.

"And he didn't bother you or anything?"

"Uhh...." I stammered, searching for how to answer that. I was bothered. Very bothered. I was saved the trouble of answering though when Melody sat on the other side of Nathaniel.

"Hey, Nathaniel," she said brightly and he glanced back at her.

"Melody, you're in this class?"

"Yup! We can be study partners," she said with a wide grin, but before Nathaniel could reply the teacher walked in. 

Another syllabus was handed out and I took notes on what I would need for the class, surprised to find colored pencils on the list. The bell rang, signaling the time for sixth period and I stood to go.

"Opal what..."

"Nathaniel, your next class is Calculus right?" Melody interrupted, standing next to Nathaniel so close they were almost touching.

"Uh, yah," he affirmed and Melody grinned.

"Great! Let's walk together."

"Sure. What's your next class, Opal?" Nathaniel asked me, barely even looking at Melody.

"Economics."

"Great, that's upstairs, do you want to walk with Melody and me?" I nodded silently, glancing over at Melody. Her smile hadn't faded but for some reason, I was getting shivers as she looked at me. 

Is it my imagination or have I upset her somehow?

Melody chatted with Nathaniel all the way upstairs, not even looking in my direction. I walked next to Nathaniel, feeling extremely awkward and not sure why. When I saw my classroom I waved goodbye to him with a mixture of relief and confusion as I walked into my classroom.

"Opal!" Rosalya waved at me cheerfully from her seat next to Lysander. I grinned and sat at the desk in front of Rosalya.

"Hello, Kate. It looks like we have another class together," Lysander said with his half-smile and I smiled brightly.

"Opal, you know Lys-baby?" Rosalya asked in surprise and I blinked in shock.

"Lys-baby..." I repeated slowly and Lysander shrugged.

"Lysander is Leigh's baby brother," Rosalya explained with a grin and I nodded in understanding.

"I see. So you two are pretty close."

"Definitely! One day he's going to be my baby brother too," Rosalya said with a dreamy look but Lysander shook his head softly.

"We're the same age, Rosalya," he said in a kind tone, but Rosalya was too far gone in her daydreams to respond.

"So, Kate, Castiel told me you are taking photos with your friends. Did you want one with Rosalya and me?" I swallowed hard and tried to laugh.

"He did, did he? Uh, yes, I'd like that, but I don't bring my phone to class with me."

"I do!" Rosalya said, snapping out of her daydream. "I'll take the picture and I'll text it to you if you give me your number."

Without waiting for a response, Rosalya whipped out her phone. Lysander sat on the desk behind Rosalya and I knelt next to Rosalya's chair. She made a peace sign and I smiled as her phone chimed "Say cheese!" and then clicked.

I traded numbers with Rosalya and she tucked her phone back into her pocket just as the bell rang and the class began. Class went by quickly and I walked out with Lysander and Rosalya on either side of me.

Rosalya had math last period so Lysander and I continued on downstairs together. After some prodding, Lysander told me that he had performed in a band over the summer which made me smile as I pictured Lysander up on a stage. I was sure he had done wonderfully. At the bottom of the staircase, I waved a farewell to him as I headed into my Advanced Watercolors class where Violette was sitting in the back corner. Smiling, I made my way over to the empty seat next to her.

"Hey, Violette."

"Opal, good afternoon," she greeted me quietly but with a bright smile. I pulled out the chair next to her and sat down.

"I'm happy that we can take this class together. I don't think I could have passed art without your help last year," I said and Violette blushed.

"Your final project was incredible though. You didn't need my help to pass."

"Violette, Opal, how's it goin'?"

I looked up and smiled at Kim as she walked in and sat next to me. Violette had approached both of us before school got out for summer break and asked us to sign up for Advanced Watercolors with her because they were thinking of cutting the course but Violette really wanted to take it. We had agreed since we both needed an elective class and I had been thrilled to be included in their friendship. I loved spending time with these two girls. Their differing personalities always led to interesting discussions.

When the class started there were less than a dozen people in the room but the teacher, a tall, middle-aged man with black hair called Mr. Faraize, seemed to think a smaller class was better. He told us all about how he had lived in Paris and found his love of painting which had led him to pursue a teaching career so he could share his passion with others who might never get the same opportunity. He told us that we'd be doing a lot of our work outside since that was where we would find most of our inspiration. 

The bell rang too soon and I reluctantly gathered my things, wishing we could have started painting today. From my first attempts over the summer I had found that I was actually fairly awful at painting, but I was excited to learn.

"Hey, Opal. Violette and I are going to grab some ice cream. Want to join us?" Kim asked and my shoulders slumped.

"I would love to, but the principal asked me to come to her office after school. Maybe next time?"

"No prob," Kim said, patting my head. Even though Kim was my age, she somehow seemed like a cool older sister.

I dropped off my things at my locker, being careful not to disturb my sun fairy, and quickly checked my phone. Rosalya had sent me the picture we had taken and I sent it to Auntie before tucking it into my pocket and heading for the principal's office. Her door was open so I walked in nervously to see Nathaniel standing in front of the principal's desk. He smiled at me and I smiled back, relieved that I wasn't alone.

"Ah! Opal, wonderful. I asked you to come here because I have come up with an ingenious fundraiser!" Principal Shermansky said with excitement. "I've decided the school will hold an orienteering race! The entrance fee is 50 dollars and you'll enter the competition with a partner. Isn't that genius?"

"Orienteering?" I asked hesitantly.

"A race where you use maps or compasses to find checkpoints," Nathaniel explained. I blinked my eyes in surprise, never having heard of something like that before.

"Where would we do that?"

"In the forest, of course! Getting out into nature will be good for all you techie teenagers," the principal said enthusiastically and my eyes widened with wonder. "So anyway, I want you to help Nathaniel print out the sign-up sheets. Put 40 into each of these folders," she whipped out a large stack of paper file folders, handing them to Nathaniel, "and then tomorrow you and Nathaniel will pass them out to each of the classes during seventh period. Make sure you put in a little plug about how much fun it's going to be!"

"Wait, during seventh period?" Nathaniel asked in alarm and the principal waved her hand dismissively.

"Don't worry! I already let your teachers know. Besides, you two are the best students in the school, so missing one period won't bother you at all! Now, go on! Here's the sign-up form. We need to make 1,000 copies, you can use the printer in the teacher's lounge, then put them in their folders. Just leave the completed folders in the student council room until tomorrow. Thank you!"

She then sat down at her desk and began typing away at her computer as if we had ceased existing. I looked up at Nathaniel and we exchanged small smiles. He picked up the stack of file folders and I took the permission form before following him out of the principal's office.

"Well, that was unexpected," I remarked while looking over the paper.

"Usually she has Melody help me if she has a big job like this, but I'm glad she picked you." 

I looked up in surprise to see Nathaniel smiling at me kindly. "Oh yah? Why is that?"

"Well, I haven't seen you in a month, and we don't really get to talk during classes. I wanted to catch up with you," he said as he turned towards a closed door labeled "Teacher's Lounge". I tried to open the door for him but it was locked.

"I have the keys," he said, shifting the folders into one arm and pulling out a set of keys from his pocket. Soon the door was unlocked and he opened it for me.

"I could have gotten it, your arms are full."

"What kind of guy do you think I am? I can't let a girl open a door for me," Nathaniel said with a small wink and I felt my cheeks warm up slightly. I quickly walked through the door, not wanting him to see. The door closed behind me with a small thud and I heard Nathaniel put down the folders on the table.

"Can I see the sign-up sheet?" Nathaniel asked from behind me.

I looked down at the double-sided piece of paper in my hands and turned around, handing it to Nathaniel. He smiled again and I found myself smiling too. I've heard of contagious laughter, but is there such a thing as a contagious smile? If so, Nathaniel definitely has one, I thought to myself as I watched Nathaniel turn towards the copy machine. He quickly pushed a couple of buttons and the machine started whirring, slowly printing out sheet after sheet.

"This is going to take a while, let's sit down," Nathaniel suggested before sitting down on one of the couches. I looked at the spot next to Nathaniel and then to the couch opposite him, wondering where I should sit. Suddenly I felt a vibration on my hip and I pulled out my phone.

*Sigh* Lysander is so handsome. He seems so calm and mature. I could see you getting along with him. But I have to say, Castiel and Dajan are still my top two. Don't forget to take a picture with Nathaniel though! <3 You're doing great, sweetheart!

I glanced up at Nathaniel who was giving me a questioning look. Hesitantly I looked down at Auntie's text, then back up at Nathaniel (who was still watching me) then took a deep breath.

"N-Nathaniel... I understand if you don't want to... but my aunt wants me to take a picture with all of my friends and text them to her. I've been doing it all day, would you, um, mind?" 

Nathaniel blinked and rubbed his neck with a small smile. "Oh, uh, sure. That's fine." I walked over and sat down next to him. "How should we pose?" he asked and I bit my lip in thought.

"I don't really care; however you want."

"I don't really care either," Nathaniel said and we smiled at each other.

Seeing his smile seemed to always make me feel calm and happy and my nervousness instantly melted away. I leaned towards him slightly and lifted up my phone. He stretched his arm behind me on the couch and leaned towards me slightly as well. When he stopped moving I snapped the picture and looked at it, letting out a gasp and a delighted laugh when I realized that Nathaniel had made bunny ears for me out of his fingers.

"Nathaniel!" I exclaimed with a grin.

"What? I think you'd make an adorable bunny!" He grinned and I wiggled my nose like a bunny which made him laugh.

Looking at the picture I couldn't help but smile. I'd never had friends that would make bunny ears like that before. Who am I kidding, I haven't had any friends of any kind before, I thought to myself in wonder. I felt like I had taken another step to appear to be a normal girl. Maybe if I kept experiencing new things then I would eventually turn into a normal girl?

You ruined my life! You shouldn't have been born. I shut my eyes firmly, trying to block out my father's hurtful words, but then I sighed. That's right, no matter how much I wish for something, I will always just be a mistake.

"We can take another picture if you don't like that one," Nathaniel offered kindly. 

I jumped, pulling myself out of my thoughts and back to the present. He was watching me quietly and I smiled, pushing away my thoughts.

"No. I like this one. I'll send it to Auntie now," I said while navigating to my text messages so I could send the picture.

"Could you say 'hi' from me?" Nathaniel asked and I quickly typed a message to go with it before sending it.

"Done. Thanks, Nathaniel."

"It was just a picture," he said awkwardly, glancing over at the copy machine. "Ah, dang it." Nathaniel stood up and went to the copy machine which had begun to beep loudly.

"What's wrong?"

"It's out of paper. She wants 1,000 copies after all. Stay there, I'll get it." 

I had started to rise but sat down again just as my phone vibrated.

You both are smiling so sweetly. I don't think I realized you were growing up until right now. I'm glad you have such a wonderful friend. Tell him Hi from me too.

I read the text and cocked an eyebrow. What does that mean? I felt the couch cushion move and a warm breath tickled my arm.

"What did she think?" Nathaniel was leaning down to look at my phone and I felt goosebumps erupt all up and down my arms. As Nathaniel read the text I wondered desperately why I had lost the ability to move.

"Your Aunt sure is nice; she seems to love you very much," Nathaniel tilted his head up to look at me, and my breath caught in my throat as I realized we were only inches apart. His eyes widened and he quickly straightened, pulling away from me with bright pink cheeks.

"Oh, um, I'm... yah, I'm just... going to go check on the papers." 

He stood up quickly and went back to the copy machine. I let out a deep breath with a whoosh. Once my pulse had gotten back to normal, I stood up and walked over to the copy machine, picking up one of the sheets of paper.

"Oh, why isn't there anything on the back?" I asked worriedly.

"The copy machine can only copy one side at a time, so we have to make copies of the front page, then feed the papers back into the machine and put the back page on it.

"Sheesh, this is going to take forever! How many copies have we made so far?"

"Ummm... About 300," Nathaniel said, checking the little screen.

"Well, what are we going to do while we wait? I didn't get any homework today."

"Yah, and it's the first day back, I don't have any paperwork or filing to do," Nathaniel said and then started to chuckle.

"What's so funny?" I asked and he grinned.

"I was just thinking about how we are probably the only ones in school that would think to do homework during their free time before anything else." I giggled along with him.

"You might be right. But I like to learn."

"Me too," Nathaniel agreed and I glanced back down at the paper in my hand.

"I'm actually really excited about this event. I've never been in a forest."

"You haven't?" Nathaniel asked in surprise and I shook my head.

"I don't get out much. This summer was the first time I saw the ocean, too. Are you going? To the orienteering race, I mean."

"If I didn't I think the Principal would have an aneurysm. 'Lead by example' and all that. Who are you going to partner with?"

"Partner?" I asked and Nathaniel pointed to the rules section on the page.

"You have to be in a team of two to enter the race."

"Oh, that's right..." I said with disappointment. 

Who would want to partner with me? I wondered sadly. I didn't know anything about orienteering so I'd just hold them back.

"Well, you could partner with me if you wanted." 

I blinked and then looked up at Nathaniel's open smile in surprise. "But, I would just slow you down." 

Nathaniel flashed me a slightly lopsided grin that I had never seen before. "I don't care about winning. If you're my partner at least I'll have fun." 

I felt like I was glowing from his compliment and looked down at the paper once more. "Okay, if you really don't mind."

"Of course not, I suggested it, remember?" 

I laughed and nodded exuberantly. I could hardly wait for the adventure of exploring a forest for the first time!

It took almost an hour and two more packages of printer paper to make all the copies and put them in their folders, but I enjoyed my time. Nathaniel told me all about his summer and I almost wished I could tell him about mine, but I didn't want to tell anyone about my dancing so I just told him I went to the beach, read, and exercised a lot. Once everything was finished we carried out large stacks of folders to the student council room together.

"Here," Nathaniel handed me one of the signup sheets. "We can fill them out and bring them in tomorrow, partner."

"Sounds good," I said, taking it happily. "I'll see you tomorrow, partner."

He waved and I dropped by my locker, grabbing my sun fairy and backpack. I looked at the little fairy and couldn't keep from smiling. Even if Castiel was a little too fond of teasing me, I had never been so touched by a gift.