Arlo

My hands grip around the sides of the sink; I stare at my reflection through the mirror. My heart rate is rapid, and I splash cold water onto my sweaty face for a minute. This is ridiculous, why do I have to feel like this?

Her bright smile returns to my mind and a new wave of emotions surrounds me.

Last night I had dinner with the kindest girl I have ever met and since then I haven't been able to stop thinking about Eden. God, I thought about her forever last night instead of sleeping. She has consumed my mind and I don't even truly know her. This is a curse I have set upon myself.

I then saw her this morning, on my way to breakfast. I never got breakfast. Being in her calm and happy presence filled me with emotions that I could not control. How she does her hair is cute and her laugh melts me. It was too much, so I stopped in this bathroom for a breather.

Reality hits me once again as I stare at myself in the mirror. The floor was the next place I decided to go.

Lazily, I leaned against the bathroom wall and slowly slid down to the floor in between sinks. I let out a groan and put my head in my hands.

Whether someone sees me is a problem I'm not willing to deal with right now. But how could I act so pathetic? I shouldn't let someone see me in this state. Yet, I don't move.

I can't be acting like this. Why does she make me feel all of these emotions? I like her so much and I barely know her. I'm insane. Space is what I need, space away from Eden. I'll scare her if I act obsessed like this around her. Oh, but I just can't do that. I can't bear not hearing her talk to me again.

Maybe I should get away from her. It's not like I'm enough for her anyway. I often disappoint myself with the lack of self-confidence I carry but I truly think I can't be enough for her.

The more I spiral I realize how much our lifestyles are different. She comes from one of the largest kingdoms and mine is rather small compared. Her family wouldn't accept me. God, they probably wouldn't like my family either.

My rapid behavior finally settles down to a numb emotion. I lay on the cold bathroom floor for a few minutes and then I pick myself up.

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You would think walking down a flight of steps is less tiring than walking up them but my legs ache and threaten to collapse when I reach where the boys' dorms start.

Most of my classes are scheduled after lunch so I spent a good bit of my time doing homework up in my dorm. I managed to concentrate for a long period but my legs got to an unbearable point of pain.

Sword training and an additional workout class I decided to take have been wearing out my muscles. I would say I'm fit and have a good bit of endurance, but these classes are humbling for me.

I make my way back to the dining hall to grab a bag of ice for my joints and maybe a snack or two.

The hallways are fairly crowded but nothing grabs my attention until a screaming lady crosses my path.

I see her rush down the long hallway with such speed that she's almost screaming. I don't recognize the person but when I get closer I hear her shout my name.

"Arlo!" The girl says frantically and stops before me, blocking my path.

I look at her concern and ask her what's wrong. I don't question how she knows my name.

She pants wildly but still squeaks out a sentence, "Some idiot just let all the frogs escape in the vet class. Now they're scattered everywhere! Ugh!"

"Yeah, okay, yeah. I can help." I finally say. The whole situation confuses me but I guess I can chase some frogs in my free time.

I follow the mystery girl into the animal behaviors classroom and it is complete chaos.

There are frogs jumping everywhere and students chasing after them. I watch as two guys try to grab the same frog but end up crashing into each other. I wince. This will be interesting.

It takes a while but I did manage to help grab a few wild frogs and put them into a makeshift cage someone made. The original cage was shattered and the broken pieces are still on the floor.

I grab a broom to work on cleaning that up so no one cuts themselves with the loose glass. I got to work but then the lady came back once again.

"Oh my! Arlo, thank you so so much for helping us. This really was quite the scene." She says as she touches my shoulder and smiles up at me.

I give her a nod and a "No problem." And then turn my attention back to the broom. I hate to judge her since I just met her but I am not interested in talking at the moment.

"You know..." she continues talking," I heard there's a special event coming-"

The sound of more chaos cuts her off.

The teacher rushes into the classroom looking panicked.

"I don't know where he went. Once I find him he'll be in lots of trouble." She breathes out furiously.

I take this opportunity to slip out of this mess while the rest are distracted.

Stress washes away from me as I return to my original mission. That was not expected at all. As I walk down the hallway I see a rogue frog resting behind a large vase. I can't help but laugh.

I finally retrieve my ice and a little desert for my troubles before going back to my dorm room. I take the path of avoiding animal behaviors classroom.

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We have finally made it to chapter 10! I bet they're going to see a lot of frogs for a while.

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