Elliot stopped. Avery quickly caught up to him.

"When did you get here?" Avery looked at him. His face was blank and impassive. He looked away and said in an extremely low voice, "Yesterday."

"What are you doing here?" asked Avery in a voice that was a few octaves higher. "Did you come alone?"

She did not know why she stopped him, or why she was asking him all these questions.

They had both been in an argument, and neither wanted to admit defeat. Despite seeing each other, they could have each gone their separate ways, but Avery could not control the thoughts coursing through her mind. "What if he came here specifically looking for me?" she thought.

"There's a speech at a school." Elliot swallowed. He could not help but look at her.

"I studied here for a year in high school. I'm going there to give a speech this afternoon. Do you come?"

Avery was a little disappointed. She did not hide it very well.

"I'm with Hayden today. I'm not free," Avery said and looked at Hayden.

Hayd