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anything more haunting than her smile.  It was radiant.  It was breathtaking.  And it was heartbreaking. 
    Or heartbroken.
     

 
    CHAPTER THREE
     
    “What are those?” Miracle asked hurriedly, as if anxious to change the subject.  Her eyes had shifted and she was looking past Hardy to the end of the short addition, to the back wall where a row of pots lined a single shelf there.  The flowers emerging from them looked quite different than the other orchids.
    “I think they are night-blooming orchids.  The bloom only opens at night and then closes back up during the day.”
    “That’s amazing!” she exclaimed, slipping past Hardy to further investigate the unassuming-looking flower.  As she passed, a light scent wafted up to envelop him.  Unable to stop himself, Hardy inhaled.  Lavender.  Somehow, the delicate aroma suited Miracle perfectly.
    “I love flowers almost as much as I love photography,” Miracle mused softly, running a finger down one green leaf.  “There are few things that make me happier.”  Hardy noticed that, as she spoke, Miracle absently stroked the small black camera bag that hung at her left side.
     Much to Hardy’s dismay, the bell chose that moment to ring.  It didn’t seem possible that the period was already over. 
    “Wow, that was fast,” Miracle observed, turning back toward the exit.
    Without a word, Hardy replaced his camera in its bag and slung it over his shoulder.  He motioned for Miracle to precede him to the door, flexing his fingers to keep from placing his hand on the small of her back as she passed.  He’d never wanted to touch another person so badly in all his life. 
    They were both silent as they made their way back into the school.  Hardy stole glances at Miracle as they walked.  Her eyes were trained on the ground.  He couldn’t help wonder what she was thinking,
    All too soon, they were back at the door in front of the photography lab and Hardy found himself at a loss for something to say.  He knew whatever he said would bring an end to his time with Miracle, an occurrence he’d have done anything to prevent. 
    “Well, thank you,” she said finally, smiling shyly up at him.  “I really appreciate—”
    “There you are,” Cheyenne exclaimed as she rounded the corner onto the hall.  “I’ve been waiting at your locker.”  Making her way quickly to Hardy’s side, Cheyenne looped her arm through his and smiled brightly at Miracle.  “Hi!  I’m Cheyenne.”
    “Hi,” Miracle said, a tolerant smile curving her lips.  “I’m Miracle.”
    Forcing himself not to pull away from Cheyenne as he so desperately wanted to do, Hardy watched Miracle’s face.  Although it was subtle, he thought he could detect a difference in her smile.  It seemed the tiniest bit cooler, though not something he suspected anyone else would’ve noticed.  He’d just been paying an inordinate amount of attention to her smile.  It was starting to feel like something he couldn’t live without, which was ridiculous.  Ridiculous, but true.
    “I’m sorry about before,” Cheyenne said, wrinkling her nose.  Hardy was surprised by the change in her demeanor.  She appeared to be almost…genuine.  “PMS.  It’s no excuse, but at least it’s an explanation.”
    Miracle’s smile warmed a bit, not at all to Hardy’s surprise.  He imagined she was the forgiving type.  “I know how that goes,” she sympathized.
    “Are you in photography, too?”
    “Yep.”
    “Poor Hardy, he has to take a class like this to make him the best candidate for the best schools, but he hates every minute of it.  He’s not exactly artistically inclined,” Cheyenne teased, poking Hardy in the ribs. 
    Inwardly, Hardy rolled his eyes.  Cheyenne didn’t know him at all.
    Miracle said nothing.  Although she continued to smile in her peaceful way, Hardy saw the skin between her brows bunch.  A tiny frown appeared there for the space of a heartbeat before it disappeared