The food court was located on the lower ground floor. When Evanna walked in, her eyes fell on the leafy decor that clung to walls under a cheery yellow glow. Beyond a glass wall, an outdoor space extended out, bedecked with greenery and many bulbs of light. Conversation and clinking cutlery formed a vibrant soundscape that enveloped her.

"There you are," Janet's voice called over the noise.

Evanna turned, her bags rustling with the motion. Mary and Janet approached her, dressed in business casual outfits.

"Sorry, I got a bit lost," Evanna said as her aunt lifted a bag off her aching arm. "Thanks!"

"You bought yourself a plushy?" Mary asked, taking in the panda she was holding. "Honestly, Eva, how old are you now?"

"Mom!" Evanna scowled as indignation stirred inside. "I like to hug one to sleep."

Janet eyed her bags with a smile. "Someone's gone all out!"

"Mhmm, I'm changing my style."

Mary arched her eyebrows. "You are?"

"Yeah. Anyways, let's eat."

"We should check what restaurants they have here and—"

"Why don't we eat here in the food court?" Evanna said quickly, not keen on ending up in a restaurant that might not offer good plant-based fare. "Lots of options here."

Thankfully, the sisters acquiesced. They were soon seated in a corner with piping hot plates of food.

"You're eating rice?" her mom asked.

"Yeah, I like fried rice." Evanna took hold of the spoon, her nose tingling with the tang of fried onions.

Janet stared at her rice, which appeared rather dry with scant pieces of vegetables. "That looks a bit bland."

"Well, they've just put it together minus the meat and stuff that usually goes in. There must be good options here—I just don't know them yet."

"Or you could've just eaten like a normal person and had a good dinner," Mary said as she tucked into her meal—a sumptuous-looking dish of noodles with what seemed to be fish chunks.

Evanna bit back her retort and looked away. Her stomach constricted in dread at the prospect of more conflict. And this is a public place, Ev.

"So, what did you get for yourself?" Janet asked, nibbling at lettuce from her light dinner of salad and soup—an attempt to lose weight despite her shapely figure.

"Stuff." She propped up her face with a pout and squeezed a dollop of ketchup onto her rice.

"Oh, you went to Natty Nymph too?"

"Yeah."

As the conversation progressed about shopping, her mood gradually improved. They were halfway through their meal when three people approached their table.

The short woman in the lead smiled brightly. "Oh, it's so nice to see you again!"

It was Anukie's mom, Natasha, and just behind her was Anukie herself and her older brother.

It was as if an iron hand curled around Evanna's chest, tightening painfully with each passing second. She tried to slow her breathing. Get a grip, Ev. Get a grip!

When Mary and Janet stood up to greet them, Evanna had no choice but to follow suit.

After all the hugs and pleasantries were exchanged, Natasha said, "Evie, how you've grown! It's wonderful that you and Anukie are in the same class now."

Evanna blinked and attempted a smile, hands clasped behind her back. Anukie just stood quietly next to her brother.

"Yes, she's been waiting so long for this," Mary said, shooting Evanna a look.

Natasha took a step back. "Well, I do apologize for interrupting your meal—"

"Oh, no, it's great to see you again," Janet spoke up. "Why don't you join us?"

"We already have a reservation. How about another time?"

"Looking forward to it."

As soon as they were gone, Mary turned to her daughter. "Eva, why are you so sullen?"

"I'm not sullen!" Evanna plopped down and crossed her arms. "I—I don't want to hang out with Ookie."

Bewilderment etched Janet's face. "Evie, she's your best friend!"

"Aunt Jan, please, I don't wanna talk about it. She's changed, okay?"

"What?" Mary asked in a tone that made her displeasure known. "You have changed, you mean?"

"Mom, I don't want to talk about it!"

The sisters exchanged a look and slowly sat down.

"I don't know what's come over you, child," Mary muttered, her fork tinkling against her plate.

The background noise swelled as a tense quiet stretched out between them. A wave of emotion washed over Evanna, and she gulped down the lump in her throat.

Her mom changed the subject. "I called that Olympus place today. You have bio class tomorrow morning at eight thirty and chemistry class at eleven thirty."

Janet proceeded to add that she had arranged for two home tutors to visit on Monday and Tuesday to teach her physics and math respectively.

Evanna just sat frozen while dread weighed her down. The joy and normalcy she clung on to that evening vanished like a mirage. How many hours a week for all this on top of school and homework?

She was trapped in a strange box where what she took for granted was stripped from her and watchful eyes kept her in check. Now the walls were closing in.

Panic rolled in, and she balled her fists. She shot a glance at Mary's stern face, and the lump reformed in her throat.

Evanna excused herself to go to the restroom.

After ten long minutes, she resumed her seat and carried on eating her tasteless meal.

Evanna wished for the umpteenth time that she could just go back, crawl into bed and sleep. She barely had time to whip up a banana smoothie with soy milk she obtained from the supermarket the night before. At least it's not the crack of dawn.

Now she ambled along a street in a pedestrian precinct in downtown Komoreby, basking in the sunlight that slanted down to warm the chilly morning, She kept checking her phone to make sure she was heading the right way.

Despite the early hour, the street was teeming with hordes of teens, laughing and chatting as they walked along. Rectangles of light expanded on the cubist buildings that rose on either side. They were not more than three stories high and mainly housed small shops, bakeries and cafes. Several were already open, and people sat sipping coffee in outdoor seating and balconies.

The scene matched the general aesthetic of the city, but the crowded atmosphere was an incongruity. A bubble of curiosity bloomed within. I should explore this place sometime, but then again, can you control yourself, Ev?  That was way too much shopping last night.

Evanna was suddenly aware of the crisp feel of her new clothes, though she imagined them wrapping her in a snug cocoon.

She was finally herself—all in black in a polka dot dress, a long cardigan and cottony tights. Converse high-tops encased her feet, laces circling around the ankles. The getup was accessorized with studded wristbands and goth rings, while her hair oscillated with each step in her go-to ponytail. Her backpack wasn't an exact replica of the one she owned, but it was similar—now personalized with the Uchiha keychain that swung from one side.

After ten minutes, the street curved and sloped upward. Olympus came into view—resembling any other building on the street rather than a home of gods. Talk about bogus names.

Many people her age milled about the place, dressed in clothes of their choice and engaged in animated conversation. Transported to a reality that was no longer her own, she wallowed in a bout of nostalgia.

She trudged up the incline and halted at the shop next to her destination. Leafy plants stood at the entrance, colorful blooms attracting butterflies. The roses caught her attention—there were quite a few varieties and colors. She closed her eyes and breathed in the scented air, which filled up her nasal passages with a wondrous kaleidoscope of notes. Eyes fluttering open, she tilted up her head. Potted plants rested on the balcony, vines spilling over the sides. Wow, this place is amazing.

Evanna finally reached the doors of Olympus.

When she pushed through, she found herself in a lobby area crammed with students. She edged past a group of girls and made her way to the ash wood reception desk. A thin man with a receding hairline stood talking to a female receptionist, who had pimply cheeks that dimpled when she smiled.

"Hello, I haven't seen you here before," the man said with a smile as she approached.

"Yeah, this is my first time—I'm Evie." Evanna smiled back. "You must be Mr. Horton. My mom said she called you yesterday."

"Ah, yes," he said and beckoned her closer. "Just need you to fill out some paperwork, and I'll show you to your class. This is Naomi Cooray. If there's anything you need, she's always here to help."

"Welcome to Olympus," Naomi said brightly as she rummaged for some papers.

Evanna took in her surroundings. "I like this place."

Horton looked pleased. "Nice to hear that. We have excellent staff as well—some of the best teachers in the city and a number of overachieving graduates from Uni Kom. We have two teachers from your school coming here too."

"Oh, that's cool. Maybe I should just come here full time then."

"Unfortunately, we don't qualify as a school," he said with a laugh and gave her a knowing look. "But you're welcome to do that when your exams draw near."

Her eyes widened. Oh, like, ditch school to come here? People do that? Nice.

Soon after, Horton led her into a narrow corridor, at the end of which was a spiral staircase and an elevator. The walls were in pleasant brown tones, and her shoes thumped on wooden flooring. Despite the earthy colors, the environment was bare with a utilitarian feel, reinforced by the occasional bulletin board.

Her classroom was on the topmost floor. When they neared it, many voices wafted out. Horton showed her in and strode off, answering a phone call he just received.

What struck her immediately was the lack of a gender segregation policy, even though most were still seated that way. As she drifted to a corner, she caught sight of Bostlowe and his rugby friends talking loudly at the center. There were more people from school, including Sery, Ula and Mort.

Then her gaze landed on the center column at the very back—occupied by all four boys from Obsidian.

Evanna averted her eyes and hurried to an empty seat. To her relief, Genelle soon loped in, her tall form wrapped in a lilac sweater and faded boyfriend jeans. Her fringe, which she had pinned back for school, now fell over her forehead.

"Hey, Evie," Genelle whispered, flopping down beside her.

"Hey!" Evanna smiled.

"You look very different." Genelle looked her over. "So dark."

"In a good way or bad way?"

"You look good."

"Thanks." Evanna grinned. "You too!"

Genelle muttered an awkward thanks and fell silent.

Used to her companionable silence, Evanna opened her notebook to start doodling—just when Junho and Max sauntered out of the classroom. Oh, yeah, they don't take bio class.

Now that they were out of uniform, if she thought they'd appear the way they did in her old universe, she was proven very wrong. Junho stood out with a metallic jacket over a graphic tee and what looked like red spray dye on his hair, while Max had on a funky color block hoodie. Evanna couldn't help grinning to herself.

Her mirth died, however, when Sara and Oleanda made their way to the few empty seats in front of her.

"Well, well, two freaks sitting together," Oleanda sneered, lowering her lithe form onto the chair, while Evanna rolled her eyes.

"Ollie, look at Bosty over there—oh, my gawd." Sara giggled as she followed suit and propped up her face with a manicured hand. "This isn't a bad spot to do some ogling."

"Not as hot as those two," the taller girl crooned, throwing a glance at the two remaining members of Obsidian.

Sara proceeded to lament how she couldn't make up her mind whether she should go for big guys or leaner ones. Evanna rolled her eyes again and tuned out her voice. It's not like they're admiring cute boys—more like, all boys are toys out for grabs.

She also inwardly mused at the level of confidence they possessed to assume that they could just grab any boy they wanted. They probably can. Sara seemed to know how to be charming, which had earned her Bostlowe's attention—according to Marilda.

Eventually, the teacher Mrs. Esmelia Croke presented herself. She turned out to be a wizened soul with gray hair that was partially dyed with henna. Her squinty eyes, surrounded by extensive bags and crow's feet, turned slowly towards the assembled students like gears in need of oiling. Then the class commenced.

After two hours of biology, her stomach insisted on sustenance.

She ventured out of Olympus to grab some food before her next class. She was about to head straight to a cafe that had caught her eye, but the allure of the plant shop was too powerful to resist.

When she walked in, the sweet redolence of countless blooms entranced Evanna. The shop was fittingly called Bountiful Gaia. Plants in all their diversity surrounded her—sprouting up out of pots, hanging down walls and crawling up trellises. They also had cut flowers and bouquets for sale.

"What kind of plants do you like?"

Evanna turned to face the pleasant-looking woman who shuffled up to her. She had on a colorful apron with a name tag that read Jasmine.

"All kinds!" Evanna trailed a hand over the feathery foliage of a maidenhair fern. "But I'm not good with them though. I just came in to have a look."

"Well, let me know if you want anything. I can tell you how to care for them." Jasmine smiled and resumed her seat at the counter.

She basked in nature's perfumery that enfolded her and finally decided that her room could do with a nifty terrarium. Later, Ev. It's not going to disappear.

Bestowing a smile at the woman, Evanna let herself out.

Within minutes, she reached her cafe of choice, but the nanosecond she entered, her appetite plunged.

Alcina sat with three other girls. Having seen her in uniform all week, Evanna was startled by her appearance. It was as if she were teleported back to her own reality.

The tall girl was the picture of perfection in a chic beige top and jeans that flattered her long legs. Her silky, black hair was pulled into a knot, and earrings hung down on either side of her face.

For an instant, their eyes met. Evanna thought she saw something flash behind her cool gaze she couldn't quite put her finger on. Then Alcina went on talking, giving no indication that she even noticed her.

Evanna rolled her eyes and walked up to the counter to check the menu. She ordered a mushroom and avocado sandwich, along with black coffee.

She soon dug into her meal, ensconced in a far corner hidden behind a wooden partition. The toasty brown bread yielded with a crunch, and her tongue reveled in the umami tang of fried mushrooms, glazed with buttery avocado. It suddenly evoked a memory of homemade stir-fry her mom made on many a night.

Evanna clamped her eyes shut, willing the memory to dissipate. Then she swallowed forcefully.

She was munching on the last few bites of her sandwich when Alcina materialized and draped herself over the chair opposite.

Taken aback, Evanna almost choked on her mouthful while her face morphed into a glower. "What the heck do you want, Alcina? Didn't you just pretend to not know me?"

"I couldn't let on I know you." Her glossy lips curved into a smile. "Not good for my reputation."

"Uhuh," Evanna said stiffly. "Well, get lost."

Her smile didn't budge. "I didn't get to ask you that day. Do you remember what happened after we walked down that passageway?"

Long seconds elapsed. Coffee brewed, and ceramic tinged.

Evanna shifted her weight. Oh, so she has no idea either then. "Um, why would I tell you?"

Alcina searched her face. "So, you have no clue."

Annoyance bubbled to the surface. Why the heck are you so easy to read, Ev? Focusing her glare on the hot mug in her hands, she took a sip and winced.

"Is there," Alcina asked, her blue eyes probing, "another little something you've noticed?"

"Like what?"

"A strange something."

"Can you be a bit more specific? 'Cause in case you haven't noticed, this whole thing is strange," Evanna said, her voice dripping sarcasm. "In fact, that's an understatement."

Alcina regarded her. "Well, never mind then."

"Okay..."

The tall girl straightened up with an air of finality and added as an afterthought, "I see you're settling down—making friends with dorks and losers."

Evanna looked daggers at her, hands tightening on the mug. The pleasant aroma of coffee failed to elevate her souring mood, while her scalded mouth reeled from the bitter aftertaste.

"And making yourself a name among the dregs of your house—what are you again?" Alcina barked out a derisive laugh. "Oh, yeah, a Unicorn."

"Your boyfriend's in it too—oh, wait, he's not your boyfriend."

Alcina's arrogant smile vanished, and her eyes looked venomous—but she quickly recovered her cool. "Oh, he's mine—he just doesn't know it yet. He's definitely hotter with his bad boy vibe. Unlike you, I'm not letting this shithole suck away my life. Not that you had a life to begin with."

Evanna leaned back, folding her arms across her chest. What are you going to do exactly? And good luck dating when that's probably a worse crime than drug dealing around here. "I don't give a flying hoot. Like I said, get lost."

Smile still intact, Alcina's svelte figure rose to its full height. "I have no intention of sitting here and staring at your face, Zeller. I don't want to jinx my day."

With that, she breezed off—trailing a sophisticated scent of heliotrope, infused with sultry musk.

It was one thirty in the afternoon when Chemistry ended.

Evanna trotted down to the lobby and was about to let herself out when she caught Naomi's eye. Maybe she knows a thrift store.

A thrift store had taken shape at the back of her mind as means of doing away with Alter-Ev's many possessions that were of no use to her. Heck, I might find something decent there for myself, now that I'm giving my wardrobe a full makeover. Apart from budget constraints, guilt dissuaded her from buying too many new clothes at once.

She wove her way through the crowd to the reception desk and posed the question.

"Oh, yeah, there's one not far from here," Naomi said.

"Where?"

"Hang on, I'll just show you where to go." The receptionist clattered to her feet in high heels.

"Oh, don't trouble yourself."

"No trouble," she responded with a cheerful wave of her hand.

Evanna followed Naomi out into the street, which was even busier with the exodus of teens from Olympus and other tuition centers in the area.

"Do you see that café over there?" Naomi pointed into the distance.

She nodded as she followed her gaze—but was suddenly distracted by the figure standing in front of the plant shop.

It was Shane Evans.

His arm was casually resting on one of the elevated columns, atop which sat a pot of bougainvillea with dazzling pink inflorescence. Max appeared in her line of vision too, signing an autograph for a fangirl, who took off excitedly with her prize. They started a conversation, their gaze directed at the shop. Ash and Junho must've gone in.

Evanna snapped her attention back to Naomi, who was saying, "And once you're in the lane, just keep on walking until—"

She stole another glance at Shane. Okay, this definitely looks like freaking Olympus with them standing there—especially him.

He had on a high-collared jacket, form-fitting jeans and Converse sneakers—all of which were black. His messy hair, glowing golden in the afternoon sun, added a touch of warmth against the navy blue of his tee. A thin pendant hung from his neck, while a twine wristband peeked out from his sleeve. Wide "guy" rings adorned his fingers.

Evanna gave her head a small shake. Stop looking, Ev! He's Alcina's guy—it's just a matter of time. And all the cuteness in the world won't make him any less of a jerk. He's not worth checking out.

"—so yeah," Naomi went on. "It's small, but that should tell you you're in the right place."

"Right." She mustered up a grateful smile. "Thank you!"

Naomi's face dimpled as she reciprocated. Then she retreated back into Olympus.

Having no other excuse to loiter, Evanna made to walk past the plant shop. Suddenly, a movement up on its balcony caught her eye.

Someone was leaning back against the parapet, jostling a heavy pot.

It happened almost like in slow motion. The pot tilted and lost its equilibrium—directly over Shane.

She opened her mouth to scream at him to watch out—just as a part of her knew it would be too late by the time he turned to look and figured out what was happening. She was too far from him to reach out and push him.

The street noise receded and the world lost focus as her wide eyes locked onto the pot. It started its fateful descent, and an image of impending horror flitted across her mind. No!

Energy surged up like a volcano poised to erupt. She reached out and grabbed—without moving a muscle.

The pot paused before impact—an inch from his arm.

She held it for a fleeting moment, and in that moment, she felt its crushing weight, causing her knees to buckle. He caught her eye, and his reflexes kicked in.

He jerked back.

The pot crashed to the ground, splintering into myriad pieces. Moist soil splattered the paving. A limp plant lay in the broken mess.

What happened? How did I...The commotion that ensued sounded strangely distant, and darkness clouded her vision. Drained to the core, she tipped sideways. It doesn't matter. Everything's fine now. Just let go.

The last thought she had before oblivion took over was that she grabbed the plummeting pot and held it ever so briefly—with an unknown force.

In that instant, she saw it in his eyes. He knew it too.