Chapter 3

Simone attended the Golden Bull School in place of Miriam for a month. The only people who knew about it were she, Miriam, and Michael. As weeks went by, she found out more and more about Michael. They spent every day after school and on the weekends together, unable to get tired of each other. When he needed her most she was always by his side, even if it was the smallest thing. Simone started to feel as if her feelings were being returned, until there was a point when Michael stopped coming to school, stopped answering her calls, as if he just disappeared. His “disappearance” went on for over a week.

            She entered the classroom, hoping Michael was in his seat, ready to greet her with his usual cheerfulness. Disappointment dawned on her as it had every day for the past week he hadn’t been there. Miss Glenbar, their teacher, claimed that he was ill.

Simone sat down in her seat and turned towards Rena. “So Michaels not here today, again?”

            Rena shook her head. “I think you should pay him a visit, Miriam.”

            Simone shifted in her seat. “I might. What kind of sickness does he have? I want to bring him medicine.”

Rena looked at her oddly.

            “What?” Simone asked.

            “I’m pretty sure we all know that Michael isn’t actually sick.” Rena said, staring at Michael’s little sister, Jane.

            This confused Simone. When she got back to her hotel room, she called Miriam and asked about Michael.

            “Well, when Michael and Jane’s parents died in the second year of the Shrine God’s curse, their aunt and uncle were their new guardians. And recently, something has been going on between the aunt and them, and you know how Jane is always crying out for Michael’s help all the time? Even when it’s something small?” Miriam asked.

            “Of course, all the time. Michaels always taking care of her every need. Can’t the damn girl take care of herself for a change…” Simone growled.

            “Michael has been telling me the same thing. ‘Of course I love Jane, but I’m starting to get kind of tired of serving her every moment, you know?’ is what he told me a couple days ago. I’m afraid he was hinting about running away or something,”

            Simone started to tear up. “No… he can’t run away, he can’t leave me! I love him so much, Miriam.”

            “Don’t cry, Simi! I won’t let him and you shouldn’t either. Don’t worry,” Miriam said. “I promise I won’t let anything happen to him.”

            “Who knows what his aunt is doing to him right now, and it’s all that f*****g kid’s fault, making Michaels life hell like this.”

            “You shouldn’t blame Jane for this, she’s only twelve.”

            “That’s old enough to have some common sense!”

            “Michael will be fine, he’s a brave guy. And I’m pretty sure he’ll attend the Spirit Day Festival next week, he’s never missed it,” a sharp voice snapped in the background on Miriam’s end. “Got ‘ta go. I’ll call you later.”

            Simone threw her phone against the wall, thinking everything over.