Ciela was waiting for me outside the school the next morning. The coat she was wearing was a couple sizes too big, but it looked really warm.

“You remembered a coat today.” I joked.

She gave me a thankful smile and held the door open. “After you, princess.”

I groaned and rolled my eyes, but walked into the building. “Please don’t call me that. My name’s Gwen.”

“Sorry.” She laughed. “It just sounds so cool.” She looked around to make sure no one was listening. “Do you still have it?” When I nodded, she squealed in excitement. “There’s got to be a story behind that. You’ve gotta tell me.”

As we walked through the halls, I deflected her questions. There wasn’t much I could tell her without giving everyone else away. The longer she talked, the more outrageous her questions got. I soon realized that she was making a lot of it up for a laugh.

“Wow Ciela.” A snide voice greeted us from the doorway to Ciela’s classroom. “You actually found a girlfriend?”

A trio of girls were blocking the door. Ciela took a miniscule step backwards when she saw them, but forced a smile. “No way, Jessie. I’m saving myself for you.”

“Gross.” The girl in the middle rolled her eyes. “Do us all a favor and get lost. We don’t need a freak like you in this class.”

I couldn’t stand to hear what they were saying, so I stepped forward. “Have you girls seen Ciela’s coat? She lost it yesterday.”

Ciela looked up at me, eyes wide. The girls in the doorway glanced between themselves. “She didn’t have a coat yesterday.” Jessie finally responded. She glared at Ciela, daring her to challenge the lie.

“I probably left it somewhere on the way to school.” Ciela grabbed my arm. “It’s fine. I borrowed my dad’s, so I’ll be fine.”

I glared back at the three girls, but spoke to Ciela. “If you misplace it, let me know. I’ll help you find it.” I grinned. “After all, I’m a girl with a pan.”

The girls walked away, rolling their eyes, but Ciela laughed at my joke. “I need to remember that one.” She gave my arm a grateful squeeze before letting go. “Maybe if I make jokes about being pansexual, no one else will.”

She closed the door behind her and I turned to walk to my own classroom. On the way, my mind wandered back to the events of the previous day. I’d have to talk to Dawn and Aiden about it.

When I opened the classroom door, my eyes fell on Daren and another issue came to mind.

“Daren.” I said when I got to his desk. He looked up from his phone and gave me a half-hearted glare. “Well, thanks. For the warning.”

“Not that you heeded it.” He said snidely.

“Even so, I appreciate it.” I walked past him and took my seat. “Thanks.” I said again.

“I heard you found another guardian.” He said after a few seconds of silence. “A first year?”

I shook my head, a slight smile spreading. “That’s a misconception. She was just there.”

“But you did find a guardian.” He pressed. “Earth.”

I sighed and turned to face him head on. “Yes. We’ve found the chosen Earth guardian. She agreed to add the stone to the tiara. She’s Aiden’s acquaintance.”

To my surprise, Daren laughed good-heartedly. “Quite the diplomat you’re turning into.”

I laughed along with him. “Trust me, I have no idea what I’m doing. Know any etiquette teachers?”

“A couple. How’s your ballroom dancing?”

“Only crushed three feet this week.”

“Amazing.”

We both started laughing uncontrollably. It took a couple seconds for me to get my breathing under control. I wiped the tears from my eyes and saw Daren doing the same.

This won’t last. The voice in my head promised as a shot of cold pain ran through my chest. I winced.

Daren saw my expression and the smile immediately fell from his face. “What’s wrong.”

I shook my head, trying to dislodge the uncomfortable feeling. “Heartburn.” I lied.

His face didn’t soften. If anything, it grew harder. “You should go to the infirmary.”

“I’m fine.” I lied again. “It happens to everyone.”

He turned away from me, physically cutting off our conversation. “If you say so.” He returned his attention to his phone.

I sighed internally. For a moment, it almost seemed like we were friends.

This won’t last. The voice repeated.