As gruesome as detention was for the both of them, Yvette and Manuela were still allowed their Sunday outings. Through the thick of all the reprimands, at least one rule had changed in their favor, and although Racket was mean and insensitive to the girls, they had to admit, they were grateful for one of the only times they were allowed out of school. With a partner of course. However irritable this rule was, it was either with a peer or with a chaperone. Shall we say, the students weren't the only ones grateful for the option of choice.

"I hear they have an art exhibit at the gallery this week, Manuela."

"Hmm…", the chestnut-haired girl responded absentmindedly as one could be.

"Aren't you going to at least join me this time? It's been ages, and I fear Ilse is beginning to get bored of me." Yvette laughed softly.

"It's true, Manuela-" Westhagen started before Yvette gasped and shot her a surprised stare.

"O-of course, not the part regarding my boredom with Yvette," stuttered Isle, "But it has been a while since you've been outside at all. You're always staring out the window during the break, and haven't accompanied us once since the Sunday before Christmas last year."

Yvette huffed disapprovingly and turned her focus back on Manuela's hair whilst she braided it, "Yes, I do agree with Isle on that subject, you need to get outside and breathe the fresh air, feel the wind on your skin...why don't you join me today. Please?"

"I think I'll be fine, maybe I can manage to crack a window or something, let the breeze in. I'm sure Westhagen would love to accompany you again- or at least Mia." She continued to stare out the window.

"Ilse has her own things to do, right Ilse?" Yvette looked expectantly at the awkward girl next to her.

"Y-yes! Of course. I erm, have to calculate the distance between...here and the wall!" Her classmate stammered before hurriedly running to the wall and starting to measure with her fingers.

"And Mia….she's not even here to defend herself."

Manuela sighed, "I think I'll just stay here. Thanks truly Yvette but, I don't feel too well today."

"You never feel well...", the blonde girl murmured before finishing off Manuela's hair with a blue ribbon. She immediately jumped off the bed and grabbed Ilse's wrist.

"Come on Ilse, we're going to that art exhibition. Alexandria!"

"What?" The blonde asked pointedly.

"Make sure Manuela get's outside today, and I don't know, talk to her or something. Oh! And keep her away from any windows!"

Treskov, not having the energy to protest, submitted. "Fine."

As Westhagen and Yvette left the room wearing their Sunday bests, Manuela gave a wary and defeated look to Treskov and sighed.

After her hurried departure to get to the gallery on time, Elisabeth was appreciative of the five minutes of hospitality the gallery owner had given her. He was almost like a mother to her, fixing her hair up, and reminding her to stay hydrated. Something not even her own mother had done.

In the beginning, not many people turned up; but gradually, the paintings in the windows caught the eyes of passers-by and now Elisabeth stood in a gallery with a person at every painting. Raised to be overly-modest, she rarely ever felt pride in herself, and yet at this very moment, her chest swelled with it.

She scanned over the crowds, watching as a child pointed at one of her paintings. A young couple held hands as they studied a portrait, and an older woman stood in front of a painting she had been scrutinizing for the past five minutes. Interpreting. Elisabeth recalled all of her paintings being on display. Well...not all of them. Of course, she would never put those on display. Although none of the girls would ever see them in the gallery, would relatives happen to?

She couldn't imagine the questions and possible accusations she'd have to face. No one in this town even knew she had previously been occupied as a teacher. She would never. The paintings of the girl that haunted her thoughts and dreams would forever remain a secret.

As her mind started to drift away, she had a strange feeling of something familiar. Someone familiar. She scanned the room hoping to find any sight of red hair, but the only woman with red hair in plain view held a baby in her arms. As the former teacher began to doubt her feelings, she saw in the corner of her eye a blurred shape, just before she was wrapped into an embrace.

Properly scandalized, the woman pried the culprit off of her. About to lose her temper, she recognized the familiar puppy eyes of the girl in front of her.

"I'm sorry Fraulein von Ber-"

"Westhagen!" The woman embraced her former student tightly before holding her at arm's length, "How have you been, well in school I hope?"

The girl smiled, "Yes, Fraulein von Bernberg. I've been somewhat well."

The former teacher finally took notice of the blonde girl standing patiently behind them, "Kliest!"

"Hello, Fraulein von Bernberg." Yvette approached the woman warily before she finally gave her former teacher a quick, discreet hug.

"How have things been with you Kliest?"

"Quite well, only things haven't been the same since you left." Yvette gave a strained smile.

"What's happened with the school?" Elisabeth ventured, almost too worried what the answer would be. When Yvette looked painfully into the her blue eyes, she immediately realized the answer was what she had feared.

"Meinhardis."

AN/ Sorry this took eons to write. I've been extremely busy lately, and school starts back up for me this upcoming monday. I also am learning Swedish, so my lessons have taken a good amount of time from writing. As you know, artists work best at late hours, and I have been super uncreative lately. Enough with the excuses! I want to apologize for my promise that this would have been out earlier. This time I will try to publish at least once a week, but I cannot promise! Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, as we are finally building the bridge between Manuela and Elisabeth meeting again. Will it happen? And now for your music recommendation:

Agar Agar - I'm That Guy

and, what I'm currently listening to:

/watch?v=R9N5X4q6Unc

(More specifically Merry Go Round of Life from Howl's Moving Castle)

(...for you instrumental/ ost fans out there)