14

~Anika~

I stepped out of the classroom my backpack slung over my shoulder because couldn't wait to get out of there.

The mere act Master Xander decided to side over making me look like the bad person doesn't settle with me.

As I made my way out, I can hear someone on my trail.

"Hey, you. Why the hell did you laugh at me like a maniac in there?" she yelled and being the cheerleader she is, she wasn't even lost of breathe as she caught up with me.

"What can I say, it was just too funny watching you act so cheap that I just couldn't keep it in and laughed. Do you have any issue with that?" I laughed again this time at her reaction.

"Well, how did it feel when Master Xander sided with me over you? I bet you felt real dumb, huh?" She crooned the sound grinding against my already frayed nerves.

"Please, he only did that because you're a teacher's pet. Besides, it's not like I care what he thinks, I just find you so ridiculous." I took a dramatic breathe and blew out.

"Yeah, right. Keep telling yourself that." Smiling widely she said while the look on my face remained murderous.

I stormed into my room, slamming the door shut behind me. Erica was so annoying back there.

Why did she always have to get under my skin? I threw my backpack on the floor and started stripping off my clothes, eager to change into something more comfortable.


As I pulled on a fresh pair of jeans and a t-shirt, I caught sight of a plate of food on my desk. My eyes widened in surprise. It wasn't the usual watery slop the academy served. I approached the plate cautiously, half expecting it to be some kind of prank and the aroma hit me first.

I hesitantly lifted the cover off the plate, revealing a plate of perfectly grilled chicken, accompanied by a full plate of burger. What the hec-

"Wow where did this come from?"

I didn't remember ordering anything, no, there's not even order making in here, I doubt it's allowed.

Could it be from Master? Xander But why would he send me food? No, that's possible.

Then again, why did it look so much better than the usual? I bit my lip, torn between my own ego and hunger.

Curiosity got the better of me meanwhile I couldn't resist digging in. The chicken was perfectly seasoned, the flavors exploding in my mouth with each bite, the vegetables were cooked to perfection, and talk about the burger? it's heaven. Whoever had made this was a damn good cook.

Moreso the more I ate, the more questions formulating at the back of my mind reminding me the source of this food I was shoving down my throat was still pretty much unknown.

As crazy as it sound, was this a peace offering from Master Xander? A bribe? Or was someone playing a joke on me?

Should I even care?

Just as I was about to take another bite of the mystery food, the door to my room burst open and the same stationed guard to my door stood in the doorway, scowling at me.

"What do you think you're doing still not done with the food?"

I couldn't insult him for yelling at me. No, not when he marched over to my desk and slammed a hefty glass of wine down on the table causing liquid sloshed over the sides s bit pouring over.

"This is for you. Make sure you drink it all!" Was all he said and quickly as he had come he turned on his heel and stalked out of the room, slamming the door shut behind him and leaving him alone.

I stared at the glass of wine because this was all getting too weird. First, the food, now the wine? It was almost as if someone was trying to butter me up. Who and why now the main question.

My gaze flicked to the plate of food. I still hadn't finished it, and now this wine?

Was it poisoned? Or was I just being paranoid? I'm too into it now to back out, moreso I have been digging into the bugger and all since.

A matter of time and my fingers were wrapping around the stem of the wine glass which I brought it to my nose, breathing it in like some fool.

Holy moly, it smelled expensive, much more so than the cheap swill I was used to.

I took a small sip letting the rich liquid roll over my tongue and it hits different, I mean, believe me when I say it was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

The combination of the food and the wine was making my head spin that I had to admit, whoever was behind this knew how to make an impression.

It felt almost like a date if it weren't for the fact that I still had no idea who had sent it.

Maybe I was overthinking this and it was just something done out of kindness, a peace offering from someone who wanted to make amends for example... Master Xander?

Hell no, I doubt he even knew he hurt me so bad.

Erica?

"Stop it, Anika." I silenced myself. She doesn't look like one to repent.

After eating in such a manner that I've never eaten since I have been here, I went inside the bathroom for a cold shower, wore my night wear before putting aside the remain from the food.

I couldn't finish it.

I plopped on the small bed rolling fully into it on my back. I threw the bedsheet over my body and smiled; a pure one. This is the happiest I have been here but who knows if I'll ever get such dinner till I will leave here.

"Stop giving yourself false hope, Anika Lorenzo. You may never get out of here." Smiling wide my mouth popped open.