16

~Anika~

My thoughts were interrupted the next day at class by the creak of the chair next to me. I turned and saw Erica sitting down.

I was wondering if she was planning some sort of revenge for my laughter in yesterday's class but to my surprise, she said nothing. No insults, no jabs, just silence.

It was silence and this was not like Erica.

"Look, I'm not here to start anything. I just want to know who sent that food and wine to your room the other day." That was what she said when she finally cleared her throat to catch my attention.

"I don't know and even if I did, it's not really any of your business." I don't know why but I shifted uncomfortably in my seat with my guard instantly up.

What sort of question is this? Moreso how did she know of the food I was given? To be honest I'm still curious regarding who the good Samaritan is.

"I'm only asking because it seems kind of suspicious. I mean, you've been nothing but a thorn in Master Xander's side since you got here, and then he suddenly sends you a gourmet meal? It doesn't add up." It was more like something she didn't want me hearing, even though it was mumbled right under her breath I still heard.

"Maybe he's just trying to bribe me into not causing trouble. Or maybe he's trying to poison me. Who knows?" I plainly suggested.

Inwardly I am in shock, Master Xander?

That meant my guess was right then but why would he do such when it hadn't been too long when I spoke back at him in his office? there are a lot of things I am so curious about right now and couldn't speak about to others either.

"Maybe it's not Master Xander at all," she began trying to push me off the point.

"Maybe there's someone else in this school who has taken an interest in you. You haven't had any admirers lately, have you?" She sassed and whistled.

"You can drop the act, Erica. If you're fishing for information, you're not going to get any from me." I asserted directly dropping her from asking me any further questions.

"Fine, be like that." she said, standing up, her face finally cracking into her signatory sly smirk.

As soon as Erica was out of earshot, I let out a long breath and rolled my eyes because this was by far the least hostile conversation we'd ever had. It was weird, and it didn't sit well with me at all since Erica hated me, and I hated her too, that's the way it was supposed to be.

I crossed my arms, now that Master Xander had me eat a good food in a long time, I shouldn't make it long before going back to him to see if I can have a chance at speaking with my parents- something he blatantly refused me days ago.

Mrs. Colter's eyes zeroed in on me as she slapped her book shut.

"Ms. Lorenzo? Anika or whatever? what did I just read out about controlling anger?" she asked, cocking a brow while patiently waiting.

"Sorry, Mrs. Colter, but I don't recall you mentioning anything about anger." I pinned her with a devilish look. That was the truth, I'm too in my own head to care about what she's could have been spewing. Perhaps if she puts in more effort, I'd spare some time to pick out one or two.

"Do you want to run laps, Ms. Lorenzo? Because if you continue to be this insolent, you're going to have to run so many laps you'll forget what sitting feels like." She loudly challenged like I was no match for the agony I was going to be in soon.

"I'm not sure what you're rambling about, Mrs. Colter." I rolled my eyes and slouched in my seat. Now that everyone eyes are on me, I hope she's gained what she wants.

"Why don't you go back to lecturing about whatever it is you were talking about, and I'll try to pay attention this time?" It ain't my fault she doesn't seem to get the memo that her lectures are plain boring, okay.

"That's it, Ms Lorenzo. You can report to the running track after class, and don't even think about being late!"

She signalled someone- Philip?- to start recording me for the whole class; an evidence to submit to the higher up.

I turned my gaze away too relieved of her probing stare. I'm not the one to cower, that much is clear.

~~

I made my way out to the running track, muttering curses under my breath. Mrs. Colter was such a pain in the ass. As I began to jog around the track, I heard the click-clack of high heels approaching from behind.

I turned my head, ready to tell whoever it was to mind their own business, when I saw Erica striding towards me.

"Well, if it isn't Anika the Lap-Runner." She supplied smiled and shook her head. Her red lips flattening.

I clenched my jaw so hard the muscle nearly burst from the pressure.

"What do you want?" I whisper shout. "If you're here to watch me run laps, feel free, but make sure you're not in my way. Otherwise, I might accidentally run you over."

If she thinks seeing her once in a day is not more than enough she must be joking, I don't even want to see her face because damn my back is aching already and I am barely anywhere in the laps.

She crouched down, bringing her face level with mine her hot breathe across my face.

"I'm not here to watch you run laps, Cassidy," she whispered giggling maniacally. "I'm here to offer you a deal. If you do something for me, I'll make sure you don't have to run laps now or ever again."

All I can do is stare at her in utter disbelief.