Chapter 36

"I'm still not interested." Icarus refused firmly. For the next few classes, he was continually pestered by Ruth. She was persistent, doing everything she could to convince him to go with her. Finally, when he could no longer stand it, he said, "Alright! If you agree to one condition, I'll go with you." "What condition?" she asked. "Come to my house this weekend and do some housework for me," he said after thinking for a moment. "Deal!" she agreed immediately. … After school in the afternoon, Icarus accompanied Ruth back to her house. She changed into a beautiful sky-blue dress and put on light makeup, looking as radiant and enchanting as a fairy. She stood in striking contrast to him, who was still in his school uniform. The birthday party that Xavier was throwing for Edith was on the top floor of the Pinnacle Hotel in Hindale. When Icarus and Ruth arrived, the place was already packed, mostly with their classmates. Xavier had reserved the entire top floor, with several ta