The Sunday morning mass went on as usual, Allan at the piano, June and Elaine's lack of interest in the service. The only difference was the cold shoulder between Elaine and Gwen.
After the service, Elaine walked with June as they headed back to their rooms.
"Do you have any plans for today?" Elaine asked.
"Well, yes," June answered, her cheeks turning bright pink. The blush didn't go unnoticed by Elaine.
"What? You look so excited," Elaine teased.
"Yes, I am. I'm meeting Horace."
"Really? I guess that makes you very happy," Elaine said with a small smile.
"I am. I just hope it goes well. Do you think he likes me?" June asked, biting her lip shyly.
"Well, since he asked to meet again, maybe he does," Elaine replied, her words making June's smile widen.
"Gosh, I'm so happy. And he's really handsome," June squealed.
"What time?" Elaine asked.
"Huh?"
"What time are you meeting him?"
"Oh, that, by nine."
"Nine? Isn't that a little late?"
"I think it's okay," June answered after a pause. "He said he wants to show me something."
"Alright then. Bye," Elaine said.
"Bye. I'll see you tomorrow," June replied, practically glowing.
Elaine let out a long sigh once June was out of sight. She wondered how June could be so carefree, so hopeful. June was always careful with her words, yet full of life. To Elaine, she was the loveliest person she had met at Herbert Wilbur. Still, her own thoughts weighed heavy on her heart.
That night, the sky had turned completely dark, the moon and stars now the only source of light. From the distance, the loud chatter of students filled the air.
"So you're going to meet him now?" Elaine asked as she walked beside June, leaving the dorm.
"Yes, he said he'll be waiting at the front," June answered, excitement radiating from her voice. "he said he wants to show me something."
Elaine tilted her head slightly. "Do you have any idea what it might be?"
"No, he said it would be a surprise."
"Alright then, I'll see you tomorrow."
"Oh, make sure you participate in tonight's game," June reminded.
"Yes, ma'am," Elaine replied dramatically with a smile, having no intentions of participating
June giggled and waved before heading toward Horace. Elaine's eyes followed for a moment, catching his smile as June reached him. To others, it might look friendly and playful, but to Elaine, there was nothing kind about it. His smile was carved from pure mischief.
"So, what do you want to show me?" June asked once she reached him.
"You'll see soon enough," Horace said vaguely, walking ahead.
"Where's Gwen?" he asked suddenly.
"Gwen? Oh, I haven't seen her since this afternoon."
"Did she tell you where she was going?"
"Um, no, she usually just comes and goes."
June was so immersed in their conversation that she didn't notice they had veered off the usual path she knew.
By the time they had walked farther, a light sheen of sweat had formed on June's forehead, anxiety crept up inside her chest.
"When will we get there?" she asked, struggling to breathe.
"Very soon. We're close, very close," Horace said, his smile never faltering.
"Are you alright?" he asked, noticing her discomfort.
"Yes, I'm just… feeling a little hot."
"Don't worry, We'll be back soon."
Eventually, they stopped before a tall, old structure she had seen only once before—the clock tower.
"Here," he said, watching her expression.
"It's… the clock tower," she replied.
"Isn't it fascinating?"
"Yes," she said softly, though her expression betrayed her.
"I've seen it before," she admitted.
"Where?" Horace asked.
"From Elaine's room, she has such a nice and wide view from there, I looked out once and saw the tower."
"Ah, then I suppose it's not much of a surprise," he chuckled lightly.
"No it is, as long as you're here," June replied, looking down shyly.
Horace's smile lingered, but his eyes grew sharper. "When you saw it… did anything else happen?"
"Um, no. But Elaine and Gwen acted like they couldn't see it."
"Really? And then?"
"Nothing much, I had to leave, so I'm not very sure."
"Oh," he said, nodding. "Let's go in."
"Huh?"
"After you," he replied, ignoring the confusion on her face.
Hesitant but trying to be polite, June stepped toward the entrance. She reached for the rusted handle of the old door. Horace's eyes, however, weren't on the tower, they were fixed on her feet, watching intently as she crossed a forbidden territory .