Chapter forty eight

The next day, as school ended, Marcus approached Alina, his heart pounding with nervous anticipation.

"Hey, Alina," he began, trying to sound casual. "Can I walk you home?"

Alina looked surprised. The last time they had spoken was at the camp, and since then, she had refused to take his calls. She wanted to confront him face-to-face.

"What's this about, Marcus? You didn't come to school all last week, even though I said I wanted to talk to you. Then, when you did show up today, you completely ignored me. And now, out of the blue, you want to walk me home? No, thank you," she said firmly.

She tried to brush past him, but he gently caught her hand. "I'm sorry, Alina. I was just too nervous to talk to you."

"Why would you feel that way?" Alina asked, still angry.

"I was afraid you'd snub me in front of everyone. The last time we saw each other, things didn't end well."