---------Okay, so most of the comments I got on my previous chapters said that it needed more characterization. I agreed with it and so, I have Edited them. Chapter 4 is slightly edited. Chapter 5 is completely transformed. Chapter 6 and 7 is also slightly edited. It really won't make a difference in the story line but if you do check it out, it would be easier to understand the characters.
Hope you enjoy this one. -------------“Natasha,” Jared called out just when I was about to enter the staff room.
“Oh! Hi. What are you doing here? Got punishment too?” I asked.
“Umm…no. Actually I wanted to talk to you.”
I really didn’t know how to react. Not because Jared wanted to talk to me but because for the first time Jared had given a straight answer. He was playing with his fingers nervously. Who are you and what have you done to Jared, was the first thing that came to my mind watching him behave so strangely.
“Speak. What is it?” I asked.
“Actually…the ball…right? Are you going with anyone?” He asked.
“Man!” I punched his shoulder lightly. “You heard about me and Aaron too? And, idiot, you here to tease me and I was getting all nervous that you were really serious about something,” I kept speaking without giving him a chance.
When he was finally going to talk, Miss Bradley came out. “Natasha, I thought you were here for punishment. Not for chatting time with your friends.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” I said and entered the staff room.
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After standing in the staff room for forty five minutes and feeling the weight of all eyes on me, I was at the window. It was lunch time and with my friends, everything felt just right. At least it did, until Selena’s face came into sight.
I looked out the window purposely to avoid her face but Leandra greeted her. “Good afternoon, Leandra.” She said back “Not having your lunch?”
“Actually we were just going.” She replied.
“Excuse me, teacher, but are the assignments corrected?” Aanam spoke.
“Aanam, you don’t need to remind me of my work. It would be better if you’ll concentrate on your studies and less on me. And tell your friend too. Why was she punished today? Oh yes, for getting caught for cheating.” Selena taunted. I didn’t turn around and played with the latches of the window to show her that I didn’t give a damn.
She walked away and I turned around to face Aanam.
“What does she know? I wasn’t copying. I was actually giving Tishaa the answer. She thinks she is the goddess of know-it-all? And Annam, why do you even try? You know she doesn’t like us both. Just because she is good with Leandra does not mean she’ll be good with us.”
Aanam smiled. That smile never failed to soften me. “I was just trying to be a good student in her eyes. You know, she was never like this with me in middle school.”
“It’s because you hang out with me, okay? That’s why she hates you too. Now I suppose you don’t want to be around me. It’s okay with me. I am just fine.” I said, irritated, as we walked ahead towards the steps.
“Someone’s in a bad mood.” Aanam smiled. “Leandra, make sure she eats lunch properly or we’ll have to bear this behavior the whole day. Bye.” Then, Aanam turned to go home.
“What’s up? Something’s wrong,” Leandra said, as we walked to the canteen.
“I wanted to talk to you about something.” My tone was becoming calmer now.
“What is it?”
“Do you think Aanam’s changed?” I asked folding my hands.
Leandra looked at me nervously at this one.
“Can I trust you with something?” She asked.
“Sure,” I replied, grabbing a plate of noodles from the counter and placing 50 rupees at the counter.
“I didn’t like Aanam since the time she started going out with Josh. I mean she knew I liked him, but still she went out with him. Then, she also came and told me stories about him. That was so insensitive of her. How was I supposed to feel?”
"You don't like her?"
"I do. Just...just not that much as before."
I looked up at her from my noodles plate, completely not expecting this answer from her.
“Leandra…I…I had no idea. I am so sorry,” I began.
“No no. It’s fine. Just make sure you don’t breathe a word of it to Aanam. I’ll make her feel guilty for no reason.”
I nodded. There was nothing else I could do.
After eating, I waved to Leandra because I was going to meet Aaron.
“By the way,” I turned to her one last time, before leaving. “Any dates for the ball?”
“Jared,” She said like it was no big deal.
“What? You didn’t tell me? How come? When did he ask you?” I threw the bunch of questions like a hyper monkey at an indifferent Leandra.
“Actually I asked him. I felt bad for him, Natasha.” She said.
“Bad?”
“He likes you…a lot! Can’t you see.”
“Please, Leandra. Don’t spoil my day and make me go all guilty.” I said and turned to leave.