As a student, he didn’t feel too different from last year. On the other hand, Jonathan, now in his first year in middle school, realized just how vastly different the school’s curriculum had gotten. This morning in particular, he was having a bit of trouble rounding up some math equations, but at least obtained a better understanding of basic algebra.

   Perhaps, more so, he couldn’t wait to head back home. Sure enough, by lunch time, he was finally making his way back, but needed to make a stop at the family’s shepherd field, just to check on things.

   “Hi!” he greeted what appeared to be his twin.

   “Hi!” the other greeted back.

   The twin was actually a manifestation, a result of the latest spell mastered by Jonathan’s girlfriend, and leader of the village, Princess Maria. It was a way for both Maria and Jonathan to help with the family business, allowing Jonathan to keep his mind at ease while in school. The sheep were wary at first, but they had since grown used to the manifestation’s presence.

   “I relieve you of your duties,” commanded Jonathan, causing the manifestation to fade to smoke. On a school day, Maria, without fail, would cast a new manifestation remotely from her castle each morning.

   “Hi, mom!” greeted Jonathan as he entered the house.

   “Hi!” greeted his mother, Sorina. “How was school?”

   “Fine,” said Jonathan. “Where’s dad?”

   “He went off to buy groceries,” said his mother, “Your lunch is ready.”

   “Thanks, mom!” said Jonathan.

   Jonathan was able to have his nourishment, while finding the time to help his mother around the house, and finish up his assignments. Just after a couple of hours spent unwinding, a pigeon repeatedly pecked on his window. Immediately, he knew what that meant as he gladly opened the window for the creature.

   The pigeon was Maria in disguise who, unable to contain her excitement, couldn’t wait to see her boyfriend in person. Having changed back to herself, the two hugged each other tightly, with Maria giving a quick peck on Jonathan’s lips, having not seen each other in days.

   “I’ve missed you so much!” said Maria.

   “I’d missed you, too,” said Jonathan, fully aware of the princess’ duties to her village.

   The couple loosened their grip with Maria’s hands still on Jonathan’s waist, and Jonathan folding both his hands around her back.

   “How was school?” asked Maria.

   “It was fine,” said Jonathan. “And how was home school?”

   “It was okay. Easy, but also hard,”  Maria admitted. Referring to her private tutors, she added, “If they feel like I’ve caught up, I’ll be able to join you in school.”

   “That’s great!” said Jonathan, raising his hopes in seeing Maria more often on school days.

   “Are you parents home?” asked Maria, making her way to the door.

   “They are,” said Jonathan. “Let’s meet them!”

   About a minute later, the two found themselves in the living room where Mr. and Mrs. Fier were beyond ecstatic to meet Maria once more. Unlike most of Jonathan’s friends, Maria was royalty, and the parents had high hopes for both their son and Maria in the distant future. For several minutes, everyone sat down together watching any movie that was on at the time, but mostly spending that time chatting, and serving their guest tea and biscuits.

   Soon enough, the sun began to set over the village. By twilight, Jonathan and Maria decided to spend time together outside. Even though she had duties to get back to, Maria didn’t want to leave just yet, enjoying her final moments next to Jonathan. 

   “I’m glad you could come over,” Jonathan said to her.

   “Me too,” said Maria, resting her elbows on the property’s fence while observing the evening sky.

   Although the winter snow had since melted, the evening breeze felt cool around Maria’s face, putting on a smile in delight.

   “What’s on your mind?” asked Jonathan, looking to start a conversation.

   “Nothing,” said Maria. Looking up to the sky, she commented, “the evening sky looks pretty. The blue and orange colors coming together.”

   “Yeah,” said Jonathan in agreement, looking up to the sky with Maria.

   Looking at Jonathan, Maria asked, “What’s on your mind?”

   “Nothing,” said Jonathan.

   Maria was a bit skeptical. She suspected that Jonathan had a lot on his mind. However, she decided not to bother him over it.

   With the sky getting darker, it was a sign for Maria to start leaving for the night.

   “I have to go,” said Maria, giving a peck on Jonathan’s chick. “I’ll invite you over when I’m less busy.”

   “Okay,” said Jonathan, touching his chick slightly with a faint smile. “I’ll chat with you tonight.”

   “Can’t wait,” said Maria, with a wide grin on her face.

   Maria turned herself into a bat and flew into the evening sky towards her castle, just the right disguise to avoid anyone’s attention. Jonathan watched from where he stood, glad to have spent some moments with Maria in person, but hopeful to see her again soon.

   By next Monday, Jonathan was back at school, and with several minutes to spear. Due to her busy schedule, he never did get invited to Maria’s castle, at least not yet. However, he couldn’t believe what he was seeing, blinking twice to be sure of his eyesight. But, sure enough, Maria was standing right in front of him, armed with a backpack around her shoulders.

   “Hi!” Maria greeted.

   “Maria!” Jonathan exclaimed. “You’re here!”

   “Yes!” said Maria in excitement. “I wanted to keep it as a surprise. I excelled in my studies, so my tutors told me that I could enroll... and I wanted to be here with you.”

   “That’s great!” Jonathan exclaimed. Containing his excitement, he added, “That is, it’s good to finally see you on school days.”

   “I know,” Maria said with a wide smile. Staring right into Jonathan’s eyes, she asked, “Have you been missing me?”

   Feeling a bit awkward by Maria’s interaction, but simultaneously confident, he placed his hand on Maria, and said, “More than you might realize.”

   Jonathan’s response caused Maria to giggle with glee, placing her palm on Jonathan’s shoulder for a quick hug. While backing away, she asked, “So, when should we start heading to class?”   

   Jonathan pulled out his phone to check on the time, and answered, “In the next three minutes.”

   “Okay,” said Maria. “May we be escorted to our classrooms please?”

   “Classrooms?” Jonathan wondered, noticing the word “classroom” was in plural.

   “Oh!” Maria exclaimed. While playing with her hair, she explained, “I’m older than you, so I was given lessons based on eighth grade.”

   “I see,” said Jonathan, who was currently in seventh grade.

   With no further time to waste, the two began walking to class. “This way,” Jonathan said to Maria, with the princess gleefully catching up to him. In just a minute, the couple were standing right next to seventh grade.

   “Here’s my class,” Jonathan said to Maria. Pointing over her left shoulder, he said, “And there’s your class.”

   A bit stunned, Maria turned around. Sure enough, it was eighth grade right behind her. “So we’re close to each other,” she commented. “This is so cool!”

   The bell went off. Already being informed on how schools operated, she knew what it meant, and made haste toward her classroom. “We’re late! Bye, Jonathan!” she cried, waving to Jonathan.

   Thus far, it was turning out to be an eventful morning to Jonathan. It was a new school week, and Maria announced herself as his new schoolmate. Overall, Jonathan was looking forward to what came next, that he didn’t notice the other schoolmates staring at them, commenting over the fact that their princess was now schooling with them!