It was friday morning, Elizabeth woke up early in her dormitory room. It was amazing, how lively and full of energy she was every morning, since arrival in Holy Spirit Academy. Still got plenty of time be for school, Elizabeth decided to tak a little walk around academy grounds. Whole complex was rather large, around main building and surrounding it facilities, was wide  green area. Most of it was covered by trees creating big park with benches and wide gravel paths. Elizabeth left her dormitory and after short walk she  disappeared between trees. Atmosphere around her drastically changed after she entered a park. Buildings and academy facilities were hidden behind thick layer of leaves, Elizabeth felt like she has entered a different world. Surroundings were quiet and peaceful, sounds of nature were disturbed only by her steps on gravel path. After walking for 10 minutes path that was writhing between trees became straight. Surprised by sudden change Elizabeth became curious where it could lead her. It was long before she found out the answer. At the end of stone pavement was wide clearing with little church in the center. Elizabeth was amazed with the view. Overgrowth with creepers and ivy, with copper roof, covered by patina, church looked like it grown itself from the ground. When Elizabeth walked closer, she could notice places where stained glass windows were sending reflections of morning sun trough the thick layer of leaves. Wide front doors, in contrast to the rest of the building were looking almost like a new one, clear without any wines and painted black. With little hesitation, Elizabeth pushed one side of a door, without any sound it opened. Insides of church were even more amazing. Rows of old wooden benches, altar, everything was covered by dim light, which was entering to the church by little breaks in wines covering windows. Mesmerized by view and atmosphere Elizabeth almost didn't noticed lone figure sitting in the first row of benches. Kneeling with his head lowered, young priest was praying in silence. Elizabeth didn't wanted to disturbed him, she just sat in the last row and started to prey.

Elizabeth was believing person, she wasn't present in church too regularly but she always found time to pray. It wasn't always like this, before her parents death, when she was just a kid, she didn't paid much attention to religion. Sometimes she visited church with her mother for the Sunday mass but that was all. After her parents were no longer with her she a lot of things have changed. Elizabeth started to pray, firstly she just wanted her parents back but with time her prayers became very important to her. She was full of sorrow and grief, she needed someone to talk, someone to share her pain with, so she prayed with all her heart. She was just talking about how she was feeling, about her fears, wishes, regrets and the faith that God is there somewhere, listening made her feel better.

While praying Elizabeth was reminding all events from past few days. She released all her fears, moments of joy and confusion. She shared her worries and her wishes. It was only few days but very intense ones  so she needed this few minutes badly. When Elizabeth ended, she felt a lot better, like a lot of weight was taken from her arms. She was so focused, that she didn't even noticed when young priest who was praying earlier, sat next to her. When she opened her eyes he started to speak.

"Beautiful place, isn't it? I have heard that people feel closer to God when they pray in this church."

Elizabeth only managed to give him a small nod still little surprised.

"My name is August Collins. It's unusual to meet students here and even more unusual this early in the morning."

Seeing how father August was looking at here Elizabeth felt obligated to explain.

"I just woke up too early and decided to take a little walk. I didn't know that there is such a place."

"It's not a surprise that you haven't heard about this place. As you can see, this church it's in rather shameful state right know."

Elizabeth felt a little sadness in his voice. She wanted to say something, but nothing came to her mind, so they just sat there in silence. Elizabeth didn't know how much time have passed, she was mesmerized by atmosphere in that forgotten church. Suddenly young priest spoke once again.

"Miss Hart, I don't want to disturb you but you should probably hurry up, if you don't want to be late for your classes."

Elizabeth jumped out of her place like a spring, said quick goodbye and run trough church doors. When she was outside she realized one thing, she didn't introduce herself but father August knew  her last name. She wanted to turn back and ask him about it but she seriously didn't have much time.

Elizabeth run trough the park and everything would be alright but when stone pavement ended, she stopped. Unfortunately her field orientation wasn't as good as she wanted. Before her where three gravel paths, looking exactly like the one which guided Elizabeth there. There were no signs and thick layer of leaves made her unable to see anything that could guide her back to academy. When Elizabeth were almost ready to fall in to despair, she heard voice behind her.

"You look troubled."

Scared and surprised, Elizabeth jumped in place. When she turned around she could see familiar smile. Theodor Svensson was standing few meters away on stone pavement. Looks on his face told Elizabeth that he had great fun watching her lost in the park.

"Please, correct me of I am wrong but you look like lost."

Elizabeth felt that she was blushing from embarrassment. It made her feel even worse when she noticed that Theodor was almost laughing. Deciding that she won't lose her face to him like this, she played in his game.

"Indeed Mr. Svensson, you are wrong. I was just taking a little walk trough this wonderful park. When you appeared, I was deciding about which path will be the most pleasant to walk back to the campus."

With serious look on her face Elizabeth was waiting for his answer. She was surprised when he started to laugh out loud. Elizabeth was rather angry at his reaction.

"What is that funny?"

When Theodor finally clam himself he explained.

"You know, the truth is that the only one path from those three is leading to the campus. Two others will lead you to the outside border of academy grounds."

Elizabeth felt that she was blushing again buy she didn't gave up yet.

"And how do you know, where this paths are leading?"

" Trust me, I just know."

Without giving any serious answer he looked at his watch. Smile on his face disappeared for a quick second.

"It's fun to chat with you like this Elizabeth but I am afraid that if we won't hurry up, we will be late for our lessons."

With fearful face Elizabeth checked time by herself and she found out that they got only fifteen minutes before their lessons begin. She noticed that Theodor already chose one of the paths. Without hesitation Elizabeth followed him.

"So finally, you want to trust in my knowledge about this park?"

Elizabeth stayed silent, she didn't wanted to admit her defeat.

" I don't think that we will be able made it like this. Let's speed up."

With this words Theodor jumped like five meters ahead with one step. Elizabeth realized that he used some movement magic. It felt wrong to use magic like that, earlier Elizabeth never used magic to help her in her life. Magic was reserved for training and lessons. When Theodor was about fifteen meters before her she got rid of all doubts and she used her inborn magic. It took her few seconds to manage right pace of using air to improve her movements and to catch Theodor. The feeling of air swirling around her and speed were amazing. Fortunately path was wide enough to move like that for two of them, it wouldn't be so pleasant to run behind because while landing a lot of little gravel was shot back under their feet. Elizabeth felt great rushing through the park was wonderful experience, trees next to them were almost blurred  from the speed. It took them only few minutes to reach border of park but Theodor didn't stop when academy buildings appeared, with high speed  Elizabeth followed him to the entrance of main building. When they finally stopped, Elizabeth was heavy breathing but she started laughing. Running with magic was so much fun. When she calmed herself, she noticed few students passing next to her and staring with strange faces. She reminded herself that she didn't have much time, so she just said some "see you later" to Theodor and rushed for her classes. While walking trough corridors she noticed that Theodor was following her, with  stupid grin on his face. Elizabeth immediately stopped and turned around with irritated look on her face.

"Why are you following me?"

Smile on Theodor's face became even wider and Elizabeth could see pure joy in his eyes.

"I don't know. Why am I following you? Why do you even think that I am following you ?"

Elizabeth became even more irritated.

"Isn't it obvious ? You walk behind me, with this stupid smile on your face."

"Oh so it's  forbidden to walk behind you on corridors?"

It was obvious how amused he was by that situation. Elizabeth was ready to explode and say few harsh things to him but he was faster.

"Let me explain. You know, as a classmates it's only natural to have same classes and subjects. And that's the case in this situation, I am just walking for my classes which obviously are the same like yours."

Elizabeth realized her mistake and started blushing. She felt really stupid that she was saying such a nonsense but it wasn't end of Theodor's talk.

"In addition, I am still waiting for some thanks, without me you would end up on the other side of park. But what I get? Some unpleasant accusation."

It was true that Elizabeth didn't even thanked him because she was in such a hurry. When Elizabeth understood how bad she acted she immediately started to apologize.

"I am so sorry, we were in such a haste before, and thank you for your help. I hope you are not very angry."

Theodor laughed once again.

"Don't worry, I am not angry but we should seriously hurry up right now."

Elizabeth didn't know what to expect from Open Research classes but after first hour she felt a little disappointed. Group of students attending to that classes was rather small and apparently that day was only to explain rules of subject, work safety and restrictions in using academy facilities. In addition next lesson would be about proper use of facilities and devices. Elizabeth quickly stopped to listen two technicians talking about safety rules and let her mind wander.

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Once again, after classes Elizabeth headed to library. For a second she thought, it was rather sad that she will spend her friday afternoon with books. It's not like she doesn't wanted to spend some time with her new friends but twins had something to do in their fathers company and Natasha was going to visit her family. Books weren't only reason why Elizabeth was going to library. She didn't wanted admit to herself  but she was hoping a little, that she could meet Theodor. Unfortunately or maybe fortunately he wasn't there. Elizabeth's feelings about that boy could be described as confused and it was the most polite way to call it. Even that day, besides of their unusual meeting in park, he acted very strange, he just vanished after Open Research Classes and didn't showed up whole day. In library Elizabeth supplied herself in huge amount of research material, with idea of spending whole saturday on it. She didn't have anything planned and Natasha wasn't in city, so she just could focus on her work.

***

To be honest, Elizabeth felt a little nervous. She didn't thought much about inviting Ms.Bereshinkov to dinner and now she got a little doubts. On the other side she was so angry at her uncle for keeping their relationship in secret. She could understand if he got only few dates with someone and he didn't said a word but half a year ? Half a year is pretty serious and there was no reason in keeping it hidden from her.

Elizabeth decided to wear green, knee long dress. I took her about 30 minutes to choose it, she didn't wanted to look to casual but she felt like her cloths shouldn't look to elegant, it was just a dinner with her uncle. Elizabeth was waiting before main gate to the academy. It was still 10 minutes before car, send by her uncle, should appear but Ms.Bereshinkov still didn't showed up. Elizabeth warned her uncle that she invited a friend for a dinner, he was very enthusiastic about meeting her new friend. She could wait to see William face when he finds out who her guest is. Elizabeth was hoping that Ms.Bereshinkov keeper her promise and stayed silent but in that moment while she was waiting for car she was seriously afraid if her teacher will even show up. Elizabeth was full of doubts but than Ms.Baryshnikov appeared. She was wearing jet black dress and high heel shoes in the same color. She got the moves of model and with her dark hair weaving on wind, she looked just amazing. Even her prosthetic arm was jet black and gave her even more mysterious and exotic look. Seeing her teacher like that Elizabeth couldn't understand why such a women wanted to date her uncle. After short greeting  both of them remain silent. Fortunately it wasn't long when car appeared with lieutenant Anders on drivers seat. When he got out of the car to greet them, he finally found out who the women besides Elizabeth is. Firstly, look on his face was little confused but after a second glance of understanding appeared in his eyes. Right after he started to laugh loudly.

"You knew!!!"

Elizabeth said accusingly. Right know she forgot about any doubts she had before, her uncle was in serious trouble.

"I am the only one who didn't know about it?"

Mb.Bereshinkov and lieutenant Anders remained silent and didn't answer her question. After few seconds of awkward silence, Elizabeth finally moved. She walked up to the car and opened one of the doors.

“What are you waiting for ? Hurry up! We don’t have whole day.”

While sitting in the car, Elizabeth calmed a little bit. She was wondering how her uncle will react when she bring Ms. Bereshinkov like this. She also couldn’t understand why her teacher is so quiet, Ms. Bereshinkov was acting totally different than in classes. Elizabeth felt a little bad about that so she tried to start some conversation.

“You look great Ms.Bereshinkov.”

Ok, it wasn’t the best way to started some chat but Elizabeth expected some ruction but her teacher just nod. Elizabeth decided to act straight forward.

 “Why are you so silent? It obvious that you don’t act like this normally.”

Ms.Bereshinkov turned her face and looked straight in Elizabeth eyes.

“Can I be honest with you ?”

Elizabeth was little surprised by her question, she just nod as a response.

“There is a good reason for me to act like this. You see, I wanted to meet you at least two months ago. William told me a lot about you, and you seemed to me as a strong young lady but every time when I wanted to pay a visit he was talking about how you lost your parents and he is your only family. He was really worried about how you will react if you found out that there is another women around him.”

Elizabeth was truly touched for about second, until she understand that her uncle was seeing her as a some little girl. She wanted to say that she is not a child but Ms.Bereshinkov was continuing her explanation.

“I have trusted your uncle, he was talking care of you for years now, he knew you better. Everything changed when you came to Holy Spirit Academy and I understood that you are not some child who will break down because her uncle got a girlfriend. To be honest I was quite happy when you found out that we are dating.”

Ms.Bereshinkov made a little pause.

“You see, I care a lot about you uncle. I understood that he was doing it for you but I was little hurt that he was hiding me.”

Elizabeth finally started to understand her teachers feelings.

“So you remained silent because you wanted to eat dinner with me and my uncle.”

Ms.Bereshinkov laughed lightly.

“Yes, but I also wanted to see what are you planning. William is such a great man but sometimes he acts like total idiot.”

Elizabeth started to laugh, Ms.Bereshinkov words were perfect description of her uncle. Even lieutenant Anders who was sitting silent since they left academy started to giggle. When three of them could finally catch a breath Ms.Bereshinkov spoke once again.

“I got one request for you Elizabeth, can you call me by my name? I am not your teacher outside the academy.”

Elizabeth could only answer with wide smile.

After everything became clear, Elizabeth spend second part of travel on chatting with Katia, read Ms.Bereshinkov. When they arrived before Harts home Elizabeth's was ready do execute her plan. Together with Ms.Bereshinkov, she walked up to the door and rang doorbell. She will never forget the face which her uncle made when he opened  doors, for a short moment she thought that he got hearth attack. Her uncle's face become red and his mouths were closing and opening in soundless motions. Elizabeth didn’t give him even a chance to say a word. She greeted him with a quick hug and introduced Ms.Bereshinkov. Her uncle was still unable to say anything so Elizabeth grabbed Katia's hand and pulled her to a dinning room. It took a while for Elizabeth’s uncle to join them. As expected William wasn’t very talkative and her reminded silent while Elizabeth and Katia were chatting cheerfully whole the time.  When meal was over Elizabeth thought that it was the time for her uncle to act and indeed William cleared his throat and started to speak.

“So Elizabeth, how you and Ms.Bereshinkov become friends?”

Elizabeth felt like playing with her uncle even more will be wrong, but she couldn't let it go just yet.

“Let me think… I guess it was today when we were talking in the car.”

Confused look on his face was priceless.

“Excuse me?”

“You know uncle, when I found out that she was as angry at you as me.”

“Angry?!?”

He was na looking nervously at Ms.Bereshinkov direction.

“Oh you know, angry for hiding from me that you are dating each other.”

Once again he got hearth attack look on his face. Seriously wasn't it obvious that their were found out when Elizabeth bring Ms.Bereshinkov for a dinner? Elizabeth was sometimes wandering how her uncle became colonel.

“How you found out ?”

Oho, Elizabeth started to feel angry again.

“It's not important, the most important matter is why you wanted to keep it secret. Seriously, you can't treat me as a little child, uncle. I am already fifteen years old, I won't freak out when my uncle finally found himself a women. And more importantly you didn’t even thought how Katia felt when you didn’t wanted her to meet your only family member.”

Atmosphere in dinning room became little strange and air around Elizabeth started to whirl around her. William understood what was happening so he tried to calm her down as quick as possible.

“I am sorry, I am sorry Elizabeth. You know that I am not the best with this whole feelings stuff. I just didn’t wanted to hurt you. I was afraid that you will feel like I am leaving you alone.”

Seeing her uncle honestly worried face Elizabeth could only calm down. All her confidence and anger instantly disappeared and warm tears started to flaw down her cheeks. William just walked to her and hugged her tightly. I took few long moments when one of them spoke.

“Elizabeth you are my beloved niece and you need to know that I will always be here for you, no matter what.”

“I know, I love you uncle.”

Seeing such a scene Katia Bereshinkov, who was still sitting on her chair started to cry too.

When everything became clear between Elizabeth and her uncle,  three of them they spend rest of evening on chatting. Elizabeth decided to give some time alone to her uncle and Ms.Bereshinkov so she left early.

Katia Bereshinkov was really happy about how that evening has ended, but she was worries about something. While sitting with William on the sofa and staring into flames of fireplace she decided that she have to ask about it.

“I want to ask about something.”

Look on William's face became worried.

“What was that before? When Elizabeth was yelling at you ?”

Rather sad smile appeared on his face.

“I knew that you would ask. Such a thing happens when really strong emotion are involved. It became really dangerous last time when it happened whole house was destroyed, it was right after she found out that her parents were dead.”

“She is dangerous?”

William didn’t answer right a way, it took him a few seconds to find a right words.

“Last time it happened five years ago and I didn’t expect that it will happen again. I didn’t think that this whole situation, will make her like this.”

“So she is dangerous after all.”

William stayed silent.