The night settled softly over the Clark household after a quiet dinner at the table. Mrs. Clark had made a light meal, and the atmosphere remained calm—no tension, no awkward silences. It almost felt like any normal day, and yet, Alina couldn’t shake the feeling that nothing about today had been normal.
After dinner, Allen excused himself politely and returned to his room to study. Alina, too, quietly walked into the guest room, which she was currently calling her own. She sat down on the bed, still in her uniform, her school bag leaning against the wall.
Today had been...unimaginable.
Not in a terrible way. But in a way she hadn’t expected. From bumping into someone at the bicycle parking lot, being misunderstood all day, getting punished, and then discovering she would be sharing a roof with that very same person—it felt surreal.
She pulled her blanket over herself and stared at the ceiling, whispering softly, “Why did so many things happen today that I never even imagined?”
Sleep eventually found her, but the thoughts stayed tucked somewhere behind her eyelids.
The next morning, Mrs. Clark brought up something for breakfast.
“Allen, you and Alina should go to school together. It’s easier if you both head out at the same time,” she said with a warm smile.
Allen, munching his toast, paused and glanced at Alina.
Before he could say anything, Alina shook her head gently. “Thank you, Mrs. Clark, but I’ll go by myself. I don’t want to cause any trouble.”
She gave Allen a quick glance before continuing, “I’ll take the bus. It’s more convenient for me.”
Allen didn’t argue. Maybe it really was better that way—for now. He finished his breakfast and headed out with his bicycle, while Alina left shortly after to catch her bus.
School started with a regular schedule. The academic year had officially begun. Teachers began their lessons, setting the tone for the term, and students started noting down chapters, exam patterns, and upcoming assignments. The classroom was livelier than the previous day, filled with chatter, curiosity, and early excitement.
During the lunch break, Alina and Grace sat together under the shade of a tree near the school canteen. Grace opened her lunchbox and gave Alina a warm smile.
“So, how’s it going so far? Feeling less like an Allen today?” she asked teasingly.
Alina laughed. “A little. Everyone seems nicer today. Or maybe I’m just getting used to the noise.”
Grace nodded in agreement. “The food here’s not that bad either. I mean, it’s not home-cooked, but it won’t poison us.”
They giggled.
Grace leaned in and said, “Hey, you know, Allen doesn’t usually talk to many people. He’s kind of quiet. So if he was... well, rude yesterday, don’t take it personally.”
Alina blinked. “I don’t. I think we just got off on the wrong foot.”
“I think so too,” Grace said thoughtfully. “But hey, now that you’re here, we can make school more interesting.”
They smiled at each other—something about that conversation made them feel more like friends than just classmates.
After lunch, the bell rang, and everyone returned to their seats.
The biology teacher, Ms. Bennett, walked in with a large stack of printed sheets and a spark in her eyes.
“Alright, class,” she said, placing the sheets on the desk. “We’re starting something exciting. I’m assigned a group biology play project.”
Students murmured in surprise and curiosity.
“You’ll form your own teams. Your task is to write and perform a short educational play about a biological process or system. It should be fun, accurate, and creative. The best performance will be showcased during the school’s mini science fest.”
She handed out topic sheets and continued, “You can choose your own theme and characters, but remember—it must be based on biology.”
The students began forming groups. Jack approached Grace and Alina.
“Hey, would you both like to join our group?” he asked casually.
Grace grinned. “Sure, why not?”
Alina nodded. “Yeah, let’s do it.”
By the end of the class, their group had decided on a play called “The Secret Life of Cells.” The concept? The inner workings of the human body, told through the journey of cells fighting off invaders.
Alina was assigned the role of Mitochondria, an important supporting role.
The main female character, Red Blood Cell, went to Vanessa Rosie—who had suggested herself for the lead even before auditions began. No one argued. She was confident, popular, and persistent.
Allen, to everyone’s surprise, was selected as the White Blood Cell—the main male character.
When everyone confirmed their characters and received copies of the script, Alina took her copy and headed home. Next day, The classroom buzzed with excitement about the upcoming drama club activity.
That evening, something unexpected happened. Vanessa, who had never been friendly with Alina, approached her with a smug smile.
"Hey Alina," Vanessa said in a casual tone. “Alina, asked everyone to come to the school playground tonight for a practice session. Just so you know."
Alina hesitated for a second. It was a bit strange that Alina hadn’t said anything directly, but she nodded. “Okay. Thanks.”
Later that night, Alina quietly made her way to the school playground. The air was chilly, and the school grounds were silent under the pale light of the moon. She sat on the edge of the basketball court with her script in hand, reading her lines and imagining the play.
An hour passed.
Suddenly, rustling came from the bushes nearby. Alina looked up, alert. She saw two school watchmen hurrying past, chasing someone.
A moment later, a boy jumped over the low boundary wall and quickly ducked behind a tree. Before she could react, he gently grabbed her wrist and whispered, “Shh… please don’t make a sound.”
Her eyes widened.
When the watchmen’s footsteps faded into the distance, the boy let go and smiled sheepishly. “Don’t worry. I’m not dangerous. I’m a student here too.”
Alina stared at him. He had bright, mischievous eyes and a cheerful face, despite the situation. “Who… who are you?”
“I’m Ethan. Art class,” he said. “Basketball club too. I was just… well… I sneaked out to play games at the internet café. Got caught jumping back in.”
Alina blinked. “Seriously?”
“Yeah,” he laughed. “Now, it's your turn. Why are you here at night?”
She sighed. “I was tricked. Vanessa told me there was practice tonight. I believed her.”
“Ouch. That’s rough.” Ethan frowned. “She’s mean. But hey, I admire your dedication to the play.”
“Thanks,” Alina said with a weak smile.
“Come on,” he said, gesturing with his head. “Let’s get out before those guards return. Want me to walk you out?”
They ran quietly together, hiding behind trees and bushes until they reached the back gate.
“See you around?” Ethan asked with a grin.
“Yeah,” Alina replied, still catching her breath. “In class. When you’re not being chased.”
Back at home, Mrs. Clark was pacing in the living room.
“Alina isn’t back yet?” she asked, concerned about deepening the lines on her face.
“She’s late,” Olivia said softly. “It’s already past dinner. It’s dangerous for her to be alone at night.”
Allen, who had been studying upstairs, overheard them. Without a word, he got up, grabbed his jacket, and took his bicycle.
He found Alina walking slowly along the street, hugging her script against her chest.
“Alina!” he called out, pedaling toward her.
She looked up, surprised. “Allen?”
He stopped beside her. “What happened? Why are you out this late?”
She explained the situation—how she believed Vanessa and waited alone in the playground.
Allen frowned. “She really said Alina invited everyone? That’s ridiculous.”
“I should’ve confirmed it,” she said, feeling ashamed.
Allen shook his head. “No, she’s just cruel.”
He rode slowly beside her as she walked home, the silence between them thoughtful.
At home, after dinner, Alina and Allen found themselves in the living room, each holding their scripts. The weight of the day seemed to settle quietly between them, but it wasn’t heavy—it was comforting, in its own way.
“I still can’t believe I believed her,” Alina mumbled, staring down at her script.
“You were just being trusting,” Allen replied. “That’s not a bad thing. Just… next time, run things by me first.”
Alina looked up, a small smile forming. “Okay. Deal.”
They began reading their lines, slowly at first, and then picking up pace. The tension faded with each word, their voices blending with the rhythm of the play.
Somewhere between the words on the page and the glances they shared, a quiet understanding grew.
The night had started with shadows—but it ended with light
At home, after dinner, Alina and Allen found themselves in the living room, each holding their scripts. Without saying much at first, they sat together, flipping through pages and reading lines aloud.
“I’ll help you memorize yours if you help me with mine,” Allen said after a pause.
Alina smiled. “Deal.”
They practiced for nearly an hour. Even though Alina wasn’t playing the lead, she quietly memorized Vanessa’s lines too, just in case. She wasn’t sure why—but something told her it was worth it.
The day of the performance arrived.
The school hall was filled with students, teachers, and a few visiting parents. Costumes rustled backstage. Scripts were tucked into pockets. Nervous whispers floated around.
The play, titled “The Secret Life of Cells,” was designed to show the inner workings of the human body in a fun and educational way. The story followed the journey of a Red Blood Cell and a White Blood Cell working together to defend the body from invading bacteria and viruses.
Vanessa Rose had been cast as the Red Blood Cell—the main female character—and Allen was playing the White Blood Cell—the main male role.
But then, just moments before the curtain rose, Vanessa groaned and held her stomach. “I feel sick,” she muttered. “I can’t... I can’t go on stage like this.”
The teacher quickly examined her. “You’re having a stomach ache. You need to rest. We can’t risk it.”
She looked around. “Do we have a backup?”
“I can do it,” Alina said, stepping forward with calm confidence. “I know her lines.”
Ms. Bennett blinked. “You’re sure?”
“Yes.”
Alina quickly slipped into Vanessa’s red costume, already knowing the lines and the blocking.
When the curtains opened, the audience was treated to a surprise.
Alina Brooks as the Red Blood Cell.
Allen Clark as the White Blood Cell.
They moved across the stage in sync, navigating their way through the bloodstream, explaining their functions, and teaming up in a powerful scene where they battled bacteria and viruses together. The fight scene was full of dramatic movement, and when the pathogens were finally defeated, the crowd erupted in cheers.
Alina and Allen stood center stage. Then, in perfect timing with the last line of the play, they looked at each other, shared a handshake, and gave one another a warm, friendly hug.
The moment felt genuine—unrehearsed, sincere, and full of silent respect.
When the curtains closed, the applause was louder than anyone expected.
After school, the two of them stepped out into the evening light. The sky was soft and dusky, and the streets quiet.
“You were amazing today,” Allen said quietly as they waited for the bus together.
Alina turned toward him in surprise. “Thank you.”
He nodded. “I mean it.”
She smiled. It was the first time he had said something so kind to her.
They boarded the bus together and sat side by side as the city lights flickered past the windows. No more misunderstandings. No tension. Just a calm silence shared between two people who had somehow begun to understand each other.
To be Continued……