7
While I chose small pieces, everybody noticed at breakfast.
"I don't remember giving you those pieces," Pops remarked. "Are they a gift from the Novak boy? Because small as they are, it's an inappropriate gift before you announce your engagement."
"No, they're mine," I said.
"Where did you buy them?" aunt Cloris asked. "I don't recognize the design."
"On Earth," I said.
"Ah," Pops noted and shared a look with uncle Azzie. "Well, just make sure you don't accept an expensive gift from the Novak boy before your engagement. It would affect your reputation."
I nodded.
I was back to normal, devouring breakfast. I did it quickly, while using all the right utensils (once I was shown twice, it was easy enough to learn them). I was going early to the Academy, to avoid having to run, and to
