Gabe’s thoughts shifted to Sophie and her reaction as she told him the story of Raimie and Dina fighting. She almost took pleasure in it, he thought. Coming to a stop outside of the classroom door, Gabe glanced in and saw that indeed, Raimie and Dina were nowhere to be found. Looking up and down both halls, he huffed when he realized Sophie might have in fact been right about what had transpired the previous evening. Shoulders slumped, Gabe entered the classroom and took his seat at the empty table. The next three classes dragged on. What was only a few hours, felt more like ten. Gabe was consumed by thoughts about his friends. He also didn’t dare speak to Neru after Sophie’s reaction. Avoiding her had proven somewhat easy. Gabe waited until just before each class was about to begin before sneaking in and sliding into a seat near the exit. Neru had attempted to get Gabe’s attention at one point, but he pretended not to hear her. At last, he decided he was not going to another class until he got some answers. He wasn’t sure what was going on, but it was evident by the behavior of Sophie and his friends that something was in fact not right at Rampart Manor. As the professor dismissed the students, Gabe scooped up his books and bounded from the room on his mission.
