Entangled Souls

The clock went on with its tick-tick as the hands dragged itself to 11:45 pm. It was going to be Zara’s birthday in fifteen minutes. She was going to turn 16. “It was magical to turn sweet sixteen,” Veronica had said.Veronica was her best and only friend. Veronica was a plump girl who enjoyed eating as if it was her full-time job. She had turned sixteen two months earlier and had gone on and on about how life was going to be a turning point and how she would now have boys waiting in line for her. Of course, Zara wasn’t into boys. (Or, for anyone for the record) Zara only had eyes for Harvard.As the minute hand inched closer to the number 12, Zara began to feel drowsy. She was dying to sleep, but Veronica had forced her to stay awake so that she could be the first to welcome her to the sweet sixteen.Stupid V thought Zara. But then there was no-one except Veronica an

Zara took a step towards Ryan and stood an inch away from him. She had meant to pull a tight slap across his face, but now she realized how close they were standing. She could feel his breath on her cheeks as he was a good two inches taller than her. Suddenly her resolve melted. She meant to speak in her most commanding voice, but her voice came out as a croak, "Leave me alone," Ryan inched closer and whispered, "Or what?"Zara backed away and dragged Veronica with her, who was waving her hands at Ryan. Zara turned around to look at Ryan, who was smiling with a mischievous look in his eyes. Zara gave him a cold stare and hurried to the class. Zara and Veronica settled in their desks, and a little later, their teacher, the supremely strict Mrs. Norris, arrived. She had short hair, wore rings on all her fingers. As she was about to start, Ryan appeared at the door. "Good Morning, Mrs. Norris. I am Ryan; Principal Wood must have told you about

"Well, that's a secret. After all, you had asked me to plan your surprise birthday party." Ryan smiled with a twinkle in his eyes. "We don't have much time left to plan an elaborate celebration. However, I wouldn't want a beautiful girl to be alone on her birthday."Zara blushed. She had worked so hard to avoid boys, worn clothes that always covered her up, wore glasses, and kept her nose buried in books. After her father had left her mother to raise a kid alone, she had resolved to never give away her heart. She was sure if she ever fell in love, her man would leave too.She had many questions popping up, but she asked, "Who were those men? It seemed like you were having an argument with them." Ryan waved away her concern, "My father has made a lot of enemies in his business. People like to take it out on me sometimes, but I am always prepared.""Is that why you came to Missouri from San Fr

Zara cleared her throat, "Chemistry. Almost all teachers have asked me to help you with their respective subjects. So, do you have a free period today?""You tell me," said Ryan as a gang of girls went past them giggling.Zara waved her hand in front of him. "Hello, are you even listening?""Um-hmm""What did I just say?"He took her waving hand in his and pinned her against the wall. His mischievous blue eyes held her gaze as she gasped. "Chemistry...our chemistry...it will be electromagnetic."He released her hand but kept his firmly planted on the wall. Zara gulped unnecessarily. Her voice came out as a squawk, "I was talking about our school subject.""And, I was talking about my subject," replied R