It is the next day and Marie is in her last class. Keandre and she are sitting at the back of the class writing notes. Marie hates to admit it but she isn't paying much attention to the lesson. Her mind keeps wandering to her study session with Kaden after this class. It has been on her mind all day. Kaden being more talkative to her during class earlier doesn't help the situation either. She swears he was even going to come up to her table at lunch if some girl didn't stop him to talk. Or maybe Marie was just hoping he was walking towards her. Marie doesn't know why he has occupied her mind so much. Marie hopes she doesn't do or say anything stupid around him later. 

Marie's last class is finally over and she practically jumps out of her seat after putting her stuff away before the bell rings. She walks the girls to the van to see them off. Sean knows she is staying late at school and will walk back to the orphanage later. He tells her to be safe when coming back and to call him if there's an emergency. When the van pulls off Marie walks back into school and finds her way to the library. She is the first to arrive and finds an empty table near the history books section. She pulled out her notes from yesterday and looked them over.

Kaden walks into the library after having a quick conversation with Darius in the hall. He spots Marie at a table with her head down in her notes. His silly brain thinks she looks adorable but he shakes that thought away and heads to the table. He can't let these thoughts progress, he wants to be friends. Thinking your friend looks cute when she has her nose in her books isn't friend behavior.

"Hey, sorry I am late," Kaden says slightly startling Marie.

"Hi. Oh, you're fine I just got here a few minutes ago." Marie didn't register the pleasant smell coming closer was Kaden. She chalks up her increased heart rate to being startled. 

"Awesome!" Kaden slides into the chair in front of her. "I will be honest I didn't get a chance to brainstorm for the project yesterday. Something came up that took my attention." Kaden explains looking guilty. "But I am putting my all into this today and will make up for being unprepared."

"That's okay Kaden. I understand, life happens." Marie replies with no hint of malice. Hearing his name coming from her voice makes Kaden feel warm in his chest. His only reply is a slightly goofy grin. 

The pair get started on their project. They decided to take the lead on the ideas Marie came up with yesterday on her own. They get the framework of the presentation done. They also divided the work up, each being responsible for parts of the project. Two hours have gone by and they decide to call it for today.

"We got a lot more done than I was expecting," Marie says as she packs up her bag.

"It was all thanks to your ideas. I think we will have a great presentation at the end of it." Kaden says then zips up his bag. He bites his lip, unsure if he should offer her a ride but does it anyway. "Um, do you need a ride home? I don't mind since it was my idea to meet after school."

"Oh that's kind of you but no thank you. I am going to walk home." Marie stands up and heads to the library exit.

"Are you sure? I really don't mind and I would hate to have you walk by yourself." Kaden stands up and follows behind Marie.

"I am sure but again thank you for the offer." Marie is happy he offered but she honestly was looking forward to the walk. She looks back at Kaden who has a far away look in his eyes. Concerned by the sudden shift in his aura she asks him "Are you okay?"

"Huh? Oh, yes I am okay. Sorry, I just remembered I needed to help my dad with something. I have to go, see you later." Kaden runs down the corridor with lightning speed.

Marie stands still on the library door threshold and is more confused by what just happened. She is worried she might have offended him by denying his offer. She quickly waves that thought away. She doesn't know Kaden well yet but that doesn't seem like something that would bother him. She walks home not giving it any more thought.

After dinner, Marie goes back to her room to work on her project. She doesn't know when Kaden and her will meet up again but she wants to be ready. She quickly decides to redirect to the study room so she can use the computer. She is in the middle of research when Melissa taps her shoulder to get her attention.

"Hello Marie, I hope you don't mind me interrupting?" When Marie turns around Melissa is standing behind her in a nice outfit with her hair tied back in a half up half down ponytail.  

"You're fine. How can I help you, Melissa?" Marie quickly jots down some notes and then faces Melissa.

"I just wanted to let you the meeting went well." Melissa's eyes were shining with excitement. After telling her friends and Mrs. Leane she came to tell Marie.

"Oh, that's great to hear." Marie never wants to be adopted or be placed in another foster home but she knows how much that means for some people. Seeing the joy in Melissa's face warms Marie's heart.

"Yeah," Melissa clasps her hands and fiddles her thumbs. "The couple were really nice. I was skeptical at first. Most people want babies so why would they want me since I'm nearly 17? But it turns out that not only am I getting parents." Melissa takes a dramatic pause "I also have a biological sister."

"What? No way that's surprising news." Marie says shocked by the plot twist.

"I know it's crazy." Melissa shakes her head in disbelief.  "When they adopted my baby sister they learned of my existence and immediately wanted to adopt me as well."

"Wow, what are the odds? Well, I am so happy for you Melissa." Marie gets up from her seat and gives her a hug. After the hug the two say goodbye and Marie goes back to work until she decides it's time for bed.

~

The next day is Friday and Marie is grateful for the weekend. Her new school has been a pleasant contrast to her last but she is exhausted. Being the new kid is tough in general to adjust especially in the middle of the semester. But the teachers don't care for them it's just business as usual. Catching up to a different curriculum was harder than Marie expected. It's fourth period now and it looks like Kaden is going to be her seatmate for the foreseeable future. Not that Marie minds at all. She can see them becoming good friends. Marie has the same feeling she got when she first met the girls. 

Before the teacher walks in Kaden strikes up a conversation with Marie. "So I was thinking we should meet after school again on Monday to work on the project." Kaden says before quickly adding "If you aren't busy that is."

"I am not busy. That sounds like a great idea." Marie's reply was chippier than it should be for making plans to work on a project. "The library again?"

"Yeah, the library again." Kaden gives her a dazzling smile while looking her in the eyes. He stares for a minute too long for it to be friendly and then the bell rings. With the next meeting set up the two finish out Friday looking forward to Monday.