Chapter 2

I was never good at academics, but I did well enough to pass and that's what matters!...right? Don't judge me too harshly, please! There are only a few days left of school anyway,

"Wow! A perfect score again! The royal family really is different!"

"I know right?! And that test was so hard, I hate it here, I'm glad we're graduating soon." A group of students were talking in front of where our final grades were posted.

"I'm going to ask Smoke out today," One girl announced which made me pause,

Smoke is second in line for the throne, the youngest prince of the southern quadrant. He has hair that's black at the roots and slowly transitions to white at the ends. He's tall, handsome, confident, competent, Intelligent, and friendly too so of course he's popular. I never spoke to him much but like everyone else I had a crush, so hearing other people talking about confessing to him, irritated me. Who does she think she is? Smoke has only dated one person but he never pushes away anyone who flirts with him, making him a playboy. Anyone who confesses to him practically forfeits any chance of a long-term relationship. The rumor is, he's waiting till graduation to have something serious. I honestly don't trust rumors.

"Hey Snowe," Smoke greeted, Ibij was at his side, Ibij always sent me signals he liked me by the way he looked at me and his shy mannerisms.

"How did you do on the finals?" Ibij asked. He knew I hated talking about grades, so I pouted.

"I passed! That's all that matters." I stated sternly, Smoke smiled and I looked away,

"You're right, that is all that matters." Smoke agreed

"That's hilarious, coming from you! Mr. Perfect grades!" I commented. Our subjects are Math, History, Element Control, and hand-to-hand combat, Smoke excelled in everything.

"I have an older brother to live up to." He argued. That's when Ibij jumped in saying,

"You don't need to live up to him! You're better than that asshole!" Smoke frowned,

"He's still my brother, so watch your mouth." The best way to define Smoke's family situation is: It's complicated.

"I heard someone talk about confessing to you, earlier." I teased Smoke and he sighed but didn't respond. Smoke is friends with everyone but since Ibij likes me, Smoke has been making conversation with me regularly as of late. I have nothing against Ibij, and I know I don't have a chance with Smoke, self-awareness is a skill of mine. So I'd never step out of line and pursue him. I'm having to really push myself to act so casual with him right now.

"I bet... anyway I need to go, talk to you later Snowe. Bye." He waved before he left me alone with Ibij. It's weird that he keeps directing the conversation towards me, but I'm sure it means nothing.

"So how did things go with Kara?" I asked I knew he asked her out last week, and I don't want him to be flirting with me if he's with someone already,

"We... went out a few times but it didn't work out, she's not the girl I thought she was." He muttered. I don't know what he means by that. "I don't want to talk about it, it's kind of embarrassing, for real." He hung his head,

"I see... I'm sorry for bringing it up." I replied.

"Thank you! This is why you're the best Snowe. No one ever apologizes to me..." I felt a pang of pity for him but then I noticed the time and the hallway emptying,

"Oh, crap! I'll talk to you later! Be good in class!" I shouted,

"No! I'm gonna be a menace!" He yelled back, and I laughed. My next class is important, especially today because the teacher Mr. Ark, helps everyone with our career placement once we've made a decision. Before today I felt lost on what I should do. I'm not one of the Celestials, powerful families treated like royals, I'm also not good enough at fighting to be a guardian (sent to Earth to protect certain sectors) or useful as a soldier. My power isn't good for growing food, building, or promoting life and I'm so terrible at my studies that I definitely should not ever become a scholar or teacher.

I waited till class was over, even though we were allowed to chat freely, I wanted some alone time with him. So once everyone else was gone I made my move.

"Hey Qon, I have a question," I began,

"Are we on a first-name basis, now, Miss Snowe?" He asked, sounding a bit amused. I ignored his comment and continued,

"I need your help! I want to be a musician!" His eyebrows rose, "I've decided I want to be an entertainer, I finally figured out how to use my power!" I said gleefully,

"So you need my help?" He asked while pulling some papers out of his desk, "Well... my connections." He started writing something down. "I'm glad you finally know what you want to do, I was worried about you. I'm also interested to see what snow has to do with music," I'm surprised he noticed me with all the other more remarkable students in the school. "Meet me after school and we'll get started."

I made sure to text my parents and friends to let them know I'd be busy before meeting with Mr. Ark. Everyone else in the school was in a rush to get home so it wasn't long before we were absolutely alone.

"Alright, Miss Snowe, it's time for details." Mr. Ark stated while leaning against the front of his desk.

"There aren't many entertainers on Infaniya, my skills are quite a commodity." I reasoned. He tapped his chin and said,

"Show me, I need to see what I'm working with if I'm going to help promote you." He's practically consenting already, I grinned widely, it's now impossible to hide my excitement. Then I started to sing, it was just our school anthem

♪I may be young, but I will grow

The places I'll go, only time can show

I'll become strong

and I know before long,

I'll show this world the future,

The future of Youth.♪

I stopped there and waited for his response but he stared at me silently for several seconds before saying,

"What else can you do?" He still seemed to be in a good mood so I think I did well.

"I can dance... I can play a few instruments too." I replied.

"Really?" He sounded surprised. Most people my age don't learn instruments, so he's probably in shock. It's seen as an impractical hobby, only pursued in old age "I would like to see your dancing too if that's alright?" I nodded and looked for an appropriate song to play on my phone before demonstrating, when I stopped I turned to him to get his reaction. His mouth was hanging open and he was looking at me as if he had never seen me before today.

"What do you think?" I asked, he covered his mouth and then turned his back to me.

"I'll help you... I'll call the people I know and... I think you should put on a show during the graduation ceremony... it'll be a good time to debut." Things are moving so fast! Since a prince is graduating, the crowds will be larger than usual.

"Do you really think I'm good enough already? That I'll do well?" I just need a little more reassurance, just one more push.

"You'll be amazing." He commented. That's it! I know I got this, now. I left school with my confidence raging at 100%, Smoke was standing by the exit. All my other classmates were gone, even Ibij.

"Hey!" I yelled while waving, he had been staring down then he turned to me, smiled, and gestured me to him. "What are you doing out here?" I asked. He stared at me for half a second then said,

"I had gotten used to walking home together so I waited." My heart fluttered even though I knew not to think anything of it,

"You're so sweet," I commented sarcastically and nudged him with my shoulder. He rolled his eyes and we started walking, "Where is Ibij?"

"He couldn't wait, what took you so long anyway?" I giggled, keeping pace with him.

"I figured out that I want to be a music artist. Mr. Ark is helping me." Smoke is good at keeping things to himself, so I don't need to worry about him telling anyone. I'm still going to keep the graduation performance a surprise, though.

"That makes sense... you're really talented. I'm glad you figured out what you want to do." I grinned widely

"Thank you, that means a lot." Smoke's hand brushed against mine and my temperature skyrocketed. He then grabbed my hand and pulled me closer. "Wait... what are you doing?"

"Your eyes... they're violet now." He noted. I blushed and covered my face. "They're usually pink... or am I wrong?" He stared at me intensely and I wanted to run, my eyes must only be pink when he's in the room and they're only purple now because he's touching me...

"Don't worry about it!" I snatched away "Good night!" I yelled while running the rest of the way home.