Chances of Fate

VIII - A Day With Zodel

I sighed for the nth time as I watched the two argue in front of me. One of them clenched their skirt in annoyance and the other was putting their hands on their hips.

Faking a cough to divert their attention to me, I spoke, "So, you guys have been playing cat and mouse for a week now because of a project?"

Azure Blood, stared at me with his blue orbs and pouted. "She's hopeless, Amirah!" He didn't seem to break any sweat from all the running.

Maybe he plays sports?

I don't really know much about his personal life since I only know him as the student council's first year representative. We get along pretty well.

He was chasing her the entire time because they were the only people who didn't have a partner for the project so their teacher insisted the two to work together. I stared at them with pity.

"Connie, why didn't you wait for him to explain?" I frowned. Being in this mess is just making me feel... sad.

"He looks like a pervert." She anwered, avoiding our gazes.

"No, I don't!"

"Connie, you know that's not reasonable enough." I crossed my arms. Sighing again, I figured that I should solve the problem as their senior.

Besides, watching them fight like little kids makes me want to pinch their cheeks. Even though they're only a year younger than me, they're still so cute while I'm over here looking like an overworked adult who haven't slept for three days.

"Since you guys already talked about the misunderstanding, how about you guys just get along and start the project?" I suggested.

"N-no way!" Connie yelled and ran away. I stayed behind because she was being unreasonable and I didn't want to leave Azure.

"I'll go chase after her," He slowly shook his head as he watched her figure disappear, "again."

"You're a persistent one, aren't you." I smiled.

After waving him a goodbye, he nodded and immediately rushed down the halls. I came here with Connie and stayed with Azure but I was left with no one.

Oh, well, I hope they get along soon. I'm kind of worried about their project. I should tell Laura about this.

There was still time to spare so I decided to return the book that I just finished yesterday to the library and borrow a new one.

When I opened the door back to my room to pick up my book, everyone was minding their own business except for Zodel who was entirely trapped in his seat with no free will. Half of the class was still bothering him.

I hurried to my seat and fished out the book when Zodel suddenly called my name.

"There you are! Aren't you gonna accompany me to the library?" He gushed, leaving me confused.

Without waiting for an answer, Zodel stood up and apologized to our classmates before pulling me away from my seat.

"H-hey! I haven't—I haven't zipped my bag yet!" I complained as I followed him out of the room, my eyebrows stitched in bewilderment.

"You think someone's gonna steal something from you?" He turned to me with a sly smile. "Don't you trust our classmates?"

"I'm just being cautious." I let out a sigh. "Out of all the places that you can use as an excuse with, you chose the library."

"I saw you pull out a book."

Did he guess that I was heading out?

"Were you actually going to the library?" He asked.

"...Yes."

"I see, you're returning a book!"

I hummed as a reply and let him take the lead with his hand grabbing mine.

Wait a minute—

"Y-you can let go now." A mutter escaped from my lips, realizing that he was still holding my hand. "Do you even know w-where the library is?" He takes the lead as if he knows where he's going.

I guess he just noticed it now too and did what he was told. "Sorry." He scratched his cheek as he slowed down to have the same pace as me. "A-anyway, will you give me a tour after school?"

"I told you already, no. You have friends now, right? All of our classmates already talked to you. I'm sure they'd be happy to help."

"You're being salty again!"

After a bit of bickering, he finally decided to change the topic.

"So, what book are you returning?"

"It's a historical book that our class discussed last quarter. I had to borrow it again from the library to read it for the second time because I-I love it."

"Reading a historical book used in a class for fun? You really are something."

"A lot of boys find it boring but that's just because they only focused on criticizing the romantic side of the book and not the main point of it." I clicked my tounge at the thought of those ignorant people. Luke didn't like it too but he actually has a more logical reason for it. "I bet you won't like it as well."

I mean, everyone has their own tastes, I guess.

"Now that you mentioned it, I wanna give it a try. Can I borrow it?"

"What? No! You need a library card for this."

"Alright, I'll just get one from here later." He replied and admired the outside of the library.

"We-well!" I stammered, making him look at me. "I have a copy of the book a-and you can always borrow mine!"

I heard him chuckle before giving the building's door a push. "Sure."

The school library is located at the left side of the campus. It's a big building full of secrets especially at the archives where school staffs and trusted students are the only ones who are allowed to go inside.

The place greeted me with a vanilla and woody aroma along with the chocolate-like fragrance of old books. Whenever I hang out here, it feels as if the place doesn't want me to leave. The old-fashioned structure of the library makes it more alluring to the eye.

"Amirah!" The person who was sitting at the front desk, waved at me as soon as I entered the building.

As a reply, I smiled and placed a finger on my mouth to shush her.

"A new student, I believe?" The library assistant smiled, staring at Zodel curiously with her hands resting on the table.

"I'm Owen Thorne, Amirah's new classmate." Zodel introduced himself.

"Amy Sallow at your service!" She smiled and turned her attention to me. "Are you here to borrow another book?"

"Actually, I'm here to return this." I replied after shaking my head, placing the book on the desk. "I finished it earlier than my usual routine."

I'll borrow a book later when Zodel isn't with me.

"You just borrowed this yesterday..." Amy picked up the book and examined it. She then faced me with her eyes sparkling. "As expected of you! I'm proud!"

Before she could even do something that's absolutely gonna catch everyone's attention, I calmed her down and told her that me and Zodel should get going since there isn't a lot of time left.

"Come to the clubroom later because I have some announcements to make." She reminded and gave me a wave as a goodbye.

Amy Sallow may act all childish but she's a very responsible person. Heck, she's even more responsible than me!

Something caught my eye as I took one last look on the bookshelves that was arranged behind the front desk.

It was Azure and Connie having a conversation!

They were sitting on a desk on the left side of the building with one book placed at the table. It looks like Azure finally got to convince her but Connie doesn't look happy about it.

"Amirah?" The person beside me snapped, turning my attention to him. "Let's go. We're gonna be late."

I nodded and checked my wristwatch as Zodel pulled me back to our classroom.

Me and my friends ate lunch together inside the room like any normal day—but there was someone else with us who Everleigh invited yesterday without informing me.

It was Zodel.

I didn't expect that our situation would turn out good but it did. I mean, it isn't a bad thing, I guess. Luke and Ash were being more chatty today—but I could tell that Ash was hiding his murderous intentions toward Zodel. It's probably because Everleigh was the one who invited Zodel and he just casually agreed to it.

Well, at least our lunch ended well and not with a crime scene.

Our afternoon session started with math which I am not interested in so I ended up daydreaming in the middle of solving a problem by group.

I have to visit the student council's office after school though since my classmates mentioned that the president and vice president went here to look for me.

Gosh—to think that the vice president, Alec Lowell, came looking for me! I feel so special! I'm so excited and anxious at the same time that my tummy's starting to feel weird.

My thoughts scrambled off when I felt little particles getting thrown around my face and my glasses started to get covered with water.

I jumped in surprise and although I knew who did it, I couldn't even clearly stare at the culprit.

"Stop grinning like an idiot."

"Luke!" I yelled.

He better has cleaning wipes for my glasses!

Everleigh called my name, her voice full of worry. Our group was formed into a circle and her's was behind ours. She can't come to me since we were still working on the activity.

"Since when did you start carrying a mini spray bottle?" Ash asked as he handed me some tissue papers.

I took off my glasses and started wiping them with the tissues when Luke answered, "Since today."

"That's so unnecessary." I snorted.

"You're daydreaming is unnecessary." He shot back. "Do you want me to spritz you water again?"

"I'm not a cat, you know." I frowned as I took another tissue from Ash.

"Then answer question number eight."

I let out a deep sigh and agreed in defeat just to get this over with.

Good thing Ash and Luke helped me wipe my face and helped with the problem solving. Thank God, it was a group activity.

Fortunately, time passed pretty quickly and before I knew it, we were dismissed from class.

The only thing that's been going on my mind was the student council.

"In a rush?" The person sitting behind me asked as he watched me clean my desk.

I nodded as an answer and zipped my bag close. "I'll be back in a few minutes—" Wait, did I have to inform him? "See you." I casually said and hastily walked out of the room.

When I heard the words, "Come in." from the inside of the office, I gently pushed the door open and was greeted by a worn out officer.

Bella Quaice, the student council's treasurer, was on her desk, stapling some files with her hair sticking out from awkward angles. She looked like a mess.

Everyone else isn't here but maybe it's because their classes hasn't ended yet.

"Hey, are you okay?" I'm going to get a scolding from her for asking something that has an obvious answer.

Bella glared at me with her tired eyes. "I don't have the energy to nag about what came out of your mouth so I'm just gonna ignore that you said anything." She took a deep sigh and handed me a bunch of papers with different hand writings. "Aquila told me that you should go and review the pieces from the poetry contest and pick thirty out of the hundreds of entries."

The poetry contest? That was held a week ago and I managed to submit my piece just in time.

"You have until tomorrow in the afternoon." She added without looking at me. "So feel free to take the papers home."

Well, that was an easy task, thank goodness.

After reminding Bella to take care of herself and stopping by the canteen to buy her some food and coffee, I left the office a little dissapointed since I didn't get to see Alec.

Maybe he's busy just like Bella...

On my way back to the classroom, I stumbled upon a friend.

"I was just looking for you!" Azure beamed, seeing his face getting washed with relief.

"Is that so?"

Now, what's this all about?

"Yep! Me and Connie agreed to doing the project if you help us out." He scratched his cheek. "It was all Connie's idea and she won't cooperate unless you're with us. I mean, I can come up with a different solution of dealing with her if it's not okay with you!"

Connie wants me to assist them? She's like a scared child and that's so cute! I want to pinch her cheeks when I see her!

"I'll gladly help you guys! When do you plan on doing your project?"

"You'll really help us?" I can see how Azure's eyes twinkled in delight.

"Of course! I love you guys!"

"That's great! We still don't have a plan though but I'll talk to Connie after school!"

I smiled. "Alright, I'll see you later."

Our conversation ended with a wave and going through our separate ways.

I just had to meet Zodel on my way back—which was unfortunate of me.

"Where are you heading at?" I asked, wondering if he knew where he was going.

Does he even know the basic places of this school? I can't just let him wander around! This place isn't that big but it's enough to make you lost! What if he comes across the haunted halls?

"The math department. Miss Chaim wants me to help her out with something." He replied as he looked around.

He's so smart that even teachers need his help? That's absurd! What a teacher's pet!

"Do you even know where the math department is?" I crossed my arms, jealousy was slowly creeping in me.

Man, I want to be smart like him too but I just can't stand math!

"Yeah, abut that, I was out to look for you to ask for directions." He chuckled nervously and looked away from me.

"Or I can just take you there?" I added with an absentminded smile. "Come on."

Geez, I didn't know he had it in him to get shy.

Both of us stayed silent as I led him to the office and it took us about three minutes to arrive at the math department.

I wanted to stay behind and wait for him outside but he was too shy to even open the door. His other persona which I didn't know that even existed made me feel... nauseous. It doesn't fit him at all!

"P-please excuse us." I greeted as I opened the door and walked to our teacher's desk, pulling Zodel in the process.

"Miss C-Chaim, you wanted to see Zo—Owen?" I started, nearly addressing Owen with his fake name.

Miss Chaim stared at me and then at Zodel before replying, "Good, the two of you are here."

Wait, wasn't she supposed to only meet Zodel? Uh, what's happening?

"I'm supposed to keep this matter private with you, Miss Amirah but since Mister Owen's the perfect candidate for this, I'm going to have to say it to him too and I apologize in advance for that." Miss Chaim opens one of her drawers and fished out a few papers.

My face twisted in confusion as she kept going on about me and Zodel's responsibilities as students in this school. Why does it have to be me though? I don't even know what's going on.

"I'm going to be clear on this part, Miss Amirah." She sighed. "Your grades aren't doing well."

I did and did not expect this from her. I mean, I did expect her to say this to me but did she have to announce it with Zodel by my side?! I dont think this was necessary!

Getting called out like that with a smart kid beside me is beyond embarrassing! I can feel my cheeks heat up as my legs started to wobble.

"If you don't pass the upcoming test, I'm positive that you'll fail." Miss Chaim continued. "But that's okay." She gave us a confident smile. "That's why I called Mister Owen here."

Am I thinking what she's thinking? Does Zodel know about this? Are they really gonna do this to me?

"Owen, if you tutor Amirah and get her to pass on the upcoming quiz next week, I'll give you extra credit."

I glanced at Zodel in disbelief. He was staring at ceiling, humming, thinking for an answer.

So, he wasn't expecting this?

I don't want him to tutor me. In fact, I don't want anyone to tutor me. I can handle things myself! I need to find an excuse!

"M-miss Chaim, I'm sorry but I can hire a tutor myself..." I managed to reply.

"Oh, I know that very well, Amirah." She nodded with a smile. "But having your classmate as a tutor is more effecient, you know."

"Then why didn't you call Everleigh instead s-since she's also a girl?"

"I talked to her about this but she declined."

What? That's impossible! She's not the type of person who declines things so easily!—okay, except for the ridiculous amount of confessions that she receives everyday.

"But hey, Owen has the potential to replace Everleigh as your tutor."

She went from talking formally to informally real quick. That's Miss Chaim for you.

I am so upset that I just want this conversation to end quickly.

"Okay, Miss Chaim, I'm fine with this, I guess..." I sighed.

"I'm fine with it as long as Amirah is." Zodel finally answered.

And it was settled. Zodel was going to tutor me for a week.

As soon as we got back to our classroom after an awkward trip filled with silence, I had to take a rest on my chair to think about all the past life decisions that I poorly made. I knew I should've studied last time.

"Amirah, Miss Chaim was looking for you. Did you go to the math department already?" Everleigh asked as she walked towards my seat.

I didn't even consider that she was talking to me when her face was already near mine.

"Are you alright?" I jumped at her question, inching away from her.

"Everleigh, is it true that you declined Miss Chaim's offer to tutor me?" I asked back, pouting. My eyes were starting to water.

She looked at me in surprise. "She never asked me that but I would never turn you down." Leigh hugged me, her chin resting on my shoulder. "Now, what's going on?"

I returned home feeling ill but relieved that Everleigh knew yet another secret of mine.

Laura was the one who attended my club's meeting and I ended up not borrowing a new book from the library.