Lost & Found

New strategy

Alice's POV:

I couldn't skip my classes the second day that I got here. So after few minutes I calmed down, walked out and headed to our classes.

On my way there I met Stella: "I was looking for you. Where have you been?"

"I got stuck at principal's office. Don't worry."

"I'm okay. You should be the one worrying."

What again? "Why?"

"You forgot about our lunch invitation?" I could see where this was heading. "You didn't show up and Vivienne made me sit with them."

"Did she told you something?" I was ready to found that little princess and break her crown into pieces.

"No, not at all. I told you, I'm okay. She was asking about you. She wanted to know everything, trying to look all nice and friendly, but I doubt it was genuine."

"I don't really care about her." I had bigger problems than her.

"Let me explain it to you. Vivienne cares about Kyle - Kyle cares about you - Vivienne cares about you. And that means trouble." she said it to me like if I was the biggest dummy for not realizing the tension in the air.

"She reminds me of someone I used to know." Dalia would do something really similar. Thankfully she never had to, but if someone would try to take something what she saw first, there would be blood.

"I will deal with it, when it will be necessary." I said knowing that Stella isn't completely off. It just wasn't the right time for this.

Next classes were boring as hell. And I was really hungry. As soon as it was over I headed to the kitchen. And my wishes came true. Our cooks prepared sandwiches, toasts and some salads. I wanted to do something myself, but clearly there was no need. I picked small pieces from everything and then decided to take grilled toast filled with bacon and mustard. I really enjoyed my food and I wasn't the only one. Other kids were coming and sneaking some of the best things till they had chance to pick. Till I finished my food, there were only few sandwiches left and of course the salad bowl.

When I was cleaning my plate, Kyle walked in with Bryan. They were clearly inseparable. Bryan said hi, Kyle just smiled and ignored me.

"Nice job, little girl." Ama wasn't liking this situation at all.

"Please. It's just his new strategy." I answered. Kyle headed to the table where were sitting three girls. I didn't know them, but didn't like them either. All of them were nicely dressed and had full make-up. They looked as if they were going to a fashion show. Me on the other hand, was standing there in my ripped jeans with black T-shirt on straps. If I used any make-up in the morning, it had zero chance to survive my awkward stunt on stairs.

"Are you sure about that? He looks pretty comfortable around someone who isn't acting like a child." Ama continued.

"Look at him. This is just so absurd. And don't even try, if he simply understood to back off, I wouldn't have to act that way." I turned my back at him and took a glass of water.

"Are you sure you don't mind it?"

"Why would I? He's not gonna make me jealous." I could hear his laugh in the background.

"You know I can feel everything you feel, right?"

"Shut up, Ama." stupid wolf. I spilled my water back to the sink, took bottle of coke instead and rather left.

When I entered my room, Stella was sitting at her table doing her homework, but as soon as I walked in, she closed her book and narrowed her glasses.

"Young lady, we need to talk." she said smiling suspiciously.

"Stellaaa...I'm really not in the right mood." I dramatically fell on my bed.

"Too late. Now sit and answer my questions." she said pulling me up. So I set down and breathed out: "I'm listening."

"Did you or didn't you meet with Kyle instead of lunch?"

Crap...

"Why are you asking?"

She shaked her head as dramatically as she could: "And you call yourself a friend. How could you not tell me?"

"I haven't even said anything yet."

"You know what speaks louder than words? Evidence." she said and threw small paper ball into my lap. When I unwrapped it, it was message from him. I knew he did left right after I closed the door, but didn't notice he left something after him.

"What challenge?" I asked.

"That's what I'm asking." Stella said thinking about some romantic nonsense.

"Stop it. Nothing happened. We bumped into each other on stairs. We talked and he will give me some very much needed space." I explained. I rather didn't mention the screaming and crying part. The beginning and end of that meeting was just enough.

"Nooooo! You are totally ruining it. I was really enjoying my imaginary scenario about you and him. Not like I have anyone I can imagine next to me."

"I'm not ruining anything. At some point he had to realize that he doesn't know me. And it happened already. That's all." This was good strategy. Maybe if I would let him play his little game, he would eventually give up.

"I don't believe you a word." Stella said and sat back to her desk.

"Does this mean that we are eating dinner alone?" she asked.

I smiled at her cuteness: "Sorry to break it up to you....but it won't be just dinner."

She stuck out her tongue at me. "You are such a buzz kill."

"I couldn't agree more." whispered Ama.