As the school day went by, it felt as though I was moving through a dream, disconnected from the world around yet acutely aware of every mont.
In all the classes of today, no one dared to make a jab or poke fun at , their gazes sliding past as if I were invisible. Even the teachers seed to speak as if I weren’t in the room, their words directed at the empty space where I sat.
It was a surreal experience, one that left feeling both relieved and unsettled. On one hand, I was grateful for the reprieve from the constant scrutiny and judgnt that had plagued in the past. But on the other hand, the silence was deafening, a stark reminder of the isolation that had beco my new reality.
However, in the cafeteria, the matrons heaped more food onto my plate than usual, their gestures accompanied by smiles, and then furtive glances at the students who whispered conversations about . It was clear that word of my encounter with Chyra had spread like wildfire, earning a newfound respect and reverence among the school staff, at least those who hadn’t been pleased with the bullying incident.
"Hey Dora, Penny for your thoughts."
I smiled when I noticed that Levina was standing right beside . She was done seeing her father?
"You seed to be lost in thoughts earlier...you didn’t even notice when I grabbed your juice can..." She laughed, when I glared at her, and then at the can in her hand, one of the free gifts from the cafeteria matrons.
She moved away, when I tried to grab the object away from her hand.
"C’mon, don’t be stingy, Dora... you should learn to share..."
I scoffed, and let her be, taking a last look at the faces of my mates in class, before leaving. They had just rung the dismissal bell.
I noticed that Raul was staring at , again, for the umpteenth ti. He looked away though, when he noted I was now looking at him. Whatever. At least Chyra, and the rest of Rachel’s minions weren’t in school today. Probably why the class was more quiet.
"Let’s go."
***
"Dora," Levina began, her voice tinged with uncertainty, grabbing my attention as we walked out of the hallways, into the school’s park.. "I was thinking... maybe I can join you at work today. You know, turn in an application to work at the store too. It’s better than staying at ho idle."
I hesitated, torn between the comfort of Levina’s friendship and the weight of the responsibilities that lay ahead. "I appreciate the offer, Levina," I replied, forcing a smile. "But I have other plans for today. However you can turn in your application. We can work together tomorrow."
Levina’s brow furrowed in confusion, her gaze searching mine for answers. "What do you an?" She asked, her voice tinged with concern. "Why aren’t you working today?"
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to say. "I’m going to see the Queen," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "And I’m waiting for my guardian to join ."
Levina’s eyes widened in surprise, her mouth forming a silent ’O’ of understanding. "The Queen?" She repeated, her voice filled with awe and disbelief. "But why?"
I shook my head, knowing that I couldn’t reveal the full extent of my plans to Levina. "It’s complicated," I replied, my voice tinged with regret. "But I have to do this, Levina. I don’t really have a choice. It was an order. Hopefully, it will be for a good cause."
I wasn’t lying to my friend. I was just keeping things from her. They are different things right?
Levina nodded though, her expression filled with understanding and support. "I understand," She said, her voice soft with sympathy. "Just promise one thing, Dora. Promise that you’ll be careful. The Queen...well, I don’t trust her."
The last clause was said in a conspiratorial whisper. I didn’t negate or agree with the statent. There was no need for that. Involving Levina into the case, would be involving her into trouble. I didn’t want that.
I smiled rather, grateful for her unwavering support. "I promise," I replied, my voice filled with determination. "I will stay cautious around the Queen."
It’s not like I have a choice.
***
I’ve been waiting for Peter for the past ten minutes. Not much ti, but in the text he had forwarded to , he had promised to be here right on ti.
I wasn’t really annoyed by the lapse in the promises, only that I have been a thing of spectacle to every Jack and Jane that stepped out of the hallway, including the teachers. Like hadn’t they had their fill of looks in the morning?
I sighed in relief, imdiately Peter appeared in my line of sight.
He strode confidently toward , his presence instantly calming my nerves which had started fraying at the prospect of seeing the Queen, and the chaos that might ensue after. I couldn’t help but smile as he approached, his familiar face a welco sight amidst the onslaught of students. Levina had long gone ho.
"Dora!" He said, his voice warm and comforting after I greeted him. "You look tired. That stressed out?
I shrugged my shoulders, having no desire to talk, as we began the walk that would take us to the palace.
"How was school?" Peter asked, not giving up still, his tone filled with genuine interest. "And your classes?"
There was no choice but to launch into a flurry of explanations, even though I wasn’t really eager to share the details of my boring day with anyone.
However, as I spoke, Peter listened attentively, nodding along and offering words of encouragent when needed. His genuine interest in my well-being ward my heart, reminding of the bond I never had with my old family, apart from my mother.
When I was done, Peter reached out to gently squeeze my hand, his touch sending a reassuring wave of comfort through . "Don’t worry, Maya. Everything will be fine. You’ll see."
Obviously, he knew that I was just rattling to fill up the silence, not that I really wanted to talk. He knew I was tired, and then nervous.
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