Chapter XXXIV: Moving On

I was rushing back to our room after dropping by the Faculty Room. As I make a mad dash up the stairs, I almost bumped into Albert. He immediately clutched my hand to prevent me from losing my balance. "Watch out! You could have fallen down the stairs," he told me. I was breathless from running and mumbled, "Oh, I am sorry. I'm running late." Suddenly Alfred popped out from behind him, and said, "Hi, Nia." I was stunned and could not speak. I forgot my resolve and turned my back, pointedly ignoring him. He grabbed my hand and pulled me to him. Albert muttered to him, "Hey, Brod. You're hurting her." Alfred did not answer him but whispered to me, "We need to talk." I tried to break free however, he was holding on to me too tightly. "I will not let go unless you promise you'd talk to me," he said. I glowered at him and snapped back, "We have nothing to talk about. You're hurting me. Let me go." Alfred did not budge and we continued glaring at each other.  Albert was trying to pul