It's beautiful. Just like you.

Professor Dalhia blinked and looked at Aria. She said, seeming to come out of a trance, "Very good. You may take it back to your ice box."

Aria turned around as everyone in the classroom started mumbling about Aria's vase and flowers. Professor Dalhia raised her voice, "I would like to remind everyone that this is an examination hall. So kindly maintain the discipline."

As the whole classroom went silent, a clear voice rung out, "Aria? Can I look at your vase too?"

Everyone was surprised to see the very shy Helen speak in such a loud voice. Even Professor Dalhia was so surprised that she did not call out to Helen for breaking the discipline.

Aria, on the other hand smiled and walked over to Helen. She set her vase on Helen's table, took one of Helen's hands and placed it on the vase. She said, "Look to your heart's content."

Helen gave Aria a reluctant smile as her hands began to roam very carefully over Aria's vase, taking in every detail, but never damaging it. As her hands touched the rose that was the centerpiece of Aria's flower arrangement, Helen's concentration faltered a little as her other hand stopped bending for a second.

It was then that Aria heard a little crack from Helen's ice box. Her eyes widened in horror as she stared at Helen, who must have heard it too. There was no time left now. Not even enough to repair the crack with more water, as it would not freeze properly and diminish the beauty of the vase.

As Aria stared at Helen, she looked up and her deep blue eyes met Aria's black ones. She handed the vase back to Aria and said, "It's beautiful Aria. Just like you."

Aria was very sad as she went back to her desk, placed the vase back in the ice box and walked towards the exit. Just before going out the door, Aria looked at Helen, who was sitting very upright in her seat, her face betraying no emotions.

Aria waited outside the classroom as the sun set behind the forest and darkness came.

A few students walked out of the classroom having completed the exam and complimented Aria on how beautiful her vase was. Aria replied to all of then with a smile.

Finally, as soon as she heard the dinner bell, Aria rushed back into the classroom even before Professor Dalhia could announce the end of the exam.

Aria's eyes immediately fell on Helen, who had undoubtedly completed her vase as she sat with both of her hands in her lap, staring straight ahead.

Professor Dalhia said, "Time up. I want you all to leave your vases in their ice boxes. I'll have a look at them and the results of the exam will be declared before the start of the end of month holidays. Aria crossed the classroom in large strides as the students began filling out of the classroom, mostly complaining about how hungry they were.

Aria walked upto Helen and said, "Come on Helen. You hungry?"

Helen grumbled an assent as Aria took hold of her hand and led her out of the classroom towards the dining hall.