Isabella stared into space, her eyes fixed on the board without really seeing it. The teacher's words seemed to slide off her like water on a windowpane. It wasn't the class that occupied her thoughts, but what Klaus had to tell her tonight. A truth that had been hanging on her lips for too long.
"Isabella?" the teacher suddenly said.
Isabella jumped, abruptly brought back to reality. All eyes turned to her.
"Uh... yes, sorry, ma'am."
She tried as best she could to refocus on the class, jotting down a few words without really grasping their meaning. The clock ticked slowly, until the bell finally rang. At break time, she paced aimlessly up and down the halls.
"Isabella!" a voice called behind her.
She turned quickly. It was Gale. He approached, calm, his hands in his pockets.
"Oh, hi, Gale," she said, trying to smile. "Are you having a problem?"
"No, nothing serious... I just wanted to talk to you, if you have a minute."
She nodded. He hesitated, looking down for a moment.
"Sorry if I seem a little intrusive, but... What were you and Klaus talking about the other day?"
Isabella stared at him, unsettled.
"Why are you asking?"
"It's not what you think," he replied quickly. "It's just... I find Klaus strange lately. Like he's up to something. And I'm afraid he'll do something stupid."
She felt her heart sink. She looked away.
"It wasn't anything important, just... things about rehearsal," she lied.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Gale."
"Really sure?" Gale insisted.
"Yes, that's all."
Gale stared at her for a moment, scrutinizing her face.
"Okay. But if you notice anything strange, let me know. Promise?"
She nodded slowly. He walked away, leaving her alone, frozen in thought. Had she done the right thing to lie? Should she tell him the truth? A long sigh escaped her. No. Not yet.