Chapter 12

"Stella," Chloe said. "Did you have a nice sleep?" 

Stella turned around and saw Chloe coming up to her. "Yeah, with no restlessness," Stella said. 

"Great," Chloe said. "I figured you'll be fine." 

"So, do you have any plans for today?" She asked. 

"Not really," she said. 

"You can come over to my place, if you want to," she said. 

"Okay," Chloe said. "When shall we meet?" 

"How about 3 o'clock at the gates?" 

"Yeah, that's fine." 

They met up at the gates and walked together for a while. "Chloe," Stella said. "Do you like Ian?" 

Chloe bit her lip. "Well, maybe a little." 

"I'm okay with it," she said. "It's been a long time, I like him, but more as a friend, if you know what I mean." 

"No, I thought you liked him," Chloe replied. "You've known him for so long and he's nice to you, too." 

"That's true, but because I've known him for so long, I see him more as a friend." 

"I see," Chloe said. 

"Well, maybe I'll try it out," she said. "To tell him about my feelings. I feel like he still doesn't know it, yet." 

"Yes, maybe you can say that." 

They walked in silence. "Where do you live, again?" Chloe asked. "Is it just down the road?" 

"Yes, it's the third house." Stella took out her keys and opened the front door. It was dark and dull inside. She put the bottle on the shoe shelf and put in a piece of petal and let it sink to the bottom. Then, she waved for Chloe to come in. Chloe stepped inside and walked behind Stella to her room. She opened her door and went in. 

"It's still the same as last time," Chloe remarked. 

"Yes, the shelves stil are filled with plants. I had to find a place to put my box," Stella said. "Do you want some tea?" 

"Yes, thanks," Chloe said. 

Stella went out and found a cup in the cupboard. She filled the kettle with water and waited for it to cook. The kettle made deep gurgling noises in the living room. She gently lifted it and handed it over to Chloe. 

"Thanks," she said. They sat down by the table. "What article did you choose?" 

"Flowers by the river," she said. "I think it's something to do with speciation." 

"Yes, but aren't there not a lot of flowers by the river?" 

"Yes, there are some, for example orchids and clovers." 

"I agree with you." 

"So I was thinking about their speciations and how they would live inside those kind of environment. I think there will be something to write about." 

"It's a fascinating topic, there will be things you can write about." 

"How are things going on between you and Ian?" Stella asked. 

"Not so much," she said. "He helped me a bit with my article and I'm grateful that he did so, but we haven't talked any relationship related topics, yet." 

"And how is your relationship with him?" 

"Quite well, I think we might make it together. Sorry for telling you that abruptedly," Chloe said. 

"He hasn't told me about you relationship, yet," Stella said. "I didn't know you were so close with him." 

"Hmm, we started on the first few weeks of school. I felt that he noticed me, that's why I talked to him and we had some dialogues between us." 

"Well, I didn't quite hear about that." 

"Did you talk with him often?" 

"Not really, we only talked a little." 

"Maybe you can alse talk to him more, to get to know him better." 

"I feel distanced to him, we haven't talked to each other for so long and now that I see him again, I feel that there is a barrier between us." 

"I'm sure it'll be fine if you do talk to him, that way you'll get closer to him."