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I stand there unsure of what to say. I tilt unevenly. "You want me to become all evil like you guys?" I gasp out. My voice turns out more deep pitched then I would have liked.

Shadow Zibonzi smiles creepily. "Exactly,"

I let out a deep sigh. Half relieved that, that was all he wanted and half frightened at what he exactly meant.

"Come on, say something." He looks impatient. "I..."

He rolls his eyes sarcastically.

"Please, I need some time to think about it, I just broke up my friendship with Arianwyn..."

He lets out a gasp. "Wait-- really." Now he had a seemingly gave her a pleased smile.

I nod. "I didn't want to...but---"

"Your one step to becoming a true shadow." He grins widely. I lean forward to say something, but the school bell rings in the distance. "Welp.. we gotta go." I hurry off back towards the school for the last period.

* * *

I walk down the hallway and collide with someone down the hallway. A guy stands in front of me with dark black hair and dark eyes. "Oops... I'm so sorry.' I apologize helping pick up a few book that he had dropped. He just looks at me and shrugs.

"Hey, its alright." He says.

I give him a thankful smile. Grateful that he didn't get upset.

"Your the new girl.... right?" I see his gaze on mine.

I nod shyly still a bit embarrassed. "Yes, I'm Natasha, and you are?"

"Rider." He gives me a odd smile.

"Its nice to meet you." I hand him one of his books. "Same, here." He replies standing up.

"I've seen you in shadow class... haven't I?" He lifts all of the books up higher.

I nod again. "Yes... why haven't I seen you before."

He shrugs. "Ah, who knows."

I let out a small smile. "Well, its nice meeting you.. " I say again.

He nods. "Yup." Then I slowly hurry down the hallway and towards Science class.

* * *

I walk to Science class. I'm feeling a bit weird, because apparently, we have course with the Shadow Class. Of course, that means Natasha will be there. She is. I sigh and try to concentrate on something else. 'Come on, Arian, be smart. She must have had a good reason...' I'm not doing a good job at convincing myself... I'm not focused on the course. Figures...

-Arian, watch what you're doing ! Meilin exclaims

-Erm, yeah, I reply.

I quickly correct my doings before I cause an explosion. I know Mr. Bear would like it, but I'm not in the mood right now. I turn to Nat, again. She's working, and Shadow Zibonzi's weirdly close of her. What, did she break her friendship with me to be with this weirdo ? Rider is close, too. He seems like he's watching Shadow Zibonzi.

Once Science class is done, I walk out. These days have been really hard for me. I can't seem to get why she'd do that to me... I might as well change my mind. Like, radically.

-Hey, Ender ! I say. We have a free period... Want to come with me ?

-Huh, sure ! What do you have in mind ?

-You'll see...

I walk with him to the dorm, my room to be exact. I sit on the bed and ask:

-Want to watch some TV or something ?

-Yeah, good idea. Let's chill.

I smile as I turn on the TV and get closer to him. Then I kiss him on the cheek. Being with him will get my mind off this whole story. I hope.

* * *

I walk out of Science class, feeling a bit astonished. I'm still amazed why Mr. Bear put Shadow Zibonzi and I on the same team for the Science experiment. I sigh. 'Come on Nat, it was just a coincidence.' I try to reassure myself, but it doesn't quite work

I start down the hallway quickly hurrying for the door. I can't wait to get home and try to understand everything. I'm halfway confused at why Shadow Zibonzi meant by what he had told me earlier and for the first time I just want to go home. I feel a hand touch my shoulder. I jerk around prepared, but I see Rider standing behind me. I let out a breath, calming down my racing heart. "Oh... its just you.." I let out another sigh.

He looks partly confused by his expression. "Who did you expect it do be?"

I shrug, hesitating... "I.."

He shrugs and gives me a small smile. "Well, anyway... can I walk you home.. um.." He looks nervous all of a sudden.

I think for a second. Rider does seem to be a chill guy, unlike Shadow Zibonzi.. And I'm sure that it would be better walking with someone then being alone.

"Alright." I give him a small smile back, very thankful that I won't have to walk alone.

* * *

I finally turn off the TV. It's been fun, however I can't forget about Natasha... There must have been some reason behind her choice. Gosh, I'm feeling so bad about this all, I think it would be good for me to talk about it. I decide to tell Ender all of this. He listens to me, patient, then takes me in his arms. I cuddle to him, comforted by the warmth of his body. I rub my head against his shirt and sighs.

"It will be alright..." He says. "Don't worry, Arian. I'm sure everything will straighten up between you two"

"Awww.... Thanks, love !" I reply. "You really think so ?"

"Yeah, of course ! I don't know what made her choose that, but I know one thing: you're too much of an adorable girl. She'll get back, don't worry."

I giggle.

"Come on, now !"

He chuckles and holds me tighter.

"I'm serious. Now, how about we do something else to get your mind off this ? Want to eat something ?"

"Yeah, why not..."

He gets up and grabs my hand, then we both walk out of school and into town. Looks like we're going at his place. When we get there, he asks me to sit in the living room and wait. I turn on my phone and decide to look at the news or to play games while I'm waiting. At some point, he comes back. It's been a while... I get up, but he gets behind me and puts a hand on my eyes.

"What are you doing, Ender ?" I ask.

"Shh. Follow my lead, but don't look. Okay ?"

"Okay !" I giggle.

He leads me to the dining room, then uncovers my eyes. It's dark, there are candles and roses on the table. And he made my favorite dish ! He pulls a chair for me and invites me to sit down. I sit, smiling widely. He's so nice...

"Love you, Ender ! You're such a prince charming !"

Before he sits, I kiss him, on the lips, this time.

* * *