Chapter four
1278 Words
Afternoon at St.Anne’s Academy always ended the same way
The final bell would ring, conversations would erupt from every classroom, and within minutes, the one disciplined school hallway would become a river of students eager to escape the walls that had held them captive since morning.
Everyone was packing their books and shuffling their chairs, while others remained talking about their lessons, assignments, and the plans they had for the rest of the day.
The corridors were filled with students as they walked out of the classroom. The afternoon sun was making its descent; its light was falling on the pavement and grass of the school compound.
A gentle breeze blew through the leaves of the old almond trees that lined the path, bringing with it the scents of dust, perfume, and food from the cafeteria.
It was a sunny afternoon ✨
In the classroom, Catherine sat quietly at her desk long after everyone around her had begun gathering their belongings.
No matter how hard she tried to focus on simple things, closing her books, arranging her pens, zipping her bag, her thoughts drifted back to one moment.
Jonathan’s smile.
It happened so quickly that she almost wondered if she had imagined it.
One glance.
One smile.
“You’ve been smiling ever since the last class ended.”
The familiar voice pulled Catherine back to reality.
She looked up to find Skylar standing beside her desk with one brow raised, her school bag slung over her shoulder.
“That’s not true,” Catherine said, trying to look innocent
Skylar folded her hands.
“You have been smiling.
“I didn’t notice anything.”
“I noticed.”
Catherine laughed quietly, shook her head as she zipped her bag.
“It’s nothing to worry about.”
Skylar studied her face for a brief moment before letting out a brief hum.
“If you say so.”
Catherine knew that look.
Skylar wasn’t convinced.
Fortunately, she didn’t press any further.
By then the classroom was almost empty. The students were leaving one by one, their voices fading in the corridor before disappearing completely.
Skylar adjusted the strap of her bag.
“Are you coming?”
Catherine hesitated.
“I will leave in a bit”
That earned her another curious glance.
“Hmm, Jonathan.”
“Nooo, I just need to do something.” She tried to convince her
“You don’t have to do this you know?”
“Must I tell you everything?”
“Of course you have to, that’s why we’re friends.”
“Hum, I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine,” Skylar said patting her hand on her shoulder
“Don’t stay too long.
“I won’t.”
“See you tomorrow.”
“See you.”
She watched as her friend disappeared into the sea of students outside.
Only then did she let out the breath she’d been holding.
She adjusted the strap of her bag, her footsteps were unusually slow as she walked out of the classroom.
A quiet smile escaped her.
Why was she nervous?
It wasn’t as if she had never spoken to Jonathan before.
She stepped into the corridor.
Students were walking in every direction, Groups clustered together near classroom doors while others hurried towards the staircase, eager to begin their b journey home.
The atmosphere felt lighter than it was in the morning.
As Catherine crossed the courtyard, she glanced towards a large mango tree near the eastern side of the compound.
That was where Jonathan had asked her to wait.
It wasn’t an unusual meeting place, many students passed by it on their way to the school gate, while others often rested beneath its wide branches before heading home.
Taking a quiet breath, Cathrine adjusted the strap of her bag and made her way towards it.
She arrived a minute later.
There was still time.
Jonathan wasn’t there yet.
She wasn’t worried.
Not even slightly.
After all…
She had arrived early.
She rested her weight against one leg and folded her hands in front of her, her eyes wandering towards the gate.
Nothing.
“He’ll be here, she whispered under her breath, almost as though saying it loudly would make it happen sooner.
Every student that emerged from the entrance stole her attention, only for her shoulders to relax again when she realized it wasn’t him.
She didn’t mind.
Not yet.
He was probably saying goodbye to his friends.
Or being delayed by one of the teachers.
There were countless explanations.
She had no reason to worry.
“You’re still here?”
Cathrine turned to the familiar voice.
A girl from the neighboring class slowed to a stop beside her, balancing her backpack on one shoulder.
“I thought you left immediately after the bell.”
“I usually do.”
The girl smiled.
“So what changed today?”
Catherine’s gaze drifted briefly towards the gate before returning.
“I’m just waiting.”
“For your driver?”
She shook her head.
“For someone.”
“Oh.”
The girl smiled knowingly.
“I won’t ask.”
Cathrine smiled softly, lowering her eyes.
“Thank you.”
“Just don’t let them keep you waiting too long.”
“I don’t think they will.
At least…..
The girl waved before moving towards the gate.
Catherine watched her leave, then return to her silent vigil.
Minutes slipped by.
Friends saying goodbye.
Teachers making their way towards the staff parking lot.
Still….
Jonathan didn't appear.
“Excuse me.
Another voice interrupted her thought.
This time, it was one of the junior students.
“Are you waiting for someone?”
Cathrine nodded politely.
“Yes.”
The younger girl glanced around before asking, “Should I call someone for you?”
“Oh, no.” Cathrine smiled reassuringly. “Thank you. They’ll be here soon.”
“Okay.” The junior skipped away without another word.
Cathrine watched her disappear, her smile lingering for a few moments before slowly fading.
She looked at the entrance again.
Still nothing.
She let in a slow breath
It’s fine.
I’m early
There’s no need to panic.
She repeated those words silently, trying to convince herself.
The realization settled heavily in her chest.
The compound that had been bursting with life two hours earlier now sat in silence. The benches were empty, the pathways no longer buzzed with footsteps and the laughter that had once filled the air had faded.
Her eyes wandered towards the entrance one last time.
Still nothing.
A quiet sigh escaped her lips.
“Where are you, Jonathan?”
She knew him.
Jonathan wasn’t careless with her feelings, and he wasn’t the type to make promises he couldn’t keep. If he hadn’t come, then something must have happened.
That thought brought her little comfort.
Pulling her backpack higher on her shoulder, Cathrine forced herself to smile.
“I’ll see him tomorrow.” She whispered.
With one final glance behind her, she turned and walked towards the gate.
****
Jonathan rounded the corner with a run, his breathing uneven from how fast he’d crossed the senior block.
His eyes immediately searched through the courtyard.
The mango tree.
The benches.
The walkway.
Empty.
He slowed to a stop.
His gaze lingered on the very spot where Catherine had spent the last two hours waiting for him.
“….cate?” He called quietly, though he already knew there would be no answer.
A disappointed sigh escaped him as he rubbed the back of his neck.
“I missed her.”
Unaware that Catherine was already halfway home, Jonathan stood beneath the fading afternoon sun, wishing he had arrived just a little earlier.
- Writer
