"Well, I'd.. never expect this, that's for sure." Olivia sighs, as Alina rolled her eyes, putting on her sunglasses.

She was not in the mood for paparazzi right now. They had caught her earlier, as she was spotted outside school. Luckily, Damian was quick enough to react, as he sheltered her with his hoodie.

"We are grown kids, not kids who need to go on a freaking..school trip." She continues, as Alina listened to her music attentively, eyes on the window, appreciating the wonders of the countryside.

Damian sat behind, in his dark grey hoodie, as usual,  arms crossed, peacefully sleeping.

"Alright, we are near the Castle of Pondfield. When we arrive, please mind your belongings and do not wander into the woods." Mrs. Norbury smiled sheepishly, as the bus stops.

"I heard that werewolves used to reside in that forest." A random kid splutters, earning a scoff from Alina.

Did my parents send me to a kindergarten?!, she thought, as she made her way out of the bus, earning everyone's attention yet again.

Olivia stepped out behind her, squinting her eyes at the direct and harsh sunlight. Alina moved forward, thanking the Gods that she had wore sneakers instead of boots. The gravel road reminded her of the royal garden back home. She quickly brushed it off, as something else earned her attention.

The Castle stood proudly in the middle of the field, it's distinguishable cream bricks glistening under the harsh sunlight.

Classmates rushed forward, walking towards the castle, while she remained in her place, hands in her pocket.

"Don't tell me you're afraid of castles." A deep voice startled her, as she slightly jumped.

"That's ludicrous. I don't want to be reminded of my home, that's all." Alina spoke, removing her sunglasses.

"Right. Because you lived in a castle exactly like this one."

"I do, Damian, as a matter of fact. Well, not exactly, but you see my point." A smile appeared on the corners of her lips, as she turned around, walking past Damian.

"And just where are you going right now?" He arched his eyebrow, following her. She kept her smile to herself, as she walked into the forest.

"I suppose you didn't hear the teacher's orders. No wandering into the forest." Damian continues, huffing his chest.

"And since when do you follow the rules?" Alina teased, stepping into the forest. A wry smile found itself in the corner of his lips, as he stepped forward, joining her.

Leaves cracked under her footsteps, as she made her way in between the trees, hearing Damian's footsteps behind her.

"They'll notice that we're missing, you know." He murmurs, stopping, as she admires the light in between the leaves. "Then let them."

"And what are you searching for?"

"I don't really know. I don't think nobody knows." Alina smiles, bending down, picking up something on the ground. Standing back up again, holding a flower, admiring it.

"This is much more interesting than the castle itself." She mutters, looking around. Tall, pine trees surrounded them.

After wandering around a bit more, they had found a small clearing, and in the middle of it, a pond. Ducks quacked, swimming happily.

Alina sat down in the grass, followed by Damian. "Ducks.. and trees. This is your relaxation?" He chuckles, as she breathed in the fresh air.

"Sometimes, we need to appreciate what was given to us in the first place, Nature. Castles, Cities, buildings.. they're all artificial. Made by us."

"You have a point."

"And what makes you at peace, Wayne?"

"That's for you to find out, Vanderbilt."

~

"Oh my god! Where were you?!" Olivia screeches, lunging herself at me. I shrug her off awkwardly, mentally cursing as Damian walks up behind me.

Olivia's cheeks instantly transforms into a shade of deep mauve, as she stands nervously, avoiding Damian's gaze.

Oh, kill me now.

"You-you were with him?" She gapes, looking back and forth between us.

"Yes." Damian answers, and elbowed his waist. "Oh.. You're dating?" Olivia asks again, looking slightly.. mad. Clenching her jaw, she looks at me as if.. she wanted to murder me.

Damian's arm snake around my waist, pulling me closer. I hold my gasp, closing my eyes, noticing Olivia's expression. She definitely wants to kill me.

Definitely.

"Yes." Damian finally answers. She nods, breathing out, before turning around, and stomping towards the bus.

"You shouldn't have done that." I breathe out, once he lets go of me. I may have lost my only friend here.

He smiles at me, leaving me alone in the parking lot, as he strides confidently towards the other side. Unbelievable, that boy.

~