The Voice I recognized.

(KAIRA’S POV)

The bell rang, and I practically bolted out of the room so fast that it felt like I was floating, my feet not even touching the ground.

But I had barely gotten past the door when I heard the sound of fast footsteps leaving the class as well.

“Kaira!” Someone yelled and even though I knew who it was, I didn’t stop.

The person calling my name was the reason why I was hurrying to get away.

Cameron.

He had made the center of attention during our club meeting. I had gone through half an hour ignoring deathly and sniggering looks throughout. At this point, I really wanted the day to end.

“Kaira.” His breathless voice was suddenly directly behind me and I knew I had to stop running and to drop the act then.

I became glued to the spot and in less than three seconds, Cameron had fallen into step beside me.

“Wow, for someone who seems to be so quiet and calm, you are damn good runner.” He said, his hand on his knees while he panted tiredly.

“I just… really need to get home.” I said with a nervous smile.

His face turned serious and he moved close to me.

“Are you doing alright? You look pretty flustered.” He asked, his eyes searched my face like an answer could be gotten from there.

“Yes I am.” I answered, too quickly.

The other kids soon started catching up to us as they poured in to the hallway and passed us throwing unpleasant looks at us.

"Are you sure you're okay?" He asked again, his voice low enough that only I could hear. "You look a little... shell-shocked."

"I'm fine." I laughed, a little breathlessly. "I just—have a lot to catch up on.”

“Okay then.” He said nodding and then his face became even more serious. “Don’t let the other kids get away with hurting you every time.”

I nodded and looked down at my shoes as I said. “Thanks for standing up for me today. I really appreciate it.”

He shrugged like it was nothing. "It wasn't a big deal."

"It was a big deal." I said and in a serious tone added. “

He smiled at me. "Well, Tiara is a bully. And it’s always wonderful to put a bully in his or her place.

There was a moment of uncomfortable silence between us and then Cameron cleared his throat.

“So, since you are leaving now maybe we could walk out together?” He tried with a hopeful smile.

I nodded at him. “Okay.”

“Great!” He said with a happy clap.

We walked side by side and he was really indulging me in conversations about writing that i soon forgot that I was having a bad day.

“I think you would be a good tutor for me.” He said as we stepped past the front stairs.

I laughed. “I heard the piece you gave today. I don’t think you need tutoring.” I concluded.

“I only feel a surge of pride now because that’s coming from you.” He said with an accusing finger. “If someone as talented as you is telling me that my piece was nice then surely I am doing something good.”

A shy laugh escaped me at how smooth he was with his words.

“For real.” He stopped walking and so I had to stop too. “I think you should really consider me bringing becoming your student. You could teach me how to narrate so beautiful and what steps you follow.

I laughed nervously and was just about to tell him I didn’t know anything about steps. And that I just leaned to write as a form of expression.

But then—

“Makaira.”

I froze, for two reasons.

1. Who had dared to call my full name so confidently.

2. The fast race in which I identified that voice in my head.

I swallowed. Before I looked up, I knew who it was.

Slade Horton.