Eternally Yours

CAFETERIA

Elise POV

“Attention! This announcement is for all Year 5 students. Please report to the dome now. Thank you.” The intercom’s voice echoed through the cafeteria, catching everyone’s attention.

“And that is our cue to go now,” Sophie stated, her voice emphasizing the urgency. She turned on her heel, ready to leave, her clipboard clutched tightly to her chest.

“And no, I don’t know why. Let’s just go and find out” she sighed, her hands gesturing in resignation as she quickened her pace. Apprehension radiated from the hushed conversations at both tables.

She sighed, her hands holding the clipboard to her chest as she took a quick step away. I could feel the apprehension radiate from both tables. Even the other years were conversing among themselves about the reason behind the announcement made.

Quickly, we cleared our trays and followed Sophie out of the hall, heading straight for the dome. I had only been to the dome once since waking up from my coma and being summoned there didn’t seem like a regular occurrence, judging by the tense expressions on everyone’s faces. Even Bri, who was usually talkative, had grown unusually quiet since we left the cafeteria.

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THE DOME

Sophie waited at the entrance of the building, her posture tense as she counted the students to ensure we were all present. A fleeting frown crossed her face as she silently tallied the numbers.

Sanya and Tome approached together, moving briskly from the direction of the dorms. All eyes turned toward them, and Sophie exhaled a sigh of relief. With everyone accounted for, we were now ready to proceed.

I shot a quick wave to Tome, who responded with a shy but warm smile.

“Okay?”

I mouthed, making an ‘okay’ sign with my fingers. He replied with a thumbs-up, and I felt relieved. At least, they were okay. That was one less thing to worry about.

Sophie placed her hand on the scanner at the entrance. “Welcome, Sophie Briggs,” the door announced before opening.

We walked in, making our way down a long hallway until we reached the central room of the dome.

Sensei stood in the corner of the room, his hands clasped behind his back as he gazed out of the glass-like walls. The older man exuded an air of dignity and authority. He turned toward us, dressed in his customary white kimono.

“Take a seat.”

We shuffled toward the chairs that materialized from the floor and focused our attention on Sensei. He approached a tablet on a glass table next to the holographic board in front of us. We were seated in a semi-circle according to our classes: Class A on the left, Class C in the middle, and Class B on the right.

“It appears we are not missing anyone.”

Sensei noted, giving Sophie an approving nod. Her face lit up at the recognition. Bri, seated next to her, nudged Sophie’s side playfully, raising her eyebrows. Sophie rolled her eyes in response.

“Without further ado, let’s get down to the business of today, shall we?”

Sensei started, tapping on the tablet. The board projected a slide with a love theme, “Valentine’s Agenda” written on it. We exchanged confused looks, all wondering why such an important meeting was called to discuss Valentine’s Day.

Was this a super important meeting about Valentine’s Day?

For evident reasons, Hannah looked more eager than baffled. Her slim hands clasped under her chin, mouth agape in excitement, eyes fixated on the screen as ideas ran through her head.

“Valentine’s Day is in a week and this year, we will be holding a ball. Midterms just ended and I think you all deserve a little fun.”

Sensei announced with amusement in his voice. I forced a smile, tucking my hair behind my ears as I leaned back in my seat. Excitement was evident in our eyes. A ball? Like something out of a fairy tale?

“A committee will be created to oversee the execution of this event. I need someone to be in charge of this project.” Sensei continued, his gaze sweeping over the seated students, stopping briefly on a particular individual.

Hannah’s hand shot up enthusiastically. “I volunteer!” she exclaimed.

Sensei smiled, his deep eyes narrowing as he chuckled softly.

“Ever the energetic one. I was already planning on letting you handle it in the first place. However...” he turned to Fancy. “Could you please be of assistance to Hannah? Thank you,” he added, and Fancy accepted the task with a bow.

The screen on the holographic board changed to a slide titled “End of Term Examinations.” The room grew more serious as we read what was displayed.

“As you can recall, the mid-term tests were group-based research, completely theoretical. However, this term’s examination will be in two forms. The first is a written test on all of your general classes. The second, though, will be a practical exercise. This will be an individual exercise to evaluate how well your abilities have advanced.” Sensei explained. He noted the worried looks on our faces when he mentioned the practical exercise and quickly reassured us.

“I understand that every one of you has different skills and you all won’t progress at the same speed. Therefore, the practical exercise will only be to assess your ability’s progress. It will not count towards your grades.”

His words brought a collective sigh of relief from the students.

The screen now displayed “Year 4,” which caught our attention. Our class didn’t usually interact much with other years, as we were preoccupied with classes and honing our abilities. The sudden mention of Year 4 left us intrigued. Between classes and levelling our abilities, we barely have time for sleep.

“Finally, most of you here woke up with your unlocked abilities.” Sensei continued. “I am not sure if you have noticed but all the years below you don’t display abilities.”

This revelation left many of us in awe. How had we not noticed such a crucial detail? Sophie’s face, in particular, bore an unamused look.

“Well, it seems like most of you didn’t know. Nevertheless, their abilities are still locked because they are not stable enough to control them. Presently. they have talents that stand out. These talents will be what will manifest as abilities. They are aware that they have abilities but can’t tap into them yet. That is where you all come in.”

He takes short strides away from the tablet and stands in front of the board.

He explained that their abilities would be unlocked during their final exam of the term. Each of us would serve as a mentor to junior students with similar abilities as ours.

Sensai held our gaze, his brow raising in question. “I want to trust that you all can handle this little task.”

I internally scoffed at the words he used to undermine the situation. Little. Building the foundation of these kids’ abilities is going to be anything but little.

Sensei held our gaze, his raised eyebrow prompting a chorus of reassurances from us. “Yes Sensai”

Looking around at the students nearby, I noticed the reactions. Bri wore a rare serious expression, and Hannah remained her usual cheerful self, seemingly unaffected by the pressure. As I looked around, I couldn’t help but observe the affectionate interactions between some of the students. It was heartwarming to see.

Looking around at the students nearby, I noticed the reactions. Bri wore a rare serious expression, and Hannah remained her usual cheerful self, seemingly unaffected by the pressure. Or so I thought. I almost didn’t catch it, hidden away by the side of her chair, her hand reached out behind to clutch tightly to Senza’s index finger. I didn’t want to overthink it but, I could feel anxiety wash through me.

Sensei clasped his hands in front of him as he concluded, “That will be all for now. Hannah, Fancy, I expect a proposal for all the ball’s activities by Thursday. You have four days to brainstorm, which should be ample time.”

“Yes, sir,” they replied in unison.

“Good. Don’t forget everything we’ve discussed today. Any additional information will be conveyed through Sophie. Have a good day, and you are dismissed.”

With that, Sensei walked away from us through an automated door to our left. We heaved sighs of relief at his departure. He had a way of keeping us on edge, with his powerful presence and commanding demeanor.

“I know you all are edgy because of the whole year 4 situation. I don’t even need my ability to know that”, Sophie remarked, shaking her head.

“However, let’s not think too deeply about it yet. I mean it, it isn’t till the end of the semester. So, let’s focus on more pressing matters now. Hannah?”

Her words rang true. We could worry about Year 4 and their unlocked abilities when the time came.

Times like these reminded me of why Sophie had been chosen as class president. She may seem aloof and overly inquisitive, but she got things done and had a way with words. It must be from all the peeking around in our thoughts.

“Yes! Aye aye, Madam President!” Hannah playfully responded with a salute, shooting out of her seat. Sophie scoffed, rolling her eyes as she facepalmed, and Bri seemed to be thoroughly amused.

“Stop this nonsense, both of you,” Sophie scolded playfully. “For the love of God, Bridget, it’s your fault. Hannah, don’t listen to Bri.”

Excusing myself from the impending squabble, I rushed to Tome’s side. A thumbs-up wasn’t enough to convey the importance of his well-being. He stood in front of Sanya, his back to me, engaged in hushed whispers with her. I observed their interaction, watching closely as the copper-haired boy said something that earned a blush and a playful arm punch from Tome.

I felt a swell of pride as I witnessed their close connection. Sanya’s eyes met mine, and Tome noticed him looking in my direction. Turning toward me, he wore a gentle smile that lit up his eyes. Turning towards me, my eyes almost missed the light bruise hidden behind his collar.

A sly grin graced my lips as I kept staring at his almost exposed neck. A string of coughs broke my concentration.

“I can see you two have been busy. Talking and other extracurricular activities, right Tome?”

My eyes constricted in suspicion. Tome opened and shut his mouth as no sounds came out to stand up for himself. I was definitely having fun teasing him.

“Elise, stop picking on my boyfriend.”

My lips parted in surprise. Sanya pulled the smaller boy into his arms, who responded with a shy smack, trying to pry himself out of Sanya’s arms.

“Stop, people are looking.”

He continues his mission of escape, looking around for anyone staring at them. But Sanya just pulled him in tighter.

“You both are disgustingly cute. If you would excuse me, I’m going to throw up now.”

I held my hair back and fake puked, laughing at their interaction. Max appears beside me, her book tucked away under her arm.

“I’m happy for both of you. Elise, stop bullying them.”

“Max, I think the cancer of loneliness is taking me away. Catch me, as I perish in my singularity.

Dramatically, I collapse into Max’s arms, my palm resting on my forehead.

“Woe is me.”

I cry out earning laughter from the three. The sound of their chuckle caught the attention of others.

“You are even more theatrical than Bri and that’s saying a lot.”

Max says, shoving me out of her arms, and putting herself in order. Maybe I should stop reading the historical books in Max’s library.

“Why am I hearing my name in this conversation? I didn’t do anything, I promise.”

Bri looked around in puzzlement, hands up in innocence.

“Can I have everyone’s attention?“, Fancy’s mellow voice called out.

“Hannah, Sophie and I have been discussing and we would love you all to help in this project assigned to us. The first step is...”

She stopped, motioning for Hannah to continue.

“Everyone needs a date for the ball. There is no specification for gender pairing. Isn’t that grand?”

She chirped merrily, looking at us for a reaction.

“That being said, we will put together everything needed for the ball. If you have any ideas, see either of us. Also, we might need your abilities during planning.”

A date? Max! That’s my best option. I looked around to check on Max, expecting to see her by my side. I was so sure she was right beside me, where did she vanish to? However, I was met with an unexpected scene: An evil grin on Bri’s face as she locked arms with Max, who had been my target. My mouth fell agape at the betrayal, as she stuck her tongue out at me, still holding on to the emotionless Max. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of hurt. It seemed I was now without a date for the ball.

I grumbled, dipping into the nearest chair in defeat, away from the crowd. The thought of being alone at the event left a feeling of emptiness in my heart. I found a secluded seat and looked around as people chitchatted and paired themselves up.

“Brooding alone, I see?” a familiar voice chimed in.

I groaned, rubbing my temples with my thumb and forefinger. I wasn’t in the mood for Trent and his often hostile energy. Conflicted between the butterflies his presence brought and my annoyance at his words, I attempted to shoo him away.

“I would rather be alone. Can you not make me feel worse?” I responded, hoping he’d get the hint.

Instead, he leaned against the wall next to me. The abstract black ink on his lightly tanned arms peeked out from his rolled-up sleeves, revealing a myriad of tattoos. I raised an eyebrow at him, aware that my intense gaze was likely making him uncomfortable.

After a few moments, Trent pushed off the wall and turned to face me. He leaned against it again, and a hint of mischief danced in his eyes as he locked onto mine. Placing his palm on the wall, he glanced down to meet my crystal blue eyes.

“Trent, we are in public.”

I whispered in panic. Our proximity could be easily misinterpreted if someone saw us. Our closeness threw my thoughts into a frenzy.

However, he didn’t move away. His gaze remained locked with mine, his expression pensive. He tilted his head slightly to the side and pursed his lips. Letting out a sigh, he leaned away and stuffed his hands into his pockets.

“The Ball... come with me,” he said, his words coming as a shock. My eyes widened in surprise.

Trent, the boy who usually couldn’t stand me, had just asked me to be his date for the ball.

No way!

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