Part 11
973 Words
He high-fives his friend. Hurt and insulted, she returns to Mirza’s desk. He sighs in exasperation. “ This is the real world, Kirania. You can’t just tattle on the mean kids in class. Does nobody want you in the group? Be in the group anyway. Someone stopping you from doing what you want? “ he returns to papers on his desk.
He’s right. I should do what I want, damn the rumors and gossip and naysayers.
“ Mirza. I want us to work together “ he stops writing
“ You what? “
“ You heard me “
“ I must have heard wrong “
“ You didn’t. I want to work with you “
“ Even after the way I’ve treated you? “ Kirania shrug.
“ I trust you. More than the others, anyway “Kirania's words make an impact on him. He swallows, his eyes wide with surprise.
“ Unfortunately, the rules of the game dictate that a group must be involved. But… I will join you “ he nods at her to follow him. She both approach the boy’s group.
“ Uh, hello Professor “
“ No need for formalities. We’re all on the same team now “
Mirza and the others immediately jump into strategy, the others gravitating to Mirza like magnets.
Even though he treats me like dirt, he can be so charming with other people. I can’t help but…Kirania smiled toward Mirza.
He smiles back hesitantly.
“ This is a good group. And I’m not even saying that because I’m in it “
“ I agree. It’s because I’m in it “ everyone giggles at her joke. The mood lightens.
“ So, what do we nee? “
” First, we need our flag and team motto “
“ What about Ravenclaw’s flag and motto? “
“ What, a mascot of an eagle? “
“ Their motto seems apt. ‘wit beyond measure is man’s greatest treasure’ “
“ A lot to live up to, but I have every faith that we shall. Alright then, let’s get to work“
Her new group busies themselves with plotting out her long-term strategy.
For the first time, no one is laughing at me or calling me names. This is almost.. fun.
“ Okay, so we can use 1 out of 3 main strategy methods. What’s everyone thinking?”
“ Let’s go cost leadership. We keep the cost down. And we win by staying in the game longer than everyone else “
“ Spoken like someone who grew up on a farm. Well, articulated, Kirania “
“ Alright team, great work. We’ll pick back up next class “
On cue, the bell rings. Everyone begins to file out of the classroom. She watches Mirza stand. She nervously follows the crush of students leaving class.
“ Hey! Kirania! “ call a male student
One of the students from her group approaches her. The same one who made the threesome joke.
“ I just wanted to say, it was fun working with you. You’re not what I thought. You’re actually cool “
“ Uh, thanks. You, too “
***
She returns to her dorm, changing for lunch. Nesya is already waiting for her. “ Kirania! I’m glad you’re here “ Nesya slaps a new access card into her hand.
“ What’s this? I still have my access card. “
“ It’s a replacement card, just in case. And honestly, Boots, I would prefer you use this for now. “
“ What would using this card mean, exactly? “
“ The only real difference is you’ll have lunch in a special dining room as opposes to with us. This is just until things die down, Boots. I promise “
Disgruntled, she makes her way to the new dining hall. She uses her replacement card to enter. She stops suddenly, staring in awe at her surroundings.
When Nesya said special dining room, I didn’t realize she means it. This place is stunning.
She heads over to the empty table in the corner of the room, settling in. Hmmm. Doesn’t smell as good as the restaurant, but I guess Nesya’s right. It’s better than nothing.
She leaves her bag at the table and head over to the food bar with her plate. At the food bar, the options are limited to Vegan-only.
Tofu burgers, tofu sandwiches, tofu, tofu, tofu! This is horrible. She flags down one of the waiters.
“ Hi. Is there any chance I could have a burger? “
“ Um, we’re not allowed to do that. I’m sorry “
“ Um, no problem. Thanks though “ she clear her plate, just as her stomach rumbles loudly. She flushes with embarrassment.
“ A little birdie told me you were going hungry today, “ says Mirza
She whips around to see Mirza standing above her, grinning.
“ Mirza, what are you doing here? “
“ Keeping an eye on you “
“ How did you know I was hungry? “
“ I keep telling you. Nothing on this campus happens without me knowing. Now, let’s do something about that stomach before the whole school hears it. “
Her cheeks are on fire. Mirza unwraps a granola bar and lifts it to her lips.
God, I’m so hungry. And I can smell the caramel in the granola. She parts her lips and takes a big bite out of the bar.
“ Mmmm, that’s delicious “
- Writer
