Friday

My mini vacation flew by far too quickly, but I did finish my book and some of my coursework. Today is project day in all of my classes with The Trio. I showered and dressed before heading down to the kitchen where I put the kettle on and began making breakfast. Tonight, The Trio has a game, so they will need a huge breakfast. 

As I am in my zone cooking, I begin to reflect on my time since I was that little girl alone in the woods, running from bullies. Despite being human and learning of the existence of dragons and other supernatural beings, I am still that scared little girl. Maybe that dream last night wasn't a nightmare, but instead, my subconscious saying that I should stop running because I could protect myself. There is no way that I could slay a dragon, but I could outwit one. I giggle as I flip the pancakes. I am outsmarting The Trio. Granted, it is through our shared projects, but it is something. Never before would I have been so bold, especially after how they treated me when I was first brought into the Naga Tribe. 

“Please say that there is more of that butterfly tea,” Conner says as he enters the kitchen while pulling his football jersey over his head.

“There is. Sit and I will make you a cup and make me another one.” He seems lighter than he has since I have known him. I wonder what has changed? I don't care as long as I don't end up as his verbal punching bag. After I made our tea, I squeezed some fresh pomegranate-orange juice into a pitcher. 

“I have been meaning to ask. Why do you add pomegranate to the orange juice on game days?” Conner inquires while sipping his tea.

“I do it for a few reasons. Football is a strenuous sport and it is taxing on the human body. I don't know how it is for dragons, but to humans, the risk of injury is high and it takes a toll on your heart. Firstly, pomegranates contain polyphenol compounds called punicalagin and ellagitannin, that may help prevent cancer and other conditions by stopping artery walls from thickening and reducing cholesterol and plaque buildup. So these compounds help reduce blood pressure, reduce coronary artery disease, and reduce atherosclerosis, too. Secondly, pomegranates are high in fiber, which can help with digestion and protect against digestive diseases like hemorrhoids, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and colon cancer. They also contain probiotics, which support a healthy gut microbiome. Finally, they help with kidney function and promote brain health by helping to curb diseases like Alzheimer's.”

“Being stuck with you in Mr. Chen’s class might not be so bad after all,” Cassius said, as he took a seat beside Conner while I started putting the pitchers and glasses on the counter as well as the heaping plates of food. 

“Avery, why aren't you wearing school colors? It is game day.” Clint asked, as he entered the kitchen.

Then I remembered what happened to the shirt that the headmaster had given me when I confided in him that I could not afford to purchase one and my textbooks, too. I was on my way from school to the palace when the Hoity Hags nearly ran me over with their car. It had rained for days prior, so there were still huge mud puddles and streams of water flowing into the sewers. As I avoided being struck by their car, I fell and was hit by a huge wave of muddy water. My bag spilled its contents everywhere. I hurried to gather up what I could, but my school spirit shirt was sucked into the sewer grate. “I lost mine before the first day of classes. I cannot justify buying another. Besides, I never attend the games anyway.”

Clint turned and left. He returned with a spirit shirt. He walked over to where I was standing behind the counter and pulled the shirt over my head. “You will wear it,” he said sternly, but it wasn't his blue eyes looking back at me, it was Carter, his dragon’s, amber ones. I recoiled both in shock and fear. However, he failed to notice or care about my trepidation. Typical for him, and well, anyone. I know that I am insignificant, and I will not allow myself to think otherwise, but I do wonder what has gotten into The Trio. 

I left them to talk and eat as I went to school. I sigh because the shirt smells like Clint. I can not go around smelling like him so I stopped by Mrs. Moore’s class and asked to borrow her perfume. I lied and said that I was just eager to be back and forgot to use mine. A liar isn't something that I am, but in this case, a little white lie can't do any harm. After stopping by Mrs. Moore’s class, I visited the headmaster and thanked him for allowing me my mini vacation. Being able to study at my own pace and not have to be the brunt of the school’s jokes elevated my mental state. I wish I could just virtually attend classes full-time, but I understand how imperative it is to my development that I must be physically present, at least for some of my classes. 

The first half of my day flew by as quickly as my stint away from classes. I skipped lunch because I was not hungry nor did I want to risk ruining Clint’s shirt. I know how meticulous he is, especially about his clothing. I was greeted by Mr. Chen, “Glad to have you back, Miss Avery. Are you ready for the titration lab? Or do you have some questions?”

“I am ready. I just wasn't in the mood for lunch so I thought that I would come early. Is that okay?”

He nods as he goes back to grading papers, “It is. My door is always open.”

I busied myself setting up my portion of the experiment and I was working on Cassius’s portion as he took his seat beside me. “I can help,” he said. “I got it, I am nearly done anyway,” I replied. Perhaps, this day won't be so bad after all.