Rose listened as Mr. West went over the meet and greet activity from earlier in the day. She prepared herself to greet the others, her fears almost overpowering her. When Mr. West gave the okay, Rose made her way around the room little by little. Demetri didn’t say much, but he participated this time, following Rose everywhere she went.

When the activity was over, Mr. West introduced himself. He stayed in his hometown, Chicago, to graduate from the University of Illinois before coming here and disclosed he was Italian. He never mentioned his age.

With five minutes leftover, Rose strolled over to Mr. West, who was bent over searching through his briefcase. Clearing her throat, Mr. West just about jumped. He faced her, trying to catch his breath.

“Ambrosia, I never heard you come up. Do you need something?”

“Well, I was just wondering how old you are. You look around my age, but I can’t bring myself to believe you are,” Rose stated, embarrassed.

“You’re right, I’m not your age. I’m twenty one, but thank you for thinking I was.”

“Oh, you’re welcome.”

Rose walked back to her seat, glancing at the clock. Three minutes left.

She thought about how Mr. West was neither her nor Callum’s age. In fact, Rose would have sworn he was. His appearance did not match that of a twenty-one-year old’s.

With two minutes left, Rose encouraged herself to remember to tell Callum she wasn’t coming home. If she did not, he would wait a few minutes before searching for her in a panic.

The clock striking one minute left, Rose wondered what Demetri’s personality would turn out to be. He claims not to be mean and cruel, so what would he be?

“Have a good day, class,” Mr. West stated as the school bell rang.

Rose rushed out the door, searching for Catalina. She remembered where her class was and waited as students piled out of the many classrooms surrounding her. Her eyes locked on to Catalina’s classroom door.

After a while, Rose felt a tap on her shoulder.

“Catalina?” she asked, turning around.

“No, Demetri.”

“Oh, hi. Where’s your sister?”

“Why?” he questioned.

“I was supposed to be meeting her after class. Do you know where she is?” Rose asked again.

“She texted me saying an emergency came up, forcing her to leave, and asking me to apologize to you.”

Rose frowned, “Oh, okay. Can you tell her I’ll see her tomorrow, then?”

“Sure. Now, we can hang out,” Demetri smiled.

“Not yet. I still have to tell my brother I won’t be going home with him. Besides, we still have to get on the bus.”

“I can wait,” Demetri declared with a smug smile.

The two walked to the bus in complete silence. Once on, Demetri sat across from Rose, watching her the entire ride there, speechless.

Rose breathed a sigh of relief as she hopped off, creeped out. Her hand dialed Callum’s number. No answer. Rose began walking towards the parking lot, noticing Demetri following closely behind.

“Um, stay here. I don’t think my brother would want to know I’ll be staying here with you.” Correction: I know Callum wouldn’t. What’s worse, he wouldn’t allow it.

“Why not? I don’t bite,” Demetri joked.

“Well, you’re a guy. My brother gets very over-protective of me hanging out with boys.”

Understanding, Demetri stated, “Okay. I’ll wait here.”

“How about we meet each other at the bleachers?” Rose asked, not wanting to take any chances.

“Okay, I’ll see you there,” Demetri smiled before walking off.