My body moved as I tried to avoid his gaze. After a while, I had to tear myself away from his cold gaze.

"I don't know," I hemmed and hawed. Being absent from class is challenging. And that much was correct. I was worried about getting behind in my schoolwork and, while I like spending time with Nicola, I felt a bit stifled by the confines of the large, empty estate.

"When do you suppose Mathew plans on filling the pool? "With optimism, I asked. What I need is some time in the water to get my thoughts straight.

"I can't say for certain. I plan on approaching him once...