The Elusive Prince

Chapter 23: Cookies

Merideth

Thankfully, nobody followed me to where I hang out. Thankful that at least they understood and gave me privacy.

It's not like I blame them for being very cautious around me but we've been together ever since we started going school heck we knew each other before we even began school, but it's as if they forgot what my attitude is in times like this. They forgot that what I need isn't pity or comfort, what I need is for them to treat me the same as before this happened. Well they were trying but it comes off as forced more than anything. What I need in fact is for them to just be there for me while I fix myself and adapt.

Sighing, I take a bite out of the cheeseburger that I got for lunch. I didn't get anything too heavy for me to eat today because I lost my appetite by the thoughts spiraling in my head. Also I just wanted to eat my comfort food regardless of whether or not it was healthy for me and well to be honest, I wasn't really feeling hungry.

Leaning back to one of the trees surrounding where I usually go to to relax and just looked at the rows of roses and different flowers blooming and coiling around the rails of the garden. Well, it was in the same garden as where I took Cassian on that tour but my spot is actually hidden behind one of the big trees and an arch full of plants. Nobody knows this spot except for me and it has been my safe haven for as long as I stayed here in Irini.

Biting through my burger, I let the wind sweep over me. The air was just nice to the skin, not too warm but not too chilly either. It was autumn after all so the weather was fairly great. I sighed in contentment as I finish through my burger and just lounged there in silence, peace, and calm as  I let nature lull me. My mood slowly went from annoyed to calm and I have never been more grateful that I found this spot.

I stayed there for a few more moments before looking at my watch and deciding to head back into the classroom for now, since class is to start in 10 minutes and since everybody is still in the mess hall or some were just sitting on the garden at the side of the mess hall, the walk back to my classroom went fairly well, with no distractions or eyes following me. It was refreshing to say the least so that helped my mood greatly.

By the time they arrived at our room, I already subdued my anger and annoyance and was starting to feel...well not entirely comfortable but atleast it was tolerable now to see their fake enthusiasm that I think intensified after lunch. They must've had a meeting while I was gone but whatever. I was calm now and I hope it stays that way.

I thought today would be slow but after lunch I can't help but feel like it's gone too fast now because I barely blinked and I find myself sitting in the mess hall, surrounded by my classmates as we wait for dinner. I think time goes by fast the less you think about it or maybe it was because I was in a tolerable mood. Well that proved to be helpful because as if sensing the 180 degree change in my mood from before lunch, they relaxed a little. They were still pissing me off though, but overall it was fine.

Currently, Luna was discussing with Kellen in hushed whispers like how they usually do if they were planning on doing something that would possibly give Sir Hexford and Amity a headache and the whole class something to laugh at. Well I hope it was funny and they do it on themselves because basing on how they act, I would very much not like me being their target.

I was going through my dinner which is a plate of spaghetti with more meatball that necessary thanks to the server, when I felt the seat beside me go empty only for it to be occupied not a second later. I glanced at the person that replaced Ava only to see Cassian eating his drumstick silently. He didn't even glance at me and continued eating so I just shrugged and went back to eating. Maybe Ava wanted to swap with him because she wants to sit beside Amity or something, I don't know and it doesn't really matter if they don't talk to me. I prefer this more than the awkward conversation they tried earlier.

I went back to savoring my spaghetti in peace when I saw on my peripheral a box sliding to the side of my seat. I looked at Cassian with confusion but he was still eating his drumstick like nobody's business. Blinking at him when he didn't respond, I let my eyes fall on the box that he secretly slid on my side. It wasn't that big but it was not small either, with a shape of a rectangle. What was inside it and why was he being so secretive about it?

Picking it up slowly I placed it on my lap. I think he didn't want the others to see it, not with the way he sneakily slid it to me. I opened it and saw that there was another wrapping inside. I almost threw him a glare because, was he pranking me by giving me a present only for it to be a very small piece of paper that says 'gotcha' hidden under tons of wrapping? It was a possibility because Luna did that to everyone once (it was Valentines) and maybe that was what she was whispering to Kellen earlier. They even roped Cassian into this, unbelievable.

Rolling my eyes at the thought of getting pranked but in the end I decided to open it just the same because it's already here and they're waiting, though I'd give it to them, none on them was looking at me with hidden smiles as they wait for me to get bamboozled.

I unwrapped the first wrapping cautiously waiting for another set of wrapping only to be surprised to see cookies and not just any cookies, it was the same type of cookie I was always sneakily eating in the middle of the night when I'm stressed. It was just a simple chocolate chip cookie but it looked a little different than store-bought one.

This time I glanced at Cassian who was now done with his drumstick and was eating pudding for dessert. I nudged him slightly and he looked at me innocently, like he didn't just confuse me with the cookies. I looked at him and looked at the cookie in my lap as he followed my eyes and I can see the small quirk on his lips but suppressed it and looked at me nonchantly.

"You looked like you needed a cookie." was all the explanation he gave before going back to his pudding. I couldn't help but smile a little as I wrapped the cookie again and closed the box. I can't eat it now, since they will surely question it when they see me whip out a box of cookies out of nowhere. However, I will reserve this for later when I'm alone in the comfort of my room.

Although, I can't but feel the small smile on my lips widen at the thought. It was such a simple gesture but I couldn't help but feel warm at the thought. It looked simple and sprang out of nowhere but he must've noticed how uncomfortable I was being treated like glass the whole day. He surely knows how to read my mood and I don't know if I should feel angry or happy with that. Anyway, I got free cookies so what's not to like? I guess it's better that someone knows just what I need without even asking for it, even if it came from the new kid that barely knew me but acts like he has known me all his life.

Dinner was eventful (because of the cookies) so my mood was even greater now. I managed to hide the box of cookies and safely delivered it back to my room where I headed straight for after dinner. They actually asked me to walk around for a few minutes to burn what we ate and feel the cool breeze, but I just told them I was tired and wanted to rest (in all actuality I just wanted to eat the damn cookies in peace). Hailey hesitated for a while saying something about her duty but in the end I managed to convince her not to worry too much about me and burn what she ate. The others nodded in understanding and went their merry way with Hailey looking a little reluctant. I waved them off before walking to the other direction they were walking at which was the dorms. 

I wasn't alone going back though as some others like Yuma wanted to retreat to her room too so she could read. Personally, I couldn't have asked for a better person to go back with me because Yuma doesn't talk much and minds her own business. She usually doesn't involve herself if she thinks you don't want too but can also be very laid-back when she wants too so probably knowing that I didn’t want to talk, the whole walk back to the dorm was silent, which I'm glad for. 

Currently I was in the balcony connected to my room and I was sitting on one of the chairs placed on here. I might've passed on the walks to avoid interaction (and to eat the cookies) but this way, I could still enjoy the night breeze. I adjusted my sitting position to a more comfortable one before putting the box of cookies in my lap. I opened it carefully before taking one cookie out and held it in front of my eyes, inspecting it.

It didn't look store bought but it looks more like it was homemade or something. I was wondering where he got it from but shrugged and just ate it and now I am even more curious as to where he got this from because it was so delicious. It was even more delicious than Helena's and if she were to hear me now she will shout nonsense and bake me one but since she's not here, I can savor this cookie in peace.

I was munching it in a steady pace and before I knew it, I was already touching air. I whined a bit because I finished it already but I still wanted more. I might have to hunt Cassian so he can give me more but it was getting late already, I guess I'll bother him tomorrow or something. I sighed and stood up, heading for a bath, but not before placing the small box the cookie was wrapped in earlier in my table. I smiled slightly at it before taking a bath.

When I went outside, Hailey was already in the room and was telling me about their walk and I just nodded as she volunteers to dry my hair for me. I let her dry and comb it for me while she continued talking to me about random stuff. As soon as she finished, I told her I'm heading to bed early and she just gave me a tight smile before bowing slightly and saying goodnight and headed to her own room.

I laid on my bed and tossed around for a while waiting for sleep to finally consume me. Today started rough but it did end up great at the end, I hope the same thing happens tomorrow. Maybe I can even coax Cassian for more cookies if I had the chance. 

Those were my last thoughts before finally succumbing into the lull of sleep with a smile thinking of tomorrow, without knowing I won't even reach dawn before something bad happens again.