Chapter 213
The next moming. Flora woke up to a message from Connor. He had sent her his flight number.
She replied with a simple smile emoji. After leaving the chat, she found Queen Algria’s number and dialed. The call was answered almost immediately.
“Hey Flora, what’s up?” Queer Algria’s voice was filled with delight, clearly happy to hear from her.
“I’ve got some free time over the next few days. Can you set things up for me to come to Maple Grove?”
“Absolutely! When do you plan to arrive? Il make sure someone is there to pick you up!
“ITI be there by six this evening.”
Flora quickly calculated the time. After her classes, she’d head straight to the airport and arrive at Maple Grove right around six
That aftemoon, just before the end of her last class, Flora sent a message to Raul and Henrik, letting them know she wouldn’t be home tonight and would be staying at a classmate’s place. To put their minds at ease, she included a list of her classmate’s phone numbers. Once the message was sent, she pulled Kaylee aside and explained that she needed her to cover for her.
“If my dad or my brother calls and asks if I’m with you, just say I am. If they ask to talk to me, brush it off. I trust you can handle it‘ Kaylee was the quintessential good girl. No one would ever suspect her of lying.
“Are you sure this is safe, Flora? Where are you going tonight? Could it be dangerous?” Kaylee asked, Her concern evident.
“Don’t worry. Il be fine. Have you ever seen me not handle things?”
“Alright then…” Kaylee said, feeling somewhat reassured.
Nearby, Selene overheard their conversation and raised an eyebrow. “Spending the night out, Flora? You’re really bold.” “What’s it to you? Planning to snitch? Dane shot back, clearly irritated. After a previous incident, he couldn’t stand Selene. She seemed like a snake, waiting for the right moment to strike at Flora.
“I don’t have time for your drama,” Selene retorted, rolling her eyes before returning to her book.
After school, Flora went to Mr. Keaton to request a day off for the next day. With her impeccable track record, Mr. Keaton granted her request without hesitation.
Flora changed out of her uniform in a nearby public restroom, swapping it for casual clothes and adding a mask and hat for good measure. She then hailed a taxi and headed to the airport.
With some time before boarding, she settled into a seat in the departure lounge and started playing with her phone. A message from Crimson popped up.
[Hey sweetie, I’m on my way to pick you up! You’ll see me as soon as you step out of the airport!] Along with the message was a link to a navigation map.
Flora hadn’t mentioned her trip to Maple Grove to Crimson, so it must have been Queen Algria who told her.
The PA system announced boarding, prompting Flora to gather her things, adjust her mask, and head to the gate.
An hour later, the plane touched down. The arrival hall was crowded with people waiting to greet passengers. Flora followed the crowd, scanning the sea of faces for Crimson.
Before she could spot her, a voice called out, “Flora! Over here!”
