The quiet rustle of the surrounding trees filled the peaceful clearing as we approached the schoolhouse. Standing near the bottom of the wooden steps were Eloise and Dorothy, talking quietly together in the calm before the storm. The school doors were still firmly closed.
A warm smile touched my face, and I picked up my pace, leaving Jake and the guards at a comfortable distance near the edge of the path. I walked right up beside Eloise, wrapping my arms around her in a warm, tight hug.
"Hey!" I said softly, stepping back with a bright smile.
Eloise returned the hug with a gentle squeeze, her eyes lighting up. "Rachel! I didn't expect to see you back here so soon."
"I couldn't resist," I admitted, turning to offer Dorothy a warm greeting. "I spent all afternoon in the library and reali
