Hunting the Fairy Tale

Chapter 122 - Thinking on the Fly

Willow

So far, so good, I suppose.

Walking along one of the covered walkways with Molly and Paisley, I am aware of some speculative glances directed my way, but nobody is saying anything... at least not where I can hear them. Then again, I have Paisley with me, and they might die if they did. People don't generally mess with Paisley's friends when she is around.

I love this girl more and more every single day.

Still, I felt so much better when I was holding Hunter's hand. I felt safe, untouchable as if he were a castle wall protecting me from the world. I always feel that way when I'm with him. It's as if nothing bad could ever happen to me while he holds my hand. Feeling like that might make me seem weak and pathetic, but I don't care; I love feeling safe and protected.

For 11 years, I was always told to be strong, independent, and stoically face any storm that came my way and withstand every stone thrown at me. It is truly wonderful to have someone in my life who makes me feel protected. A place where I can just rest and not be strong for a short while. It is refreshing and freeing.

Unfortunately, Hunter had to join the other student council members before assembly and had to let go; he seemed to like leaving me even less than I did. I'm back to being stoic and strong, facing whatever may come, which is why I appreciate having Molly walking on my one side and Paisley on my other. I'm not sure about Molly yet, as my interactions with her haven't been as numerous as those with Paisley, but I'm also starting to trust her fully.

Since I arrived in Briar Cove, I have been blessed with four incredible friends who are not just friends with me because I am the wealthy heiress of the Mayfair empire. Apparently, they just like hanging out with me. My heart is full.

Chloe has her own regular set of friends, but we enjoy talking while migrating from one class to another, and I want to invite her to join our study group. It is going to be tremendous! I've already asked Molly, and she was thrilled by the idea and offered her home as another alternative. We can take turns studying at each other's homes. 

It's silly, I know, but I am incredibly excited about this. I've never had study buddies before. I'm almost looking forward to studying for the exams. We've made a date to start on Thursday and take Wednesday off. Wednesday is the official start of the exam period, but nobody will write any papers this week. Only students needing extra help or with no suitable place to study will visit the school for special attention from their teachers; the rest of us will be studying at home.

The weather is generously mild today, and walking with the cool breeze tickling my ears and listening to Paisley chat with Molly makes me feel slightly less nervous. I'm quite certain that I'll be quaking in my boots again when I have to go to my homeroom after assembly, but for now, I'm feeling content.

 When we pass one of the girls' restrooms, Molly excuses herself to duck inside while Paisley and I wait for her in the hallway.

"Paise," I broach a subject that's been bothering me since last night. "I'm confused about something."

"Oh, Alice," she says in the tone that always tells me I'm about to regret talking to her. "You're confused about so many things."

"Stop it," I chuckle, grabbing her upper arm. "I'm serious. I saw some pictures last night and-."

"Seriously, you want me to explain the Kama Sutra to you?" she asks, and a week ago, I would've believed the horror on her face to be authentic. "What makes you think that I'm an expert on-."

"Will you please stop?!" I groan, tossing anxious looks around while shaking her by the arm I still hold on to. Honestly, after my performance on Saturday, I do not need people hearing her say things like that to me. Paisley must see the look on my face and realise that I'm serious because her teasing expression suddenly turns into one of concern.