Chapter Four

After an entire day of searching for Annabelle and the other lady from yesterday on campus, I was unable to locate either of them, much to my frustration. Despite my best efforts, I felt compelled to give up for the time being. When the bell finally rang, signaling the end of the school day, I hurried towards the library. As I combed through the halls, I held out hope of finding either Annabelle or the other lady. However, my eyes failed to catch sight of them, leaving me to let out a silent sigh.

Where could they possibly be? I scoured every corner of the school, including the cafeteria and elective classes, yet they remained elusive. I could only hope that they were at the library. Upon reaching the library, I surveyed the room, observing several students either chatting or engrossed in books. The shelves were lined with numerous books, and the sunlight streaming in through the windows illuminated the space.

The room was filled with hushed whispers, and the cool air was a welcome sensation. The chill only brushed against my cheeks. Despite my efforts to locate Annabelle and the other lady, they were nowhere to be found. Opting to wait for their arrival, I paced around the room, still coming up empty-handed.

Letting out another silent sigh, I picked up a book that caught my interest and settled at one of the wooden tables. I continued to scan the room for any sign of Annabelle and the other lady while flipping through the pages of the book. They had yet however to create an appearance. My search persisted until someone tapped me on the shoulder.

Looking up, I recognized the same young lady I had encountered in the lobby the day before. She greeted me with a smile and a wave, holding a book in her hand. "Hey, how are you?" she whispered.

"Oh, hi there. I'm doing well. How about you?" I whispered in return.

She nodded. "I'm doing good as well. Mind if I join you in reading?"

"Yeah, of course."

I sat down in the chair and opened my book. "Thank you."

I turned back to the entrance and glanced back and forth before returning to my book. "Certainly, no problem."

"I didn't catch your name yesterday. What is your name?" she asked.

Confused, I pointed at myself. "Me?"

She nodded. "Yea, you. Who else would I be talking to?"

"Oh, right... My designation is El-excuse me, Alissa. Yea, Alissa. Hahaha..." I chuckled, scratching the back of my head with my eyes closed. My cheeks turned red with embarrassment. I couldn't believe I almost revealed my old name to her.

She widened her eyes, giving me an awkward look. "Uh-huh... right..." Her expression turned emotionless. "Nice to meet you, Alissa."

I stopped scratching my head and focused on her. My cheeks returned to normal. "Nice to meet you too. By the way, what's your name?"

She returned to her book, continuing to read. "Mine is Jessie."

"Jessie, huh? That's a lovely name too."

"Yea, thank you."

As I turned back to the entrance, I scanned the area but couldn't find Annabelle or the other lady from yesterday. I looked around the room, still unable to locate them.

Turning back to the entrance, I wondered when my two suspects would arrive at the library. It had been fifteen minutes, and I couldn't believe they hadn't shown up yet. They should’ve been here by now.

After ten more minutes passed, I still didn't see my suspects and assumed they might come tomorrow. More students were leaving the library, and the librarians were getting ready to close. It was time for me to leave.

Jessie stood up from her chair, whispering, "Come on, Alissa. The library is closing."

I also got up from my chair and followed her.

Jessie and I exited the library and strolled down the hall. "Would you like to spend some time with me?" Jessie asked.

"I can't," I replied.

"Why not?"

"I have something to fix. I just need to find a spell to do the job.”

"I can offer you some assistance with that," Jessie said.

Turning to Jessie, I widened my eyes and darted my gaze at her. “Really?! You can do just that?!”

"Of course I can. What needs fixing?"

"My grandfather clock," I replied, scanning the area for my suspects in frustration. "It was acting up this morning and wouldn't stop until I intervened with my own spell."

"I understand. Show me where it is," Jessie said.

"Alright."

I led Jessie to my room, pointing at the clock. "Here it is," I said, switching my gaze between her and the clock.

"Alright, let's do this," Jessie said, preparing to cast a spell.

I stepped back as she chanted with her eyes closed, watching as the magic fixed the clock. I was amazed by her abilities and thanked her with a gasp and a smile.

"That's incredible," I remarked.

After Jessie finished, she suggested testing the clock. I agreed and watched in awe as it worked perfectly.

"Thank you, Jessie," I said gratefully. "Do you have anything else to do?”

I hesitated to disclose my true intentions, so I decided to divert the conversation by inquiring about Elona, Annabelle, and the other girl's whereabouts. Revealing my past life as Elona and my reincarnation as a different person seemed too far-fetched for her to believe. That was why I chose to ask questions about their whereabouts instead. Jessie seemed intrigued by my sudden interest and offered to assist me in locating them for my class project.

Unfortunately, our search proved fruitless. Later, as Jessie left, I spotted Annabelle exiting her dorm, sparking my curiosity about her possible involvement in my past demise at the well. That made me smile to find out what she was doing in that room and find out about her motives. After I chanted a spell in my mind to scan for her roommate's presence and she wasn't there at all. I smirked when I believed the coast was in the clear.

Perfect. Now's my time to go into that room for an investigation.