I raced down the halls as quickly and quietly as I could back to Mrs. Natsume’s classroom, my heart beating the entire time. I didn’t want her to hear me, but at the same time I wanted to get back before her. At several turns I thought I heard her footsteps behind me, but I didn’t want to turn around to check in hopes of not being slowed down and stopped. I wanted to get back before she did, so I stopped for nothing.

 

When I finally reached the classroom I quickly located and slid back into my seat and tried to make myself look busy. Running back here tired me out and I was short of breath, but I didn’t want Mrs. Natsume to think I or anyone else had left.

 

It didn’t take long for Mrs. Natsume to return, a little more composed than she was before. The entire class settled down and took their seats as soon as she entered the room. She cast a glance around the room, as if expecting something to amiss, then headed for her seat.

 

“You’re all dismissed early for second period,” she exclaimed.

 

Excitement filled the room shortly after as students started grabbed their things. The next thing Mrs. Natsume said startled me though.

 

“Random, could I speak to you, alone?”

 

A chill ran down my spine at the mention of my name. Did she know I was there, outside the door? Is she going to assume I caused the weather? How would I anyway?

The excitement in the room temporarily quelled my nerves as students began putting their things away and heading out the door, soon leaving me alone with Mrs. Natsume.

 

My legs froze in place as the door swung shut. My heart hadn’t stopped beating from the running and, now coupled with fear, was beating faster than ever. I didn’t want to be alone with her, especially after over hearing the last of her conversation with the principal. Did she know I was there? I ponder to myself again, finally building up the courage to walk toward her desk, backpack hung from my shoulder.

 

“Random, you’re a very clever girl,” she says quietly, folding her hands together and leaning forward on her desk.“You heard the last of our conversation; the principal’s and mine, didn’t you?”

 

There it is, like an arrow through the heart; she’s seen right through me. I nod, hoping it doesn't go on my permanent record or something similar.

 

“Then you know that someone, or something, is managing to control the weather in Hitomi, Straven.”

 

She stood and turned toward the white board.

 

“Now I have my suspicions, and you are on the list.”

 

I swallowed. I’m on her list?

 

“But,” she continued, “I strongly believe you’re not part of it. Part of it because you were in it the day you went home with Cocoa and would have been prepared for it. Second, while your skills are exceptional,” she stops, turning to hand me a piece of paper. “I do not quite think you have the capabilities to create a device strong enough or powerful enough to cause a storm quite like that.”

 

I missed the last part of her sentence as I was too focused on the paper she had handed me. The look of surprise and shock on my face must be easily noticeable, but I didn’t care. It was my original assignment, the one where we had to make something that could do her 3 things, a few weeks ago, but with a big, red A+ stamped in the top right corner.

I looked between it and Mrs. Natsume and I could tell she noted the confusion on my face. I really didn't understand why she was giving me this.

 

“I want to apologize for giving you a low grade. Your presentation was indeed the strongest of the group. However, I didn’t want to lower their self-esteem and their creating ability, so I gave you a grade equivalent to those around you. It was unfair of me, but I didn’t want you being the ace in my class, even though I already know you are.”

 

I look back down at the paper, mostly to avoid blushing at her compliment.

 

“But why didn’t you say anything until now?” I blurt out, finally able to find my voice.

 

“There was no good time to; you always left with Cocoa before I could say anything.”

 

The fact that she knew Cocoa’s name was not unusual; all teachers should know most of the students. But there were times where I didn’t leave immediately, which gave her plenty of chance to talk to me. But I guess she’s been busy with everything that’s going on.

 

“Well, that’s all I wanted to say. We will continue today’s lesson tomorrow, so don’t lose anything you have or think we won’t cover today’s subject.”

 

She sat back down and began shuffling through papers.

 

“If you have nothing else to do Random, then you may go.” She didn’t lift her head, but I could tell she was busy thinking or looking for something.

 

Following her advice, I thank her and leave, excited to tell Cocoa about what’s happened.

 

Once I reach the cafeteria, I scan the room and am relieved to find her sitting alone. They were serving macaroni and cheese with salad on the side so I grabbed a tray, put the food on top, and joined her.

 

“Hey Random,” she scoots over a little to let me sit down. “How was class? You’re here later than normal. Did something happen?”

 

After taking a seat I explain what happened between leaving her and getting to class. Then I continued onto the whole principal conversation before heading into Mrs. Natsume and me chatting about the storm and its causes. I also explained her changing my grade all the way to an A+. She didn’t seem quite as shocked as I had expected about the conversation, but nearly dropped her fork at the mention of the grade increase.

 

“So Mrs. Natsume knows about it and is working with the principal to do something about it?”

 

I nod.

 

“Well, whatever it is, if she thinks you’re fine, then I guess you’re fine.”

 

I couldn’t disagree with her reasoning. Mrs. Natsume has never lied to me before. Not yet, anyway. She also has been very straight with me, at least when I’m alone with her.

 

As we continue to eat Cocoa explains how her classes went. She got high grades on their water powered engine and an okay grade in business. It was only “okay” because I wasn’t able to fully help her with customer interaction, but she passed multitasking with flying colors. Even the work at her job was going smoothly. But the closer it got to the end, the more she wanted to stick around and work. She wouldn’t admit it, but I could tell by how she spoke highly of how well she was doing.

 

When we finished our meals we both said goodbye and headed to the rest of our respective classes. Nothing else too exciting happened the rest of the day, but I didn’t mind. It gave me more time to think about what Mrs. Natsume had said. If there was really someone controlling the weather with a machine, they must be a genius with mechanics and engineering.

 

“So do you think that girl has anything to with it?”

 

“I don’t know; I’d nearly forgotten about her.”

 

It was after class hours now and people were shuffling up and down the halls. Some seemed to be in a hurry while others stayed and talked. Cocoa was leaning against a locker adjacent from mine with her back pack already on, waiting for me to collect some things, a smile on her face as usual.

 

“I know it’s in here somewhere…” I mumble, pushing and pulling things.

 

A voice catches Cocoa’s attention and she heads off, leaving me searching. I didn’t even notice her walk off.

 

“There you are!” I exclaim, gabbing my minipad. It was a small, handheld computer, but also acted as a storage unit and kindle. But unlike most, it was designed to take on even the most demanding of task, like a home desktop. I had forgotten I left it here and it didn’t occur to me till I started work on my next project; I store all my information on it. Until now I had no need to use it.

 

“Cocoa, are you ready-“

 

When I came out from my locker, she was gone. I looked around the halls to try and spot her. She was hanging around Avery.

 

“Avery,” I murmur. I never liked him. I didn’t know if it was his personality or how he treats Cocoa. Well whatever it may have been, I just didn’t like him at all. His jet black hair, blue jean jacket he’s never seen without, black jeans and black shoes with red lightning bolts. I know him and Cocoa need to interact to get work done, but it still aggravates me, mostly because I still think he’ll use her.

 

“Back, you okay?”

 

Exhaling to try and calm myself down, I tell her I’m fine and we head out. What awaited us outside however, was unexpected.

 

“It’s those clouds again,” Cocoa whispers, pointing upward.

 

My gaze follows her hand and I look up as well. More dark, cumulus clouds have rolled in between this morning and now, and it looked like they were about to let loose a torrent at any minute. A powerful wind also had appeared with enough force to slightly push us both off balance.

 

“My house is too far and yours isn’t much closer, what are we gonna do?!”

Cocoa shouts over the wind.

 

“Well head for the hot chocolate shop!” I shout back over her. “It’s closer than either and will hopefully give us enough time before the storm starts.” I was wrong.

 

The storm started long before we ever reached our destination. Cocoa and I broke into a sprint at the first sign of rain and kept on running. Wind battered against our face and loose garbage and leaves were constantly flung in our direction. Trees were bending over along the sidewalks and anyone who was out in this rain was in the same situation as us. Torrent after torrent of rain attacked us from above, but it wasn’t natural rain.

 

When it landed on us or something around us, it didn’t just trickle down, it hurt. It was almost as if it was slightly frozen, but not quite. It was something I’ve never seen or felt before. I could handle it, but looking at Cocoa I could tell we had to get there soon.

 

It was several more minutes before we got there. Water rushed down side streets and into gutters, flooded small ponds and even washed away paint from some of the cars. There seemed to be no end to what this “rain” could do. It was sickening to see technology-if it was technology-used this way.

 

We burst into the hot chocolate shop as fast as we could, panting and dripping from the running and rain. We had to hold on to the bar that held the line in order; it was all we could do to keep from collapsing.

 

“Two more!” someone from behind the counter called out.

 

“Oh, Cocoa!” he gasped.“And Random!” he addressed me as well, handing out two towels in the process.

 

We took the towels and thanked him. After scanning the room, I can tell we weren’t the first ones in here. Five minutes later, he returned with two hot chocolates.

 

“Don’t worry about paying,” he said passing them to Cocoa and walked off. She handed one to me.

 

We both turned back toward the entrance to see the wind and rain continue to push and beat against every object and person outside who still hadn’t found cover. Some came here while others went home if they could. Even driving on the road was dangerous with how slippery it was. The wind wasn’t helping either.

 

“Just what the hell is going on…?” I mutter to Cocoa, who was sipping on her hot chocolate, just as confused as I was.